Howdy VidHedz'! My last 2 posts were about my E80 dying from hard use and I was debating what to buy as a replacement. Well, I went with the E50S (I think I paid too much for it, but that's spilled milk now)
I said I'd post my impressions after a few weeks of use the pros/cons of each (Can't seem to locate the original posts, guess Der Webmeister removed em' ) So if you are interested, here we go...
1)The design of the new remote blows! Due to the TV Guide button location in relation to the directional button, it all too easy to slip when using it. I have kept the E80's remote to do this operation, as it is superior. but it is a hassle switching between the two, as the E50 remote has functions the E80's remote does not. Also, the E50 remote does not have the open/close tray button of the E80 . why they left that out is a mystery, as that is a very important function! Who wants to have to get up every time you want to switch a disc? That's what a remote is for!
2)Another negative is that (Unless I missed something) the E50S will not let me use Hi-Speed Dubs as generously as the E80. This increases my workload, as I now have to dub more stuff in "real time". Short clips where auto-chapters are not important now take more time to do. This is a major headache I have no choice but to deal with and where the E80 was superior ...Also, it is a little more difficult to create a dub list due to the "new" interface...
3)I was pleasantly suprised that the E50 is much more forgiving at accepting RAM discs than the E80! Many RAM's that refused to funtion (TDK's and even Panasonics) work without a hitch!
4)The Thumbnail option is most cool, I dig it very much, however on the practical side it does add a little more time to completing a project, but I can live with it...
So, I'd say at this point that, overall, the E50 Rocks , but If you are doing the same as me, Converting your ancient VHS tapes to DVD before the tapes fall apart, it will take you even more time to archive your stuff with the E50 due to it's inflexibility in choosing Hi-Speed dubbing, and the cheezy, Effed' Up remote control ; but your final discs will be "prettier" due to the thumbnail option and will look a bit more interesting and professional to those you give discs to. Anyone with info I might have missed or overlooked, please let me know about it ASAP! I hope this info is helpful... Till L8R<S> [/b]