I think it's in part the

I think it's in part the natural business cycle for any product/market...  along with a desire by manufacturers to provide more diversity...  When hdtvs first hit the shelves, there simply weren't as many models...  now there are models only particular stores get or models with even 1 less hdmi input...  in other words, if you want to shop at the top end, it's still $2k + ...  but, if you're willing to shave off a few bells and whistles, then you can get a bargain.  About the only thing you can get at wally world is a hisense t39 55" that's apparently a really nice rebranded samsung...  I would generally run away from wally world for a tv purchase...PS, people like plasmas because of the picture quality...  I haven't seen anything that accurately portrays black colors as good as a plasma...  all the bullshit bleed through or washed out images of other technologies...  of course, it comes with a heftier electricity price tag...  sometimes an onerous burn in period (100+ hours on the pannys)...  and generally less ability to handle glare...  but, all in all, you've still got the kuro atop the aficianado best of list...