i'm putting together a small edit studio around the mac mini, and i'd like to output to a LCD monitor for editing and a TV to preview my work. i'd like to do this without rewiring stuff every time i want to preview. Is there an inexpensive way of getting video out of the firewire port to the TV? if this is possible, could i do this through a dv camcorder? if so, then which one?

There are a variety of ways to do this.

1. You could buy a firewire converter box like this: http://www.canopus.us/US/products/ADVC110/pt_advc110.asp

2. You could use any camcorder that supports "DV IN" firewire - most of them do.

3. You could use a standalone DVD recorder with firewire input.

4. You could use a DV player like this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home;jsessionid=C8GWkQF2Mv!1777770997?O=Recommend&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=212935&is=REG

Option number 4 would involve the least plugging and unplugging because you could also use it to capture your tapes, but it isn't cheap. Option 2 may be the best way to go if you're on a budget; just leave your camcorder plugged into the firewire port while you're editing.

i have an xl1 but as i understand it it won't pass through the image directly from DV -> video without recording. should i just buy a cheapie consuper camcorder? are there ones i should stay away from?

A lot of camcorders can convert either from analog --> DV or DV --> analog. Also known as "DV --> A/V". They cannot do both at once, so you have to put it on the right setting/direction.

Dig around the menus or read your manual. I'm pretty sure the XL1 can handle this.

I don't think you ever have to record to mini-DV with the XL1... although I might be wrong.

I have the XL-1 (no s). I can connect it to the computer via firewire and a TV via S-Vid or RCA. I can select external monitor or do a PTT and the image will go straight to the TV (or I could have it connected to a VCR and record the signal) WITHOUT a tape in the camera and without recording. Pass-thru works just fine.

I can select external monitor or do a PTT and the image will go straight to the TVhow do you do this? i can't find it in the VCR menu of the XL1.

The original XL-1 did not have a menu option for this. You just connect it to the computer via firewire, connect it to the monitor via RCA or S-Video, put it in VCR mode, and tell the computer to either external preview or Print To Tape.

The original XL-1 will NOT go the other direction, though. It will not accept analog input and send that to the computer.

Also, have your XL-1 hooked up and powered on in VCR mode before firing up Final Cut. I've had situations where if I'm editing & then hook up the camera, I can't preview on the monitor.

hey thanks guys! it works beautifully now!

Also, have your XL-1 hooked up and powered on in VCR mode before firing up Final Cut. I've had situations where if I'm editing & then hook up the camera, I can't preview on the monitor.

John,

In this case go to File>View>Refresh A/V Devices.