Does anyone have any experience wit firewire switchers used for live production? Since all I would like to do is straight cuts between three camcorders (Z1U & FX1) this option would help me keep 100% of the quality using a sub $1000 switcher (yep, that's all I can afford for now). Besides, this setup is HD ready...

I am looking in particular at this one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=405245&is=REG

Any help appreciated,

Ervin,

I would be curious to know more about this also.

Based on what I know, it might take a while for the receiving end to recognize and adjust to the new incoming signal. I know there are ways that you could overcome this but do they?

When you switch, does it take several seconds for the new device to be recognized and the system accept the new signal?

Jesse,

The switch should be glitch free according to the manufacturer. B&H website states: "The Comprehensive VS-66FW is a six port "FireWire" (IEEE 1394) switcher. It offers glitch free switching, and RS-232 control. This device can be utilized in non-linear suites, duplication facilities and even in live switching applications."

See also http://www.kramerelectronics.com/indexes/item.asp?desc=365