In the market for a plasma.........suggestions?

I broke down and bought a 50" Toshiba plasma this year. Yeah, the Pioneer plasma's are the best that I've seen, but they were out of my price range. For my eyes, LCD and DLP don't compare visually to plasma. Yeah, the gas burn out does scare me, but all these formats have their potential risks.
So I just went with the best picture under $3K.

I've had it for 7 months and no regrets.....so far... :-)

Thanks for all of the suggestions so far...keep them coming! I haven't considered projection as I don't want wires everywhere and the space between my main speakers has a limited viewing area. Danlib 1- Can you tell me where you bought your plasma from and what are the differences between the panasonic 50" model 6u, 60u, and 600u other than the obvious differences in the bezel color. I don't remember looking at a Toshiba before, I'll have to check it out at my local BB or CC. I'm also having to buy a new dvd player and would also like to hear any suggestions. I'm leaning towards a Oppo or denon dvd. If I do purchase a plasma from an online retailer, should I buy an extended warranty and if so, where? Thanks.

Check out your local Costco--a must !

Of the current offerings out there the 2 best as far as picture are the Panasonic and Pioneer plasmas. Panasonics are known for having the best black levels in the industry where the Pioneers tend to be a little better in the color accuracy department. I personally own the 7th generation 50" Panasonic monitor. I bought the monitor to save money since I did not need a tuner or speakers. Panasonic, I think just came out with their 9th generation monitors and pricing has come down. Might want to check them out if you don't need a tuner or speakers.

I bought a Sony 42" Plasma before they stopped selling them.
I used a test DVD disc and insisted on direct connections. (I even brought MY OWN DVD player in and cables!) Then I could tell which Plasma picture was the best. And the Sony won. I am particularly impressed with its color palette.. very refined.
I am NOT impressed with the menu system, nor the sound adjustments in the TV. I like having hidef tuner, and a toslink sound output from HDTV tuner.
IF I was in the market at this time, I would go with a bigger screen. At least 50". Panasonic, Pioneer are brands I would consider.
Another thing: about LCD.. is motion smearing, which is much worse than in most plasmas. The EXPENSIVE LCD screens do not have this problem as much.
As for burn in.. I was worried when I got the set, but I used a reduced power setting at all times, and run the all-white screen now and then. After a year, I do not worry about 4/3 or 2.35 bars.
I love my Plasma!!!!
To my mind, it is as big a change as going from Black and White to color!