New TV - Need some general advice and direction

[daver]

OK.

My Sony KDL55XS955 Rear projection LCD finally had the engine failure (e.g. blue haze and sprites on the screen)

So, I am looking for it's replacement. I loved this TV. It was truly an appreciated purchase at $4k 6years ago... I have logged entirely too many hours and 3 bulbs over those 6 years.. but I digress..


OK. The skinny:

Size: 55"+ (but not 70 or 80...)
Location: Naturally lit room. Note - TV will be situated by\near a 5 foot sliding glass door.
Typical Use: HDTV, shows, sports and movies. Occasional DVD. No gaming (yet)
Hookups: A home theater system, DVD\BlueRay, Cable\DVR box

I want a nice TV but not break the bank. I will pay for better stuff, as cheap is as cheap does, imho. BUT, I will not be dropping $4k atm, so there is a cap.

I have been leaning towards the Panny plasmas but have concern about the ambient light in the room.
I was thinking about another Sony, since my last one was a great TV! (even had a Matte screen ))
I was reading here about Sharp??? Really! Sharp?? Guess I have been out of the market toooo long.

So, please tell me what you think? What would you buy? Why? What would you NOT buy? Why?

Thanks!! Look forward to the responses.

David

 

[afterlife2]

Maybe this:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00752RAWW/ref=pe_56670_24992670_pe_vfe_dt8

 

[afterlife2]

Whoops meant this one:
Amazon.com: Panasonic VIERA TC-L47WT50 47-Inch 1080p 3D Full HD IPS LED-LCD TV: Electronics

Doesn't link to the 55inch only 47 inch, but you can click on 55 inch.
Also:
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-tc-p55vt50/4505-6482_7-35118304.html?tag=comparable;comparable.1

 

[BMXTRIX]

I would go with a Panasonic or Samsung plasma. The big issue with plasmas is not the ambient light in the room, but reflections from windows off the glass of a plasma display. Ambient light can deteriorate image quality some, but this would have been FAR worse with a rear projection than the plasma.

Unless you have reflection issues with that window, I would go plasma.

I would not recommend Sharp first unless you are going 70"+ in size. Sharp displays aren't bad, but for LCD/LED the Samsung displays look outstanding as do the Sony displays. For plasma, Panasonic and Samsung first.