Go to www.highdefforum.com

I would rate LCD above Plasma. Also uses a lot less electricity which can add up on a big set if you watch it much. Also LCD is half the weight. A 42 LCD will be about 50# and a plasma about 100#. That is a big difference if you are picking it up. Sony and Samsung are best (IMHO). Consumer Reports can give you a basic idea of what is good and bad but as usual don't read TOO much into what they say. A lot comes down to specifics like the menus, inputs, cabinet design etc that are personal preference. I don't think you would go wrong with the 40" Sony.

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1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra