I don't see a thread on this particular Model, but since I saw it at my local Costco, I assume that a lot of people will be picking this model up.

I have the ES40VS but I have been having a lot of problems with the unit freezing up when recording DV input. I'm considering returning the 40 and getting the 45 for about $20 more.

It adds 720p/1080i upconversion via HDMI and an SD card input. It also includes an HDMI cable.

My biggest annoyance with the 40 besides the freezing up issue, is that you can't use flexible recording when dubbing from a tape.

I don't see a thread on this particular Model, but since I saw it at my local Costco, I assume that a lot of people will be picking this model up.

I have the ES40VS but I have been having a lot of problems with the unit freezing up when recording DV input. I'm considering returning the 40 and getting the 45 for about $20 more.

It adds 720p/1080i upconversion via HDMI and an SD card input. It also includes an HDMI cable.

My biggest annoyance with the 40 besides the freezing up issue, is that you can't use flexible recording when dubbing from a tape.

Judging from what the first ES15 users are reporting, it is good news for the 2006 Panasonic models. They already added FR-recording-pause on the ES15, which was removed from the ES20, so maybe the ES45V will get more features as well.

OK Picked up the ES45VS yesterday at Costco and returned the 40V.

It does have FR for Dubbing now which is a big plus for me. No more having to record 75 VHS tapes on SP mode.

SD card functionality is nice. It would be nice if it supported MP3s on SD cards. I don't think it has this capability but I haven't checked for sure.

DV recording functionality is much improved, and Knock on Wood no system crashes and no coasters so far.

This is the model I am waiting to buy, but no one has here yet.
Started to buy the 35 but didn't because I really want the SD slot.

What was the price? I can get the 35 for 248.00 at Circuit City.

This is the model I am waiting to buy, but no one has here yet.
Started to buy the 35 but didn't because I really want the SD slot.

What was the price? I can get the 35 for 248.00 at Circuit City.

289.99 from Costco. I returned the 40 which was 269.99. So I paid the extra $20.

3 Main reasons I returned the 40 and got the 45.

720p/1080i upconversion over HDMI.
Flexible Recording mode when dubbing.
Eliminate system freezing when recording via DV input.

There is also a bonus 2M HDMI cable included. This alone may be worth the extra $20.

SD card capability is nice, and you can transfer pictures from the SD to DVD.

Is the Panasonic DMR-ES45VS Made in Malaysia or Made in Japan? This info can be found somewhere outside of the original box. I just got a new Panasonic DMR-EH75VS yesterday for $500. It has HDMI plus 80GB hard drive and is Made in Japan.

I just got a new Panasonic DMR-EH75VS yesterday for $500. It has HDMI plus 80GB hard drive and is Made in Japan.

I thought the EH75VS had a 100GB HDD?

Just a mistype?

I thought the EH75VS had a 100GB HDD?

Just a mistype?
It actually has a 80 GB HDD. It says so on the box outside. Panasonic has provided the wrong specifications on the DMR-EH75VS.

Is the Panasonic DMR-ES45VS Made in Malaysia or Made in Japan? This info can be found somewhere outside of the original box. I just got a new Panasonic DMR-EH75VS yesterday for $500. It has HDMI plus 80GB hard drive and is Made in Japan.

InYourEyes, where did you pick that up? I have the EH30 and am interested in this model. What are your impressions so far? Thanks

How's the upconversion? and which one looks best 720p/1080i?

And please tell us the display you are using and what type it is and tel us if their is any improvements

Thanks~

InYourEyes, where did you pick that up? I have the EH30 and am interested in this model. What are your impressions so far? Thanks
I picked it up from Circuit City yesterday. It is on sale at circuitcity.com (online purchase only) for $459.99. Not bad if this is the newest and latest model out there. I haven't tried the DVD player section yet as I don't have a HDTV right now.

I picked it up from Circuit City yesterday. It is on sale at circuitcity.com (online purchase only) for $459.99. Not bad if this is the newest and latest model out there. I haven't tried the DVD player section yet as I don't have a HDTV right now.

Thanks, i dont see it listed on the Panasonic site though they have the ES45. Does it have two tuners and does it come with a HDMI cable? thanks again.

Is the Panasonic DMR-ES45VS Made in Malaysia or Made in Japan? This info can be found somewhere outside of the original box. I just got a new Panasonic DMR-EH75VS yesterday for $500. It has HDMI plus 80GB hard drive and is Made in Japan.
It's on the back of the unit itself.

MADE IN MALAYSIA

Why, do you have any opinions on this?

InYourEyes, Can you Please check the back of your recorder (Not The Box) & see where it was made.

Maybe the box is wrong or they are being made in Malaysa & Japan but I would guess there coming from Malaysa.

InYourEyes, Can you Please check the back of your recorder (Not The Box) & see where it was made.

Maybe the box is wrong or they are being made in Malaysa & Japan but I would guess there coming from Malaysa.
It is Made in Japan. The first shipment batch of the Panasonic DMR-EH75VS are Made in Japan for this month only. They will be Made in Malaysia after that. Panasonic had made DVD recorder/VCR combos in Japan before for first batch shipment only (DMR-E75V and DMR-ES30V).

Well that could also explain why they charge Top Dollar when they first come out, not just because there new, but to pay for the added labor costs from Japan :D

Then when all the shipments come from Malaysa (Christmas) they can then afford to lower all the prices. ;)

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.

I have had bad luck with DVD recorders. How is your panasonic DMR-ES45V doing? I had a magnavox and it was a nightmare! The service was even worse! took me 4 months to get money back from them. Now I want to be sure the dvd recorder I purchase is ok. Any other suggestions?

I've got a few Panny questions:

1) Is the only difference between the ES45VS and EH75VS the hard drive?

2) I don't need the vcr. Is there a similar panny dvd recorder (no vcr) with similar features to the ES45 and EH75?

3) My tv only has component inputs. Is there such a thing as an hdmi to component converter or cable?

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.
I don't have an HDTV either, but I still bought the 45V. I expect to have the TV by September, so I'm future proofing.

I have had bad luck with DVD recorders. How is your panasonic DMR-ES45V doing? I had a magnavox and it was a nightmare! The service was even worse! took me 4 months to get money back from them. Now I want to be sure the dvd recorder I purchase is ok. Any other suggestions?
Service is one of the main reasons I bought from Costco. Satisfaction guarantee no questions asked. I bought the 40V in February. I returned it and bought the 45V 2 months later. No questions asked. I won't ever have to deal with Panasonic for service. I can just take it back to Costco if there is a problem.

I really like the ES45V over the 40V. No system crashes, no coasters, and I have the option of HDMI upconversion in the future.

bcab17, The new EH55 which should be out shortly should fit your bill, it's good everything that the 75V has except the VCR & it has a Much Bigger HDD than the 75V & selling for around the same price as the 75V. I think it's suposed to be a 200GB Drive?

1) Is the only difference between the ES45VS and EH75VS the hard drive?
YES

2) I don't need the vcr. Is there a similar panny dvd recorder (no vcr) with similar features to the ES45 and EH75?
ES25 = ES45 minus VCR
EH55 = ES75 minus VCR

ES15 = ES25 minus HDMI
ES35 = ES45 minus HDMI

3) My tv only has component inputs. Is there such a thing as an hdmi to component converter or cable?
No such thing as an HDMI to component converter. You are stuck with using the component out and not getting the 720/1080 upconversion.

3) My tv only has component inputs. Is there such a thing as an hdmi to component converter or cable?


No such thing as an HDMI to component converter. You are stuck with using the component out and not getting the 720/1080 upconversion.

Don't be too quick to say that. I don't know of one, but I'll bet there is one available somewhere. This is probably not the best forum for that kind of information. The video projectors forum and maybe others would be better. I will suggest that an HDMI to component converter won't be inexpensive--the cost will likely be significant (he said, redundantly).

3) My tv only has component inputs. Is there such a thing as an hdmi to component converter or cable?

Haven't tried it before but you could get a hdmi -> DVI cable and then a DVI -> component cable. Something like this (http://sewelldirect.com/DVI-to-Component-Adapter-Cable-15ft.asp)

Maybe this would work?

Don't be too quick to say that. I don't know of one, but I'll bet there is one available somewhere. This is probably not the best forum for that kind of information. The video projectors forum and maybe others would be better. I will suggest that an HDMI to component converter won't be inexpensive--the cost will likely be significant (he said, redundantly).
You're probably right, and about the part about it being expensive too. I do know that in order to convert 720p or 1080i HDMI to component would require one to get past the whole HDCP thing. It's not that it can't be done, it's that there are probably powers that be that prevent such a thing from being widely available.

ES25 = ES45 minus VCR
EH55 = ES75 minus VCR


Unless you have seen the User manuals for all those, it may be too early to make that statement. We already know of some differences:

* The EH55 has a bigger hard disk than the ES75V
* According to some published specifications, the ES-Vs (the ones with VCR/VHS) do not support the latest revisions of -RW and +R. This may have been updated/fixed before they began shipping though. I browsed thru the ES75V manual but I forgot if it does support the latest format revisions.
* I think there may be a couple of other minor items. I think they are posted in the "2006 panasonic models" thread.

For those of you talking about HDMI to component, forget it. HDMI passes digital data, audio and video. DVI passes digital data, video. That is why HDMI <> DVI is possible.
Component is passing analog video signals.
The device referred to in the earlier post is "Designed to take a TV-out signal from certain video cards". Some PC video cards only have a DVI connector which sends both analog and digital.

I thought that too. Then someone here a while back posted a link to a page with HDMI-to-Component converter cables. Cheap too. I think it was in the LCD and Flat Panel Forum here at AVS. I'll try to find them again. I subsequently searched for more of the same, thinking maybe these were fake or something, and found many.

For those of you talking about HDMI to component, forget it. HDMI passes digital data, audio and video. DVI passes digital data, video. That is why HDMI <> DVI is possible.
Component is passing analog video signals.

I am full aware of this. An adaptor cable will be insufficient. It will require a digital to analog converter, which is why I said it will be expensive. Just because it is difficult and complex does not mean someone, somewhere hasn't done it.

The single best argument I have heard to make me believe no such device exists commercially is the HDCP compliance problem.

I guess I have to wonder what would be so hard in such a cable, obviously the D-A conversion is a biggie, and for the HDCP part, it's just some kind of handshake with the sending device, what keeps a receiver from sending that handshake anyway, I guess the legality would be questionable but technically it seems easily doable.

If someone has invented the black box to convert HDMI to component, I may have to buy one as my now ancient (5 year) Mits set only supports component in. Church Guy is right that HDCP will be the big bugaboo.

Me too, my oldest HDTV (Zenith 52" 720x1280 LCD projection) does not support HDMI.

If someone has invented the black box to convert HDMI to component, I may have to buy one as my now ancient (5 year) Mits set only supports component in.

A lot of people are in the same situation as you, with an HD television that only accepts component inputs (built prior to the finalization of HDMI) and all new equipment having HDMI outputs. That is one reason I believe such a converter exists. There IS a market for it. A market composed of people who were lied to when they were assured that component inputs would always be available.

Yes, I believe something will have to be done to address the problem. It's not acceptable to tell us all to buy new HDTVs!

A lot of people are in the same situation as you, with an HD television that only accepts component inputs (built prior to the finalization of HDMI) and all new equipment having HDMI outputs. That is one reason I believe such a converter exists. There IS a market for it. A market composed of people who were lied to when they were assured that component inputs would always be available.
I don't know that people were lied to. Component will still available for HDTV, and it will be available for HD-DVD and BluRay Disk. It's just not available for any sort of upconversion of 480i.

Keep things in perspective. The only thing you are missing here is the DVD player upconverting to 720p/1080i. The source is still 480i and the value of an upconverting DVD player is debatable.

I heard it was worse than that. The new HD players allegedly will only output the HD signal over HDMI, although it is appraently up to the particular disc what outputs it will send the HD signal to. The rest will be downconverted (for example, HDMI will have the HD signal, Component Video will have it in 480i or 480p at most). Although there has been some retreat along that front, I heard some studios will offer discs where the HD signal is sent to the analog outputs, to increase the sales of such discs. I think the situation is still in a state of flux.

Okay so it's a year and a half old, but here's some information about all HD DVD players being HDMI only: http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_4/feature-dvi-hdmi-hdcp-connections-11-2004.html

Okay, maybe the use of the word 'LIED was a little harsh, but I have friends who were assured that component inputs would not become obsolete. Now, the studios are trying to make sure that all high def is HDMI only because the digital signal is much easier to protect, so they are making sure all analog outputs can do no better then 480i, or 480p. You might argue the sales people were mistaken, that they weren't lying to their customers, but were just wrong about the future. The cynic in me prefers to believe that they would have said anything to make that sale.

Hi Renlopez,
I am new to this forum and just saw the Panasonic ES45VS myself at Costco today and looked for reviews of it and found this....
I have looked for a while in the market for a combo and almost bought a Sony 515 until I started reading negative reviews on CNet the same for ES40......
I have seen a lot of issues of macines locking up etc

Not sure how much you tried yours yet, but I have a few questions you may be abl4e to answer:

1) I have a Dish network DVR 522 and frequently save shows to the harddrive, can the ES45VS be hooked up the dish dvr and easily record saved tv shows?

2) Picture quality is of high prioruty to me and from reading diff reviews Panasonic seems to be in top in the area.... I will probably use XP and maybe sometimes SP quality to get the BEST...I have heard in general that DVD recorders have problems with jitters / unsharp contours in picture when recording fast moving images...e.g. car racing (one of my favorite recording object), do you have any trials / results of these kind of recordings?

3) Any recording quality reviews in general?

4) I would like to have a possibillity to get true 5.1 DTS Surround sound at least in playback mode of movies.....the box stated DTS 2.0......do you know what the actual capabilties are?

5) Do you know if the unit can record on DUAL layer discs, - or + format dual layer?

6) I assume the VCR dubbing will not record from copy right VHS tapes? To bad since I have quite a few old ones I'd like to get to DVD....I have seen a digital "enhancer" device in the market that will take away the copyright signal - but I am not sure how good quality picture it privides....and you may have to have a separate VCR for that so you can install the "enhancer" between VCR and DVD recorder....if so I guess I could use my old VCR and hook it up to the ES45 unit?
Have you tried of of this?

Greatful for ideas / replies even if you don't have answers to all of my questions
Thanks!

Long time lurker, first time poster.

Just set up our first plasma, Panasonic TH-42px60U. (awesome even on an old coax with terrible 480i analog cable input)
Trying to set up our new recorder, Panasonic DMR-ES45VS.
Basic set up complete using a/v cables supplied with recorder.
Bought some component cables. Tried to set them up instead of S-Video (component is better than S-Video??) don't want to use HDMI because of limitations on recording subjects and lack of CC (and we don't have digital upgrade to our cable, yet).
The diagram in the manual for the recorder (on page 16) does not jive with the diagram for the plasma (page 33) using component cables. Do the component cables go from the recorder into the Component 1 input of the plasma, or the "Prog Out" connections of the plasma, and do I need audio cables in addition to the A/V cables and component cables, and why doesn't Panasonic online show a nice diagram connecting two of their newest and best products?

Also tried to set up the ES45VS, but crashed it while trying to automatically set the clock -- not doing too well.

I am very hopeful all this will work.

The Component Output of the DVD Recorder will need to go to a Component Input of the display. "Prog Out" on the display doesn't sound like a Component Input. Yes you will also need audio cables (white/red) along with the three Component Video cables (green/blue/red).

So, nothing in Prog Out on the plasma.

Will this change if we upgrade to digital cable?

1) I have a Dish network DVR 522 and frequently save shows to the harddrive, can the ES45VS be hooked up the dish dvr and easily record saved tv shows?
I have a DirectTivo, and it is very easy to hook up. I run my cables through a switching AV receiver so my setup may be different then yours.
2) Picture quality is of high prioruty to me and from reading diff reviews Panasonic seems to be in top in the area.... I will probably use XP and maybe sometimes SP quality to get the BEST...I have heard in general that DVD recorders have problems with jitters / unsharp contours in picture when recording fast moving images...e.g. car racing (one of my favorite recording object), do you have any trials / results of these kind of recordings?
I haven't tried any sports or fast moving images so I don't know about the jitters. From what I have recorded, I haven't seen any of it.
3) Any recording quality reviews in general?
This is a really good product for Dubbing old VHS to DVD. You won't get any better PQ in this arena.
I have been mainly recording my MiniDV tapes via Firewire/DV Input. I use flexible recording mode at 63 minutes. I can't tell the difference between SP and XP mode as far as PQ. However, it may be due to the limitations of my 27" trinitron TV. You might be able to tell the difference in XP/SP on an HDTV.
4) I would like to have a possibillity to get true 5.1 DTS Surround sound at least in playback mode of movies.....the box stated DTS 2.0......do you know what the actual capabilties are?
Don't know.
5) Do you know if the unit can record on DUAL layer discs, - or + format dual layer?
Specs say YES on both +R(DL) and -R(DL). I haven't used either.
6) I assume the VCR dubbing will not record from copy right VHS tapes? To bad since I have quite a few old ones I'd like to get to DVD....I have seen a digital "enhancer" device in the market that will take away the copyright signal - but I am not sure how good quality picture it privides....and you may have to have a separate VCR for that so you can install the "enhancer" between VCR and DVD recorder....if so I guess I could use my old VCR and hook it up to the ES45 unit?
Have you tried of of this?
I Haven't tried this.

Okay, maybe the use of the word 'LIED was a little harsh, but I have friends who were assured that component inputs would not become obsolete. Now, the studios are trying to make sure that all high def is HDMI only because the digital signal is much easier to protect, so they are making sure all analog outputs can do no better then 480i, or 480p. You might argue the sales people were mistaken, that they weren't lying to their customers, but were just wrong about the future. The cynic in me prefers to believe that they would have said anything to make that sale.
I stand corrected. The Toshiba HD-A1 will only ouput HD via HDMI, and only 480p via component.

OK, maybe those who have non-HDMI/DVI only HDTV's will not be able to view HD-DVD's/Blu-Ray.

But how old do TV's have to be to not have a DVI or HDMI connection? At least, HD Receivers still output HD via component.

Thanks for your reply to my questions :)

I also got the DMR-ES45V. It's my first recorder and I found this one to have everything I needed. The HDMI feature caught my attention and thought I might be able to make it work with my old HDTV but I found out it not possible at this time.
For all those in the Thread that were wondering about using connectors to change from HDMI to Component, IT DON"T WORK.
I did buy the connectors to convert from HDMI to DVI to VGA and Component.
My Pioneer Elite HDTV accepts VGA and COMPONENT so I tried to convert the HDMI signal, but knowing little about the conversion process, I went ahead and tried to satisfy my curiosity. My next idea would be to buy a new receiver with HDMI inputs so that I may use the Component outputs of the receiver to connect to my old HDTV.
Anybody out there have any suggestions about this idea? would it work?
Hopefully they'll be something in the future that would do this conversion.

I bought a ES45VS last week. The Operating instructions and hook up left a lot to be desired.

My setup is:
1. 56 inch JVC HDTV 720p
2. Comcast HDTV with the Motorola DCT 6412 III DVR

The quick setup guide didn't show any sample of how to hook up the recorder and an HDTV setup with a cable box.

The operations manual only showed the HDMI cable going from the recorder to the HDMI IN on the TV.

The HDMI connection on the Comcast Motorola DCT 6412 III DVR is not used - the JVC TV only has one HDMI input and the ES45VS needs to use that input.

I needed to connect the component video from the DVR to the Component Video input on the JVC, and also run audio from the DVR to the JVC TV. This was the only way that I could get HDTV to work from the DVR. Before I had the HDMI cable going from the DVR to the TV - now using the recorder I have Component Video going from the DVR to the TV, and their seems to be a slight difference in quality - not much but I did notice it. I might experiment with a signal amplifier that I received from comcast which I didn't need at the time, but maybe I need it now, it might improve the picture quality.

I also hooked up RF OUT on the DVR to the RF IN on the ES45VS and the RF OUT on the ES45VS to RF IN to the JVC TV.

Then I hooked the HDMI cable going from the recorder to the JVC TV.

I spent a lot of time trying to configure this - and get everything working.
Everything seems to work now. I'm sure this is a snap and obvious how to
hook things up for some people - but I don't do this for a living, and I just wanted it to work. Their might be a better way - but I didn't see it, and the manual didn't show it.

The main reason I bought this unit is to free up harddisk space on the DVR, since my wife has figured out how to use the DVR and is getting ready to start deleting my programs - to make room for hers. I have recorded about 6 programs (Billiard matches ESPN) to a DVD-R disk from the DVR and finalized the disk, and then verified the DVD would play on my computer.
I question the quality of the DVD-R by memorex. The first disk I tried to record, I think I made a coaster. The second worked, the third, fourth, and fifth Memorex
DVD-R the unit wouldn't recognize the disks to record more programs.
I wiped off one of the disks because I had a hard time believing they were all bad,
and then it started recording. These are brand new - out of box disks, I would'nt think I would need to wipe them off before recording to them.

Recording to a DVD is new for me - so I still have a lot to learn.
The up conversion seems to work ok on the unit. I'm planning on recording one of the HD programs that I have saved on the DVR to DVD - I expect it will not be as nice but it should be ok. I hoping this is going to be a poor man's version of an HD recorder. Since I doubt I will buy Blue ray or what ever format they decide on - for another 5 years - when I might be able to afford it.
diff_pair

An HDMI switch would help with your connection, granted they are not cheap, but both your STB/DVR and your new DVD Recorder could both feed into it, and it could output to your display.

This one has 3 inputs and one output:

http://www.kvmgalore.com/shopping/product_info.php?products_id=1852

Couple more things -

I didn't receive a HDMI cable with the ES45VS, and it is made in Malaysia.

I bought the unit for $299 at Ultimate Electronics (formerly Sound Track)
I also bought a 5 year home DVD repair plan for $100 bucks, and you better
believe the repair plan is going to get used because I haven't had a DVD player
last over a year, and VCR's over two years (then again they were the cheapest units I could find) So a combination unit I'm thinking I will be lucky if it goes a year without breaking. But I bought an insurance program to protect my investment.

diff_pair

Hi bobkart,

The HDMI switcher does look like a great solution for more HDMI inputs, but at this point I will wait until the price comes down, at $270 it isn't practical. Also if the signal is the problem (this is a real minor difference in the HDTV quality) and needs boosting and I already have the amplifier - this would be the best solution.
These switches are going to come down in price in the next couple years.
Is anyone using this HDMI Switcher on this forum?

diff_pair

After lurking for the past few months, I began building my HT set up with the ES45VS this week. I still have my 20in CRT from 1990! but my DVD player died and I am waiting to see what happens with the Sony X series LCDs this summer before buying a new display

Set up was in line with any machine of this sort. The manual is pretty complex with all of the variations of disk operations depending on media.

Anybody here know a work around on how to hook up the DMR-ES45V HDMI output to a HDTV that only has Component and VGA connections?

Would hooking up the HDMI output of the ES45V to a receiver with HDMI input and then using the component output of the receiver to my TV work?

Do you know of such a receiver? I'll take one too!

My first HDTV (52" Zenith LCD Projection, 720x1280) has no HDMI input. So I'm trying to figure out how I'll be able to watch HD-DVD and/or Blu-Ray discs on it. At first I thought the HDMI-to-Component converters were not going to be available (it defeats the HDCP part of HDMI), then someone around here gave a link to a page with exactly those converters, and for not very much money at all either, $30 or so, but most recently someone else around here has said those converters do not work (emphatically). So i have no idea although I suspect it will be a problem, the question is if someone will come up with a solution.

My setup is:
1. 56 inch JVC HDTV 720p
2. Comcast HDTV with the Motorola DCT 6412 III DVR

The quick setup guide didn't show any sample of how to hook up the recorder and an HDTV setup with a cable box.


Looks like the way you have this setup will work. Instead of using the RF in from DVR to the ES45V, I would replace this with S-video. You can remove the RF-out from ES45 to JVC as you probably won't use it.

In summary my recommendation is:

ES45--> HDMI--> JVC
DVR --> Componenet --> JVC
DVR --> S-Video --> ES45

I would add an AV Reciver. Besides the improved sound quality, It will make it easier to record from other sources besides your DVR. If all you are interested in is to record from DVR to DVD, then you probably don't need the receiver.

I visited Costco and just purchased the Panasonic DMRES46 for $289.99. How does the '46' compare to the '45'? The box describes it as having the HD output, a DVD-RAM disk, card reader and reads/writes double layer DVDs.

Thanks!
Jim

Hi- I have a DMR-ES40V which I'm ready to throw out the window. While it works great with DVD-ROM discs, it's a total crapshoot with DVD-R media (and I've tried several brands). The main issue I have after a log recording session (either VHS dubbing, or DV recording) is that the unit "locks up" when writing the information to the disc and/or finalizing. From what I've read elsewhere, tons of other people have this issue, and there's no resolution (and Panasonic seems clueless).

This is a TOTALLY annoying problem, since you end up losing 1-2 hours of time *and* a DVD-R disc.

SO.... that said-- what are all your experiences with the ES45? Is it better in this regard? Has anyone tried creating a bunch of DVD-R's yet? Any coasters, lock-ups?

Specifically what brands of media have you been using?

Hi Renlopez,
I am new to this forum and just saw the Panasonic ES45VS myself at Costco today and looked for reviews of it and found this....
I have looked for a while in the market for a combo and almost bought a Sony 515 until I started reading negative reviews on CNet the same for ES40......
I have seen a lot of issues of macines locking up etc

Not sure how much you tried yours yet, but I have a few questions you may be abl4e to answer:

1) I have a Dish network DVR 522 and frequently save shows to the harddrive, can the ES45VS be hooked up the dish dvr and easily record saved tv shows?

2) Picture quality is of high prioruty to me and from reading diff reviews Panasonic seems to be in top in the area.... I will probably use XP and maybe sometimes SP quality to get the BEST...I have heard in general that DVD recorders have problems with jitters / unsharp contours in picture when recording fast moving images...e.g. car racing (one of my favorite recording object), do you have any trials / results of these kind of recordings?

3) Any recording quality reviews in general?

4) I would like to have a possibillity to get true 5.1 DTS Surround sound at least in playback mode of movies.....the box stated DTS 2.0......do you know what the actual capabilties are?

5) Do you know if the unit can record on DUAL layer discs, - or + format dual layer?

6) I assume the VCR dubbing will not record from copy right VHS tapes? To bad since I have quite a few old ones I'd like to get to DVD....I have seen a digital "enhancer" device in the market that will take away the copyright signal - but I am not sure how good quality picture it privides....and you may have to have a separate VCR for that so you can install the "enhancer" between VCR and DVD recorder....if so I guess I could use my old VCR and hook it up to the ES45 unit?
Have you tried of of this?

Greatful for ideas / replies even if you don't have answers to all of my questions
Thanks!
Regarding the DMR-ES45,
1) It has component video output as well as HDMI and S-Video.
2) It does burn both DVD+-R DL although it is not continuous. You must close one layer before it will begin burning another. Kind of defeats the whole purpose!
3) The upconversion works for both DVD and VHS although I think it is over-rated in this machine.
4) The VHS side is very, very sensitive to tracking error and frequently has trouble with even high quality pre-recorded videos.
Hope this helps! Steve

Sorry, I missed a few of your questions.
1) I have a Dish network DVR 522 and frequently save shows to the harddrive, can the ES45VS be hooked up the dish dvr and easily record saved tv shows?
- Yes, although it will only take the S-Video input. There is not HDMI or component input.

2) Picture quality is of high prioruty to me and from reading diff reviews Panasonic seems to be in top in the area.... I will probably use XP and maybe sometimes SP quality to get the BEST...I have heard in general that DVD recorders have problems with jitters / unsharp contours in picture when recording fast moving images...e.g. car racing (one of my favorite recording object), do you have any trials / results of these kind of recordings?
- Absolutely beautiful picture, no artifacts.

3) Any recording quality reviews in general?
- Looks better than my old Sony but it is still not as good as a your 522 source.

4) I would like to have a possibillity to get true 5.1 DTS Surround sound at least in playback mode of movies.....the box stated DTS 2.0......do you know what the actual capabilties are?
- Yes, it is true 5.1 DTS and has both optical and coax outputs

5) Do you know if the unit can record on DUAL layer discs, - or + format dual layer?
- already answered - not continuous but it will burn them (both types of L)

6) I assume the VCR dubbing will not record from copy right VHS tapes? To bad since I have quite a few old ones I'd like to get to DVD....I have seen a digital "enhancer" device in the market that will take away the copyright signal - but I am not sure how good quality picture it privides....and you may have to have a separate VCR for that so you can install the "enhancer" between VCR and DVD recorder....if so I guess I could use my old VCR and hook it up to the ES45 unit?
- If your old tapes have Macrovision or other copy guard, you will need a stabilizer. You can in fact record on one set of media while playing the other but good luck monitoring it - you will have to monitor off of the composite while you output off of the DVD primary.

I got the Panny 37" 60U plasma last week at CC and the picture is great (as long as the DVD recorder is off).

My only problem is that I am getting black bars across the top & bottom of the screen when I have the DVD recorder on (it's the new EH75 upconverting HDMI model from Panny). My setup includes Motorola 5100 HD Box from Comcast (running with DVI-HDMI cable to the TV and running via coax to the DVD recorder). The DVD recorder then runs to the TV via an HDMI cable. There don't seem to be any settings on the Motorola HD box that I can change and the only settings on the DVD recorder are for "TV Setting" at either 4:3 or 16:9 (480i or 480p).

Any advice on how to get rid of the black bars is greatly appreciated!

Which of the models discussed here would bes best for transferring VHS and Mini DV camcorder tapes to DVD? Do any of the units have Firewire/1394 port? Also, can any of the units create menus with thumbnails, a custom caption, and automatic chapter marks that will advance the dvd xx minutes or so while playing back.

Hi- I have a DMR-ES40V which I'm ready to throw out the window. While it works great with DVD-ROM discs, it's a total crapshoot with DVD-R media (and I've tried several brands). The main issue I have after a log recording session (either VHS dubbing, or DV recording) is that the unit "locks up" when writing the information to the disc and/or finalizing. From what I've read elsewhere, tons of other people have this issue, and there's no resolution (and Panasonic seems clueless).

This is a TOTALLY annoying problem, since you end up losing 1-2 hours of time *and* a DVD-R disc.

SO.... that said-- what are all your experiences with the ES45? Is it better in this regard? Has anyone tried creating a bunch of DVD-R's yet? Any coasters, lock-ups?
I had a similar problem with locking on my ES40V. I returned it for a 45V and have not had any locking problems.

Which of the models discussed here would bes best for transferring VHS and Mini DV camcorder tapes to DVD? Do any of the units have Firewire/1394 port? Also, can any of the units create menus with thumbnails, a custom caption, and automatic chapter marks that will advance the dvd xx minutes or so while playing back.
I don't have experience with other models that do dubbing, but I think that the VHS->DVD is more than adequate. This unit does have Firewire for MiniDV and it can create title menus but not chapter menus. The chapters are automatically set at every 5 minutes only after finalizing the disc.

I just purchased the DMR-ES45VS from Costco for $289. I am very pleased with the test DVD burns I have done of TV programs. I am now getting ready to start the VHS to DVD transfer that I purchased the machine for.

I notice that the 1 hr record mode (XP) produces a recording with an average 8 Mbps while the 2 hr mode (SP) seems to average 4 to 5 Mbps. The LP mode records at a 2 to 3 Mbps mode.

I must admit, I don't notice a great deal of diffenence between XP / SP / and even LP.

Since I wish to archive my VHS kid videos recorded at SP (2 hr mode) in the best resolution, I am trying to decide on whether or not to use XP or SP. Yes, I know that I will need twice as many DVD's at XP as SP but for archive purposes is it worth it?

Is there that much diffence between an 8 to 10 Mbps as compared to 4 to 5 Mbps?

Thanks for your comments.

There is a difference, whether there is "that much" difference depends on how much is "that much". Picture Quality is notoriously difficult to quantify. From reading your post I would have to guess that your display is not very large, or you are not sitting very close, if you don't see much difference between LP and XP. On a 50"+ monitor (mine is 52"), from just a few feet away (maybe 5 feet), mosquito noise is easily discerned at higher levels on SP than XP, depending of course on the complexity of the source material. But in the end it will have to be your decision, I suggest trying it both ways and using those trial results to make your decision. Just keep in mind that on larger displays the compression artifacts become more noticeable.

Hi,

I saw the ES46 at Costco, not the ES45 that's being discussed here. I assume they are the same. I will buy soon. Would someone answer a few questions for me?

Does this dvd player memorize the last position of the dvd when it is turned off and play again at the exact position when it is turned on?

Does this dvd player let the user turn off the display (light)?

I bought and returned a Samsung dvd/vcr player recently because it didn't have these features. I don't want to go through the same thing with the Panasonic. Thank you in advance for your help.

Hi,

I saw the ES46 at Costco, not the ES45 that's being discussed here. I assume they are the same. I will buy soon. Would someone answer a few questions for me?

Does this dvd player memorize the last position of the dvd when it is turned off and play again at the exact position when it is turned on?

Does this dvd player let the user turn off the display (light)?

I bought and returned a Samsung dvd/vcr player recently because it didn't have these features. I don't want to go through the same thing with the Panasonic. Thank you in advance for your help.


The ES45 does memorize the last position as long as the DVD door/tray is not opened.


The front display on the unit can be set to the following three options: bright, dim, and automatic. To my knowledge you cannot turn off the display. With the power turned off on the unit the clock is displayed.

My 3 yr old Panasonic DVD player just died, I need a quick replacement, and would like to get a DVD recorder that will work well with my HDTV and Dish Network 942 HD DVR, and would also like to transfer my old VHS tapes to DVD.

Is the ES45VS the best choice to fit the bill? Specifically:

*How would it compare to other DVD players for upconversion and playback quality onto a 50" plasma HDTV?

*Will I be able to transfer HD programming on my DVR to DVDs? What will the quality be like?

*Can it handle poor quality home made VHS tapes as well as store bought VHS movies? How does the quality of the recordings onto DVD turn out?

Thanks!
Dave.

My 3 yr old Panasonic DVD player just died, I need a quick replacement, and would like to get a DVD recorder that will work well with my HDTV and Dish Network 942 HD DVR, and would also like to transfer my old VHS tapes to DVD.

Is the ES45VS the best choice to fit the bill? Specifically:

*How would it compare to other DVD players for upconversion and playback quality onto a 50" plasma HDTV?

*Will I be able to transfer HD programming on my DVR to DVDs? What will the quality be like?

*Can it handle poor quality home made VHS tapes as well as store bought VHS movies? How does the quality of the recordings onto DVD turn out?

Thanks!
Dave.

Can't answer the question about the quality of upconversion but for the other 2:

You must output your HD programming at 480i over s-video or composite since that is all the recorder will accept as an input. The quality of these recordings will be like an Anamorphic Widescreen DVD.

It can handle VHS of any quality. From my experience, the DVD will look exactly like the VHS looks. YMMV

Can someone tell me if the vcr part of this combo unit will play back svhs tapes? This unit would work very well in my bedroom if I could I could use it to transfer my old svhs tapes.

Just noticed from another thread here that CNET noted this unit has poor 720p upconversion (given that the EH75 is the same as the ES45 except with a HD):

"Since the DMR-EH75V can upconvert via its HDMI output, we ran it through our video-quality test but came away somewhat disappointed. It passed the resolution test from Silicon Optix's HQV test suite in 1080i mode but failed in 720p and 480p mode, exhibiting significant flicker. It also failed relatively easy tests, such as scrolling titles (in every resolution mode), introducing obvious combing on the text crawl. Overall, we can't recommend it as a great choice for videophiles as their main home-theater DVD deck, but most viewers probably won't notice the flaws."

Has anyone noticed or heard about these problems? I'm worried about the play quality on a 50" HDTV, since I *will* be using it as our main home-theater DVD deck...

Thanks,

I visited Costco and just purchased the Panasonic DMRES46 for $289.99. How does the '46' compare to the '45'? The box describes it as having the HD output, a DVD-RAM disk, card reader and reads/writes double layer DVDs.

Thanks!
Jim

I just picked up the DMR-ES46V from Sam's Club. In the Operating Instructions it noted that this unit comes with an HDMI Cable and the DMR-ES45V does not. I did not note any other differences.

I just picked up the DMR-ES46V from Sam's Club. In the Operating Instructions it noted that this unit comes with an HDMI Cable and the DMR-ES45V does not. I did not note any other differences.
I got the 45 from Costco and it did come with an HDMI cable.

I got the 45 from Costco and it did come with an HDMI cable.

go figure, you mean the Operating Instructions are wrong!!! ;) ;) ;) probable no difference between the two models then.

I just picked up the DMR-ES46V from Sam's Club. In the Operating Instructions it noted that this unit comes with an HDMI Cable and the DMR-ES45V does not. I did not note any other differences.

The DMR-ES46V is probably a Sam's Club/Walmart-specific model, with minor or no differences.

I ordered the ES45VS and 50PX60u directly from Panasonic yesterday. They both ship in about 1 month!! =(

Does anyone know if the DMR-ES45VS allows playback of a VHS tape through the HDMI connection? I don't want to make two connections to my TV.

Does anyone know if the DMR-ES45VS allows playback of a VHS tape through the HDMI connection? I don't want to make two connections to my TV.
I haven't tried but the manual says that it can.

Can someone tell me if the vcr part of this combo unit will play back svhs tapes? This unit would work very well in my bedroom if I could I could use it to transfer my old svhs tapes.

Yes, the unit has SQPB (Super Video Home System Quasi Playback).

Tau

I got the 45 from Costco and it did come with an HDMI cable.

I received mine direct from Panasonic and it didn't include an HDMI cable.

Tau

I haven't tried but the manual says that it can.

I read that part of the manual and it talks about DVD priority outputs and DVD/VHS combo outputs but it is not very clear. Has anyone played a VHS tape over the HDMI connection? Does it look awful?

After I hooked up my ES45V, the first tape I used was a Disney Snow White tape from about 10-12 years ago. It had been played many times by the kids.

I had the Panasonic player hooked to a 37" Olevia LT37HVS LCD TV via HDMI (a GE cable). I have it set to stretch the output to 16:9 from 4:3.

It was truly amazing - the tape really was clear and sharp. I had my wife watching, having her admire the picture - then I revealed it was not a DVD but a tape (we don't have the DVD dear...). She was amazed also, WAF.

Granted, I have not tried a wide range of tapes, I have only had the unit a week (from target.com, good price). We'be been expanding use, taping a movie from cable, recording DV, etc. No issues that stand out. Perhaps the built-in time base corrector helps.

It does not like the new 4GB SD cards, that is for sure. 2GB max means max.

It handled +R media very, very well. Yes it needs an initial format. But unlike the
-R media in my old GoVideo VR4940, I don't have to fill up a disc 100% for it to play well in our old Philips 711 DVD player. Maybe because Philips was in the +R camp?

I read somewhere that the internal timebase only works well for XP and SP modes. I was copying a home movie in LP and it was a bit shaky.

Experiences?

4) I would like to have a possibillity to get true 5.1 DTS Surround sound at least in playback mode of movies.....the box stated DTS 2.0......do you know what the actual capabilties are?
- Yes, it is true 5.1 DTS and has both optical and coax outputs
[/I]

I see optical, but I don't see the coax video output? ... (I have the DMR-ES46V)
Can you tell me where it is?

I don't have this unit but if it's like "ALL" the other Panny recorders it doesn't have a Digital Coaxial Audio Output just a Digital Optical Audio Output.

And if I remember right when I was looking at the 75V Manual that din't have one either so I doubt that the 45V/46V models would have one.

I have a panny hdtv and a sa 8300 cable box. Is this thing easy to figure out as far as connnections go? I bought a magnavox which everyone said was easy to do and I still haven't figured it out. THe funai website is worthless (producer of this magna). When you only have directions for hooking up a dvd PLAYER, would these be the same directions for hooking up a dvd recorder? Does the fact that it has the vcr with it complicate matters, or is that already wired 'internally' by the manufacturer? Any and all help appreciated, I'm MORE than a little slow when it comes to these matters!

If you have a HDMI compatible TV then the video and digital audio will go through that cable from the Panasonic 45V to the TV. Otherwise you can use the Component output of the recorder to the component input of the TV.

The recorder has analog audio (2 cable) output too or you can use digital fiber optic cable. It has no coax digital out.

The manual has some good connection diagrams.

Connections for connecting a DVD player and recorder are the same (no add'l really for the VCR integrated models, for siplicity) but some inputs for recoding from other devices (like the cable box).

Thanks for attempting to help, I really do appreciate it. The back of my panasonic hd tv doesn't have the inputs that the panasonic es45 manual says to use, as far as I can see. For instance, it says 'vhf/uhf rf in' for the tv and I have nothing that says that on the back of my tv. Is there another term that means 'rf?' It also shows that connecting to 'rf' on the cable box and I don't have that either. My understanding is that the best use of the hdmi (seeing as how only one slot is available for this on each of my components) is from the cable box to the tv. Is that right? The only connection that shows the hdmi in the book doesn't show the cable box and the only connection that shows the cable box doesn't show the hdmi! I'm so confused! I'm sure someone who has a clue is following your directions easily, but as I said, I don't have a clue. Can you dumb it down for me? :)

Personally I would connect the HDMI from the recorder to the TV and have DVDs and tapes play through the HDMI (the ES45V will "upconvert" the signals to HD resolution, looks great).

I would hook the component out video (red/green/blue 3 cable) plus a stereo audio cable from the cable box to the TV for regular or HD cable.

As you use a cable box to get your programming, you can ignore the RF part of the recorder or the TV unless you want to record TV programs to the DVD recorder. That would be an additional hook-up that can be explained separately.

Thanks, Kittyba. I'll go home and try that out. I do want to record off the tv as well as the dvr in the cable box, but you say these are additional set-ups, so I wouldn't be doing anything different than what you told me, just adding other attachments later, right? (baby steps, take baby steps!)

Yes, once you feel comfortable with connecting up the TV, then we can guide you to connecting the recorder to the cable box. Baby steps.

I picked up my DMR-EH75VS yesterday from Circuit City. Heres how I connected. BTW my cable box is a Scientific Atlanta 8300 HD.

Coax goes to cable box 1st then out and into my EH75VS.*

EH75VS HDMI out to the 2nd HDMI input in my 42 PX60U.

AV cable from cable box into IN1 AV inputs in my EH75VS.

Optical audio from EH75VS to my HTR optical.

*If I connect my coax to my EH75VS first I do not receive all channels.

So far I like it - I'm having some of the problems Ive seen in this thread - No matter what I do I'm still seeing bars around the top and side. I haven't had enough time to know if the TV-Guide will work with Time Warner. I did copy a VHS to HD in LP mode, I also was able to edit it to just the part I wanted to keep.

I also put in the King Kong DVD and it looked great but the only way I could get rid of the bars were to watch in zoom and I have the same problems when I record TV to the HD.

If I cant figure out how to get rid of these damn bars I think I'm going to return it.

I picked up my DMR-EH75VS yesterday from Circuit City. Heres how I connected. BTW my cable box is a Scientific Atlanta 8300 HD.

Coax goes to cable box 1st then out and into my EH75VS.*

EH75VS HDMI out to the 2nd HDMI input in my 42 PX60U.

AV cable from cable box into IN1 AV inputs in my EH75VS.

Optical audio from EH75VS to my HTR optical.

*If I connect my coax to my EH75VS first I do not receive all channels.

So far I like it - I'm having some of the problems Ive seen in this thread - No matter what I do I'm still seeing bars around the top and side. I haven't had enough time to know if the TV-Guide will work with Time Warner. I did copy a VHS to HD in LP mode, I also was able to edit it to just the part I wanted to keep.

I also put in the King Kong DVD and it looked great but the only way I could get rid of the bars were to watch in zoom and I have the same problems when I record TV to the HD.

If I cant figure out how to get rid of these damn bars I think I'm going to return it.

Exactly which viewing source are you getting this black bars, and is it both vertical and horizontal at the same time ?

Exactly which viewing source are you getting this black bars, and is it both vertical and horizontal at the same time ?

My input selections are...
IN3
Audio

CH0
((Audio

When I record something through my Cable box DVR it is perfect but no matter what I'm watching with my Pany DMR I always get top bars and the picture never seems full. If I'm watching 4:3 Ill get bars on the side too.



http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/1048/vid2vi.jpg

Possibly you have not configured the recorder so it knows what shape display you have. Letterboxing is it's response to displaying 16:9 content on what it thinks is a 4:3 display. Make sure it knows you have a 16:9 display first, if you have not already done so.

Yes, you must go into setup on the Panasonic and set to 16:9 display and tell your TV that the source is to be displayed 16:9.

With my Olevia 37", I tell it to convert all sources to 16:9 (it has one mode that does a smart stretch) and I have never seen bars on the sides, only on the top & bottom on a DVD that is widescreen because movies are 2.35:1

Thanks guys and I need to apologize - I am getting local and non-HD channels in full screen. I guess I panicked when I wasn't able to get the channels I wanted the most and didn't bother checking the others. Once I get over the buyers remorse and accept the fact that I just paid 480.00 for a DVD VCR Ill be just fine.

I had a feeling it was a simple error on my part. One thing... what difference does it make it the cable coming from the wall goes into the cable box first instead of the DVR first? Ive tried it both ways and there isn't much difference that I can see.

I'm going to leave it alone for the 24 or so hours to see if the TV Guide works.

Docism - as this is the Panasonic DMR-ES45V thread, we don't have a hard drive or guide (and we paid $200 less). You should find a 75 thread or start one.

True dat - after all they are two completely different animals.

Hi, guys. Kittyba, I'm going to try to set up the system this weekend, so I'll get back to you soon, thanks again. Btw, I thought the 75 and the 45 were exactly the same, except for the hard drive, or so I read somewhere on a thread and nobody contradicted it so I took it for gospel. I have been reading things about the 75 for that reason, as there seems to be more available on it, but I guess I should knock that off if they are different set-ups.

Post your info on this recorder at http://www.videohelp.com/dvdrecorders.php?DVDnameid=1596&Search=Search&list=1#comments for compilation.

Kittyba, are you a junior moderator?

Hi all,

:confused: I just got the Panasonic DMR-ES45 and I'd like to archive some programs from my DVR that are in HD 16:9 format. Now I know that you won't get HD resolution but I was hoping that the recordings would still be 16:9 ratio when playing back but it currently shown with bars on top,bottom and both sides. Here is my hardware & configuration: Samsung HLP6163W DLP, Scientific Atlanta 8300HD DVR, Yamaha RX-V1600 HDMI receiver. I'm using HDMI (for Audio and Video) on the DVR out to the receiver, s-video/analog audio out to the panasonic DMR-ES45 for recording amd HDMI (for Audio/Video) from the DMR-ES45 out to the receiver. The receiver has 2 HDMI in/1 HDMI out which obviously goes to the Samsung DLP. This Yamaha model does not have a scaler so the signal remains unchanged when I use this for switching. I know I have the DMR set for 16:9 TV and the DVR is set to that as well. The only option I have is stretching the 4:3 image which of coarse doesn't look right. There's not an option to zoom. I've played around with the settings but I still get the same result. I've also browsed these forums for a solution but no luck. Any advice appreciated.

Thanks!
Chris

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=672771

I believe the manual for the DMR-ES45V states it will do 16:9 only on DVD-RAM. Try it with the blank disk that came with the unit.

Too bad Panasonic chose to limit it this way if it is a limit.

That is not the problem. If you read the link I posted, you will see that unless his STB can output 16:9 material without letterboxing it, there is no way to record it "properly" (without the black bars above and below). If the STB is capable, then there is always a way to do it, assuming you can use one of the three mechanisms I listed in that post.

Your point about the unit in question only recording 16:9 material to DVD-RAM, while no doubt true, will not get around STB limitations. It is just one of the easier of the three mechanisms I listed in that post, that of the recorder automatically recognizing 16:9 material and flagging the recording as such.

True - until all the media and electronic industries agree to output formats others will recognize, it's a mish-mash.

I just bought the VHS+DVD unit which I have connected via HDMI to my HDTV. I have recorded on +RW a few times and it worked OK, except on one occasion I could not power it on from the standby mode. (There was a program scheduled to be recorded, but days later.) The only way to regain control was to unplug the power cord, and replug it. I lost the clock time, but nothing else. It has worked since.

Has anyone else had trouble with the power on button or remote power on?

I just bought the VHS+DVD unit which I have connected via HDMI to my HDTV. I have recorded on +RW a few times and it worked OK, except on one occasion I could not power it on from the standby mode. (There was a program scheduled to be recorded, but days later.) The only way to regain control was to unplug the power cord, and replug it. I lost the clock time, but nothing else. It has worked since.

Has anyone else had trouble with the power on button or remote power on?


There is a firmware update on the Panasonic site that addresses remote control responsiveness (or lack thereof). That may be what you experienced. Suggest you give the firmware update a whirl. Here's the link:

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vDownloads?storeId=15001&langId=-1&page=DVDFirmware

Thank you for the firmware link. I had not found this before (typical of manufacturers to hide such details).

My experience is the remote is about as responsive as my previous GoVideo VR4940 which was a bit slow. I have not had the remote lock up or the unit lock up to date.

I have found that if I leave a recording to go overnight (recording home movies in FR mode at 2:05 to get all the tape), in the morning the unit is not at a menu but powered down as if the on/off button was pressed. It fires back up fine.

Also re. dual layer - this is working well. I record on Ritek DVD+R DL printable media which has burned well. I record one movie on the first layer, close the layer, and burn another on the second. Then finalize. Run the disc through an Epson R200 or R320 printer and it's done :-) I have also used CompUSA 2x DVD-R (the GoVideo recommended media) ok and Philips DVD+R 4x media.

Kittyba, I'm back! Sorry it took so long to get back to you, been a hectic week. I had temporarily misplaced the instructions you gave me (bonehead!)and foolishly tried calling Panasonic help line, got two completely different instructions from them, neither of which worked. O.K., here's where I am at:

Have hdmi going from tv to es 45.
have cable from wall going to cable box (sa 8300)
Have cable going from cable box to tv' ant'
red grn blue (I just figured out what rgb means!) from cable box to tv

Now, you said 'stereo audio cable' from the box to the tv. I see three possibilities for audio and I'm not sure which one to use. On the box, there is 'audio out', 'optical audio out' and 'digital audio output'. There is also something called 'secondary video and audio out'. Which would get me the best audio? Also, what further connections do I need to be able to record live from the tv and record the saved programs on the dvr, which I am deleting stuff from daily, 'cause I'm out of room! MUCHO APPRECIADO!!

Herb - did you reread the instructions and try?

I've probably spent about 5 hours trying various and sundry options. Unless I'm not getting it, the booklet doesn't help at all. The only place they mention hdmi (pg 16, I believe), they don't tell you anything else. Online, they have every conceivable hookup, except dvd recorder, tv and CABLE BOX. I've tried to do it intuitively, but I just don't understand the process or the terminology well enough to do this, I guess.
I called Panasonic,twice. The first time they gave me specific instructions and I connected things while the guy was on the phone. I didn't want to take up all his time, so I let him go and then tried it out, unsuccessfully. I called again, they basically ran me through the same setup, then paused and said 'oh, wait, you have a hdmi cable? Then rip out all the other connections, that is all you need.' Although I wasn't buying this, at that time I had been on the phone with her for 45 minutes, so again I let her go only to find out that virtually nothing worked.
At the last configuration I tried, the only functions I could get were the sd card slot and PLAYING dvd's, NO RECORDING AT ALL.
I was up at 4:30 this morning trying out other possibilities, and I made some changes but I haven't been able to check them out yet, as far as recording goes. I did try the tv however, and there are two problems there that i have to address.
The hd stations are so blocked up with black and grey bars that the picture is only about 8 x 15, not the 30" screen I thought I bought. The bars aren't even consistent, I think Discovery has nothing on bottom if I remember correctly, but everything else has grey and black all around.
Also, the # button on my remote is supposed to, and did, change the screen from stretch to wide to whatever, and that function seems to be completely gone! When I changed channels before from standard to hd, the 480 on the box would go to 1080. Now it remains on 1080 constantly, whether I'm on hd or not. Not that the picture is any worse, just that I don't understand what I did to make these changes occur.
At any rate, the new way I set it up this morning is:

CABLE FROM WALL TO 'CABLE IN' ON SA 8300 BOX

'CABLE OUT' ON SA 8300 BOX TO 'RF IN' ON ES 45

'RF OUT' ON ES45 TO 'ANT' ON HDTV

'HDMI OUT' ON ES 45 TO 'HDMI' ON HDTV

'PR, PB Y ' CABLES FROM SA 8300 TO TV

'AUDIO OUT' ON SA 8300 TO 'AUDIO IN' ON TV (RED AND WHITE CABLES)

NOW, IF ALL OF THIS IS CORRECT,( AND THE WAY THIS HAS BEEN GOING, I DOUBT IT!) I STILL HAVE TO USE 'ANALOG CABLES' (IS THAT THE RED AND WHITE SETUP?) FROM ONE OF THE 'OUT' POSITIONS ON THE ES 45 (WHICH ONE???) TO THE INPUT ON THE SA 8300 BOX, AND THEN SOME KIND OF VIDEO CABLES (RCA, IS THAT THE YELLOW ONE??) OR A S-VIDEO PLUG FROM THE 'OUT' ON THE ES 45 TO AN INPUT ON THE SA 8300 BOX TO BE ABLE TO RECORD PROGRAMS STORED ON THE DVR IN THE 8300 BOX, IS THAT RIGHT? WHICH SHOULD BE BETTER, THE S-VIDEO OR THE 'RCA VIDEO CABLE'?

I THINK AT LEAST HALF OF MY PROBLEM HERE IS THAT DIFFERENT PEOPLE USE DIFFERENT TERMS TO DESCRIBE CERTAIN CABLES, ETC AND I DON'T KNOW THE TERMINOLOGY. FOR INSTANCE, DV, ILINK IEEE11394, AND MAYBE TOSLINK? ARE ALL THE SAME THING! WHO KNEW?
I feel like I've written a book here, but I thought it might help you to understand why this is all so confusing to me. I do electrical work, plumbing, woodwork etc, but this just escapes me somehow!

It seems to me the manual should say: if you have this possibility, do this for the best connection. If not, do this etc., but it really doesn't. I see people here on the forum with a pretty good grasp of at least the terminology and they seem totally confused! What hope is there for someone who doesn't know this stuff?

I purchased the Panasonic DMR ES46V at Costco. I have had it two weeks and have not opened it yet. Actually I am afraid that I will have problems with hookup and the 16/9 display. I had purchased the Liteon DVD/VCR Recorder at Costco a few weeks ago and returned it. I could not get a full screen in the 16/9 mode. I did not even try to record, but when I played a DVD I had bars top and bottom. I had played this same DVD on other DVD players and it displayed full screen on 16/9. My LCD HD TV was set to the 16/9 mode and I used the Liteon menu to configure it for 16/9.

Now my problem is that I may experience the same problem with the ES46Vs. From what I have read on this forum I can only get a 16/9 full screen display when I record in the Ram mode. I plan on doing a lot of recording and also transferrring many VHS tapes to DVD.

I am also very concerned about the hookup as mention in this post. I have a SA8300 Hi Definition DVR box. It seems that there are many problems with DVD Recorders. Should I be concerned about these problems? I know I can return it to Costoc with no trouble, but I do not like to return electronic products.

You've got to take a plunge sometime. :) Please try it.

There are no broadcasts of material in standard definition at 16:9. So it's up to the TV generally to figure out what it will do. My Olevia has 2 or 3 different ways to display 4:3 material in SD and you can pick one or just have 4:3 in the middle. HD depends on the show as to how the networks get their output.

The 45/46 is great on "upconverting" SD material and DVD to HD via the HDMI cable.

But no DVD player or recorder can magically take some material and remove bars when it isn't supposed to. Example: theater movies are shot in 2.35:1 which is different than 16:9 and 4:3. Thus a widescreen DVD, if they show you the full picture, will still have bars to keep it looking right and not cut off part of the picture.

There are long, detailed posts on these type of issues with all players/recorders at videohelp.com.

One other thing, there is only one HD Recorder and that is for DirecTV (besides cards that can go into PCs). The Panasonic and other brands will not record HD, only Standard TV. And all standard TV is 4:3.

The recording of 16:9 only comes in on the DV in - some camcorders can record miniDV at 16:9 and Panasonic decided that will only record on -RAM. I have only tried to record in 16:9 once and I have not tried to transfer the tape yet.

For connection of a cable box - you can try the coax in but for a box that has hundreds of channels/special connections, S-Video in, recording the currently playing channel seems like the only option.

I've had it, I'm returning mine. Wasted time and money.

Oh well.

Besides the HDMI upconversion & SD card slot does anyone know if there are any other differences between the 35V & 45/46V ?

What I'm really wondering about is the Editing Features & that maybe the 35V doesn't do some of the things that the 45V & 75V can just like there was a big difference between Panny's older 30V model & the 40V model when it came to Editing. Thanks.

Not having a 35 I cannot compare - it can do alot of editing with DVD-RAM, seems less so with other media. My wife likes the titling capabilities better than the GoVideo 4940 we replaced.

My fault & I should have made it clearer but what I'm wondering about is there a difference in Editing Features when dubbing "Tapes to DVD" not the editing of dvds.

Example: Can you tell it to just record the 1st hour of a tape to dvd & then turn itself off & can it be programmed to just record certain things (Episodes or Programs) from the tape & then either go into the Pause mode or turn itself off rather than just copy the whole tape?

Yes, you can tell it to record only an hour, etc. I believe. I have found that it does turn itself off (hibernate) if I have it dub before bedtime - I wake up and it is asleep, waiting for me to check it.

Some tapes have pre-inserted markers but usually these are special tapes. Most commercial tapes have copy protection and the Panasonic will tell you it won't copy it.
(there are ways to hook up another VCR to a recorder through a video enhancer that happens to remove problems but that is beyond this thread and may violate copyright).

I have done well finding out how long a tape is, then using Flexible Record and set the record time to the length of the tape +5 minutes.

To be fancy and have chapters at each episode, the length of each would have to be pretty close or you could watch them as they record (pretty boring).

My fault & I should have made it clearer but what I'm wondering about is there a difference in Editing Features when dubbing "Tapes to DVD" not the editing of dvds.

Example: Can you tell it to just record the 1st hour of a tape to dvd & then turn itself off & can it be programmed to just record certain things (Episodes or Programs) from the tape & then either go into the Pause mode or turn itself off rather than just copy the whole tape?
:D :D Would you like it to mow the lawn, and fix dinner too? :D ;) :rolleyes:
By putting the tape at the start point you want, then setting the recorder to run for the show's length, is roughly what you have to do. :)

Westly, The kid down the street takes care of the lawn & I eat out but it would be nice if it did laundry :D

Kittyba, When you talk about tapes with "Pre-inserted Markers" do you mean tapes that have "Index Markers" on them? Because most of my collection has Index Markers at the beginning of each episode or program so how would it handle them when dubbing when it came to a marker? Thanks.

The operators manual is at http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/DMRES45V.pdf

Page 51 states the following:
About FR Mode
When “Time Limit” is set to “Off” in Step 5 above:
≥The recording mode is automatically selected by estimating the
remaining capacity of the disc for transfer (copying) of only the
recorded parts in the video cassette (unrecorded parts will not
be recorded).
≥When you press [ENTER] to start transfer (copy), the tape is
automatically fast-forwarded to the end and then fast-rewound
to the beginning before the transfer (copying) is actually started.
It may take time to start transfer (copy). If the remaining
capacity of the disc is insufficient, the transfer (copying) will be
stopped in the middle.
≥The recording is divided into titles every time the tape index
signals are detected.
When “Time Limit” is set to “On” in Step 5 above:
≥The recording mode is automatically determined by estimating
the remaining capacity of the disc for transfer (copying) of the
contents equivalent to the recording time set from the start point
of the transfer (copying) on the video cassette (unrecorded
parts will also be recorded).
≥The recording is not divided into titles.

So it looks like on the Panasonic, if you do not specify a time in FR record mode, it will determine the length of tape, use the highest quality given the time to fill the disk, and divide titles on tape index signals.

I have a question about the ES45/46. I'm looking at buying one from Costco soon. I've tried the Lite-On models, and as far as I could ascertain, they're not worth the plastic they're built out of.

The main thing I'm looking for is the ability to burn DVD's from DV tapes on our camcorder. Does the ES45/46 burn well? The Lite-On discs were incompatible with anything but the lite-on player. Additionally, how good is chapter marking for the ES45/46 model? Does it pick up breaks on the DV tape? Or does it just record one continuous chapter?

Any experiences with recording DVD's from DV would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

-Josh2

I just bought this dvr from Costco. I don't have an HDTV, just an old regular TV. will I have issues connecting or viewing? I thought I'd be able to connect it the same way my vcr is currently connected, but just using coax. Will this not work? My tv's only other input's are the white, red, and yellow cords.

Yes, it can hook up just like a VCR - it has RF (antenna/cable) input and output for loop though to a TV and it also has composite+audio (red/yellow/white) for connection to video in on the TV.

The diagram on page 14 shows the hookup fairly clear
http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/DMRES45V.pdf

Note - you do not have to hook up the antenna/coaxial cables and the composite cables, it can be one or the other.

Thank you! Thank you! Got everything hooked up and can't wait to start using it. It's kind of a bummer that you have to watch the item on your dvr to tape it to your dvd, but I'll survive. Off to buy a passle of blank dvds!!!

I bought the 46 from Costco yesterday, a couple questions:

1) What is the consensus on the upconverting capabilities of this deck? Any good?

2) When showing JPG's via an SD card, are the pictures shown at the full resolution of the display? Or is it just 480p or 480i?

3) Is it possible to copy JPG's from SD to DVD using any other DVD format besides DVD-RAM?

Thanks...

P.S. My display, an NEC-HT1000, keeps blinking the picture on and off when hooked up to the 46's HDMI output, but it does NOT do this when hooked up to my Samsung upconverting DVD player (VR-325)...the HT1000 has an early implementation of HDCP, so maybe that's my problem?

The Panny DMR-ES45 is now posted for sale on CC's website...

IMHO, the upconverting capability is excellent in both 720p and 1080i vioa HDMI. I usually leave it on 720p. and SD looks great.

I tend not to look much at SD cards on the unit but I would think they would be higher on HDMI.

Blinking - not sure about that, while I have a mismatch with my 45 and an Olevia 37" HDTV, it tends not to blink like you say - I have seen that when I connected the TV to a HTPC via DVI to HDMI though.

I purchased this a few weeks ago.

Happy so far, but I haven't burned a DVD yet.

What DVD-R's has everyone tried? Any problems? I am looking to order a spindle of something, but I am a real newbie on this stuff.

Also, is there anyway to determine the current firmware installed on the machine?

Thanks.

You will get a lot of answers to that question, and some controversy. I have decided to only use Taiyo Yuden disks from Supermediastore. At $0.32 per 8x disk, the quality is there and the cost minimal. Sure you can get cheaper disks, but just how much are you saving at the potential cost of quality. TYs are consistently listed in the top tier of blank media. This is my choice, but others here will have different opinions. That's what makes this forum so good.

You will get a lot of answers to that question, and some controversy. I have decided to only use Taiyo Yuden disks from Supermediastore. At $0.32 per 8x disk, the quality is there and the cost minimal. Sure you can get cheaper disks, but just how much are you saving at the potential cost of quality. TYs are consistently listed in the top tier of blank media. This is my choice, but others here will have different opinions. That's what makes this forum so good.

I agree.
Taiyo Yuden DVD-R 8x blanks = Excellent quality and reliable burns, on both Panasonic ES20 and ES15 here.

I bought a Panasonic DMR-ES45VS about a week ago. When I hooked it to to my Sceptre X37 Naga LCD TV, through the HDMI input it worked and the picture was good for both DVD and VCR. At that time I had no inputs connected into the DVD-R; only the HDMI out was hooked up.

Yesterday I took the plunge and took my entire home entertainment system apart so I could integrate my new DVD-R and my new HK AVR-140 amp. I turned everything off and unplugged everything from the A.C.

I connected my Sony DHG-HDD250 and the DMR-ES45VS into an electronic HDMI switcher because my TV only has one HDMI input.

I ran analog video outputs from the TV and Sony to the amp to allow switching through the amp to the Panny S-Video input for recording.

I connected the optical outputs of the Sony and the Panny and the audio L-R outputs from the TV (no optical provided :( ) into the amp for connection to the speakers and analog out from the amp to the Panny L-R inputs. (The Panny won't record digital audio to DVD).

I powered everything up and set out to program the HK amp. After I had programmed all of the inputs, I decided to try to record a DVD from the Sony's HDD. When I switched the Panny to the TV's HDMI input, there was no video (not even menus).

I checked to make sure the TV's HDMI input was selected.

I switched the Sony to the TV's HDMI input and it worked properly.

I switched the HDMI cable from the Sony to the Panny and still no video.

Next, I connected the Panny directly to the TV (no switch in the circuit) using the out-of-the-box cable that had worked with the Panny before I made the big installation with new cables. Nada.

I disconnected all of the inputs to the Panny thinking that maybe the TV's damned HDCP was deciding that I was trying to make an unauthorized copy and was disabling the Panny's HDMI.

I connected the Panny to the TV via an analog AV input and voila I had analog video but still no digital video.

I have searched this forum for hours and haven't found a solution.

I tried unplugging the AC to all the components for 3 minutes to hopefully reset everything. I tried powering the DVD-R on before the TV and vice versa; nope, still no video except at the TV's AV1 analog input.

So, I am hoping that there is still a solution that someone might suggest.

Is it likely that the DVD-R's HDMI output has failed for some reason?

Is it possible that once the TV's HDCP has decided to block the DVD-R it will continue to do so even if it is only hooked up as an output device to the TV? If so, is there a way to reset the codes?

Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Strange, I hope more experienced people will know exactly but I'll take a shot.

It is very good the unit works in analog mode - verifies it is running ok.

Have you gone to the Setup Menu and enabled HDMI video (and audio if you want)? Page 65 of users manual has the settings, page 17 the connections (but it sounds like you have the connections down pat). I hope this does it.

It is possible the HDMI circuit fried due to a bad unit or a bad switch but these are not extremely likely.

Strange, I hope more experienced people will know exactly but I'll take a shot.

It is very good the unit works in analog mode - verifies it is running ok.

Have you gone to the Setup Menu and enabled HDMI video (and audio if you want)? Page 65 of users manual has the settings, page 17 the connections (but it sounds like you have the connections down pat). I hope this does it.

It is possible the HDMI circuit fried due to a bad unit or a bad switch but these are not extremely likely.

Thanks for the feedback. I double checked the set-up and HDMI is on. I don't know if it is because the HDMI isn't working but I can't change any of the other settings on the screen page except "ctrl with HDMI". All of the other settings are highlighted in grey and not accessible.

I read some more of the manual and it seems like no matter what the problem is I should be getting an error code on the front display but I'm not getting any error codes.

I'm off tomorrow so maybe I will mess with it some more but I am really beginning to believe that the HDCP is at the root of the problem unless the HDMI chip has failed. At least I suppose there must be a chip. :confused:

Well, back it goes. I have tried every conceivable configuration and still no video out via the HDMI.

I have noticed a strange choice in the set-up menu though. There is an option to use HDMI for audio only but none for video only. This is odd considering that I can't imagine anyone making this choice. I can see someone using the HDMI for video and the optical out to an amp for audio but HDMI for audio only?

I decided that I would try to record some DVD's before I return the unit. Of course, I didn't succeed. I connected the ES45VS IN1 to the composite out and L -R audio out from my TV. I tried to record a program I was watching and I tried to record a program from my Sony HDD-R. There was no usable recording (just B&W hash or a weird green window with what looks like a frequency graph on the L side).

To add insult to injury, the unit wouldn't recognize the first Panasonic brand DVD RAM blank disk that I loaded. No matter how many times I loaded it, all I got was a front display message of "no disk". Go figure.

I hope that this unit is a lemon and that the one I receive in exchange will work. I spent a lot of time deciding which DVD-R to buy and this was the model I thought was going to do all the things I wanted from a DVD-R. :mad: :mad: :mad:

UPDATE:

I knew there was a problem with the HDMI output and I think it was also causing an HDCP issue with recording.

:D I finally got it to record by switching the Panny's HDMI output to off. When I first hooked it up, I got good 16:9 upconverted video for DVD and VHS play back but after I first tried to record I lost the video through the HDMI and I never got it to work again. I had switched to an analog output but did not go into the set-up menu and turn HDMI off. I guess, that even though the cable was disconnected, whatever gremlin caused the HDMI to fail was somehow preventing recording.

If I load MPG or AVI files on the SD Card, will I be able to copy that into DVD-Video fromat with the ES45VS?

Thanks,
Lesmiz

I picked up the 46 from Costco this afternoon and have had success transferring Digital 8 tapes onto DVD+R media. So far so good. But I'm not really pleased with the upconversion to my Sony 46S2000. DVDs seem to be ok, but VHS is horrible as is my camcorder input via DV. I have the output set at 1080i. Anyone else with a similar set-up and experience?

There is a firmware update on the Panasonic site that addresses remote control responsiveness (or lack thereof). That may be what you experienced. Suggest you give the firmware update a whirl. Here's the link:

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vDownloads?storeId=15001&langId=-1&page=DVDFirmware

Has anyone updated a DMR-EH46VS with the 45VS firmware? I presume these two models are electronically identical, but I want to confirm that the 45VS firmware is also for the 46VS before I update my father's DMR.

Hi,

I just bought this model a couple of days ago and I like it a lot. I have a question. Is it possible to show how much time is remaining on a dvd while watching it? I know this feature works for VHS, but I can't seem to find a way for it to work when I'm watching DVDs. Any help would be great. Thanks.

Added a new Panasonic DMR-ES45V (Excellent) to a new JVC LT-32X787 TV (Superlative Picture Quality) with an SA 8300HD Cablevision cablebox in our 2nd system here.

(Also own/use a Panasonic DMR-ES15 with a JVC LT-40FH96)

This ES45 DVDR is every bit as good as the ES15 Panasonic here in all recording speed modes, including LP mode. I don't care whose chipset they use, these 2006 Panasonics are superlative recorders at any recording speed from LP and above. LP is quite remarkable on both machines.

Upscaling is Excellent via HDMI, via previously recorded DVD-R's, home-recorded SVHS tapes, and the cablebox line-in (I don't use the tuners in either.)

The 45 duplicates the recording quality of the DMR-ES15 on the line-inputs at all recording speeds.

I haven't tried copying SVHS tapes yet (I have a LARGE pile of home-grown SVHS camera-tapes to copy) but the few I have played back render beautifully on this machine.

Highly Recommended.

On my Panasonic DMRES45 I'm trying to make a dub using the front input terminals (audio-video cables). I get audio only - even though I have all 3 cables connected and the IN2 selected. The diagram in the manual shows that you can hookup from Video and Audio but the Notes say: When recording using the unit's input terminals, only the sound at the time of recording will be recorded. What??? Can anybody explain?

TRK

Thank you! Thank you! Got everything hooked up and can't wait to start using it. It's kind of a bummer that you have to watch the item on your dvr to tape it to your dvd, but I'll survive. Off to buy a passle of blank dvds!!!Actually, you can do anything else you like except watch something else from the DVR or the DVD. Watch a VCR, listen to music, read a book, call your mother. You name it! :D

Make sure you are sending it 480i.

On my Panasonic DMRES45 I'm trying to make a dub using the front input terminals (audio-video cables). I get audio only - even though I have all 3 cables connected and the IN2 selected. The diagram in the manual shows that you can hookup from Video and Audio but the Notes say: When recording using the unit's input terminals, only the sound at the time of recording will be recorded. What??? Can anybody explain?

TRKWhat that poorly written instruction means is that you can't dub in some other audio instead of the one on the original recording (like a music track). That has nothing to do with your problem.

Have you tried a differenct cable?

Hi,

Just picked up this unit.

Curious as to what kind of blank DVD's everyone is using. Frankly, I find it a bit confusing. I have a bunch of old VHS-C tapes that I want to put onto DVD, plus newer DV tapes that I also want to put onto DVD.

Any suggestions? I assume I want to add chapters - perhaps even titles, etc. Which format is best?

Thanks in advance!

^^ Good blank dvds-either Maxells, Verbatim, or TDK. Taiyo Yuden are praised as the best, but usually must be ordered online. Avoid off brands that you've never heard of.
I have a bunch of old VHS-C tapes that I want to put onto DVD, plus newer DV tapes that I also want to put onto DVD.

Any suggestions? I assume I want to add chapters - perhaps even titles, etc. Which format is best?
You won't be able to add chapter marks to recorded discs with the E45, except when using the RAM. Non hard drive Pannys will automatically add a chapter mark every 5 mins when the disc is finalized-which will make it playable on other dvd players.
You can create multiple titles on a single disc by stopping recording , then starting again. Separate titles will come with thumbnail pictures, while chapter do not.

Curious as to what kind of blank DVD's everyone is using. Maxells are working fine for me. Already had them for the computer when I bought the unit. Recording well, doing everything they're supposed to, finalizing fine.

Look good.

[QUOTE=Birdsall]I just purchased the DMR-ES45VS from Costco for $289. I am very pleased with the test DVD burns I have done of TV programs. I am now getting ready to start the VHS to DVD transfer that I purchased the machine for.

I see the Panasonic DMR-ES46VS now (August 2006) at my local Costco for the same $289.
1. Has anyone had experience with this DVD/VCR combo?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages with it or the Panasonic DMR-ES45VS?
3. Would anyone recommend other units?

The Panasonic DMR-ES46VS is a little pricier than I wanted, but I read horrible things about less expensive Sony and Panasonic combo units at Amazon.

Many Thanks,

jim
:confused:

[QUOTE=Birdsall]I just purchased the DMR-ES45VS from Costco for $289. I am very pleased with the test DVD burns I have done of TV programs. I am now getting ready to start the VHS to DVD transfer that I purchased the machine for.

I see the Panasonic DMR-ES46VS now (August 2006) at my local Costco for the same $289.
1. Has anyone had experience with this DVD/VCR combo?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages with it or the Panasonic DMR-ES45VS?
3. Would anyone recommend other units?

The Panasonic DMR-ES46VS is a little pricier than I wanted, but I read horrible things about less expensive Sony and Panasonic combo units at Amazon.

Many Thanks,

jim
:confused:They're the same units. The ones sold to Costco/Sams Club have the different model number.

Shop for price.

Thanks for all the suggestions on blank media.

I picked up a spindle of 50 Sony DVD-R's at Best Buy - they were on sale for $14.99 and I had a 10% off coupon so they were pretty cheap.

Transferred 4 VHS-C tapes onto 1 DVD with no problems at - created four titles with thumbnails - finalized the disc and tried it on another DVD player - worked fine - very happy!

Have about 55 to go!

Also - I'm impressed with player's upconverting as well - it gave me that extra crispness in detail and brighter colors that I was looking for.

Overall - very happy (so far) with this player.

Just don't throw away your Video Tapes because nobody knows how long DVDs will really last & your Video Tapes might even out live your DVDs.

Also if there is anything "Really Important" that you want to save I would make backup copies on DVD-RAM, DVD-R & DVD+R Discs just to be safe & it would'nt hurt to also Dub the VHS-C Tapes to Regular Size VHS Tapes which I'm pretty sure the Panny will let you Record to DVDs & VHS at the same time so it should be easy enough to do.

Thanks for the advice.

I have no plans to toss the originals.

Your idea of back-up copies in different formats is a good one.

Costco has TDK -R and +R discs on sale this week.

Buy 1 - 100 count spindle and get another free - 39.99 for 200 discs.

Need a coupon, but they hand em out there.

FYI

[QUOTE=jhollister][I]They're the same units. The ones sold to Costco/Sams Club have the different model number.

Shop for price.
My local Costco carries both models. In addition, the Panasonic website indicates that the 46 has an additional input for all types except RF. I can't confirm this, as I don't have access to both units right now, but I gathered this from the "Compare" feature on the Panasonic website.

I am planning to purchase the 45/46 for my parents. They are planning to buy a new TV (presumably an HD or HD-ready model) in the next year. However, they currently have an old model which only has a coax input. Does anyone know if the 45/46 has the capability to connect to an older device? The Panasonic website indicates that the units do have composite output, but I wasn't sure if there are converters available. I'd prefer to buy one unit that would be compatible with both their old TV and whatever they upgrade to in the near future.

Thanks.

In order to answer that question, you need to know whether the output from the unit is available at the RF output. According to the user manual (available here (http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/DMRES45V.pdf)) the output signal from the unit is available at the RF output. Therefore the ES-45/46 should be compatible with your parents old TV. In addition, this unit has composite/S-video/component/HDMI outputs for their new HD TV.

As for the differences between the 45 and 46 models, they can't be large because Panasonic uses the same user manual for both. A quick look the manual turned up no differences, but a closer read might.

Good luck.

Another quick look at the ES45/46 manual found only 1 difference between the 2 models. The ES-46 comes with an HDMI cable, whereas the ES-45 does not. So if they are being sold at the same price, buy the 46 and get the "free" HDMI cable.

I think the information for the 46 on Panasonic's website is incorrect. From the diagrams in the manual, it appears as though both the 45 and the 46 have only 2 sets of AV inputs, 1 on the front, and 1 on the rear.

Anyone know if this player sends output simultaneously on svid and composite? My wife doesn't take well to fiddling with electronics and can't be bothered to switch video inputs on the television. I would like to be able to play on the default tv input over composite for her, but also be able to switch and watch a slightly cleaner picture on svideo for myself and the kids without having to recable or change output modes on the player.

I'm sure it does.

KBoyKool, Yes & you have the choice to send it to Channel 3, Channel 4 or Turn the RF Off completely.

Don't know if the RF Output is like older VCRs though that only send Monaural Audio Out though or if it sends Stereo Audio Out? Maybe someone who owns a 35/45/46 can let us know.

I am also think about purchasing the DMR-ES45VS for VHS to DVD transfer and also to transfer Camcorder DV to DVD. I have a question how many VHS tapes can 1 dvd hold?

rob

Well not to be a smart ass ;) but it all depends on how long each video tape is.

A standard T-120 Video tape recorded at the SP speed is 2 hours long & at the EP or SLP speed it would be 6 hours a tape.

DVDs also have different Recording Modes (Speeds) just like VCRs which range from 1 hour to 8 hours of recording time on a regular DVD.

I say regular DVDs because there are double sided DVDs & Dual Layer DVDs which are expensive.

But most people will tell you if you want to maintain a good quality picture to record in the 1 hour or 2 hour mode per disc or sometimes recordings can be pushed to 4 hours on some recorders like the ES45V depending on what your trying to save.

Myself I never go over the 2 hours & 59 Min. of recording per disc using Panasonic's FR recording mode which is a mode where you can set the recording time anywhere in between 1 hour & 8 hours.

Example you want to rcord a 90 minute program that will fill up the disc so you would enter in the FR Mode 1 Hour 30 Min. of recording time & the Panny will pick the best speeds all by itself & fill up the disc with a 90 minute program.

For copying Video Tapes which don't have as detailed a picture in the first place as a DVD recording does you may find that the Panasonic LP 4 hour recording mode is ok for you when copying Video Tapes.

The simple answer to your question for very good recording quality is 2 Hours :D

Well, back it goes. I have tried every conceivable configuration and still no video out via the HDMI.

I have noticed a strange choice in the set-up menu though. There is an option to use HDMI for audio only but none for video only. This is odd considering that I can't imagine anyone making this choice. I can see someone using the HDMI for video and the optical out to an amp for audio but HDMI for audio only?

I decided that I would try to record some DVD's before I return the unit. Of course, I didn't succeed. I connected the ES45VS IN1 to the composite out and L -R audio out from my TV. I tried to record a program I was watching and I tried to record a program from my Sony HDD-R. There was no usable recording (just B&W hash or a weird green window with what looks like a frequency graph on the L side).

To add insult to injury, the unit wouldn't recognize the first Panasonic brand DVD RAM blank disk that I loaded. No matter how many times I loaded it, all I got was a front display message of "no disk". Go figure.

I hope that this unit is a lemon and that the one I receive in exchange will work. I spent a lot of time deciding which DVD-R to buy and this was the model I thought was going to do all the things I wanted from a DVD-R. :mad: :mad: :mad:
Did the replacement work?

Did the replacement work?

I got a new Panasonic ES45VS and a new Sceptre x42SV TV. The HDMI is working for playback between the two but I have not tried recording yet. I will try on my next day off (Tuesday). I really want this set-up to work because I think both units are great for their respective prices.

I got a new Panasonic ES45VS and a new Sceptre x42SV TV. The HDMI is working for playback between the two but I have not tried recording yet. I will try on my next day off (Tuesday). I really want this set-up to work because I think both units are great for their respective prices.
I was going to buy this recorder but now have my doubts. My Sharpe TV has only 1 HDMI input plus component inputs. I use the HDMI port for my DirectTV input. To use this unit I would have to buy a HDMI splitter. I have heard stories about HDMI splitters not working as it makes the signal too weak. Are you using a splitter or does your TV have dual HDMI inputs? I was looking at this recorder at Sam's and it had DV in which was better than the Sony Recorder that was the same price sitting next to it.

I was going to buy this recorder but now have my doubts. My Sharpe TV has only 1 HDMI input plus component inputs. I use the HDMI port for my DirectTV input. To use this unit I would have to buy a HDMI splitter. I have heard stories about HDMI splitters not working as it makes the signal too weak. Are you using a splitter or does your TV have dual HDMI inputs? I was looking at this recorder at Sam's and it had DV in which was better than the Sony Recorder that was the same price sitting next to it.

I have this recorder and DTV and I use a splitter from Monoprice with no problems at all. I bought the HDX-501 spitter and it works like a charm with the 3 HDMI units I have hooked up. I also bought the HDMI cables at Monoprice at a cost a lot lower than any where else I could find. The splitter also works well with my Universal remote Control. You can find them at http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp

[QUOTE I bought the HDX-501 spitter and it works like a charm with the 3 HDMI units I have hooked up. QUOTE]
Although Monoprice has other splitters listed a search of their site does not list the HDX-501

[QUOTE I bought the HDX-501 spitter and it works like a charm with the 3 HDMI units I have hooked up. QUOTE]
Although Monoprice has other splitters listed a search of their site does not list the HDX-501

their product ID for the HDX-501 is 2777. Here is a link
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=2777&seq=1&format=2&style=

[QUOTE=generallee]

their product ID for the HDX-501 is 2777. Here is a link
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=2777&seq=1&format=2&style=
Thanks,
I see that their catalogue ID: 2890 which is the equalized model is not yet in stock. I am wondering what "equalized" means and why or why not is this better?

To use this unit I would have to buy a HDMI splitter.A splitter takes one input and makes two (or more) outputs from it. That wouldn't help you. You need a switch, which takes two (or more) inputs and allows you to select which one goes to the output.

A splitter takes one input and makes two (or more) outputs from it. That wouldn't help you. You need a switch, which takes two (or more) inputs and allows you to select which one goes to the output.

Actually, the HDX-501 is a switch, my bad. Sorry for the confusion :D :D :D

I was going to buy this recorder but now have my doubts. My Sharpe TV has only 1 HDMI input plus component inputs. I use the HDMI port for my DirectTV input. To use this unit I would have to buy a HDMI splitter. I have heard stories about HDMI splitters not working as it makes the signal too weak. Are you using a splitter or does your TV have dual HDMI inputs? I was looking at this recorder at Sam's and it had DV in which was better than the Sony Recorder that was the same price sitting next to it.

I used the HDX-201 switcher form monoprice with their 3' HDMI cables. I don't think that was the problem. I think it was a handshake problem. I also tried a DMR-EH75V which also di not work but worked fine at the store on other TVs when I returned it. In retrospect, I think the Sceptre X37SV TV was most likely the problem.

As I said earlier, the Panasonic is at least playing with the new Sceptre X42SV that I bought. It has all of the features that I want in a DVD recorder including upconversion which the Sony RDR-VX530 that I was considering does not have. I think I would have gone with the Sony if it did upconversion.

I bought my DMR-ES45V from 6th Ave Electronics which had the best price. They promptly took the first unit back with no questions asked.

I used the HDX-201 switcher form monoprice with their 3' HDMI cables. I don't think that was the problem. I think it was a handshake problem. I also tried a DMR-EH75V which also di not work but worked fine at the store on other TVs when I returned it. In retrospect, I think the Sceptre X37SV TV was most likely the problem.

As I said earlier, the Panasonic is at least playing with the new Sceptre X42SV that I bought. It has all of the features that I want in a DVD recorder including upconversion which the Sony RDR-VX530 that I was considering does not have. I think I would have gone with the Sony if it did upconversion.

I bought my DMR-ES45V from 6th Ave Electronics which had the best price. They promptly took the first unit back with no questions asked.
I have a H10-250 Tivo that runs my DirectTV feed. Although Tivo saves my programs and it has a feature, "Out to VCR" it is a 1 to 1 feed and I do not think it will output HDTV. Considering that limitation, I am wondering if the Panasonic DMR-E45VS upconvert the saved material from the Tivo? If anyone has any experience with that situation, I would be interested. Also how do you connect the Tivo box to the Panasonic?

I have a H10-250 Tivo that runs my DirectTV feed. Although Tivo saves my programs and it has a feature, "Out to VCR" it is a 1 to 1 feed and I do not think it will output HDTV. Considering that limitation, I am wondering if the Panasonic DMR-E45VS upconvert the saved material from the Tivo? If anyone has any experience with that situation, I would be interested. Also how do you connect the Tivo box to the Panasonic?

I just purchased a DMR-E46VS but noticed that it only copies 16:9 format to D-RAM and 4:3 format to other DVDs. I was wondering if you have copied widescreen high-def material from the H10-250 to the E45 on formats other than D-RAM (presumably only at 4:3) and what the resulting recorded material looks like when played back.

1) Does the recording cut of the ends of the 16:9 picture in making the conversion to 4:3 or condense to fill the 4:3 aspect with distortion? The picture in the manual suggests the later.

2) If archiving HD signals are important to me, should I forget the Panasonic EV46S and find a DVD recorder that has a selectable (16:9 4:3) input?

3) Do any current DVD Recorders have a selectable (16:9 4:3) input AND HDMI output? The currect Sony DVD recorders have the selectable input but no output?

I was looking through the on-screen set-up guide for DVD playback and noticed under video, an option under input, I believe, that offered the choice of "lighter" and "darker".

Can't find any mention of it in the manual - anyone know what it's for and what it's supposed to do???

I was looking through the on-screen set-up guide for DVD playback and noticed under video, an option under input, I believe, that offered the choice of "lighter" and "darker".

Can't find any mention of it in the manual - anyone know what it's for and what it's supposed to do???


It is used to theoretically allow the recorded copy to match the original material. Oddly enough, there is no "normal" or middle option on either record or playback. I have read about this on other forums; it seems that DVDs recorded on a Panasonic usually played back too dark. They have corrected for this and now the default configurations usually give the best results.

Look Here: http://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=251884&sid=cd7d235dcebd693fd7041098c4cb051e

Thanks for the info.

So, I assume this function only applies to "home" recorded material and not rented or purchased DVD playback?

It's on page 63 & 64 of your Owners Manual. But I can tell you now not to mess with the "INPUT" setting.

So you're saying leave the default at "darker"?

I was looking about buying this machine VS others I had seen. BB had a LG for about the same price but it recorded in plus R and RW only. There was a more expensive Sony that was a progressive scan but NOT an up converter that recorded in multiple formats. What are the pro's and Con's about recording in multiple formats? I am very uninformed and the sales clerks in BB knew less than I did. :confused: I wish I knew how to get HD out of my Tivo? The menu has an option "send to VCR" but I am assuming that it is 4X3 output but I am not sure.

mauerbach. Yes leave it on "Darker" that is the correct setting.

If you do a search here you should be able to get plenty of info on Panny settings & the ones that come from the factory are the Correct Settings.

If things seem too dark or too light I would first calibrate the TV set to make sure that it's been setup correctly before messing with any video products that might be connectd to it.

Thanks Bill1313 - I won't be changing that setting.

I don't see a thread on this particular Model, but since I saw it at my local Costco, I assume that a lot of people will be picking this model up.

I have the ES40VS but I have been having a lot of problems with the unit freezing up when recording DV input. I'm considering returning the 40 and getting the 45 for about $20 more.

It adds 720p/1080i upconversion via HDMI and an SD card input. It also includes an HDMI cable.

My biggest annoyance with the 40 besides the freezing up issue, is that you can't use flexible recording when dubbing from a tape.
I went into Sam's and looked at their version of the 45 ie 46 and noticed it came with HDMI cable and DVD-RAM disk. Not knowing anything about recording I went over to their stock and found no DVD-RAM disks for sale. The box said that the Recorder was compliant with DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, but Read only on DVD+RW. When I went to the Panasonic Web site it said that the 45 was compatable with DVD/+RW. This would be a big difference between the 45 and the 46. This means to me that the only rewritable formats available on the 46 are DVD-RAM (Which I hear are kind of expensive about 2.00 each) and DVD-RW which store vidio in a different method. I don't know enough about the storage technologies but want to be able to save quality video in the most economicial way. Because of my lack of knowledge about the subject, I put the box back on the shelf :confused: :( :( :confused: An earlier post mentioned that the only way to record 16X9 is by using DVD-RAM. Since all of my TV's are 16 X 9 sets, that would be the only format that I would be interested in. One after thought to anyone more knowledgable. The 46 indicated
that DVD-RW listeded on the box was 1X-4X. and 2X-4X I did not see the speed on th DVD-RAM but note that the newest format is 16X The Panasonic web site says the unit supports up to 5X on the DVD-RAM and it is the only format that will record 16X9

I just purchased a DMR-E46VS but noticed that it only copies 16:9 format to D-RAM and 4:3 format to other DVDs. I was wondering if you have copied widescreen high-def material from the H10-250 to the E45 on formats other than D-RAM (presumably only at 4:3) and what the resulting recorded material looks like when played back.

1) Does the recording cut of the ends of the 16:9 picture in making the conversion to 4:3 or condense to fill the 4:3 aspect with distortion? The picture in the manual suggests the later.

2) If archiving HD signals are important to me, should I forget the Panasonic EV46S and find a DVD recorder that has a selectable (16:9 4:3) input?

3) Do any current DVD Recorders have a selectable (16:9 4:3) input AND HDMI output? The currect Sony DVD recorders have the selectable input but no output?
The 10-250 will output in 480i only
The Panasonic EV46S will record 16 X 9 on DVD-RAM
Blu-Ray is beautiful but no recorders yet except computer drives. Disks are $47 each. Ouch! :( :( :mad:

The operators manual is at http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/DMRES45V.pdf

Page 51 states the following:
About FR Mode
When “Time Limit” is set to “Off” in Step 5 above:
≥The recording mode is automatically selected by estimating the
remaining capacity of the disc for transfer (copying) of only the
recorded parts in the video cassette (unrecorded parts will not
be recorded).
≥When you press [ENTER] to start transfer (copy), the tape is
automatically fast-forwarded to the end and then fast-rewound
to the beginning before the transfer (copying) is actually started.
It may take time to start transfer (copy). If the remaining
capacity of the disc is insufficient, the transfer (copying) will be
stopped in the middle.
≥The recording is divided into titles every time the tape index
signals are detected.
When “Time Limit” is set to “On” in Step 5 above:
≥The recording mode is automatically determined by estimating
the remaining capacity of the disc for transfer (copying) of the
contents equivalent to the recording time set from the start point
of the transfer (copying) on the video cassette (unrecorded
parts will also be recorded).
≥The recording is not divided into titles.

So it looks like on the Panasonic, if you do not specify a time in FR record mode, it will determine the length of tape, use the highest quality given the time to fill the disk, and divide titles on tape index signals.


Wow this sounds like a nice feature for automatic conversion of VHS tapes created as described above!

So you're saying leave the default at "darker"?

This is a bit similar to photography where it's easier to get more details out of a recording when it's darker than lighter.

I just noticed a "whirring" noise coming from my player - it's not overly loud - but definitely there - almost thought it was crickets! I only hear it when a DVD is spinning.

Is this a normal sound or is something wrong with it? Anyone else notice this sound?

Hello,

I bought the Pana DMR-ES46 DVD recorder/VCR from Costco.
I used the HDMI cable provided to connect the Pana DMR-ES46 to the TV (Sharp 37D5U).
An optical cable connects the TV digital audio output to an AV receiver.

The problem is:
When I played a DVD movie with Dolby 5.1, the AV receiver only recognized the audio as stereo (not Dolby 5.1).
[Note: if I watched an HD cable TV program, the AV receiver would indicate the audio as Dloby 5.1. So, the connection between the TV and AV receiver should be alright.]

The question:
Does anyone have the same connection setup (Pana DVD to TV via HDMI; TV to AV receiver via optical audio cable) and can get Dolby 5.1 audio?

[Note: In the Pana DVD menu, I have set "Dolby" and "DTS" to bitstream.]


(I've scanned through this thread and didn't see anyone talk about this.)

Thanks.

Tony

Update to whirring sound:

The sound seems to be coming from the right side of the unit - through the vents near the back. I assume this has something to do with the fact that the DVD drive is on this side. I have rearranged the unit in my set-up so the the vents are now facing "In" instead of "out" - hopefully this will minimize the sound.

Since no one has replied, I'm assuming this is not a regular sound and my player might be defective.

The player continues to operate flawlessly - it's just this noise that is bothering me. I'll give it some more time and if it continues I'm going to exchange it for a new one at Costco.

I have a URC MX-700 remote control so I'm wondering if there is a code for this thing? Has anyone set up a programmable remote to operate one of these?
Jim

I have a DMR-ES46VS.

Connected via HDMI to a new LCD (Samsung).

On shows recorded on the VCR, the close caption does not appear.

On regular cable, the close captions show up fine, so I know the TV is working properly. This is an issues with the Panny.

Any ideas? I've read that close caption does not work over HDMI, which is gd rediculous if true.

Am I missing a setting? Is there a way to get the cc?

Thanks.

I have a DMR-ES46VS.

Connected via HDMI to a new LCD (Samsung).

On shows recorded on the VCR, the close caption does not appear.

On regular cable, the close captions show up fine, so I know the TV is working properly. This is an issues with the Panny.

Any ideas? I've read that close caption does not work over HDMI, which is gd rediculous if true.

Am I missing a setting? Is there a way to get the cc?

Thanks.
Check this post out, and the ones that follow? (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8568313&&#post8568313)

Check this post out, and the ones that follow?[/URL]

Wabjxo,

Thanks much - the first good explanation I have seen. Makes sense (but sucks too).

I am seriously considering buying a Panasonic ES45V vhs/dvd recorder from Radio Shack for $299. Their model number is VMI-ES45V, which I assume is the same as any ES45V Panasonic. Am I Correct? I know it can be had cheaper, but I like the RS service arrangement whereby, if a problem arises, I can take it back to any of their stores for service. No need to pack it and ship it back to Panasonic. And for an extra $50, I can extend the warranty to a full three years.

My question, since I've never done any dubbing before from VHS to DVD is this: If I want to dub a movie with commercials to a dvd, deleting the commercials, how easily and successfully can that be done on this unit? Can I divide the movie when dubbing from VHS to a scene menu of the sort you find on commercial DVD's? I can, if necessary, just buy a new VHS and dub directly to my computer hard drive, editing and burning it to a dvd afterwards, but that seems to involve about twice the work and to put extra wear and tear on my hard drive. Is my thinking correct and reasonable?

Any advice will be appreciated, including any other brand or models that will do what I want to do and might be considered easier to use or more reliable. I've been seeing some horror stories about Sony units, for example. What about JVC's?

Thanks in advance to any help you can offer me.

Don Eisen

I am seriously considering buying a Panasonic ES45V vhs/dvd recorder from Radio Shack for $299. Their model number is VMI-ES45V, which I assume is the same as any ES45V Panasonic. Am I Correct? I know it can be had cheaper, but I like the RS service arrangement whereby, if a problem arises, I can take it back to any of their stores for service. No need to pack it and ship it back to Panasonic. And for an extra $50, I can extend the warranty to a full three years.

My question, since I've never done any dubbing before from VHS to DVD is this: If I want to dub a movie with commercials to a dvd, deleting the commercials, how easily and successfully can that be done on this unit? Can I divide the movie when dubbing from VHS to a scene menu of the sort you find on commercial DVD's? I can, if necessary, just buy a new VHS and dub directly to my computer hard drive, editing and burning it to a dvd afterwards, but that seems to involve about twice the work and to put extra wear and tear on my hard drive. Is my thinking correct and reasonable?

Any advice will be appreciated, including any other brand or models that will do what I want to do and might be considered easier to use or more reliable. I've been seeing some horror stories about Sony units, for example. What about JVC's?

Thanks in advance to any help you can offer me.

Don Eisen

Don,

A couple comments:

- I would suggest getting the ES46V from Costco instead of the ES45V from Radio Shack. The ES46V includes the HDMI cable, which is useful and saves you some money. I think it's selling for $290 right now. Also, Costco has a better return policy, so if it does not work out, you can return it easily, up to a year later.

- As for your question re: copying VHS to DVD and editing out commercials, I have not done this myself. However, I have attached the manual to this post and you can read to see what is possible. It does not appear to be possible in one operation. (I could be wrong.)

The easier option (in my opinion), is to copy VHS to DVD normally, and then use a re-authoring tool (ex. Nero) to edit out the commercials and make it commercial free. Obviously, you need to use a computer and it takes some extra time, but it's not that bad; I have done this and it works fairly well.

- I would suggest getting the ES46V from Costco instead of the ES45V from Radio Shack. The ES46V includes the HDMI cable, which is useful and saves you some money. I think it's selling for $290 right now. Also, Costco has a better return policy, so if it does not work out, you can return it easily, up to a year later.
I would check your Costco's return policy before buying...ours has changed to 90 days on electronics...it may be Costo-wide?

I am seriously considering buying a Panasonic ES45V vhs/dvd recorder from Radio Shack for $299. Their model number is VMI-ES45V, which I assume is the same as any ES45V Panasonic. Am I Correct? I know it can be had cheaper, but I like the RS service arrangement whereby, if a problem arises, I can take it back to any of their stores for service. No need to pack it and ship it back to Panasonic. And for an extra $50, I can extend the warranty to a full three years.

My question, since I've never done any dubbing before from VHS to DVD is this: If I want to dub a movie with commercials to a dvd, deleting the commercials, how easily and successfully can that be done on this unit? Can I divide the movie when dubbing from VHS to a scene menu of the sort you find on commercial DVD's? I can, if necessary, just buy a new VHS and dub directly to my computer hard drive, editing and burning it to a dvd afterwards, but that seems to involve about twice the work and to put extra wear and tear on my hard drive. Is my thinking correct and reasonable?

Any advice will be appreciated, including any other brand or models that will do what I want to do and might be considered easier to use or more reliable. I've been seeing some horror stories about Sony units, for example. What about JVC's?

Thanks in advance to any help you can offer me.

Don Eisen
Here's what the Pan ES45H (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Panasonic-DVD-Recorder-VCR-Combo-DMR-ES45VS/sem/rpsm/oid/153203/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) looks like. Not sure what that other model number. As for editing, only using RAM discs, can you perform any editing after recording to disc. Chapter marks are added automatically throughout the recording on DVD-Rs and -RWs, every 5 minutes when the disc is finalized for play on other dvd players. Your best bet would be to use the -RW re-writable discs to perform vhs to dvd dubs. Then take that to the pc for editing and then burn to dvd-r. If your pc is a multi drive that can play RAM discs, then you can do the editing on the recorder, and take it to the pc for tweaking and then burning to dvd-r.

I would check your Costco's return policy before buying...ours has changed to 90 days on electronics...it may be Costo-wide?

Costco is famous (infamous?) for it's liberal return policy.

I have never seen 90 days on electronics at any Costco or online. Please send more info.

The only exception is on computers, which is 6 months.

Everything is bascially a year, or more, depending on the store. Some people return things years later.

Costco is famous (infamous?) for it's liberal return policy.

I have never seen 90 days on electronics at any Costco or online. Please send more info.

The only exception is on computers, which is 6 months.

Everything is bascially a year, or more, depending on the store. Some people return things years later.
I called our local Costco and it's 6 months on computers, as you said, and on everything else, it's "bring it in and we'll take care of it for ya."

(Last time I'll listen to my wife...which was the first time, now that I think of it!) :o

This is my second Panasonic ES46 within 2 months from Costco. Great return policy, just keep the receipt.

I may have to return it again since I'm still having problems with the chase/recording with the RAM disk. The recorder/player keeps freezing up while I'm recording and chasing either that particular chapter or watching something else on the same disk. The only way to reset it, is to turn it off which also stops the recording. Frustration as heck.

I need help from the forum experfts: Is this a known problem with this Panny, am I doing something wrong on the chase, or just a bad batch of players? :confused: I've read about dirty RAM disks, so I also washed and carefully dried the RAM disk, but still have this problem. Any other suggestions? This may be my third trip back or return it completely.

^^Is it just with that one disc, or every RAM disc you've used? What brand name is it?

Hi-

Thanks for the reply.

It's been with separate disks that came with the each of the different players. They are both Panasonic RAM disks. I even washed that last disk, reading that invisible dirt may cause some problems. This Panny, as with the last, is still locking up while chasing or playing back and recording at the same time. :(

Am I doing something wrong or are the Panasonics known to be faulty?

You won't know for sure, until you try discs other than the freebies that were included with each unit. I've had no problem with any RAM disc that I've bought, nor with the one that came with my ES30.
So, you should buy some new ones, and if the same problem happens, then it's the unit.

Hum, that's what I thought. I've been looking for Ram disks in local b&m, CC, CUSA, BB and nobody seems to carry them, other than by internet with Panny. Still, would a bad disk cause the player to freeze and the only workaround is to turn it off?

The question:
Does anyone have the same connection setup (Pana DVD to TV via HDMI; TV to AV receiver via optical audio cable) and can get Dolby 5.1 audio?
Tony

This will not work for you because only two channels of audio will travel over the HDMI to the TV so when you optically connect to your receiver there are only 2 channels there. Try connecting the optical cable directly from your DVD player to the receiver.

Hum, that's what I thought. I've been looking for Ram disks in local b&m, CC, CUSA, BB and nobody seems to carry them, other than by internet with Panny. Still, would a bad disk cause the player to freeze and the only workaround is to turn it off?
I honestly can't say... :confused: Try playing a commercial dvd and see if the problem happens with it...If so, then it's the unit.

If a commercial or burned dvd doesn't freeze up, then try your local Walmart for some RAM discs. They've been carrying Maxell 3 packs for $9.95 for over a year.

Hum, that's what I thought. I've been looking for Ram disks in local b&m, CC, CUSA, BB and nobody seems to carry them, other than by internet with Panny. Still, would a bad disk cause the player to freeze and the only workaround is to turn it off?

Panasonic itself probably has the lowest price for DVD-RAM excluding special sales. A few weeks/months ago I got a 15pk of Panasonic DVD-RAM for $20. They also have different promotions, such as free shipping and/or 10% off your first order from Panasonic Direct. I haven't checked recently so prices and offers may have changed. I think i started a thread on the 15pack a few weeks/months ago.

I haven't had any problems yet with the 15pk Panasonic DVD-RAMs, but I don't use them frequently..

I know this is a loaded ? but I have not been able to get my ES45 to record from from SA 8300 in 16:9 mode with DVD RAM.

Has anyone successfully done so? I have read that you can do so with the firewire DV input but I am looking for something over S video.

I had assumed it was all letterboxed but then I was reading in the manual about 16:9 for RAM (but then there is nothing else listed!)
thanks

Many people make the mistake of thinking that their DVD Recorder is letterboxing 16:9 material. If you are seeing letterboxing then the source is sending it that way. DVD Recorders do not add letterboxing to the input signal, only during playback if the source material is flagged as 16:9 and you have told the recorder that the display is 4:3. REPEATING: Letterboxing is never added by the recorder during recording. So if you are seeing letterboxing when just watching the signal you are trying to record, the source is outputting it as letterboxed.

I know this is a loaded ? but I have not been able to get my ES45 to record from from SA 8300 in 16:9 mode with DVD RAM.

Has anyone successfully done so? I have read that you can do so with the firewire DV input but I am looking for something over S video.

I had assumed it was all letterboxed but then I was reading in the manual about 16:9 for RAM (but then there is nothing else listed!)
thanks


The SA8300 only outputs 16:9 over the component or hdmi cable. The only way to avoid letterboxing over S-Video is to change the output resolution on the 8300 to SD only and then zoom the pic

Hi all,

I just recorded some video from my mini-DV camcorder to both DVD-RAM, DVD-R,DVD+R and all three copies look very very BAD. From what I see, there is no option to change the recording quality of the DVD recorder from the DV input.

The unit defaults to EP recording mode. This compression (6 hr recording time /DVD) will never produce good quality transfers.

Has anyone else experienced this. If the manual outlines how to change to another mode other EP I have missed it..... any comments?

BNW

^^ Scratches head...You mean the rec mode is set on SP or something other than EP, then, when you connect your DV camcorder to the inputs to record, the unit switches rec modes to EP, all by itself?
I don't suppose you could connect it, or maybe a dvd plater to the yellow video, red/white audio inputs, and see if the rec mode switches over when you try and record from those inputs?
Once you connect the dv camcorder to the unit, manually switch rec modes by pressing the rec mode button on the remote several times and set it again to SP. :confused:

From the manual on page 57:

≥Press [REC MODE] to select the recording mode.

Just keep pressing the REC MODE button until the mode (XP, SP, LP, etc.) you want appears.

Good luck.

Thanks guys...I read the manual too fast and did not realize that the function is on the remote and not something you see from the OSD menus.

This is why these forums have value.....

Also, the manual states that under TV setup in 16:9 aspect you can only choose btwn 480i 480P...No 720P. You can change the HDMI out out res too 720P, however, you can't select a 720P TV. Sounds self defeating to me. Again..am I missing something?

bnw

I honestly can't say... :confused: Try playing a commercial dvd and see if the problem happens with it...If so, then it's the unit.

If a commercial or burned dvd doesn't freeze up, then try your local Walmart for some RAM discs. They've been carrying Maxell 3 packs for $9.95 for over a year.


The Panasonic player hasn't locked up on commercial dvd's so that seems to be okay for that. It's seems to be just the chase mode with Ram disks.

Now I need to either get to a Walmart or go to Panasonic's store, where their prices for first time customers seems pretty cheap (free shipping and 10% off). I just don't want to wait for the disks to ship, but I guess I have no choice. Or just accept that this recorder doesn't do too good with chase and use regular dvd +/-RW that doesn't have problems since they don't do chase mode. :(

The SA8300 only outputs 16:9 over the component or hdmi cable. The only way to avoid letterboxing over S-Video is to change the output resolution on the 8300 to SD only and then zoom the pic

Thanks

I figured that out last night around midnight. Im not really sure I like the results. I could not find a good mode to stretch it back upon replay. It looks like an anamorphic image when recording but just not as compressed as I thought.

Once again thanks for the reply that was right on.

Help please-

I was able to find some Memorex RAM disks at CompUSA and tried using different ram disks other than the disk that came with the Panny recorder. It still freezes whenever I'm recording, while watching something else on the disk. It does this usually while I'm CM skipping, fast forward, rewind etc on the current chapter that I'm watching, and not necessarily the chapter being recorded. It does not do this while playing back commercial disks, or just during playback of the RAM without recording.

So the questions to the Forum experts are: Does the Chase or Time Slip normally work with all the other pause, stop, FF, RW, CM skipping using RAM? Or, Chase work FAIRLY well while using these functions? Or, is the Chase somewhat temporamental and don't expection much. Or I just got another lemon Panny and should just return it and try something else. :confused:

Art

I just bought some Memorex RAM discs at WM. I used one to record a program last night - but didn't use the chase feature. I'll probably watch the recording tonight. If I have a chance I'll test the chase feature this weekend.

I just bought some Memorex RAM discs at WM. I used one to record a program last night - but didn't use the chase feature. I'll probably watch the recording tonight. If I have a chance I'll test the chase feature this weekend.
Thanks, I'm looking forward to what happens with your disc. Perhaps I overload the player's ram memory or however it takes to read and write onto the disc when I do the skipping, FF, Rew or pause while its recording. Perhaps the laser is sensitive and I'm asking too much of it to read and write at the time. I always thought chase/slip time on the Pannys were suppose to rock solid. Maybe I'm wrong. :(

Did a quick test.

FF while recording - seemed to be ok.

Will try to do a more in-depth test when I get a chance.

My remote control is not working.
Recorder displays "SET 2".
When I click POWER on the remote control.
Will not do anything else.
How do I Fix.tried unplugging Recorder several times and restarting ,But won't enable any functions on the remote control.Otherwise the recorder works fine.
:( Mark

What you did was somehow change your units code to CODE 2 & your Remote is still sending the signals out in CODE 1 the Factory Setting.

So what you have to do is change the Remote To CODE 2 & then you will be able to either keep it set to CODE 2 or go into the Menu System & change the unit back to CODE 1 & if you do that then you also have to change the Remote Back To CODE 1.

TRY THIS:
1. HOLD DOWN THE "ENTER" BUTTON
2. HOLD DOWN THE NUMBER "2" BUTTON AT THE SAME TIME FOR A FEW SECONDS
3. RELEASE BOTH BUTTONS & THEN PRESS & RELEASE THE "ENTER" BUTTON

The Remote should now be set to Control Number 2 which should now control your unit.

See Your Owners Manual Under "When Other Panasonic Products Respond To This Remote Control" For More Info on the codes & etc.

Fry's Electronics (Palo Alto) carries RAM discs. Aisles 4, top shelf and 15

I got hold of another panny 35 to try out the RAM disc function. I guess the chase/timeslip does NOT work too well while recording. This unit also froze when I used the playback and recording at the same time. This is the 3rd panny unit, albeit a different model, that I've tested and got the same results.

I think the Panasonic RAM chase/timeslip is not as stable or reliable as I expected. Perhaps because I'm recording on EP and the laser reading and writing is too sensitive in this mode. I'll try on LP, or SP to see if its better.

Am I the only one that uses the chase function and having this problem? :(

I picked up a Panasonic DMR-ES46V at Costco and after following the users Manual setup instructions for connection with a television and cable box, it seemed like the manual was wrong.
The manual showed this setup:
Wall coax to ES46 RF in
ES46 RF coax out to Motorola STB RF in
Motorola STB RF out to JVC RF in
A/V (red/white/yellow) out from Motorola STB to ES46 A/V in
ES46 A/V out to TV A/V in.

I have Time Warner Digital Cable w/ a Motorola STB
JVC 52" LCOS TV.

After hooking everything up with this configuration, I turned the unit on and it went through the setup, automatically detected the time and then went through the channel setup to 125 channels on the internal tuner. Another thing I noticed is to watch anything on the TV, the Panasonic unit needed to be on at all times.

I could tune channels using the Panasonic turner but no matter what channel I changed the STB cable box to, it wouldn't change the channel on the tv. Did I miss something? Using this setup only allowed me to use the internal tuner .

I changed connection from the wall coax to Motorola STB RF in, Motorola RF out to ES46 RF in, ES46 RF out to TV. Component cable from STB to TV and HDMI cable from ES46 to TV. A/V cable out from Motorola STB to ES46 A/V in. Using this configuration, I can use the cable box to tune in all my channels and I can record the selected channel with the Panasonic recorder. I tune the TV to Digital in. DVD upconversion looks great. I can also turn off the Panasonic unit and switch the TV source to Input 1 and use the cable box as I did before I have the Panasonic recorder.

The setup I changed to seems to work but I'm not sure if there is a better way to hook the unit up.
One last question. During Setup it asked TV Type Aspect 16:9 & 480 i or Aspect 16:9 & 480 p. I have a JVC 52" LCOS DILA TV. Should I set up interlaced or progressive?

I got hold of another panny 35 to try out the RAM disc function. I guess the chase/timeslip does NOT work too well while recording. This unit also froze when I used the playback and recording at the same time. This is the 3rd panny unit, albeit a different model, that I've tested and got the same results.

I think the Panasonic RAM chase/timeslip is not as stable or reliable as I expected. Perhaps because I'm recording on EP and the laser reading and writing is too sensitive in this mode. I'll try on LP, or SP to see if its better.

Am I the only one that uses the chase function and having this problem? :(

I don't have this model, but I have the ES20 - I haven't tried TimeSlip with EP mode. But I didn't have any significant problems with TimeSlip of a program while it was recording on DVD-RAM the few times I used this combination. It is not as fast/responsive as it would be if it wasn't recording at the same time, but I was expecting that. I did not do extensive FF/rewind/Slow-mo - just watched and skipped commercials.

I used the time slip function last night on a Maxell DVD RAM - did some commerical skipping, FF and REW - all worked fine.

Opinions needed...

I just bought the ES46V and noticed the limitation on recording in 16:9 only on DVD-RAM. In your collective opinions, do you think this is a limitation that warrants returning the unit and get one that records 16:9 on say DVD-R?

I guess I'm worried about the DVD-RAM disk being so expensive and compatabity in the long run.

Are there other recorders comparable in quality and price that record 16:9 on a more common disk?

Thanks

I used the time slip function last night on a Maxell DVD RAM - did some commerical skipping, FF and REW - all worked fine.
Did you do this while recording? I used both Panasonic and Memorex DVD Ram and still have the problem with locking up. It even locks up while just watching a past program on the same disc while its recording, and not even doing any timeslip or commercial skipping. Now this is on both the ES46 and ES35 units.

Hum, strange. What mode are you recording? SP, LP or EP?

Did you do this while recording?

Yes, I did. I was recording the Amazing Race - started watching it about 10 - 15 minutes after it started - skipped through all the commercials, paused it once, and even rewound a bit when I went too far ahead.

I think the recording was done on the 4 hour setting - can't remember if that is EP, LP or SP.

In your collective opinions, do you think this is a limitation that warrants returning the unit and get one that records 16:9 on say DVD-R?

I don't think so.

Standard Def TV is still broadcast in 4:3 - only HD is broadcast in 16:9 - this unit will not record in HD.

When I watch SD I stretch it to fill my screen - I'm doing the same thing with the recorded programs. They are recorded in 4:3 and then I let my TV do the stretching.

If SD TV ever gets broadcast in 16:9 then it might be an issue.

My opinion - my 2 cents.

I don't think so.

Standard Def TV is still broadcast in 4:3 - only HD is broadcast in 16:9 - this unit will not record in HD.

When I watch SD I stretch it to fill my screen - I'm doing the same thing with the recorded programs. They are recorded in 4:3 and then I let my TV do the stretching.

If SD TV ever gets broadcast in 16:9 then it might be an issue.

My opinion - my 2 cents.


I do the same, but a lot of what I will be recording is HD programing (some in SD, but a substantial amount in HD) so I want it to be in 16:9 even though it's not HD. I guess what I'm asking is do you think that only being able to record 16:9 on DVD-RAM is a serious limitation? If I understand correctly, other recorders can record 16:9 on much cheaper disks. So I was wondering if another recorder might be better suited for recording in widescreen.

I do the same, but a lot of what I will be recording is HD programing (some in SD, but a substantial amount in HD) so I want it to be in 16:9 even though it's not HD. I guess what I'm asking is do you think that only being able to record 16:9 on DVD-RAM is a serious limitation? If I understand correctly, other recorders can record 16:9 on much cheaper disks. So I was wondering if another recorder might be better suited for recording in widescreen.
The Pioneer DVR-640H-S manual shows it can record 16:9 to its HDD, DVD-RAM, and VR-mode DVD-R/RW.

Finalized VR-mode discs would be OK for playing on the 640 or other VR-capable player/recorder (other Pios and ???). However, they don't have the "universal" compatibility of normal Video-mode DVDs.

Well now I'm confused.

I was under the impression that this unit could not record HD - can it?

No it can't. I was saying that the programing that I want to record is HD programing. It will record in SD but to make it look better it should be recorded in 16:9 to fill the screen.

I want to know if other recorders out there record in 16:9 on regular DVD-R disks that can be played on most DVD players. The DVD-RAM disks are expensive, and that is the only disk that the ES46V will record in 16:9 aspect ratio.

If you only ever want to play the recording back on a 16:9 display then having the recording flagged as widescreen doesn't matter. Only if you want them to play back as letterboxed on a 4:3 display does the flag matter.

There are several factors at work here, making this issue a somewhat complex one. It is treated fairly thouroughly in the Sticky Topic in this Forum, but those discussions may be difficult to find in such a long Topic.

Summarizing:

First, your STB must be able to send the widescreen signal with no letterboxing. Some STBs can't do this for 480i signals, or only over Component Video, for which many records lack compatible inputs.

Ideally it would also send the widescreen flag along with this non-letterboxed 480i signal. But some STBs do not.

Then, also ideally, the recorder would recognize the incoming widescreen flag and mark the recording as such. Many recorders do not do this, or only for DVD-RAM, or allow you to manually tell it that the recording is to be marked as widescreen.

The result is, assuming the first condition above is met, that you have a non-letterboxed recording of the material in question, that may or may not be marked as widescreen. It will play fine on a 16:9 display in either case, but for it to play back as letterboxed on a 4:3 display it must be marked. There are applications that you can use on a PC (I use IFOEdit) to change the flags on a DVD, of course that means reburning.

Does anyone actually feel that this machine is worth buying . After reading through all 9 pages of this thread I question this. What other machines out there are worth buing for using for VHS dubbing to DVD , DVD recording and DVD playback. Cnet reviwed this box in October had problems with disc compatibility as well as playback quality. I have a regular def TV so will this affect picture quality knowing that it will only playback at 480?

Thanks

Does anyone actually feel that this machine is worth buying . After reading through all 9 pages of this thread I question this. What other machines out there are worth buing for using for VHS dubbing to DVD , DVD recording and DVD playback. Cnet reviwed this box in October had problems with disc compatibility as well as playback quality. I have a regular def TV so will this affect picture quality knowing that it will only playback at 480?

Thanks
You could try the earlier Panasonic combo models, the ES30 or 35. I have the 30, and have had no problems. Purchase one at a store with liberal return policies, and if you're not satified, you can return it. There's usually a 1 year warranty, so if major problems occurr after the return period expires, you can get it fixed or a replacement from Panasonic...

I'm looking to get this for my mother-in-law for Christmas. Is this machine that complicated to use? This will be her first dvd player at all, but she has a lot of VHS tapes she wants to copy over. She also has a MiniDV camcorder which she could use to make dvd copies. It has an SD card for stills which this machine also supports so it seems like it's a good fit for what I'm looking for. This unit can burn stills from the SD card to dvd, right?

However, she's not too tech savy and I've seen a couple reviews that seem to make this sound a bit complicated. Is this machine difficult to use? If so, are there any models out there that are better?

Thanks.

I have an ES46 I bought at Costco a week ago. I used the chapter editing function on a RAM disk which worked fine (with the exception of wiping some sound), but the RAM disk, played back on my laptop DVD-RAM, was nowhere close to what I edited. Portions that I removed were still there, and portions I didn't remove were missing. The RAM plays correctly in the ES46. Has anyone else had success/problems in this situation? Sorta makes the editing useless. I also couldn't get the machine to respond to the chase function while editing.

^How did you perform the editing? I don't think that the Chasing playback works if you have the Edit Chapter mode onscreen.

For editing on RAM, this is normarly what I do..

I click Sub Menu-after selecting the title on the disc...
Go to Chapter view
Then click sub menu again, and select Edit Chapter.
The Edit screeen appears, and I ff thru, placing ch marks-using the Enter button, where I want, usually at the black spaces at the start/end of commercial breaks... Note-Time Slip function works in this mode, and I can press TS to leap minutes ahead or backwards...very helpful when setting ch marks.
When finished, I exit, arrivig back in Chapter View... then carefully locate the thumbnails that contain the ads allowing them to play to be sure I don't zap program content, and delete them. You press the pause button to place a checkmark on the ad block, then press delete.

I've never had deleted material show up when played back on the pc.

Westly-C,

Thanks for the thorough response. I followed instructions scrupulously, as you did. As a matter of fact, I repeated them several times to make sure I wasn't doing something wrong. The edited RAM played incorrectly on my laptop and my wife's laptop, but just fine back in the ES46. Methinks I'll swap it at Costco for another. I've emailed Pana customer support, but I'm not expecting much. They haven't even updated their support page drop-down to mention the DMR line. Weird.

This will not work for you because only two channels of audio will travel over the HDMI to the TV so when you optically connect to your receiver there are only 2 channels there. Try connecting the optical cable directly from your DVD player to the receiver.


Wrong info: HDMI 1.1 specification and the whole purpose of the standard is to provide Video AND PCM/Bitstream/DD Audio over ONE cable. There is no audio downmixing. The HDMI cable passes 100% of the DIGITAL audio stream right along with the video. Thus, no need to connect a Dig Coax or Dig Optical audio cable as well....

However,
Some HDTVs do not contain circuitry to decode Dolby Digital formated content. If you connect to an HDTV that cannot support DD audio, the HDMI interface instructs the DVR to switch its audio outputs to 2-channgel PCM audio. In some cases, and I don't know if the Panny does this, but I know my SA8300 does, all digital audio outputs then get formated as 2-channel PCM and as a result you will not be able to receive DD or DTS audio on your home theater system when connected to either the optical or coax S/PDIF ports too!

Your milage may vary...


Regards

I've decided to pick one of these up for a Christmas present. It says it has a DV input which I assume is the firewire connection used with a camcorder. So exactly what type of cable do I need? The camcorder is 4 pin I believe. So do I need a 4 to 6 pin firewire? Or perhaps it's only 4 pin on the machine?

I'm assuming that this cable does not come with the machine.

Thanks.

IIR it's a 4-pin jack right next the the SD card slot in the front. Not included with the ES46S I got from BJs for $249 (on sale until I think end of Dec) but don't have it anymore. You can download the manual from Panasonic to verify.