Is my new Panasonic E80 RF output broken or just a bypass?

[Bridge]

For anyone that has a Panasonic E80 I have a question. I just got it and tried to hook it up. I followed the instructions but only got a standard TV signal. No matter what I tried until I hooked up the S-video line from the Panasonic to a TV with s-video input. I was wondering if my Panasonic RF output connector is broken or just a useless bypass connector? Can the only way you can see the Panasonic E80 is through an s-video and/or component video hooked up into a TV and the RF output connector that is on the machine just a useless bypass switch; or am I doing something wrong and you can get the menus and everything that the Panasonic is putting out to work by plugging in cable on one part and then running a line from the RF output into the TV? I need to know because if it's broken then I need to take it back before it's too late. I need to know from someone that has a Panasonic E80 Hard drive/recorder to tell me if I have a broken one or if the RF output it just a useless bypass connector that they just put there and the only way to use it is though s-video and/or component output.

Thanks

[handyguy]

Did you tune your tv to ch3 or 4 when you used it?

[Bridge]

You know what. I even looked for one of those ch. 3-4 switches but here's the thing. Down in the very corner on the left hand side of the book in very small writing it says it. The RF connector doesn't work. You have to plug in a RCA, S-Video, or component line to get it to work or to see it. I didn't even know that when I got it.

The only other DVD recorder I hooked up was a DVD recorder/VCR combo unit and that RF connector works. Probably because of the VCR part of it. So I didn't know until just a few minutes ago. I guess all stand alone DVD records must not use the RF output but the ones with a VCR/DVD recorder does?

[louthewiz]

Mine works with the channel 3 input with my cable and sat connected and it records and everything via ch 3, aslso remember you need to change your dvd recorder to ch 3.

[Synergy]

The only other DVD recorder I hooked up was a DVD recorder/VCR combo unit and that RF connector works. Probably because of the VCR part of it. So I didn't know until just a few minutes ago. I guess all stand alone DVD records must not use the RF output but the ones with a VCR/DVD recorder does?

Yes, you are absolutely that the RF jack is just a TV signal bypass connector on the E80, and no RF modulator is implemented on any standalone DVD player/recorder as far as I know, but it's standard on all VCR and VCR combo units.

[lordsmurf]

Bypass only on 99% of recorders out there.

[handyguy]

I have a Panny e30 & they work even when the dvd recorder is off. You might also try another rf cable.