well. its unfortunate that all these rumors about plasma's have hurt them

in a room with controlled lighting, a plasma produces the best pictures. They are not good for rooms with alot of direct light though.

If you do decide to get plasma, pick up a panasonic. The only one that is worth it.

For LCD if you indeed intend on a 3500 budget u wont go wrong with a XBR 8 or 9 from Sony. nearly any reputable place u look at for reviews will not question the quality of the tv only the price.

www.avsforum.com can give you alot of good insight and information into TV's home theaters, speakers etc.