When I bought my first 32" LCD a few years back SD through the aeriel was shocking. Since moving to an upscalling freeview box and now to a 42" on Freesat I find SD quality has come on in leaps and bounds.

As far as new tech LCD vs Plasma goes if money was no object I'd have gone plasma (either a Pioneer or top end Panasonic) but was limited so went LCD. I still feel a good plasma produces a better image although I would avoid the cheaper plasmas at all costs. The father-in-law has one and it's truly horrible (50" Samsung or something).

I'd love to go 3D, mainly for gaming, but will have to wait a long time.