I used to believe all power strips and surge protectors were a rip off.  Then, we had a large power surge.  We (and neighbors) lost tv's refrigerators, spas, computers, etc.  Every electronic devise I had on surge-protected power strips survived with no damage, although every power strip was destroyed.  But one tv and a dvd player were plugged in directly and were fried.  Now, I am wondering if the more expensive Home Theater Power Management boxes are wroth the higher cost.  I'm thinking of spending a lot ($250) on a Panamax box but  don't know if they are really any better than the much less expensive power strips.  Comments would be appreciated.