After you narrow down your search by make, screen size, type (LCD, plasma, DLP etc), resolution and price range, make sure you go to the store and compare sets side-by-side (sometimes you'll have to default the brightness & contrast, since people mess with them). Doing this and getting a chance to play around with each sets features first hand, may convince you one way or another. Getting a chance to fiddle with the remote may make you lean more towards a different model for instance, but mainly what it all comes down to is what you see! Which one has the better picture quality
to you between the ones you've narrowed your search to? After all, you are the one who will be starring at it in the end.
I really like the Sharp Aqous (42" and 46") screens after having seen them several times and receiving a personal recommendation by a non-biased acquaintance whom recently bought his second Aqous. The features seem to be comparable with it and the one you're looking at, so I think a side-by-side play date with the one you have in mind and similar ones is key!
Once, you're set... if you (have the kahunas to) order online instead of buying in store, you'll SAVE LOTS of money! (...as much as $600+ USD on the Aqous sets I've looked even with the truck shipping added). I'm sure you'll find similar results searching for the Samsung screens too! I couldn't tell you about the Canadian customs (or)deal, but there is a lot of cash to be saved by doing it online in the states.
www.pricescan.com
www.pricegrabber.com
www.buy.com
www.overstock.com
...and many more sites (Google) for comparison shopping! I realize they are all USD, but will give you an idea of the savings if you're willing to order vs. buy in-store.