It is the best

I've had this T.V. now for over a month. It was purchased from costco with a different model number, so retail stores don't have to price match.
First off for the haters, I think the previous poster is on to something. I think the banding issue is with your cable provider not the tv. How can you go through three and still have banding?
Second, I compared my TV to my uncles bravia, hands down, there is no comparison, the sharp performs better in HD and SD. you have to see discovery HD, food network HD, and EquaterHD channels on satelite.

(side rant-I think Sony is no longer the champ it once was, they're products are all outsourced and it shows, I have been burned by them, on my last $3K adventure, a 53inch rear projector tv(made by panasonic), that I had to throw away after 3 years)

I have mine hooked to Dishnetwork HD receiver with the HD programming. Its the only way to do justice to your TV. Do not purchase if you don't intend to go all the way.
Yes I did mount mine to the wall with the sanus swivel/tilt ($350), it's mounted on two studs so no worries about weight. (I have two toddlers, the heck I was going to put this on the stand).
If you are seriously thinking about purchasing an LCD, know this fact: LCD backlight will start to dim after a few years (like my uncle in one year!). Sony/Samsung/Toshiba users will have to throw theirs away. Sharp users will be able to purchase the lamp because they are user replaceable! This adds life to your investment.