The BV8 with 40" is supposed to get surround, might be optional though.
For the updated LCD panel for the US, nothing is rumored plus I would think they would sell off the older ones first. They did the same with the BC2 when it got a minor update.
If you are after a 2nd BV8, there is supposed to be an update to the european BV7 32" some time soon. I am hoping this one would get to the US then, but again nothing is rumored for us here so far. That might be interesting for you as well, I will certainly consider it myself.
Cheers
JK
P.s. @Beonut, if you are still using your ATV, take a look at my boxee.tv posting in the US section.
BS9000, BS2300, BC2, BL2500, BL3, Bl2, BS1, BV8, BC4, A8