[dave87]

If you are looking at a Panasonic stick with it. Very good sets, and not a lot comes close in terms of performance or features. The new models are just around the corner, though may come at a significant price hike (sony were warning of a 30% rise due to changing exchange rates alone, quite apart from the reduced volume in which they may need to be produced due to the Credit Crunch).

That said, I've been rather impressed by the 7 series and above Samsungs. Good looking sets, good performance and a well featured set. User interface not as easy as some of the Panasonics, but still rather nice. Oh, and a nice red frame reducing the size of the set visually as it isn't a great black mass on the wall or on a stand.