PM me with more details, I have 10+ years selling this type of stuff.
What specifically is he going to use with is? Xbox, Cable, PC <--That's important!) etc, and how many devices.
What do you want in the near future to do with is? i.e. like in the next 3-5 yrs
price range?
are you SET on a 40" model, or is there wiggle room for slightly larger/smaller?
is this TV going to use it's own built-in speakers, or do you plan on using a Home theatre in a box (HTIB) or some other receiver?
Do you want to use headphones with it?
Are you particular to LCD, plasma, LED? and if so, why?
are you familar with refresh rates, resolution, power consumption, type of mounting (other then the stand it comes with) and if so, which do you need?
And there's a bunch of other variables, but those are more specific to the application.