For all the info you ever need regarding HDTVs...http://avsforum.com/
In short, quality Plasmas are a bigger bang for the buck all around when you are looking at 42"+. Plasmas will usually have the edge in image quality, black reproduction, viewing angle, performance in lighting conditions, etc when compared to a similarly priced LCD when dealing in the low-mid budget range.
When hitting mid-high to high price range, it goes back and forth.
LCDs will suck less power, are better for running in smaller rooms where Plasmas have been known to heat up, and can be lighter to move around.
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Common myths to debunk
-Current gen plasma's do not have burn in issues, though some care if necessary during the first 100 hours.
-Plasma's do not have a short light span with current gen plasma's having a general span of something like 15+ years running at 5 hours a day at which point they will be at half brightness.
-1080p is not always worth the extra cost unless you are getting a TV size over 65" or viewing it within 3 feet. Scientifically, most people's eyes cannot pickup the additional detail past past a certain range. (I.e. In most situations, a 720p 50" tv will be a better investment for the cost than a 1080[ 42")
Solid Plasma Brands: Panasonic, Pioneer
*There have been some great deals at sears lately on 50" 720p panasonic's to the tune of $899 or less.
I have owned plasma's for almost three years now and went from a 720p 42" panasonic to a 50" 720p panasonic this summer when Sears had the 50 for $1100....wonderful upgrade as the 50" offers like 35-40% more surface area. Funny how that same TV is now only $900 or less when on sale.
If you have any doubts to what I say, feel free to dig through avsforum. It is a killer community with people that have 1000% more knowledge that I. I simply know what I know today by doing way to much research on that site 3 years ago before buying all my home theater equipment.
