[Jeff Rodriguez]

I forgot to mention one of the most important things. Trust your own eye.
Sony's may have amazing color and the Samsungs may have a contrast ratio through the roof but if they look the same as a Visio or LG or NoName brand to you, consider it.
You're going to be the one watching it the most. Trust your eye.
Also, bring a DVD with you to the store when you go looking and ask if they can play it (no offensive material). The signal that stores run to every TV in the place is not always the best quality. Use your own signal to judge.