I would expect a Panasonic to perform in a similar manner?

Sorry to butt in,
but what is the expected lifespan of both formats ?

The reason I ask is, I just got a pana 42" plasma and a pal said I should have gone LCD as they last longer ?????
Never heard this before when I was doing my research prior to buying

Predicted life span of both LCD and Plasma is about the same (and similar to a CRT) - however, it's usually failure rather than wearing out that ends their life. Statistically Plasma is less reliable than LCD though, and costs more when it does go wrong - this 'may' be due to their higher power consumption, and hotter running temperatures?.

Neither technology is old enough yet to have reached the end of life for their display panels.

If you're happy with your Plasma, don't worry about it - both have advantages, and both have disadvantages.

You never know

Thanks for everyones advice and just to let everyone know i opted for the TH37PX80B. it is a cracking tv

I decided to go for a Samsung Series 6 46". Then I went to the store and saw the skin tones and grey shades of the Panasonic plasma and that was it - no contest. The .0001ms (or whatever it is) response time and improved 100,000 hours lifetime were a bonus.

I can't fault it and have no regrets.

Also, the Panasonic was the only TV they chose to use the speakers on because it does sound very good (for a built in set up).