One consideration if you want plasma is that they generally have a much more reflective screen. That pretty much stopped me from buying one as my TV is in a pretty well lit room.
I bought a Samsung LCD about 4 months ago. Didn't worry about 120 hz, didn't worry about all the latest tech like 3D. I'm very happy with it, I don't feel like I missed out on anything by not getting the latest bells and whistles. Paid around $800, gaming looks unreal on it and HD channels do to. If you are looking for "bang for your buck" as you stated, I wouldnt bother chasing all the latest and greatest specs..that will run you a lot more money. Since you are doing an upgrade from a CRT TV, even a mid range LCD will be a massive upgrade for you. You shouldn't really have to break the bank to get a good HDTV that you will get a lot of enjoyment out of.
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A few weeks after crashing head-first into the boards (denting his helmet and being unable to move for a little while) following a hit from behind by Bob Errey, the Calgary Flames player explains:
"I was like Christ, lying on my back, with my arms outstretched, crucified"
-- Frank Musil - Early January 1994
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