So has anyone discovered a good TV stand for a 50 inch plasma / lcd that:

1. Can fit a big center channel
2. Have glass doors for components
3. Low enough so that a custom stand can be put on top to raise the plasma so the center won't block the screen (if it does not support a center as is)
4. Made of wood and is extremly sturdy

Since larger flat panels were introduced, all the "old school" home entertainment designs do not work very well as it cannot accomodate the center without having it block the screen. Can anyone share some tips here?

You may want to look at a local furniture store rather than looking specifically for a "TV" stand. We have a 50" plasma and we bought a credensa like piece of furniture from a local furniture store that was advertised as a entertainment cabinet. We went without the doors but it sits relatively low so the plasma is not too high. Has a pre-drilled hole in the back for two center shelves that I have cable box, dvd, and speaker on, and it has some drawers on each side for misc.

Maybe something like this ?

http://www.audio-video-furniture.com/NoBot/Tech-Craft-SWP60-Avalon-Series-60-inch-Wide-TV-Stand.htm

Good luck.

Here's a couple of good starting points:

http://www.standsandmounts.com/

http://www.omnimount.com/consumer/Default.aspx

Different images show up for the Tech-Craft Veneto Series 60" TV Stand on those 2 different sites but the pricing is within the budget. I think both the Avalon & Veneto will do. In fact, looks like the Veneto has a reinforced base. That still leaves the problem with having to purchase the plasma mount:

http://www.standsandmounts.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=5670

but with 1 leg support, not sure if this is enough for a 50 inch plasma. Not sure what those J brackets are for and definitely not sure if this will lift the plasma high enough on the Veneto or Avalon to place the center channel below the screen. Thoughts?