Is it possible to upgrade a XHA1 to an XHA1s? What I'm asking is, is the JackPack available as a bolt-on uprgrade for the A1?

Is it possible to upgrade a XHA1 to an XHA1s? What I'm asking is, is the JackPack available as a bolt-on uprgrade for the A1?

The XHA1s is the same as the XHA1. Are you perhaps wanting to upgrade to an XHG1 with HDSDI? Probably the best that can be managed is an external converter box such as

Blackmagic Design Mini Converter Analog to SDI CONVMAAS2 B&H

The newer "s" model is not just "the same", it's the same but with several improvements, some are just minor but other are more significant. some changes that I recall where focusing while zooming and
using onboard mic and xlr connected mic simultaniously and a 6 pin instead of a 4 pin firewire connector. As far as I know you can't upgrade a xh-a1 to a xh-a1s, the second one is an updated model like the dvx100a and b models where. What's a "jackpack"?

What's a "jackpack"?

The jack pack is the additional circuit board with HD-SDI, Genlock and Time Code on the XHG1 that is absent on the XHA1 and XHA1s. While the XHA1 has a removable panel where it looks like the jack pack could be installed, I don't believe this is possible.

The time and money you spend trying to 'upgrade' the A1 won't be worth it because the A1s has newer desirable features you can't upgrade to.

Good used A1s machines appear for sale on the web, compile a list of questions to ask the seller and learn to evaluate a good prospect quicktime, they don't last long, but be careful.

Cheers.

Yes, there is no way to upgrade an A1s with a "JackPack".

That's the reason why the XH G1s exists... exact same camera, but with the addition of the "JackPack" built in.

It's the same with the XL models. The XLH1s has the JackPack, while the XLH1a lives without it.

Hope this helps.