After having read this review and comparo to the Sony offering I am almost decided on purchasing the HV20. Now, how can I do minor editing of the HD videos and play them back via HDMI? The way I see it, the options are:
1. Nil editing, just use the camera for playback. Nil extra cost. I cannot make copies for other people.
I figure that's what I'll do for most of the "stuff" that I don't think anyone else is much interested in.
2. Purchase a new PC with a Blu-Ray burner. I am sure B&H can supply an appropriately configured PC or Apple variation, but the prices seem horrendous.
I don't think there's a Mac yet that you can order with a Blu-Ray burner installed. Those drives are
very expensive and you also need a Blu-Ray DVD player to go with it.
3. Ask here for advice.
My iMovie that came with my Mac will edit HD video and works just fine with the HV20. It also works well with Final Cut Pro. I haven't output anything yet to a DVD, but from what I'm reading from others who have done it, even an anamorphic standard definition DVD looks great using HV20 footage. What I plan on doing is shooting everything in HD, but creating SD anamorphic widescreen DVDs for everyone. My sisters and brother all have HD TV sets and will appreciate the widescreen aspect. Then down the road when the burners and players get more common and affordable, I'll upgrade.
Another option for now that I've done is just output my edited movies back onto tape (I actually "archive" them that way). Then with this new camera, I can play them in HD off the camera and onto the TV. A bonus of this is that when I can eventually afford a Blu-Ray burner and player, I can just re-load these edited movies back into iMovie and then burn a new DVD. Note: these movies, when "digitized" back into iMovie, won't have the capability to edit the titles, transitions, etc.
I hope I helped a bit...
Shootergirl (Donna)