I would say stay far away from Samsung.
They built up their name but their real scumbags.
They do lottery panels.
You could buy 3 tvs same size/model but end up with 3 different tvs.
They don't use the same panel on their tvs.
Its much talked about on avsforum
You gotta ask yourself is that a company you want to support? And why would you?
There's other problems with them too I can't believe all the blind fanboy love for them on the net...
2010 models haven't come out yet.
But in just for 2009 Toshiba Regza LCDs was really praised and a Huge improvement in quality over previous years many people have said its basically a Sony W/Z but you save $400-800.Now the Sony might be slightly better but the better is so small so insignficant that its simply not worth the extra money. That's hundreds of dollars you can spend on something else.
Its also been praised by gamers since old games look great on it with the upscaler that was just put in the 09 models.
LED Lcds a little new there was a some good ones in 09 and some real crappy ones might be best to wait on those or research the model number brand.But I'd say wait let the quality improve cost come down.Unless you do have the money.
And which ever brand you choose Sony,Toshiba,Sharp,Panasonic,Mitsubishi,JVC,Samsung,etc.... it is a good idea to do a search on the model number avsforum is good. Just because that brand has a great TV on model A doesn't mean model D didn't suck or have problems.
Lcds are much better in 2009 than they were but still I'd really recommend getting a warranty 4 years or so at a brick & motar store.
There is so many stories of Lcds breaking down its first 2 years and under that its worth the $150 or so. Unless the store is trash and doesn't honor warranties.