1.1 what is a pxl-2000?

A pxl2000 is a fischer price toy video camera that's no longer for sale. it records video and audio onto a single audio cassette tape. No smoke, no mirrors, just plain old down-and-dirty eighties tech. The pxl uses similar technology to conventional video camcorders, yet it weighs scant ounces and runs on six AA batteries.

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nothing. they're all the same. next question.

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magic.
the gnomes do much of the grunt work, though.

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selects the channel your tv should be on for "AUX" (3 or 4).
thanks to john matthews

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Pixelvision is unlike anything else. It also isn't really compatible with much. The tapes are conventional audio tapes, but once they've been pxl-ified they aren't so useful for taping your brother's pearl jam covers anymore. (the sound is partially audible, though, albeit at a distorted rate.)

Pixelvision uses technology that is closer to modern video tape recorders than anything else. Super-8 has a similar following (the 'loress' clique), but has little in common technically. The physics of film recording are totally different from pxl (one-time light sensitive emulsion versus reusable CCD). And the film world would sooner die than let it's drooling ensyphilitic daughter video back into the pretty-pants art playground.

And while we're at it, don't confuse 8mm videotape with super-8 film. They are totally different media that happen to take up the same space on the shelf. ;-)

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The best source for new and historic info about the pxl-2k is on the mailing list. The address is pixelvision@jupiter.rowan.edu. The list currently enjoys a relatively low amount of traffic. There are usually some hoary pxl pros lurking about, ready to answer a question, or debate the image quality of the tyco kidcam. to join the list, send mail to pixelvision-request@majordomo.rowan.edu with
subscribe pixelvision your_email_addressin the subject line.
to post a message: send mail to pixelvision@jupiter.rowan.edu

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Rummage sales, flea markets, neighboorhood kids. Used toy shops, camera repair stores. rec.arts.movies.production.
Dead pxl fanatics.

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T e c h n i c a l   Q u e s t i o n s

From jm3@umich.edu [jm3@jm3.net] Tue Jun 18 14:23:24 1996
Date: Tue, 18 Jun 1996 14:22:42 -0400 (EDT)
From: john manoogian <jm3@umich.edu>[jm3@jm3.net]
To: *
Subject: pxlvision modifications


I didn't really "adapt" my camera to output regular video, [although, see 
this message for that] i 
just use the adaptor box connected to a vcr. I stripped out the tape 
transport insides to lighten the case, though.

i will give you quick description; a longer one (w/pictures) will be in 
the FAQ document. Basically, you open the camera (pull off the rubber
circles and undo the screws.) find the two leads which attach to the 
batteries. What you do next depends on how technical you are/what your 
needs are. I wanted a somewhat modular solution, so i soldered on a 
female 1/4 inch stereo phono jack to the battery leads and closed the 
case back up, so now there is a 1/4 socket on the bottom of my camera.
Then i took a ~4 foot stretchy phono cord w/one male end and attached a 
pair of spade lugs to the other end. These lugs can be attached to a 
12 volt lantern battery from radio shack. Then i snipped the long cord of 
the ac adaptor and attached a little block of plastic and two metal bolts,
with a lead from the adaptor going to each one. Now i can connect this 
four foot stretchy cord to a battery _of_ ac power. Voila!

good luck and keep looking for the FAQ,

john manoogian
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