Ok, dumb HDV Q. Client is looking to buy a low price HDV/DV deck to go
with the XLH1 camera. Does Canon even make a deck like this? If not,
what would be some suggestions for (of course) low cost, yet
functional deck? Thanks in advance.

Last I knew (haven't checked lately) they didn't make a deck. But you can use the Sony decks since they follow the HDV-2 "standard" unless you shoot the faux 24 in which case i believe the camera is the only option.

Terry -

thanks, thats what I am finding too.  Sony it is.