Search some of the sites like DVInfo.net, LAFCPUG, and you'll find that many folks prefer the final out of Vegas vs that of DVFilmmaker. I happen to be one of them, which is why I've written a few articles on the subject. DVFilmmaker is a good tool, but IMO, Vegas is better. Comparable stills, Vegas is slightly sharper, color definitely more robust. There are better tools, but they are infinitely more costly.
I was just searching a couple forums quickly to find some posts, but failed to do so. I know for certain there were some on the LAFCP site about 8 months back.
I did some side-by-side comparisons today with Vegas and DvFilm Maker and I couldn't really tell much difference. It wasn't a scientific test really...just wanted to see if the difference was very noticable and to my old eyes...it wasn't. I burned these tests to tape and watched them back on my 42" TV and Vegas held it's own.
If I take 60i footage and de-interlace it....does it then become 30p? I did this to some footage today and it had a very nice look to it. It wasn't quite as choppy as 24p but still had a film quality about it.
Spot - I was reading Videography Magazine today and in the back of the mag (Backstage section) they suggest reading your book "HDV: What you NEED to Know. It also lists your website. Just thought I'd let you know it was in the mag in case you didn't know.
60i deinterlaced is 30 when viewed on a progressive monitor, yes.
Glad to hear your tests bear out what we found a while back, but of course our opinion is just that. Opinion. :-) There will be those that say DV Filmmaker is better and those that feel Vegas is better while I'll say that the Farouja system is better. (but costs quite a bit more) I like the way Vegas handles it, and subsequently, the way we've been able to assist Vegas with our scripting tools.