37-42 inch - Sony LCD or Panasonic Plasma?

[Chris_Warks]

I'm sure this question has been asked many times on here, but I'd really appreciate some advice on my next TV.

I'm not into gaming or stuff like that, and just want a TV with a great picture and strong DVD playback (I will probably upgrade soon to one of the hi-def DVD formats). I hate the "lag" that some flat screen tvs seem to have on fast moving pictures.

At present I have Freeview but will presumably need to upgrade to Sky HD.

My question is this. If I go for the Sony 40 inch, should I go for the S, V, W or X range? Will I really see that much difference? I've been told that 1080 progressive is a waste of time for my needs - is that right?

Also what do people think about the new Sony KDL-40D3000? I can't get much info on this at present.

I thought I had settled on one of the Sony LCDs but then a dealer today was raving about the new 37 and 42 Panasonic plasmas and saying that the picture lag was far better and the blacks blacker. They looked pretty impressive.

I'm prepared to pay up to £1800 - £2000 if necessary, but only if I'm going to get value for money. If a £900 model is going to meet my needs then perhaps I can get my Blu Ray DVD sooner . . .

Help me please!! I'm completely out of my depth.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

[Badger0-0]

The 40W is the only LCD I'd contemplate.
It's excellent with a good HD feed, although I've not seen it with a SD feed.

As a plasma bloke, I'd choose the Panny myself, certainly for SD and any sports involving motion.

[JohnWB]

I have a 40W2000 and the quality of the picture on cable SD or HD, is excellent is the freeview picture, which supprised me.