Two recommendations: Do an online search for some comparisons. PlasmaDepot.com used to have a pretty good comparison page.

Second, go to a store like Sam's Club or Costco (depends upon your political leaning) and view their display of TVs. They usually group them in a big array so you can see many TVs at the same time with all the TVs on the same channel. It is easy to spot the el cheapos with their off-contrast pictures or the tinting errors. Usually brands like Sony will be at the top end of the performance range as well as the top of the price range. If you're old, nearsighted, and have cataracts, by the cheap stuff.....you'll never know the difference!!

mike in tucson