I have a Panasonic DMR-ES45V which is about a year and a half old. Ever since it came out of the box new, I have had problems with it freezing or locking up if I am playing back a program recorded on DVD at the same time another (or the same program) is being recorded on DVD ("Chase Play"). I use DVD-RAM format DVD's. Once it locks up, the only way to clear it is to power off the unit and power it back on. Even with “quick start-up” set to on, this process takes approx 3-4 minutes or longer and no recording is done during this time period.

This means I lose 3-4 minutes of any program that is being recorded when one of these lock-ups occurs and the problem is extremely predictable. It *WILL* occur each time I use chase play...it's just a matter of how quickly it will happen and not *IF*. Also, the problem ONLY occurs during “chase play” and never at any other time.

I have tried looking for a firmware update for the device from Panasonic however they insist that the firmware level I have on it is current and is not the problem. I have also tried cleaning the spindle assembly on it however it showed no wear and since the problem has occurred since it was brand new, that didn't seem like the problem either. In any case, cleaning the spindle did not resolve the problem.

Since the recorder is out of warranty, the only recourse is to spend the money to send it back to Panasonic for repair. For what that would cost however, I would rather retire this unit for backup use the way it is (it works fine if you are not using “chase play”) and use the money I would spend on repairing it towards a replacement recorder (not a Panasonic this time!)

Still, I would like to know if anyone has any suggestions as to anything else I can try to resolve this problem. Thanks in advance for any feedback.