E30 DVD to DVD dubbing: Combo VCR/DVD-ram Player Available?

[zippychimp]

Hi, I am interested in recording on RAM from the E30, then editing it by playing it back on a Panasonic RAM-compatible DVD Player and recording CD-R on my E30.

Does anyone know if Panasonic makes a nice combination DVD-RAM compatible player with 4-Head Hi-Fi VHS? I've seen on Amazon a few of the Panasonic combo units, but they don't specify DVD-RAM compatible. Anyone have any suggestions?

I am trying to streamline my set-up and it would be nice to have the VCR in the same unit to simplify dubbing from VHS to DVD-RAM, as well as making additonal DVD copies once I have recorded my DVD.

Thanks!

[tom03]

I think no.
Current Combos in the US/Europe can only play DVD+-R/RW.

In Japan yes, there are Combos which are DVD-RAM compatible.
And there is the Pana DMR-E70V, a DVD-Recorder/VHS-Recorder Combo.

[zippychimp]

Thanks for the advice. I was hoping there HAD to be a Panasonic DVD-RAM compatible player with built-in VCR as well!

Do you think I should just buy one of the Panasonic DVD/VHS combos and try it and take it back if it doesn't work? What do I have to lose?

[Erwin]

Panasonic currently has "2" units that can play DVD-RAM. They have a single one that can be found for about $96 and a 5 DVD disc changer that can be found for $129. Just get the single DVD player and a good VCR. Get a Panasonic b/c they generally display VHS movies darker than they are supposed to be which (kind of) fixes the bug.

[FulciLives]

All the new Panasonic DVD players can play DVD-RAM but so far the have only released 2 new models but more or due.

I haven't heard about a combo unit due that supports DVD-RAM but since all the newer DVD only models due I suppose it is only a matter of time before they make a combo unit (VHS and DVD) that also plays back DVD-RAM

So either get the Panasonic S35 (the new $99 DVD only that supports DVD-RAM) or wait to see if they make a combo unit that supports DVD-RAM even though that may take a few more months.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[tom03]

FulciLives is right, all new Panasonic DVD player will have DVD-RAM compatibility.
And there will be also new Panasonic DVD/VHS Combos, I think in September.

[thxkid]

what I don't understand you have a E-30 and you still want a VHS recorder, well then I better dust my betamax off in storage and send that to ya also, heck I threw out all my CRAP VHS tapes long ago after buying 2 DVD recorders, and mine where at least half way decent SVHS editing decks by JVC, oh I forgot you probably use the 6 hour mode(what a waste) on your E-30 also cause thats has Crap VHS quality also. Come on if we stopped supporting VHS and support the DVD recorder, more manufactures will start building and selling cheaper DVD recorders, at least APEX has one coming out in october for $299,

[FulciLives]

what I don't understand you have a E-30 and you still want a VHS recorder, well then I better dust my betamax off in storage and send that to ya also, heck I threw out all my CRAP VHS tapes long ago after buying 2 DVD recorders, and mine where at least half way decent SVHS editing decks by JVC, oh I forgot you probably use the 6 hour mode(what a waste) on your E-30 also cause thats has Crap VHS quality also. Come on if we stopped supporting VHS and support the DVD recorder, more manufactures will start building and selling cheaper DVD recorders, at least APEX has one coming out in october for $299,

Very arrogant view there my friend. Many people have a HUGE collection of VHS videos. So even if you stop buying or renting or recording in VHS now you will still need a VHS unit for playback. I have close to 2,000 VHS tapes. As much as I would like to record them ALL to DVD that just ain't gonna happen anytime too soon. You must remember that VHS has been around for well over 20 years now. Not all movies released on VHS have come out on DVD yet ... who knows when most will? Also what about stuff you recorded from TV like 10 years ago that was never released even on VHS little alone DVD?

We all want to use DVD for recording now but don't forget many people still have a large collection of VHS tapes that can't be replaced by DVD (or recorded to DVD) in the blink of an eye. This is true due to either money contraints (imagine buying 2,000 DVD-R discs or buying ALL of those again on DVD if they even exist) or the fact that many people have VHS recordings of movies or shows or whatever that have yet to come out on DVD.

Plus don't forget that while the price of stand alone DVD recorders have come done alot lately there are still very few people that actually have such a unit. Afterall they are still somewhat new and on the expensive side. Not everyone can afford to run out and buy one at $400 + dollars.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[zippychimp]

Thanks to all with your help.

As for you THXrude, not that it's any of your concern, but I am not planning on recording with the VHS combo unit. I am merely looking to transfer the vhs stuff I'd like to archive onto the E30 with this DVD/VHS combo device, as well as edit off of my RAM discs onto CD-R, and dupe completed CD-R's to the E30 and make duplicate CD-R's.

It's less space as well as less $ on the connecting cables by having the VHS and DVD player all-in-one into a line input on the E30.

[B-166ER]

Model PV-D4763S is compatable w/dvd-ram, but is not yet available. This unit can be pre-ordered from video direct online.

[zippychimp]

B-166ER - thanks for the suggestion, I'll try to find it on their site.

Thank you!