Help! Assistance needed with a LCD TV purchase

[ttfn3]

I am getting so overwhelmed with the prospect of purchasing a LCD TV. My current TV is making funny noises so it's time to buy a new TV. I've got my eye on a really nice 40 in. Samsung LCD TV. I'm not sure what all I need to buy & use this TV. I'm sure the salesperson will be willing to suggest many items - but what is really needed? Has anyone mounted one of these TVs on the wall? What do you do with the connection to your cable box and DVD player? (I just had to use this smilie....)

TIA!!!