Lack of functions

[deano33]

A few weeks ago, I bought a Panasonic DMR-ES20S and returned it a few days later due to lack of customer service and functionality. Specifically, the recorder had no zoom function or a half-way decent display function. The zoom function is self-explanatory. However, the Panasonic's display function wouldn't provide info on length of movie/featurette, or length of chapter and its position. However, it did display its position in the movie. This is particularly a problem when so many additional features are provided on DVD's.

My old Toshiba DVD player provides these functions and would like to find a recorder that does, too. I've found that the Toshiba D-R4 has zoom and good display info. I was wondering if anyone was aware of any other recorders with this functionality for under about $200.

[lordsmurf]

Well, it was made to record, not play. Of course it CAN play, but that's not it's primary function. The JVC I believe has some of the info features, but not ZOOM. I've also got a Toshiba player, awesome player, I hope it never breaks. And while it has the ZOOM function, to be honest, I have maybe used it a dozen times in the past 5 years.

[deano33]

Well, it was made to record, not play. Of course it CAN play, but that's not it's primary function.

Interesting observation. However, unlike you, I've used my current Toshiba player to watch over 500 movies, and that's why I have come to greatly appreciate its functionality. And, as the recorder will be replacing the player, I'm looking for a recorder with the functionality as previously stated. I would love to continue using the player, but it's too old to play DVD's created on either a computer or recorder. Thanks anyway.

[lordsmurf]

Only 500 movies? That's not anywhere near the lifespan, assuming 2 hours each. Your player may just be dirty, clean it. Not some crappy "cleaning disc" garbage, but dismantle the player, and swab off the lens with denatured or isopropyl alcohol. Also consider blowing out dust in the unit with compressed air (from a can).

A friend of mine complained about his Toshiba player recently, and I told him to clean it. He followed my advice, and his player is fine again. Just had dust and dirt in it. Optical electronics (like a laser lens, or digital camera CCD/CMOS chips) are dust magnets.

[deano33]

Thanks for your response, but I need to clarify this. The player is over 5 years old and it is technically incapable of playing any DVD's other than the studio produced DVD's. There's nothing physically wrong with the player, but I intend to move it to another room. That's why the recorder needs to be able to replace the functionality of the player, in addition to being able to record. Thanks for the helpful information, however.

[hech54]

I'm with Smurf on this one....it's a recorder.

[BobK]

I agree with Smurf & hech. Your complaint strikes me as similar to buying a race car because you want to drive fast, then complaining about it because it won't carry as much cargo as your old pickup truck.

[deano33]

I asked a straight-forward question about recorder functionality, but thanks for all the "helpful" information and the "brilliant" analogy.

[otpw1]

If you do find one that will replace a decent player, report back. Honestly, I don't believe such a beast exists.
Good hunting.

[deano33]

If you do find one that will replace a decent player, report back. Honestly, I don't believe such a beast exists.
Good hunting.

Thanks. Ultimately, I may well have to compromise, but I was hoping for some reasonable input to supplement the research I'm doing already. I'll let you know if I find anything reasonable.

[hech54]

All the "research" you have been doing into this matter has already been done over and over again and by MUCH smarter people that BOTH me and you....it's just that your request for certain features in a DVD Recorder are neither realistic or common.
Ease of use, recording quality and end-product compatibility are what most (if not 95%) people look for in these units.

[deano33]

Hate to tell you this, but it looks like the source of your information doesn't know what they're talking about. I've already found 4 major manufacturers who produce DVD player/recorders with the functionality I need. And, lordsmurf's recommendation in another string has certainly been helpful.

[hech54]

I believe the poster above (otpw1) requested a list of some sort of your findings. Are you going to list these 4 major manufacturers for him?...