I did a search on this forum and haven't found evidence that it does. However, at the canon site I came across this XH A1S High Definition Camcorder :: Specifications (http://www.usa.canon.com/app/html/HDV/XHA1S/specifications.shtml)
which clearly states that it does have an s-video terminal.

So my question is to those that have this camera. Does it have and s-video out and if it does can you do a live down convert to 4x3 while still recording HDV to tape?

I've recently done this with the sony z1, but I'm looking for a new camera and the A1s was suggested. But if it doesn'e have s-video than it won't work for my needs.

anyone? I thought this would be an easy question.

Hi Jeremy. I don't have the S version of the XH-A1, just the original one, but I checked the manual for the XH-A1S and there is no S-Video connector. There's a possibility you can get Y-C out of the component video sockets via a menu option but I think the chances are very slim. As you say, it should be easy for an "S" owner to answer this one.

Regarding the downconverting, you can get a live SD signal from the composite terminal while shooting HDV, but it is 16:9 aspect ratio, not 4:3. Is it common for cameras to provide cropping in this way? I haven't come across it before.

Richard

Hi Richard,

Does the origianl A1 have and s-video out?

Using a sony Z1 in the past I have recorded to HDV while cropping to 4x3 downcovert using the s-video at the same time. I guess the s-video has been dropped from the 2nd and 3rd generation HDV cameras. That's too bad.

Thanks

Hi Jeremy. No, the A1 only has composite and component outputs. May I know why you particularly need the Y-C output? I know it is better than composite, but since it is SD anyway does it matter that much? Or can't you use the component outputs? Just wondering.

Richard

If Y/C video is that important to you simply purchase a component to s-vid cable and be done with it!

We have and use an s-video switcher. I didn't even know the made a component to S cable. It would be a new camera going into an already existing configuration. There's already a 50ft run of S cable hooked to the switcher. Its going to a 4x3 projector live, hence the reason for wanting to down convert. We'd also like to record the events in HDV for the best quality after the fact.

Hi Jeremy. OK, I understand. Sounds to me like your best bet is to stick with the Z1, since it has everything you need. I doubt if the XH-A1S would be significantly better anyway for what you are doing.

But as David mentioned, you could use an adapter cable to get the Y-C signal. (Probably composite to Y-C is easier than component to Y-C, because it is quite small). It could be fitted at the camera end and terminate in an S-Video socket that accepts your existing 50ft cable.

Richard