WHAT TV SHOULD I GET RIGHT NOW?

Here's another vote for the Panasonic plasmas. I have two of the same model since I was so happy with the first one I bought. I think it's the S42, but I'm not sure since they are 2 and 3 years old. The only downside that I've dealt with is they run a bit warm. I'm not a fan of the Samsungs since both my dad and I have both experiences reliability issues with them.

Some of the audio part was mentioned above. If you plan on using just a basic stereo amp instead of the built in speakers, check for two channel analog outputs. Some that do have them, may give the option of variable or fixed outputs. These were common on a lot of CRT TVs, not as common with flat panels, especially Panasonic Plasma TVs. Some just have a Toslink digital audio out, for a surround processor, or surround receiver.

Read the owners manuals online (if available) first, to see if it does everything you want. In the store, it's easy to overlook something small, that may be a deal breaker.

I have a Runco LCD and I think the picture quality is supurb compared to all of the above statements. I especially love the non-reflective screen and the deep blacks. I have mine hanging on the Salamander Synergy cabinet and could not be happier.

the Panasonic ST50 series plasma has an optical (toslink) digital output, and i have an old-fashioned sony home theater set with two front floor-standers with built in amplifiers and two small rear speakers. go ahead and laugh.... but it has a built in center channel, subwoofer, and IR wireless communication to the rear speakers. the remote has all kinds of settings too. and it has two sets of stereo inputs for a separate cd player (or whatever). it's not great for music but for Lord Of The Rings it's really great. ANYWAY, i searched for and immediately found, for $50 or less several toslink to rca-stereo D/A converters (and they throw in the cable, too). i was VERY concerned that Panasonic decided i already had a new
A/V receiver and that would handle all of the audio. maybe they should bundle one for an incredibly cheap price! i for one find those monsters with countless inputs (for all the cheap wire you plan to use) more than i can handle, at least at this point. anyway the tv should sound fine by itself, and the converters get favorable ratings, so "voila" - no problem.
BUT.....my old TV is now sitting in the garage- i have to put it out in front of the house tomorrow for the county to pick it up (it's now designated as bulky waste).
not a scratch on it, a nice wood veneer cabinet, glass doors underneath, etc.
what if it rains? Just because it doesn't work anymore, this is no way to treat my old trusty TV set!! i am kind of upset over this...

http://myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html