[Al Skierkiewicz]

Wayne et al,
Plasma screens have certain advantages over all other displays but a few serious drawbacks that make them less then the obvious choice. Burnin will occur on every display design if left on a static, high contrast, still picture. The station ID keys used in the corners of the picture on some stations is a typical burn problem. Plasmas in general produce minute particles that adhere to the inside of the glass. (think smoke) As these particles build up, the picture becomes diffused as the light passes through this layer. The second issue with plasmas is the failure of row and column wiring as it passes through the glass envelope to the structure inside. Although manufacturers are addressing this issue with some success, I do not believe it has been overcome. A failure of a single wire will leave an entire row or column of pixels to become non-functional. Plasma are also the heaviest of the designs of display technology. A screen of the size you are looking at could easily weigh 150 lbs. or more with the hanging hardware attached.
The newer LCD designs are very good. The Sony XBR for instance has special black circuitry and LCD design. It also automatically adjusts for color temperature. The downside in any LCD is the need to replace the back light which can be expensive, although it may occur only as often as a picture tube failure in CRT designs. Lamp replacement is also an issue for DLT projection devices but the lamp can usually can be replaced easily. Projection designs have always suffered from ambient lighting and view angle problems but newer designs minimize these problems. A friend has a Sony DLT that has a remarkable picture.
When looking for an HD display device, always check the screen resolution spec. Although ATSC allows up to 1080, often the screen only has 720 pixels (or less) horizontally. Be sure that the tuner is also capable of the the higher screen resolution. Many digital stations do not broadcast the full bandwidth HD signal, opting to take bandwidth for other services (channels) within the digital channel. DVDs and other program sources are likely to provide the highest resolutions now and in the future. Also be sure that the I/O will fill all your needs in the future. An HDMI connector, RGB and/or component inputs, two or more RF inputs and audio I/O are desirable for connection to your computer, video game, DVD, digital recorder, cable, off air and home entertainment center.
When in doubt, decide how much you want to spend and buy the device you can live with in your home. If it is the best money can buy and you don't like how it looks, you will never be happy with it.