(B&M) Panasonic Plasma HDTV TC-50PU54 (50-inch 1080p 600Hz Plasma) - $499 + 2 yr warranty @ COSTCO

I have not tried any other sources yet ( no time, w/ the kids, etc).

Only have tried a component video source. Going to hook up my Tivo via HDMI tommorow and see if that changes things. Oddly enough, I noticed this right off the bat on the setup menu when I first turned it on.

Would you guys rather get the Toshiba 50 inch for $400 or this panny for $500?

I watch sports and game a lot on my TV, so plasma should be better right?

It's already up to $550 now

How's Costco policy on return these days?

Sam's Club is supposed to have these for $499 in store just like Costco however I went to my local Sam's earlier today and they had none in sight and the TV sales guy I spoke with didn't know anything about the TV at all.

not trued any more as of the 2012 models. THe downside to the 2011 and before LG's is that the black levels used to be greyish. But now as of 2012 LG is without a doubt a good option. Let me educate u a lil... LG acquired patents on the legendary Pioneer Kuro plasmas (the absolute best plasmas ever made as far as colors and black levels) from 4-5 years ago when pioneer decided to drop out of the plasma biz. Because of this as of 2012 models and after they all have the technology with deep rich blacks and they are able to upconvert very well with smooth frames and they even do 1080/24p (true theartre output available thru blueray although some newer DirecTV boxes) which most TVs wont do 1080/24p unless u spend over $1000...so for $550 the LG is a steal...no to mention LG does true 4:4 and the dynamic contrast ratio is way better than the samsung... if you dont beleive me check out audioholdis and AVS forums.

SO here is the break down for 2012 sets (although some may argue as we are talking eye sight here witch varies by person) im just point out each TV's strong points

Samsung...good coloring and Bright vibrant colors..almost too bright throwing off some of the natural colors (excellent in bright well lit rooms ...looks better in brighter rooms over the Panny & LG)

Panasonic..deep black levels and good coloring..great overall but doesnt 1080/24p (SUB $1000 MODELS dont 1080/24p)

LG..great overall and good coloring and and their black levels are as good as samsungs but not as good as panasonics..HOWEVER they have awesome motion and hz conversion does 1080/24p aslo doing 24p @72hz for true cinema effect just like at the movies without any altering of the frames by playing just like bluray was meant to be played....(most tvs upconvert to 60 and throw frames between making a blur effect that some control with a technology called motion blur)

SONY GTFOH

considering all these blackfriday LED/Plasma/LCD sales for the $450-$550 price range for 50 inch i would personally get a plasma hands down...model wise i would consider the following three sets in no particular order although i would personally get the LG or Panasonic.

LG 50PA5500
Panasonic TC-P50U50
Samsung PN51E535

Just picked one up for $499 from my local Sam's.

LOL! Panasonic acquired the Kuro tech from Pioneer, not LG. Thanks for the laugh.

Panasonic has the best plasmas of 2012 by far.

I take it you're not near Tampa, FL

Ocala fl actually about 1 1/2 hrs from tampa. They have them in stock in ocala and Lady Lake.

Is there a stock checker somewhere?