I'll be sitting around 5-8' from the tv, so I'm thinking 40"-42" is a good size.

I strongly dislike motion blur and image stutter. Good SD playback is a must. Not all but probably most of the HD use of the display will be for gaming.

Would like to spend $1000-$1500. I put this in the plasma section because I've been leaning towards a plasma but I could go with an lcd as well if it worked out better that way. What are my viable options?

Here are a bunch of "best $1500 plasma" threads. More if you do a search

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1093697&highlight=1500

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1097927&highlight=1500

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1094714&highlight=1500

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1092360&highlight=1500

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1087962&highlight=1500

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1087873&highlight=1500

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1086072&highlight=1500

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1077651&highlight=1500

Best value:
Panny 46PZ80U

or 42" or 50" sizes