What do you plan to use this TV most for? Watching stuff or gaming? PC gaming?
How far will you be sitting from this TV?
Everyone has there own two cents on Plasma & LCD. Both have +'s and -'s. You need to come to a conclusion yourself really. Both are good just find what you really want out of a set....
If you get an LED based LCD make sure it has local dimming. <-- May be named something else depending on the brand. I keep mine on low and the black levels are great.
What about 3D? Which you don't need to use all the time. If you are a PC gamer then you can use something like Tridef and play most PC games in 3D. Most Smart TVs offer 3D rental services too. Plus Xbox One & PS4 will offer more 3D gaming support too.
Then there is Passive vs Active. If you sit far enough from the TV then any major difference between them will not be noticeable plus Passive has cheaper glasses. Again though this is something where
you need to look at both, check peoples opinions if you want and decide yourself.
If you're a PC gamer if you get a set that can handle it you can game in 120hz:
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2350107
If you have a Costco membership go see what they have as they give you a two year warranty plus you can extend it for a decent price. If you get a good deal on a set and adding in an extended warranty still makes it a good deal then consider it.
Also Costco often sells Display/Returned models for a discounted price with the same return/exchange and Warranty as the new boxed sets.
So let's say you get a set you love for an awesome price but it has back lighting issues and Costco doesn't carry that model anymore. You can have a repair person replace the panel on it or if they do have any in stock they will exchange it. Just an example.
Remember all this stuff is mass produced and sometimes defects can happen. Always check everything out and if it has an issue you can get it exchanged or fixed.
As far as brands go.... Most brands will have some great and alright models when they come out with there new ones each year.
So pick some TVs that look good to you then check out the Customer & Professional reviews online as well as tweak guides. Don't know what a "good name brand" is as I've seen crappy models from all of them. So just do research for sets you like in terms of features and your budget.
Most in store displays have brightness cranked too high and other settings out of whack too. Or crappy content. So it's kinda hard to judge on that alone.
If you need any additional Home Theater stuff check out Monoprice:
www.monoprice.com as well as NewEgg & Amazon.
