It's for my Mum and Dad (not very teccy!) and they'll have Sky HD.
But would consider others. Unsure of plasma or LCD but what's important is:
Picture quality, obviously!
I was in JLewis the other night and side by side the Plasma 42 TX-P42X10 looked better in SD and IMHO better in HD.
I still feel Panny are stronger with their plasma knowledge rather than LCD, there first offering at LCD should have never left the factory.
I know I sound like a broken record but don't get taken in by 'fullHD' esp. at 42''
Try to take any Mag reviews with a pinch of salt and at best just a guide to whats out there and buy with your eyes or with your parents eyes!.
So called experienced people often, maybe with the best intentions, get it wrong, buy with your eyes. And really check the SD performance and SD sport, most sets now resolve HD very well. Its up to you whether your parents prefer a natural image to a LCD type cartoon picture. A few LCD panels can look natural but seen to fall down on SD.
At at 11ft get a 42 it will look big initially but will soon merge into the room, I'm not sure how old the parents are but my dad likes the fact he doesn't have to get his specs straight away!