from most reviews samsung seems to be king in the lcd/dlp tv's. Pioneer seems to be the best in plasma (after all they were doing plasma when i was knee high to a duck). This is simply quality and if your looking for newest technology make sure you get a true 1080p tv. In the long run it will pay of far better. Im a fan of the 50inch samsung 1080p lcd, sony also makes one of these. I've had experience with panasonic, nec, samsung and lg screen in previous jobs and I find that plasma etches far quicker than i Thought and I could't really care less abount a contrast ration of 2000:1 or 10000:1, i look for clarity and ghosting, of which both plasma and lcd are good, but lcd has true 1080p.