Does the Panasonic DMR-E50 have automatic chapter marks?

[Bob W]

If so how do I turn that on? I'm converting some VHS tapes to DVDR and it sure would be nice to have some chapters.

[thoots]

If so how do I turn that on? I'm converting some VHS tapes to DVDR and it sure would be nice to have some chapters.

Bob,

Yes, I have personally described this already to you, and it's in the manual. Here is the drill -- this is how it works, this is how it always works, this is how it automatically works:

1. Let's get some terms defined, first. Let's call a "chapter mark" just a "navigation point" somewhere in the middle of your video. This does not give you a "title bar" in the DVD menu. Let's call a "title mark" a "navigation point" at the start of a "new segment" of your video -- one which will create a "title bar" in the DVD menu, which you can name anything you like. The "DVD menu" is the menu your DVD will have when it's finished, which will show up first thing when you load that DVD in any DVD player.

2. If you just hit the "Record" button and never touch the machine again throughout the length of your recording, you will have only one "title mark." Only one "segment" in your video. Since this would be longer than five minutes, the E50 will automatically set "chapter marks" at every five minutes within that segment. Yes, this is automatic -- no, you don't have to turn it on -- no, you can't turn it off -- it is automatic.

2. If you wanted to start a segment, and create a "title mark," you'll have to hit the "STOP" button during your recording. That's the magic button that will create a "title mark." When you hit the "RECORD" button again, that will give you a "title mark" at that point, and you'll have a "title bar" in the DVD menu that you can name anything you'd like.

3. If any of your segments are longer than 5 minutes, the E50 will automatically create "chapter marks" every 5 minutes within that segment. Just like in #1 above.

4. Note that if you hit the "PAUSE" button during your recording, that won't have any effect at all on any "chapter marks" or "title marks" -- it won't make either kind of mark, at all.

5. When you have finished recording your DVD, go into the "FUNCTIONS" menu, where you can do such things as give your DVD a title, give your "title marks" names, and ultimately "finalize" the DVD so it can be played on any other DVD player. Make sure you've got all of your titles and names all created before you "finalize" the DVD, because once you've "finalized" it, you can't make any changes to anything.

I hope this helps -- this really is the whole, complete story in regards to "chapter marks," "title marks" and so on. Please let us know if there's still anything unclear about this!

thoots

[Bob W]

Really you already went through this for me before? I must have spaced out (and I don't even drink) LOL. Anyway thank you again.