Originally posted in recorders but this seems to be a player issue.

I have a Panasonic DMR-E55 used to record a variety of original sources. I'll do a trial run using a RAM disk then install a DVD-R for the final recording - no fancy editing just a straight copy, usually in the SP mode. Then on to the "finalization" process ".. effectively making them into DVD-Video that complies with DVD-Video standards."" Or so the Panasonic manual claims.

So I recently added an OPPO 971H in another room for playback only and instantly noticed a problem. As described by OPPO's Q&A:
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Q: I own a standalone DVD recorder and am experiencing playback problems. Every DVD I record will slow down, pause, and speed back up randomly when played on the 971H. Audio is not effected.

A: We are currently aware of this problem and our engineers have been informed. Currently, all standalone DVD recorders have playback issues when mated with the 971H. It is advisable that all DVD recording is done through the computer, and not the standalone DVD recorder.
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And a further email to OPPO confirmed that...
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"Unfortunately this applies to all of our DVD players. We are not compatible with VR format that most DVD recorders utilize."
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Apparently the -VR recording format does not exactly convert to DVD-R when "finalized" as Panasonic claims and the OPPO players can't cope with this. My plan was to have some fun upconverting the DVD-Rs but naturally, nothing is easy.

Choice #1: Buy a new recorder (will need an ATSC tuner eventually anyway) which formats the finished DVD in a way that OPPO can handle, and re-record my incompatible DVDs. From reading feedback on the ATSC recorders it will be a while before the bugs are worked out an prices drop on upconverting models so I would rather wait on this choice. Still, suggestions on what OPPO is happy with would be appreciated.

Choice #2: Ditch the OPPO and keep the existing recorder for a while and buy an upconverting DVD player for the other room that plays the recorded material correctly. Anybody have any suggestions on this option?

I should mention that the DVDs play fine in a couple other non-upconverting players so this looks like a real OPPO problem.

Thanks,

Have you tried harrassing Panasonic? I mean if they dont burn the discs to Orange Book standards, then why is it Oppo's fault

I am just going by what Oppo's tech dept states in their email:

"Unfortunately this applies to all of our DVD players. We are not compatible with VR format that most DVD recorders utilize."

Oppo seems to think "we are not compatible.." with "most recorders" so it does not seem to be a recorder problem unique to the Panasonic unless "most" recorders are equally as bad. Plus, I don't understand why my old $30.00 Walmart APEX (non-upconverting) seems to work just fine and the Oppo doesn't. Seems it should be the other way around.

Very strange indeed.

i wonder if the new oppo 983 will play -r discs?
i'll have to ask on its thread.


edit-just asked-now to wait for answer.

Oppo DV-983H plays dvd-r that are cut on computer without any problems at all. Have been playing the back-up movies burnt to dvd-r without any hitches for the last month.

-R was never a problem. It is with the Panasonic DVR formatted -R that is the issue

I assume this is limited to the panny hard drive models. I have an ES-10(no HDD) and have no problem playing back recordings on a 970 or 983 made using the panny and DVD-R media.