Sharp LC-60LE640U or the Sony KDL-60EX645?

Don't know about the Sony but own 60LE640U and really like it.

Bumping this thread as I would like to know too..

I can get either for $100 difference, worth it to jump for the Sony?

I doubt it. The panels in both sets are probably both manufactured by Sharp anyway (Sony TVs used Sharp panels as recently as last year, as I recall).

I don't know if PAL or 1080i/50hz compatibility is a concern, but Sharp has historically supported 1080i/50, as well as PAL video on all inputs (including composite), although many Sony panels unofficially support it on HDMI and Component (but not composite).

If you are going to use the tuner, I would lean towards the Sony. Sharp's QAM decoding can be a bit finicky about how it displays some sub channels. PSID info can be set to, say, 32.8 but the Sharp may display it on 32.6.
Also have had issues when a 32", 46", and a 52" Sharp display of the same series would tune a particular HD cable channel, but the 40" would not. Exact same cable drop. Disassembly revealed different tuner boards from size to size, although all were LE700 series from a few years ago.
That being said, with over 60 of them installed in a 3 story campus recreational facility, there has only been two complete failures to date after 3+ years and 16 hours a day of operation. If you are only going to use outside sources, the Sharp is a safe bet if you like the picture.