The new -800 series plasma's from Panasonic are coming out at the end of April, with 30,000:1 native contrast (1,000,000:1 dynamic, but dynamic ratings are meaningless), THX certification, Game Mode, SD slots, four HDMI connections, PC Input, Viera Link and 24Hz native reproduction at 48Hz using 2:2 pulldown, eliminating the judder found on 60Hz displays.
The available sizes are 42", 46" and 50".
The -850 series as well feature pro settings menu [like white level, etc.] digital cinema colour-remastering and are IPTV's for internet direct connections to pictures, video streams, etc.
The available sizes are 46", 50" and in fall 2008 a 58" and 65" will also be available.
These are all 1920x1080 panels, for full 1080p reproduction.
"The TV" right now will be either one of these Panasonics I've mentioned, or the gorgeous KURO line from Pioneer. The only thing negative about the Pioneer (I mean, absolutely the only thing, they're just freaking gorgeous) is the price tag, which has always been high on Pioneer.
There is no other display that comes close to these for overall performance.
Some good reading:
The best LCD (Samsung LED) vs. the best Plasma (60" KURO Pioneer)
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/fea...-round-ii.html
The Pioneer KURO handily beat the top rated LCD. No contest.
The 2008 HDTV Technology Face Off.
(Featues 2 LCD's, one LCoS, two DLP's and two plasma's)
http://www.hometheatermag.com/lcds/208hdface/
In all cases, from all reviewers, it was either the Pioneer or Panasonic plasma picked as the winner, in most cases the Pioneer. However they all agree that the two plasma's were in a class of their own.