I have NO experience with HDV or miniDV so I have a couple of questions:

1. Is it possible to download some HDV footage to my computer, edit it to 60 min, and put the edited version back on the miniDV for purposes of playback on a TV?

2. In the case of the HV20 is it possible to record at different framerates (24p, 60i) on the SAME miniDV?

Thanks for any responses.

I can answer ues to question 1. With Pinnacle Studio you can edit it and send it back to your camcorder.

#1... Yes, many programs will allow this and the HV20 chas both in and out for audio/video.
#2... Yes. Canon suggests you don't but you can. The playback will get screwed up as it switches from one to the other and has to re-sync. I would suggest you leave some blank between each. have not recorded anything yet with my HV20... waiting for my new tapes to arrive but you can record any way you want on a tape.