Plasma vs. DLP vs. LCD projection vs. LCD
I did quite a bit of research on this subject before buying my Sony KDS-R50XBR1.
From my research I found that of the 5 major technologies using in displays that they all have certain advantages and disadvantages. I'll try and break them down for you.
1) Plasma
Pros: thin form factor
Cons: Burn-in - I wouldn't recommend playing games or watching news channels with a ticker on a plasma display. Plasma half-life - after time the display will not be as bright as it was when brand new. That being said, I believe that the half-life is about 10 years of normal viewing.
2) DLP
Pros: No burn-in, medium form factor
Cons: Replacement lamps - DLP and LCP projection is basically a projector in a box, so the bulb must be replaced after ~8000 hours. Each lamp can cost between $200-$500. "rainbow effect" - DLP uses a microchip with millions of little mirrors to reflect light through a spinning color wheel. Some people claim that they can see the transistions in the color wheel producing a rainbow-like effect. (I personally can't see it).
3) LCD Projection
Pros: No burn-in, medium form-factor.
Cons: Replacement lamps - just like DLP projection, the lamp must be replaced periodically. "Screen-door effect" - LCD projection uses thin colored LCD panels that light is shined through. The gaps between pixels are visible on older sets or under magnification. (I bought my Sony because of the SXRD technology that spaces the pixels closer together. I can only see the pixel gaps under magnification)
4) LCD
Pros: No burn-in, small form factor
Cons: large sizes are not readily available or are very expensive.
5) CRT
Pros: best picture, large form-factor
Cons: HEAVY! Not available in large sizes.
I hope this helps you in your decision!