New to the DVD Recording,,, Can you use the DVD recorder (EZ37) like a VCR and set it to record TV shows all week long and still use the TV...Does it have a timer like the VCR's .Trying to get away from VHS Tapes...


Thanks,
Joe

The EZ37 Recorder has a "Timer" in it just like a VCR has & it works just about the same way except DVD recorders usually have a lot more "Timer Events" than a VCR. I think the EZ37 has 16 Timer Events compared to most VCR's that only have 8 Events.

Yes you can record one program while you watch another program just like you can on a VCR.

New to the DVD Recording,,, Can you use the DVD recorder (EZ37) like a VCR and set it to record TV shows all week long and still use the TV...Does it have a timer like the VCR's .Trying to get away from VHS Tapes...


Thanks,
Joe"all week long" may be a stretch. You only get 2hr of good PQ recording on a disk or, with a Panasonic, 4 hr of acceptable, but noticably inferior, PQ recording per disk in LP mode. 6hr & 8hr DVD recording modes are there strictly for marketing purposes so people don't think they are geting less recording time capability than their VCR -- but they are because 6&8hr DVD modes are unwatchable. So, as long as you are prepared to flip disks every 4hr of recording, the EZ37 will function just like your VCR, with the added features a DVD recorder brings to the table.

Well someone stated in another thread that the new Panny's will keep recording from one layer to the next on DL DVDs & if it's true than you could use the "LP" 4 hour mode to get up to 8 Hours on a DL Disc at a decent Picture Quality or 4 Hours at the excellent "SP" 2 hour recording mode.

If it's true about the DL Recording than the "new" Panny's might be more than just last year's model with an ATSC Tuner in it.

Would be nice to fit things like the "Godfather" & etc on one disc at the "SP" mode.

Would the DVD recording (Panasonic, 4 hr of acceptable, but noticably inferior) look better than tapping on a VHS tape??

Well someone stated in another thread that the new Panny's will keep recording from one layer to the next on DL DVDs & if it's true than you could use the "LP" 4 hour mode to get up to 8 Hours on a DL Disc at a decent Picture Quality or 4 Hours at the excellent "SP" 2 hour recording mode.

If it's true about the DL Recording than the "new" Panny's might be more than just last year's model with an ATSC Tuner in it.

Would be nice to fit things like the "Godfather" & etc on one disc at the "SP" mode.Gee Bill, would you really want to routinely throw away $2 +DL disks for everyday watch-n-toss timeshifting. I was thinking in terms of reusable RAM for routine recording. I only save less than 10% of what I watch.

Would the DVD recording (Panasonic, 4 hr of acceptable, but noticably inferior) look better than tapping on a VHS tape??I don't want to be rude and not respond, but I can't answer that question. Since I have a HDD recorder I record everything in SP mode (2hr per disk mode). If I had to guess, I would say Panasonic LP mode is probably no worse than SP mode on a VCR tape. But someone else who uses Panasonic LP mode will have to answer that for you.

Would the DVD recording (Panasonic, 4 hr of acceptable, but noticably inferior) look better than tapping on a VHS tape??

At least as good as SP on a VCR, noticeably better than EP. I have both the ES-10 and ES-15. For something I wanted to keep long-term I'd prefer SP but LP is more than "acceptable".

Would the DVD recording (Panasonic, 4 hr of acceptable, but noticably inferior) look better than tapping on a VHS tape??

The 4 hr mode on my Panny ES20 looked better than S-VHS in 2 hr mode when I had my 27" Sony CRT TV. So I was quite happy. With my 42" TV it's difficult to say since standard def programs on an HD TV are just OK looking in the first place, but I still prefer the disc to tape. But I can tell a difference between 2 & 4 hr DVD recordings viewed on the 42" set. I do mainly time-shifting & find the 4 hr acceptable and use it when I'm away and need the time. And it does look better than 6hr S-VHS. When I'm home & can change discs, I try to use the 2 hr mode because it does look better. Or I may use the FR mode and get 3 hrs on a disc which still looks pretty good. Again, I'm comparing to S-VHS. So compared to regular VHS the disc should look even better.

Well I took the first step I checked out a few Online retailors and was going to buy the DMR-EZ37K but ******* had the DMR-EZ47K cheaper so I ordered it from *******, They had it listed for $249.00, and the DMR-EZ37K for $299.00, I asked if the price was right and the sales rep said yes so I per ordered it. It's coming out in May, I said to him that ******* had it listed for $100.00 cheaper that anyone else, I checked the Web site the next day and the price was changed to $349.00, I hope they Honer the Preorder price, I want to thank everyone for there input.


Thanks,
Joe

Hi DEMOJD:

Just a trick to teach you so you don't get asterisks when you type in a name of a web site.

Don't say: TheStore
Say: T h e S t o r e

This way we all get to see which retailers (Brick & Morter, or Online) you are referring to.

I don't like that AVS scrambles it, but they do.

Thanks Suplex, The online web site is O N E C A L L,

I had a bunch of half-hour episodes saved on the hard drive of my Verizon FIOS box of a program I wanted to keep and I didn't want to put them on VHS because of the poor quality. So I studied up a bit and went Friday and bought the Panasonic DMR-EZ37K at my local Walmart. I had no experience with DVD recording except on the computer, and I was concerned about the manual since I have read that some of their manuals are pretty bad.

I'm happy to say that I've been making DVD's and they've been working fine. The quality is excellent even though I'm recording 2 hours (SP) per DVD and I'll probably try EP (6 or 8 hours) to see how that compares. It is certainly better than VHS, and the DVD's I've made include 4 episodes per DVD with custom titles and thumbnails I selected for each recording. The editing function of this recorder is pretty easy to use and the manual is pretty good. The VCR in it also plays well although I haven't checked the recording or tuner features yet.

So far, I'm happy with it. When I finish recording these episodes I'll hook up my attic antenna and see how the ATSC reception and live recording from OTA broadcasts works out, and I'll report back.

A couple of features that are missing from this unit that I'd like to have are a cable "mouse" or other device that would allow it to control a cable box (I know it has built in tuners, but I still could use it with premium channels and other digital content more easily if I could have it change channels for me on the cable box). The other thing it (surprisingly) doesn't have is component video input although it does have component output. The inputs are limited to RF, S-video, & composite video, and I'd have preferred to connect my cable box to it via component video if it had them.

The DVD's are very good though, and that is the primary reason I bought it. I will do some live OTA DVD recording and see how the DVD's play on my 42" plasma...

Chuck

Note: Mine is the EZ37V, not the 37K with the HDMI output. My bad, but i'm leaving my review up anyway--H

I've replaced my nearly 2 year old Panny DMR-ES10 (its now in the hamshack to record TV DX) with this one. Since the VCR was also in the "shack", this allows me to watch the large tape collection (commercial and home taping) on my living room HDTV (26" CRT monitor w/E* STB) thats accumlated.

The digital tuner....

I'm in a non-cable area and the built in ATSC tuner is an advantage since I don't take the E* locals anymore. The receiver is far better on multipath rejection and sensitivity than the E* 811, USD FTA box (Hisense DB2010), or RS Accurian although it does not display 720p/1080i. The OTA digital channels can be added directly by their physical (RF) number and if detected the proper PSIP info will be added into memory. There isn't a real program guide to the tuner although 2 presses of the remote's "status" button will display the current program and the upcoming one. When a disc is finalized, the Program title from the PSIP is automaticly added to the title. I cannot comment on the QAM tuner as of yet. My location is 40mi from the nearest towers and using a CM4228 antenna w/7777preamp (and a small VHF log-perodic for DT 5)

The DVD recorder....

Pretty much the same as the ES-10 although it adds +-DL recording and playback, and +RW which the ES-10 didn't. Dolby Digital recording is claimed, but i've not recorded a 5.1 show yet (our ABC is only 2.0 at present). RAM support and chase play are the big reasons i'm partial to Panny DVD-R's. BTW, i was able to play a RAM disc (unfinalized) recorded in it on my old ES-10.

The VCR....

One thing that the manual states and this may not be a deal breaker for some, but the VCR cannot record digital channels from the internal tuner--only analog (OTA/cable). I still have many VHS tapes and simply not the time to convert all to DVD. The PQ of the VCR on a commerical tape that is in good condition is good (over the component outputs) and the sound via the digital out (optical) works well with the Pro-Logic mode of my HT. It won't fool anyone into thinking its 5.1, but it works well.

Bottom line, its not the cheapest DVD-R/VCR but its DVD recording quailty on 1-2 hour modes is wonderful. 4 hour will work for 4x3 SD programs okay, but forget the 6hr+ modes on the DVD-R

[I]The VCR....

One thing that the manual states and this may not be a deal breaker for some, but the [B]VCR cannot record digital channels from the internal tuner--only analog (OTA/cable).


OK. You just convinced me. I'm buying the LG!

[One thing that the manual states and this may not be a deal breaker for some, but the VCR cannot record digital channels from the internal tuner--only analog (OTA/cable).

Any ideas on how this compares to some of the other combo units? For all I know, thay all do it. :(

[B][I]

The digital tuner....

I'm in a non-cable area and the built in ATSC tuner is an advantage since I don't take the E* locals anymore. The receiver is far better on multipath rejection and sensitivity than the E* 811, USD FTA box (Hisense DB2010), or RS Accurian although it does not display 720p/1080i. The OTA digital channels can be added directly by their physical (RF) number and if detected the proper PSIP info will be added into memory. There isn't a real program guide to the tuner although 2 presses of the remote's "status" button will display the current program and the upcoming one. When a disc is finalized, the Program title from the PSIP is automaticly added to the title. I cannot comment on the QAM tuner as of yet. My location is 40mi from the nearest towers and using a CM4228 antenna w/7777preamp (and a small VHF log-perodic for DT 5)

When not recording, just using the tuner for OTA, will it output 720p to your set or is it down converted?

tia

When not recording, just using the tuner for OTA, will it output 720p to your set or is it down converted?

tia

Downconverted.

Bummer

Wonder why?

Downconverted.

Does this mean all the new Panasonic DVD recorders with digital tuner cannot be used as a digital set top box for HDTV?

Does this mean all the new Panasonic DVD recorders with digital tuner cannot be used as a digital set top box for HDTV?So far, all new DVD recorders with digital tuners that have been released cannot be used as set top HD tuners. None pass the native HD signal, all downconvert to 480i.

So far, all new DVD recorders with digital tuners that have been released cannot be used as set top HD tuners. None pass the native HD signal, all downconvert to 480i.

Which is why you should wait for some reviews of the other Panasonic unit that hasn't been released yet, the DMR-EZ47K. At least it has a HDMI output, so I give it a better chance of having it.

Does anyone know for sure if this unit upverts to 1080i via HDMI? The panny website leads me to believe no but amazon says yes.

Does anyone know for sure if this unit upverts to 1080i via HDMI? The panny website leads me to believe no but amazon says yes.The Panasonic website clearly specifies the EZ-27 & EZ-47 as having 1080 upconvert through the HDMI output. That is the main difference between the EZ-17&37 vs. the EZ-27&47. No indication anywhere in the specs that it does other than upconvert - i.e. no HD pass-through.

Which is why you should wait for some reviews of the other Panasonic unit that hasn't been released yet, the DMR-EZ47K. At least it has a HDMI output, so I give it a better chance of having it.

There is also the DMR-EZ27K which is the same as the DMR-EZ47K, but without a VCR.

I was one of the "more hopefull" enthusiasts for the first crop of ATSC recorders having HDTV passthrough, but it hasn't happened on any of them, and I can't see it happening now. For people wondering why it hasn't happened, if you wade through the long thread in this forum about "DVRs with ATSC tuners", you'll see alot of discussion about this. Basically, SD tuners were dropped in to replace the NTSC tuners, which would be the lowest cost way to transition the prior products. This is not a big money making segment for big name outfits like Panasonic, so....

The EZ27 manual lets you select between 480i and 480p.

Shouldn't 720p and/or 1080p be an option too?

Just now seeing the first reviews on Amazon.com for this unit. Listed under the silver colored model. Got bad reviews mostly because Amazon says it has HDMI output, but it doesn't. Otherwise fine.

Still waiting for the 47 model to get reviewed.

So far, all new DVD recorders with digital tuners that have been released cannot be used as set top HD tuners. None pass the native HD signal, all downconvert to 480i.

This is definitely a deal breaker. I understand why you cannot record native hd. But going thru downconversion and upconversion to watch live hd programs is pretty stupid. :mad:

This is definitely a deal breaker. I understand why you cannot record native hd. But going thru downconversion and upconversion to watch live hd programs is pretty stupid. :mad:

Yup! They'd have made a lot more sales, IMHO, if they had passthrough. :confused:

The EZ27 manual lets you select between 480i and 480p.
Shouldn't 720p and/or 1080p be an option too?

Did you mean the EZ17/37 manual? Since the 17/37 only has component outs, it will only give you 480i/p resolution option IIRC. I downloaded the EZ27 manual the other day and it shows the 480/720/1080 HDMI output options on p40.

I'm waiting with interest for the EZ27 to show up in stores. I may trade in my Phillips 3505 for the RAM capability and supposed better image quality at longer recording times of the Panny. I see it on WM's and a few other online sites, but I was just at my local store last night and didn't see any on the shelves.

Do the new pannys have a qam tuner? Wanting to pick up unscrambled HD cannels from basic cable without a stb. When I asked Panasonic about the ez27 they said:

Thank you for your inquiry. No, it is designed with a NTSC and ATSC
tuner. The unit is only capable of scanning unscrambled channels when
connecting a cable box or satellite receiver. We expect the unit to
become available before the end of April.

Thanks for the help. Using the LG dvdr and works great but my wife is having a hard time with the LED buttons on the front.

Did you mean the EZ17/37 manual? Since the 17/37 only has component outs, it will only give you 480i/p resolution option IIRC. I downloaded the EZ27 manual the other day and it shows the 480/720/1080 HDMI output options on p40.


I was looking at the EZ27 manual, page 56.

Thx for pointing out page 40, I missed that.

Do the new pannys have a qam tuner? Wanting to pick up unscrambled HD cannels from basic cable without a stb. When I asked Panasonic about the ez27 they said:



Thanks for the help. Using the LG dvdr and works great but my wife is having a hard time with the LED buttons on the front.

The new Panny's (mine is the DMR-EZ37V) have a QAM tuner. But I have no way of "reviewing" the QAM tuner section since I don't have cable.

Does the manual designate it as QAM? I assume all the Pannys accutune tuners are the same but Panasonic said they don't have QAM Tuners, only NTSC and ATSC. Everyone else says they do so I don't know what to believe. Wiki shows it as QAM but I can't find it documented anywhere. I'll probably just have to buy it and try it but I can only order the EZ27K online and would rather not have to return it online. So far I get HBO and several OnDemand movies with Comcast basic cable through an LG DR787T. Had it a week but interested in Panny but QAM is a necessity (like the free movies). By the way, how fast does the panny change digital channels? Thanks for the input.

Does the manual designate it as QAM? I assume all the Pannys accutune tuners are the same but Panasonic said they don't have QAM Tuners, only NTSC and ATSC. Everyone else says they do so I don't know what to believe. Wiki shows it as QAM but I can't find it documented anywhere. I'll probably just have to buy it and try it but I can only order the EZ27K online and would rather not have to return it online. So far I get HBO and several OnDemand movies with Comcast basic cable through an LG DR787T. Had it a week but interested in Panny but QAM is a necessity (like the free movies). By the way, how fast does the panny change digital channels? Thanks for the input.

If you think about it, the consumer doesn't know the difference between QAM and ATSC. Since the consumer is used to either hooking up to cable or putting up an antenna with analog tuners, there is an expectation by these consumers for the same with digital tuners. And, since all the DVRs with digital tuners so far have QAM, including the Panasonics out so far, it would be VERY surprising if the 27 didn't have QAM.

BTW, does anyone know if you can return a Wallymart item that's ordered online to a store? I thought I remember someone doing that.

I just bought the Panny 37k. Last night and hooked up cable to the new digital tuner. I do get some unencrpytyed digital channels this way without the "offical" cable box. Most are locals but I get some shopping channels and Boomerang so far. The auto channel sets alot of digital channels but most come up with no picture. I assume these are encryptied. I still a have quite a few to go thru to see what I can pick up. I do get the HD locals that the "official" cable won't let me see on an SDTV. But on the panny they come thru but in letterbox format to keep the widescreen image. I'm gonna try to record those to a DVD-Ram and see how if the panny keeps the aspect ratio for Widescreen tv's. The main TV is an HDTV.

Thanks guys. I'm hoping the ez27k will be in stores soon. As far as the qam goes, my LG dr787t picks up about 90 digital channels over cable with the qam tuner. I get all of our local HD channels (Including a local weather channel) and several music channels. Many that the tuner picked up will say no signal, but when I checked through them I found OnDemand movies from Comcast. They keep switching the channels so you'll buy thier box but picture is much better than just cable. I like pannys but want to be sure I get all the "free" channels.

My local Target now has the 17 (199.00) and the 37 (299.00).

I am shying away from Pannys. Even though my E-85 and E-95 are work horses recording something every day, the E-10, E-15 and E-30 (combo unit) all have failed by crashing constantly when recording to -RW discs. The E-15 also crashed on +RW discs. They also crash on some of the same RAM's that work fine in the 85 and 95.

I just bought the cheap 79.00 Magnavox at Sam's and am finding it a sweet little machine. I can record in VR mode on +RW and -RW discs allowing me to edit and split titles, something the Pannys could only do on RAM discs. It also allows programming slightly more than 120 minutes in SP mode which none of the Pannys would do even though 127 minutes should be possible. I'm hoping for a QAM capable device though.

My target has the ez17k and ez37 also today. I wonder why target is getting it before BB and CC. Walmart even lists the ez27k before them.

By the way, can anyone who has tried the new pannys describe how fast it changes channels, espcially digital channels?

Read somewhere here that the 37K doesn't record from the digital tuner to VHS. I just downloaded the manuals to both the 37K and 47K and they both say the same thing (that they don't record from digital tuner to VHS). Not sure why I'd want to ,but I figured that I should be able to, if only to extend my total record time.

I got the EZ27 at BB even tho it is not listed on their web site

I'm looking to upgrade from VHS to DVD recorder. I've been looking to get the EZ37vk. I don't mean to sound stupid...but in the thread and the online manual it says that it cannot record digital to VHS. I intend to record a few shows from DirecTV while I'm working. Is this possible? If not...no problem I'll just buy a few RW's. I do need the combo because I have quite a few VHS tapes that I'd like to convert to DVD.

I intend to record a few shows from DirecTV while I'm working. Is this possible?

Not if you are using the digital tuner. If you are using the line inputs then I'd think so.

My target has the ez17k and ez37 also today. I wonder why target is getting it before BB and CC. Walmart even lists the ez27k before them.

By the way, can anyone who has tried the new pannys describe how fast it changes channels, espcially digital channels?

Channel changing only takes about 2s for me for digital.

The analog and digital channels are in the same "list". Channel up/down tunes up or down in the list (example: 2 analog, 2-1, 2-2, 4 analog, 4-1, 7 analog, 7-1, 7-2, etc.)

You can remove analog or digital channels from the list you don't want tuned. You then won't see them when you channel up or down.

You can also enter channel numbers manually, example 7 dash 1 or 7 dash 2.

Annoyingly, there is no previous channel button.

Thanks ZZ... I'm going to give it a try.

Not sure why I'd want to

After feb 2009 you might want to.

If not...no problem I'll just buy a few RW's.Can you use DVD-R for chasing playback with the EZ37K? If not, I'd grab a pack of DVD-RAM's, too. CC has Panny's for 5/$14.99. You can re-record over them a lot more than the DVD-RW's, so you might wanna even consider using them for time shifting instead.

Thanks for the help with the EZ37 it works great !!