42IN HD PLASMA DISP 3000:1 1024X768 TH42PHD8UK BLACK VGA 16:9

Pros: Clarity of image, versatility, ease of use are all outstanding

Cons: Should include a standard HDMI hookup

Summary: To get this good a picture and just barely tip over the 2000.00 mark is truly a find. The first night, my wife spent her time remarking at the gorgeous color, while I concentrated on the high image quality. I spent a month educating myself in plasma television and spoke to over 25 different companies and almost that many technical people. When one buys real estate, the word is location, location, location. In plasma, the word is picture quality, picture quality, picture quality--not connectivity, style, tuners, speakers, etc. OK, these aren't inconsequential and must, of course, meet your needs, but they mean nothing if the picture doesn't deliver. Think about it before you buy: If you have home theatre sound, a cablebox with tuner (for 4.95 a month my cable company furnishes me with a two-tuner DVR with hard drive and they take care of it. Why pay for a television well-equipped with things I don't need).
So anyway, I considered all the input from LCD fans, Pioneer fans, other brand fans, and decided that because we aren't video gamers and have no need for PC hookups, AND because our application is always for movies, DVD's or occasional broadcast television in the evenings, plasma was the clear choice. DO get the optional HDMI board and an upconverting DVD player. The board installs easily and delivers outstanding. The Samsung DVD-VR325 delivers outstanding results with its unbelieveable versality and upconverting technology. You won't do better on price or features-plays, records, upconverts, front panel connections, VCR & DVD.
Finally, I dealt with Mike Anastasio at PCConnection.com. What a great experience with this person and this company--fast, courteous service, clear communication, outstanding prices/advice, and shipping at the speed of sound. Example: The monitor arrived and I discovered that I still needed to purchase a pedestal stand. Called at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday and the stand was at my door in 42 hours--and no I did not pay a premium for faster delivery! Keep in mind that you can't get this monitor at retail stores, so mail order is your best option. I was a bit nervous about that, but these folks made it a pleasure. Best of all, it's not a "drop ship and good luck" situation. For 30 days, if anything goes wrong, PC sends a replacement right away--thjen warranty kicks in. One thing, please note that Panasonic WILL NOT service this unit in home because its an industrial product. You'll have to take it to an authorized service center. And finally, note that this 8th generation monitor is BETTER than the 7th generation product in Pansonic's current 42" consumer plasma televisions.