Panasonic has a variety of 42" LCD and plasma models (as does Samsung and LG). If you want a plasma, that drives up the price. If you want 1080p, that drives up the price.

http://www.nextag.co...2%22+plasma+1080p

If you want 3D, that can really drives up the price (once you add in the glasses, etc.).

If one could get the 42GT25 for $500 - I think it's a great bargain. $800 with free shipping seems to me to be a good price. Newegg at the moment wants $1460 for it (with $30 shipping). ;-)

Cheers,
Scott.
(Who doesn't shop at WalMart. :-)