Whats better, a Sharp Aquos LC46X20E Full HD 1080p LCD TV or a Samsung 50IN PS50A558S1FX 1080P Plasma?

The answer to this question is subjective.

While an LCD screen is good for computer based graphics but it depends on the refresh rate . Most domestic units offer 8ms to a better 5ms refresh rate and this improves the motion of graphics across the screen. Additionally LCD screens do not suffer from the occurrence of burn in that a long term static image can produce on a Plasma.

However LCD screens can loose pixels and this leaves a permanent discolouration visible where these pixel loses occur.

LCD screens are lighter in weight and use less power than a Plasma,
but Plasma offer superior refresh rates of Interlaced scanning and are better at high speed action such as films on Blue ray and HD DVD, at 1080i

Plasma also offer superior depth of image , contrast and viewing angles to LCD.

In summary:

If your use is primary TV / Film viewing and you are mounting a 42" on a wall then a Plasma is my recommendation.

If you are playing a lot of games from an XBox or similar computer interface go LCD.

I have an LG 42" Plasma because i felt that it offered more inputs , Optical Audio, 2 x HDMI , Component and use it for my PC screen, TV & DVD viewing and offers the best image for me.

You have to go with the Aquos. I have a PS3 and the online gameplay is amazing. The clarity, color and contrast is much better than most televisions, although I can't compare it to the Samsung tv. I have never seen the Samsung in person.

Here's a link to the Aquos that I have.
http://www.yomili.com/prod_specification…