Maybe I should have explained my set-up. My footage will never go out to tape. It is created (or scanned) on the computer, edited in VV, output to uncompressed AVIs that will be compressed with a propritary codec for use in our game engine.

I'd like to have the output viewable on a monitor so I can see any framing problems that might appear (it's a PS2 game so it will ultimately be viewed on a tv monitor).

With that in mind, is the only way to view this to run it through a deck or camera?

Thanks.

That's correct. Preview output to an external monitor can only be done through a firewire port.

Have you tried the "Safe Areas" overlay on the preview window to give you an idea of what the overscan area will be? Keep in mind that every monitor/television will have a different overscan area, so judging it by your own monitor is no guarantee of what it will look like to anyone else.

A relatively inexpensive device called a DVC-2 (I could be wrong about the part number but somebody will correct me) plugs into a IEEE-1394 port and you can then plug in a Y/C monitor - no deck or camcorder required and certainly good enough for framing/color issues.

Alternatively, a device from proMAX called a DA-MAX+ does the same thing but adds component and SDI I/O also. I bought one of these because of putative RS-422 deck control - which at this time is working imperfectly, but for monitoring would be perfect . . . .but a bit of overkill since it costs $1800 or so (unless you need to monitor component analog or SDI of course).

http://www.promax.com

I recommend using the Canopus ADVC-100 to perform this function. You should be able to pick one up for less than $300.

I second that!! Love this piece of gear......great analong/dv in and out.....all you need is a firewire card to connect it to and no software...works great with VV