I would like to confirm that the component output from the Sony Z1U (or FX1) does not include any post mpeg2 gop compression during recording? The manual does not mention if the output to component is before any compression.

The component uncompressed (1440x1080) HDV. If the output is from tape, the output will still suffer from MPEG2 compression. Live capture from component would avoid this effect.

That is great news. I am unaware of any way to capture component (high def) to a notebook. Have you came across any solutions? Or, is AJA and Blackmagic connected to a desktop the only realiable solution at this time. I am sure firewire light capture would result in compression.

The original demo footage from Sony for the Z1 was done by capturing the component output. IMO that's cheating but it does prove what amazing output that is possible before compression.

Wow, that is interesting. Still no way to get component into a notebook.

Probably AJA IoHD is the best choice for notebook component capture. I did component with Blackmagic DecklinkHD in FCP 1080i. But I can't find if the signal is 4.2.2 or 4.2.0.

I believe that only works for Macs. Could not locate anything which said it would work on a Windows platform.