Is it possible to change the display of the colour bars (to "real" smpte colour bars)? Cant find anything about it in the manual.

In the 50i version of the XL H1 you have the full-field color bars. If you want the PLUGE bars as well (commonly associated with SMPTE color bars), then you'll need the 60i upgrade, and those bars are usable only when the camera is booted up in the 60i mode. Even with the 60i upgrade, they're not available in the 50i mode.

OK. Thank you for the fast reply.