Video recorders, like Microsoft, do things that "help" you even when
you don't want help.  In my case, when you turn on video cameras
(mostly Sony) they will turn themselves off or start their demo if you
don't start recording.

There are times when I simply need to use my recorder as a TV camera,
such as watching myself when I practice the violin.  (I can put the
camera in one position and the TV where my eyes fall when I am holding
the instrument.)

Can you find me a reasonably priced camera?

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Clarification of Question by liner-ga on 10 Feb 2004 14:13 PST

I forgot to mention that when I need the TV camera mode, I will have
110 volts available.  I am not worried about the unit trying to save
itself when running on battery power.

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Request for Question Clarification by sycophant-ga on 11 Feb 2004 02:31 PST

Hi Liner, 

My Sony TRV120 Digital8 camcorder will run without turning off so long
as a couple of conditions are met - I believe they are (I haven't done
it for a while) powered from wall plug, has tape in, in camera mode.

If that doesn't work, try it with the tape door open.

I have left it running for over 16 hours uninterupted this way.

Try this with you camera. It will come down to whether there is a tape
in it or not, or something like that.

Try it and let me know if you have any luck, other wise let me know
precisely what camera model you have, and I'll see what I can do.

Regards,
Sycophant-ga

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Clarification of Question by liner-ga on 11 Feb 2004 06:28 PST

I currently don't have a recorder; I have borrowed units from time to
time, and I now need to actually purchase one.  I am am looking for a
unit that will meet my needs.  So, Sycophant (interesting name--you
don't like your current day job?), if you feel your Sony unit will
work, is reasonable in cost, and is still available, kindly post your
results as an answer.

Hi Liner, 

My clarification request was a little confused anyway it seems - meant
to be "has no tape in it"...

Anyhow, as far as I am aware, all current Sony handycams will stay on
if switched to camera mode, powered from the AC power pack, and they
have no tape in them.

The demo features of the camera must also be disabled. This can be
achieved through the camera's menu, while in camera mode (the options
change when in VTR mode).

Here is a post I found that refers to the same thing:
http://pub173.ezboard.com/funofficialsonyfrm34.showMessage?topicID=64.topic
(search: Sony camera "disable demo")

Alternatively, if you only want the camera as a wired solution, and do
not want to record on in directly or use it as a personal video
camera, then maybe a small CCD camera would suit you? There are
available, such as these here:
http://www.action-electronics.com/ccd.htm#Color

These camera are normally sold for security purposes, but are well
suited to other static setups.

I hope this helps you.

Regards,
Sycophant-ga
(No, I don't hate my job, it's just a nickname I've used online for a long time)

Thank you for your help.  Actually, I had thought about one of the
little monitoring cameras, but I also decided that I should finally
purchase a camcorder also.  I went to one of the electronics stores,
and of course all they knew was how to point me to the displays.

Have you tried using the video camera in camera mode _without_ a tape
inside?.  Often, the video cameras will turn themselves off if you
don't record for a while when they have a tape in.