So I'm looking for a TV in a month or two and i've decided on plasma. However my research has come to a halt as I'm getting conflicting reports as to which is better. Considering there latest models, which do you guys think is better?

PS I don't really care about 3d, and obviously it's prime use is for gaming with secondary sports and then movies.

Panasonic.

Thanks this is actually what I had chosen initially but I read something about the panasonic's poor noise cancelling ability and the samsung having deeper blacks

If you are going Plasma, Panasonic is the top. Last years models were the highest rated of all technologies. 

P.S. I am 100% Sony on all TV purchases. The above statement is based solely on research  and others opinions.

Hard to say without knowing the models, but in general I'd say Panasonic mostly edges Samsung - but not by much. 

Samsung is good for the price but Panasonic most of the time have the better overall picture I believe.  My main gripe with Samsung TVs is the latest models try to remove or reduce film grain from films that are supposed to have film grain - I'm guessing it's over enthusiastic routines to help cancel noise, etc. but whatever for me this is a huge issue.

More than games (which can only look so good at 720p which most are) I want as near perfect film reproduction as possible - and a TV that thinks it knows better than Kubrick how much film grain should be in the shot is doing something wrong.

Both make very good plasma's though - no doubt about it.

A negative for Panasonic that comes to mind is I remember certain models seemed to suffer from a louder than normal buzz when in operation - maybe something to check for the model you're selecting.

Alright for reference what i'm looking at is:

Samsung PN50C6500

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25

If I do spring for the extra money i'll be lloking at the C8000/C7000 in the samsung or the VT25 in the panasonic

Samsung all the way. Personally, I've never had a bad experience with them. I just purchased a new Samsung for my room too :) They have reasonable prices too in comparison to other models, yet I'm sure it all varies to what specfically you look at.

My 40 inch is still working perfectly after 3 years.

I'm sold.

Is that plasma you're talking about?

Pioneer Kuro. But if not (due to price), then probably Panasonic.

Yeah I'd go with Panasonic.  I love my 1080p Viera (great blacks and colors) although Samsung's plasmas are great too, so either way you're probably good.

The Panasonic TC-P50GT25 is a wise choice (or even the G25 if it's a bit cheaper, same picture either way):     5,000,000:1 contrast ratio, that's what you want.