Television recommendations please

Unless things have changed, since 2 years ago I couldn't find a $1,500 LCD that handled the blacks in deep shadow detail like the Samsung Plasma I have now does. I have a nice 32" Sony LCD in the bedroom and the picture although good doesn't quite compare to that of the Samsung Plasma.

And just to add. The gym we go to has like 40 50" Samsung LCD/LED sets hanging all over the place and only one has picture quality problems with 3 vertical across the screen.