wit the new technology plasma last longer now up 15 to 20 years.....i got one mysef i used to have a 50 inch philips but it was giving me problems (so dont get a philips)and i returned it to get 50 inch toshiba and i love it....the picture is great especialy the hd chanels.....in my opinion lcd's are better the picture is better, they last longer, they good in bright areas....the only thing i dont like about them is their expensive.......the best lcd's you can get is sharp aquos,sony bravias,panasonic are not bad either......stay away from the rest of them....or else u gonna waste your money.......theres a new technology called HDILA samsung is the first one coming out wit that technology on plasma...and the picture is rediculous.....its so fucking clear.....JVC makes them right now but its a rear projection big screen t.v. its so clear you guys should check it out......COSTCO WHOLESALE got the best price on t.v's......