It's a digital world. A world where sound surrounds you and pictures dazzle the imagination. It's a world where the excitement of the movies is captured and brought to life on a simple five-inch disc - the size of a CD. Welcome to the incredible world of DVD. As a leader in digital technology, Panasonic made possible and forever changed the face of home theatre. Panasonic has packed big-screen excitement into the world's smallest and lightest DVD player. Come and experience the ultimate in home theatre entertainment.PRODUCT FEATURES: DVD RAM recordings up to 16 hours (EP Mode, 9.4GB Disc); DVD-R recordings up to 8 hours (EP Mode, 4.7GB Disc); Time Slip Function; Chasing Playback; Simultaneous Play & Record; One Touch Record & Play; Direct Navigator; Play list; NTSC Tuner with VHF, UHF, CATV Coverage; Includes VCR Plus+ Programming; Visibility Modulation Technology; Hybrid VBR: Variable Bit Rate Technology; 20-bit Dolby Digital A/D 2-Channel Recordings; 3 Line Inputs with: Composite, S-Video, L & R Audio; 5-Mode Recording Modes; Progressive Scan 480P/480I Video Playback; Compatible Formats: VCD, DVD, DVD-R & DVD-RAM; Composite, S-Video, Component Video Outputs; Compatible Formats: CD, CD-R/RW1, DVD-Audio (2ch), DVD-R & DVD-RAM; Built-In: 96kHz 24-bit Dolby Digital & DTS decoders, 2-Channel Decoders; DTS & Dolby Digital Compatible Optical Output; MP3 Playback (music files on CD-R/RW).
Panasonic's DMR-E55K DVD player/recorder grants unprecedented recording time on double-sided 9.4 GB recordable DVDs--up to 16 hours, or 8 hours per side (and on standard 4.7 GB discs, in EP mode). The DMR-E55K's joint support of DVD-RAM and DVD-R media provides the best of both worlds: DVD-R for the highest compatibility (letting you share video recordings with virtually anyone with a DVD player) and DVD-RAM (for rewritability and benefits like TimeSlip, chasing playback, and simultaneous play and record). DVD-RAM offers the perfect method for recording and rerecording favorite programs--over 100,000 times on the same disc. Using DVD-RAM, you can also edit your videos on a multimedia computer with video editing/production software.
You can take DVD-RAM discs out of their protective cartridges and play them on PCs equipped with a 4.7 GB/9.4 GB DVD-RAM drive or DVD-ROM drive that's compatible with 4.7 GB/9.4 GB DVD-RAM. In addition to an attractive price tag, the feature-rich DMR-E55K offers the benefits of progressive-scan video playback (for use with high-definition and HD-ready TVs), MP3 CD playback, enhanced time-shifting, and instant access times.
With instant recording onto a DVD disc, there's no need to have to find blank space, as with a VHS tape. Just press record and the unit will automatically find space on the disc, much like a computer's disk drive. Panasonic's Time Slip feature lets you replay a scene recorded earlier while a program is still in progress, without disrupting the recording process. And chasing playback lets you watch from the beginning a show whose recording is still in progress.
You can easily transfer your favorite VHS tape recordings to space-saving discs. Personal movie libraries and family videos can be archived, preserved, easily cataloged and accessed, and even edited right from the disc.
Input TBC (time base corrector) removes jitter from the input signal, while 3D Y/C separation circuitry precisely separates the luminance (Y) and chrominance (C) portions of the video signal to minimize dot crawl and color smearing caused by interference between the video signal's Y and C color subcomponents. These functions are particularly effective when recording from analog video sources such as a conventional VCR and camcorder. Combined with the 3D DNR applied during playback, the result can be a surprising restoration of image quality from old videocassettes.
Connections include component-, composite-, and S-video outputs, multiple composite- and S-video inputs, an optical digital-audio output for surround-sound passthrough to a compatible (Dolby Digital/DTS 5.1) audio/video surround receiver, and RCA stereo analog audio inputs.
Progressive Scanning
Progressive scanning, otherwise known as 480P (p=progressive), creates a picture signal with double the scan lines of a conventional interlaced picture, 480I (I=interlaced), to create a noticeably sharper image. The 480P image offers higher picture resolution and eliminates virtually all motion artifacts. Even on large screens, the progressive scan lines are barely noticeable and picture flickering is greatly reduced, so you can enjoy extended viewing without eye fatigue. There are also many advantages to progressive conversion. Progressive-scan DVD players can handle both progressive and conventional interlaced video.
The Benefits of Progressive Vs. Interlaced Scanning
| Standard DVD-Video players use interlaced scanning to produce a picture. Interlaced scanning combines two fields to generate a picture of 525 scan lines (480 of which are displayed). Your television projects an interlaced image by first scanning the 240 odd-numbered lines of one field (in 1/60th of a second), followed by the 240 even-numbered lines of the other field (in 1/60th of a second). So, it takes two fields to build one frame of video. |  |
Progressive-scan DVD players have a progressive video processor, which enables all 525 lines (480 of which are displayed) to be scanned at the exact same time. A television with 480P component inputs can completely scan the entire image in 1/60th of a second, so it only takes one field to build one frame of video. The result is a smoother and sharper picture, with high resolution and no motion artifacts.
What's in the Box
DVD player/recorder, remote control, remote batteries, user's manual, and a stereo analog audio interconnect/composite-video cable.
1 Doesn't hold up
This should say it all: I just came back from the repair shop. When they saw me walk in with the unit the clerk said, "I can't believe how many of these units come in." This very model. I used it for a few months, made 20 or 30 recordings, then it just failed. I called tech report, told them the error message I was getting and they told me to bring it in. I have a feeling I'll be returning it often till the warranty expires and then I'll throw it out.
For what it's worth it worked well till its demise.
2 Watch the shipping date!
I bet this is a good unit, but I'll never really know. I ordered it and it never came. Delayed once, twice then cancelled.
I got it in silver instead. It's inside a cabinet, so it didn't really matter about the color. The silver was cheaper, it was in stock, and it's a good quality unit. I am please with my silver one!
3 EXCELLENT RECORDER IF USING THE RIGHT BLANK DISCS
I have had this player for several months and had nothing but good experiences uses it. I used Sony, TDK, and Panasonic blank DVD-Rs. Recently I purchased some new TDK blank DVD-Rs and had my first problems. The unit was flaky and would not record most of the time, while giving the Self Check indicator for several minutes. I read a review below and it mentions that 8x discs are not recommended for this recorder. The TDKs I bought are 1x-8x speed, so that appears to explain my problems.
I had used the Sony DVD-Rs mostly for the past several months and went back to them for this reason. However, a couple of days ago, I inadvertently bought a box of 1x-8x again, as I never really even paid attention to the record speed. The great news is that these new 1x-8x Sony DVD-Rs are every bit as stable and viewable as the older 1x-4x version of the same Sony DVD-Rs I was previously using. Therefore, I highly recommend going with the Sonys, as I have never had one lockup on dozens of DVD recordings using them, whether the speed of them is 1x to 4x or 1x to 8x. If you can find Panasonic DVD-Rs, I would assume they would be safe also. When the discs are compatible, the player is the best $250 investment I have ever made. For the money, there is no better performing DVD recorder out there.
4 Easy to Use
This is my first DVD recorder. I have made copies of many VHS tapes and have recorded a few TV shows. The DVDs I made look and sound great. This unit also plays DVD Audio discs in stereo. DVD Audio discs put CDs to shame. I have had my Hafler preamp and power amp and my Boston Acoustics tower speakers for almost twenty years, but they never have sounded as good as they did when I played some DVD Audio over them. I am very pleased with my Panasonic.
5 Consider the new model, Panasonic DMR-ES10
If you're considering the DMR-E55, you might look at the just-on-the-shelves Panasonic DMR-ES10. As far as I can tell, though don't take this as Gospel, it does everything the E55 does (nifty DVD-RAM stuff like time slip; variable compression to make full use of the disc to record just exactly, say, a 1hr 23 minute program; etc) and probably has some new features as well. But most of all, Panasonic seems to have actually listened to people's comments and fixed a few things --
-- the ES10 uses not just 4X DVD-R discs, but both +/- and 4X/8X write-once discs (so a year from now you won't be vainly searching for media), and also re-writeable DVD-RW. Since most computers won't read DVD-RAM without extra hardware, this lets you, for instance, record TV shows and edit them on the computer without creating a bunch of unusable coasters.
-- many people found the E55 manual and operations obscure/difficult. The ES10's manual is clearly written, and the operation is almost intuitive (at least what I've tested so far).
And best of all, the going price of the ES10 is about $200 :-). At least that's what I payed for mine - after much research I had intended to buy an E55 in spite of its limitations, but this model had just come in, and I've been very pleased in the few days I've had it.
[I rated the E55K 4* to avoid skewing the rating; I haven't actually used it, but felt compelled to give this heads up.]
6 seller did not ship unit.!!!
do no business with this co.!!!!
PLEASE READ THIS.
the company name.timsmarketplace...
has 100 % NEGATIVE feedbact last 30 days!!!
well amazon REFUNDED.. my money in the A..to..Z GUARANTEE!!!!!!
good for amazon...!!!
THIS WAS MY FIRST ORDER WITH THEM.!!
ok as to the product.
i have no idea????
well check tis unit out go to www.outpost.com (FRY'S elect.)
check out the sharp DV-SR45U...
WAY WAY BETTER UNIT!!!
it does have a...NOTE!!! T.V.TUNER BUILT IN!!!!!
you can set it to record from a T.V. channel.
works like a vcr...but records to ...(DVD-)
NOTE!! TO DVD - dvd minus only...dvd's
i recorded to it.well ..DVD- is the OLD STANDARD!!!
had no problem playind in my sony dvd player..almost new...
the manual....well it confused me..
o
OK i said lets...PLAY WITH IT!!!
do the setup page 11.......DO NOT TRY THE DISK SETUP.!!!!
it does not work!!!
just pop a blank DVD- in it .
you will see loading..WHICH FORMATS THE DVD.go to pg 16.
you are up and running..
as far as the speeds........10 HR..just record to it and see if you like it??
the best speed i found is ...around LP setting
if you record ..and stop ...it!!! IT RECORDS TO DISK!!!
you may want to use the PAUSE BUTTON!!!
if a movie./. it can not record to disk in commercials fast ENOUGH!!
it will not record when it records to disk..!!
well happy with my unit.just bought DVD- disk@ .14 cents
home this helps you.........
use this frys outpost # 4345635.$199.99..........ron
7 Saving your FINALIZATION FAILED discs & other tips
I'll try not to repeat what everyone else has written and instead share tips or another POV if my experiences were significantly different from others. I will say, like so many, I'm happy with my DVD recorder (happier tonight) and it's pretty easy to use once it's been set-up. Note, I've only used my recorder to record VHS tapes and all my suggestions and examples are based on this.
1. EXAMINE THE DISC BEFORE USING: Make sure there are no blotches in the recording layer & no smudges, dust, or scratches on the disc. Don't toss it if the blotch is along the outer rim, just don't record to the maximum allowed time. And one little itty-bitty spec of dust can stop your recording effort -- take the disc out, blow off the dust, put it back in, see where recording left off, and start recording again from that point.
2. ERASING LARGE BLOCKS: I find that I cannot truly erase great blocks of recorded material. I notice that with 30+ minute chapters, the disc will SEEM to erase, but that space is not re-opened to other recording. If I'm recording a movie, I don't even review anymore to see if it's worth finalizing, because I can't erase it anyway -- I simply finalize it and check it out later. Other than with home movies, I don't sit and set chapters, so usually I am dealing with large blocks of recorded material.
3. RECORD A BUFFER. Before your real project, record about 1 minute of nothing on XP or SP. Some reviews I've read suggest that a disc won't finalize if you fill it completely. This may be true. I've taken their experience to heart & haven't had any problems with finalization. It doesn't matter what you record as you will erase it before you finalize.
4. FUJI FREEZE??? I, like another person on this forum had trouble with FUJI discs. They wouldn't finalize. I threw them away, but I may have been able to salvage them (see 9).
5. 1-4x ONLY??? One reviewer suggests that this recorder will only be happy with 1-4x speed discs. I have used Philips 1-8x, Memorex 1-8x and TDK 1-4x and had (mostly) no problems. Fuji 1-8x, problems. I've only used DVD-R single-sided discs so far.
6. CABLE MATTERS. Another reviewer had problems setting up and became very frustrated. YOU WILL RECOGNIZE HIS REVIEW BECAUSE IT LOOKS AN AWFUL LOT LIKE THIS LINE! 1 star. If you look at the setup instructions, it shows how to set-up with a splitter -- to split the cable signal from either the VCR or TV to the DVD recorder. When I first turned on the DVD recorder, it was looking for that cable signal so it could set-up the channels and it would not let me do ANYTHING until that was done. I did not have a splitter, so I (eventually) moved the cable's cable to the DVD recorder, let it set-up, and then put it back on the VCR. The instructions don't tell you this, but I guess the other 22 people who wrote reviews either split their cable signals or figured out what I did.
7. DIAGRAM NOT FOR EVERYONE. If you have an older model TV or VCR, you should only use the diagrams for hints -- you may not match wire for wire, plug for plug. The instructions are pretty weak, so some of your set-up will have to be experimental or intuitive, especially, if like me, you don't have the latest model VCR and/or television. Plus, the diagram assumes VCR use and is only of the tiniest help if you're not using one, though probably initially you will.
8. STUCK ON A SCREEN. It is easy to get "stuck." You can't simply stop or turn off the recorder if you're using a particular function like Direct Navigator or are in one of the menu screens. You can press those buttons until Doomsday, but unless you exit those screens properly, you're not going anywhere. I ended up unplugging my unit after one lengthy button-pushing session -- this was before I got edumicated.
9. SAVING FAILED FINALIZATION!!! BEST TIP OF ALL (I think)! Remember the buffer chapter -- saving about 1 minute before you record your other project(s)? Just today, I had two non-Fuji discs fail to finalize. When finalizing, there is a blue screen that comes on and a bar which shows the progress as it slowly "fills" from left to right. That bar is half-filled whenever my finalizations have failed.. It's frustrating because you can't undo a failed finalization -- you can't erase, you can't reuse the space, and in all likelihood you've spend over an hour or more recording something. I decided to try something when the second disc failed tonight. As usual, before finalizing, I had already erased the 1 minute buffer. I had always assumed, based on what I've read, that once the finalization failed, the disc was unusable--"coasters" or "frisbees" as some call them. Tonight, I hit the stop button. The recorder showed that I had 1 minute of recording time. I recorded 30 seconds of whatever, and went to finalize the disc, expecting that if it worked at all, it would only finalize the 30 seconds (I was just testing). As finalization began, the screen shows both the thumbnails for my movie and the 30 second blip (normally, the failed finalization effort shows a black thumbnail). When the finalization was done, both had been saved! I was able to view the movie too, even on my PC. Fluke? I wondered, so I tried it with the first disc that screwed up, and Voila! It also finalized the whole disc. So try this before you toss out those FINALIZATION FAILED discs. And also, when you do make that 30 second blip, record a blank screen -- I now have an obnoxious commercial which pops on after my movie is over. By the way, the discs I used tonight were Memorex -- I had recorded about 10 projects previously with no problems.
HELP, PLEASE? I noticed the vibrancy of the colors is dimmed on the DVD recordings. It doesn't matter what compression I use, XP, SP, LP (I don't use EP) -- the colors simply aren't as bright on the discs as on the VHS tapes. I noticed this right away when taping an animated feature, and compared all later and found it to be the case on all my recordings. On some, the fade was barely noticeable, on others more so. If anyone has a solution to this, I hope you post a review.
One last thing -- don't throw your VCR out too soon. If you get discs that absolutely won't work with your Panasonic, you'll want the trusty VCR as a backup recorder for your TV shows. My VCR has never been picky about the brand of tape that went in it.
Overall, I'm pleased with this purchase -- it's economical, relatively easy to figure out, and records well at XP, SP, and LP (I never use EP), depending on the quality of the original recording. I'd buy another, but I'm reluctantly giving it 5 stars (4.5 would better), because 1) I have no idea why finalizations fail and my heart stops every time it happens, 2) color vibracy is an issue, and 3) the instructions can be confusing -- I had to set-up by trial and error, abandoning the instructions after about 30 minutes. Still, for the price, it can't be beat.
8 got your attention
Purchased thru Amazon a refurbished Panasonic recorder.Looked
like new with everything neetly packed. After studying the
manual carefully and hooking everything up according to manual,
turned it on and the most I could get out of the recorder is a
blinking timelight.The Company that sold the recorder has no phone# and no e-mail address. Only a note that states that return has a 15% restocking charge. Contacting Panasonic vith
name and number and their respond was: Tech- dept will ansver
your e-mail sometime. Dont buy from Amazons subdealer.
9 Great item, hates FUJI dvd-r media
I have had this machine for about 3 months and am burning about 1-2 discs per day (movies, cable shows, etc). Am very pleased with the recording. Have not had problems with any dvd media except DVD-R Fuji - the machine seems to hate it and won't finalize the disk. Believe me, I've tried. I use Memorex and TDK DVD-R 8x with no issues. I've also used DVD-RAM with no problems. My VCR is collecting dust.
Nitpicks:
- Doesn't 'finalize' with FUJI media
- The quality isn't all that good fitting more than 4 hrs per disc. I think 2 movies / 4 hrs is just fine though.
- Startup time takes a while 5-10 seconds while the machine reads the disc.
Good:
- No problem w/ TDK or other major brand media that I've tried.
- Replaces the VCR, no problem.
- I would rec this machine to anyone.
10 stock up on 4x DVD-R discs while they are still around.
There are many reasons why this machine is a good purchase. The price is good, Panasonic brand name reliability (and customer service) is not bad-definitely better than cheaper Chinese/Korean made machines with poorer service. The recording functions are simple. If you can program a VCR this would be no problem. The playback quality is solid (both video and audio). I had no problems with recording until I started using 8x DVD-R discs. THe manual notes that it can record using 1-4x DVD-R discs. I started with 4x discs. Everything worked fine. Now with the new dual layer and 16x dvd-recorders for the PC in the market, it is getting harder to find slower discs like 4x. First I thought why would the speed of the disc matter. To my surprise, they do (at least for this machine). It would stop recording in about a few seconds followed by "self-check". I've bought 3 brands of (fuji, maxell and verbatim) 8x discs. None worked. I went back to Maxell 4x discs and it works fine. I've seen this problem noted on some AV forums online. So I guess I gotta stock up on the 4x discs before they get discontinued. Too bad, this recorder (or at least the one I happened to have bought) does not seem like it'll last more than 2 years for me. Feel free to let me know if you had any luck recording on the 8x-16x.
11 Works great at first, but then........................
I loved this DVD recorder when I first started using it. Then after about a month or two, I noticed that the recordable DVD was damaged, so I got rid of the DVD and put in another to record on. After about 3 recordings, this DVD became damaged also. I have gone through many DVD's and they all seem to become damaged after using it for about 3 or 4 tapings. I watch many movies on this and they are very clear, but the recording feature is horrible, if you have to keep buying recordable DVD's (which can get very expensive). I have even used Panasonic DVD's, which they recommend, of course, and still have the same problem. I am going to sell this one and go back to using my VCR until something better comes along.
12 The problem was mine, not the DVD
We bought this unit in December 04 and found that the pictures were badly distorted and snowy in comparison with direct TV reception. We tried every available combination of cables from audio-video to S-video to component and could not improve the condition.
We assumed we had a defective tuner in the DVD. Sent it to the Panasonic shop and were told it was OK. Only then did we find that locating the DVD next to a VCR was the source of the problem.
After we separated them, this unit worked perfectly and does everything it claims to do. Thought our experience might help someone else.
13 Great start but sad ending
I was delighted to see the good reviews for this item and the great price. I felt set up was not quite as easy as some reported. I'd looked through the manual ahead of time (nice feature, having it available on this site), but was confused by a second schematic on a separate sheet included in the Panasonic box. Seems like the diagram in the manual and the quick set up sheet contradicted each other.
Anyhow, once I sussed out the correct cabling, it worked like a dream. Nice playback on commerically recorded DVDs and I copied my first 8mm tape to DVD-R without any problem.
However, after I finalized my second DVD-R, I got an error "cannot read disc." From that point on, the unit wouldn't read any disks, DVD-R, DVD, nor music CDs. And it would turn itself off when I tried to eject a disk.
Called Panasonic's customer service who was professional and took my through some steps to reboot and set up the system, but to no avail. Customer Service declared the unit defective.
I haven't given up hope yet; am returning for exchange of a new unit and keeping my fingers crossed that I have better luck with the next one. I hope I won't be disappointed. Panasonic has been a good brand for me in the past and the price and features on this unit are too good to pass up.
14 Best product on the market for the money
I've had this machine for only a few days now and it rocks. Set up was easy (it helped to be able to read the manual on line prior to receiving the unit)and I was recording within the first hour. No doubt the instructions are a bit complicated but if you know how to use a VCR and have just a bit of tech know-how, it's really a breeze.
The only drawback I can see is that you really can't use a DVD-RAM anywhere but in this machine. Plus the DVD-RAMs are expensive and you can't really share the recordings with friends. On the other hand, it's the DVD-RAM that opens up the possibility of watching the program you're currently recording, time-slip, and editing. It's perfect for recording (and then erasing) things you want to watch once or twice and then get rid of.
However, the DVD-R recording is just as easy (without the possibility of using the extended cool features like time-slip and chasing playback) and if you want you can easily do some further editing on your PC if you'd like. When using DVD-R, just be sure to "Finalize" the disc so it can be shared with other DVD players.
Another slight negative of the machine is that it won't playback DVD+Rs, so if you have those in your collection, you'll want to hook up antother DVD player to the system (which is very easy to do). I have my VCR and old DVD player hooked up through this unit and everything works flawlessly.
I've already and easily started copying some of my old videotapes to DVD-R. I haven't yet hooked my Hi-8 video camera but I'm sure it will be just as easy.
This machine, for the money, is the best on the market. It not only matched my expectations, it far exceeded them.
I love this thing!
15 Good inexpensive recorder with warts
It's a nice little recorder, but: the disc menu it creates is broken - the background only goes a very little way down the screen, about halfway through the first row of menu items. The rest is black. At first, I thought it wasn't leaving enough room on a full disc, but I tried one only 3/4 full, and it did the same thing. The menus still work though, and most will only have one or two items on them. And as others have noted, the user interface needs a lot of work, though partly it's the interaction with the remote --- moving around the text entry menu, I have to push the remote buttons a couple of times often to get them to take. If it weren't for that, it wouldn't be so bad.
16 WHAT THE HELL?
LEMON! MY FIRST NIGHT FIRST RECORDING AND SELF CHECK SHOWS UP AND WILL NOW COME OFF OF THE MACHINE! IT HAS BEEN LOCKED UP FOR 2 HOURS NOW . THE DVD IS STUCK IT WON'T OPEN! I TRUSTED THE REVIEWS AND AMAZON AND GOT THIS MESS! I CAN'T WAIT TO CALL IN THE MORNING! I GIVE IT NO STAR!
17 Love this machine....but.
I find this machine very easy to set up and use....no problem. Excellent quality. But I have found one problem that the Panasonic help desk says never came up before. After recording and prior to finalization of a disk....the playback picture is perfect. Once I finalize the disk....on playback I get periodic skips in audio and video. Does not seem to matter if the recording was live tv, vhs....plays great prior to finalization of the disk, but after, a skip. Don't know why. Not sure if my machine is defective or not....anyone else have this problem?
18 Later days VCR!
This machine is awesome. I am in the process of archiving all of my old VHS tapes to DVD. One piece of advice, when you are finished recording go to Function > Disk Setting > Finalize so that you will be able to play this in a regular DVD player. This thing is worth much more than what you will pay.
19 I L-O-V-E this machine!
What can I say but that this device has exceeded all of my expectations! I told myself for years that as soon as DVD recorders broke below $300 I would go ahead and buy one (to transfer my large collection of VHS tapes/movies, mostly). Then to discover recently that this model was considerably cheaper than $300 was too good an opportunity to pass up. Two weeks later, I've recorded 50 disks without a single flub (well, two flubs but they were TOTALLY my fault)! Is there no end in sight?
Some quick pointers that I've picked up since I've had the machine:
1) Everything you've read below about the confusing manual is TRUE. An instruction manual absolutely written by the Marquis de Sade (yet as you read it you just KNOW some Poindexter somewhere thought it made perfect sense--yeah, maybe to Professor Frink!). You're better off figuring out all the nifty functions via trial-and-error by utilizing a reusuble DVD-RAM disk before you start recording things permanently on to single-use DVD-Rs.
2) People have mentioned (about this machine and others) that some recordings stall in the middle, get frozen, etc. If there's one important thing I learned a couple of years from my CD recorder experience is that a CLEAN disk makes all the difference. Dust is your enemy!!! Get a can of compressed air ("Dust-Off", etc.) and spritz your disk just before putting it in the tray; you should have no problems recording.
3) One thing I didn't see mentioned anywhere is that this machine can use BOTH DVD-RAM disks that are already in a cartridge (to protect from dust, fingerprints, etc.) and DVD-RAM disks that are just by themselves in a jewel case. I would suggest the cartridge kind (see #2).
4) Since I started I've been using Maxell DVD-R disks--I have had NO problems with them at all.
5) If you start to record something but you don't like what you've done (accidentally started too soon or too late, etc.), you can simply stop the recording, erase what you've recorded, and start all over with the same disk, even if it's a DVD-R. It's only when you "Finalize" the disk afterwards that the recording is permanent (on a DVD-R).
6) Some fun things I've discovered: If you have more than one "title" on a single disk (i.e., several episodes of a TV show), you can easily create a menu page with the title of each episode displayed along with a corresponding thumbnail (8 to a "page", and as many pages as you want). You can even pick the exact frame from an episode to be that particular title's thumbnail on the menu page! I'm having a lot of fun doing this with my off-air recordings of "I Love Lucy"!
7) Alas, as some have mentioned below, some pre-recorded tapes will not be able to be transferred to DVD (because of Macrovision protection, etc.). I've had trouble with most of my MGM and Fox movies, some Disney as well, but most Universal and Paramount tapes are easily tranferable. All in all I've been able to transfer about 2/3 of my pre-recorded movie collection on to DVD-R. Hey, that's better than nothing, since I'm pretty disinclined to purchase the DVD versions of these "lesser" titles in my collection.
So, if you're planning to get a DVD recorder, I urge you to check this one out. I don't think you'll be disappointed!
UPDATE (1/9/05): To date, I've recorded over 200 movies and have had no problems AT ALL with recording. This baby has already paid for itself in all the money I've saved not buying prerecorded DVDs. PS: I've also started using Sony DVD-Rs and have had no problem with this brand either.
UPDATE (1/25/05): Wow, I can't fathom why some people above seem to be having trouble with this machine. I'm now up to 250 recordings without a single snafu--not a one (that wasn't totally my fault)! I'm recording terrific movies off of TCM like it's going out of style--in fact, I haven't bought a pre-recorded DVD title in weeks. Color me one happy customer. My only regret: the price for this machine came down $20 since I bought mine last year. Aaaaaaarrrrggghhhh!!!
20 Virtually broadcast quality recordings
I needed a unit that would both record high quality video at the two hour setting as well as decent quality at the four to six hour setting. Saw the five star rating here and knew this was the one.
I am very pleased with this unit. I am recording from a DirecTV signal and it seems as if I am watching the actual broadcast. I highly recommend this Panasonic recorder.
21 First entry into the world of DVD - VERY PLEASED
Normally I don't write reviews about electronics, I'm not an electronics expert nor have I used lots of DVD recorders. I'm making an exception with this piece of equipment. I did my research (reading reviews like this one) before purchasing this machine. I'd been waiting until the price of a quality machine came down to a price I felt was reasonable. This machine has been a jewel. I needed to archive a considerable collection of VHS tapes for my personal use (over 200 tapes, most of which were in excess of 1.5 hours each.) So far I have completed over 100 transfers and made only one frisbee, not bad. The quality of the transfers is all I could have hoped for, in fact it's exceptional. For anyone who wants to move a collection from VHS technology to DVD technology I will make 3 suggestions. First, purchase the SIMA GoDVD! unit. It enhances and cleans up weak signals, you'll thank me for this suggestion. Second, get a good VHS cleaner and use it regularly. Last, don't shoot yourself in the foot using the cables that come with these units. Go out and purchase monster cables or their equivalent. Using the skinny little things that come with the unit will keep you from getting the best possible information transfer. If you're watching your dvds on the new generation of television you WILL notice the difference.
Last but not least, normally I don't believe in extended warranty contracts. With this unit I made an exception. I bought an 3rd party contract since I learned that Panasonic will keep your unit for months if you utilize their contract. The lasers in these things are pricey and in my opinion worth spending a little money on insurance. Oh, one last thing, be very careful that you DO NOT move your recorder with a DVD disc in the tray. The repair technician I spoke to regarding the contract said that this is the #1 way to screw up a DVD recorder.
As to the quality of the user interface. My wife, one of the truly great technophobes of the 21st Century was able to use this machine with a minimum of coaching. It's really pretty easy to use, but like everything it takes a little reading and time to get the hang of it.
I'm posting this review as a way to thank those of you who have posted reviews that have helped me make good purchases. What a great way for us to help each other, very empowering.
22 Plenty of features and easy to use
I can't comment on the longevity of this product, as I've only had it for a few days. But I can comment on the features and ease of use which are excellent. Contrary to the reviewer who said it is extremely hard to set up, I say the opposite. For the rest of us who can easily work a microwave or an electric shaver without incident, this thing is as easy as you'd want. Here's the 'exceedingly' difficult set up routine:
1. Plug in all the cables (make sure you get them in the right holes...)
2. Turn it on. You'll get a menu asking you what language you speak. Then let it go for a while and it'll set the channels and time for you.
3. Whew..we made it past that. Now to program something to record: Press the 'funtions' button and go to the 'timer recording' mode.
4. Choose the channel, ENTER, start time, ENTER, end time, ENTER, record mode, ENTER. You're done. Wow. Hard.
5. To watch a recorded program, press the navigator button and choose a recording. ENTER.
6. To watch from the beginning while you are still recording, press the Time Slip button. Then control it as a regular recording, or press stop to go back to live TV. Easy.
For the price this seems to be a great unit. The picture quality is great and it works as advertised. I don't really see the necessity of the 'feature' of being able to use double sided DVDRam discs, because you have to flip them over anyway, so it doesn't really let you record twice as long without intervention.
One more note : It says on the box that it supports DVDAudio discs, (music CDs specially split into 5.1 channels). But it specifically says in the book that they will play on this unit on only 2 channels. That doesn't really seem like support for the standard.
Overall, it is a great replacement for my piece of junk VCR and is indeed easy to use. Can't go wrong here.
23 Completely satisfied
I have no regrets about this purchase. I think it is very user-friendly and intuitive. It is packed with features and the recording quality is excellent.
24 User-Friendly...I say YES
This unit does everything I want it to...recording off cable tv as well as transfering my dusty and decrepit vhs collection to dvd with surprisingly good results.One of the easiest hookups I've ever experienced,super easy remote control operation and programming. You won't find a better unit for the price or a more user friendly recorder....Love It!!!
25 1980's programming technology
Nothing can prepare you for the non-user friendly operation of this unit. This unit is emmensely difficult to setup, program to record, and is the least user friendly of any device I own.
I have Tivo, home theater, WIN 2000 computers, Mac computers, electronics galore, and this is a step MAJOR backwards in the era of user friendly operation. Yes it makes nice DVD's. Yes, they playback like any other DVD you own. But be prepared to ask yourself, is the user interface worth it? I say NO!!
Unless you are a geek head with no reason to demand sensible user operation features, this unit is NOT for you.
If you admire that we can have easy to use, program and operate systems like Tivo and Windows unstead of DOS then you'll wonder what Panasonic is thinking introducing this in the 21st century.
26 Love it
Bought this for my wife and in 4 days shes taped 12 movies flawlessly. The video and sound qualities are excellent. The output to the TV through the cable throughput is better than my Yamaha home theatre reciever system costing $800. The ram disks work the same as the r/w standard. I had no problems setting up the machine. I would recommend this unit to anyone with a vcr or old vhs tapes of the family. It does a great job cleaning up old tapes for archives.
27 Looking to replace that old VCR
If you are looking for a DVD Recorder to replace that old VCR and want up to 8 hours of continious recording time then this is the unit to get until Blue Lasers hit the market in a couple of years. With the 9.4 GHz RAM disks (rewriteable) you can record up to 16 hours (double sided) or 8 hours per side. Once I got past the AUTO SETUP problem I was able to set up the unit with very little trouble. After setting the basic setup functions (timer and channels) I was able to figure out the recording features within a couple of minutes. Once you view the recorded program you can erase it in a matter of seconds. The timer program featrure also allows you to program upto 16 programs, not like the usually 8 with a VCR. The only drawback to this unit and others on the market today is not being able to add more than one of these to my system and control multiple units with just one remote as I was able to do with three Sony VCRs.
28 Record DVDs as easy as recording VHS
I bought this recorder a month ago and have recorded 20+ TV shows and a few movies on it. I was a little skeptical about this device at first, as I read many reviews about how DVD recorders seem to eat through DVD discs with mis rights and have other problems. However, this recorder has worked flawlessly so far. I have been recording on cheap Imation DVD-R discs without a problem.
I have recorded in the 2 hour and 4 hour formats. The 4 hour format is actually much better quality than I expected. So much, that I have been recording TV shows (Sopranos, Deadwood, Elmo, etc.) in this mode for later viewing.
I do have two minor dissappointments. 1) the technical specification stated that this unit has both optical and coaxial digital audio outputs. This is not true. It only has an optical digital audio output. This is a problem for me, as I don't have enough optical inputs on my receiver and have a coaxial connection to spare. 2) the recording schedule feature is a bit odd in that it requires you to turn off the recorder to record a scheduled program. This is a bit annoying, as I'd like to watch the event when it comes up. Because of this, I have to wait for the recorder to start recording before I can watch TV through the DVD recorder.
29 EXCELLENT for the price range!!
I bought this unit primarily to record my video camera recordings to DVD. I really like it so far. It was very simple to get started. I have been impressed with the quality. I have only used the DVD-R discs and have had no problems. I love the fact that you can put titles and edit EASILY. I have started recording off the tv as well. You can't go wrong when you compare the other recordable units in this category. I have been thrilled with this product thus far!!!
30 Great basic machine!
We already have the panasonic E80h w/hard drive.Love it so much we had to get a second recorder just to keep the peace!While I highly recomend getting a DVD recorder w/ hard drive,the E55K will do just fine as a secondary recorder.If you use DVD-RAM discs,it is possible to duplicate many of the same functions of a hard drive.The DVD-R discs are an economical alternative if write once will work for you.This recorder is also priced comparably with "no name" units!Can't go wrong here!
