Pioneer DVR-510H vs Panasonic E80: Canadian options

[kzod]

Ok, currently they both appear available at $1099 cdn. after a $100 rebate.
Apparently you can edit out commercials and copy dvd-r's without much fanfare on the 510 but not on the Panny. Additionally, only the 510 has firewire to archive Mini-dv onto DVD directly with no loss of quality.

The Panasonic is claimed to offer better quality recording at longer speeds.

I'm assuming that the better quality of the panasonic would be outweighed by the loss of quality of recording through a Mini DV via analog cables, as well as the time inconvenience. SO, I've been leaning towards buying the 510.

Just curious if anyone thinks that this would be a mistake, and see if anyone has found a better deal outside of the major stores. I know this has been discussed, but no concrete info as of yet. All I know for sure is that next big ripoff is not a good option! (never even heard of the place before!)
Finally, what would be the expected lifespan of these guys. Typically, I NEVER buy extended warranties. However, I do find that my new technology toys often die within 2 years (1st digital camera, mp3 player...). That being said, would you guys reccomend the extended warranties, I believe 4 years is $250.

Thanks guys,
Kzod

[donpedro]

Pioneer 510. Because of HDD and FireWire and it is cheaper than Panasonic E100.

Or I will wait for DVD+/-R, HDD, FireWire recorder

[shutterbug]

--Kzod

I've been watching and researching recorders for over a month. I am leaning heavily towards the Panasonic--due mostly to the favorable reviews around the net.

Yes, you can edit out commercials on the E-80, though I don't know what the major differences in editing capability between the 2 decks are. The Pioneer is still new to the market.

I'm with you on the extended warranty scams! But, I will be purchasing one when I buy my recorder. (I scoffed at the extended warranty when I bought my Phillips TV that lasted 1 yr and 5 days before needing a $250 repair ) Here's a tip -- I searched through Pricegrabber and found Compuplus has decent prices----BUT--- they sell the Mack 4 year warranty for $32.95!!! All the other online retailers are selling that warranty from $70-140 (all U.S. mind you)... If it's not an error, that's where I'll be buying my recorder.

[Destroyer]

The main reason why I bought the European model of Pioneer 510H is that it has both DV-in and out.

From what I've seen in the visual guide of the E80 the pioneer can Authour DVD menus with thumbnails instead of just title text.

It also offers more foreign language charachters in title/chapter text like æôåäöüéâ (don't know if they will be visible in this forum)

The pioneer plays SVCD and VCD

[Bashman]

You can get a 510 at Good Guys for 799 after the 100 rebate, and they have a 5 year warranty for 199.

[shutterbug]

Bashman, out of curiosity, is that U.S. or Canadian? If it's U.S. you may want to save yourself a few hundred bucks and try the webshopping link on the left. The Pioneer is selling for under $600 in the states.

If you can find an extended warranty at a decent price, they're not a bad idea on a high ticket/lots-of-moving-parts item. But, they are often the most profitable item an electronics store sells.

[kzod]

Bash,

A li'l more info would be nice. Assuming that it is canadian, where could I find this establishment? Any contact info or directions are appreciated. At that price cdn. I'm a buyer!

[kzod]

Destroyer,

Are you happy with the unit overall? Hows the picture quality? What mode do you record to on the hdd or dvd? Any feauture that you find incredibly useful after owning it? any use of DV out if your computer isn't in the same room? can you send footage back to the mini DV and if so, what purpose would that serve? And most importantly, would you buy another one if you had to make the decision again?

[Bashman]

sorry I wasn't very clear. The Good Guys Electronics store are in the states. I live in the Los Angeles area, there are a bunch in this area.

I do not own a recorder yet. I am still considering it. Im debating to wait for the second generation Sony whenever that comes out.