:) I am vary happy with the Panasonic DMR-ES35V, I have had no problems Recording to Any DVD Formats, this unit supports all DVD formats, have Recorded with all DVD formats except DVD -R DL's which I have not seen out yet, no problems noted, I am vary happy with this unit.

How is the picture quality on the VCR? I know it's not going to be anywhere near as good as a dvd but how does it compare with other VCRs especially older top of the line VHS (Not S-VHS) VCR models. Also how is the tracking on the VCR. Thanks.

How is the picture quality on the VCR? I know it's not going to be anywhere near as good as a dvd but how does it compare with other VCRs especially older top of the line VHS (Not S-VHS) VCR models. Also how is the tracking on the VCR. Thanks.I just bought one about a week ago, and the picture quality on the VCR blows away anything I've ever seen on VHS before. I'm not sure if that is because it is being up-converted to S-Video as my old VCR, of course, just fed RCA cables.

Tracking is excellent too. It is tracking some pretty damaged tapes very well. Tapes that used to have drop-out of the hi-fi signal on the Sony it replaced play flawlessly now.

The DVD looks great too and the home videos I have begun to copy from the VHS to DVD are coming out beautifully.

Highly recommended.

I've purchased an ES35V a week ago and I must say that I'm impressed so far. It works exactly as it says in the specs (unlike my Samsung DVD-R120 which was never able to produce a disk that could be used reliably on any other dvd players). The user manual is quite good. You might have to read it twice but it's a lot better than some others where you have to read it 20 times such as the Denon manuals.

The menus are very intuitive, picture quality is great (VHS could be better but it's never very good going on a 1080p TV anyway). Editing is great and so far flawless.

The only thing that bothers me, and it is a very small thing, is that while they did put a cover over the DIVX input socket on the front panel, they did not do the same thing for the IN2 jacks which to me looks kind of messy.

DV perhaps.

I also recently purchased this unit and enjoy the features for the price. I agree that video quality on VHS tapes (even old tapes) is excellent.

My only problem is that the unit fails when copying from VHS to DVD. These are old home videos, so no copyright issues. Typically, the unit will start copying and after 20-50 seconds the screen will display an error message and the unit will shut down. I'm using Fuji DVD-R discs. I've been able to successfully complete 2 copies, but have now had 5 or 6 failures.

Has anyone else experienced similar problems? Thoughts/suggestions on a fix? Thanks.

jm465, I'm just guessing but it's probably a problem with the Fuji Discs & the ES35V that just doesn't like them?

I never had very much luck with Fuji or Memorex on my Samsung R4000 (A 2003 Panny E50 Clone) & now I only use TY's for anything I'm saving or in a pinch Sony -Rs & Playo -Rs for all my friends who keep asking me for stuff in my collection :D

I would try another brand of -Rs like Sony Made in Japan if you can find them.

Maybe other people that have the ES35V will let you know what brands & speeds they are using without any problems.

I also recently purchased this unit and enjoy the features for the price. I agree that video quality on VHS tapes (even old tapes) is excellent.

My only problem is that the unit fails when copying from VHS to DVD. These are old home videos, so no copyright issues. Typically, the unit will start copying and after 20-50 seconds the screen will display an error message and the unit will shut down. I'm using Fuji DVD-R discs. I've been able to successfully complete 2 copies, but have now had 5 or 6 failures.


As Bill1313 suggested, try using a different brand of discs. I have an ES30V-which preceded the ES35, and Maxell, TDK, Verbatim, have all worked well. Just tried some Office Depot -RWs, and so far no problem with them...

Westly-C, I just got my daughter the ES30V from another board member here & I'll have to pass that on to her about Office Depot -RWs. Also what kind of a sale price should she be looking for on them?

I"m asking because I have no idea how much RWs sell for because my recorder can't use them & so I never kept up on RW prices.

I don't think she has used any RW type discs so far though because most of what she has been recording on the ES30V is from her Video Tape collection & she has been using TY -Rs for that.

She also has a Panny E55 which she has been using mostly the 400 TYs I sent her plus she uses the Playos that I also sent her when her friends want something.

What kind of +Rs have you tried on your ES30V if any? & the reason I'm asking is after her Playos are gone that maybe there are some cheap +Rs that she could use for her friends instead?

But anything that we both really want to save we try to use only TY -Rs.

^^ Because I also have an E85-which doesn't use the +R format, I never use +RWs. A 10 pack of HP or Verbatim RWs, either + / - , can be found for around $10 bucks at Walmart with 15 pack spindles of Maxell near $15.

Thanks & next time I'm in Wal-Mart maybe I'll pick up a pack of RWs for her to try out but like you with an older Panny that only does RAMs & -Rs I don't think she really has much use for them but they might be nice for her to try out seeing they can be erased & used over again but even for that she uses RAM discs for Timer Recordings which she then cuts the commercials out of & then dubs them to a -R Disc using her Panny S29 Player that plays Ram Discs & also Playlists from the Panny Recorders.

Bill1313,

I have never gotten a bad burn from MAXELL DVD's, whether it was DVD-R/-RW.

I have yet to use DVD+R's yet, but i would go MAXELL since I have yet to have a failure with them.

I have never found any MIJ Maxell DVD-RW's anywhere, but i have had zero problems with the ones made in Taiwan.

An excellent place to look for Maxell DVD -R/-RW/+R/+RW, and to get MIJ branded -R/+R is at SEARS. The turnover is very small on media at Sears, so many of them still have plenty of -R/+R media that was MIJ. Now most of them are not 16X media, but they still have 8X media that was MIJ.

I have used the Maxell's on the Panny ES30V, the Pioneer 531, and my current Sony 900, and have had no problems with them.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll give one of those other brands a shot.

STEELERSRULE, Thanks & I'll have to pass that on to her about SEARS because believe it or not that's about the only store near her except for the chain drug stores where she does buy blank DVDs because all the other chain stores are way on the outskirts of the city in shopping centers & a pain for her to get to that's why I ordered her a buch of TY -Rs.

As for Maxell I did have a problem once with a pack of 50 -R x8 from Taiwan but great luck with all the rest of the Maxell's including DVD-RAMs.

The only stores near me that I buy blanks from are Wal-Mart & Staples & sometimes Walgreen's drug store but Wal-Mart & Staples will price match any of the chain's like Best Buy, Circuit City & Sears which are all a good 20 miles or more away from me.

Editing is great and so far flawless.



Can you confirm that you can hit pause while recording, so as to fast forward past commercials, and then resume recording? If so, can you also do this in FR mode? I read a review on a different site that said you can't pause, and there were basically no editing functions, but I'm leary of that assessment.

Not sure exactly what you mean by "PAUSE" & then "Fast Forward" through Commercials?

But on the ES35V while you are watching a program & you want to cut the commercials out all you have to do is "Pause" the recording when a commercial comes on & when the program returns just start recording it again (It's exactly the same method that you would use when cutting commercials out when recording on a VCR).

Yes you can "Pause" & "Unpause" a recording when using the "FR" Recording mode.


As for editing, like going back after a program is already recorded & cutting the commercials out & marking Chapters & etc this can only be done on the ES35V using DVD-RAM Discs.

Using DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R & DVD+RW Discs on the ES35V the only editing you can do is Erase A Program, Enter The Name (Title) Of A Program, Enter the Name (Title) Of The Disc or Change the Thumbnail Picture In The Play Menu. As for Chapters you can't create them on these discs but when the disc is "Finalized" the ES35V will automatically create Chapters on the discs about every 5 minutes.

The Chapters that it creates WILL NOT HAVE ANY THUMBNAIL PICTURES & the Chapter System works just about the same way the "VHS Index System" works. The marks or chapters don't show but they are there on the DVD & when you press the Skip buttons it moves forward or backward to the next chapter.

The Chapters it creates on the disc also work when playing the "Finalized" disc on another DVD Player.

For more info on the DMR-ES35V you can download the Owners Manual from Panasonic's website & it will probably answer all of your questions.

Thanks Bill, that answered the question. I'm not sure how others have theirs set up, but for me (right or wrong) I set up my main DBS HD receiver on the component 1 input on my TV, then I set up the recorder on component 2. I mainly just offload Tivo stuff I'd like to archive, so to do that I switch my input to comp2 and then controlling the HD Tivo I play the program and manually record from the DVD recorder. When commercials come up, I pause the recorder, fast forward the Tivo, then resume recording at the end of commercials. Thankfully, I don't do all my DVD's manually like this : )

Now I understand "Fast Forward Past Commercials" because in your post above you din't mention the Tivo ;)

My only problem is that the unit fails when copying from VHS to DVD. These are old home videos, so no copyright issues. Typically, the unit will start copying and after 20-50 seconds the screen will display an error message and the unit will shut down. I'm using Fuji DVD-R discs. I've been able to successfully complete 2 copies, but have now had 5 or 6 failures.

Has anyone else experienced similar problems? Thoughts/suggestions on a fix? Thanks.Mine works just fine. I suggest that the "fix" lies in the warranty.

OK, got my ES35V and it looks real good! After burning my first DVD, I have a couple questions on what I might be doing wrong. I burned a football game that was in HD from Tivo onto DVD -R. Looks great, and it DOES play in 16:9 widescreen on my Mits DLP. However, after finalizing and putting it into the Toshiba HD DVD player, it shows in 4:3. I can change the format to play in expand mode and it doesn't look too bad. Any ideas on why it plays in 16:9 on my Panny but not on the Toshiba?

Also, the Tivo recording said the program length was 3 hours. So when I recorded I used FR and set it to 3:01. For some reason, the last 10 minutes or so of the game got cut off. I checked and the Tivo program was indeed 3 hours, so any idea why that might have occured? I did change the setting to turn the unit off after 2 hours instead of the default 6 hours, but that shouldn't have anything to do with it since I thought that only shuts down the unit after non-use for that length of time. Oh well, I still love it. I was using the JVC DR-MV1S until it just crapped out on me, and this looks every bit as good, and operates in much the same way.

Hey guys.

Sorry for the bump but I have a friend who just bought this player. And he is making dvds from old vhs tapes. But he has an issue with it as the disks he is making only play in the recorder and do not play in his other dvd players or his computer for that matter.

Now I dont know anything about the actual recording but is this common with all the dvd recorders? And if not can you recommend another one that will play the dvds in other dvd players.

Thx for your time.

Chris

This is usually caused by failing to Finalize the recorded discs in the recorder prior to trying to play them in another player.

This is usually caused by failing to Finalize the recorded discs in the recorder prior to trying to play them in another player.

Perfect. Thx for the info.

Another reason maybe that he is Recording on RAM Discs & they will usually only play on certain Panasonic DVD Players.

This is usually caused by failing to Finalize the recorded discs in the recorder prior to trying to play them in another player.
Being somewhat ignorant of what you said: How does one not "finalize" the recorded disc?
Further, I'm am looking seriously at getting the unit as they have a good discount on them. The reason is I have a large VHS collection, personal tapes and commercial movies tapes and wish to make DVD copies. Am I to assume that the commercial movies will copy easily using the unit. Further, is it legal to make a copy?
TIA for any help you can offer

1225, I don't have an ES35V but if I remember right when your done recording & press the stop button or maybe it's the open/close button the Panny asks you if want to "Finalize" the disc. If you do you are instructed then to press the "Record" button & finalizing starts . If you don't want to finalize the disc you just don't press the "Record" button.

As for dubbing / copying store bought tapes that have the Macrovision copy guard system in them you are not going to be able to copy them using the ES35V.

If you do want to copy store bought tapes that have Macrovision in them you can get a Video Filter that will let you copy them.

But you will have to hook up the Video Filter between another VCR & the ES35V because you can't use the Video Filter on the ES35V because it won't let you feed it's own Output signal back into one of it's own Inputs.

As far as I know the only Panasonic Combos that would let you add on a Video Filter to use the VCR in them were the older Original 2004 DMR-E75V & the 2005 DMR-ES30V models.

For more info go to Panasonic's website & you can download "All" the Owners Manuals & they will explain "Finalizing" & just about everything else that you want to know.

For more info on Video Filters do a search here for Video Filters & also try Sima.

Bill1313
Thanks for your input. It is greatly appreciated. I have some research to do, I see, before i proceed with a purchase. :) :) :) :) :) :)

1225, If you already have a good working VCR I would just purchase a Panny ES15 or ES25.

The ES15 is really just an ES35V without the VCR section built-in plus if you get a stand alone recorder you then will be able to hook up the Macrobuster Video Filter between your VCR & your DVD Recorder to copy your store bought Video Tapes & the extra money you save by buying the ES15 can go toward the Macrobuster :D

Being somewhat ignorant of what you said: How does one not "finalize" the recorded disc?

You can record to a blank dvd all you want, until the disc is full. After you've recorded to the dvd all you want, the dvd can still be played on the recorder without being finalized, but will not play on other dvd players.
For the record, once you've finished recording to the disc, it's always best to go ahead and Finalize it-there's no point in not finalizing it. In case something happens to the unit, you won't be stuck with dvds that can't be played elsewhere.

How is the DMR-ES35V as a DVD playback deck? Is it all region?

For a DVD player, I currently have the Philips DVP649 (which can be hacked open to become all region--PAL and everything) hooked to my main television. There's limited space under my TV, so before I replace that deck with a DVD recorder, I need to make sure I can still play discs from other regions.

I got a RCA DRC8320N for Christmas...had problems with it from the get-go ( luckily I have the reciept to exchange for a different brand at Wal-Mart... I did some checking on user reviews on the Panasonic DMR-ES35VS and it's a bit pricier but am willing to pay more for a better unit. I called Wal Mart and they said they had the DMR-ES35V but not the DMR-ES35VS. My question is : Is there a difference in the ES35V and the ES35VS ? If so, is one better than the other ? I'm new to this site and glad there's a forum like this to trade helpful hints and opinions ! Thanks, Buck

The S on the end of the model number on Panasonic units just refers to a silver finish. They use K to indicate a black finish. There are no differences between the S and K units. Sometimes the model number is used without an S or K.

No worries, go ahead and purchase it.

OK, thanks RG, the unit is supposed to be in at store today so will make the exchange. ( at least I got some practice time in on the RCA ) :rolleyes:

Buck)

I trust the Panasonic on the VCR side....I purchased a P'sonic VCR in '95 and used to tape programs off the satellite dish for a elderly lady who couldn't afford cable or a dish...I edited and filled over 900 6-hour tapes over a span of 8 years before it ate its first tape. ( and I used very cheap blank tapes ). Now that I know I'm getting the ES35V : I have a Bose Acoustic Wave with L / R AUX jacks...is it possible to have the Bose sound and the stereo TV sound both come through at the ssame time ? On my last P'sonic VCR I could do this just by turning on the Bose and hitting the AUX button...on the RCA combo unit, I only had one choice where audio came thru. ...

Hi new member here.

I purchased the DMR-ES35V back in Dec, am happy with it so far - could someone please tell me how to alter the unit so it accepts all DVD's, regardless of the regional codes? What's the secret password, where do you locate the page you can enter it on?

I purchased the unit in Germany, but it won't let me view any commercial DVD films I got in the U.S. - very anxious to remedy this!!!

thank you

lawndarn

Hi,

I have recently purchased this recorder, and have tried to copy some of my old VHS onto a DVD (Dubbing).

However, as the recording starts, it gives me a black line on the bottom of the TV throughout the whole recording process.
The VHS (Video) plays fine without those lines when just playing alone, but when it comes to dubbing the line appears.
The videos are several years old, so i wouldn't think the are copyrighted and was recorded using a realli..really oversized video camera (compared to todays camcorders)

Any help would be greatly appreciated^^

Thanks,

Is anybody still out there?

Hi new member here.

I purchased the DMR-ES35V back in Dec, am happy with it so far - could someone please tell me how to alter the unit so it accepts all DVD's, regardless of the regional codes? What's the secret password, where do you locate the page you can enter it on?

I purchased the unit in Germany, but it won't let me view any commercial DVD films I got in the U.S. - very anxious to remedy this!!!

thank you

lawndarn

You need one of these:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Panasonic-Multiregion-DVD-Hack-Remote-Chipped_W0QQitemZ330079524480QQihZ014QQcategoryZ75530QQssPag eNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I have to wonder what's going on with this unit...I taped a movie off of STARZ Channel to VHS..., then I copied the VHS recording to DVD and it works fine...will even play on my PC DVD Player...BUT, when I dub and finalize other VHS tapes I recorded to DVD, they won't play on my PC DVD Player. I KNOW that the content is NOT copy-protected, as they're from TV News programs...they'll play on my Panasonic but not on my computer. Why will the movie I copied to VHS then copied to DVD from STARZ play on my PC DVD Player but my personal VHS tapes I copy AND FINALIZE won't ? I'm gettin fed up with wasting expensive Blank DVD discs.

...while on the subject...I do alot of creating/editing of my own movies on Windows Movie Maker...I can copy those movies to CDR but apparently they're formatted to WMV files after copying to disc and won't play on most, if any home DVD players. They'll play on my computer via Windows Media, but will not play on any home DVD player. My Windows XP is capable of mpeg, avi and wmv movie playback, but when I try to "import" a movie that I place in drive C, D or E to Windows Movie Maker it will not recognize them unless they are WMV files. I've seen a few DVD/VCR recorders that are capable of playing / recording WMV files but I have to wonder if after dubbing to DVD if other players will recognize them ?

Note : I have a DVD Player on my PC..I have a CD burner, but have no DVD burner. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks

I have to wonder what's going on with this unit...I taped a movie off of STARZ Channel to VHS..., then I copied the VHS recording to DVD and it works fine...will even play on my PC DVD Player...BUT, when I dub and finalize other VHS tapes I recorded to DVD, they won't play on my PC DVD Player. I KNOW that the content is NOT copy-protected, as they're from TV News programs...they'll play on my Panasonic but not on my computer. Why will the movie I copied to VHS then copied to DVD from STARZ play on my PC DVD Player but my personal VHS tapes I copy AND FINALIZE won't ? I'm gettin fed up with wasting expensive Blank DVD discs.
Which format of blanks are you recording to? -R or +R? Check your pc to see which of those it playsback..

...while on the subject...I do alot of creating/editing of my own movies on Windows Movie Maker...I can copy those movies to CDR but apparently they're formatted to WMV files after copying to disc and won't play on most, if any home DVD players. They'll play on my computer via Windows Media, but will not play on any home DVD player. My Windows XP is capable of mpeg, avi and wmv movie playback, but when I try to "import" a movie that I place in drive C, D or E to Windows Movie Maker it will not recognize them unless they are WMV files. I've seen a few DVD/VCR recorders that are capable of playing / recording WMV files but I have to wonder if after dubbing to DVD if other players will recognize them ?

Note : I have a DVD Player on my PC..I have a CD burner, but have no DVD burner. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks
To burn DVDs that can be played in DVD Players from a PC you need:

- an DVD-Compliant MPEG Encoder
- a DVD Authoring application

For the first I use TMPGEnc. For the second I use TMPGEnc DVD Author. There are many other similar applications out there. For reading DVDs created by DVD Recorders, those applications will also work. Windows Movie Maker won't do either (from or to DVD). And of course you'll need a DVD burner to create DVDs from PC.

As this really doesn't have to do with standalone DVD Recorders, I'll refer you to VideoHelp.com, where this subject has it's own Forum.

Umm....it'd be kool if anyone could help me out wif my prob aswell (lol) :D
Or....is it becuase my question is confusing? ill try to provide more detail if you can specify anything...........or is it just the experts here cannot answer it :rolleyes:

I'm no expert & I'm just guessing that your post wasn't answered because no one has run into that problem before.

If I was you I would bring it back & try another one.

By any chance though could the "Camera" tapes have been "Store Bought" tapes that were then used to shoot camcorder footage over the original video? because that might explain the line because maybe the Macrovision copy guard din't get completely recorded over & is leaking into the signal which the ES35 is picking up when you try to record the tape.

What happens when you try to copy other video tapes that you know has never contained Macrovision like a TV program you recorded on a VCR (Not The Panny ES35 VCR Section but another VCR) using an original BLANK Video Tape?

Thanks for the reply Bill1313,

I'm a total newb with these stuff (ie: signals..etc) so i'm totally reliant on you guys (lol) :D

By any chance though could the "Camera" tapes have been "Store Bought" tapes that were then used to shoot camcorder footage over the original video? because that might explain the line because maybe the Macrovision copy guard din't get completely recorded over & is leaking into the signal which the ES35 is picking up when you try to record the tape.

To be honoust, my father did all the recordings of our childhood video's and i am not sure what he did and where he got the camera tapes from, and i cannot find them. All i know is that the video tapes which i am trying to dub are branded "Maxell", "Kodak" "TDK" and "Sony" (if that helps...)

What happens when you try to copy other video tapes that you know has never contained Macrovision like a TV program you recorded on a VCR (Not The Panny ES35 VCR Section but another VCR) using an original BLANK Video Tape?

Anyways, i found a tape with a program recorded from TV, and the dubbing worked fine without those black lines.

Also of curiousity, would the PAL and NTSC type tape matter?....

Thanks,

^^If you're in the US, then I'd think PAL tapes would be a major problem, as the US models aren't suppose to be able to play them.
Nothing else comes to mind as to what may be the problem. If your recorder is still under the store warranty, you might consider exchanging it for another.

Thanks Westly-C,

I live in Australia.
My video tapes are PAL, and i just foundout that it was recorded by a NTSC camcorder at the time.

If asking is not a fuss, what do you mean by not able to play them?... :confused:

**EDIT**

To Bill1313 & Westly-C :

I also found that my father's video recorder (camcorder) did not have a camera tape, instead it was the type that recorded directly onto the video tape....(it tells you how much time we're going bak, lol^^)

Hope it helps... :)

Does anyone share my problem?

My DMR-es35v can happily record TV to VHS whilst I watch a DVD (at the same time), but will not allow me to record TV to VHS whilst I watch a Divx CD (at the same time)???

Very frustrating and I can't work out why.

Thanks,

CJ

Thanks Westly-C,

I live in Australia.
My video tapes are PAL, and i just foundout that it was recorded by a NTSC camcorder at the time.

If asking is not a fuss, what do you mean by not able to play them?... :confused:

The US model Panasonic recorders do not play PAL tapes or dvds. And I was under the impression that models sold in PAL countries didn't play NTSC either. :o

Which format of blanks are you recording to? -R or +R? Check your pc to see which of those it playsback..

I figgered out what I was doing wrong...I was dubbing VHS to DVD and hitting the "copy and finalize" option...but then took the DVD out before the finalizing process had begun...( forgot it takes a few minutes to finalize a disc ). DUH :o I find it helps to double-check to make sure the disc is finalized in DVD Management and then fianlize manually if it's not. They played fine on my PC DVD Player when finalized. For what's it's worth...am using Sony +R and Maxell +RW blanks.

How is the DVD Progressive scan playback quality? I plan on hooking up component to my LCD TV.

I tried copying some Tae Bo tapes just to have them on DVD and the copy protection will not let me. I figured I could get around it by using an external VCR, but the same thing happened? Does anyone know how to get around this?

Also, does anyone have problem with the VCR tapes getting hung up in the player as they're ejecting?

Thanks,

Mycroft57

I liked this unit...at first, but it's NOT for someone who's into serious editing/copying. Drawback #1 : once you begin to dub VHS to DVD ( or vice-versa ) you're pretty much stuck with dubbing the ENTIRE tape or DVD !! ( there's no pause or stop option during a copy )...unless you press on the remote "return" button to stop the copy....and there's a several second delay to stop copying when the return button is used ) hence...it's nearly impossible to stop or pause a VHS to DVD copy or vice-versa at the moment you want to. This is particularly annoying for one who wants to copy several VHS clips onto one DVD without a static break in the action. Issue # 2 : A friend brought over a VHS tape for me to copy to DVD on this unit...the tapew was so jumpy I couldn't even see or hear the movie...then I took same tape and played it on my 15 year old VHS player and it played beautifully ! Tried to re-play on the Panasonic DMR ES35V pressing on the V-lock tracking button...that made picture quality even worse...stuck the VHS tape back into my 15 year old unit...and it played flawlessly again. Panasonic tech support useless on the matter...I got the unit in December 2006 so I'm stuck with it. Don't buy this unit if you're serious about quality ...especially when editing a dub.

:rolleyes: This would be issue # 3 Mycrosoft57...I tried to dub a couple of VHS tapes that I know are not copy-protected because I taped them and dubbed them to other blank tapes...but the ES35V recognized them as "copy protected" ... maybe because they were a bit jittery at the beginning ? I have no idea...but was able to re-dub both tapes to blank tapes using my antique VCR. That don't make sense to me either... Perhaps the ES35V has issues with tapes that are'nt of excellent quality. As for the tape not ejecting all the way...I had the same problem...had to "pinch" the tape and yank it out manually...that was my 1st ES35V unit...I took it back for a replacement...this one ejects fine....So far. :rolleyes:

I am having a problem with my DMR-ES35v that maybe someone can help me with. Sometime when I record a DVD-R, after recording my unit will not let me finalize my disc. It says the disc protection is on, but I thought that you could only turn this on for DVD-RAM. Anyway I can't figure out how to turn it off and it clearly says that the disc is not finalized. It does not do this often, but often enough to be annoying. Can someone please help?

Thanks.

What is the best way to connect my Panny DMR-ES35V to my soon to be here new Panny plasma? I'm thinking run the RF to the DMR with the HDMI to the PDP...is there a better way to do it for better recording flexibility? Thanks.

I just bought a DMR-ES35V, the primary reason was to be able to copy my home movies from VHS format to DVD. The book makes it sound simple enough, but I want to make sure it is just that simple. Can I put a VHS and blank DVD in the recorder and do the one touch recording option without watching the tape? Or do you need to watch it too? Any pointers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Kim

I just bought a DMR-ES35V, the primary reason was to be able to copy my home movies from VHS format to DVD. The book makes it sound simple enough, but I want to make sure it is just that simple. Can I put a VHS and blank DVD in the recorder and do the one touch recording option without watching the tape? Or do you need to watch it too? Any pointers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Kim
Yes it is that simple. If the tape has multiple recordings on it, the 35 will pause recording when it reaches the index mark on the tape, and then start again, creating multiple titles on the disc, rather than just one long title.

All you need to know is how long your recordings last, so you can select the appropriate rec speed before recording.

No you don't have to watch the TAPE/DVD while it's recording.

My daughter has an older Panny combo & she tells me she usually starts the recordings (Copying) just before she goes to bed or just before she leaves for work so when she wakes up in the morning or comes home from work they are waiting for her. :)

She also "Timer Records" her "Soaps" :eek: on 3" Mini-DVD -RW Camcorder discs because they don't take up much room in her pocketbook & she can play them back in her car or on her laptop at work.

When she's done watching the program on the -RW Mini-Disc she uses it to record another program on it.

The 3" Camcorder Mini-DVD discs will hold 1 Hour & 12 Minutes of recording time at the "LP" 4 Hour Recording Mode which is more than enough time for most programs & the picture quality is good enough for something you just want to watch & not save & those "Little" discs really don't take up much room at all. :cool:

Is there some kind of copy protection that the Panasonic DMR-ES35 puts onto DVDs when copying from VHS tapes with home movies?

I am transferring home videos to DVD and here is how I am doing it:

1. I transfer from VHS to DVD-RW using the DMR-ES35.
2. I finalize the DVD-RW.
3. I play the finalized DVD-RW in another DVD player to make sure it plays successfully.
4. On a PC, I back up the file contents of the DVD-RW to the PC.
5. From the PC, I burn a final DVD-R from the backed up file contents on the PC.
6. On the DMR-ES35, I format the DVD-RW and start over for the next tape.

The reason I am using these steps is that if the DVD with the home video gets scratched, I can easily burn a new one from the backed up files on the PC.

I have successfully used the above procedure with a Samsung VCR/DVR combo and a Toshiba laptop (Win XP). I now have the Panasonic DMR-35 along with the same laptop. But here is what happens when I use the above procedure with the DMR-ES35.

Step 3 is successfull in that the finalized DVD-RW produced works fine in another DVD player. So it looks like the DVD produced by the DMR-ES35 is compatible with another DVD player.

Step 4 appears to be successful in that I am able to copy the file contents of the DVD-RW onto the laptop. I don't get any errors while copying and the folder structure looks correct.

However, step 5 is not successful. I am not able to burn a new DVD-R using the laptop with the same software I used when I transferred video using the Samsung unit. I am getting an error and it does not begin the burn process. I tried step 5 (and step 4) with another PC (Vista) and the burn process would begin and it would get to within 3MB of the overall 480MB size and then an error would appear.

I also retried the above process with a regular DVD-R in step 1, rather than the DVD-RW. I get the same results.

So, it seems that I am able to get one DVD from the DMR-ES35, but I cannot copy that DVD.

The video tapes with the home movies were blank. They were not originally commercial movies.

I read the manual and am not sure I see any settings that may help.

Can anyone help?

glen7777

You don't say what software you are using to burn the files back to DVD-R or how you are copying the files to the PC.

But suggest that maybe the software you have does not like the way the Panny files are recorded for one reason or another, have you updated it lately?

Suggest try another burning program, a freeware one is imgburn

http://www.imgburn.com/

http://www.videohelp.com/tools/ImgBurn

Still have problems it might be best to create a separate thread with your problem and the software and procedure you use to copy and burn the disks. Since this may be more of a PC software problem (even if it is with the files recorded from this machine) a separate thread will keep this thread free of clutter for more general comments/discussion on the machine itself if more detail help is needed.

Falco63,

Thank you for your reply.

For copying the DVD files to the PC, I used Windows Explorer.
For burning those files to another DVD, I used Sonic Record Now! on my Toshiba laptop and I used Roxio Creator on my HP desktop.

For creating a new thread, I am new to this forum. How can I do that? Would you recommend I copy my previous post to a new thread?

Thank you for your help - it is appreciated.

Falco63,

Thank you for your reply.

For copying the DVD files to the PC, I used Windows Explorer.
For burning those files to another DVD, I used Sonic Record Now! on my Toshiba laptop and I used Roxio Creator on my HP desktop.

For creating a new thread, I am new to this forum. How can I do that? Would you recommend I copy my previous post to a new thread?

Thank you for your help - it is appreciated.

If using Windows Explorer copied over the files to the computer intact they way they are on the DVD disk then they should be OK to burn with back to disk, especially if this worked before. Could be the PC software you have now is not accepting the Panny recorded files for one reason or another, so try something else, like previously mentioned imgburn software. I personally use Nero Burning ROM program.

Another problem could be the panny is recording in VR mode, but I don't think this is the case because you say the copied over files look the same as the other recorders disk files and they worked alright to burn back so I think it may be more with the programs you have not liking the panny files. Stranger things have been know to happen :confused:

Try a different burning program first. But, to start a new thread, go to the main page of this forum (DVD Recorders) and click on the NEW THREAD icon at the top of the page :)

DVD Recorder Forum
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=106

Hello Falco63,

Good news: I tried ImgBurn and was able to successfully burn a DVD using the process I mentioned in the earlier post.

I'll be running the process again on another VHS tape to DVD conversion and will confirm that all is good.

Thank you for your help. I appreciate it very much!

Thinking about purchasing this unit on ebay. I'm wondering does this unit record on Dual Layer (DL) DVD+R. I've read that it plays them back, but not sure about recording on DL?

SRIBB43,

I have tried recording to dual layer DVDs yet. But I checked the user guide that came with the DMR-ES35. It says you can record to dual layer DVDs with the following notes:

you cannot record continuously from one layer to the second.
you have to close the first layer (cannot make further changes) before burning to the second layer.

Hope that helps.

Well, I've loved this machine since I go it, but today I went to use it (after leaving it idel for a couple of months) and the remote control won't operate the machine. It's not batteries, because the remote WILL operate my TV that the recorder is connected to.

I've never seen that happen before. I wonder if I've dropped the remote once too many times and this is its revenge?

I notice that it must have gone through a power outage while we were away but without the remote, I can't even set the clock.

Well, I've loved this machine since I go it, but today I went to use it (after leaving it idel for a couple of months) and the remote control won't operate the machine. It's not batteries, because the remote WILL operate my TV that the recorder is connected to.

I notice that it must have gone through a power outage while we were away but without the remote, I can't even set the clock.
Have you tried resetting it? Or unplugging it for a few minutes?
To reset it back to factory settings, press the power button on the unit, holding it down for at least 10 seconds.

If that doesn't work, go to the unit with remote in hand. Point remote at unit, and press and hold down Enter button and '1' button at the same time. The should change/set remote code to Remote 1.
Now press Enter again. The front display should light up, showing which remote code the unit is set to. If it's not '1', then change it to whatever's displayed. These instructions come from the ES30 manual. Check yours if this doesn't work.

Power outages are a bear. When leaving for long periods, you need to keep an eye on the weather forcasts...Brief outages are the worst-the quick off, then back on can cause headaches for these things.

Or unplugging it for a few minutes?

Yes, actually my wife thought of that when I mentioned that the clock wasn't set. I unplugged it for about an hour or so, and it worked perfectly when I plugged it back in.

Wonderful! Had my wife not suggested doing that I would never have thought of it until you mentioend it, so thanks to you as well, Westly.

Hello

I bought the DMR-ES35V unit in June and have got the hang of most features now.

However, I am unable to use the functions: DIVIDE, COMBINE, PARTIAL DELETE.

The instruction booklet pages 28 and 29 shows a drop-down window with six options. My machine shows only the 4 options, PARTIAL DELETE and DIVIDE TITLE do not appear.

I have been able to create Top Menus. But I cannot find the option to FINALIZE. Nor COMBINE.

If anybody can point me in the right direction I'd be really grateful.

Thanks.

Hello

I bought the DMR-ES35V unit in June and have got the hang of most features now.

However, I am unable to use the functions: DIVIDE, COMBINE, PARTIAL DELETE.

The instruction booklet pages 28 and 29 shows a drop-down window with six options. My machine shows only the 4 options, PARTIAL DELETE and DIVIDE TITLE do not appear.
Only using RAM discs, can you divide a title, or delete from the disc, to record more onto it. You cannot divide using -/+R, or RW discs. You can delete titles from those discs-they aren't actually deleted from the disc however, but the instructions written to the disc will tell the player to skip over a deleted title during playback. You will not get space back on the disc, to record anything else on it,

I have been able to create Top Menus. But I cannot find the option to FINALIZE. Nor COMBINE.
.
On the remote...press Functions, then on the menu, go down to Other Functions. You should then see the Finalizing option.

Combining can only be done on the RAM format discs, and when a ram disc is in the tray, you'd go to Direct Navigator to call up the recorded shows. Highlight the desired show and press Sub menu. Scroll down to CHAPTER VIEW and pres Enter button...You'll see all the chapters that you've created in thumbnails.
To COMBINE back to back chapters into one single ch, highlight that ch, then press Sub menu. A window appears with your selected ch first, and the ch after it next to it (example, ch 1 and ch2). Highlight the COMBINE button to join them into a single chapter.
You can not combine chapters that are not back to back (like merging ch 3 with ch 6).

Hallo,

I have the panasonic DMR ES35V a very good unit but the problem i have yet, this unit not play every dvd because is not region free. Can somebody help make this unit region free so that i can play all dvd with it ? I read some website like videohelp and more but not read how to region hack this unit. My unit play only region 2 dvd. any other region not play also if i like to copy a video tape from USA. than you see a black color on the underside or it flicker.... I need help please can somebody help ???? Thank you ! Bul5

I greatly appreciate the time you have dedicated in replying to me, Westly-C.

Many thanks.

A hopefully quick question. I tried reading through the manual and I think I know the answer, but I turn to the experts here for an authoritative one. I have some DVD+R disks that have DivX-encoded .avi files. I suppose they are considered data disks, since when I put in in my PC, it just shows up as a list of files. Any of them play just fine in RealPlayer or Windows Media Player. Will I be able to play them on the DMR-ES35V? Would it work if I put them onto -R instead of +R? If this unit will not recognize or play them, is there another comparable combo VCR/DVD recorder that will?

Thanks for your input.

It should tell you in the beginning of the manual specifically which formats will work. I know that the Panny's play CD-DivX, but I'm not sure offhand about DVD's.

My Panny EH75V plays CD-R DivX's just fine.

Rammitinski,

It does say, but I am not learned enough with all the different formats that are out there to quite know the answer. How do people call the disk I described - a DVD+R that I burned as a data disk, holding DivX-encoded .avi files? Will the ES35V read/play it? I just saw the EZ37V - seems to be a more updated version of the ES35V. Would that be a better choice? Besides watching the disks I described, I plan on doing a bit of home VHS to DVD conversions and it seems that Panasonic is particularly good at that.

Well, it appears that the ES35V doesn't play DivX at all, and it looks as if the EZ37V doesn't, either.

Just the EZ47V.

I have no problems playing DIVX on the ES35V. But I have experianced some of the problems experianced here. Namely not being able to back up my VHS to DVD because of Macrovision. And I cannot seem to be able to play my RAM discs on my computers RAM drive.

I have no problems playing DIVX on the ES35V. But I have experianced some of the problems experianced here. Namely not being able to back up my VHS to DVD because of Macrovision. And I cannot seem to be able to play my RAM discs on my computers RAM drive.
Yeah, copy protected vhs tapes will not dub to a dvd in these combo units...As for your RAM issues, perhaps you need to update your pc's drivers? I successfully record on RAM using an ES30 combo unit, and they will play on my pc. But only in Windows Media Player, and Win DVD InterVideo player which came pre-installed. What model is your pc, and which players do you use on it?

I seem to remember being able to see the remaining time of a chapter and or title of a dvd on this recorder. This was when I first got it. I haven't been able to do it since. Was I just imagining this or have I done something wrong to the DMR-ES35V?

I talk alot of junk about how bad Panasonics are ... but this unit I love working on, so easy to fix.

Most problems you get are doesn't read/record/finalize DVDs and that can be either the DVD mech or the digital PCB (heart of unit) and Panasonic sends both together when you order it! It's great!

But, on bad side, some rare cases, when the unit is dead (won't power on at all) and its not the fuse ... that gets to be a pain in the backside hah

I got ES35V about a year ago and am not satisfied with the quality of converting some old tapes to DVD.

DVD plays wavy picture -- not clear.

In fact, even the VHS player alone does not show as good picture as my old VHS players.

Does the firmware released in jun 06 help? I dont know which firmware I have -- since I purchased it in Jan 07.

My Sony Gigapocket PC does an excellent job converting analog VHS to digital.

I was disappointed in the performance of the Panny. I was not sure of what I can achieve and hence did not return it earlier.

I got ES35V about a year ago and am not satisfied with the quality of converting some old tapes to DVD.

DVD plays wavy picture -- not clear.

In fact, even the VHS player alone does not show as good picture as my old VHS players.

When it comes to older vhs tapes, the vcr that made the recording will always be better than a newer unit. Since you aren't getting good dubs with the combo vcr, you might want to try connecting your older vcr to the recorder and try playing them on it while recording to disc.

Yes I have the 1yr older ES-30 and have got some great dubs off of it. Sometimes depending on tracking you may, as Westly said get a better pq using a different player, preferably the one the tape was recorded on.
I believe the ES-35 is a 4 head machine, and if your original recorder was a 2 head, and you recorded in the SP mode, you will get a lot of noise playing that tape on the Panny.
I believe it's the general census that the resulting DVD will look better than what was played to the dvd. Note I said what was played to the DVD. If the signal is poor, it can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear. You need to start at the VHS source. The DVDR itself has the ability for some fine recordings if fed the proper source.

I own four functional DMR-ES35V combo recorders. These are outstanding dubbing workhorses. During my selective project dubbing portions of my home-recorded videotapes to DVD around 85% of the 5,200 titles were dubbed "internally" from the FUNCTIONS menu-initiated Time Limited dubbing/copying and/or Flexible Recording dubbing/copying method; and around 15% of the titles were dubbed "externally" with Toshiba VCRs connected to Panasonic Inputs. Three of the four DMR-ES35V models had difficulty tracking Sony T-160 videotapes recorded at EP. These videotapes were originally recorded on one of the Toshibas, both of which satisfactorily tracked the T-160 videotapes. Either of these methods of dubbing/copying provides seamless recordings. I have been very pleased with the quality of these recordings.

The front panel copying control results in a recording that stops and starts at videotape index marks or other spots deemed to be program breaks. These stops and starts create a new DVD "title." I have found the front panel copying method to be unsatisfactory for my purposes.

I will try playing on the old VCR and recording on the Panny ES35V DVD recorder.

However, that defeated the whole purpose of getting combo.

My Sony VAIO PC does such a fantastic job of converting analog to DVD using GigaPocket. Its quite time consuming but the quality is 1000 times better than Panny.

Recently I recommended someone not to get Panny but look for Toshiba.

I have a DVD player from Panny RP56 which is fantastic -- its been 5 years and its working great! I have a 27 inch TV from Panny which is 14 years old. My RCA TV died in 1.5 year and GE VCR died in 5 years. Unpleasant experience with American brands.

With the more recent trend to large screen TVs and HDTV, videotaped recordings and dubbed videotaped recordings will be seen with many of the faults that were seldom noticed on a 25" or 27" CRT TV of ten or fifteen years ago.

Perhaps your DMR-ES35V might benefit from cleaning all four heads on the VHS drum, the two stationary heads in the tape path, various rollers and guides, including the rubber pinch roller.

While most agree that the Panasonic VHS mechanism in combo recorders is not of the same quality standard as was found in a good VCR of ten or fifteen years ago, I found the DMR-ES35V VHS section entirely satisfactory for around 85% of the titles I dubbed to DVD when I used the FUNCTIONS menu-initiated Time Limited and/or Flexible copying method. Most of my twenty years of home-recorded videotapes were found to have aged very well, excepting the problematic Sony T-160 "V" type tapes.

I usually set recording speeds that were the same as the original videotape. Upon playback the results were usually equal to or better than the original videotaped source material.

There is no advantage that a 2007 model Panasonic combo recorder has over a 2007 model Panasonic DVD recorder--due to the annoying limitations of the front panel control method for copying videotapes.

I am pleased that Panasonic offered full-featured combo recorders in 2006 (DMR-ES35V, DMR-ES45V, DMR-ES46V) and one full-featured combo recorder in 2005 (DMR-ES30V). Between three of my four DMR-ES35V and one of my two DMR-ES30V combo recorders there is an average of more than 3,000 recording hours per machine. One of my DMR-ES30V combo recorders has around 4,200 recording hours. "Recording hours" consists of direct recording from cable or antenna and dubbing/copying. I do not keep track of "playing" hours.

It's a shame that Panasonic stripped essential dubbing/copying features from the 2007 combo recorders (DMR-EZ37V, DMR-EZ47V, DMR-EZ475).

I keep hammering away at these issues in the hope that Panasonic will come to realize that Time Limited Dubbing/Copying and Flexible Recording Dubbing/Copying should be restored to future model combo recorders. I would hope that others with extensive dubbing projects, (past, present, or future) will also make their views known. Personally I will not purchase a new Panasonic combo recorder that does not have these essential features.

I bought the ES35V on Jan 19, 2007. The first week of Jan 2008 I recieved a letter from Panasonic stating that my 1 year warranty would be expiring...but they wanted nearly half of what I paid for this unit for a 2 year extended warranty so I declined. Sure enough...my unit began locking up on the exact date that it's 1 year warranty expired. I've only copied on about 30 DVD's and always used Memorex +R's and +RW but now it will not format OR finalize without errors or locking up.I can hear the DVD spinning and the unit grunting and grinding. Seems to play pre-recorded DVD's and DVD's that I've recorded and finalized on in the past OK. I called Panasonic and they sent me a letter on how to go about shipping this unit to them for repair. Just wondering if anyone else has had to ship a unit to them before and what to expect costs to be for repairs. What a shame...I liked this unit and trusted Panasonic for reliability but you'd think for the cost of a unit like this one would get alot more copying usage out of it that 30 or so 2-4 hour DVD's. I'm using blank +R DVD's from the very same package that I've recorded on with success in the past so I don't think that the DVD brand or the +R format is the problem but my last 10 or so attempts at formatting or finalizing result in the unit grinding or locking up entirely. A big disappointment with this unit.

Very common problem with Panasonic DVD recorders and usually can be fixed with just a spindle cleaning. For a easy check to see if it's disc slipping you could try my tip which is here.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=982378
Note I don't believe anyone around here is going to suggest your brand of discs. Memorex has about the worst rap of any of the discs, and I personally have had issues with the + media vs. the - media, which is more native to Panasonic.
My father bought a spindle of +R discs for his ES-30 and he said never again. He had such trouble with them he ended up throwing away the spindle. Shortly after he started having problems with -R discs as well. His machine needed to be cleaned I believe.

Buck,

Jeff is correct about the use of Memorex media. I have found a failure rate of one in every six Memorex DVD-R discs. I no longer use the Memorex brand.

Jeff is also correct about the use of DVD+ discs. I have found DVD+ discs to be more problematic than DVD- discs. I do not use DVD+R or DVD+RW discs.

I use TDK, Maxell or Verbatim DVD-R media for archival use. Most of what I record are early talkies through the film noir era, roughly from the 1929-1955 period. It is my view that if it's worth recording it's worth keeping. I do not use RW discs.

More advice: Don't shut up DVD recorders inside a cabinet. Keep them in the open with good ventilation. Don't smoke in the same room with DVD recorders. In a dusty or smoking environment the DVD drive (and VHS heads and tape path) may need more frequent cleaning than those used in cleaner environments.

Here is advice concerning DVD drives that seem to be failing but just need a spindle/hub cleaning:

http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=210507

Following those detailed instructions clean the lens, rubber and plastic spindle parts and hub area, and the circular guide in the DVD drive lid.

Panasonic 2006 and newer DVD drives are easy to service. Remove the case top cover to get access to the DVD drive. Remove the four small Phillips screws and lift the DVD drive top lid. When viewing the DVD drive from the front (where the tray rolls out) notice the roller assembly at the rear of the DVD tray. This mechanism must be positioned to the left corner before reassembly so these parts will be correctly aligned to the guide rail on the underside of the drive lid. With the 2006 and newer models opening of the Panasonic case, removing the DVD drive lid, cleaning the drive, closing the drive lid, and closing the case takes around fifteen minutes.

With 2005 or older models the case cover and the front panel assembly may need to be removed in order to give clearance for the DVD drive lid to be lifted somewhat at the front, slid forward, allowing the rear to disengage, following which the lid may be lifted off. The opaque plastic part at the left rear seems to be a retainer/guide. Allow around 35 minutes for opening the case, removal of the front panel after loosening the snap clips at the top, sides and bottom; removing the DVD drive lid; cleaning and reassembly.

Note: On a combo recorder be sure to hold the VHS door open as the front panel is fitted back into place. This will correctly align the VHS door opening mechanism.

Buck,

Three of my four functional DMR-ES35V models average more than 3,000 recording hours per machine. All have given outstanding service. Lately I set the three heavily used machines aside for servicing and, following that, standby use. The fourth DMR-ES35V is in regular daily use.

jjeff : WQW, I just tried your spit application and it worked like a charm ! That's amazing. I didn't see the "scuffing" on the inner hubs of the failed discs that I saved so I did as you said to do and ran spit on both sides of the inner hubs right up to the areas on the discs that are recordable and no grinding sounds...the unit was as quiet as a mouse.I was even able to finalize a disc that had twice failed finalizing. I checked the "spitted discs" after ejecting them and I didn't see any dust or dirt on them tho...and it'd be great if they'd make a spindle cleaner disc. My only concern is getting spit on the lens. Can you reccomend a good DVD lens cleaner just in case ? The only one I have is a Staples brand CD lens cleaner that I've had for a couple of years. I will also use your suggestion on a different brand and format of blanks...any suggestions on those ? I live in a small town so options are limited. I think the Staples here has Memorex, Sony, Maxell a a couple of other brands. I've always used the +R's as I do alotta dubbing/recording for friends and the +r have always been compatible with other older units. I'm not sure what the difference in +R vs -R is, exactly. In any case THANK YOU for the spit suggestion...ya may have saved me a service repair shipment. I have a disc in recording now...am anxious to see how the thubnail change, title edit and finalizing go. Thanks again.

Yup DigaDo...I have 3 other Panasonics...5 including the two cordless phones and never had a prob with any of them. I chose the ES35V because of prior good experience with Panasonic and it had the best user reviews of combos overall. After trying JJeffs suggestion it seems that my ES35V is just in need of cleaning and a change in DVD discs. I will try your cleaning instructions as well..and no more using Memorex or +R's. Are there any compatibility issues with -R's on older or non-Panasonic units ? Seems like when I bought my first blank DVD's the salesguy then told me that +R's were more likely to be compatible, and me...bein' DVD illeterate bought into it. Having more than one unit is a good idea as well. I got a 42" Sharp Aquos HD at Christmas and am in the market for a DVD recorder that can up-convert to 1080i. I've been checking out the Panasonic EZ line. Any suggestions from anybody on a DVD recorder with a HDMI terminal would be helpful. Thanks to all for the useful info.

Buck, glad to see my "unorthodox" fix worked for you. Like Digado said the best method is to take the machine apart and clean the spindle. It's really not that hard. The reason I use my technique on a couple of my DVDR's is they are so hard to get at the cabling and there's so much cabling around them it is in a very inconvenient place for service. When they get so bad I'll be forced to clean them correctly. But until then I'm being lazy.

No cd lens cleaners address the issue of spindle cleaning. The only way is to take the machine apart.
Also when using the saliva just a smear will do, like you said you don't want any to fly off the DVD on to the lens.

On the disc types I think your first sales guy got it backwards. Panny's have always preferred - media. It's only the more recent ones that even allowed use of +RW. My ES-30 does not do +RW, but does +R. Sounds like maybe the ES-35 was the first Panny to use +RW's. And on the compatibility issue with other players I've seen it stated that +R's are compatible with something like 95% of the players, while -R's are 97% compatible. Truthfully with any DVD player made within the last 5? years they both should be 100% compatible. It's just older players like my Apex that will not play any + media, or even -RW media. The only reason I use it is because it has discrete 5.1 channel outputs I run to old non Dolby amplifiers.

Unless you need the digital tuner on the new EZ series Panasonics I would stay clear from them. They are quite buggy. Those and I believe Digado has said the ES-40 was also a lemon. If you want upconverting(which IMO makes no difference compared to component cables) I would look for a used ES-25. I have one, as well as a ES-15(almost same but no upconvert) and they both have similar PQ hooked up to a Panasonic LCD TV.
I think the general consensus is upconverting on DVD recorders is more advertising hype than anything else. Although I'll have to admit it's nice to have one small cable that carries both video and audio.

If you have to have a new unit, and it doesn't have to be a Panasonic, and are willing to spend ~$300 the Philips 3575 is a good choice. It had a HDD, which if you have never used one is very handy indeed. Check out Wajo's extensive sticky thread.

Buck,

DVD-R was the original format for home recording. The DVD Forum (primarily product manufacturers) developed media format specifications to be compatible with existing DVD players. This remains the most compatible format to this day.

DVD+R media is a more recent format for home recording. It started entering the marketplace around the beginning of 2004. Manufacturers of DVD players and recorders gradually started offering products that supported this format. Panasonic claimed that their 2005 models could use DMR+R (but not DMR+RW discs). Some owners of 2005 Panasonic models (including me) found DVD+R discs less than friendly with their machines. Panasonic claimed that their 2006 models could use both DMR+R and DMR+RW discs. (By that time I had settled upon DVD-R discs.) I have read Panasonic owner comments (on this and other forums) concerning unpleasant experiences with DVD+ (R or RW) discs on their 2005-2007 models.

Toshiba is probably the last major manufacturer to add support for DVD+ media. Late last fall (when I visited Costco) I noticed that the product box for a Toshiba DVD recorder now claimed support for DVD+R and DVD+RW discs. Before that Toshiba products were limited to the DVD-R format.

On 25 January 2008 the DVD Forum "officially" recognized the DVD+R format.

Thanks very much. I bought a stack of 50 Maxell's this morn ( with the gold-colored face ) and a stack of 20 Maxell with the white printable face...both in the -R format. The only blank DVD's they offer in my town are Phillips, Memorex, Maxell, Sony, HP, and Staples brand names. I do have a Sony stand alone w/lightscribe attached to my computer and have borrowed 2 Verbatim lightscribe DVD's to record on in the past but the result on the 1st was a bright, washed out PQ...but after adjusting the black level controls on the ES45V from "normal" to "darker" the 2nd Verbatim lightscribe disc turned out great in PQ playback. In any case... My very 1st Maxell -R ever introduced to my unit this morning produced an error message after 15 seconds but heard no grinding, but then a message to hit "enter to self-check, to power off", to power on then "self-check failed" etc. I then put in the 2nd one down on the same stack...waited for "reading disc" and never got a prompt to "format disc" so I hit REC and it seems to be recording OK. I take it that -R's are "pre-formatted" or do not require the "format" feaTUre ? I'll wait a couple hours to let it record then will edit title, thumbnail and finalize. I tend to learn best via trial & error ( most errors on my part ) but you guys here have been most helpful. Thanks

Buck,

Jeff is correct about the use of Memorex media. I have found a failure rate of one in every six Memorex DVD-R discs. I no longer use the Memorex brand.

Jeff is also correct about the use of DVD+ discs. I have found DVD+ discs to be more problematic than DVD- discs. I do not use DVD+R or DVD+RW discs.

I use TDK, Maxell or Verbatim DVD-R media for archival use. Most of what I record are early talkies through the film noir era, roughly from the 1929-1955 period. It is my view that if it's worth recording it's worth keeping. I do not use RW discs.

More advice: Don't shut up DVD recorders inside a cabinet. Keep them in the open with good ventilation. Don't smoke in the same room with DVD recorders. In a dusty or smoking environment the DVD drive (and VHS heads and tape path) may need more frequent cleaning than those used in cleaner environments.

Here is advice concerning DVD drives that seem to be failing but just need a spindle/hub cleaning:

http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=210507

Following those detailed instructions clean the lens, rubber and plastic spindle parts and hub area, and the circular guide in the DVD drive lid.

Panasonic 2006 and newer DVD drives are easy to service. Remove the case top cover to get access to the DVD drive. Remove the four small Phillips screws and lift the DVD drive top lid. When viewing the DVD drive from the front (where the tray rolls out) notice the roller assembly at the rear of the DVD tray. This mechanism must be positioned to the left corner before reassembly so these parts will be correctly aligned to the guide rail on the underside of the drive lid. With the 2006 and newer models opening of the Panasonic case, removing the DVD drive lid, cleaning the drive, closing the drive lid, and closing the case takes around fifteen minutes.

With 2005 or older models the case cover and the front panel assembly may need to be removed in order to give clearance for the DVD drive lid to be lifted somewhat at the front, slid forward, allowing the rear to disengage, following which the lid may be lifted off. The opaque plastic part at the left rear seems to be a retainer/guide. Allow around 35 minutes for opening the case, removal of the front panel after loosening the snap clips at the top, sides and bottom; removing the DVD drive lid; cleaning and reassembly.

Note: On a combo recorder be sure to hold the VHS door open as the front panel is fitted back into place. This will correctly align the VHS door opening mechanism.

Yeah, I'm a tobacco user but go outside to smoke. My home IS located about 75 yards from a corn/soybean. wheat field tho and I do get alotta dust in the house when I fail to close the windows when we plow, disc or harvest and all of the forementioned does kick up dust. I also do have my ES45 in a 42" wide armoire in my LR but almost always keep the doors open. Now the 42" Aquos does generate alot of heat upwards so I took the ES45V and the DirectV recievers and moved them to a shelf underneath the TV where it's alot cooler. I have a Bose theater sound system resting on top of my armoire so am kinda lacking open-air space unless I put the ES45 on a TV tray...or something. I did find a small slimline low-attage chepo plastic fan that I put in back of the ES and DirectV recievers to help circulate air on that lower shelf. I had read a few complaints that the ES45 runs hot...but mine hasn't...when I place the palm of my hand on the top of the unit, it's generally always cool to the touch...unless whenever I've done alot of simulataeous recordings. I always "power off" after recording.

Whoops...after re-reading my post...am posting about the ES35V...I hit the wrong key and inadvertantly typed ES45. My Bad

No - discs do not need to be formatted like + media does. I've used the gold Maxell discs you described and have never had a bad one yet. Truth be told I've never noticed any difference in PQ with any disc. I would think if it would record they should all look the same. I personally have been very lucky with just about any - media in my Panasonics. When I first bought my unit years ago I bought a 25 spindle of +R discs but didn't like the visual scan speeds, so I stuck with the - variety, my choice had nothing to do with the quality of the recording.
I'm thinking since your first Maxell did not read well you may need to break out the screwdriver and clean your spindle correctly. If you're not comfortable doing this maybe you could cokes a friend into giving you a hand? I really think your machine just needs a little maintenance. I've also got that "self-check" error and if you get it with a R (not RW or RAM disc) it has basically created a coaster. More than likely it will have wiped out your disc and made it unfinalizable. This used to happen to me frequently before either cleaning the spindle, or premoistening the spindle area of each disc.
Oh and for experimenting I prefer to use -RW's(or RAM's work too, or even +RW's). That way you're not potentially wasting a disc if the machine craps out. You just may need to reformat the disc. No sense making more coasters than you need to.

I have a 6 pk of RW's for over a year and have only used one. Like you, I don't do alot of deleting, re-recording and 99% of what I record is off of DierctV. I did have some probs at first with dubbing old VHS tapes that were probably recorded on a 2 head VCR...there was alotta skipping and noise. I rectified that situation by pluggin' my old Panny VHS to Input 2 and got excellent results...PLUS the advantages of being able to press "pause/play" on the ES35's remote to edit out commercials on my old VHS's. The 1st ES35 I bought at Best Buy via shipment and when I opened it I could tell it was a return as the RCA cables were gone and other packages opened. I went ahead and installed it tho AFTER I called Best Buy on it and the only thing wrong with was that the VCR door jammed. I was impressed with everything else. A week or to later I returned the opened unit and got one ( my current one ) that hadn't been opened and yeah, I like this ES35V...considering all the probs out there with combos. My first try was a RCA combo and I had major probs with it from the git-go and am glad I exchanged for the ES35V. Like Jjeff, am kinda lazy about un-connecting and tearin' into mine to clean spindle/hubs but am just glad to read that it's not a big prob. I have to wonder tho...how many users have junked their units over somethin' like a simple interior cleaning. Thanks again.

FYI ... the 2nd blank Maxell down worked out flawlessly. Maybe after a full year of using +R's it freaked when I inserted a -R ? LOL. All seems to be well as my 2nd attempt with Maxell -R was a sucess as well...and without spit.

Dang...if I woulda known that -R's didn't need to be formatted...I woulda started out using them. One less task to do, and I'll assume a bit less wear on the DVD drive.

Buck, I stand a little corrected. -R discs do not need to be formatted before use, but -RW's do. It's just been so long since I've used a new one I had kinda forgot until I got to thinking about it.

I have a question about this model and DVD DL discs. I have a 2 hour program I'd like to record. I have already recorded it to a SL DVD, but wasn't very pleased with the quality (recorded SD time). If I use a DL disc, would I be able to use the highest level of quality and still fit 2 hours on it? Essentially, if I used a DL disc, would I see better quality results?

ETA: That is, if I paused the program at 1 hour to switch to the second layer. Or something like that :)

Hopefully someone who actually has a ES35 and records to DL discs will reply, but I'll try with what I know. First a DL disc will not give you 2hr in XP. I think it's something like 1hr 45? min. So your 2hr program would need to be recorded in FR to gain you anything.
I'm sure that on any Panny before the EZ-x8 series you needed to close the first layer before being able to record to the second. That being said I'm not sure how you'd use FR in that case, since closing might reset your FR?
I suppose you should see a benefit using FR. In your case I'd call it something like FR1.25, that is not quite XP, but better than SP.
I'm not sure what you're trying to record but personally I've been quite pleased with SP, that being said if I'm only recording a 1hr TV program I will probably use XP. I tend to only record one event per my timeshifting discs. I figure I'm going to erase them anyway so why not get the best.
To do a test I'd suggest you take a regular reusable disc and set up a flexible recording for 1hr 15 min. Look at the PQ, if you think it's that much better than SP you could try your DL recording, but again I'm not positive how you're going to setup the FR. Again maybe someone else has done this and can report.
Note I have a ES-25(I think the same year as yours, '05) that is "supposed" to record to DL discs. I tried it several times with different discs but none would work. It kept saying the disc would need to be formatted. I let it format the disc but it was a continuous loop. DL discs do work in the EZ machines, at least when I did a test but that was the only time I've used them.
Good luck!

The program is figure skating, which has a lot of fast movement, which is why I suspect I can see more compression artifacts than usual. Though, in general, I tend to have a very critical eye with compression. I'll do a test with a DL disc and see what happens. Thanks!

Jeff,

Just to clarify, the DMR-ES35V is a 2006 model introduced in May 2006. Your DMR-ES25 is also a 2006 model, notice the first number in the serial number is a "6."

I haven't used DL discs so I can't address that situation.

With the outstanding Panasonic picture quality I shouldn't think that XP is that much of an improvement over SP.

The program is figure skating, which has a lot of fast movement, which is why I suspect I can see more compression artifacts than usual. Though, in general, I tend to have a very critical eye with compression. I'll do a test with a DL disc and see what happens. Thanks!
Oh, a fellow figure skating recorder. I actually record a lot of figure skating. If it's on ESPN then I have a neighbor record it on one of my Panny DVDR's that I have borrow him to use, if he lets me record the occasional program.
Recording off analog cable ESPN I get OK results up to about 3hrs/disc. SP is a little better and I haven't tried XP since I'm not around to swap the DVD and all events are at least 2hrs, most being 3hrs.

If the event is on OTA(like the nationals) I was able to record from NBC's wonderful HD feed. Those I record to my EZ Panasonic w/digital tuner. IMO recording off HD feed at LP is probably better than XP off analog cable. The WS is one benefit and the overall clarity is another. That said I really like to use SP and get excellent results.
At times I've been tempted to pay my neighbor to upgrade his cable to digital HD, but figure their would be much hassle making sure the box was on the correct channel. With the current situation it's no worry, as long as he has my DVD in the tray at the right time.

So if I were you instead of worrying about speed I'd really concentrate on the source. Once you've seen skating recorded off a HD channel you won't want to go back.
If you're recording OTA I would strongly suggest something like a CECB to hook up to your Panny's line in. For ~$40 you will be able to record HD channels to your ES-35 and you won't believe the quality. If you're cable I would probably suggest a digital cable box that gets ESPN in HD. I would imagine it would be similar PQ to OTA HD.

OK the word's out, I record figure skating:D It was actually my wife that got me watching it and I have to admit I've kinda gotten to like it. I was upset when ABC dropped the Grand Prix and put it on ESPN. Kinda of a hassle for me recording ESPN but doable.
Oh I bet you're talking about recording the Worlds this weekend. I have it setup too but I think I might have already recorded it. To tell the truth we are very behind on skating. Just last night we finished the Ladies Long of the Nationals:D Last year we didn't see the Worlds until July:eek: I never read the sports section of the paper and figure skating is hardly covered on the local news so it's all new to us, even if 4 months old;)
P.S. we went to the Nationals exhibition when it was in town a few months ago. It was in my back yard, St. Paul MN. Wonderful program, we'll probably be watching it on tape in a few weeks:D Too bad about Kimi

Hey guys, I am planning on buying this used but it does not come with a remote. Can you still dub from VHS to DVD without using a remote? And would a universal remote work?

Johnny13oi,

There are a number of specialized functions and menus on a DMR-ES35V that most universal remotes may not control.

A universal "learning" remote may be taught this functionality from a Panasonic 2005, 2006 or 2007 model DVD recorder or combo recorder remote. The appropriate Panasonic remotes are 2005 models beginning with EUR7720, or 2006-2007 models beginning with EUR7659. Remote model numbers are found on the front of 2005 remotes and the back of 2006-2007 remotes (just below the battery cover release).

I might suggest the Philips PMDVD6 six device learning remote. I use this remote to control one of my Panasonic DVD recorders and one of my TVs. This remote was purchased at a local Kroger-owned store for $9.74. It may be found online for even less. The Philips assigned Panasonic 0340 DVD code will allow this learning remote to operate just a few DMR-ES35V commands. Following that you must teach the remote the missing commands from an original Panasonic remote. At the very least you will need to teach the learning remote the FUNCTIONS command to access setup menus, copy menus and DVD management operations; SCHEDULE for programming timer recordings; DIRECT NAVIGATOR for accessing DVD titles; REC MODE for setting recording speeds; STATUS for displaying information; SKIP and SEARCH, each with forward and back commands, for manuveuvering within titles; as well as some other commands. (The Philips remote includes a functional open/close button for the DVD tray. Panasonic does not include this command on their DVD recorder and combo recorder remotes.)

If you purchase the Panasonic DMR-ES35V without a remote perhaps you might mention your location on this Forum so that a local Panasonic owner may offer to help you teach a learning remote the functions you will certainly need.

With such a full-featured product as the DMR-ES35V, study of the Operating Instructions is a necessity. A PDF version of this manual may be found and downloaded to your computer hard drive from this Panasonic Support website page:

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/support/Operating-Instructions/details-DMR-ES35VS

I have four functional DMR-ES35V models. Some of mine were purchased "Factory Refurbished by Panasonic," and some were purchased "used" (without warranty). I also purchased two additional "AS-IS" DMR-ES35V models just for parts.

Before, during, or after my ten month long dubbing project it was necessary, for those DMR-ES35V models purchased "used," to make adjustments or realignments (to front panel circuit board/chassis motherboard contacts and VHS mechanisms); swap parts (VHS mechanisms, front panel circuit boards, chassis motherboards); unsolder/resolder and swap front panel circuit board mini-switches; and give attention to other problems as necessary. Two DVD drives from the parts DMR-ES35V models were swapped into two of my DMR-ES15 models that were purchased "used," but with defective DVD drives. With this TLC I have eight functional DMR-ES35V and DMR-ES15 models. These are 2006 models. (I also have Panasonic combo recorder models from 2005 and DVD recorder models from 2007.)

Some of my Panasonics, for the most part those purchased new or refurbished, have needed little else but DVD drive hub/spindle cleaning, even with very heavy use. (In several threads I have given details/links concerning the hub/spindle cleaning procedure.) With the exception of one DMR-ES30V (a 2005 combo recorder that had its DVD drive replaced under warranty by Panasonic after eleven months use) new and "refurbished" Panasonics have performed flawlessly. Six of my most heavily used Panasonics (three of them DMR-ES35V models) average more than 3,000 recording hours per machine. One DMR-ES30V has more than 4,200 recording hours.

While the DMR-ES35V is an outstanding product, one has evidenced leakage from the largest electrolytic capacitor in the power supply, the replacement of which requires certain skills. As a preventative measure I have replaced a leaking power supply capacitor in three DMR-ES15 models. The capacitor replacement procedure requires disassembly to the extent of removal of the chassis motherboard from a DMR-ES15 or removal of the right chassis motherboard from a DMR-ES35V. In either model this procedure requires certain cautions, soldering skills, and somewhat more than an hours' work with each machine. In another thread I have described this detailed procedure:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14452857#post14452857

Combo recorders have left and right chassis motherboards with conductive bridges/connectors between the motherboards. On a combo recorder be sure to hold the VHS door open when fitting the front panel back to the case. This will assure the correct alignment of the VHS door lifting mechanism.

My advice is to purchase a DMR-ES35V "Factory Refurbished by Panasonic" with a "Panasonic Warranty" from a "Panasonic Authorized Reseller" before considering a "used" model. A refurbished DMR-ES35V may be found at a reasonable price on eBay or other online sources.

Wow thank you very much for the very long but informative write up. And such a quick reply too. Thank you. I myself am pretty familiar with electronics and can open things up and resolder things if need be. But I would rather get something that is guaranteed to work. Thank you for your suggestions.

Johnny13oi,

Since posting my earlier advice I've checked a few online sources for "refurbished by Panasonic" combo recorders from the 2006 model year. I find that DMR-ES35V models are not found as often as two other 2006 Panasonic combo recorders, the full-featured DMR-ES45V and DMR-ES46V models, both with HDMI and upconverting. (The DMR-ES46V comes with a HDMI cable but the DMR-ES45V does not. Otherwise these models are identical.)

These 2006 models have analog tuners that will continue to be useful into the future when connected to cable boxes, satellite receivers, or the new OTA digital-to-analog converter boxes that are now appearing in the marketplace.

The 2007 Panasonics have analog and digital tuners. I have two DMR-EZ17 DVD recorders. While I am impressed with the digital tuners in these 2007 models, I do not reccommend these models due to various bugs and design flaws. (There are several other threads where these problems are discussed at length.) The 2007 model combo recorders, DMR-EZ37V, DMR-EZ47V and DMR-EZ475, were stripped of two essential copying features, menu-initiated Time Limited Copying and Flexible Copying. (The copying limitations of Panasonic 2007 model combo recorders have also been detailed in several other threads.)

My unit has the same issue as others already reported, black line when dubbing VHS to DVD , I exchanged the unit and the same thing is happening. I have a multi unit (NTSC and PAL). Did anyone solve this before?

I am having a problem with my remote control of my DMR-ES35V - IT WON'T WORK! Whenever I push ANY button on my remote the message "SET 1" comes up on the display. I have replace the batteries, unpluged the unit to try and reset it and tried to enter new codes, but nothing has worked - I just get the message "SET 1."

Any ideas? As you all know, without a remote control, the unit is rendered almost useless.

The remote has been changed to something other than remote code 1. Pannys have the ability to have 3 different remote codes and if your remote code does not match your machine you will get this message.
It should be in the manual how to change it back, but I think it's something like holding down the number key on the remote which you want to change the code to (in your example that would be #1, then holding down the center enter key, then release both. I think this is the sequence, I don't have access to a manual right now. Good luck!

JJeff is correct. Press the enter key, and while holding it down press the #1 key for about 2 seconds, and that should reset the remote to remote control code 1.

If you want, once you get the remote reset, you can go into setup and set the remote control code to 1, 2 or 3, and then change the remote using the method above. This is handy if you have more than 1 Panasonic unit and they are all responding to the same remote.

Anyone who seriously wants to buy a good DVD/VHS combo should look thru DigaDo's very informative posts, and start hunting for the better-grade but discontinued Panasonics he recommends. If you're willing to spend the money, the Canadian Pioneer x50/x60 series and Panasonic DMR-EH55 etc are excellent DVD/HDD recorders with few problems (assuming you can find one). The current Phillips 3576/Magnavox H2160 are OK, otherwise everything left on USA shelves is degraded junk: the ATSC tuners are a universal joke that cannot be relied on- you're better off buying an older, better grade recorder second hand and getting an outboard ATSC box for it.

The Panasonics that became my workhorses included a 2005 model, the DMR-ES30V combo recorder and two 2006 models, the DMR-ES15 DVD recorder and the DMR-ES35V combo recorder. The 2006 Panasonic DVD recorder line included other DVD recorders, combo recorders, and DVD/Hard Drive recorders; all outstanding full-featured products. (Since this thread is dealing primarily with combo recorders I will name all the Panasonic 2006 full-featured combo recorders, DMR-ES35V, DMR-ES45V, DMR-ES46V.)

Some of my Panasonics were purchased new, some refurbished by Panasonic, and some used. With my extensive dubbing project and continuing time-shifting I placed huge demands upon my Panasonics. I also purchased parts machines so I might deal with problems that might arise after original warranties expired. I learned how to service, swap parts and make repairs to keep my Panasonics functional.

My six most heavily used Panasonics average more than 3,000 recording hours per machine. My first DMR-ES30V has more than 4,300 recording hours since new. These six "high use" machines are still functional today but they are semi-retired, having been set aside for standby service. My nine other functional Panasonics are rotated in and out of service to equalize recording hours and service intervals.

From time to time one may come across new Panasonics of the 2006 model year offered by online sellers. Panasonic's last DVD/HDD recorders may still be found new at retail stores or online in Canada. These models are very much the same as those being sold in the USA in 2006 and early 2007. Sometimes 2006 models "refurbished by Panasonic" may be found online. Be aware that 2006 and earlier models do not have digital tuners.

I would be confident in purchasing Panasonic refurbished products if all these conditions are present:

1-The product is "Refurbished by Panasonic" (it will come in a brown "Panasonic" box--not a blue and white Panasonic retail box)
2-The product comes with a "Panasonic 90-day refurbished product warranty"
3-The product is being sold by a "Panasonic Authorized Reseller"

Such "Refurbished by Panasonic" products are in new functional condition. Beware of used or "refurbished" machines without a Panasonic warranty or offered by sellers that do not have a clearly stated exchange/refund policy for defective products and/or a customer satisfaction exchange/refund policy.

I have a Panasonic DMR-ES35V DVD/VCR recorder and have been getting U61 error. I checked the user guide and it states "There was a power failure, the unit is reseting itself, the unit is not broken. Called Panasonic and they gave some thing to try, no luck. Took the unit apart and saw what appeared to be a leaky capacitor. Can a leaky cap cause this error?
Can there be other reasons for U61 error?

jozien

I have a Panasonic DMR-ES35V DVD/VCR recorder and have been getting U61 error. I checked the user guide and it states "There was a power failure, the unit is reseting itself, the unit is not broken. Called Panasonic and they gave some thing to try, no luck. Took the unit apart and saw what appeared to be a leaky capacitor. Can a leaky cap cause this error?
Can there be other reasons for U61 error?

jozien

In my posts in the below linked thread I attached some photos that I thought showed leakage of the largest electrolytic capacitor in the power supply section of a DMR-ES35V. Others pointed out that the material I thought was leakage was resin used in the manufacturing process to keep the capacitor in place. The capacitor discussions, including attached or linked photos are found in this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1055111

I have a different DMR-ES35V that did have substantial leakage from the largest power supply electrolytic capacitor (C11108). I replaced that capacitor but did not take photos at the time. (An after-the-fact photo of that cleaned-up capacitor is found attached to one of my posts in the above linked thread.) The DMR-ES35V that received a new C11108 capacitor displayed the U61 error before and after capacitor replacement.

Subsequent to the capacitor replacement I found that the U61 error may be related to a problem with the digital circuit board found on a sub-platform under the DVD drive on a DMR-ES35V. This digital circuit board bears the number VEP79132. I have just revised an earlier post in the "DMR-ES15 and U61 Error" thread attaching a photo of that model's main board. I also give advice concerning parts machines. See this post:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13360104#post13360104

Today I added another post to that thread. That post expands upon the earlier posts and attaches photos showing top and bottom views of the VEP79132 board:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14762450#post14762450

In the following post I mention the extent of parts swapping, adjustments and repairs with my DMR-ES35V and DMR-ES15 models:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13706919#post13706919

If there is no source for parts swapping one must consider whether it is feasible to use the $130 flat-rate repair offered by the corporate Panasonic Service Center in Elk Grove Village IL, or to purchase a new or "refurbished by Panasonic" machine (see above post #117 for more information about refurbished Panasonics).

The following post describes the disadvantages of taking a Panasonic to a local "authorized" shop and the advantages of the Panasonic Service Center at Elk Grove Village:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1056657

I had just started to record on the dvd when the U61 error code appeared. Unlike the prior post, I had no power interruption. I have unplugged the unit over night, held down the power button to reset, and still get the U61 code.

Suggestions? I can get a simple player/recorder at Costco for $100, so any alternatives to replacing the unit? I seldom use the VCR portion any more, just the DVD recorder/player.

Your DMR-ES35V U61 error may or may not be related to a problem in the power supply but is more likely related to a problem with the VEP79132 "digital pcb." Without a good source of replacement parts your options are limited.

In other posts, discussing more recent combo recorder models, a number of posters (myself included) have observed that there is little advantage to current model combo recorders for the purpose of copying videotaped recordings. A separate VCR connected to a DVD recorder offers greater flexibility. Since you do not use the VHS section very often then a DVD recorder becomes your replacement option.

Now and then "Refurbished by Panasonic" products may be found on eBay or other online sources. Most often these Panasonics are of the 2007 model year. These machines, with a "7" in their model name (DVD recorders DMR-EZ17 and DMR-EZ27, and DVD/VHS combo recorders DMR-EZ37, DMR-EZ47 and DMR-EZ475) are often bug-laden and have a number of design flaws. When these machines are refurbished by Panasonic they are brought back into new operational condition and the latest firmware updates are loaded. These machines maintain the usual outstanding Panasonic picture quality but refurbishing may not remedy all the bugs and built in design flaws. Occasionally the 2008 models may be found. The 2008 models have an "8" in their model name (DVD recorder model DMR-EZ28 and DVD/VHS combo recorder model DMR-EZ48--note that tunerless models use the "EA" designation in the model name) have some of the same bugs but have been found to be more reliable than the 2007 models. (I currently own four DMR-EZ17 models and one DMR-EZ28 model in addition to my 2005 and 2006 models.)

Customer returns of 2007 and 2008 Panasonic models, often at reasonable prices, are found on eBay under several DealTree Texas and California identities. Be sure to read the item condition descriptions carefully. Your DMR-ES35V remote works with earlier and later Panasonic models (in the event that you secure a later Panasonic that lacks a remote). There have been some recent discussions of DealTree machines found in several posts, beginning here and continuing on with several more posts:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14813933#post14813933

Yes, there are a variety of inexpensive new tunerless machines in the under $100 range. With these models you get what you pay for.

A better alternative to these entry-level products are the Philips 3575/3576 and Magnavox H2160 models that offer hard drive and DVD recording, editing and dubbing. These may be purchased in the $200 to $250 range, bargains at those prices. There are other very helpful AVS Forum threads that discuss these models in great detail, including these:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940657

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1054933

I have one Philips 3575, a "renewed" 2007 model purchased directly from Philips for $199, including shipping; and a Magnavox H2160, a 2009 model (MW9) purchased online from walmart.com for $239.98, plus $4.97 shipping:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10104532

Five photos of my DMR-ES35V parts machine #1 are attached to this post.

This DMR-ES35V parts machine no longer has a VHS mechanism (normally mounted atop the left chassis motherboard). The DVD drive (normally mounted atop the “Digital PCB” platform at the right) gave good service after being installed in a DMR-ES15. This DMR-ES35V still has the “Digital PCB,” a Panasonic's brain. This particular “Digital PCB” is thought to be defective ("Abby Normal Something" according to Marty Feldman as "Igor" in "Young Frankenstein).

Photo #1 is a view from the front with the front panel removed.

Photo #2 is a top view of the “Digital PCB” and a portion of the left and right chassis motherboards. Notice the conductive bridges between the two motherboards. The bridges are disconnected by grasping the ends of the bridge connector and pulling upward. Those with a discerning eye will notice that the largest electrolytic capacitor in the power supply section, just to the left of the “Digital PCB” platform, is missing. The missing capacitor is C11108. I find it interesting that Panasonic has a space dedicated to a companion capacitor and the motherboard even has the space labeled C11107. (The DMR-ES30V model from 2005 has large matching electrolytic capacitors in the power supply, mounted on a platform found at the rear center of that model.)

Photo #3 is an overview from the rear of the left chassis motherboard. Notice the large black plastic assembly at the upper left. That is the rear of the display assembly seen in photo #1. To the right of the display assembly is the left front panel circuit board. Toward the lower left of this circuit board is seen the black plastic contact assembly between the left front panel circuit board and the left chassis motherboard.

Photo #4 is a closer view of the left front panel circuit board. Toward the lower left will be seen the beige plastic contact strip. At the ends of the contact strip are pointed guides that facilitate the correct alignment of the contacts with the chassis motherboard contact assembly seen in photo #3. The pencil points to the right end of this circuit board where there should be a vertical stub for the VHS EJECT mini-switch. A previous user pressed the VHS EJECT button so vigorously that this portion of the circuit board broke right off. This is of no consequence here as this machine’s brain is defective and the VHS mechanism and even the VHS door are missing. The POWER mini-switch from this circuit board now resides in another DMR-ES35V.

Photo #5 is a close view of the right front panel circuit board. At the right side notice the upper stub portion of the circuit board. That stub carries the DVD tray OPEN/CLOSE mini-switch, similar in design and positioning to the VHS EJECT portion missing from the left front panel circuit board seen in photo #4.

DMR-ES45V and DMR-ES46V models are similar in appearance to a DMR-ES35V.

The earlier post featuring my DMR-ES35V parts machine #1 did not mention that that machine was assembled from less than the best parts pulled from other machines. Of course that machine is not functional.

Attached to this post are three views of my DMR-ES35V parts machine #2 purchased AS-IS in October 2007. Parts #2 is a complete machine that has given up some of its best parts swapped to other machines for one reason or another. What parts currently found in parts #2 are original to this machine? The chassis, the left chassis motherboard, the rear panel and its original DVD drive has just been reinstalled. What parts are from other machines? The VHS mechanism, the front panel, the right chassis motherboard, the right front panel circuit board, the left front panel circuit board, the "Digital PCB" (replacing the original and one other problematic "Digital PCB" that also gave the U61 error with a failed "self-check" and unresponsive to front panel and remote control buttons), the power mini-switch and the case top. The largest electrolytic capacitor in the power supply section of the right chassis motherboard was replaced in February 2008.

What problems prevent parts #2 from being functional? The current "Digital PCB" also gives the U61 error as did the two before it. While the Operating Instructions play down the serious nature of the U61 problem there are only isolated reports that Panasonics may recover from this error. The "Digital PCB" resides within the platform under the DVD drive, as seen in the parts machine #1 photos found in the earlier post.

The DVD drive pictured in parts #2 is original to this machine but had been installed in December 2007 in one of two DMR-ES15 models purchased with bad DVD drives. This DVD drive gave good service in that ES15 until August 2008 when it experienced a laser failure. The DVD Drive was removed from that ES15 and set aside. A few days ago I swapped in different lens assembies (used parts of unknown condition) into this and one other set-aside DVD drive. Unfortunately this machine's U61 error prevents further testing to determine if the original DVD drive is once again functional.

The attached photos of parts #2 may be of some interest, especially when compared with those of parts #1 found in the earlier post.

Is there any way to make this system play PAL discs?
Thanks

Hi DigaDo!

Could you recommend a good quality DVD recorder/VHS combo that has a digital tuner and can 'dub' VHS tapes to DVD? I want to use it with an Onkyo TX-SR706 receiver and a Sony KDL-46XBR5 LCD display. It's mostly for my wife, who does most of the TV viewing, and viewing 'commercial' DVD movies. Price no problem, but reliability is a concern. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Hi DigaDo!

Could you recommend a good quality DVD recorder/VHS combo that has a digital tuner and can 'dub' VHS tapes to DVD? I want to use it with an Onkyo TX-SR706 receiver and a Sony KDL-46XBR5 LCD display. It's mostly for my wife, who does most of the TV viewing, and viewing 'commercial' DVD movies. Price no problem, but reliability is a concern. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

The current Panasonic DMR-EZ48, and its Sams Club/Costco variant DMR-EZ485, is an analog/digital tuner product that some owners praise and other owners condemn.

In my 10/21/08 post (#121 above) I observe that "there is little advantage to current model combo recorders for the purpose of copying videotaped recordings. A separate VCR connected to a DVD recorder offers greater flexibility."

The DMR-EZ48 is able to dub VHS tapes to DVD but I do not recommend it for that purpose for a variety of reasons, mainly the starting and stopping of the DVD recording resulting in a new DVD "title" with repetition of material recorded to DVD at VHS index marks and other places deemed to be the beginning and ending of programs. The front panel dubbing control is not user friendly because it does not allow the user to customize certain settings and it requires more user supervision than the older Panasonic combo recorders I used in my large dubbing project. I've detailed these and other annoyances in other posts.

Nevertheless, the DMR-EZ48 is capable of producing recordings with very good picture quality. It is often found at discounted prices. As I write our current local Best Buy ad has the DMR-EZ48 for around $260 (still somewhat overpriced when compared to Philips and Magnavox HDD/DVD recorders). Ebay has several "Panasonic Authorized Dealers/Resellers" offering the DMR-EZ48 "Refurbished By Panasonic" with a "Panasonic Refurbished Product Warranty" priced in the $114 to $145 range, some offering free shipping, that makes the DMR-EZ48 a more attractive machine.

I currently have five EZ series Panasonics in daily use with several older ES series Panasonics set aside for standby use or rotation into service. I currently have one Philips 3575 and one Magnavox H2160 in daily use. Both are HDD/DVD models with analog/digital tuners. Another Magnavox HDD/DVD analog/digital tuner model has been ordered but has not yet been shipped.

Hi DigaDo!

Many thanks for the suggestions! I'll do some 'research' on a separate DVD recorder, as we have a couple of VHS decks. If you have time, what's a very good DVD recorder?

Thanks again,

Dave P.

Hi DigaDo!

Many thanks for the suggestions! I'll do some 'research' on a separate DVD recorder, as we have a couple of VHS decks. If you have time, what's a very good DVD recorder?

Thanks again,

Dave P.

I don't usually recommend models or brands with which I have no personal experience. My 10/21/08 post (#121 above) has been revised to address your question.

I bought this unit about 2.5 years ago, and have had no end of problems with it. (I'll spare you the gory details.) The latest, and final straw, is that the DVD player simply won't work. Every DVD I put in it causes the error "Bad DVD" (even closing the drawer with no DVD in it). But I have a few DVD's that have not yet been "finalized", so they can't be played in any other players. Is there any way to fix this, or do I have to throw away those DVD's? Anyone in San Francisco who can finalize these for me? I am not willing to buy another unit, since it appears to be a lemon.

I bought this unit about 2.5 years ago, and have had no end of problems with it. (I'll spare you the gory details.) The latest, and final straw, is that the DVD player simply won't work. Every DVD I put in it causes the error "Bad DVD" (even closing the drawer with no DVD in it). But I have a few DVD's that have not yet been "finalized", so they can't be played in any other players. Is there any way to fix this, or do I have to throw away those DVD's? Anyone in San Francisco who can finalize these for me? I am not willing to buy another unit, since it appears to be a lemon.

I have five functional DMR-ES35V combo recorders. These have proven to be very reliable workhorses. Three of my DMR-ES35V combo recorders have accumulated more than 3,000 recording hours per machine. I regularly clean their DVD drive rubber hubs at eight to ten month intervals. Many report that this fifteen minute procedure returns their Panasonics to like-new performance.

If the Panasonic has regular read/write/finalizing failures this is often an indicator that the DVD drive needs its rubber hub cleaned. If the DVD drive makes "grinding" or "scrubbing" noises these are also indicators that the rubber hub is due for cleaning. In this and the posts that follow it I provide advice, photos and a link to the Saint Baz hub/spindle cleaning procedure.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14479898#post14479898

If the DVD drive makes loud "clunking" or "chugging" noises this indicates that the DVD drive lens may be dirty or the lens assembly has failed. The lens may be cleaned at the same time as the rubber hub is cleaned. If cleaning the lens does not correct the problems then the lens assembly or the Digital PCB may have failed. If either component has failed this indicates that the RFKNES35VP RAM/DIGITAL PCB MODULE may require replacement. That "module" is priced at $458.67 for parts alone through a local "authorized" shop!

Panasonic offers a $130 flat-rate repair through their corporate Panasonic Digital Service Centers in Elgin and Elk Grove Village Illiniois. The $130 flat-rate includes all the parts and labor to return a Panasonic to new functional condition. The flat-rate also includes return shipping. See this post for more information:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14451738#post14451738

You may determine that $130 is not cost effective for a 2006 model but be aware that Panasonic's 2007 and newer EZ series combo recorders have been stripped of the FUNCTIONS, COPY menu-initiated internal copying features that provide for Time Limited and Flexible Copying, some of the many features that make the DMR-ES35V an outstanding product.

Be sure to see the cautions concerning having a Panasonic serviced/repaired at a local "authorized" shop. They may charge whatever they please for parts and labor.

You may not think that 2 1/2 trouble free years is much to expect but when it comes to DVDRs it's probably better than the norm. DVDRs unlike VCRs are just more prone to premature failure. At least with the Panasonics cleaning the spindle usually returns them to working condition in less than 1/2 hrs. work.
As mentioned if your machine has a bad PCB the $130 flat rate repair is probably your best bet for a quality machine of which nothing comparable is made today. If you want to give up on DVD recording all together then just list your unit on ebay describing the problem on and you're bound to get at least something for it. Probably not a lot since it's in need of repair, but at least it won't be going into a landfill.
If you want to keep recording you might want to look into a DVDR w/HDD. Currently only 2 new models are available in the US and they're covered in great detail in Wajos sticky thread. HDD recording generally is less prone to problems than direct to DVD recording.

I have a few DVD's that have not yet been "finalized", so they can't be played in any other players. Is there any way to fix this, or do I have to throw away those DVD's? Anyone in San Francisco who can finalize these for me? I am not willing to buy another unit, since it appears to be a lemon.

Try the hub cleaning, your machine may become like new again.

Another Panasonic may finalize your discs.

Is there someone in San Francisco that may help Straycat with this?

I lost the remote to the machine, and bought an universal remote in hopes that it would work.
It hasn't- does anyone know why or have the code so that it would work?
Thanks

I lost the remote to the machine, and bought an universal remote in hopes that it would work.
It hasn't- does anyone know why or have the code so that it would work?
Thanks

Universal remotes are almost worthless as they do not provide access to the specialized menus and commands for the many features of Panasonic DVD recorders and combo recorders.

Universal "learning" remotes may be taught all the commands from an original Panasonic remote. I've used the Philips PMDVD6 six device learning remote, around $10 at our local Fred Meyer (Kroger) stores, with Panasonic DVD and combo recorders and similar products.

If you mention your general location perhaps a local Panasonic owner may help you set up a learning remote to keep your DMR-ES35V functional.

Hello members:

I bought the Panasonic DVD Recorder-VCR Combo unit model "DMR-ES35V" thinking that it will last me along time. I paid $350 with taxes. After working for a little over one year, it has stopped reading DVDs. It does not even read DVD ram which was recorded by the same unit. I tried all types of DVDs but no avail.

I read that a bit of cleaning will help. I opened the unit and cleaned it gently in a prescribed way. It did not help. Can anyone help provide some guidelines on how to proceed. I do not have warranty coverage anymore.

Your help will be greatly appreciated.
Syd

Hello members:

I bought the Panasonic DVD Recorder-VCR Combo unit model "DMR-ES35V" thinking that it will last me along time. I paid $350 with taxes. After working for a little over one year, it has stopped reading DVDs. It does not even read DVD ram which was recorded by the same unit. I tried all types of DVDs but no avail.

I read that a bit of cleaning will help. I opened the unit and cleaned it gently in a prescribed way. It did not help. Can anyone help provide some guidelines on how to proceed. I do not have warranty coverage anymore.

Your help will be greatly appreciated.
Syd


If the lens and hub/spindle cleaning did not correct the problem there may be a failure of the laser assembly or a problem with the Digitial PCB. These problems are usually associated with the DVD Drive making "clunking" "chugging" or "errrp" noises and a front panel display of U61, U88 or U99 errors.

Did you make sure that you cleaned the rubber hub?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14479898#post14479898

Panasonic offers a $130 flat-rate repair through their Elgin Illinois Service Center:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1056657

I cleaned the DVD player thoroughly. Lens, rubber parts and it looks like brand new. Well it is brand new, very sporadically used. It was not too dirty since I live in a very clean environment where there is no dust and allergens. I am allergic to dust, pollens etc. The DVD player just dose not work. I get "No-read" error no matter what type of DVD I use.

I bought this because Leo Laporte the tech guy. (of twit.tv) told me this is a great device. Leo is my tech guru. Please help.

Regards
Syd.

The ES-35v like almost all the Panasonic ES series recorders has proven to be very reliable, but like everything it's possible you got a lemon:( Unfortunately it sounds like you have a bad DVD drive in which case a do-it-yourself fix or even time and material repair will be out of the question. Last I've read a DVD drive alone can cost upwards of $600. That's why the Panasonic flat rate repair of $130 is such a bargain. With a new drive your ES-35v could be good for 1000's of more hours of use.
The only catch may be if Panasonic wants to exchange your ES-35v for a comparable refurbished machine. In this case you'd probably be offered a EZ-48v which does have a digital tuner but also many bugs and quirks associated with the Panasonic EZ line. It's just I think Panasonic may only be repairing HDD machines and not HDD less like your ES-35v. If this happens I don't know what to tell you, the EZ-48v is not the caliber of machine of your ES-35v(even though yours didn't last that long). If thats the case I guess I'd seriously rethink the whole combo idea and maybe think of getting something like a Magnavox 2160a w/HDD (at times refurbished for $160 at J&R electronics) or if you wanted to be able to play your unfinalized DVDs or RAM discs I'd probably suggest the Panasonic EA-18(tunerless) or EZ-28 which has proven to be more reliable than the EZ-48v.
Only another Panasonic will play and finalize your unfinalized DVDs, a few other brands will play your RAM discs but not many and not the Maggy.

I cleaned the DVD player thoroughly. Lens, rubber parts and it looks like brand new. Well it is brand new, very sporadically used. It was not too dirty since I live in a very clean environment where there is no dust and allergens. I am allergic to dust, pollens etc. The DVD player just dose not work. I get "No-read" error no matter what type of DVD I use.

I bought this because Leo Laporte the tech guy. (of twit.tv) told me this is a great device. Leo is my tech guru. Please help.

Regards
Syd.

Leo was right. The DMR-ES35V is a great recorder. (I own six functional 2006 DMR-ES35V models.)

Listen to your DVD Drive. The sounds and error codes indicate the problem. If there is "clunking," "chugging" or "errrp" noises and U61, U88 or U99 errors displayed on the front panel the laser assembly has most likely failed. If the laser assembly has failed replacement is indicated. Do not take a DMR-ES35V to a local repair shop. The Panasonic-approved repair through a local shop would be extremely expensive. If the laser assembly has failed the Panasonic-approved repair calls for replacement of the RFKNES35VP RAM/DIGITAL PCB MODULE. Today's current price just for that parts module is $258.67, not including shipping or labor.

See my 1/22/2009 and 1/17/2010 posts on this same page for a link that provides contact and other information concerning the $130 flat-rate repair at the Panasonic Service Center in Elgin Illinois.

You should also consider the Magnavox 2160 HDD/DVD recorder that may be purchased for as little as $159.99 through J&R.com (when available). (I own four Magnavox 2160 models.) The first post in Wajo's sticky thread is the gateway to a wealth of information concerning the Magnavox 2160:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940657

Hi Guys, hopefully someone still monitors this posting board. I have a Panny DMR-ES35V unit and it has been a learning process, but for the better. My actual issue is not with the unit itself but with the remote. I have the EUR7659Y70 Panasonic Universal DVD/TV remote that shipped with the unit originally.

I have owned this unit since around 2007. It's been good, BUT I have never owned a Panasonic TV with it, neither a Sony, Mag or other brand name listed in the remotes (VERY LIMITED) code list for that matter.

My question is rather simple. Is there a newer edition to the remotes codes which might have one of my TVs listed?

Also if someone can tell me where to look for a list of current Manufacturers for cross reference. Such as Emerson makes GE and so on. It would be GREATLY appreciated!

I have owned this Panasonic DVD/VHS and remote for almost 4 years and have NEVER been able to use the remote with ANY of my TVs, but all my other items work fine with it. Thank you for any help! ~ Jim

Hi Guys, hopefully someone still monitors this posting board. I have a Panny DMR-ES35V unit and it has been a learning process, but for the better. My actual issue is not with the unit itself but with the remote. I have the EUR7659Y70 Panasonic Universal DVD/TV remote that shipped with the unit originally.

I have owned this unit since around 2007. It's been good, BUT I have never owned a Panasonic TV with it, neither a Sony, Mag or other brand name listed in the remotes (VERY LIMITED) code list for that matter.

My question is rather simple. Is there a newer edition to the remotes codes which might have one of my TVs listed?

Also if someone can tell me where to look for a list of current Manufacturers for cross reference. Such as Emerson makes GE and so on. It would be GREATLY appreciated!

I have owned this Panasonic DVD/VHS and remote for almost 4 years and have NEVER been able to use the remote with ANY of my TVs, but all my other items work fine with it. Thank you for any help! ~ Jim

Yes, the DMR-ES35V is still highly regarded and in widespread use. I own six DMR-ES35V models, all fully functional, three of them with more than 3,000 recording hours per machine. Three of my DMR-ES35V models are in current daily use and three are in a standby status. All told, I own fifteen functional Panasonic ES and EZ series recorders.

The original remote provided with the DMR-ES35V does have a rather limited number of compatible TVs (listed on page 19 of the Operating Instructions). There may be other brand TVs that may be controlled by the remote but those using code sets coming into use after that remote was produced would not be included in the existing code set in that remote.

In recent years Funai has produced Emerson and several other brands of consumer market electronics products:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funai

Ten of my Philips and Magnavox recorders were manufactured by Funai.

Also note that even though newer Panasonic DVDRs have more codes listed in the manual, those newer codes won't work in your older Panasonic remote, I tried:)
The Older Panasonic universal remote is mostly good for Panasonic and other major brand(like Sony etc,) TVs. I don't think it even has Vizio which didn't come into major acceptance until after that remote was made.

I use the remote from the old Panasonic E80 DVD recorder. I like the buttons better than the wheel, and it has an open/close button that I use a lot. They left that off the newer remotes for some reason. That button works even on my EH69! Anyway, I tried all the codes in sequence on this older remote, and I found a code that controls my Vizio televisions. This is an older remote that has only the two digit program codes. I don't have it handy, so I can't tell you what the code is. There is a fair chance that one of the codes will work.

It would really help if HailDarkLord would tell us what television(s) he is using.

Hi. I'm new and not very tech savvy, so bear with me. I have a Panasonic DMR-ES35V. Up to now, I've just used it as a "player" to play tapes and DVDs. Now, I have a number of old VHS tapes which I would like to transfer to DVD. Don't think I'll have too much problem there.

However, the problem comes with some football "game" tapes, which I would like to turn into a "highlights" DVD. You know, one play here, one play there. Little 2-3 second cuts/increments. I've been reading the manual trying to figure out the best way to do this. So far, it seems to say you can tell it how long to record. Program it to copy two seconds, and then again, and again?

My question is, is there any way to do this manually? That is, set up where I want the transfer to start, start recording, and manually pause or stop it 2-3-4 seconds later at the appropriate "cut"? And then set it up and do it again?

I could do this VHS to VHS or even old cassette tape to cassette tape -- but I'm not sure how to do it on this machine.

If there is a post that already addresses "manual" copying, please point me in the right direction. Or, feel free to walk me through it.

As I said, this is not my area, so any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

Hi. I'm new and not very tech savvy, so bear with me. I have a Panasonic DMR-ES35V. Up to now, I've just used it as a "player" to play tapes and DVDs. Now, I have a number of old VHS tapes which I would like to transfer to DVD. Don't think I'll have too much problem there.

However, the problem comes with some football "game" tapes, which I would like to turn into a "highlights" tape. You know, one play here, one play there. Little 2-3 second cuts/increments. I've been reading the manual trying to figure out the best way to do this. So far, it seems to say you can tell it how long to record. Program it to copy two seconds, and then again, and again?

My question is, is there any way to do this manually? That is, set up where I want the transfer to start, start recording, and manually pause or stop it 2-3-4 seconds later at the appropriate "cut"? And then set it up and do it again?

I could do this VHS to VHS or even old cassette tape to cassette tape -- but I'm not sure how to do it on this machine.

If there is a post that already addresses "manual" copying, please point me in the right direction. Or, feel free to walk me through it.

As I said, this is not my area, so any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

I should mention that I own six DMR-ES35V models. Three of them had very heavy use in a large selective dubbing project transferring around 5,200 videotaped titles to DVDs. For that purpose these DMR-ES35V recorders are outstanding workhorses. Three of my ES35 models remain in daily use while the other three, those that have each accumulated more than 3,000 recording hours, are set aside for standby use.

Your project is of a very different character than my project. Here are two different approaches to your project:

Using your DMR-ES35V to assemble a DVD compilation of such short clips you would connect a external VCR to a DMR-ES35V input. The connections would be with a composite output cable set, yellow for video and white/red audio to connect the VCR output to the corresponding composite inputs on rear panel (or front panel) of the DMR-ES35V. (If your VCR has a S-Video output that connection could be substituted for the yellow video connection. The white/red audio connections are also required when using a S-Video connection.) Then set the DMR-ES35V remote's INPUT SELECT button to be able to watch that input--the rear input is IN1 and the front input is IN2. Then cue up your video tapes to play your short clips. You should take extensive notes as to the order in which you want to record these short clips and their timings. Then start playing the videotape before the point where your clip plays. Then you will press the record button on the DMR-ES35 remote early enough that it will be recording when the portion you want to record starts playing. This will take some trial and error and a great deal of experimentation, quite labor intensive to produce a satisfactory DVD. Unfortunately this is about the best that can be done without a hard drive equipped recorder.

Now, with a hard drive equipped recorder, such as the Magnavox 2160 (like-new refurbished models are $159.00 at jr.com; or the Magnavox 513 (new models are $227 at walmart.com), this type of editing is greatly simplified. The same type of connections between a VCR and the Magnavox would be made. Then one could record longer portions of the videotaped material to the Magnavox model's internal hard drive. Then once all the recordings have been transferred to the hard drive one could closely edit and divide the recordings so that all the clips you wish to assemble are individual titles. Then these titles may be selected in whatever order you wish and high speed dubbed to a DVD. This will be an easier project that will produce much better compilation DVD(s).

I should also mention that I own seven very similar hard drive equipped DVD recorders, including four of the outstanding Magnavox 2160 models.

The first post in Wajo's sticky thread is the gateway to a wealth of information concerning Magnavox HDD/DVD recorders:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12244086#post12244086

Thanks for the reply, DigaDo.

But ... there's no way to do it within the same machine? It has to be from an outside source?

thanks

Thanks for the reply, DigaDo.

But ... there's no way to do it within the same machine? It has to be from an outside source?

thanks

Such a compilation of short clips is possible with the DMR-ES35V model's built-in VHS mechanism but the procedure is still clumsy. There are two approaches. The FUNCTIONS menu is best used with longer recordings of a specific length. The front panel COPY button is best used with shorter recordings but the problem remains with starting and stopping the DVD recording precisely where you wish. When recording direct to DVD such an editing and assembly process is too prone to mistakes that may not be corrected without discarding the DVD or deleting/erasing titles when using temporary type RW DVDs and starting over again.

When recording to the internal hard drive of a DVD recorder (those models with internal hard drives) the editing/dividing procedures allow one to make for a much more "polished" end product the very first time. If a mistake is made the original recordings remain on the hard drive where repeating the process to make corrections or revisions are easily and quickly accomplished.

With a direct to DVD recorder your project might take many days or weeks to produce a satisfactory product.

With a HDD/DVD recorder your project might take a few hours or a day to produce a quality product.

As Digado said, what you want to do is certainly possible with the ES-35v but editing short clips can get quite complicated because of the single display that is shared between the VHS and DVD side. The previous years model(ES-30v) had dual displays which greatly simplified internal copying.
I would really try and find a good VHS to tie to the ES-35v's line input, it should be much easier than trying to do it all with one machine. Note instead of using the dubbing button or even the FUNCTIONS method, I'd do it this way:
Select the DVD side with your remote, use the INPUT SELECT button to select the DVD side. Select the VHS side with your remote, push PLAY, select the DVD side with your remote, push REC to start the recording. If you want to search your VHS you'll need to pause your DVD side then switch back to the VHS side, search etc. Then switch back to the DVD side to unpause the recording.
As you can see this method becomes quite tedious with all the switching between the VHS and DVD side. If you lose track on what side you're on you'll be pausing your VHS side and recording that pause. With dual displays it's easier to see what's going on but still requires switching back and forth all the time.

Adding to Digado's suggestions.
If you have another dvd player in the house you could try this approach.
While you're at work, or overnight, dub a tape to a -RW (uh, the es35 does record to -/+RW discs, doesn't it?) SP or FR mode.
Finalize that disc.
Connect a 2nd dvd player to the 35 in exactly the same way Digado described for the vcr.
Recording from the line input, you will be able to quickly fastforward the dvd player to each of the plays you want to keep, pausing the recording between fastforwards.

Multiple tapes can be dubbed to -RW discs and labeled/numbered, then when you're ready to create the 'master clips disc', you can quickly zip through each disc to get everything you want saved in one session.

Remember to press stop if you want each play to register as a separate title...pausing will create one long title featuring all the plays, which will make skipping ahead and back a pain to locate a specific play.
If you like, you can group plays by quarter by pausing, then at the end of a quater, stop recording to create a new title on the disc for the next batch.

A wackier method-dub your tape to a RAM disc SP or FR rec mode.
Create segments you want to keep by editing (If the es35 has the playlist feature, using that would be best. You can create a playlist (it's like making a virtual list of instructions to target portions of recorded material) title comprised of only the plays you want to keep without physically editing to actual recording.editing.

Dub that playlist or the actual edited material from RAM to vhs @ SP mode.
Then dub that vhs to a -R. A possible quality hit in picture quality may result-the RAM recording should look identical to the vhs tape, but it all depends on the es35's SP vhs record quality, if it's good, then you get an -R disc that'll look alright.
,
Yeah, all that is kind'a tedious. But without a hdd model recorder, they're options that will get what you want done.