The Panny plasmas just might offer the best picture quality value out of the box, BUT, the fading black level issue is daunting. After reading the reports of fading blacks, I started to visit the local retailers to see if their display models exhibited a noticeable difference. The display models are probably driven a lot harder than a home unit, but the the change from black to grey was quite obvious. I returned my 65" Panny plasma. If you can wait, rumour has it, that while the '10's should be a bit better than the '09's, the '11's might be much better in this regard.
Panasonic TC-P -- G 25 series plasma
Yes, I know this is an audio forum, and I've been a member for a long time, posting about my main system and related interests. But, I am now in the mood for a new large screen HDTV, and am particularly interested in the 2010 Panasonic G25 series (TC-P54G25). The video internet sites and forums are all in a tizzy about disappearing "black level quality" after a while. Do any of my audiophile buddies have any feelings about this ? I am just about ready to buy a new Panasonic plasma G25, and I'd like your opinion. Thanks a lot. Meanwhile, I'll go down to my music room and put some Sonny Rollins on the turntable. Happy Listening.