For those out there that do not mind buying online, Tiger Direct has some incredible prices on sets. Specifically they have the
Sony KDS-50A2000 50" 1920x1080p SXRD set for $1679. It is not a refurbished unit either. They sell an extended warranty for $169 for a year, $210 for two years. Shipping isn't bad either, for me it would be $187 and no taxes so the final price would come in at $1,867.49 before any warranty.
Note on the Warranty- I live in NY and was told the extended warranty doesn't apply to NY residents. Why I have no idea but you can get one through Sony for a comparable price.
Right now Tiger doesn't have the 55" in stock, but that was going to $1879 for the 1080p SXRD set. I'm not trying to push Tiger or affiliated with them in any way... just trying to pass on some great prices I found.