Hi,

I currently have a 46" Sharp Aquos 92U, which I believe is/was at the higher end of Sharp LCDs when I bought it. That said, I have an old Sony XBR CRT that is really showing the effects of its age, and I'd like to get an HDTV to replace it. Times are tough, but it turns out I have enough Air Miles to buy any TV they have offered. Sadly this doesn't seem to leave a lot to choose from. The top "priced" TVs are (in no particular order):

Samsung UN46B6000 46" LED 1080p HDTV
Sony KDL52S5100 52" 1080p HD LCD Bravia TV
Sharp LC46E77UN AQUOS 1080p/120Hz LCD TV
Sony KDL46V5100 46" Bravia V-Series 1080p HD LCD TV
Samsung PN50B530 50" Widescreen 1080p HD Plasma TV
Sony KDL46VE5 46" BRAVIA VES Eco Series LCD HD TV
Panasonic TC-P50U1 VIERA 50" 1080p HD Plasma TV

So I have some choice between LCD and plasma, as well as between individual models and sizes. I'm under the impression that none of these are as nice as my current TV, but I would be happy to be proven wrong. I'm not necessarily saying "pick my TV for me," but if there are any on that list that I should just cross off right away, or that really stand out as better than the rest, I'd appreciate that so I could look into them further. Thanks.

Don't want to turn this into a plasma vs LCD debate, but if you want a more accurate picture, better black levels, and superior motion resolution, I would go with plasma. Also, when considering LCD vs plasma, plasmas are considered to produce a picture more similar to that of a CRT so if you like the type of image a CRT produces, then again I would go with one of the plasma models. In general, the Panasonics are considered excellent tvs, second only to the Pioneers so I would go with the Panasonic model you listed. I would also just google each model listed though and see what other users are saying both on other websites and here on AVS.

Times are tough, but it turns out I have enough Air Miles to buy any TV they have offered. Sadly this doesn't seem to leave a lot to choose from.I recently got a brochure from a major hotel chain and had enough "points" to get one of several sets, much like your situation.

After some thoughts as to my marriage or another flat screen, I took the wife on vacation.