[ctviggen]

Can anyone recommend a 40-42 inch TV? 

I do NOT need:

Speakers
Internet access (have a HT computer hooked up to the TV)

I need (at least in the short term):

Optical sound output

I would prefer NOT to have:

3D

All the TVs I see these days seem to gimmicks and gadgets.  I just want something that has a good picture, but preferably without the gimmicks.

Does such a TV exist?

[OzarkTom]

I prefer the Panasonic plasmas, the best blacks around today.

[Dan Driscoll]

Virtually all HDTVs come with speakers; you would have to look hard to find more than a couple that don't and most of those are either monitors (no tuner) or very high end, very expensive models. Most of the 2011 models from the better manufacturers also include an internet connection, but you don't have to hook it up. There are a lot of 2D HDTVs, especially in the sub-50" category.

For pure picture quality, Panasonic plasmas are best, followed by Samsung plasmas, with all the other plasmas and LED/LCD models a long way back. I went a 2010 Sammy PN59C6500 plasma over Panasonic because the PQ was pretty close and I could get a 58" Sammy for less than a 54" Panny.

As always, IMO, YMMV, yada, yada, yada.

[bummrush]

Hitachi plasma

[mcgsxr]

I have a Panny 42 I bought last year, and it seems to fit your specs.

It has speakers, but even my wife liked when I replaced them with a dedicated 3.1 HT setup!

It does have optical output, but I don't use it.

[Noseyears]

Take a look at the LG 42LD520.

[JP78]

If you go with no speakers chances are you're not going to have optical out either. That being said, Atlona makes a fantastic HDMI optical audio de-embedder.

Empirically, and from personal experience, the best displays manufactured now are the Panasonic Broadcast series. Besides having ridiculous lifetime ratings the picture quality is top notch. If you're looking for no frills and astounding build quality this is your solution.

http://www.panasonic.com/business/plasma/home.asp

Best of luck,

[Mr Peabody]

Should there still be any concern about using game systems with Plasma, "burn in images"?  I was looking for a general family TV last year and ended up with an LED.  I heard Plasma could have issues with gaming.  I found an issue with many LED/LCD not offering many inputs any more.  I ended up with a Toshiba, I see not recommended yet, now I know why, mine ended up with issues, after two in home attempts at repair it sits in the living room as a big decoration waiting to see if Toshiba is going to do anything.  I'm  assured they will but they aren't in any hurry.  Then my fear is even if they do replace it will it last just long enough for the warranty to run out.

I've also heard Plasma uses more energy if that's any concern.