Bought dad a 49 incher just before Crimbo...the thing sits on their very 1970's stone fireplace corner, and looks very precarious...but it's a terrific picture..!!
LED screen, £499 in the Black Friday shizzle from John Lewis as they give a five year guarantee..
No sound bar needed unless you're either very deaf or enjoy the sound quality like a HiFi buff.
Brands are very much of a muchness, all down to preference or looks of the remote..
PS - I love the way you're so accurate about when you bought the B&W one..!
Google is your friend.