Re: EX1 and iLink HDV

If you could stream HDV in real-time over firewire, then yes, it probably could be construed as "stupid." But since you cannot stream HDV over firewire in realtime from the NLE, I don't see it that way, but can understand how you might.
EX1 isn't a firewire-based camcorder anyway, it has a pipe on it to use as an alternative spigot, but that's not it's primary means of transporting data.
No HDV camcorder can be "used as a deck" in the manner you're looking for.
HDV and filebased cameras are for acquisition only. Once it's on tape or card, it's not expected that in a professional production environment, that the data will be put back to that format. HD is only deliverable on HDCAM, D5, HDD, Blu-ray, or as a file format on a DVD. You cannot deliver (and it's not a good idea to archive) these formats back to HDV, as you're compressing 35Mbps to 25Mbps, and increasing risk of loss when going to a tape-based format of any kind).

it's not a Sony, Adobe, or any other "brand thing" but rather a format/spec parameter. If you want real-time HD preview, then you have many options, but using the firewire out from your computer to a firewire in on a camera used as a D to A, isn't one of them.

Douglas Spotted Eagle
VASST

Certified Sony Vegas Trainer
Aerial Camera/Instructor