I have been doing plasma TV's for the past 7 years. Started with a Samsung, then Pioneer Elite, then Panasonic. I had service issues on every one of them. Had to replace the panel in the Panasonic VT30-65", which when they came to replace was DOA and Panasonic had to refund my money. Samsung 64" 8000 series had pixel issues and Samsung eventually refunded my money. This time I decided to go for the Sharp Elite 70" LED/LCD panel. I have had it for only a month or so but the picture is really nice and so far no issues. I plan to have it calibrated soon as I have done to all my previous sets. I was told by Sony that the reason they don't make plasmas is because they just run too hot which eventually leads to circuit problems, etc.
