I want to try and record a news program straight to MiniDV through my Canon XL1s.
I don't have a recordable DVD player and I don't want to lose quality recording through VHS.

Before I start fiddling around I was wondering if anyone's tried this, or knows of a way to do it? I was thinking of using a reversible scart plug (with an 'input' and 'output' switch)?

What you describe works well, Ben. Go from SCART out to line in (S video preferably to keep the quality up). Have the Canon in VCR mode and you're home and dry. I've often done it.

tom.

As tom said this works well. Another option would be to simply use the XL as a pass through and capture directly via firewire.