I am shopping for an LCD television, in the 40 to 42 inch range. Are there any brands or factors I should consider? I will be building a home theater, used for movies and video games.

First HDTV buyer. I’ve bought my old tube TV 6 years ago, and new age of technology came, and it’s time for me to follow…
I’m looking for a 40 inch LCD HDTV (budget range $1000-1200) Hopefully 1080p and high contrast ratio…
Also.. Home Theatre (budget range $200)
HDMI cables + surge protector + TV stand (budget range ($300)
Total budget range : max $1700
Any suggestion of what else I need?
Also… What TV should I buy? When is the best time to buy a TV?
thanks!!

Also what brands at that size are good?