Besides computer use, yes.
There are current HD broadcasts in 1080i. With the sony, these signals get downcoverted to 720p. The sharp can display more pixels from a 1080 broadcast than the Sony. I have VOOM (satellite) which has 30+ HD channels in 1080i. (yes, some are upconverts) I can also watch CBS and NBC shows in 1080i.
I'd ask the hi-fi store to show you 1080 hidef images, so you can see yourself.