Cj1capp,
There is a lot of information on these and other 1080p sets at www.avsforum.com. Based on reports at avs, you might want to consider the 1080p sets from HP when comparing choices. My interpretation of the bottom line of their comments is the Sony SXRD is great, while the Samsung and HP are very good but less expensive, with the nod going to HP over Samsung.
One of the hot buttons at avs is the ability to accept 1080p inputs. The Sony SXRD cannot accept 1080p, only 1080i. For normal use (current DVD players, HD STB, OTA), this is irrelevant.
However, if you have an interst in using an external scaler, a HTPC, or using your TV as a computer monitor (different application than a HTPC), then a 1080p input would be an asset. The HP accepts 1080p digital input over HDMI. Samsung accepts 1080p analog input over VGA. Both achieve 1:1 pixel mapping at 1080p. Samsung has stated their next models will accept 1080p input over HDMI. If this picks up momentum, then I would expect others such as Sony to follow suit at some point.
Thanks
Bruce