I've noticed that there are is quite an obsession with Panasonic here... Okay Panny people... question... I am seriously considering getting a Panny combo dmrez47vk... however I have noticed that all the Panny's that I've seen DO NOT come with an IR Blaster... why is this... I anticipate problems without one... and if so would I be able to purcase one later (aftermarket)... is there even gonna be a connection???
If so what would be a good aftermarket one??

Any recommendations/comments/concerns... Thanks

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=856924.

Thanks for the tread direction... I did learn a thing or two... however... it didn't answer my question about the IR Blaster...

I know. I read through it myself to see if the info was there first.

But I figured you might want to ask there, so the thread would get bumped back up to the beginning, where someone who actually had the unit and knew would be more likely to see it.

:)

Thanks brother... I guess I missed a step...

I can't believe with all the Panny people on this site and well over 300 reads, not one person can answer this simple question...

I can't believe with all the Panny people on this site and well over 300 reads, not one person can answer this simple question...
I am seriously considering getting a Panny combo dmrez47vk... however I have noticed that all the Panny's that I've seen DO NOT come with an IR Blaster... why is this... I anticipate problems without one... and if so would I be able to purcase one later (aftermarket)... is there even gonna be a connection???
Not all Panny owners own all Panny models. The easy rsponse is than Panasonic decided not to make IR blasters available on the newer non hdd models . There has to be a plug placed in back on the unit, and if the ez47 doesn't have omne, then it's unlikely that an IR will be made later for it.
If you have analog cable, then you won't need an IR blaster, and if you've got digital cable, then wouldn't necessarily need one, since the box would be connected to the recorder with s-video or component cables, and viewed over the recorder's line input.

Thanks for the HELPFUL input... and common sense would lead one to the conclusion that "Not all Panny owners own all Panny models." it would also lead one to the possiblity that ya'll would generally speak to each other of new and existing items concerning the various models, especially with what seems to be an obsession with Panny products... I have done extensive research and was unable to find a single decent pic of the back or reliable discription, even the Panny site was pretty much useless...
I would like to add, that I live in a area where we just can't go into town or drive a few miles and look at the newest/latest products at places like Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Circut City, etc... To get exactly what you want/need you have to go on-line and do the research... and the lack of info can be create all types of problems, since it has to be specially shipped in... heaven forbid its not compatable due to a minor oversite... or not compatable with the dish that was purchase from your home town and had to be smuggled in... Your sarcasim was not necessary...
Due to the lack of info on-line and company site... I was running out of options This is a discussion forum and was my last option for answers... sorry to have inconvienanced you and the over 300 inividuals who had to read it...

Once again thanks for the HELPFUL input...

I can't believe with all the Panny people on this site and well over 300 reads, not one person can answer this simple question...

I humbly apologize for being one of "the 300".... for owning a Panny, but not THAT Panny....and not being able to answer your question. :(

I'd suggest patience. Perhaps you've asked a NEW question that nobody has experience with. Being snippy won't help.

Personally, I would suggest seeing if you can download the user's manual for this model, see if it shows a connection for an IR blaster on the back. If so I'd bet it would come with one. If not, I'd fear you're out of luck.

Thanks for the input/comments... You know I'm not tring to be snippy... I had a valid question, and was being patient... I have done extensive research and the Panny site was pretty much worthless/not working properly the several times I tried to access it... No problem...
Like I said where I live/moved to, we don't have access to what ya'll on the mainland have access too and/or take for granted... not a lot of room for simple errors here, do to the hassle we got to go through to get quality products...

Thanks again and I relize and apprciate and respect your input... you didn't have to appoigize...

Thanks for the HELPFUL input...

Your sarcasim was not necessary...

Due to the lack of info on-line and company site... I was running out of options This is a discussion forum and was my last option for answers... sorry to have inconvienanced you and the over 300 inividuals who had to read it...

Once again thanks for the HELPFUL input...
Sigh...I apologize for any perceived (and unintended) sarcasm. You asked why the newer Panasonic models seem not to include an IR Blaster, which I did try to offer up a possible explanation.
Here is a review (http://reviews.cnet.com/video-players-and-recorders/panasonic-dmr-ez47vk/4514-6463_7-32331259.html) of the es47vk, and it officially states there's no IR blaster... A detailed look at it's specs and performance, which includes a picture of the back .
I hope that helps you in determining whether this model's for you.

Thanks for the input... the 75 is a bit out of my price range... and as of right now its between the panny w/o the IR Blaster and the LG RC w/o the s-video...

I plan to play it through my projector... I'm really tring to figure out the lesser of the two evils... any input...
Thanks again...

I have been trying to find out the same annoying answer and have looked everywhere. For those who don't think an IR blaster is important - it is my understanding and hopefully MIS uinderstanding, that without an IR blaster, no DVD recorder/vcr can change the channel on a cable or Directv box on its own. I need it to record multiple stations, in a row while I am not at home babysitting it and changing the channel every hour. Everyone seems to say that I require an IR blaster but that PANNY is the best DVDrecorder/Vhs combos. Yet, without an IR blaster, what good is it - am I missing something? Is there someother way other than an IR blaster?

Also, I've read many reviews using over 10 sites and they all seem to conclude that PANNY has terrible compatability problems - even the high end 75. If they won't record +R or +RW like they promise (which is needed for me), and many brands of blank discs are not compatible, and it won't play most older home-made dvd's - What makes it so great?

I was just about to buy the 75 and totally and sat up all night reading my prinouts of reviews just to make sure it's as great as eveyone says - then I find out these majore problems - UGH. it doesn't actually record on +R or +RW/you have to keep buying disc brands until you find one that works, and that I must have an IR blaster and most Panny's dont.

If any owners out there know different than everything I've read - please let me know. I was all set for Panny and now I have to start over to find something without compatability problems and an IR blaster.


PLEASE tell me I';m wrong, based on experience and knowledge of Panny items. This will be my 4th DVDR/VHS and of the other three, two are doorstops and one is losing more features everyday - literally. I want a unit that actually works.

ANY HELP would be much appreciated. Wish I could help TEXASBUDMAN but I'm in the same boat.

My 3 Panasonic's can't record on -RW, +R and +RW yet I am compatible with everyone I know. At least 50 different families play my DVD-R recordings with no problems. I have no clue why you think you must have +R and +RW to be compatible with other people. I certainly don't believe that Panasonic DVD recorders can't play older home-made recordings. My first DVD burner was the first computer burner available, a 1X burner made by Pioneer (A03 I think). Those -R home recordings play fine in my Panasonic's. I think you read too many faulty reviews.

Dave

Is Panasonic picky about blank media ti will work well with? Yes. But many machines can be this way. It's a flaw shared by most all machines out there. Just be sure to use good discs (TY, Verbatim, Sony), and not crap (Memorex, store brands, etc).

Are Panasonic discs going to work everywhere? No. But again, that is a flaw of larger proportions, related to lasers and reflectivity of the media. Some degree of data issues also exist, as DVD recorders use a DVD-VR based recordings method (VIDEO_RM folders, in addition to VIDEO_TS folders).

Do Panasonic recorders make for good players? Absolutely not. But again, that generally applies to all recorders. They are missing many of the player features found on dedicated players. You also shorten machine lifespan by using it for more than recording.

Panasonic DOES have a lot of problems, but not the ones you've mentioned. Those seem more like users unfamiliar with the technology leaving the reviews you read.

Panasonic errors include AC3 problems (horrible files to edit on a computer), bad quality beyond SP mode (longer than 2 hours of recording), and XP mode issues that lock up players (bitrate can spike above DVD-Video specs).

There are better machines. It depends on your needs.

I was just about to buy the 75 and totally and sat up all night reading my prinouts of reviews just to make sure it's as great as eveyone says - then I find out these majore problems - UGH. it doesn't actually record on +R or +RW/you have to keep buying disc brands until you find one that works, and that I must have an IR blaster and most Panny's dont.
According to it's spec, the E75 does record to both the -/+ disc formats. Circuit City page (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Panasonic-DVD-Recorder-VCR-combo-with-DVR-DMR-EH75VS/sem/rpsm/oid/148194/catOid/-12876/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) Since the non hard drive model E35 records to both those formats, I would think that all succeeding models can as well.
Not including an IR Blaster is nuts, but I keep reading that many the digital cable boxes and satellite boxes, have timers that can be set to change the channel, to allow a vcr, or in our case, dvd recorders to record programs on multiple channels. A pain having to program 2 different devices...
As lordsmurf said regarding media, stick to brand name discs, and stay away from cheapo off brands...

ANY HELP would be much appreciated.If you don't mind that they only have an internal analog tuner, get the EH75 or EH35.

I know for a fact that the IR blaster on the EH75 controls most *D boxes, so I would assume that the EH35's can, too.

Still havent' seen a response about an IR blaster. Anyone know if that is the only way to record multiple channels back to back without changing the channels manually?


My 3 Panasonic's can't record on -RW, +R and +RW yet I am compatible with everyone I know. At least 50 different families play my DVD-R recordings with no problems. I have no clue why you think you must have +R and +RW to be compatible with other people. I certainly don't believe that Panasonic DVD recorders can't play older home-made recordings. My first DVD burner was the first computer burner available, a 1X burner made by Pioneer (A03 I think). Those -R home recordings play fine in my Panasonic's. I think you read too many faulty reviews.

Dave

Just to clarify - I don't think you have to have +r/+RW to be compatible with other players. I have recorded on all four types between my three recorder combos and +RW has been the best, most successful, high quality recordings when transfering and editing. Therefore, I want the option of being able to record on +R/+RW in addition to -R/-RW.

My major complaint is that all the Panasonics I looked at said records on +r/+RW but all reviews from users I've read say they DO NOT,AT ALL record on anything +. IF I did not read any of those, I would spend alot of money, then alot more on +R/RW discs and then find out that it doesn't work for anyone, not just me. You have confirmed that PANNY does not record on +, to me thier advertisements for $300+ units is a lie - just don't put that it records on + if it doesn't.

I use good media, always - but I cannot afford to buy discs from outsode the US and whenever I've had problems people recommend discs that I cannot find in any store or on the internet shipped from the US. I want to have options for discs - not a machine that can only use one kind. As for store brands, My JVC ONLY works with Office Depot brand - I've tried tons of high end discs and that's it the cheapos only. CRAZY for a JVC.

Yes, many people giving bad reviews don't know that they are the problem sometimes but if you put in your old dvd's and they don't play - I can't see how that would be user problem - I only read it in 3 different reviews but if it's true, that sucks.

I know from my machines that DVD recorders suck in general. They never do what they say they will and there are no guarantees of compatability and can fry your personal home movies in a second if they are in a bad mood.

I am doing research to try and find a reliable machine of decent quality that can change Tv stations on its own. If I can watch another program while it's recording - that would be my absolute preference.

I guess everyone who thinks PANNY is the best machine to get are not misleading, they just don't care about the features that don't work or aren't included. Unfortunately, what I want most is + recording ability, IR blaster, and the best compatability I can get.

I'm just frustrated that the technology of DVD-recorder/vcr combos is so unreliable that we are all supposed to just accept that they don't do what they say.

Without these forums I wouldn't have any of the information - I guess I'll just buy a few units and dedicate 30 days to trying every feature and then return the worst of them and keep the best one. What a drag.

STILL ANY HELP IS ALWAYS APPRECIATED

ANY HELP would be much appreciated. Wish I could help TEXASBUDMAN but I'm in the same boat.

ObsessedRec... The non-IR Blaster is a pain and there is no need to babysit... and the Panny not putting a IR is just plain stupid... our intel has been confirmed.. I've done as much research, if not more... I'm not doing the Panny... look into the LG RC797T, thats what I'm gonna get... its missing the S-Video in but I'm just gonna eat the video quality, off the projector because if I had time to baby sit I'd just watch it at home... its the best I can do at the price range... Good Luck if you find something better let me know... I'm getting off the "boat"...
Adios...

My major complaint is that all the Panasonics I looked at said records on +r/+RW but all reviews from users I've read say they DO NOT,AT ALL record on anything +. IF I did not read any of those, I would spend alot of money, then alot more on +R/RW discs and then find out that it doesn't work for anyone, not just me. You have confirmed that PANNY does not record on +, to me thier advertisements for $300+ units is a lie - just don't put that it records on + if it doesn't.


You are jumping to conclusions that are not justified. Just because my 3 older Panasonics don't record on + media, that doesn't mean that is true of ALL Panasonics. I think the current models probably can record to + media. I think you may be reading reviews on old models and applying them to the current models also?

I don't comment on IR Blasters because I have absolutely no use for them. Apparently they aren't of any value to most Panasonic users or Panasonic would include them on all models. Keep looking until you can verify a model that has all features you need. But not everybody wants what you want. Good Luck.

Dave

I don't quite understand the hostile tone of some of these posts. Someone doesn't like Panasonic machines or their features don't meet their needs.... by all means don't buy one, but why keep coming in here to vent at us who happen to like them?

The current and the last models of Panasonics ALL record on DVD+R/RW. If you read the features lists on the CC website, including all the way through to the last sentence, you will see this specified. If I could find it so easily, so can you.

But ONLY last year's models use an IR blaster. I'm positive about the EH75, and pretty sure about the EH45 or 35. Just keep asking around here.

Also, many outboard satellite and cable tuners will let you set recordings on their end and the channel will change AUTOMATICALLY on the tuner. If your tuner has that capability, you won't even need the IR blaster.

You guys are not listening and are not researching thoroughly enough. There are generally more good reviews on the Pannies than bad ones. ANY unit's going to have some bad reviews, especially with so many pages, as on the Circuit City site. Many of the complaints there center around people's unrealistic expectations.

If you don't want a Panasonic, fine. That's your choice. You did ask specifically about the Pannies, though. Just don't get mad and act like no one's answering your questions, because they ARE - you're just not listening.

Many of your questions have been answered to the best of people's abilities here already. You just need to do the legwork.

Just keep researching these and other brands and models until you find something closest to what you want. Go to the manufacturer's websites and download the manuals (look under "support"). Ask around in some of the threads for other models here, like the LG, Samsung, Polaroid, Pioneer, Sylvania, Sony, Philips, RCA, etc. etc. I know there are threads on at least some of those brands and models here - THAT'S where you should be asking. And if no one answers after a good while, just bump the thread back up again.

Don't expect to find any one unit that has EXACTLY everything you want, though. NOBODY has ever been able to do that as far as DVD recorders go. That's just the way it is.

ObsessedRec... The non-IR Blaster is a pain and there is no need to babysit... and the Panny not putting a IR is just plain stupid... our intel has been confirmed.. I've done as much research, if not more... I'm not doing the Panny... look into the LG RC797T, thats what I'm gonna get... its missing the S-Video in but I'm just gonna eat the video quality, off the projector because if I had time to baby sit I'd just watch it at home... its the best I can do at the price range... Good Luck if you find something better let me know... I'm getting off the "boat"...
Adios...


You crack me up...I'm glad someone else is in the same boat as I am...I'll check out the LG - my big screen is LG and it's been a dream, never a problem, excellent video quality and I just switched from cable to directv and the video quality actually improved more. LG 797 was in my top 10 when I started this search but I got sidetracked by all the great PANNY posts. Good luck!!!!

dmreader - I've been wanting a Panasonic and have nothing against them - If a review lists the model number and says it doesn't record an + media even though the specs say it will, then I wanted to know if that's true. If so, yes I'm annoyed at PANNY if they lie on their specs. Sorry if it sounded hostile - that's the problem with writing, sometimes the tone sounds worse than intended.

Just trying to get at the truth about PANNY.

Rammitinski - I'm not mad at anyone on forums - your are the people helping me to know what recorders work best in different areas. Whatever the opinion - from what I've read on all the professional reviewer sites - I think I get much more detailed info from direct users with lots of experience - rather than a one week trial of each feature. USe over time is what really matters and you are the people who know that information. You read my LONG windy posts & answer - everyone is answering my questions (whatever they know the answer to) - and I can't thank all of you enough - truly.

It's alot of money and I've bought three already in less than 3 years and all three - with great features on the most part, have stopped working (DVD side only) or the features advertised are no longer functioning properly. I want to do it right this time.

I have printed specs for 12 current recorder combos that meet my general needs, then I went to the professional reviewers - electronics magazines etc. and printed reviews for each of those. Then I came on here and a few other sites to read actual user experience. I only use info that specifically lists the model number because I know from experience that not all machines from a company have the same pros and cons. I've been thorough and just wanted to find out if what the bad reviews (from pros and users alike) about PANNY 75 47 37 etc. say is true (about +R/+RW recording & older dvds). I guess I just need to jump in and cross my fingers.

Thank you for always responding...and taking the time to read it all.

Thanks everyone for reading and replying. I'll keep coming back if anyone has further info it's always appreciated.

Obsessed,

You need to be careful of "reviews" by buyers on sites like Circuit City. Quite often these are written by people who do NOT have a lot of experience. They just bought a machine, plunged in, didn't read the manual, are thus having problems and call the device a piece of junk.

As others have said, it is not uncommon for a machine to not "like" a certain brand of media. There is also detailed information in the EH75 manual about the use of DVD+R DL discs. There are limitations, but they do work. Someone just shoving in a DL disc and trying to use it WITHOUT keeping those limitations in mind might well write a scathing CC review about "how this Panasonic doesn't use "+" media when it is supposed to". No manufacturer would be so foolish to outright lie about something so fundamental as the media capability of the machine. Also, do not assume that older PLAYERS can necessarily accept discs burned on "+" media, and don't condemn the machine that created that disc if that is the case. In many ways this is not a mature bullet-proof area of technology, and a certain amount of trial-and-error (as in trying different brands of media) may be unfortunate but may be necessary.

By all means read the customer comments, but take them with a grain of salt. The "professional" reviews are more reliable.

Obsessed... Looks like we stepped on some toes... but then again all the info for the IR (and other things) you mentioned is what I found too... the Panny and the LG were tied for #1, in my book... but I needed to choose the lesser of two evils and had the Panny had the IR it would have been an easy first... all the panny info COULD lead one to believe that they somehow figuered a way around the IR... so I'm with you every step of the way...

Everyone... straight up... I hold advanced degrees and the only thing I'm really good at (after drinking beer and chillin) is research... I consider my research pretty solid and when I even bothered to look at the company sites, I do take it with a grain of salt... I only read the bad... and weed out the stupid people and go straight to the facts... when I did my research for my first dvd player... I noticed that quite a lot of people complained about it dying after two weeks... all the other "solid" info was great... so I said great!!! If its gonna be a lemon, I'll know in about two weeks... and sure enough... No problems...
I got almost a full ream of paper of pringouts on the latest dvdr/vcr combos and just like when I was in school... broke out the highlighters, a red pen, a big ass root beer, and m&m's and went over everything several times and eliminating stuff over the course of a couple of weeks...

I ment no disrespect on the Panny people... Like obsessed said, you guys are helping me... and this was my last resort for answers, because the panny site was all jacked up or down everytime I tried to get info BEFORE I came here... I just stated MY opinion... and I offended anyone I sincerely appoligize... It just didn't meet my needs (as ya'll stated)... however, I still thinks its a bad call on Panny Co. to not include the IR... I like to keep life simple set it once and go and not double ck'ing/changeing another whatever when it could just do it once... I simpley don't have the time or the patients to be doing double work or make a little mistake... like I stated... I am not in a situation to simply dive back to the store and return it... hell by the time I get it shipped to me it can be a month past the 30 day return policy... not a lot of room for errors here... its the trade off for living in paradise...

So once again... panny was #1 since I found it for all that it did (and the 75 issues had some major flaws for the price)... but I'm through... and then I found out about the IR issue... that was the deal breaker for me... and I am sorry I offended any of the panny people... I would like to thank EVERYONE for all their input and advise...

P.S. Obsessed... I'm gonna try to express the LG, I'll let you know... keep me informed, just incase it dosen't work out... Thanks

Adios Ya'll

You might want to consider ordering from Walmart's/Sam's/Costco's websites. They usually have pretty liberal return policies, and their extended warranties are very reasonably priced. (With the luck you've had it might be a good idea to have one.)

I know you're not buying a '75, but I did and (read all of this please...) I have digial cable with a SA 4250 STB. Mostly, I record to HDD (first) of the Panny..using the '75 tuner. But...sometimes of course I want to record a premium/digital only channel.

I had TWO big problems at first with the '75. First, I couldn't get the on screen TV Guide 1-touch system to work, and worse; then connected the IR blaster, to control the SA4250 box. The problem was/is/will always be, the method the '75 get the OSTVG listings is via "polling" (looking for) PBS stations that push out the data. This ONLY occurs if the '75 is OFF (standby)....which for most folks would be mostly....then the '75 starts it's ever ongoing data search and with an IR blaster conncted, gee, my STB is changing channels by itself every few minutes...well that sucked.

So (and another member mentioned this above), the answer is, in my case and I think the best way-several staps...in the end easy:

1. Kinda fool the '75 and in setup just tell it either you have antenna or cable but not cable box...

2. Remove the IR blaster, instead, hopefully YOUR STB has the same function that's in most Scientific Atlanta boxs (at least SA 4200/HD/4250/4250HD and more). Go into the SAnnnn settings and you'll find "VCR timers"....we'll they are actually VIRTUAL TIMERS and there are 8 of them. For each, you can set a DATE/TIME and Channel. Then, connect UNUSED STB Video/AUDIO outputs to (I used the '75 IN3 input set). Then, when you want to record a program from the STB, on the STB program a VIRTUAL TIMER and likewise on the Panny '75 (or xxx ) for the same time/Date/Duration (eg a MANUAL RECORDING) and don't forget to choose (in my CASE IN3) as the source. WORKS LIKE A CHARM!!!

You can, of course, still use (instead the above) an IR blaster (setup panny (or other) as NOT being connected to a Cable box....doing so (if your DMRxxxx or other recorder has 1-touch recording say with On Screen TV Guide) STOPS the DMR-xx or other from polling/changing STB channels.

A FEW OTHER POINTS....

If you have Digital Cable do NOT follow the Panny (at least '75) manual that shows placing the Panny DMR as cable IN (out of wall!) to DMR COAX in then '75 Coax out the STB IN....

While this sort-of works...since the Panny '75 actually functions just like a splitter (that's when the panny outputs a program to the TV it does NOT flow over the COAX, but one of the AUX video Outputs of the panny to the TV....BUT (A BIG BUT!!!)...

With digital cable, this setup will result in borderline functionality of your STB!!

What happens is that the STB normally has a COAX signal level back to the cable company in the range of 35-47 (55 absolute max) dbmv. BUT, using the setup (above described by panasonic) causes the STB to transmit UPSTREAM at a powerlevel near 54-58 dbmv....this will , among other things, cause STB lockups, and poor functioning during firmware upgrades as well as poor or non-functioning of features like PPV, and STB on-screen interactionations....

TAKE THIS FROM ONE WHO HAS LEARNED THE HARDWAY....Instead, place a real splitter with Input from cable company and one output to your DMR (or other DVR) and the second to your STB...

P.S. Once setup this way, the OnScreen TV Guide feature is wonderful....elsewise it was a horror!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've got my EH75's TVGOS set up to work with my Dish tuner.

The way it works with Dish is you just highlight (one-button or manually time set) the programs you want to record in the Dish guide, and the recorder starts and stops exactly on time, and also titles the recordings.

So I don't even have to deal with that constant "searching for the host channel on the tuner" issue, since it doesn't use the IR blaster and doesn't have to download any TVGOS info from the tuner.

If you're going to always be using an outboard tuner, the EH75 is a good model to have, because you can either use it's 9th generation TVGOS with cable or satellite, or you can record the way you do (by setting each unit separately without using the IR blaster). Or, you can just bypass the TVGOS altogether and still use the IR blaster, since it does control most cable and satellite boxes.