[slprp1]

I have to decide between a Panasonic DMR-E95 and a DMR-E100.

Features are better on the 95 (cable box control and on screen tv guide, for example).

Convenience features are important but I am concerned too, with quality and reliability issues.

I have read about issues with the 100 but the 95 is pretty new and not much has been said about it (or the 85 for that matter, which is similar).


I NEED SOME OPINIONS FROM OWNERS OF THE 100 AND ALSO THE 95 (OR 85)


ANY AND ALL FEEDBACK WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!


THANKS IN ADVANCE!!

 

[vferrari]

What "issues" have you read about regarding the E100? If you are referring to the "defrag" bug, then I don't think this "issue" has been totally resolved in the E85 or E95. From what I've read, the cable box control and onscreen guide are an iffy proposition at best (i.e., they don't seem reliable enough yet to trust them to record what you want to record when you want to record it and you risk missing recording that must have program). Since I have digitial cable box that has an onscreen guide, I've found that these "convenience" features on the E95 are not needed in my case (plus I didn't want to hassle with hours or days long schedule downloads, having to reload onscreen data upon power loss, and wondering whether the machine recorded that program while I was away at work). I opted for the E100. Since its a previous generation recorder upon the release of the E95, its at a good price point now (generally running from between $50 to $200 less than the E95). Besides the onscreen guide and cable mouse, the only other missing feature I'm aware of vs. the E95 is the ability to dub DVD-R back to the HDD (although this can only be accomplished in real time so you'll take a PQ hit because its being re-encoded - effectively the same thing can be accomplished by just plugging a source DVD player into the analog inputs of the E100). I was lucky to pick one up off EBAY being offered as an open box item from a reputable online dealer for about $200 less than the going price.

 

[Steve McD]

I was ready to buy a Panasonic E95, but then I discovered that the Toshiba

RD-XS52 has the same feature set and one extra, the HDMI output and the

upshifted 720p and 1080i dignals it carries. It's also about $100. less expensive at most dealers. You might check it out before making a decision.

 

[vferrari]

If Toshiba fixed the black level bug that existed with their previous generation HDD based recorder (XS32), then I agree that it would be a good alternative to the E95/100.

 

[rick1matthews]

Looking at the Toshiba XS52 specs, I don't see any mention of having TV Guide. Aside from that, it looks very appealing.


Now if only we could get a definitive report on whether the black level bug is fixed in this model.

 

[clemzonguy]

Quote:

I don't see any mention of having TV Guide. Aside from that, it looks very appealing.

TVGuide is a very nice feature Panasonic and makes using the unit almost effortless. I have the Panasonic DMR-E85 and it has been easy to use.

 

[vferrari]

Except for when it doesn't work (per your other thread). They (panasonic and the guide company) need to get the bugs worked out. Right now, its an unnaceptably iffy process IMO.

 

[JustinCheckin]

Has anyone checked how many watts these units consume?

The new models keeps updating the TVGuide that it's constantly turning itself on and off (or maybe that was the fan running)...

 

[Steve McD]

Nuts to the TV Guide. I have several other online schedules that give more information and are easier to read. I never hook my recorders to the phone line and always cut their power when not in use. I've got a power panel on my desk with 10 outlet switches and it saves electricity and protects against static charge damage.