Samsung TV quality

My brother is looking at buying a new TV and he looked at a Samsung HTP5054 (50" Plasma, 720P) at CC that he liked, although I speculate it is more than he can pay right now. He also knows someone at a local ABC Wharehouse that warned him against Samsung stating a number of returns with issues. I am curious if others agree or disagree with this thought about Samsung.

(A friend highly recommends the Vizio P50HDTV (50" Plasma, 720P); this TV has been around awhile but seems to have always been well received and it can be purchased locally for around $1300. My brother said the Samsung had a better picture but there is also quite a price difference between them.)