Basic questions about the DMR-E80H

[tdhg566]

Before I purchase the DMR-E80H, I'm trying to understand how it selects between the different input and output signals. I've asked Panasonic for information (none available), and local stores don't have a manual. I have been able to spend a few minutes with a demo unit, where I determined that when playing a DVD, all output connections carry the same signal. Absolutely what I expected.

I'm working on the input side. I hope to do some limited testing with the same demo unit, but does anyone know how priority is assigned to inputs 1-3? There isn't any onscreen menu option for selecting a particular input, and we can't find a physical switch. This suggests that maybe the inputs have priority, e.g. when IN2 on the front has a signal, the others, including the RF input, are cut off.

Any help would be appreciated, and thanks in advance.

[EricS]

I have the E60 - there is an "Input Select" button at the top of the remote - maybe similar for the E80.

[tdhg566]

That was it. But it wasn't as simple as going back to the store and looking at the remote more carefully. They actually had the wrong remote on display :P After some searching we found the right remote, which managed the input switching, as well as other missing features, perfectly.

Thanks!

[EricS]

Figures - not as ridiculous as all the stores that have walls of huge HDTVs that they are displaying wit some crappy signal. I still can't understand that one...

[EricS]

fyi - be aware that the E80 does not have FireWire input (as far as I know). This is what caused me to go with the E60 - I wanted to hook up mini DV cam directly via FireWire.

Also, while the E80 supports imaging a disk to the hard drive and making multiple copies this is only supported for DVD-RAM.

One thing about the E60 that I found upsetting was that if you record from DV to DVD-RAM, it will automatically create chapter marks every time you hit the record button on the DV cam. Won't do this when you record to DVD-R.

They need to release a version of the E80 that supports DV in, imaging to DVD-R from the hard drive, and auto chapters for DV-In.

I think there is an E100 model, but its not out yet. MIght have some of those features.

E

[tdhg566]

Eric, you're a huge help. Ouch to your point about multiple copies. Can you clarify?

Here's what I need to do: make multiple DVD-Rs of personal/family VHS tapes. The plan was to copy the VHS tape to the HDD, then burn multiple copies to DVD-r, and one "master" copy to DVD-RAM. Will the E-80 do that?

Not concerned about DV input right now. Understand fully your point, but I'm willing to solve that problem next year. The project this year is to find a simple solution to preserve family VHS tapes.

Thanks
George

[thoots]

George,

First of all, Panasonic has manuals for their equipment online in PDF format. Not sure if they have all the latest stuff already, but check here:

http://www.pasc.panasonic.com/OperMan/FindManual.asp?bhcd2=1058667685

Secondly, just a quick observation: If you're not going to do a whole lot of "editing" of your family videotapes, and if the original VHS tapes are in decent, playable condition, it wouldn't be that big a deal to just use the original VHS tapes over and over again to make your copies. "That big of a deal" being "paying the extra for the hard drive recorder," even presuming you could actually do that "multiple DVD-R copies" thing you want to do....

Hope that helps!

thoots

[mastrl]

Is the additional cost for the hard drive worth it, if you primarily want to record for time shifting purposes?

[tdhg566]

Thanks for the link to the Panasonic site thoots. Unfortunately they don't have the 80H manuals posted, nor was customer service able to provide me any documentation.

You're right about reading the VHS tape multiple times. Trying to avoid that if I can. Will do it if I can't.

???what's "time shifting"?

[EricS]

I am going from memory from something I saw on the web - basically, I think you can only record from the hard drive to DVD-RAM - cannot do any recording from hard drive to DVD-R. It sticks in my memory because I thought it was moronic and I felt they were trying to keep consumers to use this for doing dvd duplication. I guess its also possible that it said you cant do high speed duplication from the hard drive.

All that said, I could be totally wrong.

I did a quick google search and found crutchfield where it says it CAN record from harddrive to dvd-r. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-uYjI4uHai1Z/cgi-bin/prodview.asp?i=133DMRE80H

You might want to consider buying a 4X computer burner. Create the original DVD using the panasonic and dupe it on the PC - you should be able to make copies of a 2 hour vid in 15 minutes.

Good luck.

E

[EricS]

Ok, one more:

Look here: http://www.avland.co.uk/panasonic/dmre80/

I think maybe what I was mad about is that there was no high speed copy to DVD-R, since I wanted to make multiple copies.

Looks like the DMR-100 coming out in a few months is going to be a unit with all the features.

http://www.avland.co.uk/panasonic/dmre100/
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[Gil T Pleasure]

what's "time shifting"?

Time Shifting has two meanings.
1) It simply means watching a show at a different time/date like when you tape a show on your VCR and then watching it later.
2) It also means watching the beginning of a show that is currently being recorded ala TiVo/ReplayTV.

I think maybe what I was mad about is that there was no high speed copy to DVD-R, since I wanted to make multiple copies.

Actually, the E80 allows high speed dubbing from HDD to DVD-R. Read this thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=278334&perpage=20&pagenumber=1

[EricS]

Gil T - great link. Thanks.

[piano632]

I watched a demo disc on the DMR-E80H today at Best Buy. I was NOT impressed by the picture quality. I don't know what datarate they made the demo disc with, but it looked jerky with very noticable pixelation even on a small monitor. If the "professionally made" demo disc looks this bad, what will home videos look like I hope this was just a fluke.

[mastrl]

Has anyone else had any expierence with the DMR E80H? I woulod like to hear any comments, I am thinking about purchasing one.

[EricS]

Check out that link Gil T posted:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=278334&perpage=20&pagenumber=1

About 8-9 pages - very in depth.

[mastrl]

If I purchase the DMR E80H will it work just like my VCR as far as watching TV? Example:
Hook up my Cable into the RF in and Out
Hook Up my Sat in the Line 1 In.

This way I can record Sat or Cable, and I can watch Cable no matter what I am recording. Is this right? I will not have to split any signals, correct?