My new E50. Very pleased but...

[markjj]

Hey guys.

Thanks to some great advice on this site I finally decided on the Panasonic E50. Hooked it up etc. First record to ram from the Sky+ box perfect. I am now starting to archive some programs off the sky box onto dvd-r. I'm using datawrite classic 4x (red label). When I start recording the E50 will stop after 20 - 30 seconds. The display then reads "Recover" before rebooting (on 2 occasions the display has also read "unformatted"). I repeat the process of trying to record again and usually after the third time the E50 co-operates. It has never done this with a ram disc. Could it be the type of media i'm using? I haven't tried any other dvdr's as yet.

One other thing. The E50 came as Region 2. Anyone know of a multi region hack for this model? Thanks again.

[Bob W]

My guess is the media besides using 4x media on the E50 is really overkill IMO. I use basic 1x media and never had any problems on my E50. If you're in the states then try some CompUSA brand 1x DVD-R which the E50 loves (sells for $45 for a 50 pack or $10 for a 10 pack). Also I have used 2x TDK and 4X ritek with good results.

[Yvon]

As for region 2, I always thought that North America was Region 1

[Jukka]

If you want multi region you could try:

Techtronics (http://www.techtronics.com/uk/shop/50-panasonic-dmr-e50-multi-region-dvd-player.html) but at £116 inc vat for the mod it may be pricey - mind you its top bollocks, region free / RCE / etc. They also supply ready modded for £280 inc vat.

Also http://www.cramptonandmoore.co.uk/ supply ready modded for £270 inc vat. (and £269 not modded!!!).

Maybe your best bet would be to try and trade in for a ready modded one (although that would probably cost about the same).

Also try:

* www.multi-region.co.uk (£65 for region free mod)
* www.dvdchips.co.uk (£35 for a special [returnable] remote control that allows multi rgeion upgrade)

Never tried any of these so don't know how good they are, but they are the names that consistently come up time & time again for mods.

Good luck,

let us know how you get on.

Also lt us know how good the E50 is - it's on my wish list!

Jukka

[thoots]

When I start recording the E50 will stop after 20 - 30 seconds. The display then reads "Recover" before rebooting....

Markjj,

This has been discussed before. The recorder first loads the video into its memory, then finally starts writing. Then, it's not "finding" the disc when it needs to start actually writing the data to the DVD-R.

Common solution is an easy one -- "name" the disc first. You know -- Function menu / Disc Setting / Enter Title. Do that, it "finds" and writes to the disc. Then, see if you have any problems after giving it the title first.

Hopefully that'll help! Good luck!

thoots

[next]

When I start recording the E50 will stop after 20 - 30 seconds. The display then reads "Recover" before rebooting....

Markjj,

This has been discussed before. The recorder first loads the video into its memory, then finally starts writing. Then, it's not "finding" the disc when it needs to start actually writing the data to the DVD-R.

Common solution is an easy one -- "name" the disc first. You know -- Function menu / Disc Setting / Enter Title. Do that, it "finds" and writes to the disc. Then, see if you have any problems after giving it the title first.

Hopefully that'll help! Good luck!

thoots

News to me. Never had a similiar problem but this is what makes the exchange on this site so great.

Thanks thoots!

[thoots]

next,

Yeah, this happened to me twice with Memorex DVD-R's. I blame Memorex.

Never had a problem after I started naming the discs first. Just think in terms of how "demanding" it is to start writing video to the DVD -- the machine must start instantly, and then never skip a beat as the data just keeps on coming. If there's just the slightest stumble in "finding" the disc on that initial shot, you're hosed. Much better to give it a far less demanding task of "finding" the disc, then writing the bit of data for the title, then it can relax.

At any rate, I'm now a "name the disc first" convert!

thoots

[markjj]

Hey guys. Many thanks for replies.

@Yvon. I'm in the UK which is region 2 (much as I'd prefer to be region 1 )

@Bob. Thanks for info. I never thought that 4x might be an issue.

@thoots. You usually come up with good advice mate. I tried the title trick first and it worked a treat. Thanks.

I tried recording with an infiniti 2x white label this evening and had no dodgy symptoms as previously described. May be it is a combination of media etc. All I can say is that this recorder is the dogs b@ll@cks when it comes to recording off sky+ box, video and camcorder.

@Jukka. Thanks for links mate. I popped into Richer Sounds this pm and they pointed me in the direction of their mod. Co. for a multi region upgrade (details in their catalogue but I can quote their name/no. if required). Richers charge £20 for a multi region dvd but they get a discount. I reckon on at least £50 for a mod chip from their modder. Having talked the wife around, it seems the best course of action is to keep our Logix 3000 in the lounge to play regular movies, rips etc and use the E50 for burning/backups. Jukka - for your reference the recordings have been absolutely spot on. I had the Auf Wiedersehen Pet final series on sky+ and recorded 2 episodes onto a dvd-r. Absolutely no loss in quality and I have the benefit of menu's, titles etc. I can't recommend this method of capturing highly enough - beats p@sssing around capturing to pc etc. Get some stuff sold on ebay and buy one mate!

Thanks again guys.