Inputs are king. Make sure whatever you get has not just HDMI/DVI, but also Component (Y Pb Pr) and RGB (might look like a VGA plug). If it has all of those, you’re golden for gaming. Especially the RGB. If it’s in tolerances, you can hook up computers, but also arcade boards. 
Me and my wife just went through this decision about a month ago. Actually we were looking at the samsung 37a550 as well as the sony 37xbr6. There were a couple of bonuses with the sony (3 hdmi inputs and 2 component inputs), 3d imaging… but the samsung has a better relative response time. I am an avid collector and the extra inputs do make a difference.
I ended up buying the sony and for us it was the right decision. blue-ray looks sweet, and there is a game mode (which takes away the processing/imaging lag). We almost bought the samsung 42a650 instead, but couldn’t justify the extra 500 bucks. Besides if we do go big screen it’ll probably be a sony 46xbr8 or samsung 46a850 or a950 due out later this year. Good luck with ur decision.
If I am not mistaken many Samsungs have little to no lag when used in “just scan” mode via HDMI or component inputs. This mode just displays the signal as it comes in with no processing. I just got this LN465xx something last week and I have noticed no lag and I have been playing wipeout HD which is fast as hell.
The best thing you can do is to check AVS forums and other similar places and research the specific models you are considering to see the advantages and disadvantages before buying.
Samsung HDTV are nice looking, not too expensive, and have nice features. However, i you are considering a Samsung, you should beware.
My friend gone through 2 high end Samsung. The first was their OLED or something and the 2nd is a normal LCD 46." He didn’t have the TV for very long yet both end up to had major problems. The 46" wouldn’t remember any settings while randomly lose any video signal. It is very annoying when watching movies. Check Samsung’s LCD forum to confirm.
Haha, nice posts! =D
Thanks for the inputs.
Thanks for the info, but I actually know some loop holes around the warranty in what to do in case my TV has issues (and I’m talking about Samsung, don’t know much about Sony’s policy).
Still, thanks for the warning.
Can you elaborate on this? Are you referring to 3D rendering, or a feature that enhances depth?
So you were able to compare side by side? Did you ask them to put in a blu-ray or game?
Also, I figured out that Game Mode actually works. I don’t know if it removes lag completely, but I was able to notice a difference in FFXII (60GB with backwards compatibility). When I scroll around the license board, the sound does not catch up with the cursor. But with the Game Mode, it works [seemingly] perfectly.
Does anybody know if using a Composite cable instead of an HDMI cable has less lag? What about DVI or VGA?
Truth.
That being said I <3 my 40" panasonic viera:lovin:
But in terms of picture quality samsung is usually the way to go.