Media for Panasonic DMR-E100H

[Andy22]

I have a Panasonic DMR-E100H HDD/DVD recorder which records to DVD-R media. I recently bought some Maxel DVD-Rx16 recordable DVDs but they contained a warning that their use on some drives that are only capable of writing to a lesser speed could permanently damage the drive.

My Panasonic only records on General Version 2.0/4x-Speed DVD-R Revision 1. to a maximum of 4x.

Can anyone please tell me if I can safely use the 16x General Version 2.1 recordable DVDs or is my Panasonic now so obsolete that I can no long buy media on which to record?

I sent an email to Panasonic with the same request but haven't had a reply.

[trhouse]

Ask Panasonic if they have a firmware update for the E100H. Some models have had firmware updates that are said to alter the burn strategy allowing more recent media.

[Andy22]

OK, I will try that. Thanks.

[Andy22]

Just to update my own post, there is no firmware upgrade but Panasonic tells me that I can safely use up to 8x DVD-Rs which I have managed to source on the net. Thanks again for your help.

[oldfart13]

Using Verbatim 16X -R in my E80H. They work just fine. Don't bother with the Maxells as they haven't been a good brand in years. Also, try to use the Verbatims "Made In Taiwan" rather than the "Made In India" ones as some people are reporting problems with MII discs.

[handyguy]

I use 16x verbs in my panasonics too. Work fine.

[videobread]

There is a firmware update for the E100H. Go to:

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/support/Drivers-and-Downloads/list-DVD+Recorders#

It is the last one on the list.

[Andy22]

Thanks for that. I'll try the upgrade now.

[Andy22]

I tried the upgrade with a CD-R as stated in the instructions but got a message saying that the CD was incompatible. I'm not sure if this was actually because the CD was incompatible and couldn't be read or because the existing firmware is already up to date.

Anyway, I will try the 8x Panasonic DVD-Rs that I have ordered.

The reply I had from Panasonic did not mention this upgrade but they did insist that I should only use DVD-Rs manufactured by Panasonic, TDK, JVC or Maxell as other media may be incompatible. I guess that I would be better advised to go with the information that I have been given above.

Thanks for all the replies.

[oldfart13]

At one time the brands you mentioned were all "A" quality "Made In Japan" but now they can come from a variety of sources. I stick with the Verbatims because I know they will work and are still an "A" quality media (at least the MIT ones).

[videobread]

When did you purchase your E100? The firmware date is 09/07/2005. If you bought your E100 before then you do not have the latest firmware. I use 8X TY on my E80. I stay away from 16X because of the firmware date. 16X is too new for the vintage recorder that I have. Manufactures do not update firmware on burners for long. We are left hanging. They want you to buy a new unit.
As an example, Pioneer just released a firmware update for the A112's but not for the A111's. The A111's and anything older is no longer supported. You have to stay with discs that are the same vintage as your machine and not odd ball cheapo discs. Go with 8X TY.

[oldfart13]

"You have to stay with discs that are the same vintage as your machine and not odd ball cheapo discs. Go with 8X TY."

Poppycock! You can use new discs so long as the machine will recognize them but yeah, don't bother with cheapo brands. I have an E80H that I use every day. It uses 16X Verbatim -R. Never had one bad burn yet. Of course, it usually uses DVD-RAM of which I have more than 100 now and I've never lost one of those yet either. You need to do more experimentation with discs is all....

[Andy22]

I bought the DMR-E100 in early 2004 that's why I thought the upgrade should work. I followed the instructions to the letter but it would not recognise the CD-R (a Verbatim) that I used. Should I have used a DVD-R? (It does say a CD in the instructions!)