Yesterday I managed to triumph over my apathy and lazyness and ventured forth in to London with plenty of time to go around looking at TVs. After much walking, talking to sales people and confusing several of them utterly when asking if I could see their shiny TVs showing normal TV, I got the answers I think I'm looking for.
Unfortunately I was clearly overcome with the heat, as I forgot to take down model numbers of the TVs I liked. I know they're Samsung though, Full HD and 40" or higher. So that doesn't leave too many options open. I think it must have been either the M86 or M87 series.
I also got to see the Sony model I was drooling at doing standard def. and it's more than acceptable at that too.
So I guess it's just a matter of searching online for the best deals.