Considering the price, the Gateway 46" ED Plasma seems like a legit option to our HT needs compared to a 50" Panasonic. Nearest couch is 13 feet from the screen. What is your opinion?
Another question to consider is how much longer do you think Gateway might remain in business? I know that they don't manufacture their own displays, but would the OEM stand behind them in the future?
I know that the Gateway 42" is generally regarded as one of the poorest plasmas. Not sure about the 46" - I think this is similiar to the Vizio P4 46" based plasma. The 46" glass for all of the 46" models is made by one manufacturer, but the electronics vary from company to company.
I think you would be better off with the Panny 50" or even the Pioneer 43" or 50" rather that getting the Gateway model. The Gateway 42" has a lot of negative opinions...