And I believe that one is the same as the #3 in my OP... which is $20 cheaper without a $180 rebate. I recently dug up a 50" panasonic 1080p native plasma for ~$823 on overstock.com that I'm gonna check out. The only bad reviews I've found on that one are from using certain brand hdmi cables, not a big issue with me.

I was in no way suggesting you get an 850U, it's last years tech. The newer ones are even better. That's funny though about the 850U reviews you found. That model ran neck-neck with the Pioneer KURO last year for best plasma TV. All the reviews I read back then rated the Panasonic way up there and I LOVE mine. I was looking at the 50" KURO but they started having power supply problems. I didn't want to spend the extra $1500 either.

Here are a couple of reviews from HDGuru that helped me decide on my purchase of the 850U last year. They compare it against the Pioneer KURO.

Background on the reviewer: HDGURU.Com About

HDGURU.Com Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-111FD- HD GURU? First Review How It Compares With The Panasonic TH-50PZ850U

HDGURU.Com Panasonic TH-50PZ850U-Exclusive HD GURU? First Review

Best reason I could give against the Sammy's is reliability. LG and Vizio are worse. The cheaper they get the sooner they break. Of course all manufacturers put out a few lemons but Panasonic has a very good track record for reliable, long-lasting HDTV's.

As with most things I do continuing research on before making a snap decision purchase, I keep looking at slightly more expensive models as it progresses... Now I'm looking at this one:

Panasonic - VIERA / 50" Class / 1080p / 600Hz / Plasma HDTV - TC-P50U1

But I stand firm on the need to keep the total cost (after sales tax) under $1000 for this endeavor (tv cost under $900) so quality will have to suffer in some aspects. Just need to find the best 50" plasma for my needs in this price range.