Tuff question about Pioneer 7000/Panasonic E20 dvd recorders

[bnbhoha]

I thought I knew everything about these and was about to purchase one these recorders. I came across something today and I was wandering if someone could please elaborate. I just cannot find this find this info. Anywhere, even on the manufacturers website. I think they were deceptive on the recording times of the dvd-r media. I have a lot of questions and thank you all in advance for any suggestions/comments. You will be helping me and many others out there who are trying to make an informative decision. Thank you.


There are two recording modes available on these players
1 video mode
2 variable bit rate (VBR).


Pioneer 7000- can record dvd-r and dvd-rw media
Panasonic E20 can record on dvd-r and dvd ram media

I read up on the Pioneer 7000 and it appears that there are two recording modes(as stated above). I've learned that on this player you could only record on video mode which allows you ONLY to record a maximum of two hours video on the disc when using dvd-r media and the dvd-r disc will not allow you to record on VBR rate mode. However, you can record up to 6 hours of video if you use dvd-rw media using the VBR mode. Is this true for stand-alone dvd records including Panasonic E20 as well? From my readings, dvd-r is compatible with most dvd players and dvd-rw is not as compatible with most and the media is slightly more expensive. I originally thought I could record up to 6 hours on both media.

*The dvd+rw recorders let you record up to 4 hours(VBR rate) on the dvd+rw disc, I'm not sure how long on a dvd+R disc. But once again there are compatibility issues w/ dvd players especially in this format.



So, if the above is true, I don' see an advantage of getting the Panasonic E20 recorder which has the dvd ram media. You will not be able to play over 2 hours of video on a disc unless you record it on dvd ram disc and then you would have to buy a dvd player that supports dvd ram format. Too expensive, especially if you want to give a copy of the dvd to friends and family. Dvd ram would come in handy if you record TV shows, but then again you can do it w/ dvd-rw but not have the versatility of erasing the disc in 10 seconds .


Some extra credit questions:

1. Let's say I bought the Pioneer 7000 which supports the dvd-r, dvd-rw media. In addition, this unit has a fire wire in/out. Would I be able to link this recorder to my computer though fire wire and transfer the new disc I made of my home movies to my computer and edit the home videos and transfer it back to the recorder recording it with the new edits?


2a. Okay, this is a tuff question. If I bought the Pioneer 7000 and a pc dvd recorder like the Pioneer A04 and recorded my home movies on a dvd-rw disc on the Pioneer 7000 with 5 hours of video. Would I be able to put the disc in my computer and transfer it to dvd-r disc (mind you that it would be in VBR format)? I know that the 7000 doesn't record VBR on dvd-r media, but if recorded a dvd-rw disc that had VBR on the 7000- would I be able to COPY it on to dvd-r through a pc recorder like the Pioneer A04?

2b. If I recorded a disc on the Pioneer 7000 and then put that disc into my computer, I should be able to make copies of the dvd w/ my Pioneer A04 right? And, if I wanted to edit the stuff on the disc, would I be able to transfer it to my computer, do the edits and just record the new edited disc on the A04 pc recorder?

[PhilipL]

Withdrawn

[bnbhoha]

Thank you for your reply; you are very knowledgeable. Just a little clarification please.

1. Pioneer 7000 will not let you record over two hours on dvd-r because that's the way they wanted it in order to assure that it plays in all dvd players (it's recorded in cbr mode or video mode as they call it). However, Panasonic will let you record up to 6 hours on a dvd-r (in vbr mode of course/ video recording mode). Correct?

2. I'm sorry, I was a little confused on your answer when I asked if I recorded a dvd-rw disc in vbr mode (up to 6 hours), would I be able to transfer it on to a dvd-r on my pc dvd recorder by just hitting copy?

3. Final question, If I bought the Panasonic e20 and recorded on dvd ram. Would I be able to transfer that to a dvd-r on my pc assuming that I had a dvd ram drive and a Pioneer A04 pc computer?

1. Basically, I think this is the best way to do this. I would by a Panasonic e30 (which is coming out in the next few months and has fire wire in/ no out) and a Pioneer Ao4 pc dvd recorder and a dvd ram reader for my pc. I would record home movies on dvd ram discs and from my computer, transfer them to dvd-r or edit and then transfer them to dvd-r. would this work?
2. Second option would be to get a pioneer 7000 and a pc dvd recorder like the pioneer ao4. record on dvd-rw to make sure I don't mess up. Then transfer copy to my pioneer ao4 on dvd-r if I like the final product. Or I can make edits and then transfer to dvd-r. Would this work.

ONCE again, thank you for you time and wise knowledge.

[PhilipL]

Withdrawn

[kv5]

I am also considering which of these machines would be the best to purchase......

I've found some usefull information here.......

http://www.techtronics.com/uk/shop/index.html

Look at the recorder section on the front page !

What sort of prices ( To the Original Post Thread ) have you found for either unit ?

Paul ( UK )