So Sony released new HDV decks (see http://news.sel.sony.com/pressrelease/6491) - has anyone found more info than just the press release? Any chance they'll play Canon 24f or JVC 24p tapes? At least they look like proper decks now, so it's a good start if nothing else ...

Good question. So far as I can tell from the photos, looks like they'll both accept full-size cassettes as well as minis. Will put a query into Sony.

The M15U looks like an upgrade of the DSR-11 Dvcam deck. It's a pity it still has that annoying front flap which has flimsy hinges and easily snaps off - maybe they have made the design more rigid?

Whilst I've only seen pictures of these, I'll be launching these decks along with the XDCAM-HD cams in Montreal this weekend. I'll report back once I've played with them a bit.

If you're in Montreal, please come by and say "hello" at the Sony event!

Anybody got a price on these?

And does anybody know if they've beefed up the transports?

hell yeah! I would take the M15U. Might be selling my DSR11 sooner
than anticipated. I bet it comes in MORE expensive the current deck.

Any specs sheets on these decks anywhere? Do any of these decks have an SDI output? Thanks

Since the specs I have seen talk about upconverting 720p HDV to 1080i for component output I assume these decks will handle it the same as the current decks. The deck will play 720p HDV but only through analog.

I could be wrong but if they mention this as a point and not firewire that means it very well could be the same.

I have no idea what this means for Canon HDV-f formats.

The Sony specs do mention different frame rate playback just 1080i. It looks like a lot of us will be waiting longer for 24/30 playback. Arghhhh. Sony was our last hope !!!!