PXL-2000
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The Fisher-Price PXL-2000 (also known as the PixelVision by Fisher-Price, and the KiddieCorder by some of its fans) was a toy black-and-white camcorder produced in 1987 that used an ordinary compact audio cassette as its recording medium.
This low-quality camera could store 11 minutes of sound video recording at a high speed, roughly 16 7/8 in/s (429 mm/s) as opposed to cassette's standard speed of 1 7/8 in/s (48 mm/s) on a C90 CrO2 (chromium dioxide) cassette. The high speed is necessary because video requires a wider bandwidth than standard audio recording (In magnetic tape recording, the faster the recording speed, the more bandwidth can be recorded on the tape). The PXL-2000 records the video information on the left audio channel of the cassette, and the audio on the right.
When the PXL-2000 was available in retail outlets, it came in two versions—one with just the camera and necessary accessories (power supply, blank tape, etc.), and another which came packaged with a portable black and white television with a 4.5 in (114.3 mm) diagonal screen, for use as a monitor. There were also extra accessories sold separately, such as a carrying case.
Revival in popularity
The PXL-2000 has seen a revival in popularity since the early-to-mid 90s among independent, experimental/avant-garde, and underground filmmakers, due to its unique low-resolution pixelated black & white image, with a lower frame rate of around 15 frames/s, akin to 8 mm or super 8 movie film (upconverted to the standard 30 frames/s in the camera). The image is also "gutterboxed", meaning it has a black border around all sides of the picture.PXL-2000 cameras are still popular in the filmmaking scene—in fact, some individuals offer modifications for the PXL-2000 to output composite video (the PXL-2000 only has an RF output selectable to either US television channel 3 or 4 in its unmodified stock condition), to interface to an external camcorder with a composite video in, or a VCR. The cameras themselves are still in demand, fetching prices of $200–500 on auction sites like eBay.
An image of a PXL-2000 camera can be seen here: [link]
Package Descriptions
Model #3300 PXL2000 Camcorder
- PXL2000 Camcoder
- Mini bipod stand
- Video switch box
- Video Cable
- One PXL2000 audio cassette tape
- Instruction Booklet
- 6 "AA" Duracell
Model #3305 PXL2000 Camcorder Deluxe System
- PXL2000 Camcoder
- Mini bipod stand
- Video switch box
- Video Cable
- One PXL2000 audio cassette tape
- Instruction Booklet
- 4.5" diagonal black and white TV (with AC adaptor)
- 6 "AA" Duracell
Famous uses
The PXL-2000 was used by Richard Linklater in his 1991 debut film Slacker, during the bar scene.It was also used by Michael Almereyda for three of his films: the 1992 film Another Girl Another Planet, which was entirely shot with a PXL-2000, his 1993 short Aliens, and his 1994 film Nadja, in which the PXL-2000 was used for point of view shots of the title character. Ethan Hawke's character in Hamlet can also be seen with one.
External links
- [Movie Trailer Spoof (ca. 1987), a short movie shot on Pixelvision hosted by New Essex Theater VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED]
- [State Penn in Black & White, a short movie shot on Pixelvision hosted by New Essex Theater VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED]
- [Chicago Jones 4, a short movie shot on Pixelvision hosted by New Essex Theater VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED]
- ["PXL This" film festival, featuring PXL-2000 made films]
- [Circuit-bent version of a PXL-2000 with modified composite video output from Bentstruments.com]
- [Web page for information on the award winning short film "Souvenir" by Stephen Rose, which was shot entirely with the PXL camera.]
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