Panasonic E100/ Pioneer 5100 Question

[ijmac]

I'm looking to purchase a DVD recorder and narrowed the choice down to either the Panasonic E100 or the Pioneer 5100 recorder but would like if anyone could advise on the following.

1. Can the disc be finalized on the Panasonic without using the pre-made menu templates ie. can I have a DVD which plays immediately, no menu?

2. Will either recorder input/ output DV direct to/from a PC using a firewire (PYRO) card or/and a Canopus Storm card?

3. How does the PQ compare bewteen the two recorders, anyone have any experience?

If anyone can advise that would be great, thanks

Iain

[houtx67]

I've had my E-100H since Septmeber 2003 and loved it (I had the E-30 for a year before that, too).

1) You can finalize the disc to begin playing the first title automatically. The menu is there, but you won't see it unless you hit menu. Th menu on the E-100 includes thumbnail pictures for each title, too (which you can edit to the frame you want before finalizing).

2) I haven't tried it, but I've heard the Panasonic can only receive input.

3) I've heard that the Pioneer (and Sony) and slightly higher picture quality, but I am very happy with the PQ at SP speeds and higher on the Panasonic. I received a movie recorded on a Sony and it did it appear to be slightly "crisper" in detail, but nothing that made me regret my purchases.

[bnbhoha]

You might want to hold off for a few more months for the new Sony HDD recorders. I've read in most forums that Sony does indeed have one of the best pics out there. Most people here are partial to the Panasonics.

[spiderman2k1]

Some people report problem's with the E100 with media problem's. Being picky burning at 4X the E100 does not let you burn slow if you with to. I have the E80 and have no problem's. Pioneer I was think about the 5100 some people report the picture was not that good but other people report the picture is very good. If you can buy from a store doa test drive and see what one you would like. From what I read in the past I think Panansonic has better editting them Pioneer. I have not tried Pioneer.