[Clancy111]

Thanks for trying Don, and here goes again

Sorry I meant to say: the red colored words “Char. Rec.” flash in the view finder when the camera’s like the (XL1s or Gl2 and) is not in record mode and the display for the date and time is on. If one captures to a computer, DVD, etc., with this happening it will record the flashing Char. Rec.
The Panasonic AG DVC can display the date and time without the flashing message.
I do not want to record to a Mini DV tape to get rid of the flashing message, my need is to keep this cheap and I capture for hours at a time so to use a tape is a waste.
Id rather capture to a laptop (via firewire) for all this is portable as well and has to fit in a small box.
I have used an RCA out time and date generator but that will not make it into the laptop without a bi-directional DV bridge (media converter). The ones I have tried are Dazzle and the like and don’t seem to hold up well and it’s not worth getting a nice bridge (that may be stable) when I could put that money toward another camera (without the Char. Rec. issues) and have more use for it.

Yes, it is easy to capture Mpeg1 to a laptop, but first I have to get the date and time to show with the needs listed above.
My main question was: Does anyone know of a camera like the Panasonic AG DVC that can display the date and time without the flashing message when a tape is not inserted and the camera is not recording?
I use a G5, FCP5, Motion and the like, but this setup has to be small and cheapish and be on a PC. I hope you understand.

Thanks for your time David