In the market for a new TV.

I had some problems with my old TV recently. I was lucky enough that it happened now because the extended warranty I bought was about to expire. They decided to refund my entire purchase price plus tax because the parts were no longer available.

I have about $1,000 dollars to spend but I am not sure where to begin. Is LCD better than Plasma? Sony better than Samsung? With so many options I am looking for any advice you guys could give and even some suggestions on a particular TV.

I have a 52" rear projection now and IMO its way to big. I am thinking something around 40" is plenty. Maybe one of the ones you hang on the wall? Does anybody have one of these?

Some good reviews and research on these sites:

Plasma TV vs LCD TV - Plasma TV Buying Guide (http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatvreviews/plasma-vs-lcd.html)

Plasma TV Buying Guide: Offers Plasma Television, DLP TV and LCD TV Buying Tips (http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/)

LCD TV Buying Guide: LCD TV Reviews and Buying Advice, Find the Best LCD Television (http://www.lcdtvbuyingguide.com/)

Personally I prefer plasma, and I'm a Panasonic guy. They're one of the best in the biz when it comes to plasmas. I have a 46 in my living room, and a 37 for my game room. I do have a Vizio LCD for my master bedroom though that I'm pretty happy with too.

LED (http://www.samsung.com/us/productsubtype/led/?cid=ppc_hdt_goo_LED_LED+Brand_Samsung+LED) is the new one. Super thin and not too bad on the price side. Refresh rate is sweet too.

I've got two Sharp Aquos LCD's. One is 52" and the other is 30". I've had zero problems with either and couldn't be happier. That said, when I buy one for the basement (currently finishing it), it will most likely be the LED I linked to in the last post.

To echo BB, I have a 37 inch Sharp Aquos 720p LCD and it's been nothing but great. I've hooked my netbook up to it a few times and watched stuff on Hulu and ABC.com very nicely. Just need a bluetooth mouse so I can change stuff without getting up! LCDs tend to have a problem with blacks, but the Sharp has a setting where it stabilizes the in and out fading of the darks and blacks, and it's worked very nicely.

FWIW, If you're putting new TV in a dark room, I'd go plasma. If the room will have natural light, or you'll hook it up to a PC from time to time, go LCD. And if you do go LCD, make sure to get at least 120Hz refresh rate. I'm not up to speed on LEDs just yet, but from what I see, they are very nice looking.

Plasma route, take Matty's advice and go Panasonic. LCD route, the Samsungs have been highly rated.

As far as where to buy said TV, if you don't mind ordering online, I'd suggest Newegg and Crutchfield.

And if you do buy a mounting bracket and any A/V cables, go to http://www.monoprice.com.

To echo BB, I have a 37 inch Sharp Aquos 720p LCD and it's been nothing but great. I've hooked my netbook up to it a few times and watched stuff on Hulu and ABC.com very nicely. Just need a bluetooth mouse so I can change stuff without getting up! LCDs tend to have a problem with blacks, but the Sharp has a setting where it stabilizes the in and out fading of the darks and blacks, and it's worked very nicely.

FWIW, If you're putting new TV in a dark room, I'd go plasma. If the room will have natural light, or you'll hook it up to a PC from time to time, go LCD. And if you do go LCD, make sure to get at least 120Hz refresh rate. I'm not up to speed on LEDs just yet, but from what I see, they are very nice looking.

Plasma route, take Matty's advice and go Panasonic. LCD route, the Samsungs have been highly rated.

As far as where to buy said TV, if you don't mind ordering online, I'd suggest Newegg and Crutchfield.

And if you do buy a mounting bracket and any A/V cables, go to HDMI Cable, Home Theater Accessories, HDMI Products, Cables, Adapters, Video/Audio Switch, Networking, USB, Firewire, Printer Toner, and more! (http://www.monoprice.com).

Spend the money on this (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/192&cl=US,EN) and you won't need a separate mouse. They're pricey but I have been very happy with mine.

Get a 46 incher and mount that sucker dude....42 inch TV is way too small to watch the game on....and you can't go wrong with Panasonic. You can buy them directly from Panaonic online (http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Televisions/VIERA-2009-HDTVs-Series.130502_11002_7000000000000005702) and they'll ship it to you for free, plus there's a 10% discount coupon out there (http://www.bradsdeals.com/panasonic-direct-coupons-mid-806.html).

The ultimate hi-def forum (http://avsforum.com)

These guys spend their lives studying this stuff... I went with the Samsung a650 and couldn't believe the picture quality. 120hz refresh rate and the darks are pretty damn close to plasmas. Sports and action look excellent and the blu-ray is amazing.