The LCD and Plasma debate has been a heated debate for years; however, until now the debate was easily solved just by asking what size television do you want? 

Now that question will not solve anything.  Lcd's used to only be available in less than 32" now they make them in 65" and getting bigger.  So what do you look for now?

There are a few things that I looked at when I was choosing a TV.  Make sure that the TV is a true HD if  it says ED TV you will need a special box to run any
HD programs.  

The big thing now is size and lets face it people size does matter.  From everything that I have read in the 37-42 inch LCD is the one to buy.
Experts are saying that Plasma is just a stepping stone and will be extinct in a few years.  

From what I see Sony, and Sharp are the leaders here.  The difference once a plasma screen breaks it's broke. Lcd's can be refreshed, but should never need to be.
Key things to look for.  Resolution, and refresh rate. Any thing from Sony or sharp usually has what you need.  Make sure that it will have at least 1080 line
which is what most will have at this level.  Both Sony and Sharp exceed this with  some where around 1366 x 720.  

Refresh rate refers to the rate at which the picture relays the image.  This is the thing that Plasma says they do better; however, anything with a refresh rate of less than 16ms is fast enough for the eye to not even notice because there are only 30 frames in a second.  Most of the TVs are around 12ms which is over kill.  Make sure yours is under 16 and you're good to go.  The last thing is if there are a lot of windows you do not want Plasma, because there is significant glare.

Popular models-

Sharp LC-37D6U    

any of the Sharp LC are good make sure you check all
of my key points.

Sony

Sony Wega kdl-v40xbr      

Sony Grand Wega kdfa42a10