Thanks again for the feedback.
When I get home this evening going to go ahead and re-install Vegas Pro 8 and use a camera as a pass through. This computer system is running Vista 64 bit whereas my old system was 32 bit Windows XP. This could be a culprit. I tried printing to tape last night and the same signal dropout problem occurs. Very frustrating. It really seems like it could be a 1394 firewire port/driver issue like you said. Will look into that this evening as well. If you think of anything else please let me know.

You are running VISTA? Well maybe you need other drivers for this setup. What version of VEGAS you running on VISTA? Hmm?

Also I asked a good friend of mine, who has the same deck and his is fine. He is still on XP Pro. But what he DID mention as that he had had dropouts when a mains cable was near to his f/w cable.

Did you mention prior to this that you are now on VISTA?

I re-installed Vegas Pro 8 with the latest build. Problem still exists.
Used a DV camera as a "pass through" instead of the DV deck and a new monitor. Problem still exists. Updated the IEEE-1394 drivers, windows update said they were current and the ports were functioning properly. Problem still exists. Unhooked the internet connection and disabled all security and virus protection. Problem still exists. Frustrated beyond belief. I cannot watch external monitor playback or print to tape without video signal dropout, basically this new system is useless. Is it a 64 Bit Vista issue with Vegas? Do I need a different firewire card? Just does not make sense.

What version of Vegas you running on Vista 64 bit?

Vegas Pro 8 running on Windows Vista Home Premium - Service Pack 1 - 64 Bit.

What version of VegasPro8 you running?

Version 8.0c (Build 260)

VegasPro8c is a 32-bit application. You are running a 32-bit application in a 64-bit environment?

When asked to update the software, 8.0c was the option offered. Was not aware of the 32 bit-64 bit conflict. Spoke with Sony a few minutes ago, and they said to uninstall Version 8.0c and install Version 8.1 from their website, which is the 64 bit version. Hopefully it will resolve this issue. Will let you know.

Well, I am not so sure it will. I have just come off of S+KYPE with a good friend who has PTT issues WITH this. He now only captures using his solid state chips - and NO TAPE at all! If he needs to capture tape then he uses an old machine that will.

I am starting to believe that there is a DECK 64-bit driver issue.

If you read the forums you will also be made aware of the issues that not ALL plugins are 64-bit compliant either. Some people have resigned to having to "mix" VP8c work with VP8.1 - just to either start or finalize their productions.

You should also read the SONY information regarding installing VP8.1 too.

This now leaves the ability to send via a PASS thru to the monitor. If PTT is not working I can not see the pass thru' working either.

However, having VP8.1 working within a 64-bit environment, means that you will be able to access more RAM than with the 32-bit environment. You will need to ascertain whether can access this extra too?