i just realised that it is the HG-20 and not the 10 model that i tested out. the 10 doesn't film in 1920x1080p but 1440x1080 instead. i just rang up the shop that i tested it at and although their website lists the 10 model they assure me that its the 20 and they no longer stock the 10.
This is the lowest price i've been able to find for the Uk version
http://www.camerabox.co.uk/product.asp?ProductID=6388&gclid=CLGb6ZSf4ZgCFQHHGgodIGfYdQ
Its just over £100 more in the shop i tested it at but i'm still a couple of hundred quid off getting this baby.
I've been checking out some of the HD videos shot with this camera on youtube. This is definitely the camera to get.