When do the current year Panasonic plasma prices typically start dropping?

Good question - especially this year with the crisis and collateral damage suffered by Japan. Supply and transportation issues may be addressed in timely fashion, but the marketing/pricing strategy will likely be rather unpredictable. One might expect retail prices to go down through the summer and into the fall, but supply may not meet demand and you know what that means... OTOH, the Korean manufacturers will no doubt take whatever advantage the market presents - look at the current "bundle sales" and other online specials for examples of this trend.

This will be an interesting year...