Looking for a plasma or a lcd.

[Greenmatiz2]

If you can wait... then wait. I think we'll see some much better models (and some better prices) in the Fall.

I prefer LCD to Plasma, but it's really a user-preference sort of thing. I wouldn't buy anything with a black level lower than 10,000 to 1 (meaning don't get 5,000 to 1). Some of the newer models coming out here in Korea have 15,000 to 1. That's really great for an LCD, and is on par with (or better than) blacks many PDPs put out, IMHO.

My LG XCanvas has a 10,000 to 1 ratio, but some Samsung PAVV monitors I've seen at 10,000 have a bit better blacks. As always, it's not just about specs.

The biggest mistake you can make is to get excited because one monitor is brighter / more vibrant than everything else. They are often set up to look that way on the showroom. At the showroom-common preset, my TV about burns my eyes in my home. I have to tone it down.

Pay attention to details in blacks -- very important.