panasonic dmr-es46v doesn't work

[Delreek]

I bought brand new and read all of the directions and hooked it up and it doesn't work. First of all the remote control wont work when I input the code for the tv. The tv is an older toshiba that also a a dvd player. The unit is suppose to automatically set my channels when I power it up but it will not do it. When I power it up is says hello and then show the error message of in2.

If I try to just put a tape and dvd in to record it just says unformatted. Nothing on it does what is is suppose to do. I have read the directions for the last 3 months and can't figure it out.

Nothing works. Can anybody tell m e is this thing just broke or am I doing something wrong?

[trhouse]

It sounds like it is behaving normally. IN2 is not an error message. It means you have selected external Input 2 as the source ( this is the front panel input on the left ). Use the "Input Select" button on the remote to select the the input desired.

Some disks need to be formatted or reformatted. I do it all the time with dvd-ram disks that have been used on the computer then used on the recorder. On your remote, use "Drive Select" button to select "dvd", then use the "Functions" button, select "Other Functions", select "Dvd Management". select "Format Disc (DVD).

To scan channels, use the "Function" button, select "Other Functions", select "Setup", select "Channel" and "Set Channels Automatically".

[Delreek]

That doesn't work because I can't get the remote to work with the tv. I put in the code in it but doesn't really work. I say it doesn't work but it will change the display to "set 2" but will do nothing beyond that. I can't get the machine to do anything it is very frustrating and appears to be no help available. Nothing works. I feel like blowing money on another machine but that might not work either.

I am frustrated, does anyone have any other suggestions?

[LOWTECH]

Reread the manual or take it back if not happy with the performance or suspect a fault.

[Delreek]

Damn, don't be so helpful! I have been reading the manual for months, maybe I am too dumb to comprehend but
I will keep trying.

Anybody else got anything other than take it back or keep reading?

[FileMangler]

Dude - First of all, allow me to be the first to say it: STOP WHINING! There, now let's get on with it.

trhouse already gave you some great advice. Read that message again and take the advice to heart. Ready? Good! ACTUALLY READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND RE-CHECK YOUR WIRING!

Are you assuming the "RF OUTPUT" can be used like it is on a VCR? Don't. It can't. Not on this model. You have to use one of the AV outputs. Choose carefully. They do not all work with both the VHS deck and the DVD drive.

Now, when you are ready to ask some intelligent questions and if you are located in the US give the Panasonic help center a call. Use the number on top of the unit: 1-800-211-PANA (7262). I'm sure they hear this stuff all the time and they can probably help you. If you are not in the US check the Panasonic web site where you are. They probably have a call center too.

Also, there is an electronic version of the manual available at:
http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/DMRES45V.PDF

One more thing about the "Universal Remote": even when you do set the correct code it will only work the ON/OFF, channel UP/DOWN, Volume UP/DOWN, and the TV/VIDEO input selector. Do not expect to use the numeric buttons for channel selection.

Finally, when you realize what you've been doing wrong and this unit begins producing results for you, post your "mea culpa's" right here so every one can learn something from this experience.

TKVM.
Rock On!

[trhouse]

Let's back up a bit. FileMangler makes some good points. A few questions now.

1. Did you hold down the "TV Power" button while entering the code for Toshiba which is 0156? The button must held down the entire time the numbers are entered. If you hit "TV Power" and release it and enter the numbers, it will not work.

2. You mentioned that the TV is older. Does the TV have composite inputs? These are three connectors usually color coded yellow, red, and white. If it does not then you cannot get the onscreen displays which come via the A/V cable with those colors that should have come with the ES46V.

Should your TV have the yellow, red, and white cable inputs and you have that cable connected to it from the recorder, you must select that input on the TV. Just use the TV's remote for now if the Panasonic one does not work. One common way to find the proper input is to cycle the channels on the TV below channel 2. Items like AV1, AV2, video1, input1 or something like that should appear. One of those will be the right input from the recorder and match the name of the input to which the yellow, red, white cable is attached. The ES46V on screen display then should be viewable.

[edit]This is a correction. It is not true that you need a composite or S video input on the TV to get the onscreen display from the recorder. The TV must be set to channel 3 or 4, depending on which has been selected via the procedure described on page 23 of the manual of the ES46V. Any TV with an antenna input can get on screen displays from the ES46V without any other cables. The remote has a VCR/TV button in the lower right. When the TV antenna is connected to the ES46V "RF IN" and a cable goes from its "RF OUT" to your TV's antenna input, this button either routes the antenna signal through to the TV or it routes the playback signal from the ES46V to the antenna input of the TV via channel 3 or 4.

[FileMangler]

RF Out on the ES46: Oops! My bad...

thanks tr...

mea culpa...