Do any DVD recorders capture 16:9 aspect ratio?

[Mlots]

Hi all,

I just purchased a Panasonic DMR-ES20 DVD recorder to transfer my digital camcorder movies to DVD via firewire. I was disappointed to find, in the manual, that the unit will only record to the 4:3 aspect ratio, unless you use a DVD RAM disc. My camcorder tapes are all recorded in the 16:9 format. Do all standalone DVD recorders have this same shortfall? Also, when I eventually get a DVD burner for my PC, will I have the same limitations?

Thanks for your help.

[kitty]

I have an ES45V with the same limitation. I was thinking of recording a tape to RAM then reading the files off on the PC (if my Pioneer 110D can do that) and making a DVD-R.

[Mlots]

Thanks for the feedback. So are you saying that when I burn DVD's on my PC, I will be able to retain the 16:9 aspect ratio?

Thanks.

[Baldrick]

You could also record 4:3 on the dvd recorder(it will look stretched) and then copy it to the pc and burn a new dvd with 16:9 using for example ifoar2ws.

[Mlots]

Thanks, Baldrik. One more question: Should I look for another DVD recorder or will they all only record in 4:3 format?

Thanks again.

[Frobozz]

The Pioneer recorders automatically recognize a 16:9 video from a camcorder via either the DV in or S-video. I've done this with my first-generation DVR-510H-S and it hasn't changed with later models. Toshiba recorders I'm told have a setting where you choose the aspect ratio. Sony recorders are good for 16:9, too.

As noted by Baldrick there are ways to fix the 16:9 flag using your computer. Aside from the hassle that's no different than the recorder getting the flag right to begin with.

[oldfart13]

So...use a DVD RAM disc. I don't see a problem. Cheap and re-useable 100,000 times. Been doing this for a little shy of 4 years....

[Mlots]

Yes....I know that I can use a DVD-RAM disc, but I will not be able to share the video with my friends and family, since they will not have the capabilty to view on their DVD players. Unless, I'm wrong?.....

Thanks.

[oldfart13]

Do you have a DVD ROM drive in your computer? I have old ones that will play the DVD-RAM from the recorder. You can then strip the VRO file out and author a DVD with TMPGEnc DVD Author, or since you don't have a burner, make it into a VCD or SVCD that will play in your friends and family's players. If you aren't doing any editing, it only takes a few minutes. Some DVD players will play RAM but usually only Panasonics accept them. I don't understand...you don't have a burner? They are as little as $30 these days. That means practically anyone can afford one, even someone like me who is semi-retired.

[joeg04]

Sony RDR-GX300 can do it. Limitations:
DVD+R(W): only 4:3,
DVD-RW (VR mode): automatic mode,
DVD-RW (video mode), DVD-R: "Rec screen size" must be set to "16:9" BEFORE start of recording, limited to full resolution formats (2 hours or less on 1 disk).