I bought a plasma because it's capable of a more realistic reference quality picture than anything else out there. Also more consistent with less artifacts. The 2012 models of Panasonic, maybe only the more expensive models, I forget, are also brighter than past models, because of a new panel design. That's another reason I went with the VT50 model. But I rarely use the brightest modes. I prefer the darker and better color balance mode. The Sharp Elite came close to plasma quality this year, but the off axis picture degradation killed it for good quality.
Once I got used to a calibrated plasma picture, the LCD/LED Tv's just look cartoonish with their over bright colors.
