Best ~42" plasmas?

It likely starts and ends with the Panny ut50...

I'm really hoping for a higher end 42" in 2013 though...it could allow for the best pic quality of any display as it would likely be brighter and punchier than its 50"+ counterparts.

I have a Samsung pn43e450 in the bedroom and the picture quality is very good. Only 720p though.

THe only announced 42" for 2013 is the S series from Panasonic I believe.....So your choice will be limited if you decide to go the Plasma route and need a TV that size....

Panasonic is releasing two new 42" models in early March - the TC-P42X60 ("720p"), and TC-P42S60 (1080p).

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1461177/official-panasonic-s60-series-discussion-thread

You can barely tell the difference between 1080 and 720 at 42 inches though right?

Yeah I've heard at less than 50 inches you can't see the difference.

On a 42" I can see the difference at about 7-8 ft. They have rectangular pixels and the screen door effect is enough for me not to want a 720p. I'd suggest the 42S60(1080p) when it comes out. When they come out go take a look for yourself and see, ymmv.