Panasonic DMR-ES45V / DMR-ES45VS

[kitty]

After researching things 2 weeks ago, I was about to forget a DVD Recorder until the wife said she wanted something - the green light! I quickly went online and I found the Panasonic DMR-ES45VS was out and it met my criteria finally

- DV in a must
- Dual Media - a must
- Upconvert DVDs / HDMI - a must
- Dual Layer - A strong like
- VCR - A strong like
- SD Card slot (FAT12/FAT16) - a bonus

The clincher was a MSRP of $299 - I went on target.com and they had it for $269 online (wasn't at my store, I looked). Using their 10% off code TCATUTAH saved even more - with shipping and state tax it came to $267 so I bit and ordered it. Nice thing too I can take it back to a Target store within 90 days (wife liked that too - some items are not returnable if ordered online).

We'll see about problems mentioned in the FAQ - the "x5" units I have heard have some newer features unlike the "x0" units.

Any thoughts? Anyone have one and would like to share comments? Anyone wantto buy a used GoVideo 4940?

[trhouse]

I have been using a ES35V on loan from one of the relatives. Compared to the 45, it does not have the HDMI or SD Card slot.

Compared to the older ES30V, the captures are now 720 by 480 vs 704 by 480. The dual/double layer support does not allow continuous recording across the the layer change. It takes a few minutes to close the first layer and creates a second title on the second layer. It is still possible to use external hardware like color correctors or TBC's but the procedure is a little different because the ES30V had a duplicated set of controls for both VHS and dvd sides but the newer units have one set of controls with a drive select button.

[kitty]

I now see that the 45 will do dual layer but not cross layers. Inconvenient.

[trhouse]

Yes, for copying a source that needs to play continuously through the layer change. I am compiliing family videos. For that purpose, it works well. I can put clips on layer 0, close layer 0, then add more clips to layer 1.

I do not believe any recorder can cross layers well at the moment. If that is necessary, I do it on the computer and cannot tell where the change occurred.

[kitty]

Well the price of the 45 (at least at Target) is better than the 35.

[kitty]

Yes, for copying a source that needs to play continuously through the layer change. I am compiliing family videos. For that purpose, it works well. I can put clips on layer 0, close layer 0, then add more clips to layer 1.

I do not believe any recorder can cross layers well at the moment. If that is necessary, I do it on the computer and cannot tell where the change occurred.

I've done what you have, put one Video8 on layer 1 of Ritek DVD+R DL at 2:05, clode that layer, open the next, and put another tape on the second layer, then close & finalize.

Even the old DVD players seem to like the discs (my test is a Philips 711 but I have found out now it loved +R and really balks at -R unless it is 99.5% or more full).

[macophile]

Has anyone found a multiregion hack for the ES45V? I tried the generic hack using OmniRemote on a palm pilot without success. I know about the chipped hack sold in the UK, but getting one seems difficult and there's no guarantee it works with this model. I can't find anything on the web about a successful hack for the ES45V. I'm hoping someone out there has found the hack!