Anyone who owns the Panasonic dmr-e60 or other Panny's

[tommyoz]

For anyone who owns the Panasonic dmr-e60 and probably any of the other Panny standalone recorders.

Could you tell me if you can select the FR recording mode without the remote? When you select Rec Mode on the unit itself it displays XP, SP, LP and EP. It does not say anything about FR. I am assuming that because you need to enter a time, you need the remote.

I have purchased a floor model from a local store without the remote and manual. I've placed an order for the remote and manual but it's on back order until June.

Thanks

[Capmaster]

Use the function button. I think there's one on the f-panel, but I'm not sure since I always use the remote. Once you're in functions I think it's the lower right box that lets you set up FR recordings.

[tommyoz]

Thanks Capmaster, I'll have to check that out when I get home. I don't recall seeing a function button but I'll make sure.

By the way, what do you think of this unit? I have had bad luck with standalones. I found this one for $199.00 so I thought it would be worth a shot. I have 30 days to test it out and I don't think the remote will get here before that. I have made recordings with it but I can not finalize or use much functions without the remote.

[macleod]

you can download the manual from their website, which will help you in figuring out how to use it until your remote gets to you.

http://media-server.amazon.com/media/mole/MANUAL000006200.pdf

[tommyoz]

Good looking out macleod. I just started reading a little bit of the manual and in the first page it states

The FUNCTIONS window shows you most of the
features you can use (➜page 42)
The FUNCTIONS window has most of the features and functions
you are likely to use regularly. Just select the icon for the operation
you want to perform.

Just my luck!!

[tommyoz]

Nope, no function button.

[Capmaster]

Nope, no function button.

Too bad. I have the E50, not the E60 so that could be the difference. So there's no way to go into the functions ...."Disc Options", "Timer Setup", etc? without the remote? Once you get there it's a breeze to set up FR.

[lacywest]

Can you find a learning remote control ... and copy the codes from another Panasonic DVD Recorder

[tommyoz]

So there's no way to go into the functions ...."Disc Options", "Timer Setup", etc? without the remote?

I can't even change the language to english.

Can you find a learning remote control ... and copy the codes from another Panasonic DVD Recorder

I can't get my hands on any Panasonic remote control period. The only thing I was able to do was to program my TV remote to turn on and off the DVD recorder and play, stop etc.... which are the same buttons that are on the player itself.

[lacywest]

Question ... where do you live ?? ... your profile doesn't say.

So there's no way to go into the functions ...."Disc Options", "Timer Setup", etc? without the remote?

I can't even change the language to english.

Can you find a learning remote control ... and copy the codes from another Panasonic DVD Recorder

I can't get my hands on any Panasonic remote control period. The only thing I was able to do was to program my TV remote to turn on and off the DVD recorder and play, stop etc.... which are the same buttons that are on the player itself.

Well ... go to a Walmart and open a box ... and .... okay forget that idea.

or buy a learning remote control with the intentions of returning it.

and then go into a Walmart and open the box and copy the codes.

Or find a store that does have one ... on display and copy the codes.

Man I feel for you.

I've got a excellent learning remote control made by Memorex ... kind of old ... might not be able to copy those codes. But I also have two DMR-E50S units ... one in bedroom and one in living room. I like them. DVD-RAM works great ... very clear picture ... using Flex Record.

My Toshiba DVD Reader in my computer reads DVD-RAM. VRO mpg-2 videos are easy to edit.

I open boxes at Walmart all the time ... but after I am through looking ... I get the clerk in that department to seal it back up. I'm serious.

I use to work in the Electronics Department at my Walmart ... during Christmas 96

[tommyoz]

Well ... go to a Walmart and open a box ... and .... okay forget that idea.

It did crossed my mind. Unfortunately, this model is rarely seen at the stores.

Question ... where do you live ?? ... your profile doesn't say.

NJ

I open boxes at Walmart all the time ... but after I am through looking ... I get the clerk in that department to seal it back up. I'm serious.

Ah! so your the one.

It looks like I'll just have to wait till the remote comes in. I think i'm gonna keep it. It appears to be working fine.

[Neuron]

... By the way, what do you think of this unit?

Excellent unit. I'm very pleased. Works Like a Charm!

Regarding RCU. Search eBay. I recently saw there rcu for E100. Will work with E60. Trust me!

[lacywest]

I can tell you it is a decent unit ... you've done well. Be patient with the remote control arriving. But I have the Model 50 not the 60.

I record alot of cable HBO type movies .... I've got the Platinum package so I get more than just HBO .... I recently recorded "Pendulum"

http://www.pendulumfilm.com/dallas.html

And I used the Flex Record to record ... on DVD-RAM.

Get yourself a DVD ROM Reader that can read DVD-RAM ... Toshiba SD-M1712 [$25-$30 bucks on Ebay] and use Womble mpg2vcr to edit out the commercials or to trim the movie down ... in case it runs over into the next movie coming on.

Even though it says ... movie.vro ... the "vro" format is basically a mpg-2 video and TMPGEnc DVD Author .... will take it and process it into a DVD movie. Just change the extension from "vro" to "mpg" ... and your ready to snip snip ... edit ... and author.

Walmart sells Maxell DVD-RAM 3 PK ... for 12 bucks.

You will be happy with the unit.

[tommyoz]

Regarding RCU. Search eBay. I recently saw there rcu for E100. Will work with E60. Trust me!

I was wondering if that was possible. I know some remotes do work that way.

I was able to take this unit one step further. I recorded on a DVD-Ram disc and brought it to my PC for further authoring and burning. Did not need to finalize. If this is the case, then I don't need the remote cause I plan on reauthoring. Unless I need the FR mode which is a nice feature.

[Capmaster]

Unless I need the FR mode which is a nice feature.

You'll want it What you're doing now will get you by but you definitely want to get a remote for it

[tommyoz]

Still waiting for the remote, but can anyone tell me how the FR mode works? For instance, Does it work only in program mode? or will it work in manual recording? etc....

[Capmaster]

It works in manual mode too. Normally (with the standard recording modes) you select a record mode that matches the length of what you're capping. That sets the bitrate accordingly ...the longer the recording time, the lower the sampling bitrate, so it'll all fit.

A 1:45 movie would need a 2 hour mode, for example. All recorders have preset times for recording, like 60, 90, 120, 180, 360 minutes. Most brands only have these presets, which is fine if your movie is almost as long as the preset, like using the 2-hour mode for a 1:55 clip ...no problem. But what if your movie is 2:05? You must use the next longer mode, or 3-hours in many units. That gives you a marginal bitrate if your movie has a lot of action or flashing lights.

The Panasonic recorders have FR mode, which adjusts the bitrate so the disc is filled (up to 4GB) with the recording. It basically sets a custom bitrate for each different recording time. This lets you have the highest bitrate for any given recording. The Hybrid VBR feature will also adjust the resolution downwards if you start trying to squeeze too much on a disc. It'll also use this mode, as needed, to eliminate macro block formation in heavy action scenes. This doesn't pose any problems with viewing, but it'll likely give most video editing apps kaniption fits if you plan to edit later. You can turn just the resolution feature off in setup.

I'm very happy with the quality. I've capped single clips of up to 3:15 using FR mode and it's difficult to tell if there's any quality loss. I've test-capped low-action clips in the 6-hour mode and there is definitely quality loss, but I wouldn't consider it unwatchable.

[tommyoz]

So let's say you are recording from a VCR. You select the amount of time you want to record then press record and start your source?

[Capmaster]

So let's say you are recording from a VCR. You select the amount of time you want to record then press record and start your source?

Yes. When you select FR mode when manually recording, a little window pops up asking how long the recording is. Just enter it there and start your tape, then hit the "OK" button

When you set up the timer it knows from that, and "FR" is one of the modes you can use for timer recording too.

[lacywest]

If some movie is coming on past my bed time I always use Flex Record.

Why would someone choose 2 HR mode to record a 90 minute movie.

Movie starts at 2:15 AM ... ends at 4:25 AM

I set the timer record for FR mode and set the timer for 2:13 and 4:27AM

I use TVGuide dot com ... to check if anything good is coming on.

If I see a good movie coming on ... next few minutes.

I hit the Flex Record button on the remote control. A window is displayed.

I punch in the hours ... up to 6 hours and the minutes ... 59 minutes ... I guess.

I then sit there with remote in my hand ... just when HBO begins the travel through that City of theirs ... I hit ... ENTER ... Oh and be sure the START button is highlighted in yellow when you push the Enter button.


Here is the screen I see when I push the "F Rec" button

[tommyoz]

You just had to put that remote control in my face like that.
Only kidding, I know your only trying to help. Well at least the manual is on it's way. I should be getting it tomorrow.

Thanks,

[ZippyP.]

I recorded on a DVD-Ram disc and brought it to my PC for further authoring and burning. Did not need to finalize.

That's right, you don't need to finalize a Ram disk.

[tommyoz]

My remote is on the way and I should receive it by Tuesday 5/25. Finally!!!!