Beware the HDC 950 which Sony have discontinued. Awaiting with interest to see what the replacement will be. And that's the problem with HD - rapidly shifting technology and changing standards.
USA is going its own way on standards - Europe still arguing as ever.
Agee about "badge engineering" on mounts - they all seem to have the same father : John Coyle. He currently works for Cineflex - Cineflex just bought by big LA operator Helinet.
The new Cineflex HD is a good piece of kit and only weighs 70 lbs with lens - but again, the camera has been discontinued.
The other prob with HD currently is the live link, if you need such a device. Big bandwidth required - they lashed one together for Live 8 Hyde Park but could only get a 2.5 mile range. Perfect for that job and they were lovely shots.