dvd recorders

When I finally decided to get the Panasonic DMR-E50K DVD Player/Recorder, I hoped it would be able to record all our analog camcorder videos and allow editing. No, it wouldn't, but the recordings off digital cable and our camcorder have been excellent, even at the EP speed. At first, I crammed 3 movies on each DVD-r disk, but sometimes I noticed pixelation and jagged edges to curved objects, so I now record the first movie in LP mode, and the second in FP mode for maximum clarity.

Using the cheaper DVD-r media produced mixed results. It's better to stick with Panasonic, Memorex, or Verbatim media. My wife loves to record their dances on the DVD-RAM disks, then I discovered that I couldn't copy chapters from her RAM disks on my computer to make masters. However, redchevyman, another reviewer had the solution I needed. Get a cheap Panasonic DVD player capable of playing DVD-RAM disks and record them to DVD-r disks. Then take them to your computer for final editing and production of high quality home-produced DVDs. I found DVD Wizard Pro and Pinnacle/Sonic the answer to most of my needs for making and copying DVDs.

But, my growing library of DVD movies recorded from digital cable is my greatest video joy. The results compare to the professionally produced DVDs. The Panasonic recorder is up to the task, and thanks to redchevyman, I know how to remove commercials from those great SCIFI channel productions and elsewhere. However, the commercial skip button works well, or fast forward on the player.

For its price, this recorder cannot be beat. I only wish there were any easier way to enter titles of movies recorded than the telephone keypad method.

I have owned this recorder for several months and found it to be the most frustrating piece of electronics I own (including my computers). I finally took a hammer to the unit and it felt so good! I have on several occasions tried to record long movies and have this unit "crash" near the very end (forcing me to re-record the movie and spending another 3 hours). I have often spent much time getting this unit to record to a disc -- restarting the recording process after a crash -- perhaps as much as one out of four recrodings. Often I cannot get the unit to open and give access to discs that have crashed. (The on/off button has no over-ride, like a computer, to reset memory.) I have been using Memorix blank DVD's and would suspect that they are of fairly good quality -- yet I probably lose 10 to 20 out of a 100. I must wonder if the hard drive isn't just too wimpy to be a good recorder. The manual says that it may be necessary to clean the lens for the laser. I ordered a panasonic lens cleaner for over $30 (they sell the same type of device at Wal-Mart for $9) and cleaning the lens has no effect on performance. I will not be buying any more Panasonic products for some time to come. This is a rip-off.

Mike in Buchanan, MI

I had my unit for several months and I finally took a hammer to it. It is a shame that our government can't protect the consumer from being exploited by companies like Panasonic that make crap like this DVD recorder. It often would "hang-up" and impossible to get the discs in or out -- the little door simple would not open. I have spent up to 30 minutes tryng to get it to record on a disc and ended in failure. I have recorded on several occasions long movies only to have the unit crash near the end and have to re-record my program (another 3 hours). It is the most frustrating piece of electronics I have ever owned. It is a rip-off !