Sony Trinitron was a second to none TV, I damn near cried when I moved on from my 300lb 40" Sony Trinitron way back when. Sony in my eyes has just never made a fantastic transition to flat screens.
I tried a few different brands before landing on Samsung, but once I did I've never left. The picture quality, the durability (I've never had any kind of failure with one), the black is damn near perfect. Only knock is they've kinda replaced the Sony of old. Sony knew it was the best at a time and the charged you knowing that. Samsung typically sits at the higher end price wise.
From what I hear, LG is making big strides in catching up.
In full disclosure, TVs (and soundsystems) and cars, are my unhealthy addictions. I've spent waaay to much on both over the years. That doesn't make me an expert, just a junky.
