I am looking for a new Plasma to go over our fireplace. Current viewing distance is about 10.5 feet. However, we will be moving soon (by the end of the year), and likely to have a much bigger family room that this TV will be in (Viewing distance could be farther away). So I am very aware of the "bigger is better" issue. This is only for "family viewing". We have a 60" HDTV for movie room, etc.

The Costco deal for the 46PZ80 with a tilt mount (local store) 90 day return warranty + 1 extra year on the Panasonic warranty is about $150 less then
the 50PZ80 online which comes with a standard straight mount (no tilt, I'd have to spend an extra $100 to get the Tilt). I have a 30 day window to return if it is defective.

The big deals for me are the warranty, Size of TV. Both TV's are from authorized dealers, but...... The Costco set is local, so I have a 90 day return warranty, plus an extra year on Panasonics 1 year warranty.

What do you guys think?

Again we will be moving soon, and likely to have a much bigger family room that this TV will be in (Viewing disance could be farther away).

Or for a couple hundred more than the 50PZ80, should I go with the 46PZ800 with THX mode?

to little guarantee

There is excellent pricing right now on the TH-50PZ80U, go for that unit.

Yeah, I am leaning that way or towards a NEC 50CX10.