plasmas could well be shortlived so there are many things to consider here,but if i were buying a new tv,and i wanted it to be relatively futureproof then lcd is the one.
We were undecided too. After advice we bought a Toshiba 37" LCD TV via the internet. It came including a three shelf glass stand and a Toshiba DVD player !! It cost �1,400 about �600 less than our local electrical store ! We love it and cannot recommend it enough.
I repaired television sets for over 30 years, and in all that time, I don't think I saw more than a dozen Mitsubishi receivers. Reckon they must be the most reliable sets ever.
in terms of picture quality plasma is better as they are better for fast moving objects, with some lcds you will notice a trail. Also plasmas are better for bigger screen sizes (32 inches+) as lcds just get expensive. However neither are as good as a decent CRT (especially those with resolution enhancing techonlogy Panasonics Actuity, Sonys DRC and Philips Pixel Plus etc). Plasma life varies from 2000 hours to over 10000hours (generally bigger the screen short the life). Lcds have similar lifespans because they have backlights which can last upto 60000 hours depending on brand. If you are buying a Plasma stick to Poineer or Panasonic as they have very good picture quality.