Brandon-
Go to avsforum.com. Go to the displays section. There are threads on plasmas and LCD tv's. A great bunch there. I'm involved in a thread looking at Pioneers and Panasonic plasmas.
If your budget is $4000, for less then that, you can get the Panasonic TH-42 and TH50PX50U series. They have 42 and 50" models. The 42" inches are incredibly priced around $2000-$3000. I am not up on the latest prices for those. The 50" around is $4500.00, but can be had for less if. On the burn in issue, these plasmas have a 100 hour breakin period where you only watch stuff full screen, after that they say it's safe. There are threads where you can learn what settings people use as often these sets come set in Torch mode where it's very bright and contrasty. Once you reset the those setting to an Avia calibration DVD, it's in line with reality and the set will be okay. And then there are those who feel there's always a chance for burn in. Especially the gamers and HDTV stations that show bug on the lower corner.
I'm looking at the Pioneer plasma, a tad over your budget, but it looks great!
I think the Sony LCD TV's are quite good. I have a 26" inch one and they have up to 32" I believe. The 32 can be had at Costco for $1200.00 or so IIRC.
At any rate, I highly recommend you go to the
AVS Forums website. As I said, look to the left side of the screen go down a little and you'll see the links to the various topics.
Good luck
