The newest Consumer Reports has TVs featured. I like to go for a combination of value and quality. I recently owned a Sony Bravia LCD and then a Pioneer Kuro plasma tv. I got both at reduced prices. I prefer the plasma for watching movies. The LCD looked great for Pixar animation and sporting events in a bright room.
I believe the quality gap is narrowing and beware of phrases like "this tv blows that one away" when making a decision. It is a matter of preference. I really don't see that much of a difference between tvs in the showrooms. The differences are subtle. They may be more pronounced in your home.
I would go with the latest version. I got the Sony Bravia and I noticed the blacks were somewhat lacking. I checked the box and it said 2007 although I bought the TV in August 2008. The newer 2008 models looked much better in contrast. A review said that most everything was improved in the newer Sony. If I had been sold the current Sony I would have probably kept that.
There are a lot of good values now and I would stick with name brands like Sony, Pioneer, Samsung, Panasonic, or Vizio.
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