Panasonic or JVC?

[jac12]

I can't make up my mind on which one to buy, Panasonic E55 or JVC M10 (or even Pioneer 220)?

From what I can read here it's a close race. Maybe the JVC slight ahead.
My problem with the JVC is that I have have digital sat.box with RGB, and the JVC have no RGB in.

What do you guys recommend for me?

[gshelley61]

I own both. An E50 (last year's E55) and the JVC. The JVC has a unique pre-encoding noise reduction feature that really works well and results in a better looking, less noisy MPEG2 recording than my Panny produces. The JVC also records standard DVD-Video format to re-writeable DVD-RW's, which is a very big plus if you intend to do any editing and authoring of your final DVD on the computer (which is what I do). For re-writeable discs, the Panny can only use DVD-RAM in VR format, which can be a buggy and time consuming file structure to edit.

I treat the DVD recorder as a hardware MPEG2 capturing device that happens to store the video files on writeable DVD's.

You'll need to get an RGB to s-video/composite video adapter for the receiver output (it doesn't have standard composite or s-video out already?)

[jac12]

I think my sat.box also has a comp. out. But my concern is that I then I miss the RGB-signal. And RGB is the best signal. But I don't know how much better....?

[lordsmurf]

JVC

[jac12]

JVC

So you mean JVC will be better even if I can't use my RGB-signal?

[gshelley61]

Yes. I doubt seriously if you could tell the difference between an RGB and a Y/C (s-video) signal with your naked eye on a typical television. The better quality of the recording makes the JVC worth looking into.

Besides, I don't know of any DVD recorder that has RGB inputs. Unless you are talking about a SCART connector? I think the Euro/UK model JVC has one of those.

[jac12]

RGB-signal goes through Scart-connector. But the JVC has no RGB in. Many recorders have RGB in/out.
Have you compared these signals?
Because I know some people say that you will be able to see the difference.
I have not tested so I am not sure what to belive......

[gshelley61]

From the JVC UK website:
http://www.jvc.co.uk/product.php?id=DR-M10SEK&catid=18&lid=

Notice near the bottom of the list... dual SCART connectors


DR-M10 Top Features

• Playable Formats: DVD-Video, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD-R, CD, SVCD, VCD, CD-R/RW, MP3/JPEG Digital Still (CD-R/RW)
• Recordable Formats: DVD-RAM, DVD-RW (VR and Video Formats), DVD-R
• PAL Progressive Compatibility
• Motion Active Progressive Scan Output (for Video Source)
• Digital Direct Progressive Scan Output (for Film Source)
• Super MPEG Encode Pre-Processor: Time Base Corrector, Frame Synchroniser and Motion Active Noise Reduction
• Super MPEG Post-Processor: Block Noise Reduction Circuit, Colour DigiPure and Hadamard Noise Reduction System
• 8-Hour DVD Recording
• Library Database DVD Navigation
• DVD Navigation with Animated Thumbnail (DVD-RAM/DVD-RW VR Format)
• On-Disc Timer Programming (DVD-RAM/DVD-RW VR Format)
• Live Memory (Simultaneous Recording Playback) (DVD-RAM)
• Instant Replay, Quick Skip, Live Check
• i.LINK Connection (DV Input)
• 'Undo Finalisation' Capability (DVD-RW)
• I (PAL) Tuner
• NICAM Stereo Decoder
• Linear PCM Audio Recording (XP Mode Only)
• 192kHz/24-bit Audio D/A Converter
• 10-bit/54MHz Video D/A Converter
• Video Plus+ Deluxe
• Auto PDC
• T-V Link
• High-Resolution GUI (10 Languages)
• NTSC Playback on PAL TV
OtherFeatures
Audio
• Dolby Digital/DTS/MPEG Digital Output
• Virtual Surround
Video
• Auto 16:9 Recording Playback
• Variable Search and Slow
• Natural Reverse Playback (-1x)
• Resume Function (30-Disc/Bookmark)
General
• 1-Month/8-Programme Timer
• Rec Link
• Auto Set
• 99-Channel Frequency SynthesisedI Tuner with Hyperband
• Power Save Mode
• Permanent Programme Memory
• 60-Min. Power Backup
• Multi-Brand TV/DVD/Satellite Compatible Remote Control
Connections
• Dual SCART Connectors with Satellite/PDC Compatibility
• Front AV Input
• Video Outputs: Component andS-Video
• Audio Analogue Outputs: Front L/R
• Audio Digital Output: Optical and Coaxial

[JSquare]

The Philips DVDR75 have Component input, but I doubt that it's going to be any better than S-Video. If you're recording from progressive DVD player maybe OK, but an upsampled signal from DBS or Digital Cable could be worst that composite or S-Video.

A good example is the signal from some Replay TVs or TiVo/DVD/R combos with RGB out, they look like VHS tape on my 55".

[jac12]

From the JVC UK website:
http://www.jvc.co.uk/product.php?id=DR-M10SEK&catid=18&lid=

Notice near the bottom of the list... dual SCART connectors


DR-M10 Top Features

• Playable Formats: DVD-Video, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD-R, CD, SVCD, VCD, CD-R/RW, MP3/JPEG Digital Still (CD-R/RW)
• Recordable Formats: DVD-RAM, DVD-RW (VR and Video Formats), DVD-R
• PAL Progressive Compatibility
• Motion Active Progressive Scan Output (for Video Source)
• Digital Direct Progressive Scan Output (for Film Source)
• Super MPEG Encode Pre-Processor: Time Base Corrector, Frame Synchroniser and Motion Active Noise Reduction
• Super MPEG Post-Processor: Block Noise Reduction Circuit, Colour DigiPure and Hadamard Noise Reduction System
• 8-Hour DVD Recording
• Library Database DVD Navigation
• DVD Navigation with Animated Thumbnail (DVD-RAM/DVD-RW VR Format)
• On-Disc Timer Programming (DVD-RAM/DVD-RW VR Format)
• Live Memory (Simultaneous Recording Playback) (DVD-RAM)
• Instant Replay, Quick Skip, Live Check
• i.LINK Connection (DV Input)
• 'Undo Finalisation' Capability (DVD-RW)
• I (PAL) Tuner
• NICAM Stereo Decoder
• Linear PCM Audio Recording (XP Mode Only)
• 192kHz/24-bit Audio D/A Converter
• 10-bit/54MHz Video D/A Converter
• Video Plus+ Deluxe
• Auto PDC
• T-V Link
• High-Resolution GUI (10 Languages)
• NTSC Playback on PAL TV
OtherFeatures
Audio
• Dolby Digital/DTS/MPEG Digital Output
• Virtual Surround
Video
• Auto 16:9 Recording Playback
• Variable Search and Slow
• Natural Reverse Playback (-1x)
• Resume Function (30-Disc/Bookmark)
General
• 1-Month/8-Programme Timer
• Rec Link
• Auto Set
• 99-Channel Frequency SynthesisedI Tuner with Hyperband
• Power Save Mode
• Permanent Programme Memory
• 60-Min. Power Backup
• Multi-Brand TV/DVD/Satellite Compatible Remote Control
Connections
• Dual SCART Connectors with Satellite/PDC Compatibility
• Front AV Input
• Video Outputs: Component andS-Video
• Audio Analogue Outputs: Front L/R
• Audio Digital Output: Optical and Coaxial

Yes it has Scart connectors, but not for the RGB-signal.

[ejai]

Since you are trying to decide on which dvd recorder to buy thePanasonic and JVC, there are pros and cons to both.

My findings so far are:

The JVC has overall better picture quality depending on what you consider good quality. The JVC seems to smooth out the picture that helps to filter out the noise but causes a blurred and slight lighting effect. The sharpness is compromised becuase of this. Thats why I use a video enhancer with this unit.

The Panasonic gives a more sharper picture with better contrast overall, but can cause some noise on video especially if the recording is over 2hrs. Under 2 1/2 hours and under the video is fine.

So far I've experienced a laser failure using the JVC within a 6 week time frame. My Panasonics are well over a year or two now and are still going strong.

The JVC is extremely better at long captures than the Panasonic (2 1/2hrs and above).

After my JVC went down I started taking out time to really look at the difference between the models as far a video quality goes. I must admit on some videos I like the JVC better and on others I like the Panasonic better. I think it really depends on your use and what you consider to be quality.

The Panasonic is not as bad as some might want you to believe and the JVC is not as great either. I'm still looking for a machine that will give me the look I want and the durabililty. I don't think I've found it yet.

The trend that is starting to happen is that some people are starting to look at video enhancers to help get the video to look the way they invision it should. The dvd recorders do not give us the freedom we need to adjust picture control thus creating the need for an external product to deal with their shortcomings.

This is not the fault of the dvd recorder manufactuers alone, the vhs tapes have different degrees of lightness and color as do the cable and digital sources. While one might look great the other might be horrible.

WIth all that said I feel the JVC is an overall better product, but the Panasonic is not far behind. I'm just glad I didn't sell my Panasonic E50.

Just my opinion.

[zorankarapancev]

When I wanted to buy a DVD recorder for my business I was looking not only for good picture quality, but also for:

- flexibility
- reliability
- responsivity
- consistency of the quality of the recordings
- easy operation

That is why I bought Panasonic E60 instead of Sony (DVD recorder with the best recording quality at that time).
After having 300+ satisfied customers WITHOUT ANY COMPLAINS, I can wholeheartedly recommend this DVD recorder.

[budz]

I don't know if you all know this but Panasonic owns Jvc or something like that. The companies are under the same umbrella. Just thought I'd share that.

[zorankarapancev]

Do you know that Mercedes-Benz owns Chrysler and they are under the same umbrella?

[budz]

Do you know that Mercedes-Benz owns Chrysler and they are under the same umbrella?

what does that have to do with this thread? absolutely nothing.

[samijubal]

The JVC has a little cleaner picture when recording from my satellite, but the Panasonic is a little sharper. From a videotape I can't really see any difference. I never record in anything over SP so I don't know about the slower speeds. My Panasonic E20 lasted a little over 2 1/2 years, my E10 is still working fine. I had trouble with the JVC in less than 2 weeks. The biggest advantage to the JVC for me is that it uses all the recording space on a DVD-R giving 2hrs 14 mins in SP. The Panasonic only records for 2 hrs and stops with the outside edge of the disc left unused.

[Hermit]

JVC!!!!

Superb Picture Quality Better than the VHS input
Excellent FR mode uses the disk space with best rate
Got since last 15 days and never been so happy
Quality in one word

[lordsmurf]

I don't know if you all know this but Panasonic owns Jvc or something like that. The companies are under the same umbrella. Just thought I'd share that.

Not exactly.

They're still entirely separate companies.
They're just owned by the same corporation (Matsushita).

You'd probably be VERY surprised about who owns who if you flipped through some financial reports.

[Moonstomp]

I bought the JVC machine last week and am very happy with it.

Quality is absolutely unbelieveable !!!!!! Awesome.

regards,

Moonstomp.

[bugster]

The Philips DVDR75 have Component input, but I doubt that it's going to be any better than S-Video. If you're recording from progressive DVD player maybe OK, but an upsampled signal from DBS or Digital Cable could be worst that composite or S-Video.

A good example is the signal from some Replay TVs or TiVo/DVD/R combos with RGB out, they look like VHS tape on my 55".

The UK version has RGB input Via Scart instead. It is better that recording via S-Video or composite in my experience/opinion.

@jac12, if you can find a euro version of a recorder you desire with RGB input I think you will be satisfied.