With the Sony introduction of their new $3,700 HDV cam, it looks like the format is ready for take-off.

- Sony Sept 6th, 2004 launches the HDR-FX1 HDV camcorder with a target US price of $3,700 and a Q4 2004 ship date!
Looks SWEET, Sony guys are bragging how they are "Doing HDV right". My guess is they've done a much better job then JVC did with regards to the transport interface via FireWire. This means better timecode support, batch capture and a more stable connection. Good news for editors.
No official word yet from Sony on when or how Vegas 5 will add support for this new HDV cam. Our guess is that it will be in early 2005

- Adobe Sept 7th, 2004 announces Premiere Pro HDV plug-in! New Software Add-on Delivers Real-Time HDV Editing Capabilities and Supports Latest HDV Cameras from Sony and JVC. Adobe is developing the HDV plug-in, available later this year, to work with the next generation of HDV cameras, such as Sony's HDR-FX1 also announced today. Using Adobe Premiere Pro, in conjunction with new HDV cameras, video professionals will be able to quickly and easily capture, edit in real-time, and output broadcast-quality high-definition video.
No word yet from Matrox or Canopus on how they will add HDV support for the RTX100 or DV Storm.

- Pinnacle Sept 9th, 2004 announces Liquid Edition 6 w/ HDV Support!! Pinnacle Systems' New Liquid Edition Brings Multiple Stream Native HD Editing To The Desktop For Under $500
New Version Gives Users Real-time HD Editing, Compositing, and Effects Plus Support for Mixed Formats. Liquid Edition delivers new tools and features that include the ability to edit multiple streams of native high-definition (HD) content with real-time effects, a Steinberg inspired audio engine and Pinnacle Studio compatibility, all in a redesigned Microsoft Windows-based interface. Pinnacle Liquid Edition PRO adds a professional analog and digital input/output (I/O) breakout box with plug and play USB 2 ease-of-use. In addition to providing strong editing features that professionals demand, Pinnacle Liquid Edition offers software based real-time multi-format editing, compositing, and effects, advanced audio tools, and DVD authoring, all from the same intuitive interface.

- Canopus To Unveil EDIUS H|DV SP at IBC
EDIUS H|DV SP is an affordable professional nonlinear editing solution that provides native editing and unmatched realtime processing of HDV, DV, uncompressed SD, MPEG-1, MPEG-2 formats. EDIUS H|DV SP provides an easy transition for post-production facilities to move from SD to the world of HD video.
EDIUS H|DV SP includes a 64-bit PCI board that provides hardware editing acceleration and high-quality video input and outputs, including FireWire for HDV and DV, as well as component, composite and S-Video connectors. Support for DVCPRO 50 and DVCPRO HD can be added through the Canopus Codec Option Pack. Designed to seamlessly integrate into existing studio environments, EDIUS H|DV SP features complete support for BetaCam SP with component video and balanced audio input/output, as well as frame-accurate RS-422 VTR control and external reference sync input connections.

To stay on top of all the latest HDV news:

http://www.hdvideoguys.com

http://www.videoguys.com/blog

Gary