[MacDoc]

If you actually want a home theatre the sizes you are considering are too small unless you are sitting within 5' of the screen or less.

Viewing Distance Calculator

If you are looking long term I'd think twice about LCD due to colour shifting issues over time. DLP is my choice tho they are getting bloody hard to find.
There is a new series of laster based DLP arriving.

2001 Audio Video has reasonably good staff for a mid range supplier and are willing to deal.
2001 Audio/Video - Current Flyer

Sony is getting out of DLP but they are terrific buys if you can find one.

YOu'd not go wrong with this either as a long term buy

Samsung 1080p 50" Widescreen DLP Projection HDTV** (HLT5076)

This 50" rear projection DLP HDTV from Samsung features a full HD 1080p resolution, HDMI and PC connectivity, and the Digital Natural Image engine for an unparallelled true-to-life image. Its extremely thin bezel and profile create a striking, yet subdued look, making it the ideal addition to any living room

1080p 50" for $1299 should last you until 2k arrives.

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926HDS0010093563&catid=23250#

 

[MacDoc]

Old news. and does not apply to current models.

Manufacturers claim viewing angles of 160-170° for both LCD and DLP displays. ...

 

[MacDoc]

Umm are you using this as a TV or a home theatre because aren't even close with 40" for theatre at 10-12'.

I think you read the NTSC/PAL distance...not HD.

for 40"screen the HD viewing distance is between 4.5' and 6.3'.

If you get it wrong you'll regret it.

 

[MacDoc]

Are you going to watch a lot of HD?? You might be disappointed in SD on a HD set.

Your 24" SD set might actually be a better bet for most programming. Most HD sets do a lousy job with SD programming.
T'were I you I'd go buy something where there is a 100% return policy - no questions asked and try a 40" for a week or so.

I'd bet you'll prefer the 24".
Save your shekels and get the 60-70" when you move - there is some superb tech coming over the next few years.

 

[MacDoc]

Only YOU can tell....... which is why you need to get something you can return. Personally I think you will be disappointed at SD performance on anything but an SD set and a 24" CRT is a very good monitor.
If you want it "larger" - move the CRT closer.