Update: In answer to some emails, the video was created with a Canon HG10 HD Digital Camcorder, a Canon SD870IS for the stills, edited with Pinnacle Studio 11 on Windows Vista Ultimate. A Shure SM57 Microphone was used for the voiceover narration, connected to the PC via Creative Labs X-Fi .

The embedded version is in regular definition, see the high definition version here.

(This video is also available on YouTube, Revver, and MetaCafe)

Metro-North put the new M8 Railcar prototype interior on display today for the general public at Track 8 in New Haven.

I got up at 5 AM, drove to New Haven, and spent the entire day producing this special report for you, so please sit back, enjoy, and share with your Metro-North friends.

Although the car will be on display at sometime in the future in Stamford and Grand Central Station, there were only 2 small 3-hour windows for people to view the car Wednesday and this morning (from 5 AM to 8 AM – yeesh!).

Because the display is so limited, I thought it was important to capture as much video and pictures as possible so everyone can see the new car, and – this is important – email MTA with your feedback and suggestions!!!

They are doing this so stuff you don’t like (like, say, the color scheme can be changed before delivery of the cars in late 2009. If you don’t offer your feedback, don’t complain when you get your new cars!

If you have a website please feel free to embed the video, all I ask is that you also mention StationStops in text and provide a link back to this story, as I put a lot of work into it. Thanks!

For those of you who cannot use your audio at work, here is the transcript of the video:

“New Haven Line Commuters have had to suffer the worst car conditions of the entire Metro-North system. Smelly restrooms, run-down interiors, and overcrowding due to so many of the old cars being constantly out for repairs.

Meanwhile, commuters on the Harlem and Hudson lines have enjoyed updated cars with modern vacuum toilets, head and arm rests, and improved lighting for years.

Early this morning at the New Haven Metro-North station, commuters finally got to get a glimpse into the long overdue improvements to their daily train ride – the new M-8 railcar.

The new M-8 cars are not scheduled to begin service until late 2009, but a prototype of the car’s interior was on hand so riders could check them out and provide feedback while there is still time to make changes.

Among the most important improvements to the new cars are the restrooms, which feature vacuum toilets to help control odor – this is probably the biggest complaint of the current cars. The larger size also makes these restrooms available to riders in wheelchairs.

This mornings visitors were probably most divided over the red color scheme. Some liked it a lot, some didn’t like it at all – one visitor called it ‘garish’ – but all agreed that it was an improvement over the current cars.

The new seats will be a welcome improvement for all riders, but especially for early morning commuter’s favorite pastime – SLEEPING. Currently there is no head support at all on the New Haven line trains, the new seats have comfortable headrests with flared sides to keep your drowsy seatmate from drooling on your shoulder.

Standard power outlets are available near the seats to charge laptops, cellphones, and iPods.

Overhead electronic destination signs will keep riders advised of upcoming stops.

Thanks to some additional space forward of the seat, using a small laptop is easier than in the current cars, but larger riders and laptops might still need to use the open face to face seats when computing on the go.

One visitor was disappointed that there were no plans to add internet access to the new cars.

The New Haven ride might not be as picturesque as the Hudson’s, but larger windows will at least give riders a better view.

The windows also assist the white walls and enhanced lighting to give the M8 very light and airy atmosphere.

Raj Kurup is a New Haven to Stamford commuter – he liked the new interior but suggested a feature he enjoys when he rides on Shoreline East.

Actually the New Haven Line already has lots of cupholders on one of its cars – but no word yet on whether the Tiki Bar Car will be making its triumphant turn on the new M8.”