Help with DMR-E50 (please read)

[fashionista88]

Hi:

I have a Panasonic DMR-E50, and about a week ago I decided to download a firmware update for it. I had never updated the firmware since I bought the machine, so that's why I did it. To my surprise, when I recorded a movie to test the machine, the picture quality worsened. I used to tape things in EP and they turned up pretty good; now EP mode is unwatchable. Is there any way to reverse this, download a older version of the firmware or something like that? I hope you can help me, because I really don't have the money to buy a new machine right now and I need to use it constantly.

[CrayonEater]

No, sorry. Welcome to the wonderful world of Panasonic. I had the exact same thing happen with my DMR-E50. I don't know where to get an older firmware, and I've looked extensively. rpc1.org (sort of a universal repository of firmware) only has Matsushita, which is Panasonic, but none of the product numbers jibe with Panasonic parts, and it would ruin the recorder if you picked the wrong one. The only firmware available that I know of is the D8-066 of 4/21/05.

I will let you know if I come across anything else.

[fashionista88]

Thanks for the fast reply. I did email Panasonic asking them the same thing, and what they gave me was phone number for a technician I guess. I will call just to check out, but they will probably tell me to take the machine to a service center.


Anyway, can you recommend me any good machines out there, not too expensive, but most importantly that they are of good quality?