I have some client supplied tapes that were shot in HDV on a Sony Z1U. I don't have an HD deck. I do have a Canon XHA1 that I thought I could downcovert the footage to SD but for some reason the "Playback STD" menu option is grayed out, not selectable. I need to downconvert the HD footage as most of the other footage for this production is SD.

What gives with that? Any ideas.

This topic may be in the wrong section. If so, sorry.

Is it possible that this footage was shot in the PAL format that won't work on your camera? The Z1 can shoot in either PAL or NTSC.