Panasonic DMR-E55S DVD Recorder and Player - Progressive-Scan DVD Video Recorder with MP3 & Time Slip Playback records to DVD-RAM and DVD-R discs
Panasonic's DMR-E55S 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-E55S'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 multi-media 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-E55S 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.
About Progressive ScanningAs a player, the DMR-E55K offers a progressive-scan video output for optimum picture quality when viewing a DVD movie on a high-definition or HD-ready TV. With standard interlaced signals (480i), it takes two passes to build one frame of video: first the even scan lines, then the odd. Progressive scanning doubles the scan lines of an interlaced signal by scanning all 525 lines in 1/60 of a second for each full pass. The higher-density video signal creates film-like DVD images with rich detail, extraordinary depth of field, and precise color reproduction.
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.
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 until its demise.
2 Highly recommended
I purchased the DMR-E55 in May 2004 & have nothing but praise for this machine and I think the DVD-RAM format is so good because I am able to record my favourite tv shows in DVD-RAM Format in XP or Flexible record mode then simply erase the commercials leaving just the tv show then play the Ram disc back in my Panasonic S27 player and record to DVD-R to keep for future viewing anytime I wish to watch them. I also have backed up many VHS tapes & home movies to DVD-R. The only problem I have ever come across with this recorder is that on the odd occasion after finalizing a DVD-R the menu has not been completely created even though all chapters buttons work fine the menu is not in full view but maybe that has been more a faulty disc than the machine itself but even so these few discs still play fine. I would highly recommend this machine to anyone who is looking for a good DVD recorder.
3 Consider the highly improved replacement, Panasonic DMR-ES10
The Panasonic DMR-E55 is highly rated, but with some limitations, and I was considering getting one. But Panasonic just came out with a replacement, the DMR-ES10, which not only fixes most of the problems/limitations of the E55 but is also a mind-bendingly reasonable $200 list price. It just hit the shelves a few days ago, and I was lucky enough to be there at the right time and ended up with a unit. I love it. See the review I'm writing under the ES10.
Even if you find a good deal on a used/refurbished/closeout E55, you might at least want to consider the ES10 for its improved functionality.
[I gave the E55 a 4* rating to avoid skewing the ratings. I've noticed that when people don't rate a product, that counts as 0 *'s]
4 Great Features for the Price
Consumer Reports was right to rate this DVD-recorder the highest in its class. It is very easy to set up; it has inputs and outputs for basic coaxial, S-video, component and composite video, as well as standard and digital audio. With three line inputs, you can hook up a number of devices to it, like a VCR, a TiVo recorder, etc. It can serve as a tuner for broadcast and cable, although I don't use that feature, since I have satellite TV.
Recording was easy and straightforward. You can use DVD-RAM discs, which effectively turn the recorder into a TiVo-like device (although nowhere near as convenient or as effective). Or you can burn DVD-R discs, to make permanent copies of your VHS tapes, TiVo recordings, TV shows, etc. It records as several speeds, including a great feature called "flexible recording," where it picks a speed in between the standard speeds to make maximum use of the time remaining on a DVD.
So far, we've been able to record DVD's from VHS tapes and from my TiVo with no problems. The quality of the recordings is first-rate.
Two things to watch out for:
1) While the recorder can output its video signal to the TV using S-video, component or composite video, it cannot output using standard RF coaxial cable. It can receive the signal via RF coaxial cable, but cannot output it. If your TV can only receive a signal via coaxial cable, you'll have to purchase a little converter box from your local electronics shop to make this work.
2) If you have satellite TV, you won't use the DVD-recorder as a tuner. However, every time you turn it on, it will want to automatically search for channels, but it won't find them, since you're using your box or TiVo as a tuner. So, what you have to do is manually set one or two channels to fool the recorder into thinking that it's tuning your TV signal. Then it won't pester you with the Automatic Channel Setup dialog every time you start it up.
For the price, this recorder is well worth it. Don't hesitate to get it, so long as you pay attention to the two caveats mentioned above.
5 Great recorder player
This is my first dvd recorder and I am quite satisfied so far. Using the s-video input from my satellite receiver gives a dvd like quality recording. I have had this for a few months now without any compalints so far. This is a great dvd-recorder for anyone wanting to start out in this field. Playback flawlessly on my other panasonic dvd-players(s27 & 32s), not sure about other brands. Menus are asy to use. I recommend highly.
6 Thought I had investigated enough
I agree with the reviewers that this is a great machine that is easy to use and does a great job with all kinds of recording. MY problem is that I didn't buy this machine as my DVD player. In retrospect I think other reviewers did. I have a Pioneer DVD player hooked to my HDTV and I have TIVO so there is no need for me to copy anything (including TV show and movies) with this machine. It sits attached to a small TV and VCR. I have 400 VHS tapes that I want to copy for family and friends. Nobody can play the DVDs that it copies. Panasonic seems to be the only company going with the DVD-RAM so nobody else can view the DVD's. Yes, I should have looked more into what would play the disks, but I went by these reviews and Panasonic's claim that Disks will play on "most machines". Nobody in the reviews I read said anything about this (because this was going to be their DVD player - my guess).
So anyway just a heads up .... and I guess I'll be buying another one that plays the other DVDs
7 BEST SO FAR~!
IMPRESSIVE PANASONIC DVD Player/Recorder on the market today. I first learned about this machine by reading The "Consumer Report" rated as NUMBER ONE Recommendated DVD-Recorder.After reading Amazon.com review, I made a decide to buy me THREE UNITS~!!!! I only paid $90 each!!!! Brand New~!!! The result is AMAZING! It plays ALL my VCD, DVD-R, and DVDs with HIGH quality sound and Video. EASY to connect to other devices as well. MADE IN JAPAN ROCKS~!!!!
8 Good unit to start with
The unit was easy to setup and was able to find the automatic time on cable without problems.
The menu's are simple and give you concise information. You don't get all of the information you might get with a more expensive model or different brand, but it's enough to do basic DVD recording and playing.
Recording to the DVD_RAM format works great. I haven't tried the DVD-R format. Get the cartridge style DVD_RAM. They are wonderful. You don't have to worry about scratching the disk. All DVD's and CD's should have the cartridge feature. The easiest way to get DVD_RAM cartridges is to go to www.panasonic.com and choose consumer products, then Supplies and Accessories (unfortunately Amazon doesn't sell the cartridge versions).
Setting the time for a timer recording is quick and easy. Pressing and holding the timer buttons allows the time to jump at 30 minute increments forward or backward.
I like the feature that requires you to turn the unit off before it will record Timer recordings. That way if I have something set to record weekly that I'd like to bypass, but not want to delete the weekly entry, all I have to do is turn the unit on.
You can set the remote for most major brand TV's to Turn it On/Off, or change channels and volume with up/down controls but it will not allow you to change the TV channels with the numeric pad. This would be a nice feature as it takes awhile if you have to go to a channel that's a high number from where you're at.
It plays DVD-Videos well, though there is no zoom feature if you get the 16:9 ratio. It also has no real resume play feature. This is the feature that if you stop anywhere in a DVD the unit remembers where you were, and the next time you insert the DVD and press play it resumes from where you left off. My JVC player remembers the last 50 DVD's which is very nice. This unit doesn't seem to be able to remember one. It mentions it in the Product Menu but the only way I've gotten it to work is when I press Stop and as long as I don't turn the unit off or remove the DVD it will start where it left off.
You can select EP mode and record for 6 or 8 hr's on a DVD. I found the 4 hour LP mode recording to be acceptable but not the EP mode recordings.
Because of the price I ended up getting two so we could record in either location that we have TV's. Again it's a good unit to start with.
When I first received it about a month ago I would have given it five stars, but now I find I miss the Resume play and Zoom features more than I thought and will give it 4 stars.
9 One often overlooked feature
Several reviews discuss the reduction in quality in going from a 2 hour recording to a four hour recording. One very cool feature on this machine is Flexible Recording, where it will set the recording time and quality to exactly the time you need.
So if you need to record a movie that's 2 hours and 10 minutes, insead of using the 4 hour setting and having the large reduction in quality just to fit in the extra 10 minutes, use Flexible Record mode, set it for 2 hrs 10 mins, and get almost the same quality as the 2 hour mode.
This feature makes a huge difference in the recording quality of the many movies that run just over 2 hours.
10 Great Recorder!
I've had this recorder for about a month now and it is great! I bought it mainly to record tv shows to replace my VCR and it's doing a great job. It's a snap to set the recorder to record. I like the fact that it tells you how much time you have left on the disk. The price was really great too! I would recommend this to anyone who's looking for a reasonably priced recorder. Only wish it would take DVD-RW instead of DVD-RAM.
11 Good for the price
Yes, there are better DVD recorders out there - ones that support more diversity in the media they will play and ones that have slightly easier connection options. However for the price this one is selling at, I have to say I like it. I've had mine for about a week now and have burned about 20 DVD-Rs from movies I had saved up on a cable DVR box. Each one at varying lengths - so I've had a chance to play around with speeds and recording quality. Recording at 2hour or using flex recording a recording at 3hour gives you good quality pictures when played back on a digital/hd tv or on an analog tv. Remember the quality of the picture is never better than the original - so when you record from VHS tapes don't expect amazing results. But it's not bad - and maybe even slightly better - as long as you chose a recording speed equal to or less than the one the original recording was made in (i.e. I cut out a lot of useless stuff from home videos and shortened the recording time).
Some of the bells and whistles, such as watching one program while recording another, etc. are not possible with a cable box, but then they weren't on a vcr either - so while I'm disappointed, I'm not surprised. I think it's up to the cable companies to address that one!
The body of the machine is a little thicker than my regular dvd player but not by much and looks attractive (I have the silver one). The mechanism which takes disc in and out does have the potential to fall apart - if any part of the machine is flimsy that's it. But if you're setting this up in an environment that it'll be used carefully I imagine it'll hold up - at least until the next new gadget comes out!
Overall I'd say you'll like the machine.
12 Great machine for the money!
We have owned this DVD recorder for about a month, ever since our 20-year-old VCR died. We were considering getting another VCR but then decided to make the leap to DVD, even though it was a less familiar technology to us. We were very pleased with how easy this machine was to set up and learn to use--it only took us half an hour to unpack, set up, record a test, and play back! We use a DVD-RAM disk--we got a 3-pack on Amazon.com for a lot less than $17 per disk. We've been recording at the EP speed, which gives you 8 hours per DVD-RAM disk. The playback at this speed is a bit grainy, but if you're just catching up on a favorite show and don't care that much about the picture quality, it's fine. We haven't tried the other recording speeds yet because EP is good enough for our purposes and we'd rather have the extra space on the disk. We've also played DVDs from the library, and the picture quality on those has been great--unlike what another reviewer said, we definitely feel you can use this machine just fine as a DVD player, though it doesn't have all the bells and whistles our JVC DVD player has (but that's fine with us--in fact, we're thinking of selling the JVC player and replacing it with a second one of these Panasonic recorders). So, so far we haven't had any problems, though we do have two questions. First, is it possible to stop the disk in a particular place, turn off the machine, then resume playing in that place later on? So far we haven't been able to do this. We can do it when we don't turn off the machine, but once we do, the disk goes back to the beginning, which means that to get to the same place you were, you have to remember how far along the disk was (e.g., 14:40) and fast-forward to that spot. The second thing that's puzzling us is that there doesn't seem to be an a.m. or p.m. switch when you're setting up a program (the long way) to record. So, say it's 10:30 a.m. and you want to record a program that starts at 1:00 p.m.--the only way we've found to do this is to first get the display to 11:59 a.m., then use the arrow key to go up 1 minute to 12:00 p.m., then enter in 1:00 p.m. A bit cumbersome--it's hard to believe there isn't a way around this, but we haven't found anything in the manual.
13 A Superior Technology
I had a cabinet full of videotapes. For a long time, I wanted to switch to DVD's. The DVD is more compact. The DVD has a level of random access. There is no rewind. But, the process of converting a tape to a DVD is very slow. I have put almost 300 hours on DVD, mostly at the 4 hour speed, and it is worth the effort.
The good news is that the technology seems to be very easy and reliable. I've gone through 80 DVD-R's, various brands, and not had a single problem. I can play the disks on my computers, but the 4 hour speed is not great in terms of quality on a computer. It's pretty good with a standard television, but only for slow moving action. Sports, like football, works best at 2X, or the 2 hour speed. I use the 4 hour with VHS tapes made at the LP, or 4 hour speed.
I've found it easy to put the DVD in my computer drive, a DVD burner, and access the files. I've also copied all the files from a DVD-R, made in the Panasonic, copied them to DVD+R, and played them on a Sony DVD player. So it is possible to get digital files with the Panasonic, for copies or whatever.
It's a nice technology and this machine has not proved a problem in any way. Obviously, with Dish and the VCR and the need to keep track of inputs and outputs, there is a bit of learning or experimentation to do. The Dish programs on the PVR I rent from dish works great when the recordings are sent to the DVD recorder.
14 Great product
This is a great product. I have made 2 dvds so far and they've turned out great. I've used tdk dvd-r disks. The only thing I don't like is the quality of the dvd disks if you record past the 2 hour mode. I've recorded in the 4 hour mode and the picture is really grainy. If you record a movie that's less than 4 hours but longer than 2 hours I suggest using 2 disks and just record in the 2 hour mode. There is a difference between dvd ram disks and dvd-r disks. Dvd Ram allows you to record for a longer period of time and it allows you to record copyrighted material from the television but only once. You can't do that with a dvd-r disk.
I've recorded from a directv dvr box and I've recorded from a cable dvr box and they both work fine.
You can erase what you have on your dvd disk as many times as you like as long as you don't finalize the disk. The manual doesn't tell you how to finalize a disk. I think you press the functions button on your remote control and then go on from there.
15 Watch out for this unit!
I have had problems with this unit. I also wanted a way to backup some TIVO programs. I needed a solution that was simple for my wife to be able to use. I thought it was nice that it supported DVD-RAM media. I was mistaken. This unit works well for playback, although most additional features are a waste for my setup with DirectTV. As noted by someone else, the door mech. is slow and clunky, making me question whether it will fail soon (it has stuck once already). I purchased a pack (of 50 DVD-R, TDK, faster speed, etc.) and off I go to to record. The first DVD died during recording, so I tried another, then a third. All died within 40 seconds of pressing 'record'. The unit then starts to reboot and perform self-tests over and over going into "la-la" land. Before returning unit to store, decided to try a DVD-RAM from panasonic. No problems noted, but since DVD-RAM can't be read on typical DVD players I went back to the store and purchased a 10pk of panasonic DVD-Rs. Tested this last night. Recorded fine. Great, I thought. Now, here comes the best part. I took the finialized DVD-R and placed it in my newly purchased 27" Panasonic TV-VCR-DVD Combo located in another room. The message "Disk format not supported" is displayed. So, unless I have an identical unit in another room, I'm out of luck. Thanks panasonic, I WILL NEVER FALL FOR THIS AGAIN!
*** I wonder if I can return it without the box ***
16 Good -bye VCR's !!!
I received the Panasonic DMR-E-55 DVD-recorder for Chirstmas. What a great price for this machine!! I have been able to copy some VHS tapes but not others. You just have to try some out and see which ones are copy-protected. Alas, all DVD's that are copyable to VHS will be blocked by this machine. I have finalized 4 Fuji-DVD-R's with no problem at all. I have not used any dvd-ram discs as of yet. The lack of a firewire port on this DVD-recorder was not an issue with me, since a do not have a digital camcorder. It keeps the price down anyway. This machine makes a fine DVD-player as well. Someone had mentioned in previous review that fine lines will appear in dvd-v playback, just turn off the mpeg-dnr setting located in the video menu. The tv-picture recorded by the built in tv-tuner is impressive even at the 4-hour setting. This machine is only limited by the signal quality one receives by cable or other means. Get one of these beauties before they are all gone!!!!!!
17 Most impressive
I've always liked Panasonic gear, and this is no exception. Works just like my last VCR, also a Panasonic.
PROS: GREAT PRICE! Record from TV, camcorder, or other line-in source, such as a Tivo DVR. You can record up to 16 hrs. over and over again on one $17 DVD-RAM disk...writes up to 100,000 times. Also easy to record to $0.83 DVD-R media (one time only). Once "finalized," the DVD-R becomes a DVD-video disc like any you rent at the store, so it should play on other players with no problems. I just made a copy of a show saved on Tivo and it worked great.
Easy to setup. Good instructions. Plays 150-song MP3 disks with no problem...select song from list on TV screen. My next experiment: Will it read MP3's recorded to DVD-R on my PC? That would give like 700 songs on one disk. If not, can I burn my MP3's to DVD-audio?
Cons: Mechanism for opeing/closing disc drawer/door is clunky, slower than the Sony DVD player it replaced. Takes a lot of time to read the disc when you first put it in. (This is likely because it reads so many different formats: DVD-V, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD-R, CD, so can't complain.) Wish it would record video to CD as well, just because CD-video media is so much cheaper. From DVD-Audio discs, it only reads 2 channel sound, not Dolby Digital or 5.1 Surround.
Overall: A great all-around first DVD recorder for those who like to record from TV and want to replace their VCR, or for those Tivo users who want to send recorded programmes to DVD.
18 So Far so good!
I recently bought this recorder due to the favorable reviews on this site. I have been very happy so far. I have put all of my 8 mm tapes on DVD and am just starting to transfer my VHS home movies. I first bought TDK DVD-R disks. They did not work! I then bought Maxell DVD-R disks and I have had no problems since.
The only problems I see so far is that I'm losing sleep getting all of these DVDs made for myself and soon my relatives will be asking me to do theirs also. : )
I have not used my recorder for TV programs yet. I'm sure it will work OK but it is not nearly as user friendly as my TiVo. I guess I will just use it as a backup TV recorder in case my TiVo is already recording a program.
19 GREAT DVD RECORDER FOR THE PRICE
THIS IS THE FRIST DVD RECORDER THAT I HAVE USED AND THE SETUP WAS EASY AND I WAS RECORDING IN ABOUT 15 MINUTES,THE OWNERS MANUAL WAS A LITTLE TO BE DESIRED ABOUT HOW TO FINALIZE A DVD,BUT IT WAS FAIRLY EASY TO FIGURE OUT AND THE RECORDING IS GREAT
20 Fantastic! So simple, even a nearly blind man can use it...
This is one of the best DVR machines out there. Enough bells and wistles to put you in technogeek heven, yet simple enough for someone like me who is severely visually impaired to use and enjoy.
All you really have to do is put in a blank disc, hi the record button, and hit the open/close button on the remote when you are done. The greatest thing I like about this machine is that even in EP mode, the recordings you get from it literally blows VHS out of the water.
A fantastic machine at a very low price. GET IT!
21 Recorder is VERY flaky
I bought this DVD player over the summer in the hope of burning DVDs for programs that had been originally recorded on TiVo or VHS tapes.
I found the device for the most part to be relatively intuitive. The process of recording is straightforward. The recorder can record onto DVD-R (basically, record once) discs. I stayed away from using DVD-RAM discs because they are expensive and not widely used.
Recording onto a DVD-R disc is a 2-step process:
1. you record 1 or more tracks
2. at some point, you finalize the disc. When you finalize the disc, the disc is no longer writable, and you are able (theoretically) to play the finalized disc in any DVD-R compatible player
I was, initially, quite happy with the product, until we started to run into problems.
A huge issue is that the recorder occasionally craps out when you are recording tracks. Once it craps out, you can't finalize the disc, which means you either can only play it on this recorder or not at all.
Here are the specific problems I've run into:
1. For one disc (TDK), the recorder can play the disc but can't finalize it. So I am stuck with only being able to play it on this recorder. That's bad. The disc also skips in the same places during playback
2. Another disc (TDK) skips in the same places every time during playback. We were able to finalize the disc, but the skipping is annoying
3. For another disc (Memorex), the recorder crapped out while I was trying to set the thumbnail clip for a particular track. Now the recorder says the disc is empty. I can't even play the tracks I've already recorded on the recorder. The sad thing is I already deleted those tracks from TiVo (which is what I use to record TV programs), so now those tracks are lost.
I ran into problems #1 and #2 using TDK DVD-R discs. So I bought a different brand of disc (Memorex), but I ran into the problem #3 using a Memorex DVD-R disc. My strong impression now is that it is the recorder that is the problem, not the discs. Believe me, I wanted this recorder to not be the problem. It's affordable and like I said earlier, fairly user-friendly, and I don't like wasting time with the learning curve of a new device.
Once the recorder hoses the DVD-R disc, it seems extremely difficult to get the data back. I tried a bunch of Windows programs (e.g. Isobuster) with no luck. I even tried some command-line utilities on Linux.
If you purchase or own this device, my strong advice to you is to only record 1 or 2 programs before finalizing. And don't delete your original copies until after you've finalized the disc. Obviously, you shouldn't have to worry about not being able to finalize. You should be able to record as many tracks as you want until the disc is near full. But my experience is that you increase the likelihood of hosing the disc irreparably.
Do a search on "Panasonic can't finalize" and you'll see lots of other Panasonic recorder owners who have run into similar problems like I've described.
Problem #3 caused me to lose clips that I REALLY want to have. I am going to have to resort to paying a company to try to recover the data, which isn't cheap.
As a last piece of advice, if you can afford it, I recommend that you get a -RW or +RW recorder. Since researching the problems, I've read a lot of stuff on the Internet that say that the process of finalizing discs is fraught with issues, regardless of the recorder manufacturer.
I did call Panasonic customer service, and they were entirely unhelpful. They got value out of the call (by collecting marketing information about me: where I live, my name, when I bought it) but they were entirely unhelpful. The CSR said there is no way to recover the data. Their simple advice was: use only Panasonic DVD-R discs. That's garbage, and this whole experience was so frustrating I want to spare others my aggravation.
22 Consumer review of Panasonic DMRE55S Pro Sc DVD RecPlay Silv
I bought this system just to copy all my old VCR tapes onto DVD Media. I looked around for a long time waiting for prices to drop. This is the best System for the price. Plug and Play. Once finalized I can view the DVDs in my 1999 Compaq Presario and in another Apex DVD player that we have.
Use only Panasonic DVD-Ram and or Ritek DVD-R.
VCR Plus is great. Also check out http://www.VCRPlus.com
for VCR Plus codes. Previous reviewer mentioned that DVD has to be powered off to record and that is a minor problem.
Remote was easy to set up with an older JVC TV.
Only other issue is there is No "last channel" on remote, no "mute" button.
23 Dosen't meet my needs, but possibly worth considering
I bought and returned this unit from a different retailer. I didn't spend a lot of time with it, but my thoughts might still be useful.
The deal breakers for me were the following: This unit doesn't remember your current position in a show when switch to a different show, or when you turn the unit off. To use this, I would literally have to write down where in a show I was before I stopped watching, and then fast forward through the show to get to the same spot. Also, I wanted to be able to watch the shows I recorded on PC. It turns out DVD-RAM is VERY incompatible with most drives. None of my DVD-ROM or DVD-RW drives in any of my computers were able to read the discs, which for me was important. (I wanted to be able to watch shows in different locations).
Other negative stuff:
This unit, like a VCR, doesn't record a scheduled show unless it's turned off. That makes no sense, because the unit is capable of recording a show while it plays back. Sony's DVD recorders, for example, don't force you to turn the unit off before it records.
On that note-the image of the show being played back seems to "jump" forward-sort of like it has a bad frame rate, if a show is being recorded at the same time. That said, the feature is at least sort of useable.
I wasn't thrilled with the image quality. I think it's possibly better than Tivo, but the colors to me looked a little washed out-not bad though.
This unit, like all stand alone DVD recorders, doesn't really have that much recording time. To get good quality you have to increase the quality setting, which drastically reduces the amount of recording time you have. I discovered that on some days I wouldn't really have enough recording time on a DVD-RAM disc to grab all the shows I want at the quality settings I want.
Also, I don't like the unit's interface. I've used Tivo, which is of course much, much easier to use, but I even preferred the Sony VCR this was supposed to replace. Brining up menus feels slow, the directional buttons aren't very responsive, and menus to me don't feel very intuitive.
This probably sounds pretty negative, but aside from the top two points, this seems like a pretty nice unit (and Amazon's price is certainly good). The unit allows you to set 16 shows to be recorded, and the interface for that is pretty solid. (My old VCR only let you set it for 8 shows, which isn't enough for me). You can also give shows you record a name-like if you record "Lost" every week, you can give it that name, so that it shows up by name in the list of shows on your DVD-RAM disc. Entering names is a pain, but worth it for repeating shows. The menu screen for selecting recorded shows is sort of neat-in addition to the time, station, (and optionally the name), it displays a video clip of the beginning of currently selected recording. The response time for the menu is a little sluggish though.
The unit seems solidly built, and is fairly quiet when in operation (and dead silent when you switch it off-unlike Tivo).
It doesn't meet my needs, but it's worth considering!
24 High-quality DVD recorder
This Panasonic DVD-R recorder is the best way to get started on DVD recording. This is not to say this is a "basic" unit. It has lots of features like time slipping. But I'm the kind of VCR users who never went beyond basic playback, recording, and programmed recording. The Panasonic is very easy to use, esp. if you already know how to use a VCR. If you want to get sophisticated, the advanced featuers are there for you to play with.
What's important is the Panasonic works very well. I transfered my old VHS tapes to DVD-R, and all the discs burned without a hitch. I also record a couple TV shows on the machine, and it's never failed me. Panasonic was the first company to come out with DVD recorders and the maturity of this product means it's also reliable.
Yes, this model is identical internally to the black DMR-E55K model. I personally prefer silver.
25 Great machine!
You should look at the reviews for this Panasonic DMR-E55 unit with the black outer finish on Amazon for many more reviews of this silver version. All I can add to those informative reviews is how pleased I am with its incredibly easy set-up and very well designed interface and remote control. I'm thrilled with the quality of the recording even without using the higest quality format. I'm actually surprised the unit is so inexpensive considering the quality and number of features.
