I'm buying my parents a tv for Christmas. This will be my first flat panel purchase (I don't even have one) so I need some help. My parents have a wall unit/entertainment system that they will not get rid of. The opening for the tv is 39.5wx26.5h. Based on my research, I am pretty sure I want to get the Sony 40Z4100. With the stand, it measures 37.3wx25.8h. My question is, will I be able to fit it in there and if so, will they ever need to access the back of the tv? Once the tv is in, I would imagine it's pretty difficult to keep moving it. Should I just go with a smaller tv? Thanks in advance for your help!

I would be concerned about the TV overheating without much space for air to circulate.

I would be concerned about the TV overheating without much space for air to circulate.

Even with the space behind the LCD? There should be plenty of depth to offset the 'tightness' on either side.

I would be concerned about the TV overheating without much space for air to circulate.

thanks for the response. the unit measures 22.5 in deep. the tv with stand measures 11 in. so is this something i have to consider as well? do i have to go down to a 37 or 32 inch tv then?

There should be plenty of space below the panel for them to grab on to pull it out, so I wouldn't worry too much about that part.

How far away from the wall is the back of the stand? Is the air getting back in there much, or is it right up against the wall?

Also, consider how hot they keep the room (or at least that part of the room). If it's reasonably cool, that might help. You certainly don't need to go down to 32", though.