Panny DMR-EZ27 Audio problems

How are you connecting to your AV system? Analog, SPDIF or HDMI?

Ron

You can click the link in my Post #4 above for a fuller explanation...no use repeating it here?

Here's a thread on alt.tv.tech.hdtv

http://groups.google.com/group/alt.t...0d15a50eec8e61

The last post claims that the bug happens when the recording starts on 2.0 audio during a commercial and then the audio switches to 5.1 for the program.

Ron

I am having the same problem with my EZ17K. Happened first on my Fox affiliate; last night on my CBS affiliate. Oddly, last night, the audio started off muted but got louder when the primetime shows started but varied from almost normal to muted, almost unlistenable throughout. Not just the dialog either but all of the sound. I only have mine hooked up to the analog stereo inputs on my TV; no surround sound.

This thing is capable of tuning in and recording a beautiful picture OTA. But between this audio problem and it missing half my scheduled recordings, it is turning out to be a waste.

Did anyone see the following post (from thread "anyone have a DMR EZ27?" at avsforum decimal com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=841450&page=2 )

That's idiotic. I couldn't even post a url to a thread IN THIS FORUM.

All,

I am just the messenger on this one so please do not flood with PMs.

"I too have been in contact with Panasonic, though their engineers have not been able to duplicate the problem. They asked me the following questions:
1. Does this problem occur on all digital channels? If no, what specific conditions need to exist?
2. Does it regularly occur on one TV show? If so, what show on what network?
3. Is the problem occurring strictly with "Off The air" broadcasts (roof top antenna) or has it occurred from a CATV feed?

It sounds as if they are looking for a way to duplicate the problem so they can study it. Perhaps those of you who have experienced it can post some answer to the above questions."

The more specific info about particular conditions = speedier duplication of the problem and a quicker solution. Even small details may be a key.

Oddly, I did not recall this problem happening when I first hooked mine up. Once it started happening, I noticed happening on all digital channels. It seemed to be happening during the primetime network shows that I am assuming each had a DD 5.1 soundtrack. I, however, had low audio and sometimes but not always had no dialog. Commercials, syndicated shows before and after my shows (presumably with a 2.0 soundtrack were fine). Commercials during my shows were fine but when the show came back, low audio. There was no other rhyme or reason to it other than it started happening on all channels.

As an example I had recorded the first 3 episodes of DRIVE on Fox and first noticed this problem after recording the 4th (and last). At first I thought it was the Fox broadcast, as I never had a problem with ABC but then ABC started doing this. I then confirmed the problem on my CBS shows. I can't test NBC and the only CW show I have recorded with it was 1 episode of Everybody Hates Chris and it was fine (DD 5.1 soundtrack?)

This weekend I found where to turn off VSS and the live audio coming thru the tuner lept to life with a richer, fuller, more vibrant sound and wider soundstage. I have only been able to record ABC last night with good results but still far to early to tell if that was isolated or if the problem is gone. Now that I have turned off DST and have my timer recording more reliably, I have been experiencing frequent U99 errors all week.

I must admit Panasonic should have done a better job field testing. The only reason I have been willing to put up with it this long is the good reception, PQ and recording quality.

To be clear:

1. It occurs on all digital channels as far as I can tell but only during primetime network shows. Haven't been able to do extensive record testing due to other reliability issues (timer and U99 errors).
2. Has not always happened regularly on one show. Somtimes Lost, Drive, George Lopez, etc. recorded fine, more often, lately, they did not.
3. Have only tested OTA. I am still using my old, analog DVD recorders for CATV. I bought this thing specifically to record digital broadcasts OTA.

Been following this discussion. I have an EZ27 and I've never had this problem. I am receiving my off air programming from NYC area. I'm wondering, what media are you guys using? I'm using DVD-RAM. I believe that RAM may not be able to record the same audio formats as say DVD-R. This might help narrow the problem down.

As I said, I've not had the problem. My recording jas me recording to DVD-RAM and playing back on the same EZ27. Is this the same scenario all of you who are having the problem are doing?

I am using Sony DVD-R discs. I have played back my recordings on other recorders and the audio issue was still there. I was hoping it was the Panasonic but it is being recorded to disc that way. I have never tried a DVD-RAM but maybe that could make a difference.

After having the audio issue 3 of 3 recordings last week, I turned off VSS and have had 2 successful recordings this week. I suggest others try this and see what results you have since Panasonic can't even seem to duplicate the problem. It may be the way stations are encoding the surround sound as Panasonic theorizes but it may be the VSS that is wreaking havoc on those particular encodings. Can't hurt to try.

After reading the manual for my EZ27, "VSS" (Virtual Surround Sound) appears to be a way of obtaining psudo surround from a two channel recording. Since EZ27 does not record the 5.1 sound, this makes sense.

This is a playback feature so if it's causing the problem the test would be, to switch it on / off and see if the missing audio comes back. Can someone try this?

Often such processing could use phase cancellation, effectively cancelling out audio that is common to two channels. Since the networks can send audio in three different formats, this could explain why some have the problem and others (like me) do not. It would be nice if it's something so simple!

I just received a firmware update from Panasonic's Call Center that indeed fixes the problem. Anyone having this problem should contact Panasonic at 800 211-7262. They've been very responsive and although it took them 2 weeks, Panasonic has solved the problem!

I'd strongly suggest you ask them to verify that it's the update issued after 6/22/2007.

Hey Guys,

I was curious if the update allows you to turn VSS or Auto Clock Set back on? I haven't had any issues for months after turning these and DST off. Have recorded at least 20 programs. While that has already adequately solved my problem, I was just curious if the patch restored functionality and was worth installing or just leaving my EZ17 alone? I am happy as is.

BTW, I have heard that digital tuners are slow to change channels. I scroll through them pretty slow and try to wait for it to change before moving on; but if I go just a little to fast, it stays tuned to the last channel it tuned in and doesn't continue changing! Oh well, at least it isn't locking up