HI. I'm probably doing this wrong but I'd like to tell everyone that BJ"S wholesale club has the dmr-es46v on sale for $250 til the end of this month. I got one and it is great and easy to set up --even for me. This model is the same as the es45v.

Does the VCR on the ES45VS have 2 or 4 heads?

Is it 5.1 audio capable?


Thanks!

I have had my Panasonic for months although I only watch about one DVD a week. For the first and only time a rented DVD played with incorrect colors. Although I use an HDMI cable, it looked like an old monitor with one of the red-green-blue color connectors disconnected. I shut off and restarted the Panasonic and everything was fine. Have you seen anything like this?

I've had mine since July and never saw anything like that - did you check your connections?

We purchased the ES46 from Costco in September. I copied 10 or so VHS to DVD. They all looked good on our ten year old 19" TV. I didn't bother trying them on our PC. At Thanksgiving we purchased a Panasonic 42" plasma from Costco.

When we play the DVDs TV I had recorded on the new we see a flickering lines on the top and bottom of the screen. There is some distortion in the audio also. Yesterday I tried them on my PC. Same thing. I expected some of the older VHS tapes wouldn't turn out perfect (low quality in low quality out) but some of the tapes I copied were relatively new.

Has anyone has a similar problem? Is it my machine or a problem with the model?

The flickering at the top and bottom is common from VHS sources. It is normally not visible due to a thing called overscan. The audio problem I would not expect though. Someone with that model recorder will have to help you with that.

DMS-ES46V On my second unit and it just failed.Plays vhs tapes and that is it.DVD plays for three to four seconds and unit shuts down.
I lost manuel (OK< I know LOL> !!!
Need someone to scan troulbe shooting and e -mail to me.I'm in mexico and 1,000 miles away from store. My e-mail is marknbaja@yahoo.com .I would really be thankful for any help.
I now have SONY DRX-510UL running through Win XP pro gonna try going into DMR-ES46V. What the heck.

DMS-ES46V On my second unit and it just failed.Plays vhs tapes and that is it.DVD plays for three to four seconds and unit shuts down.
I lost manuel (OK< I know LOL> !!!
Need someone to scan troulbe shooting and e -mail to me.I'm in mexico and 1,000 miles away from store. My e-mail is marknbaja@yahoo.com .I would really be thankful for any help.
I now have SONY DRX-510UL running through Win XP pro gonna try going into DMR-ES46V. What the heck.Here's Panasonic site.
Panasonic Support (http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vProdSupportModel?displayTab=R&surfModel=DMR-ES46VS&modelNo=DMR-ES46VS&storeId=15001&catalogId=11017&itemId=97847&displayServiceCenter=true) \

DMR-ES46V Havcing problems with DVD playing or recording ?.I turned my unit over or upside and hit play for dvd and works pefect now again.records and plays.

DMR-ES46V Havcing problems with DVD playing or recording ?.I turned my unit over or upside and hit play for dvd and works pefect now again.records and plays.
I think you better return it or get it fixed under warranty. :(

I've had this unit for a couple of weeks now and an pretty pleased with it, especially the VHS-DVD transfer quality. However, I'm annoyed that I can't watch TV broadcasts while transferring from VHS to DVD. In other words, the "VCR/TV" button doesn't work while I'm doing that. Is there a work around so I don't have to watch what I'm transferring (without splitting the antenna input)?

How do you have your unit hooked up to the TV?

I'm only asking because if you get a 2-way Antenna Splitter instead of feeding the antenna signal from the ES46V to the TV feed one side of the splitter to the TV & the other side of the splitter to the ES46V & then hook the ES46V up to the TV using the A/V Outputs on it & you should be able to Record/Dub & Watch another channel on the TV all at the same time.

This will only work though if your TV has Audio/Video Inputs on it.

How do you have your unit hooked up to the TV?

I'm only asking because if you get a 2-way Antenna Splitter instead of feeding the antenna signal from the ES46V to the TV feed one side of the splitter to the TV & the other side of the splitter to the ES46V & then hook the ES46V up to the TV using the A/V Outputs on it & you should be able to Record/Dub & Watch another channel on the TV all at the same time.

This will only work though if your TV has Audio/Video Inputs on it.

I was hoping to not have to split the antenna input because I use actual antenna (not cable) and the signal strength is already low. Most VCRs, etc., allow antenna to bypass the unit with the "VCR/TV" button, so I'm surprised that this one does not.

If that's my only option, I guess I'll have to take it. But it seems like a design flaw to me.

Well if the VCR/TV switch doesn't work with it, & it sounds like that's how Panasonic designed it then that's the only way to go that I can think of.

As far as splitting the signal goes your really already doing that it's just that the Panny is acting as your splitter so there really should'nt be anymore signal loss than you already have if you switch to a seperate 2-Way splitter instead.

Well if the VCR/TV switch doesn't work with it, & it sounds like that's how Panasonic designed it then that's the only way to go that I can think of.

I'm not so sure about that. It works when taping a TV show and the manual makes a general statement about being able to watch TV while recording by hitting the VCR/TV button.

Well, either way, I guess I'll just have to split the antenna.

I just got this es45 for Christmas..I know I read during my research that it plays divx files.. I have some downloaded avi files and I used my divx player to burn it to both a cd-r and a dvd-r and each time I put them in the dvd player it comes unsup port - what the heck is going on?? anyone else able to view avi files on there? what do you use? what am I doing wrong? maybe not finalizing the cd-r or something first? the divx player burns it and I dont' think there are other options on finalizing it.. does this thing play avi files? if so, how??

I was using a staples dvd-r and BJ's brand cd-r.. think that's an issue? I was able to view avi files on the cd-r's on my cheapy brand divx dvd player the other week.. very odd!! is cheaper better I wonder..

thanks for any help you can offer!! I'm going nuts since I thought this was going to be perfect for me.. I'm sure I'm doing something wrong.. please help!
:rolleyes:

I only saw and bought a Lite on DVD/VCR recorder. But no HDMI.

I looked at Costco and I do not see it on line.


Any input?

thanks

Nick

As a 1st time purchase of a dvd recorder I have decided to purchase this machine (refurbished) with a primary purpose of recording TV shows and movies (Non-HD) to watch on another TV. Secondary reason is to copy old VHS tapes to DVD (personal home videos).
One question I have not answered by reading this thread has to do with 'finalizing' a dvd before it can be used by another player. Once it has been 'finalized' can it then be re-used to record other shows.

Thanks,

wabos42

Once you "Finalize" a disc it can't be recorded on again. Just think of it as creating a Store Bought DVD :)

On DVD-RW or DVD+RW discs that have been "Finalized" I'm pretty sure on your Panny that you can "Reformat" them & Record on them again but when you
"Reformat" them you will erase everything that had been previously recorded on the disc.

Kind of what I thought and for my purposes will work fine. Can I 'assume' then that the DVD-Ram discs fall into that re-useable category?

Thanks

Yes, DVD-RAM discs are the ones that can do the most on Panny Recorders but unlike the other discs they can't be "Finalized" so they can only play on DVD Players that can play or record RAM discs which in plain english means that they can't be played on most older DVD Players or Newer DVD Recorders from China or Philips Brand Recorders.

Check pages 6 & 7 of the Owners Manual & it will explain what each discs format can & can't do but you'll see RAM discs can do the most on Panny's like Record a 16:9 Wide-Screen Picture, Record A One Copy Only Program, Divide A Program & Cut Commercials out Of a Program & Etc.

DVD-RAM Discs are also said to be able to record up to a 100,000 times on compared to 1,000 for -RW & Once for -R & they may even be even safer to store stuff on for the future without having Picture Fade or Audio Dropouts but only time will tell if they are better or not.

I only saw and bought a Lite on DVD/VCR recorder. But no HDMI.

I looked at Costco and I do not see it on line.


Any input?

thanks

Nick

I was there yesterday, and they still had a whole bunch selling at their regular price. Perhaps your Costco store ran out and if you're looking at their web site, they don't always have or carry the same merchandise as their stores.

Hi all,
Is it possible to record a TV show on both the VCR section and DVD section at the same time?
Also, I have a chance to buy a 3 year extended warranty for 20 bucks. Do you think it is worth it? I purchased a Refurbished unit by Panny so that is why I may do it.
My unit is on it's way and I can't wait to use it.
Thanks all
:)

Hi all,
Is it possible to record a TV show on both the VCR section and DVD section at the same time?
Also, I have a chance to buy a 3 year extended warranty for 20 bucks. Do you think it is worth it? I purchased a Refurbished unit by Panny so that is why I may do it.
My unit is on it's way and I can't wait to use it.
Thanks all
:)
You can choose either dvd or VCR, not both. But you can later copy dvd to vcr, or from vcr to dvd. For a refurb, I'd get the extended warranty for $20, as long as its covered by a reputable company (or an authorized repair company) as oppose to sending it back to the seller.

You can choose either dvd or VCR, not both. But you can later copy dvd to vcr, or from vcr to dvd. For a refurb, I'd get the extended warranty for $20, as long as its covered by a reputable company (or an authorized repair company) as oppose to sending it back to the seller.

Ok thanks for that info Arty. I was just wondering about the simultaneous recording just in case of a DVD failure during record or something, at least I would have a backup of my show. As it turns out it is only a 2 year warranty but I think it is still worth it like you say seeing it is refurb. Should be here tomorrow, Wed.
Bob

I always thought you could record DVDs & Video Tapes at the same time but seeing it only has one tuner the same channel would have to be recorded?

But if you recorded from one of the inputs hooked up to another Tuner (Cable Box, Sat. Box another VCR) then you could record 2 different programs on a DVD & Video Tape at the same time?

Also I thought you can do "Timer Recordings" with the DVD & VCR Sections as long as you din't schedule the exact same recording times so you would schedule the Timer Recording As:

SAME PROGRAM SAME CHANNEL ON BOTH (Using The Combos Own Built-In Tuner)
DVD CH 2 ON 8:59 OFF 10:00
VCR CH 2 ON 9:00 OFF 10:01

2 DIFFERENT PROGRAMS
DVD CH 2 ON 8:59 OFF 10:00 (Using The Combos Own Built-In Tuner)
VCR CH INPUT ON 9:00 OFF 10:01 (Using The Tuner Hooked To The Input)

Then you would set the input device (Cable Box, Sat Box, VCR) to come ON at 8:55 & OFF at 10:05 & set to the channel you wanted to record or just leave the device ON & set to the correct channel.

I just tried this on my neighbors Samsung VR320 Combo unit & I could not get it to work for "Timer Recordings" but I only tried it up to 5 Min. Apart for the Timer Settings.

But it did work if I set either the DVD or VCR side for a Timer Recording & then manually used the Non-Recording side to select the Input that his Cable Box was hooked to so at least on the Samsung you can record the same program or another program at the same time if you do it manually.

Maybe someone can chime in & let us know how it works on the Panny's.

I am a new member. I just purchased the 45V at Costco and been having difficulties setting up the unit. The manual on page 18 says to set the RF channel. Well, my DISH Network box is set a channel 4 and i was only seeing the following channels on the recorder: dv, in1 and in2. So I decided to set all the channels. This resulted in: dv, in1, in2, ch4. I said to myself, great, now i could simply insert the vhs tape and hit play and the video will automaticaclly play. Well, it did not happen. Instead, I had to change the TV channel to CH3 inorder to view the tape. Why is this?

I though there is an option to change the RF in the recorder to CH3, CH4, or OFF. I could only get CH4 and not CH3 or OFF. Please help.

See PAGE 23 of your Owners Manual & it will tell you how to Select: Ch 3, Ch 4 or Turn The RF Output "OFF"

Just got back from BJ's Wholesale club. They have the es46v model with the hdmi cable for $289.99...But, their was a $40 instant rebate taken at the register.

Hello all, new to the forum here. I just bought the 45V from refurb depot for $180 including shipping. They sent the 46 model and I got the HDMI cable in the box. I was nervous buying refurbed, but so far (only 3 days) the unit is working great, and I figure I saved a $100, plus the price of an HDMI cable.
I have already coppied a few old VHS home movies over to DVD. I am recording to +R and -R single layer DVD's. Can I create chapters throughout the disc, or am I stuck with just the one chapter for the whole movie. I have been playing around with some settings and can't seem to get it to create one. From reading in the manual, I am getting the feeling that I won't be able to do this. -Ram I think is the format that is in the manual under creating chapters.
I thought I remember from a Lite on recorder that I had a few years ago, that you could set it to create a chapter every 5 minutes or so. Can you do this with the panosonic? I noticed that one page in the manual says something about it creating a chapter when it notices that the tape has paused or stopped on the original recording itself, but mine is just making one big chapter for each movie that I copy
Other than this one minor problem, I love this machine so far. I hooked it up with HDMI, and love the picture quality of DVD movies with it. I think it looks much better than my XBOX 360, for playing movies. I have a 50" RCA DLP T.V.

^^ Couple of notes
-It was pointed out in another thread here this week, that the Panny 46 was the same as the 45-the 46's were made for sale in warehouse stores like Sam's Club to prevent price matching between rival sellers. But the units are supposed to be the same.
-A 'Title' is referred to as the show or program that's recorded to disc, with 'Chapters' the chapter marks that are within that title program. When you finalize the disc-making it playable on other dvd players, the unit will create chapter marks within each title program on the disc every 5 minutes. You can't manually create them using -/+R, only as you've discovered, on RAM.
-And finally, when dubbing from vhs to dvd, the recorder will pause/start recording to create individual 'titles' on the disc, when it comes across index marks on the tape-4 hours long shows on a tape, you'll get four separate titles for them on the dvd. I can't recall exactly as I type, but (I think) the dividing happens when you use the vhs>dvd dubbing button.
If that's how you made your first vhs dubs, then it divides when you use one of the other dubbing procedures. But it can make separate 'titles' for multiple shows on a vhs tape.

Does anyone know whether the Panny 45VS/46VS has the following features (I've looked for this info elsewhere but to no avail)...

1. IR Blaster
2. Zoom feature

On a different note, I've been searching high and low to find a DVD recorder that has the following specs (the closest unit I found was a Pioneer Elite that MSRPs for ~$1K)...

1. HDMI OUTPUT;
2. Component INPUT (I know that I can't record in HD but I would still like to have this input);
3. 108MHz/12-bit (or higher) Video D/A Converter (preferably, a 12-bit/216-MHz);
3. Zoom feature;
4. IR Blaster; &
5. I don't need (or what) a VHS player (...however, if I must then so be it).

(I wouldn't mind something that is the same as the OPPO DV-981HD plus recording capabilities)

Thanks in advance for any input regarding my questions.

- Perfection in Spaghettification

Many people just get a dedicated DVD Player for such playback-only features, rather than limit their DVD Recorder possibilities by requiring those playback features (Zoom, 12-bit DAC, HDMI output, etc.) in a recorder. Just FYI.

PANNY ES45/46V

IR Blaster = NO
Zoom Feature =NO
HDMI = YES
Component Inputs = NO
12 Bit -YES

The only Recorders with Component Inputs that I know of are the Polaroid w/HDD at WAL-MART & some Philips models.

The Polaroid model also passes the signal through wether the unit is "ON" or "OFF."

If you don't need/want a VCR section the Panasonic DMR-ES25 model has the same features as the ES45/46V models just without the VCR scetion & can be had for around $180

The Polaroid model also passes the signal through wether the unit is "ON" or "OFF."To add a detail to that, it will even pass HD when off, but not when on.

Greetings to all from a new member ...
Wondered - with so many apparent experts talking in these threads - If anyone has any advise for me ...
Just purchased a Panasonic DMR-ES46VS from PCRush (refurbished) Have tried for almost three weeks - with assorted Panasonic tech support tel. "SO-CALLED"
help - To simply hook the darn unit up to my digital Cablevision box and Olevia TV ...
Got multiple different connection configurations from about eight different "Tech-
support" adventures in frustration - With no successful results - The closest
I've gotten to any kind of normal 'action' was with the last tech specialist who manages to get the unit to play a commercial DVD - and a pristine commercial VHS tape ...
Unfortunately, she wasn't able (like the other seven reps) to get the unit to
RECORD ... Or to play just a VHS tape I'd recorded of a TV show (i.e., "House') Since this set obviously has a problem - And after being bandied back and forth between Panasonic & PCRush as to who would give me a 'replacement' unit - PCRush agreed to replace the product ...
Now! My quandry is this ... Is there anyone in this 'technology universe' who has
experience with the Panasonic DMR-ES46VS product - Is it worth my getting a replacement unit - Since the confugurations seem so complicated - And does anyone know if this unit can record one TV program - while you are watching
another (i.e., record a CBS show - while watching an A&E show)
Really would appreciate any advise - Have a few days to send this back and get a replacement - Or simple get a refund - and purchase a different DVD/VCR combo ...
Thank you for any attention !!!!

I'm confused: I just installed this machine and both the User manual and Panasonic customer support say that it will record 16:9 only if you use a DVD-RAM disk. But, as a matter of fact, after recording widescreen HD from my Comcast Motorola DVR both DVD-RAM and DVD -R play back in 16:9 but at a diminished size. My TV is a Samsung 46" DLP and the playback appears to be widescreen but only about 2/3 the size of my screen.

I'm new to all this so I assume I have a lot to learn. I hope this wasn't addressed elsewhere on this thread; I read quite a bit but didn't see it.

Any help understanding all this would be greatly appreciated!

I got this unit about a week ago. I have a Directv box, and just hooked into the DVD recorder with the red white and yellow cables from the DTV box. Then I go out of the DVD player to the T.V. using HDMI. Works like a charm. Can use the DVD-Ram disc kind of like a tivo. If I want to set up a timed recording, I have to make sure that I leave my DTV box on the channel that I want to record. Kind of reminds me of the old days of using a vcr and a cable box. You would think that they would figure out a way to make this all work together a lot easier, but that would make life to simple.
I bought this unit mainly because I have 50 or so home movies that I want to get on disc. It works excellent for that. As far as recording from T.V., I really don't have much use for that, as I have Tivo hooked up on another T.V.

Have tried for almost three weeks - with assorted Panasonic tech support tel. "SO-CALLED"
help - To simply hook the darn unit up to my digital Cablevision box and Olevia TV ..

- And does anyone know if this unit can record one TV program - while you are watching
another (i.e., record a CBS show - while watching an A&E show)
Really would appreciate any advise - Have a few days to send this back and get a replacement - Or simple get a refund - and purchase a different DVD/VCR combo ...
Thank you for any attention !!!!.
Connect cable wire from wall to a signal splitter...run 1 wire...
>into the silver RF jack in back of the recorder
>run 2nd wire into back of digital cable box.
>run yellow video (or S-Video), red/white audio cables from digi cable box into the back of recorder...
>run a 2nd set of video (or S-Video), red/white audio cables from recorder to your tv.
>run an additional cable wire (the one included in the box) from the recorder's silver RF 'Out' jack, to your tv's silver RF jack.

This configuration allows you to
-1) watch your digital cable feed on the recorder's line input channel, you will also record this way too.
2) allows you to watch regular analog channels while the unit is recording a digital channel
3) record regular analog channels without needing cable box on

You will not be able to watch one digital channel, while the unit is recording another digital channel.

Also, if your cable box has 2 sets of those yellow video, red/white audio output plugs (Not all cable boxes have 2 sets of those...), you can run the 2nd set from the digi cable box to the tv-if your tv has a 2nd set of those as well. This will allow you to watch a digital cable with the recorder off, instead of having to turn it on the view from the recorder's line input channel.

On my es30 It will not output the video signal from vhs on the component cables so I have to use a composite output.

Is it the same way on the 45?

Can I watch vhs, tv and dvd on the HDMI output alone?

Not True the ES30V CAN send the VCR Picture out through the Component Video Outputs Jacks & the S-Video Output Jack & in fact it can send a VHS picture out through the Component Outputs in Progressive Scan Mode. See Page 58 of your Owners Manual & all the other pages under "Dubbing" in Very Small Print Look For "DC" & "TP" Input Channels.

The big thing is that you can't have the VCR Side set to INPUT "DC" (For DVD) & then try & set the DVD Side to INPUT "TP" (For VHS Tape). It's one or the other on either side.

SO TRY THIS:

1. Set the VCR Side to any Channel Number (VCR Button + Number Buttons)
2. Set the DVD Side to "TP" (DVD Button + Keep Pushing The Input Button)

You should now be getting the Picture from the VCR & the Channel that you first set the VCR to & the VCR Picture is now being Outputted over the Component & S-Video Jacks. :)

Ok I got it to work but thats retarded.

So in order to watch vhs tape I have to
select the dvd player
press stop on the dvd
change the channel to TP
use the panny remote to change back to vcr mode so I can play stop ff etc and hear the audio.

And then do it all over again each time I watch a video.

Why didn't they just make it go out the component when you just selected vcr mode.

You don't have to prees the "STOP" button on the DVD side unless your watching a DVD.

How hard is it to select the "TP" Input on the DVD side anyway? Your just pressing 3 Buttons on the Panny Remote (DVD + INPUT + VCR) if that's too much trouble you can always use a Learning Remote Control with Macros & use that instead.

The reason Panasonic set up the ES30V like that I think is because the way the whole unit acts with copying things & how it receives things back & forth between the VCR & DVD Sections.

Remember the 2004 Panasonic DMR-E75V & the ES30V are the only Panny Combo models that you can hook up a Video Filter to, to copy Store Bought Video Tapes to DVDs & it's all because of the way the inputs are set up using "TP" "DC" & etc.

The newer Panny models don't have those Inputs (TP & DC) & to copy store bought video tapes on the new Combos using a Video Filter you have to use it with a SEPERATE VCR.

You can't connect a Video Filter to any of the newer Panny Combo Units so I'd rather have to push the 3 buttons & have that feature available to me.

THE ES30V GIVES YOU 5 WAYS TO WATCH THE VCR SIDE:
1. Channel 3 or 4 On The TV
2. Composite Video Input On The TV
3. S-Video Input On The TV
4. Component Video Inputs On The TV
5. Progressive Scan (Component Video Inputs On TV)

And 4 Can Be Used All At The Same Time By Just Changing The Inputs Or Channels On Your TV :)

does the es45vs work the same as the 30?

"does the es45vs work the same as the 30?" NO!!!!

so what do I have to use on the 45 to watch vcr, a composite cable or does it automatically go through the hdmi?

I need to know since I am hooking up a front projector and will be installing sheetrock earlly next week so I need to get it in.

What format are the files on the DVD after dubbing?

The #1 reason I want to purchase a DVD recorder is to record from my camcorder via the DV jack. Right now I run my camcorder into my computer, stream it while my computer records. Kind of a PIA vs. how simple this looks.

I need to have the ability to edit the DVD's (copy the data to the hard drive) then burn the "final" back to a DVD.

Am I asking too much for this device (or other DVD recorders) to do?

What is the recording format? MPEG, AVI, DIVX........etc.?

What format are the files on the DVD after dubbing?

The #1 reason I want to purchase a DVD recorder is to record from my camcorder via the DV jack. Right now I run my camcorder into my computer, stream it while my computer records. Kind of a PIA vs. how simple this looks.

I need to have the ability to edit the DVD's (copy the data to the hard drive) then burn the "final" back to a DVD.

Am I asking too much for this device (or other DVD recorders) to do?

What is the recording format? MPEG, AVI, DIVX........etc.?

For DV check out this link:

http://www.mediachance.com/dvdlab/xs34/index.html

Read the entire link. DV is towards the end.

I always thought you could record DVDs & Video Tapes at the same time but seeing it only has one tuner the same channel would have to be recorded?

But if you recorded from one of the inputs hooked up to another Tuner (Cable Box, Sat. Box another VCR) then you could record 2 different programs on a DVD & Video Tape at the same time?

Also I thought you can do "Timer Recordings" with the DVD & VCR Sections as long as you din't schedule the exact same recording times so you would schedule the Timer Recording As:

SAME PROGRAM SAME CHANNEL ON BOTH (Using The Combos Own Built-In Tuner)
DVD CH 2 ON 8:59 OFF 10:00
VCR CH 2 ON 9:00 OFF 10:01

2 DIFFERENT PROGRAMS
DVD CH 2 ON 8:59 OFF 10:00 (Using The Combos Own Built-In Tuner)
VCR CH INPUT ON 9:00 OFF 10:01 (Using The Tuner Hooked To The Input)

Then you would set the input device (Cable Box, Sat Box, VCR) to come ON at 8:55 & OFF at 10:05 & set to the channel you wanted to record or just leave the device ON & set to the correct channel.

I just tried this on my neighbors Samsung VR320 Combo unit & I could not get it to work for "Timer Recordings" but I only tried it up to 5 Min. Apart for the Timer Settings.

But it did work if I set either the DVD or VCR side for a Timer Recording & then manually used the Non-Recording side to select the Input that his Cable Box was hooked to so at least on the Samsung you can record the same program or another program at the same time if you do it manually.

Maybe someone can chime in & let us know how it works on the Panny's.

I just bought the 46 model from Costco. It has worked great so far with only complaint being the manual but I digress. Being adventurious I did a direct in from my cable line to DVD/VCR unit which allowed me to view all 125 channels and selected a channel to record using the VCR unit. In addition I connected my cable box via s-video and audio outs to the Input 2 on front of unit.

In scheduling I scheduled the VCR for 10am -on and 10:15-off. I scheduled the DVD for 10:05-on and 10:20-off. The system tells me there is an overlap. I said ok and both items show up on the scheduler. The VCR started correctly but the DVD did not start at 10:05 but started at 10:15 and ran to the final time of 10:20. It seems you cannot record two inputs simultaneously using the scheduler but only the time span when there is no overlap.....I will explore the manual aspect of dual recordings next.

so what do I have to use on the 45 to watch vcr, a composite cable or does it automatically go through the hdmi?

I need to know since I am hooking up a front projector and will be installing sheetrock earlly next week so I need to get it in.

If you have the recorder hooked up to your projector or TV via HDMI, the VCR and DVD will both display as upconverted 16:9.. There has to be an A-D converter chip in the unit in order for it to record VCR to DVD. This is what enables it to sent the VCR analog signal as digital via the HDMI cable.

I am confused by what seems to be the lack of a zoom feature. I am thinking of buying this unit and using it, for a while, with my old TV, which has the old non-widescreen aspect. On my other DVD players, when I playback a widescreen DVD, I can zoom in to eliminate the top and bottom black margins.

Is there a way to accomplish the same result on playback with this model? Thanks

now can one connect their set top box component-out to the component-in of the 45 and connect it via HDMI to the TV? will it up covert everything to 16:9? (HD how is the quality)

now can one connect their set top box component-out to the component-in of the 45 and connect it via HDMI to the TV? will it up covert everything to 16:9? (HD how is the quality)

Seems like that should work if the DVD recorder is turned on and the TV's HDMI input is selected. I know that when I am watching what I am recording onto a DVD that is how it is displayed on my TV.

If it doesn't work straight through, try putting a blank DVD in the recorder; set it to record in XP mode. Press record, then pause.

I am confused by what seems to be the lack of a zoom feature. I am thinking of buying this unit and using it, for a while, with my old TV, which has the old non-widescreen aspect. On my other DVD players, when I playback a widescreen DVD, I can zoom in to eliminate the top and bottom black margins.

Is there a way to accomplish the same result on playback with this model? Thanks

The Panny does not have a zoom mode. This was a big disappointment.

You can select how the picture will be displayed in the set-up menu though. Look on page 20 under "selecting television type".

i have bought 2 panasonic dmr-es46v dvd recorders ,The 1st one i bought at costco and after using it for 1 month, it locks up when i play a dvd it starts playing and then stops and none of the buttons will work, i had to hold on off button for 10 seconds just to turn unit off, i returned to Costco for refund, last week i bought another dmr-esa46v on e bay (brand new refurbished) and as soon as i put a dvd in it locked up , i called panasonic and they said it sounds like a software problem and are sending me a firmware update. is it just my bad luck (2 for 2) or is there a problem with this machine?Did this happen to anyone else?

I have some EP tapes that generally have about 5.5 hours of programming on them. In order to maximize the quality while copying to DVD, I used FR mode and set the time to the exact length (plus a few minutes). However, I noticed that much of the DVD was unwritten, as if it copies in EP 8-hour mode when the FR time limit is set high. My EP mode setting is at 6 hours, so what gives? Any ideas?

I just bought a ES46VS at Costco today.

I have been able to get it play VHS tapes and DVDs on my new Samsung HD TV. Haven't had success recording from my Dish 622 DVR.

I connected the new box to the Dish system using S-Video and red and white RCA cables to the new box and HDMI to the TV.

Any suggestions welcome...

I just bought one of these last night and and hooked it up like this:

Wall Jack-->ES45VS-->Cable Box-->Samsung HDTV

I don't like the tuner on the ES45VS, the picture is not as clear. Plus I can't tape any channels higher than 125.

My question is this: Can I hook it up like this:

Wall Jack-->Cable Box-->ES45VS--Samsung HDTV

Then I could set the ES45VS on channel 4 for the VCR and just use the cable box for tuning and theoretically get all of my cable channels.

If that is not feasible, then how could I hook this up to have the full channel capability from my cable box?

Thanks for any help in advance!

Better to run an A/V output (S-Video for example) from the STB to the recorder. It just has to be 480i.

So if I was to run a S-video cable from the Cable Box to the recorder then how do I connect the rest of the wires? Please elaborate for me.

The rest of the wires would be just like you had them at first.

Cable from wall to recorder, then to STB. This part really doesn't matter, as long as they both get a cable feed.

Then the connection from STB to recorder as I described. Don't forget the audio.

Then you need a connection from the recorder to the display. I'm assuming you already have this.

To avoid having to always watch the STB through the recorder, you may want a connection directly from the STB to your display. It depends what kind of outputs your STB has. (This will also come in handy when you want to record an analiog channel while watching another channel, analog or digital.)

My earlier reply was just to address your question about recording from the STB, and to point out that an S-Video connection will be superior to recording from Channel 3/4 (RF). Not to connect your system starting from scratch (which I've now done).

Thank you very much bobkart. I am somewhat challenged by all of these ways to hook this stuff up.

I like the way it upgrades the picture using the HDMI cable from the recorder/player to the TV-I watched some of 'Flyboys' last night and the picture improvement was very noticeable. I do not use the TV sound, I run the sound through my Sony 6.1 receiver using an optical cable.

I'll try hooking it up the way that you suggested, sounds good to me.

RF ANTENNA CONNECTIONS:
Wall Jack --> ES45VS --> Cable Box --> Samsung HDTV

AUDIO / VIDEO CABLES:
Cable Box S-Video ---> ES45VS Rear S-Video Input
Cable Box Red / White Audio --> ES45VS Rear Red / White Audio Input

TV gets all channels from Cable Box
ES45VS can record channels 2-99 using it's own tuner
ES45VS can record "ALL" channels by setting the ES45VS to the Rear Input

To Timer Record a channel from the cable box enter the "Input" instead of a channel number & set the channel on the cable box you want to record & leave the cable box "ON" or set up a "Timer Program" on the Cable Box to come on at the same time the Panny Timer Program is set to record.

EXAMPLE:
Set Panny to Timer Record "Input" 9:00 to 10:00 PM
Set Cable Box to Come On 8:55 to 10:05 PM Channel 220

Well, I hooked up an S-Video from the CATV box to the recorder and now I can get all channels......except On Demand from Comcast which is on Channel 1. I am wondering if it is getting screwed up thru the recorder because its tuner does not have a Channel 1.

I am leaning toward hooking up a cable wire splitter to run a line to the recorder and one to the CATV box thru to the TV. I will just leave the 'antenna out'line empty from the recorder box that way. Hopefully this will resolve my 'On Demand' issues.

Thanks for all your input folks!!

My ES45 is connected to my cable via a splitter but the picture quality when viewing thru the unit is not as sharp as when viewing thru the TV and the color is somewhat washed out. When recording either a tape or disc the degradation gets considerably worse, especially when using a disc to record car racing. The playback makes the cars look like you are watching a very old 8mm movie. I've tried recording at 4 hour and 6 hour speeds which is not acceptable - a 2 hour record is better but still not great and if you're a race fan you know that no race is only 2 hours long. We've tried changing the splitter with no improvement and also connected the cable directly to the ES45 with no improvement. Panasonic tech support has been no help - they suggested we have our cable company come out to check the signal. The cable company would not come out to the house as the cable signal is just fine when connected directly to the TV - they suggested we try a new splitter which didn't help. Tech support also suggested we purchase a Signal Amplifier as they said the cable signal might be too weak to go thru the unit. I'm reluctant to spend another $60 when I've never needed anything like this before. If anyone has experienced anything like this I'd appreciate any ideas you might have.

Try connecting the ES-45 directly to the cable input without the splitter, and see if that improves the PQ.

I also noticed that the picture when running thru the ES45 tuner is not as sharp as running thru the CATV box to the TV.

I just don't think the ES45 tuner is as good as the CATV box or TV. Especially now that I am spoiled from watching HiDef TV.

I don't think there's anything that can be done about it.

If I was you I would try & amp from Radio Shack & see what happens because if it doesn't fix the problem RS will always take it back with no questions asked.

I think the problem with just about "ALL" of the Tuners is that the bean counters got to them & their using cheap parts in them ever since they have been building them in China.

It's going to be interesting to see how good the new "Digital ATSC Tuners" in them are going to be.

Thanks for the replies.

RGAZZARA - We have tried connecting the cable directly to the ES45 and no improvement was noted.

THERAGTOPGUY - I can't believe that everyone is having this problem from all the comments I have read on the forum. Most everyone seems happy with the ES45. I just finished watching a tape at lunch that was recorded on SP speed and it was totally intolerable - color way off, jittery, blurry, etc. I agree with you that the tuners are probably not the best but my TV is 20 years old and the direct feed to it is excellent.

BILL1313 - I guess my only option is to try the signal amplifier and if that doesn't work I guess I go back to fighting with tech support to try to get a replacement machine. I'm not familiar with the digital ATSC tuner - can you tell me what it is?

An ATSC Tuner is an HDTV Tuner which Panny & other brands will have to have when the new models come out.

As for the Tuner in your Panny you may find that a replacement's Tuner might be slightly better or slightly worse.

As I said above I just don't think these Tuners from China are any good.

Well, everything works now. I put a splitter in between the CATV box and the wall jack and hooked up the Panny with no outlet.

However, the VCR quality on playback is worse than the Sanyo it replaced. Wifey is unhappy because her soaps look crappy. I gotta work on that!

So far, I really like this machine, the upconversion helps some DVDs, others it doesn't.

After playing around with this thing for a few days, the VCR picture is still not as good as the Sanyo unit it replaced.

I hate this tuner, very grainy.

I love the DVD unit though.

I have a questions regarding the IN1 input for recording from an external device - in this case my HD DVR.

How do you set the record time?

It seems to be set at 2 hours - is there a way to change this?

For example, if I have 2 - 1 hour recordings - and 1 is actaully 61 minutes - the second recording will not fit on a disc.

Any suggestions??

I have a questions regarding the IN1 input for recording from an external device - in this case my HD DVR.

How do you set the record time?

It seems to be set at 2 hours - is there a way to change this?

For example, if I have 2 - 1 hour recordings - and 1 is actaully 61 minutes - the second recording will not fit on a disc.

Any suggestions??
The record mode that the unit is set on when you start a recording determines how much time you will be able to record on a disc. XP-1 hour, SP-2hr, LP-4hr, and EP-6hr.

Recording from line inputs...You can set a timer recording, rather than pressing the record button. Press schedule to set a timer recording, then when you get to Rec Mode, set the second hour to record in FR mode.
FR stands for Flex Record, and it means that the unit adjusts the bitrate during recording to allow that remaining program to be recorded in the best possible picture quality. The first program that lasts 61 mins, if you record it in SP 2 Hr mode, means the secord recorded in FR, will be recorded at a pic quality slightly lower than SP, but higher than the 4 hour LP mode. LP mode on these newer Panny models is near equal to the 2 Hour SP mode, so you shouldn't worry about how good it will look.

You can manually set the recording mode (Speed) using the button on your Remote Control marked "Rec Mode"

FX = 1 Hour
SP = 2 Hours
LP = 4 Hours
EP = 6 or 8 Hours depending which one you selected it to be in the menu system.

You can also use "Flexible Recording" (F. Rec Button On Your Remote) where you enter the exact time that you want the recording to be.

EXAMPLE: You want to record a movie that is 2 Hours 21 Minutes long so you would enter 2 Hours 21 Minutes in the Flexible Recording Mode Screen.

HINT: Most people add extra minutes to the time so the recording doesn't end up being at the very edge of the disc where skipping & problems can happen so you might enter 2 Hours 31 Minutes instead for the 2 Hour 21 Minute Movie.

For "Flexible Recording" see page 29 of your Owners Manual.

Thanks for the quick answers!!

I've been recording and archiving 24 and would like to put at least 2 episodes on 1 disc.

I'll give these suggestions a try.

Hello,

I am new to this forum, so if I am not posting a message at the right place, please forgive me. I've just bought the DMR ES45V DVD/VHS recorder on eBay and I am already freaking out at the hooking-up job I will need to do when I receive it.

Here is my equipment : Toshiba 42LZ196 LCDTV (HDMI-1, HDMI-2), Motorola HD BOX dct 6200 Cable box (DVI to HDMI-1), OPPO 981HD DVD player(to HDMI-2). I dont have a receiver yet but I have a HDMI switch box, which will help me hook-up my 3rd HDMI DMR 45 device since my HDTV has only two HDMI. I have all the extra HDMI,coax, A/V component and composite cables and splitter signal.

I want to be able to timer record TV broadcast shows, play them... I also want to be able to archive my VHS tapes

Could someone guide me in the connections as no user's manual of any of those devices can clearly show and explain the different hook-up configurations?

Thank you in advance !

Purchased a refurbished DMR-ES45VS from the Panasonic dealer on ebay. Received a 46 with HDMI cable. Label indicates manufactured in Malasia, refurbished in Mexico. All is great except for VCR tracking. One very early post mentioned "sensitive" tracking, but all others indicate good picture, no problems. None of my Maxell VHS tapes recorded on the best Mitsubishi decks play on this unit. They play OK on Toshiba and Mitsubishi decks. Most tapes recorded by this unit don't autotrack properly when played back.

The symptom is video noise across the lower part of the screen. When autotracking is enabled (default), the noise varies from 0 to 5% of the screen at a slow (0.5 Hz) rate. A good picture can be obtained by adjusting tracking manually. But, the manual tracking setting is different for SP and EP speeds and for different tapes.

Has anyone had a VCR tracking problem? Has anyone returned a unit for repair to the Service Center in Elgin, IL?

i just bought an es46 also and just trying to see if anyone knows how to copy from the computer hard drive to the es46 unit. i have a ads dvd express but it onlt has outputs

I have some EP tapes that generally have about 5.5 hours of programming on them. In order to maximize the quality while copying to DVD, I used FR mode and set the time to the exact length (plus a few minutes). However, I noticed that much of the DVD was unwritten, as if it copies in EP 8-hour mode when the FR time limit is set high. My EP mode setting is at 6 hours, so what gives? Any ideas?

I've also noticed this when recording in EP mode. It leaves a lot of space left on the disk, as if EP mode was 8 hours. But my setting is EP=6 hours.

Any ideas?

:confused: Hi, I am a newbie with this thing, I've been playing around with it and wasn't working right so did a restore default setting, now any button I touch the window shows SET1, can't get into function to set anything and it won't power on/off with the remote. Did I screw it up or what can I do?? Please help. :confused:

Your recorder was probably set to SET2 or SET3 and the factory reset set it back to SET1. But your remote control is still set to SET2 or SET3. Hopefully your Owners Manual tells you how to change the setting on your remote control to SET1 so it can talk to the recorder again.

FYI, the whole SET1/SET2/SET3 thing is just to allow several (up to three) of the same or similar model of recorder to be used in the same room. Like a wireless phone, how it has several channels it can use, in case you are getting interference from your neighbor's wireless phone.

Thanks bobkart for the quick reply, I ended up phoning Panasonic to get it working again.

I just purchases the DMR ES 46V and I have the Sony BR2 TV. I have an old big satellite dish where I subscribe to digital and HD programming, and an OTA antenna for local channels which also picks up OTA HD channels. They are now hooked to my set on separate inputs and I switch back and forth.
I have an ATSC an NTSC tuner in my TV and already have great channels.

My question is can I bypass the Pany tuner and keep using what I have tuned on the TV and can I hook up the Pany and keep my two TV inputs separate and run them through the Recorder? My setup is a little more complicated because I have a 4DTV unit for the Satellite and and encoder for HD. I am not really technical but I am persistent and can usually figure things out by trial and error but thought some suggestions might help before I give it a try.

Depending on your satelite tuner's output plugs, if there is a second set, you should be able to run another set of yellow video-red/white audio wires from the sat tuner to the recorder. When you want to record a sat channel, you would turn sat box to the channel, then turn on recorder and record from the recorder's line input channel.

You know, I don't know anybody with an OTA. I haven't had one since high school..and that was a while ago. Does the antenna wire connect to the tv with those old flat wires, or is the wire the round cable type, with a screw-on connector at the end? If it's the old flat wires that you strip away at the end, to expose the wires to wrap around screws on a plastic connector that goes on the tv's silver RF jack, then you should be able to use a splitter on that, sending one wire to the recorder's RF jack, with the other to the tv. You would then be able to rec OTA while watching a different channel on the tv.
I hope that little helps..if not keep posting. Someone here will have better info to aid you.

Thanks for the help. I am going to give it a try.

Actually I just updated to an HD TV but always had the old antenna for local because its not available on the big dish without extra money. Its a round cable wire right from the antenna to tv with RF jack. I was thinking of a splitter but I have so many now ( 3 tvs) that I hate to add more. I like the recording while watching TV idea. The reason I am so hot on my old antenna now is that it picks all my local channels in HD as well as analog and there is no comparison so I don't want to loose that. Thats why I dont want to use the tuner on the recorder because my tv tuner picks up both.
I think your going to see a lot more OTA antennas as soon as all these people with HD tvs realize they can get all their local channes in HD for free. They are starting to sell HD antennas but the old UHF and VHF work just as well.

Does anyone have this DVD player connected thru an A/V receiver with HDMI input and then the A/V receiver HDMI out to their TV's HDMI input and using 720p/1080i upconversion? (See the manual pg. 17)

I've run into a problem which I think is related to HDCP. When I set the DVD player to output 720p or 1080i, then the video on my TV has a purple haze over it. If I set it at 480p, then it works fine.

So here's the problem setup:

DMR-ES46VS HDMI OUT (upconverted to 720p or 1080i)>A/V Receiver HDMI IN> A/V Receiver HDMI out>Panasonic HD plasma HDMI IN.

Problem Description: Purple haze throughout video picture on plasma.

I originally thought this was a problem with my A/V receiver. After talking to their tech support, and being pointed to HDMI FAQ's I am now starting to think this is the DMR-ES46VS's problem.

From HDMI FAQ's

"Q. What is the most common compatibility problem among devices with HDMI connections?

The most common compatibility problems have to do with HDCP. Probably the most common failure is the lack of an HDCP repeater function or failure to perform the authentication reliably in all types of usage scenarios."

Q. Some cable TV set-top boxes with HDMI outputs don’t deliver a picture to displays with HDMI inputs. What is the problem, and is there a solution?

In some cases, the set top box software does not activate or support the HDMI port. In other cases, cable TV set-top boxes don’t work correctly when used in conjunction with an A/V receiver (but will typically function correctly when connected directly to a TV or monitor). Investigation of some of these devices reveals that this is caused by an error in the way these set top box devices implement HDCP. Specifically, some of those boxes do not support "HDCP repeaters" (devices that pass along the signal to another device) such as an A/V Receiver or switch. We believe that this may be a problem in the initial versions of these products, and in some cases there is new firmware available that fixes this issue in HDMI (newer versions may already have this fix). We have been actively working with manufacturers to resolve these problems. We suggest that users contact their cable operator and request the new software to address these issues."

So the A/V receiver tech support informed me it's probably because the DMR-ES46VS, does not have a proper HDCP repeater function. I contacted Panasonic, and they said it's got to be the A/V receiver. I asked the tech support at Panasonic if it had the HDCP repeater function??....They gave me a very unconfident sounding "Yes"...and then pointed me to pg. 17 of the manual. So if someone has this connected thru an A/V receiver and is using the HDMI upconverting function at 720p or above with success, then I would love to hear from you.

Just bought this unit at SAMS=46V. Quality unit and works great. Just wanted to keep up on this thread incase I have problems. BTW backs up VHS tapes great so far.

Well, I have had this unit now for about 2 weeks. At this point, I am very unsatisfied with this unit.

The reasons I bought it:
1. HDMI output with upconverting ability
2. Plays back ALL supported SD DVD formats including DVD-Audio and DVD-ram.
3. MP3 playback capability

The first troubles with HDMI I posted above without a solution yet to be found.

I regularly back my DVDs up to the DVD+RW format. When I do this using my copying software DVDFab, this DVD player does not properly read the DVD+RW disc. It says "Disc Unformatted" and prompts me to format the disc and erase all its contents. I put this same disc in my other DVD players, which are Polaroid, Toshiba, Cyberhome, and Akai and they are ALL able to playback this DVD. I found if I record to the DVD-RW discs, then they will playback in this unit properly. So it seems to have problems properly reading DVD+RW discs. So now I have about 80 blank DVD+RW discs and movies that I have already backed up and I can't play them on this unit.

Another thing I really wanted this unit to be able to do was playback MP3 files put on a DVD-ROM. Well, it doesn't do that either. Most DVD players out there have this capability now....except for Panasonic. It will only playback CD-rom discs with MP3's on them.

So pretty much everything that where my most important aspects of purchasing this DVD player/recorder is a no go for me or I have to deal with work arounds.

Also, a lot of people complain about this unit not having a Door Open/Close button on the remote. I agree, I hated this aspect because I use that quite often. I'm sitting on the couch, looking thru my folder of DVDs, then I pick one and usually hit the open door button so as I walk up, I just set the DVD in there and then hit the close door button. Well, I also have a Panasonic Plasma which has a multi control remote. On that remote it has an Open/Close door function. Guess What? The TV remote opens/closes the door on the DVD player. So the function is on the unit, but Panasonic skimped out and didn't put a BUTTON on the remote. I have a master remote with a "learning" function on it that I program. So I have again worked around the issue by programming my own remote by having it learn functions from the DVD remote and the TV remote.

My dad just bought a JVC DVD/VHS recorder but the remote will not learn his TV. It will only work with JVC products.

Will the ES45 learn his TV as a universal remote or is is only option a true universal remote?

TR

The ES45VS remote does not have a learning function. It has a manufacturere code entry function for TV sets. Manufacturer codes listed in the manual are National, Quasar, Fisher, GE, Goldstar, Hitachi, JVC, LG, Magnavox, Mitsubishi, Philips, RCA, Samsumg, Sanyo, Sharp, Sony, Sylvania, Thomson, Toshiba, and Zenith.

Personally, I don't like the pre programmed code remoteds, because the code hardly ever matches the code of my particular model. My AVR receiver came with a remote that has a "learning" function. Thus, you can put the 2 remotes head to head and have one remote learn button pushes from the other remote and assign it to particular buttons on the multi function remote.

See my March 12th post for the problem description.

I returned my refurbished to NEW condition DMR-ES46VS to the Elgin, IL service center for warranty repair because the problem appears to be unique to my unit. They are very easy to work with. They shipped the unit 3 days after they received it.

The service tech took the time to write a technical note explaining what he had done He upgraded the firmware and tested VCR tracking with an NTSC Standard Alignment Tape. Tracking meets Panasonic's specs. I thought this might happen because the Mexico refurb outfit probably tested to the same specs. The VHS side of the unit is still not usable because of the tracking problem.

The unit works OK with 10% of my prerecorded tapes. All of my tapes track OK on each of 8 other VHS decks. Most tapes are NEW, recorded once. I suspect that Panasonic's specs are too loose to catch the problem. With hindsight, I see the advantage of purchasing from a Walmart, CostCo, etc. with a good return policy.

BEWARE! The clock auto set to Standard time instead of Daylight time with the new firmware. I suggest you set DST to OFF and set the clock manually when necessary.

hello,

I just got a DMR ES46V

Can you help me with the connections ?. The Panny helpline and my cable company helpline both told me to run the coax cable from wall to cable box in, then cable box out to DVD recorder.

Cable box is connected to HDMI 1(DVI/HDMI cable) of HDTV and DVD recorder to HDMI 2 of HDTV


For some reason I always get the COPYRIGHTED message every time I try to record any channel.

Did I forget about something at the set up stage? Is there a better hook-up solution.

The recorder plays back well but just doesnt record.

How do you have your unit hooked up to the TV?

I'm only asking because if you get a 2-way Antenna Splitter instead of feeding the antenna signal from the ES46V to the TV feed one side of the splitter to the TV & the other side of the splitter to the ES46V & then hook the ES46V up to the TV using the A/V Outputs on it & you should be able to Record/Dub & Watch another channel on the TV all at the same time.

This will only work though if your TV has Audio/Video Inputs on it.
Looks like a good plan...

What hook up do you recommend with a cable box? I have two HDMI inputs at the back of the TV, one for the cable box and one for the DVD recorder.

How shall I run the coax cables with all those machines ?

Oh I forgot, do you ever get the copyrighted material message when trying to record broadcast cable digital channels?

Thanks

I was wondering if anyone can give me advice on which one of these is a better buy, the Panasonic DMR-ES45VS or the LG RC199H. Basically, my main interest is to take some old TV shows I have on VHS and put them on DVD.

I had an old RCA one that died twice within a year so I am not going that route again. The RCA one also used to take old tapes and say they were copy protected and would not burn even though the tape was a TV show from the 80s!

I also would like a model with DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 capability. I have a Kenwood receiver with the decoders built into it so it might not be an issue that the LG is rumored to only handle Dolby 2.1 which I am sure someone can explain to me if I am wrong.

Finally, I would like to use this unit to play my old DVD+Rs from the RCA and my regular DVDs as this would become the primary unit for me.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I was wondering if anyone can give me advice on which one of these is a better buy, the Panasonic DMR-ES45VS or the LG RC199H. Basically, my main interest is to take some old TV shows I have on VHS and put them on DVD.

I had an old RCA one that died twice within a year so I am not going that route again. The RCA one also used to take old tapes and say they were copy protected and would not burn even though the tape was a TV show from the 80s!

I also would like a model with DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 capability. I have a Kenwood receiver with the decoders built into it so it might not be an issue that the LG is rumored to only handle Dolby 2.1 which I am sure someone can explain to me if I am wrong.

Finally, I would like to use this unit to play my old DVD+Rs from the RCA and my regular DVDs as this would become the primary unit for me.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!


This unit records to DVD-R/RW from VHS great. I've only done one transfer like this. It was my wedding video, but when I was done I could not tell any quality difference from the original VHS compared to the DVD, which is a good thing and it was easy to do the transfer.

This unit will also playback both DTS and Dolby Digital material without a problem.

Now in regards to playing back the DVD+R discs, this is a problem I've had with mine. I should further specify that I tried to playback DVD+RW discs on this unit and I was unsuccessful. It specifies that it supports playback of DVD+R and DVD+RW discs but at this point I don't believe it. I have a pretty large collection of DVD+RW discs from my last DVD recorder also. Everytime I insert any of them into this unit a menu comes up and says, "Disc unformated" and then it prompts me to format the disc and erase all it's contents. These same discs I have placed in my Toshiba, Cyberhome, Polaroid, Sony PS3 and Akai DVD players and ALL of these units have no problem playing the same discs, so it's definately something with this player. So at this point, I'm unsure what the problem is with this unit and it's capability to read the DVD+R disc format. I've just switched to recording on DVD-RW discs for now and I have a small Cyberhome DVD player sitting in my entertainment system just to playback my DVD+R/RW discs if/when the need arises.

I'm going to take some of my DVD+RW discs into Sam's club the next time I'm there to verify if this is just a problem with my particular unit or all of these units. I was hoping to hear someone else respond in this forum regarding DVD+R/RW disc playback capabilities that have been recorded from a different recorder and so far no one has responded.

At this point I wouldn't be surprised if this unit doesn't properly support DVD+RW discs since Panasonic would probably rather you use their more expensive and similar functionality DVD-Ram format discs.

One other thing I don't particularly like about this unit now that I've owned it for quite awhile is the quality of it's built in cable tuner. So if you're looking to record cable programs by using the DMR's built in tuner, then I don't highly recommend it. My picture looks very grainy when using the built in tuner. I have a Panasonic Plasma with a built in cable tuner and the picture quality is 100% better than the tuner they put in this unit. With that said, this unit does not have component inputs to record from also. So you're stuck with using S-video or Composite inputs. At this point the only recording I would recommend this unit for is if you're doing a lot of VHS to DVD transfers. Other than that, this unit falls short on all other sources due to a poor quality tuner, and lack of HD video inputs.

If you don't mind me asking, why even buy an upconverting panasonic DVD recorder when you don't even own an HDTV yet?

Seems like a waste of money to me since you would'nt be using the features that justify it's price like HDMI, 1080i/720p upconversion,etc.

Because I am going to replace my TV in the near future as well, and I have no idea what kind I'm going to get and I want to leave my options open.

I was wondering if anyone can give me advice on which one of these is a better buy, the Panasonic DMR-ES45VS or the LG RC199H. Basically, my main interest is to take some old TV shows I have on VHS and put them on DVD.

I had an old RCA one that died twice within a year so I am not going that route again. The RCA one also used to take old tapes and say they were copy protected and would not burn even though the tape was a TV show from the 80s!

I also would like a model with DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 capability. I have a Kenwood receiver with the decoders built into it so it might not be an issue that the LG is rumored to only handle Dolby 2.1 which I am sure someone can explain to me if I am wrong.

Finally, I would like to use this unit to play my old DVD+Rs from the RCA and my regular DVDs as this would become the primary unit for me.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Sorry, I don't know anything about the LG model. But if you decide on the Panasonic, get the DMR-ES46VS instead. The 46 is identical to the 45 except it comes with an HDMI cable. I got the 46 refurbished for less than the price of the 45 refurbished, and the HDMI cable is 1.3a - nice!
Also, someone mentioned problems playing their old DVD+R's on the Panasonic - I can't confirm, I don't have any old DVD+R's.

I just got the DMR-ES46v from Costco. However, from a tip on another thread in this forum I am returning it and will be receiving the new Pany DMR-EZ27K this week, which is the 2007 model with an on-board ATSC digital/analog tuner. This way, this model is future proof for the change to all digital TV in 2009. The EZ27K does not include a VCR, but the EZ47 does. All other features are about the same.

My main reason for switching is because I want to record OTA digital TV. I am currently using a Samsung 451 tuner box, and if it is set to HD resolution output (720p for my TV), there is an aspect ratio problem when I record the signal on the DVD recorder. Since I only have a UHF antenna to pick up the OTA TV signal the image isn't that great if I connect to the antenna input on the recorder. The integrated on-board tuner on the EZ27K will hopefully solve these issues. Even though it will only record in SD I'm hoping that the picture will be quite good, esp. with the HD upconversion using an HDMI cable. Only thing is I have to remember to get a new HDMI cable, since I have to return the one that came with the 46!

i have bought 2 panasonic dmr-es46v dvd recorders ,The 1st one i bought at costco and after using it for 1 month, it locks up when i play a dvd it starts playing and then stops and none of the buttons will work, i had to hold on off button for 10 seconds just to turn unit off, i returned to Costco for refund, last week i bought another dmr-esa46v on e bay (brand new refurbished) and as soon as i put a dvd in it locked up , i called panasonic and they said it sounds like a software problem and are sending me a firmware update. is it just my bad luck (2 for 2) or is there a problem with this machine?Did this happen to anyone else?

I've had this unit since last June and up until this past March never had any problems. Suddenly, the EXACT same thing you describe here happened to me, so I called Panasonic and they wanted me to bring it to their repair facility. Instead, I swapped it out for another one at Costco. Tried again, same problem! So, I figured third time's a charm, but nope, again, same problem!!! Argh!!

Lucky for me, this time, I was fortunate enough to get someone at Panasonic who actually KNEW what he was doing! And sure enough, he asked the right questions. He immediately asked if I was hooked into a cable box (which I was) and if it was a Scientific Atlanta (which it also was) and what model number it was (model 8000) and at that point he knew that was the culprit!!!

He simply informed me that by disconnecting the RCA jacks from the back of the Panasonic unit (from the SA8000), my problem would be resolved. And would you know it, HE WAS RIGHT!!! He even waited on the phone with me. Very cool guy!

In any case, he informed me there should be a firmware upgrade for this very soon on their site. My feeling is SA and the Cable Co's probably did this to prevent people from burning stuff from TV and their DVR's. Who knows. I have like 50hrs worth of stuff on my DVR I need to burn over to DVD, so worse case, I'll just do it through my computer :D

thank you for the information ,after my second machine froze i took it in for repair, after bringing it home it froze up again. i tried what you said and unplugged it from my cable box (scientific america) and it works perfect.

thank you for the information ,after my second machine froze i took it in for repair, after bringing it home it froze up again. i tried what you said and unplugged it from my cable box (scientific america) and it works perfect.
Until the FW update becomes available (mentioned by net1cool above), I'm pretty sure you could hook the cable box back up, but then:

1. Set your Panny clock manually.

2. Turn DST OFF.

Until the FW update becomes available (mentioned by net1cool above), I'm pretty sure you could hook the cable box back up, but then:

1. Set your Panny clock manually.

2. Turn DST OFF. i tried it ,at first i thought it worked ,but i was wrong still freezes if plugged into cable box

Any region hack at all for this unit??? Thanks in advance for any information!

Has anyone tried the Panasonic DMR-EZ47V? It is a DVD/VCR recorder with a ATSC (digital) tuner as well as an analog tuner. It lists for $330 at amazon. I am wondering if the Panasonic DVD/VCR recorder, DMR-EZ475ZK selling for $300 now at Costco in California is the same thing with a different model number? Anyone have experience with either Panasonic recorder or know what the differences are?

I saw a somewhat bad review of the DMR-EZ47V at amazon.

I've had the ez47 for about 3 weeks, and find it to be a really excellent DVD player through my Samsung t5054 plasma, as well as a "good" VCR for all my old tapes. There is a review on this player out there (google it), and they gave it high marks, especially as a DVD player. I'm very happy with this, and won't look back until I can buy a BRD/ HD combo player in a year or so

I've had the ez47 for about 3 weeks, and find it to be a really excellent DVD player through my Samsung t5054 plasma, as well as a "good" VCR for all my old tapes. There is a review on this player out there (google it), and they gave it high marks, especially as a DVD player. I'm very happy with this, and won't look back until I can buy a BRD/ HD combo player in a year or so
Thank you, Fastexas!

I've read two reviews of the Panasonic DMR-EZ47V. They are notes 17 & 18 linked at: wikipedia under Dvd_recorder.

Have you tried it with 1080P Up-Conversion, and if so, had any problems? The review at amazon found this model very dissappointing in this regard. (Look for it at amazon under Panasonic DMR-EZ47VK Up-Converting 1080p DVD-Recorder/VCR Combo with Built In Tuner)

My TV is a 720p Plasma, so 1080i/p is not applicable. Although I'll admit not seeing much difference between 480p and 720p on my display, and I've tweaked it to a T.
I've compared this player to an Oppo 980 side-by-side with the same movies and the same TV settings (using both HDMI inputs and toggleing back and forth) and honestly did not see an appreciable improvement in the Oppo that would lead me to keep that player. The Panny, in my opinion, looked as good as the Oppo
on most everything I tried (movies and DVD's of "24").

i tried it ,at first i thought it worked ,but i was wrong still freezes if plugged into cable box
Some people have had to reset their units (by unplugging for awhile or other stated method) and then make sure Daylight Savings Time (DST) was OFF when they did their setup again. Perhaps on some units, you have to wipe out any auto-clock and DST memory that might remain if the unit is not reset to factory settings?

I just got a Panasonic DMR-ES46V from my mother. The unit will not power on. I took the cover off and did a visual inspection and the fuse seems to be fine. I've tried several different outlets. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Also, someone mentioned problems playing their old DVD+R's on the Panasonic - I can't confirm, I don't have any old DVD+R's.

I haven't tried DVD+R discs, I've tried DVD+RW and I am unable to get this player to play them back. When you insert a movie recorded on DVD+RW it says, "Disc Unformated" and prompts you to format and erase the disc. The same discs I have placed in my other DVD players and they have no problem playing back the same discs. It seems strange that I'm the only one who has noticed this. So if you get a chance to try and put in a pre-recorded DVD+RW disc, then I would love to hear back of what your experience is. For now, I've just changed to recording on DVD-RW and given up on trying to play back DVD+RW discs. DVD-RW seems to work fine. I just wish if Panasonic is going to "say" it plays back DVD+RW discs, then it SHOULD play them back properly.

Someone post a link to the new firmware when it's available. Maybe MY DVD+RW disc playback problem will get fixed, but since I'm the only one that I've heard complain about it, then maybe I'm the only one who has tried a DVD+RW disc.

I haven't tried DVD+R discs, I've tried DVD+RW and I am unable to get this player to play them back. When you insert a movie recorded on DVD+RW it says, "Disc Unformated" and prompts you to format and erase the disc. The same discs I have placed in my other DVD players and they have no problem playing back the same discs. It seems strange that I'm the only one who has noticed this. So if you get a chance to try and put in a pre-recorded DVD+RW disc, then I would love to hear back of what your experience is. For now, I've just changed to recording on DVD-RW and given up on trying to play back DVD+RW discs. DVD-RW seems to work fine. I just wish if Panasonic is going to "say" it plays back DVD+RW discs, then it SHOULD play them back properly.

Someone post a link to the new firmware when it's available. Maybe MY DVD+RW disc playback problem will get fixed, but since I'm the only one that I've heard complain about it, then maybe I'm the only one who has tried a DVD+RW disc.
Typically, +RW discs don't "have to be" formatted, but maybe your Panny would like them better if you did a format before using them...assuming the Panny gives you a format option???

Greetings! I currently have 2 DMR-ES46V models right on top of each other and am using them to dub over sections from various VHS cassettes. However I've noticed that while in the "Copy" menu (VHS to DVD), one unit defaults to "XP Mode" for recording and the other defaults to "SP Mode." It would save me precious seconds (I'm dubbing a LOT of VHS) if both could be defaulted to record in "XP Mode." However, after pouring over the manual, I can't find anything about changing the default! Does anyone have any ideas? Help would be greatly appreciated!

Not sure on the "Combo" units when your using a "Copy Menu" but on other Panny's (And Just About Any Other Brand) the default Recording Mode (Speed) is just the last Recording Mode that you used.

So I would say make sure before you turn them both "Off" that both units are set to record at the "XP" Recording Mode & maybe that means in a "Copy Menu" also?

But maybe if your using them for "Timer Recordings" at "SP" & etc they may default back to the "Timer Recording" Mode?

Bill is correct, the unit will stay on the last rec mode that was used to record something. There is no default mode, that switches back to another mode after recording.
When you are ready to record, just make sure you have the correct mode set.

Bill is correct, the unit will stay on the last rec mode that was used to record something. There is no default mode, that switches back to another mode after recording.
When you are ready to record, just make sure you have the correct mode set.

I only have one Panasonica model, but it seems to default to the SP mode after it is reset (10+ second power button) or otherwise decides to reset itself behind the scenes :)

I currently have a DVR from Dish Network, can I record to DVD from the DVR? Thanks

^^ Yes. Just connect audio/video cables from the dvr to the recorder, and record the dvr signal on the recorder's line input channel.

The VHS side of my DMR-ES46VS didn't work from day one. See 3/12 post for symptom and 3/29 post for results of the Panasonic Digital Service Center's 1st repair attempt.

After the 2nd repair attempt, it played VHS tapes OK, but tapes recorded with this unit had video noise at the bottom of the screen when they were played on other VCR's. Meeting Panasonic "specs" does not mean that the unit plays or records to VHS specs.

The VHS deck was replaced on the 3rd try and the unit works great. The fact that there were NO other VHS problems discussed on this thread helped me convince the repair supervisor to replace the deck.

Although it took 3 returns for service to fix the problem, I found the Elgin, IL service center to be competent and easy to work with. They paid the shipping costs and had reasonable turn around times. When I requested a call from an experienced tech, I received a call within 2 hours. We had a good technical discussion of the problem and options.

I wanted this combo unit to convert VHS to DVD. It works great.

Amazon has some refurbished Panasonic DMR-ES45VS dvd/vhs units for just over $100.

I have a Samsung dvd player combo which I hate. It often stops playing, can't naviagte within DVD's, and generally is a pain.

I'd like to get a new unit wthich will 1) play dvd's better 2) is a combo dvd/vcr unit 3) will burn DVDs from VHS tapes and 4) (an option) upconvert the dvd signal on our HD tv (although this is an optoin)

Any thought on this unit and whether getting a 3rd-party refurbished unit makes sense

Any other thoughts on what I would be happy with would be apprecited

Any other thoughts on what I would be happy with would be apprecited

do it. thats a good price and it will do all you listed. and i personally would prefer the refurb :)
but if you can get the 46 instead its the same unit but comes with a HDMI cable

Amazon has some refurbished Panasonic DMR-ES45VS dvd/vhs units for just over $100.

I have a Samsung dvd player combo which I hate. It often stops playing, can't naviagte within DVD's, and generally is a pain.

I'd like to get a new unit wthich will 1) play dvd's better 2) is a combo dvd/vcr unit 3) will burn DVDs from VHS tapes and 4) (an option) upconvert the dvd signal on our HD tv (although this is an optoin)

Any thought on this unit and whether getting a 3rd-party refurbished unit makes sense

Any other thoughts on what I would be happy with would be apprecited

Don't do it. Get the Pana DMR-EZ37V instead. It's the same machine as the DMR-ES45VS, but the newer model. The newer model can be found on Ebay for under $150. The DMR-EZ37V is now being carried by Sam's and Costco also, but the price is quite a bit higher than on Ebay. The DMR-EZ37V upconverts up to 1080p, where the previous model did up to 1080i. EZ37V also has a combo digital/analog tuner in it, where the ES45VS only has an analog tuner, and I can tell you from 1st hand experience that the tuner in the ES45VS is crap. If the EZ37V uses the same tuner as the Panasonic plasmas that I have, which is also a combo digital/analog tuner like the EZ37V then it is a much better tuner.

In other words, if you might want to occassionally record some shows from cable, then don't bother getting the DMR-ES45VS, because you will see a bunch of noise and pixels since the tuner is garbage in it. You also won't be able to use it to record from cable in 2009, since that is when all of cable is switching to digital and you will need a digital tuner, which the DMR-ES45VS does not have.

I know this is an older model but I thought I would take a shot and ask minds more enlightened on this subject if there is any hope. This unit outputs dvd's at 480p via component outputs. It is an older unit with no digital video outs so I think I'm screwed for upconversion.

Any firmware updates from Panasonic or inexpensive add-on's that can get me a 720p or 1080i output?

If not, what upconverting dvd player do you recommend will get me the best bang for my buck until I go Blu-Ray or HD-DVD?

Thanks, swj7872

If not, what upconverting dvd player do you recommend will get me the best bang for my buck until I go Blu-Ray or HD-DVD?Player? It would be more appropriate to ask that over in the "DVD Players" sub-forum.

(if you record using DVD-RAM'S on your Panny recorder, you might want to consider a player which will play those.)

My mother-in-law has this machine and would like to copy her still pictures to a disc that she can bring to other people's houses to watch. Is that possible with this machine? It seems you can only put pictures on a RAM disc which can't be used on any other machine (including any of the computers I've tried). I tried a DVD-R with pictures on it from a computer and it wouldn't even display them which much cheaper players do (I realize this machine is a few years old now).

Any suggestions? Maybe she'll just have to do all her stills on a computer, but I got this machine for her a while back hoping she could avoid using the computer as it's easier for her to use her tv.

Thanks.

Even though I haven't actually tried I'm quite sure transfer from SD is only available to RAM discs:(
One possibility would be if her camera has a composite video output. All mine do and the cable was included. Just play the pictures on her camera and record in realtime to the line input of the ES-45v. Not ideal but will work.

I wonder if the DMR-ES45VS has the same VHS deck as the DMR-E75V, which features a really nice Super Drive transport. That VCR was the best VCR I owned and I have some expensive JVC ss9911u. How is the VCR recording quality?

I wonder if the DMR-ES45VS has the same VHS deck as the DMR-E75V, which features a really nice Super Drive transport. That VCR was the best VCR I owned and I have some expensive JVC ss9911u. How is the VCR recording quality?

The same VHS mechanism is common among the 2006 models, DMR-EH75, DMR-ES35, DMR-ES45 and DMR-ES46. The first and second photos show the VHS mechanism in a 2006 DMR-ES35, the third photo shows the similar VHS mechanism in a 2005 DMR-ES30 and the fourth photo shows salvaged parts removed from a DMR-ES35 VHS mechanism chassis.

Don't do it. Get the Pana DMR-EZ37V instead. It's the same machine as the DMR-ES45VS, but the newer model.

After two years many have found that the current Panasonic EZ series combo recorders (DMR-EZ37/47/475/48/485) to have bugs and design flaws in abundance.

When copying videotaped recordings to DVD the older ES series combo recorders (DMR-ES30/35/45/46) have the superior FUNCTIONS menu-initiated Time Limited Copying and Flexible Recording features. This method of copying from the built-in VHS mechanism usually produces outstanding transfers, unless there are videotape tracking difficulties. For difficult to track videotapes connect a VCR to an input, play the tapes on the VCR and record from the input where the VCR is connected.

The essential menu-initiated copying features were not included in the design criteria for EZ series combo recorders. The EZ series combo recorders, when using the built-in VHS section, are limited to the front panel copying control. For those that may tolerate crude results, that method of copying videotaped recordings may be good enough. Others will find EZ series combo recorders unsatisfactory for copying videotaped recordings with the built-in VHS mechanism.

Thousands of EZ series combo recorders have been returned by dissatisfied purchasers. Many have been unloaded on Craig's List or eBay. One liquidator (DealTree) was offering hundreds, if not thousands of EZ series combo recorders--with an eBay starting price of $20.98 (including shipping)--back in the summer and fall of 2008.

To read user comments concerning EZ series combo recorders (and for details as to the crude results with the front panel copying procedure) see the DMR-EZ48 thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1014536

Can't disagree with what was just said. Wish I'd never upgraded.