''Actually, I don't remember 'dancing around' the HDV question at all. Perhaps you can link to the post where you mentioned HDV and I 'danced around it'.''
You've been following this discussion thread (its obvious by your posts), yet the links below show that you don't actually READ what is being posted.
http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-7594-0.html?forumID=59&threadID=132776&messageID=1501088
http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-7594-0.html?forumID=59&threadID=132776&messageID=1502549
http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-7594-0.html?forumID=59&threadID=132776&messageID=1507560
I'm curious as to what you mean about ''They didn't have to develop a whole new camera to add HDV. They fitted it on top of existing cameras.''? I'm assuming you are only referring to the fact that HDV cameras also record onto miniDV tape. The bitrate of HDV is the same as DV, and thus can be stored on the same medium. I agree that this is convenient. However, the point is that if the image quality is SO poor from MPEG-2 compression, it would make no sense to use it for a high-definition standard.
Again, my only point here is that you have exaggerated the superiority of DV video and the inferiority of MPEG-2 video to unrealistic proportions. I am NOT claiming that the video quality coming from MPEG-2 sources is equal to DV sources.
I visited Circuit City tonight and saw 3 JVC camcorders with internal hard drives. 2 with 30 gig and 7.5 hours of record time and 1 with 20 gb with 5 hours record time. Price ranged from $854 to $759. I've been trying to decide between tape and DVD, but this is new to me. Has anyone tried these or heard any pos or neg reviews?

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic