E85 16:9 vs 4:3 recording

Hi Scott. I hope you don't mind if I add a question to this thread.


If I record 16:9 (or anything else) onto this units DVD-RAM, will I be able to read this disc in typical PC's with DVD-ROM drives?

One thing I should have mentioned in my original post is that I will be recording Hi-Def material from my Voom box. I realize it won't be recorded in HD since it will be 480i input, but I'd like it to maintain the 16:9 image.

I have also read that information in the Panasonic manual and cannot figure how to interpurt the meaning. What are they trying to tell us?


I own two Panasonic E80's and a JVC M10S and record from HD Net and Universal HD on a regular basis. The video records identical to a commercial DVD and in the 16x9 aspect ratio. From my experience the units records the video signal they receive in two channel stereo. If they receive an HD 16x9 signal they record 480i 16x9.

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Perhaps they are just trying to push their own DVD-RAM media?...

As a E85 owner, I also found/find the statements in the manual regarding 16:9 recording a little confusing. I nearly always record from HD cable to my E85's hard drive. If I like the program and want to save it, I will burn it to DVD-R using the "flex" recording mode. If the program was broadcast in 16:9, the resulting DVD-R will be in 16:9. I seldom use high-speed dubbing and hardly ever burn directly to DVD-RAM. For what I want to do, the E85 is perfectly suited.


Chuck

Unlike the Pioneer and Sony models, the Panasonic will not add 16:9 flagging on the DVD-R disc. With the Panasonics, you get what you record. If you record 16:9, it will be a 16:9 ratio BUT since the Panasonics offer no flagging, the ratio will look as 4:3 to all DVD players. Since you need to have a 16:9 flag on 16:9 ratio DVDs, so that they'll play in the correct ratio on 4:3 televisions, you'll only be able to play on widescreen TVs to get the correct ratio. Otherwise, the 16:9 ratio will be squeezed vertically on a 4:3 set, and everything will look thinly distorted.


Many people who record 16:9 material went with Sony since it's 16:9 flags are manually set. Pioneers flags are automatic meaning that the source must also send a flag for the Pioneer to detect, so that it'll add it's own 16:9 flag. Since some less than perfect sources don't send their own flag, the Pioneer wouldn't flag that 16:9 material. This being best for the Sony manual flagging.


Have a good one.

There still seems to be confusion on this (I am still a little confused). But to answer Scott's question, I also have Voom and the E85 and found the following to work.


To record in 16X9 format, you have to set the Voom receiver output (little red button on right side behind flap) to 480i. 480p and 1080i will not record in 16X9.

I tried this and it finally worked. I have a 4X3 television that does the squeeze on anamorphic widescreen formats. It worked and it also worked on a different dvd player and 16X9 screen that I tested it on.


This is the only way I have found the E85 to record in the 16X9 format. I still don't understand why. If I leave the Voom box set to 1080i it still records fine in 4X3 mode, I am assuming at 480i but I swear it looks a lot better.


Note: The 16X9 recording I did with the voom box outputting 480i, was done on DVD-R.

Thanks to everyone for the info!


Krafty, since you say:

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I wonder if that is the best way to set the Voom box when you intend to record SD material?


Scott

I have my Toshiba RD-XS32 and Dish set to 1080i it still records fine in 4X3 mode also.