Hi everybody,

I don't normally come to this board - as I am a Panasonic HVX202 guy. But - a friend have a Sony HDR-HC1 which he records as HD. I checked the specs - and when the Sony is recording in HD, it is in MPEG-2.

I have a Sony DSR25 (DV/DVCAM tape deck) that is only for SD.

Here comes the 800 pound question ... is there any way to read the tape short of purchasing a cheap Sony HDR video camera (just to read that tape)? And what is the cheapest Sony or compatible HDR video camera today? I am not interested in using the camera for filming - just as a grunt work horse for playing back a HDV tape.

Thank you,
TS

HDV you will need an HDV deck or camera for playback.

Cheapest is probably a used HC3 or find a HC5 on closeout. HC7 and the upcoming HC9 are better cams, but more expensive - all you really want is the deck and electronics for playback anyway.

Almost forgot, I was able to play back Sony HDV in a Canon HV20 too.

I just bought an HC3 off eBay in excellent condition for under $584. There is also the HV10 which runs around the same price.

I got a Sony tape deck - GV HD 700E. Don't forget a lot of equipment in eBAY are NTSC only ... and I am working in PAL land. Tape deck working perfectly now.