"Is this a plasma tv?"

What's the difference between Plasma and LCD?

Both plasma and LCD tvs are flat screens. But LCD tvs usually have a superior resolution (sharpness), while plasmas have better contrast and color reproduction.

Also the bigger the tv (above 46") plasma is going to be less expensive. But with smaller tvs, LCDs are more affordable. (I know, confusing).

Both are reliable and quality technologies. Frankly, the brands of television are more important and varying than the actual difference between Plasma vs. LCD. So consider your brand purchase carefully. And on that note....

What do I think of the Sharp Aquos you linked to?

It just so happens I have two of the exact televisions you gave the link for. And I have to tell you they are amazing! And my husband is VERY particular when it comes to television technology and getting the most amount of television for his dollar. We did  A LOT of research before buying our first Aquos...and we haven't regretted it for a moment. The high resolution is amazingly sharp and vivid (1080P). As you may know already, with these tvs, they also have a superior viewing angle to projection technologies (meaning you can get a good picture standing off to the side).

We have recommended this model of television to everyone we know. And now many of our friends and family have this tv after seeing ours in action just once! It's that great, and worth every penny.

Hope this helps.

The newest AQUOS series feature a next-generation Advanced Super View LCD panel that delivers full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution for the fastest response rates and highest contrast ratio for the sharpest possible picture.

LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display.  Plasmas and LCDs are not different in the quality of picture or lines or resolution.  They are different in the technology used to display the picture. 

LCD TVs are the same technology as you computers flat panel monitor.  Plasmas came out around 6 or 7 years ago and were very pricy.  They were starting at around $10,000!  LCD TVs are the newer technology and are more popular than the Plasma TV.  You will notice quite a bit more LCDs on the market than Plasmas.

The Plasmas in the TV (the actual xenon and neon gas) does eventually need to be replenished.  This is a costly proceedure. 

To learn more about Plasmas and LCDs, I have provided these links!

LCD  -  http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/plasma-display1.htm

          http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/plasma-display.htm

Plasma  -  http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/lcd.htm

Here is also some articles comparing the 2 technologies:

http://www.cnet.com.au/tvs/0,239035250,240036500,00.htm

http://www.cnet.com.au/tvs/0,239035250,339273215,00.htm

http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/plasma-vs-lcd-TV.html

This article give a very nice table to compare different aspects of the TVs:

http://www.flattvpeople.com/tutorials/lcd-vs-plasma.asp

Hope this info helps!