Modified, restored PXL-2000 Pixelvision. Full studio Incl. PXL-2000, signal amp, Aiptek HD Camera and memory Start Price USD 625.00 Current Price USD 625.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, September 03, 2008 End Time Wednesday, September 10, 2008 Location Los Angeles, CA See more about 'Modified, restored PXL-2000 Pixelvision. Full studio ' Description Normal 0 For sale is a complete PXL-2000 Pixelvision studio.   This listing includes a restored and modified Pixelvision camera, a new Aiptek HD camcorder for capturing Pixelvision footage in a usable format, a 4GB memory card that can record up to 2 hours of HD video (640 min of lower quality which is perfectly fine for PXL-2000 applications), an external power amplifier to bring the PXL-2000 signal up to quality standards for modern DV, and all cables needed to shoot, record, and transfer your footage to your computer or watch it on your HDTV, standard TV or computer.  With this package you can see what you are recording while you shoot and will have the footage ready to use almost immediately.  This is absolutely the easiest and best way to get awesome Pixelvision video recorded reliably and transferred to your computer for editing and uploading.  Plus, when you are not using your Pixelvision, you also have a full functional HD video camera and 8MP digital still camera! Full details are below.(2 disclaimers, memory card in auction photo is 1 GB, but 4GB is included, and due to shipping regulations, batteries are not included, but I have shown to indicate appearance of external power pack)   First of all, the Pixelvision:   It is a fully restored and modified Fisher Price Pixelvision PXL-2000 camera.   I do all of the cleaning, restoration, construction and modification myself.  I am an advocate for this old school classic and want to remain as true as possible to the original design.  The camera has been restored as closely as possible to it's original quality, and then modified to make it more usable and compatible with the needs of indie/experimental filmmakers while still remaining as close as possible to the original vision.  Below are a complete list of the repairs/mods performed on this camera. All Cables are included for basic applications of recording, viewing and downloading.  Advanced setups may require additional cables.   RF output can still be achieved and I have these accessories for sale from time to time.  The camera can be run by a commonly available AC adapter, but YOU MUST ENSURE THE ADAPTER IS OF THE CORRECT VOLTAGE AND TIP POLARITY OR YOU WILL FRY YOUR CAMERA.  I will ship worldwide, but please understand that the camera records and plays back in native NTSC format and a downstream adapter would be needed to comply with PAL video standards. Restoration: 1.  New drive belts for the tape drive mechanism. 2.  Cleaned all battery terminals for corrosion. 3.  Cleaned IR filter (the infamous blue square).  Some remove this item, but it is my belief that it is part of the charm, and if thoroughly cleaned, can help to reproduce the image as accurately as possible. 4.  Full cleaning, demagnetization, and adjustment of the tape path. 5.  A thorough cleaning inside and out.  (Keep in mind that these cameras are 20 years old or more, and most were owned by children to begin with, so many of them will have some chips and scuffs, but every camera has been cleaned and restored cosmetically as well as possible) Modifications: 1.  RCA Video and Audio out jacks added to export baseband video signal for use with modern recorders and televisions.  (more on this most important feature below) 2.  (This is an optional modification!  I HIGHLY recommend it, but it is up to you.  When you purchase, please indicate if you would like external battery power or the original internal.  Understand that with internal, I cannot add the tripod mount.  Photo is shown with mod )  Battery power has been converted to an external pack.  It still runs on 6 AA batteries, but they now fit into a box which attaches to the front of the unit.  The original configuration is nearly impossible to get the batteries in and out, a constant source of frustration for me.  Also this mod allows for the Tripod mount to be added to the case. 3.  Standard Tripod mount (1/4 X 20) built into the casing to allow for use with a tripod allowing pans and dolly moves. 4.  Custom designed and hand build external signal amp to comply with modern digital standards.  It is a small box that runs off of a 9-volt battery and enhances the signal by up to a power of 10.  Without this mod, the camera will output a dark picture to most modern equipment and will result in a blue screen on most modern DV devices.  The amp has a custom printed circuit board to give the most stable arrangement possible. It is vital that you ask all questions before bidding/buying.  This is a very specific style of camera and is not for the average user.  I cannot accept returns on this item, but all cameras are shipped insured and leave my workshop fully functional.  It is my belief that recording to the tape is not the way to go.  I have restored it as well as possible, but it is a notoriously temperamental mechanism and therefore I make no warranty express or implied on the quality of recordings or playback from the on board tape.  The RCA outs are clearly superior and it is for their use that I endorse and vouch for this camera.  Most people reading this post will be well aware of the capabilities and limitations of this cult classic camera, but just so we are all on the same page let me give a brief history of the Pixelvision.  It was released by Fisher Price in 1987.  It recorded grainy black and white video with audio onto a standard high bias audio tape that runs about 9 times the standard speed of a tape.  The camera was not a hit at the time as it was expensive for a toy, but not of high enough quality to be used as a typical camcorder.  But for the reasons it was originally a flop have now made it a huge indie filmmaker hit.  The video has a very unusual and lo-def quality that lends itself well to guerrilla and experimental filmmaking.  The picture is 15 fps, NTSC format, and 90 x 120 resolution (a far cry from todays 1080p).  My intention is that this camera is used for pro level capture and editing via recording to an external DV source through the added RCA jacks.  If you are curious about this cult classic please ask me questions or spend a great afternoon searching and experiencing the underground world of the PXL-2000 Pixelvision. A final word of warning about buying an unmodified or unrestored pxl2000.  Every Pixelvision camera that I have owned has come from an Ebay sale.  The vast majority of these cameras are listed as 'Mint' or 'working great!' and to this point I have yet to open a box and remove a single functional camera !  These cameras are old and need TLC to operate properly.    THE AIPTEK HD Camera:   This is a very compact camera that will record video in resolutions up to 720pHD.  It takes still photos up to 8MP and records it all onto standard SD media cards.  The reason it is ideal for Pixelvision applications is that it will record from an A/V in.  This allows you to get the cool, ghostly quality of Pixelvision video, but without the headaches that come with trying to record on the audio tape.  It also is easily transferrable to your computer for editing  or uploading through either the included USB cable or by removing the SD card and transferring directly.  There is no lengthy real time capture with this setup as the video is already encoded as a .mov file.  You can edit these files in any of the popular NLE video platforms on the market.    Per the manufacturer, complete specs and description are below.  If you have any further questions, please ask before purchasing:   Product Description From the Manufacturer A-HD is your 720p HD camcorder, digital camera, and personal media player/recorder. The A-HD 720p captures true-to-life vibrant colors and astonishing high def images like you've never seen--right in the palm of your hand. The A-HD comprises 720P (1280 x 720 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio) at 30 frames per second (FPS) using advanced H.264 technology. The A-HD also functions as a 5 mega pixel digital camera with a CMOS sensor and your personal media player / recorder, allowing you to record from your TV/VCR/DVD player. Replaying your video and images is a snap as the A-HD offers virtually unlimited choices and compatibility. You can choose to view instantly by playing them back on the A-HDs 270-degree swivel-reversible 2.4-inch TFT color LCD display or connect the A-HD directly to your HDTV, HD monitor, standard TV, or PC. Once in a lifetime moments, family events, outings, or just goofing around can now be captured, replayed, and relived in a whole new way. Aiptek makes your life in HD, possible. Aiptek A-HD 720P Highlights 1280 x 720 - 16:9 ratio at 30 FPS for recording movies The A-HD performs 720P high definition video quality to provide a whole new high quality DV experience. One-touch recording allows you to capture stunning HD (1280 x 720 - 16:9 aspect ratio) video clips at 30 frames per second with advanced H.264 technology. Personal Media Player and Recorder Connect the camera to your TV/VCR/DVD player to record video clips, pictures, and audio recordings, and playback directly on the built-in 2.4-inch color LCD. Record video from DVD's, TV, VHS, or from any device that has RCA outputs for entertainment on the go.     Max. Resolution up to 8 Mega-Pixel Equipped with 5 mega pixel CMOS sensor, the still image resolution of the A-HD is enhanced to 8 mega pixels. Auto-focus helps you get the best pictures every time. Digital Zoom 2x real time digital zoom allows you to zoom in/out while recording video. Swivel-Reversible 2.4-inch TFT Color LCD Display Review and playback you HD video clips and hi-res pictures in real time. LCD swivels 270 degrees for unlimited video and photo taking. Night Shot Enhance image quality while capturing photos in darker environments with your A-HD. Recharge Battery via USB Conveniently charge your new A-HD via the USB cable when connected to your PC or use the AC Charger cable included. No need to remove battery from camera. HDTV Component Output Connect your A-HD to your HDTV component input ports to display your high definition video clips and still pictures, sharing them with friends and family. Removable Hard Disk and SD/MMC Card Reader The A-HD allows you to use up to 8GB of SD card storage to record longer video before having to upload to your PC. Product Description The A-HD performs 720P high definition video quality to provide a whole new high quality DV experience. One-touch recording allows you to capture stunning HD (1280 x 720 - 16:9 aspect ratio) video clips at 30 frames per second with advanced H.264 technology. Connect the camera to your TV/VCR/DVD player to record video clips, pictures, and audio recordings, and playback directly on the built-in 2.4" color LCD. Record Video from DVD's, TV, VHS, or from Any Device that has RCA outputs for entertainment on the go! Equipped with 5 mega pixel CMOS sensor, the still image resolution of the A-HD is enhanced to 8 mega pixels. Auto-Focus helps you get the best pictures every time! 2x real time digital zoom allows you to Zoom In/Out while recording video! Review and playback you HD video clips and hi-res pictures in real time. LCD swivels 270? for unlimited video and photo taking. Enhance image quality while capturing photos in darker environments with your A-HD. Conveniently charge your new A-HD via the USB cable when connected to your PC or use the AC Charger cable included. No need to remove battery from camera. Connect your A-HD to your HDTV Component input ports to display your high definition video clips and still pictures, sharing them with friends and family. The A-HD allows you to use up to 8GB of SD card storage to record longer video before having to upload to your PC.   Place a Bid!