In other words is there a device I can use that I can transfer files off my tapes instead of using my Camera and wearing out the heads?

Something like a mini DV vcr type deck?

Yes there are. The problem with them is that they cost 2.5 to 5 times as much as the HV10. Many people that own the more expensive Canon HD cameras are buying the HV10 to use as a deck for their cameras. The HV10 is the best alternative to use as a deck for these cameras because it is the only thing that will play back the 24 and 30 frame per second streams as well as 60i.

Ouch!

Now I understand what they mean when they say they are using the HV10 as a deck.

Thanks

If I remember correctly it was a good 3 to 4 years before inexpensive miniDV consumer type decks started hitting the market from that format's introduction.

Hopefully given the facts that HDV transports are essentially miniDV with different electronics, firewire is pretty well established with much cheaper licensing fees and consumer HDV cams will be proliferating wildly this year, we'll see consumer stlye HDV decks sooner then later. The hot setup (at least in my mind) would be a combo HDV / HD/Blue-ray burner setup under a grand. The whole uncertainty of the HD DVD wars probably isn't helping the mfg'ers get their new products designed.

You're not going to wear out the heads of your HV10 by using it in VCR mode.