While the Multibridge extreme would give you HD-SDI ingest, you don't need it for HDV unless you are planning to do studio type shoots and record straight to your HP live off the camera head. If this is your plan there are cheaper solutions from both BMD and AJA. The Decklink HD Extreme is only $US995 list and supports 4:2:2 HD-SDI while the Xena LH series seems to be basically equivalent feature for feature - both support analogue HD/SD ingest as well as 4:2:2 HD-SDI whcih is all the camera outputs. Most people who opt for the multibidge, need it to provide a hub for a bunch of equipment, not just an HDV camera. Both the Decklink card and the Multibridge Extreme require a PCI-Express slot and I don't think the HP supports that. The Xena comes in a PCI-x version so it would work. The Multibridge Extreme will work in standalone mode, but then how do you get the material into your system?

But if you plan to shoot to tape and ingest afterwards and from the sound of it you do, then all you need is plain old firewire 1394a port and software capable of digitising it - that would be by far your best option. What is your plan for a tape deck? That seems to be the biggest hurdle with the Canon. BTW this forum is for the JVC so not too many here actually using the XLH1

I'm also looking to move up. Since my PC died last night, I am going to have to do this sooner than I expected... I'm looking at the Xena HS and the Decklink HD Plus, both under $1,000. Now, I'm trying to figure out what else needs needs to be replaced. I need a PCI Express for either capture card, but find nothing with PCI and AGP to support a regular video card. So, will I have to replace a brand new AGP card with one that can use a PCI x16 slot? Whatever that is...

Thanks John, I've been trying to make sense out of the whole thing, but that seems to be a very workable system for me. Any particular digitising software anyone would reccomend? I notice that several of the capture cards come with some software. Is that bundled SW adequate?
Lew

I would recommend Avid Liquid 7.1 for HDV - but I haven't used it myself. It is the only NLE out there that seems comfortable with HDV. Stephen L. Noe has some very handy video tutorials on this site that describe a number of workflows. You can only buy Liquid 7.0 off the shelf - the .1 update is free from Avid's website (I think it's out of beta).

Bottom line is you don't need a capture card if you already have firewire on board (a lot of motherboards do). If you need a 3rd party card buy SIIG, preferably PCI-x if you have slots on your intended target machine. They seem to be qulaified by most NLE's.

Keith - most PCI Express x16 motherboards do not bother with AGP because it is not as fast or wide. Here is a board that does support both natively(beware some boards use a masked PCI-x slot which simply bridges the PCIe slot to the PCIx buss):

http://www.asrock.com/product/939Dual-SATA2.htm

I can't recommend this board, it has got good reviews but in the past this manufacturer has made some duds, plus it is an Athlon board so if you have an application that requires SSE2 support (eg Encore DVD2) your SOL. If you do go completely PCIe the catch is you need a board with at least 2 x PCIe16 slots - one for video and one for your capture card.Some MB's only include 1 slot assuming you'll use that for your graphics card.

I would recommend upgrading the video card OR going for the Xena LH which only needs PCI-X (which is not to be confused with PCI-Express (Xena LHe). I would also suggest you look at the Decklink HD Extreme ($US995 list) rather than the Pro -it has analogue inputs as well and comes in both varieties PCI-x and PCI Express. The only advantage the Pro has is if you have a deck which supports dual link HD-SDI you can ingest 4:4:4 footage. The extreme is 4:2:2 only.

I would suggest if it is at all possible you see a demo of these cards and their software functionality before making a decision.

Thanks John,but I decided to go back to Abit boards, and will get the KN8. Of course, needing a new video card, I'll get an ATI X800. Now, to get a Xena HS...

Keith - I think even Adobe are recommending the NVidia QuadroFX cards. The X800 is a stellar performer in the gaming arena where you can overclock, but I can't help feeling the manufacturers are trying to tunnel you down a certain path to make their support job easier - and perhaps your life easier.Avid also recommend FX3000 minimum these days.

http://www.adobeopenhd.com/certified_solutions.php

I don't know but I think it's the OpenGL implementation that they are using that perform a lot of the real time effects that are built into these systems. Boris Blue also has a very narrow range of Quadro cards. Having said the X800 may work perfectly well for you, just thought I'd give you a heads up.

Thanks for that heads up. I decided on the ATI for two reasons- I have always found ATI to be reliable, and the price wasn't bad... and the place has them in stock. Ok, three reasons ;)