Michelle,
I bought a 50" Panasonc 1080p/600hz model TC-P50S1. Best Buy, HH Gregg and others had it for less than $1,000 a few weeks ago. As far as picture quality is concerned, it is great, IMO. I know two people in the home theater business and they swear by Panasonic as far as plasmas are concerned. If the TV is going into a dark room, a plasma should be perfect. My room has average lighting and it looks perfect.
TC-P50S1 - All VIERA® Flat-Panel HDTVs - Shop and Compare at Panasonic
This is the one I got. Like I said, I lucked out and it was on sale when I bought it a few weeks back. Paid $990 at Best Buy.