Hey befuddles I think you are talking about a coupel of different things here.

First with LCD and Plasma screens it is smart to get surge protectors because and kind of power surge can burn out the screen.

All of television, not just LCD or Plasmas, is going digital in February. Analog signals (current over the air broadcast) will be going away. That means depending on the age of your TV you may need to get a digital converter to continue to receive TV, especially if you do not have cable or satellite service. If you do have cable or satellite service you may not need to do anything. Check with your provider.

LCD or Plasma TVs have dropped significantly in price in the last two years. The digital conversion will have little effect on price. I believe the best prices and time to buy are in January for the most part.

The prices will continue to drop. Some of it is dependent on factories that make the flat panels and as they increase the prices drop further. And know that as prices drop there is little differentiation in the quality of the sets as certain parts are made by the same manufacturer. For example Samsung pretty much makes all of the glass or flat panel glass for all of the TVs in the market with the exception of Sony I believe so there is little difference in the picture you wil see form one lower price maker to another.

Anyway hope that helps.