I am editing a XDCAM HD project on FCP 5.1 with a dual 2.5ghz G5 Mac.

Enabling Digital Cinema Desktop Preview plays full frame rate and full screen on my 1600x1200 2nd display.

I prefer to monitor on a Sony CRT PAL studio monitor that I am used to so I now enable video playback using the Apple Firewire PAL setting.

The output I get is single frame, despite being set to all frames. Also the aspect ratio is wrong, it is more squashed closer to cinema 2.35:1

Is anyone editing HD material on FCP and managing to get an SD downconversion via firewire? without need for a Kona card?

Many thanks in advance

You cannot downconvert without a card of some sort.

The Matrox MXO is a good option for $995. Connects via a DVI port and displays HD and downconverts to SD as well.

you can also nest your hd sequence in an SD sequence, but then you'll likely have to render which is a pain in the rear. the matrox box looks like a really good way to go.