Upgrading from LCD to Plasma

[giosipiano]

Hi guys, I'm another forum member about to replace my LCD with a Plasma.

My current TV is a 37" LG LCD (720p / 60Hz / 15,000:1 CR), and the Plasma I'm going to buy is a 42" Panasonic TX-P42G30B (1080p / 600Hz SFD / 5,000,000:1 CR)

Blu-Ray looks pristine compared to Freeview, but as I usually watch in a dark room, the picture is crippled by the LCD's blacks (which are in fact grey). The very poor motion handling doesn't help as well .

I haven't had the chance to see any TV playing back true 1080p Blu-Ray content because the electronics stores near me don't show any proper demo material - they'd rather show low-quality SD content from an antenna feed . I've been to about 7 different stores and they all refused when I asked them if I could see some REAL High-Def from a Blu-Ray Disc.

So before I buy the G30, I would really like to hear your opinions on the kind of step-up in picture quality I can expect from the Plasma, bearing in mind I've never had the opportunity to watch Blu-Ray on any other display apart from my 720p/60Hz LCD. Your views will be very much appreciated.

Thank you all in advance.