HDNet has at least 5 FX1's (though they said they didn't like HDV)
 

Okay, so they didn't like the JVC HD10/HD1 HDV, but while I was on a shoot today with four (!) CineAltas, one guy brought an FX1 with a sticker that had the HDNet logo and a number 5 (and the serial number). I was flabergasted, but happy to know HDNet takes the FX1 (and Z1, I assume) seriously. Don't know if the guy was an employee of HDNet, or what.

heath

sweet! That's good to know. I was talking to a buddy who was doing a show for HDNet and they were looking for someone to do some B-Roll stuff around town. I couldn't do it, as my cam is in Chi-town and I've been busy with NCAA stuff lately, but it sounds like something we all might be able to pursue.

Yeah, I figured everyone in broadcast would jump on the FX1 and Z1U.

It makes so much sense for the ROI of every broadcaster doing HD. Almost all HD that I get on my HDTV is 1080i - why wouldn't all those channels invest in the cheapest camera available and get as much content out of them as possible. It's to expensive to buy a 5 or 10 pro HD cameras, but a 50 or 100 Z1's out there is a pretty good deal.

I bet HDNet and everyone else, including videographers and filmmakers, would've embraced HDV had the HD10 come out as a fully manual, 3-ccd 720p30 camera. Even if it's not 1080i or 24p, people would've liked it more.

heath

I think so too...JVC hurt HDV's credibility. But, I think 2005 will bring it to where it could have been. I don't regret buying HDV gear to early, but if I were to do it over again in hindsight...I'd have held out to buy in 2005.

I'm into my 2nd round of HDV gear - I've got a Z1U, but these other offerings are looking pretty sweet. I'll sell my Z1U if I see something at NAB that significantly blows me away.

However, JVC will have to seriouly knock me out to make me buy their cameras again. I feel way more satisfied and safe with my Sony...in my opinion you can't wrong with Sony. But, they could drop the ball anytime....we know that!

A friend at a Mavericks game in Dallas said he saw their crews using "about 5 FX1s." This was before the Z1 came out.