Well, that budget pretty much excludes all 3 brands you mentioned. I'd go with a Philips LCD TV if I were you. I've bought one for my parents, I'm gonna get one for myself soon, and I've recommended them to many people here over the months.
BTW, right now you can get a this 42" 720p Philips LCD for less then a grand at Best Buy. Click the link:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1169512521273
It's a very solid TV and it is as elegant as it is functional.