The trick with any new technology is to buy at the point where the maufacturer is close to a break even point. This is becoming evident with 42" plasmas at the moment. LCD technology is still too pricey.

I would suggest something like a LG 42" Plasma for $2600 if you haggle, with the view to spending the extra cash in 2 - 3 years time upgrading to a 60" or 70" Plasma or LCD which will probably be about $5K to 7K then.