Newegg has Samsung LN40B550 40" 1080p LCD HDTV for $804 - $155 with coupon code EMCMMMP35 = $649 with free shipping. Next lowest on Google Products from a reliable seller is $749. Thank you Libertarian.
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Specs:

• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Tuner: ATSC, NTSC, QAM Tuner
• Response Time: 6ms
• Contrast Ratio: 70,000:1
• Inputs:
  • 4x HDMI
  • 2x Composite Video
  • 2x Composite Inputs
  • 2x 1 Optical sound output
  • 1x 1 PC input
  • 1x USB 2.0 JPEG

Ln40b550 is the model #. Put it in the title please.

Looks like a good deal, any input?

This is 60 hz, right?

Any opinions on this one? Thought I was limited to Sonys with the opening I have in the entertainment center, but this one actually fits as well...

Yep, 60 Hz, as shown on Amazon. Figured Newegg would clearly show 120 Hz, if it was.

Quote from bullsfan33 : This is 60 hz, right?

yea it is

Quote from nedsports : Looks like a good deal, any input?

My only comment is that Samsung makes incredible screens. I have three from them...one 23 inch LCD monitor, one 50 inch DLP TV, and one 42 inch plasma. I love them all. Once you properly calibrate them to get rid of the default super bright "showroom" look, they are very crisp and lifelike. Just keep in mind that to enjoy the full 1080P glory on a 40 inch set, you don't want to be sitting further than 8-9 feet back.. Anything beyond that and you won't notice a difference between 720P and 1080P, so the benefit of 1080P is lost. If you have a huge room with the couch far back, you might want to look for a bigger 720P set instead..but for average viewing distances of 6-10 feet, this is perfect.

Technical question: Can someone explain to me why hz matters in LCD screens? I mean, it makes sense if we're talking about CRTs, but practically speaking, what's the difference in an LCD between 60hz, 120hz, and 240hz? Is it a sharpness thing? Will it show up in the blur/sharpness of fast-moving scenes?

I'm considering getting one for the house for Christmas--it would be our first flatscreen!--and I'm wondering whether to snag this or to pick something up a bit later with a higher refresh rate.

Thanks in advance.

I have this model in the 32-inch variety. It's a great set and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants a TV.

As far as the Hz question: it's basically the refresh rate of the screen, as you said. My set is 60Hz and I have absolutely no issues with motion blur on video games, sports, TV, movies, etc. That said, higher-refresh panels may look more "lifelike" in that there are more frames in every second. I would go to Best Buy and compare if you're unsure.

Quote from Gnorb : Technical question: Can someone explain to me why hz matters in LCD screens? I mean, it makes sense if we're talking about CRTs, but practically speaking, what's the difference in an LCD between 60hz, 120hz, and 240hz? Is it a sharpness thing? Will it show up in the blur/sharpness of fast-moving scenes? I'm considering getting one for the house for Christmas--it would be our first flatscreen!--and I'm wondering whether to snag this or to pick something up a bit later with a higher refresh rate. Thanks in advance.

60hz is the number of times per second the screen refreshes (60). Most people can't detect anything over 60FPS. Your monitor for instance is likely refreshing at 60hz right now (most do).. 60hz was the standard for TVs up to a year or two ago when 120hz models became available. I personally don't see a difference on the floor models. A quality 60hz set can look better than a generic brand 120hz set.. You have to remember that movies and TV shows are only filmed at 24 frames per second..meaning each frame of animation is already being refreshed more than twice on a 60hz set..so it seems pretty redundant to go more than that. If you are very perceptive you might be able to see the difference, but in my opinion it's mostly a placebo effect. 120hz will only become beneficial when we see next-generation games or animated movies that operate at 60 frames per second or higher. The higher refresh rate should make them appear more crisp..but I don't think it makes a difference for the movies/tv/games of today. I have 2006 and 2007 Samsung models and have no problems with blur. This is a 2009 model so I'm sure the picture is even more refined.

From what I heard the new PS3 3D games will require a 120Hz set. I have a PS3 but only use it for the blu-ray's and rhythm guitar games so I'm not worried.

newegg.com has the SAMSUNG 40" 16:9 6ms 1080p LCD HDTV w/ Touch of Color Design - LN40B550 for $649 shipped after applying coupon code EMCMMMP35
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...6889102259

they also have the