I recently bought a 26" Samsung for the upstairs. I was limited in the horizontal space I had. After a bunch of research on the internet, including consumer reports and numerous model revue sites, I found out that the nearest place to get that model was Manhattan Best Buy (obviously not) priced at $699. I went around to various stores locally and checked out several samsung models to see how they worked and what they offered. While I never did see the actual model I was purchasing, I became satisfied by various reviews and personal study of similar TVs that I was willing to buy online. I got it from amazon for $499.
(The 60" will go downstairs once I get it)