After researching TV's for over 2 years and finally getting the 61" LCOS I wanted last year, I would say the majority of reviews and opinions I have read say the best Plasma displays are Pioneer and Panasonic. The Panny gets you more bang for the buck, while the Pioneer you pay for that nice black piano finish.
Then from what I have seen I would say the new Hitachi plasmas are close behind those 2 and the Samsung and LG come next. I know several people with the Panny plasmas and they look great.
Buy the panasonic and you will not regret it.
