http://www.geocities.com/mammacow3/nab2005.htm

"Is $20,000 affordable?" Not for Pokey. See Pokey here:

http://www.dvfreak.com/mx5_go.htm

Concept cams are a bore.
The CCD in the XDCAM is HD capable now.
Sony probably would have announced the HD version by now if they hadn't screwed up the software.
Panasonic is also quite capable of cranking out cheap HD cams.

Its really a matter of how much demand there is for HD ENG coverage.
Personally, I think $20,000 is bearable for a prosumer if the computer hardware and software is in the DV25 range.
It sounds like this is DV72, so I don't see a problem.