So far, of all the sets I've looked at, Sony has come out on top. I hate their PS3,... but I tell you, their televisions are the absolute shit!!! Just closely behind them, was Samsung and Sharp.... and in Tokyo, I even saw a Panasonic that rivaled them.
Definitely go with the 3 "S"'s as mentioned before. Don't buy anything online without first seeing it first in person. Ask a sales associate to hook up a 1080p signal, such as Bluray player, and have them pop in a really fast movie, and a really dark movie. If possible, ask them to hook up a game unit to it. It may sound ridiculous, and you may feel like you're bothering them.... and you are,,... but it's perfectly reasonable when you're about to drop a few thousand bucks in their store.
They should be happy to do it for you. If they won't, get their manager.
Also, adjust the settings to normal, turn down anything that is maxxed out, and keep your fingers crossed that they didn't mess with the technician's calibration menu, as they most likely have altered the set to run in a way that would eat lamps like gay men at a pudding festival.
Look at it from every angle, check how many ports, and which ports it has. Make sure there isn't a glare shield issue, or point of view problem. Just plain play with the thing, for that's why it's on display.
Once you have found the set you like, thank the associate, and leave the store. Check out the interweb for current prices, as retail is always jacked up, and find the lowest price shipped, and then head to eBay. You will find hundreds of sellers, that own small town shops trying to get rid of stock.
My first HDTV was purchased for $1000 less than retail, shipped free, and arrived from 10 states away in 3 days.
Another tip, if you plan on getting the accompanying stand.... wait for it. Usually, in less than 5 months, the stands go from $500-1000 down to $200-400. Or just buy generic one, that supports your size television.
Good luck, and have fun
