Thanks everyone for all of the help! I got an answer back from the event people that stated this: “A 16:9 is the best aspect ratio for our 42” LCD.” So, the screen is 42″ rather than 40″ which might not mean too much, but at least they got that spec right. We’ll be using a DVD player, not a blu-ray.
So now (if that info helps at all) any suggestions as to what my AfterEffects project settings should be?