I would go to Costco and get a Vizio LCD from them. As long as it says 'full 1080p' you'll do just fine. The main reason is because of HD-DVD/Blu-Ray dvd (as well as future developments). And, if you have cable, DUMP IT and go with Direct TV.
There are some 1080p plasma's availaibe as well.they tend to be a bit more expensive. LCD's tend to be brighter/crisper. Plasma is great for movies especially (tends to be 'warmer'). They both have about a 60,000 hr half-life (meaning..it takes 60,000 hrs for the them to become half as bright as they were when you bought them)..that's like leaving it on 8 hrs a day for 20 years...btw...
plan on spending 300-400 to get it mounted to a wall if you go that route.
Of course...the other side of this....once you get the kickass TV...you'll want to upgrade your sounds system to surround sound :) Easily done for about $1000.
I sit about 12 ft back from mine, and I have a 42". I really wish I had 50".