Lots of good advice here. I have both a Panasonic plasma and Sony LCD and like both equally (although my plasma is bigger and I tend to watch it more). Both are very good picture-wise, personally the whole 'black' thing is overrated. Both seem black enough to me (can't tell diff), although the plasma seems to have a brighter picture. Most better plasmas don't have a burn-in issue anymore.

Just make sure that if price is an issue, you also factor in the cost of installation, good component cables & surge protectors, and sound system. Believe me, it adds up very quick.