TV - Samsung or Sony, and does refresh rate matter?

[gareth_r]

A blown speaker and an ever darker picture mean it's time to pension off the old Panasonic CRT, so I need to buy a replacement with a budget of £600, maybe £700.

Narrowed it down to Samsung (48 inch 3D) or Sony (50 inch 2D).
Not bothered about 3D.
Both 400 Hz processing rate.
Sony is c. £100 more expensive.

First question - Samsung or Sony?

Second - How important is the processing rate? As an ordinary viewer (not a home cinema enthusiast ), will I actually notice the difference between 400Hz and 200Hz or even 100Hz? Could I lose a couple of hundred hertz and save a few quid without spoiling my viewing pleasure?

[gareth_r]

Thanks all.

Leaning towards the Sony as it looks like delivery will be quicker.

I'm going to try paying for TV for a year, since (in theory, at least) adding TV to my current Virgin broadband and switching the landline from BT will cost about the same as I currently pay for broadband and phone, so I'd like to have the new television installed before October 1st.

[gareth_r]

Ended up with the 50" Sony and an Orbitsound T12v3 soundbar (discontinued model, but £129 seemed cheap enough).

All up and running, and connected to the wireless hub, so I can even watch Motors TV.