I'm new here. HELP me decide which 1 of 3 to get.

Out of those three, Samsung LN-T4071 is what I would get. The only thing you need to remember is it comes with a glossy panel so if you don't have any problem with reflections in your viewing environment, go for it.

But if somehow you decide to get the Toshiba 42LX177, make sure you read the return/exchange policy carefully in case you get a green push set and can't calibrate it out. Then, you would definitely want to exchange for another set. Don't even think about calling Toshiba for any help because you would get none and you would only end up getting pissed.

The Samsung 71 series is a VERY nice set, quite possibly the best 40" LCD on the market. The only thing that rivals it is the Sony XBR4 series.

How close do you plan on sitting to the TV?

Note: the 25000:1 CR on the Samsung is NOT the native, everyday normal CR, when viewing the majority of your content. The best LCD panels have native CRs between 1500:1 to 2500:1, and the best plasmas have between 2000:1 to 3500:1.

Your display can have moments of higher CR (depending on content, and your set's processing), which is known as "dynamic" CR, and, while not entirely measurable (or accurate), dynamic CRs can get very high temporarily, or around 4000:1 to around 20,000:1 [very rare]. Depends on your content's heavily contrasted images, from bright scenes to dark scenes, back to bright (etc), -and- your display's backlight/brightness/picture settings.

So, for reference, always go by the native CR rating, if provided from the published manufacturer's specs, or from industry lab test reviews [in A/V magazines, or online sites].

I would go with the larger-screen size Sony 50", since you will have MORE viewing area for letterboxed (or anamorphic 16x9) movies, especially those shot in ratios like 2:35.1, 2:20.1 etc.

The Sony also should have the best image on fast moving images, and excellent SXRD black levels [provides more accurate colors, and more details in low-light scenes]. If you can, always buy the largest screen size, as you won't regret it when sitting farther than 7 feet away from the display.

I just exhcanged my 4065 for the 4071 and for some reason I dont know if I like the 71 yet. The pictures and movements just looks too real, I feel like Im watching HI def Discovery channel when Im watching a movie.