Just opened the box with two A-1's and one Bogen 523 controller...I've been watching all the posts on the camera, couple quick questions, 1,Should I run a tape head cleaner before taping for the first time, 2, I've used Sony Excellence tapes for 7 years with GL1-2's, any using these, if so not bother with the enclosed tape. 3, Are most users downloading the 18 (I think) PRESETS from this forum or doing extensive testing on their own. PS. I have a mint DSR-300 with options make me an offer...Gary (It's Christmas today for me, Merry Christimas, opps, Happy Holidays).

After you've played around with your new toys awhile, please let us know what you think of the 523 with the XHA1

About the Bogen 523,Give me a day or so, I be back in touch, Gary

Hi Gary,
Yes, I too am using the Sony Excellence tapes with very good luck thus far.

I do not recommend running a tape head cleaner thru your machines first, save such actions for after you have a bunch of hours on it, or if playback indicates that you have dirty heads, You are using very good tape, so you should not have to worry about much at this time.
I am planning on downloading the presets soon, cannot wait to try them out.

I would be interested to know how you like the image comparison between the a1's and the dsr...

Check out the spider brace too... I love mine... (http://www.spiderbrace.com)

I'll be playing with the cameras today, I'll let you know how things look next to my DSR-300, (you know the one for sale!!).... One more thing others are telling me to go with the Panasonic MQ instead of sony excellence tapes, their is also a Sony one step above for HD, any opinions. I can't get any Panasonics until Friday, any problem running the Canon tape that came with the camera for testing till then? ..Gary

There shouldn't be, with running just that one tape thru it. I think you'll be fine.