LP Recording Quality with Pan DMR-85H Firmware Upgrade

[tlstrieg]

I'm new to this DVD recording thing having purchased a Panasonic DMR-85H a couple of weeks ago. My unit was made in March 2004, and had the 0850DL Firmware. At first I recorded in SP mode, but then tried LP mode, and frankly, I could not see any noticeable difference in picture quality, although at 61, I can't claim to have a very discerning eye.

After reading the thread on this forum and others, I took plunge yesterday and upgraded my firmware to 0970DL. The upgrade went well, but when I recorded my next movie in LP mode, I noticed a definite loss of quality. I've reset my record mode to SP, but I haven't checked the quality of any of those recordings yet.

Has anyone else noticed a reduction of recording quality in LP mode since upgrading to the 0970DL firmware?

Tom

[tlstrieg]

It's been a couple of days since I first posted this message, and I've had a bit more experience with the new firmware, now. It looks like the problem with the LP recording was a single movie. I'm not sure why that particular recording came out so bad, but it was awful. Since then I've recorded several other movies in LP mode and the quality is just fine.

Which brings up the issue of SP versus LP modes. When I first set up my E85, I recorded a few movies in SP mode. Then I thought I'd try LP mode and see what the difference in picture quality was. Perhaps it's my 61 year old eyes, or perhaps it's my big screen projection TV, but quite honestly, I can't see any real difference between the SP recorcings and the LP recordings.

Tom

[lordsmurf]

LP mode encodes are known to be quite blocky, but playback filters on the Panasonic may be supressing the flaws (if used as player), and your projection system may very well have similar filters. Some people are also just not susceptible to noticing macroblocks (remember ... lots of people "love" their VCDs, flaws and all). Or yes, it could be the old eyes playing tricks.

A few thoughts, in case you were seeking some feedback.

At any rate, you like it. And that's good enough.

[tlstrieg]

Thanks for the feedback, lordsmurf. It may be a combination of all those factors, especially the eyes. But then, maybe I'm just not as discerning as others on this forum.

It may be like wine. In my opinion, all one needs to know about wine is sweet or dry and red, white or pink.

Maybe I'll try using a different TV and DVD player just to see what happens.