Is there a way to Download the Data from a P2 card and continue shooting using tape during the transfer?

This is the first time I'm using the HVX and have to tape an 8 hour seminar. I was going to tape directly to a Hard Drive but I'm using a MacBook Pro and I need it to off load my SXS Cards from my EX1.

Any thoughts. Can I just use tape and forget about the P2?

Just to understand what you saying - you have a Sony EX1 and a Panny HVX200 (the one with a DV tape drive), yes?

If you are shooting HD to P2 cards, the tape can only record DV (Standard Definition) - and the HVX200 has two P2 slots - and you can always offload one P2 card while the camera is still recording on the other P2 slot.

The tape drive will only record in SD - not HD. So, if you want your program to be in HD, DV tapes are out of question.