$500 to wall mount a 40" TV is not outrageous. Depending on what you need done. You went to Best Buy so your $500 will get you 2 Magnolia technicians to show up, mount the TV, dispose of the trash and route the cables through the wall to your equipment. It probably did not include getting a 110V outlet added up near the TV location. It is also probably assuming that your components are in a cabinet within 6-10' of the TV. It does not include drywall repair etc.
I don't usually quote a price until I've answered all these questions. My TV installs have ranged from $150-$1,000 depending on your specific needs. As an example, my most current $150 install was a 42" Panasonic. The young man lives in an apartment and just wants the TV on the wall. There was an electrical outlet close enough and he really didn't care about the cables dangling below the TV. So, for $150 I bolted the bracket to the wall and hung the TV for him. It put his mind at rest since he had never done it and it didn't cost him $500. We even moved his small cabinet below the TV and strapped all the cables nicely so it really was clean.
Why don't you use the c|net database to find an installer near you who will listen to what you need.
Here's the link:
http://reviews.cnet.com/8750-9325_7-0.html?tag=cnetfd.dir-hid2
I just bought an LCD TV from Best Buy- The Samsung 40". I want to mount it on the wall to conserve space, and without really thinking I also purchased the bracket and the installation service through Best Buy. This totalled $750. They wanted $500 just for the installation! I want to go back tomorrow and return the bracket and cancel the installation, but I don't know a whole lot of options to have it installed. Is that price outrageous? Who else could I get to install the TV and mount it on the wall?
Thanks

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