Now for the good news. You can take your TV back to SAMs for a refund and use that money towards another TV! Just make sure it isn't a Samsung. LOL
As for a plasmas life expectancy, it is longer than 3-5 years. LCD isn't much better. Pioneer was the benchmark for plasma sets but they have since discontinued making them and have moved on to other things. Good luck finding a Pioneer at a reasonable price because it isn't going to happen.
