[Karnaaj]

I know that this can be a touchy subject but I am getting ready to buy a Plasma TV.  I don't want to spend $1500 (a whole lot of money to me) if I can't properly protect my investment.
When I bought my last new TV (1999) the common wisdom seemed to be "buy a nice surge protector in the $70 to $80 range and you should be OK".  Now it seems everybody has these power conditioners that can cost the same as the TV I want to purchase! If I truly need to spend that kind of money to protect my new TV I will just forgo the whole idea and stick with my 32" JVC CRT.  So what does everybody here use? What is the minimum I need to make this work?  Thanks.

[mjosef]

I used a Tripplite Cinema 8-outlet strip for a few years on my regular tube crt, and kept it on when I bought my plasma earlier this year. Then I picked up a Monster 3500 mk2 for about 150$ to replace the strip. I wouldn't invest more than 200$ max. but thats just me. The Monster seems to work just fine for my HT setup.

[rbrb]

This is the one that I use.  They can be purchased on eBay for considerably less than retail.
http://catalog.belkin.com/PureAV_detail.process?Product_Id=187082

[ipy]

I 'm in the same situation as you, taking my 1st plasma TV plunge.  I have been using a PS Audio Ultimate Outlet to feed AC & protect my CRT. The UO which is a surge protector has enhanced my viewing experience as well.  The picture quality through the UO has been improved as a bonus ie: colors are vivid, less artifacts & blacks are blacker.

http://www.psaudio.com/products/ultimate_outlet.asp
PS Audio has discontinued the UO which used to cost approx. US$200 but have it replaced by UPC-200/UPS-200HB which works on the same principle but cost US$500  but at least you would feel safer knowing your investment is protected.
http://www.psaudio.com/products/upc200.asp