I say Samsung too. I have a 46" 630 series LCD. 120hz 50,000:1 or 60,000:1 contrast ratio (can't remember) with (I think) 4ms refresh rate. In any event...I bought it in '08 and got Sears to match any other competitor's price plus 10% of the differencce. So I got it out the door for $1358.xx (which is a pretty good deal even today) And it was no interest for 18 months (paid it off a few months ago) Still love the TV but would rather have the LED now....and I knew it would happen...soemthing better is always around the corner with these electronics.
IMO its a better picture then Sony, Samsung Plasma is crap and if you really want plasma (I knwo OP doesn't) I would go Panasonic Plasma (but only if you have a dark ass room)
Vizio is good too and cheaper....but I still went with the Samsung. Although its (the Samsung)120hz....it's some 'progressive' shit that I sill don't completely understand.