Panasonic DMR-E55K Recorder

Panasonic's DMR-E55K DVD player/recorder grants unprecedented recording time on double-sided 9.4 GB recordable DVDs--up to 16 hours, or 8 hours per side (and on standard 4.7 GB discs, in EP mode). The DMR-E55K's joint support of DVD-RAM and DVD-R media provides the best of both worlds: DVD-R for the highest compatibility (letting you share video recordings with virtually anyone with a DVD player) and DVD-RAM (for rewritability and benefits like TimeSlip, chasing playback, and simultaneous play and record). DVD-RAM offers the perfect method for recording and rerecording favorite programs--over 100,000 times on the same disc. Using DVD-RAM, you can also edit your videos on a multimedia computer with video editing/production software.
You can take DVD-RAM discs out of their protective cartridges and play them on PCs equipped with a 4.7 GB/9.4 GB DVD-RAM drive or DVD-ROM drive that's compatible with 4.7 GB/9.4 GB DVD-RAM. In addition to an attractive price tag, the feature-rich DMR-E55K offers the benefits of progressive-scan video playback (for use with high-definition and HD-ready TVs), MP3 CD playback, enhanced time-shifting, and instant access times. Amazon.com Product Description

With instant recording onto a DVD disc, there's no need to have to find blank space, as with a VHS tape. Just press record and the unit will automatically find space on the disc, much like a computer's disk drive. Panasonic's Time Slip feature lets you replay a scene recorded earlier while a program is still in progress, without disrupting the recording process. And chasing playback lets you watch from the beginning a show whose recording is still in progress.
You can easily transfer your favorite VHS tape recordings to space-saving discs. Personal movie libraries and family videos can be archived, preserved, easily cataloged and accessed, and even edited right from the disc.
Input TBC (time base corrector) removes jitter from the input signal, while 3D Y/C separation circuitry precisely separates the luminance (Y) and chrominance (C) portions of the video signal to minimize dot crawl and color smearing caused by interference between the video signal's Y and C color subcomponents. These functions are particularly effective when recording from analog video sources such as a conventional VCR and camcorder. Combined with the 3D DNR applied during playback, the result can be a surprising restoration of image quality from old videocassettes.
Connections include component-, composite-, and S-video outputs, multiple composite- and S-video inputs, an optical digital-audio output for surround-sound passthrough to a compatible (Dolby Digital/DTS 5.1) audio/video surround receiver, and RCA stereo analog audio inputs.

Panasonic DMR-E55K Recorder

Progressive Scanning
Progressive scanning, otherwise known as 480P (p=progressive), creates a picture signal with double the scan lines of a conventional interlaced picture, 480I (I=interlaced), to create a noticeably sharper image. The 480P image offers higher picture resolution and eliminates virtually all motion artifacts. Even on large screens, the progressive scan lines are barely noticeable and picture flickering is greatly reduced, so you can enjoy extended viewing without eye fatigue. There are also many advantages to progressive conversion. Progressive-scan DVD players can handle both progressive and conventional interlaced video.
The Benefits of Progressive Vs. Interlaced Scanning Standard DVD-Video players use interlaced scanning to produce a picture. Interlaced scanning combines two fields to generate a picture of 525 scan lines (480 of which are displayed). Your television projects an interlaced image by first scanning the 240 odd-numbered lines of one field (in 1/60th of a second), followed by the 240 even-numbered lines of the other field (in 1/60th of a second). So, it takes two fields to build one frame of video. Progressive-scan DVD players have a progressive video processor, which enables all 525 lines (480 of which are displayed) to be scanned at the exact same time. A television with 480P component inputs can completely scan the entire image in 1/60th of a second, so it only takes one field to build one frame of video. The result is a smoother and sharper picture, with high resolution and no motion artifacts.
What's in the Box
DVD player/recorder, remote control, remote batteries, user's manual, and a stereo analog audio interconnect/composite-video cable.

From the Manufacturer
The Panasonic DMR-E55K offers an affordable entry in to the world of DVD recordable. This DVD recorder has convenient features such as time slip recording, which allows you to watch the start of a program while still recording the end. This model comes in black (as well as silver).
Features:Plays pre-recorded DVDs and CDs Analog TV tuner built in with RF pass through Chasing playback allows you to watch the start of a program while still recording it Non-linear minidisc-style editing MP3

Test report

Watch the shipping date!, April 22, 2005 Reviewer: S. Paquin "Take me away!" (Woodbine, GA) -
I bet this is a good unit, but I'll never really know. I ordered it and it never came. Delayed once, twice then cancelled.

I got it in silver instead. It's inside a cabinet, so it didn't really matter about the color. The silver was cheaper, it was in stock, and it's a good quality unit. I am please with my silver one!




EXCELLENT RECORDER IF USING THE RIGHT BLANK DISCS, April 4, 2005 Reviewer: BCP "OSU Buckeyes" (SF, CA USA) - I have had this player for several months and had nothing but good experiences uses it. I used Sony, TDK, and Panasonic blank DVD-Rs. Recently I purchased some new TDK blank DVD-Rs and had my first problems. The unit was flaky and would not record most of the time, while giving the Self Check indicator for several minutes. I read a review below and it mentions that 8x discs are not recommended for this recorder. The TDKs I bought are 1x-8x speed, so that appears to explain my problems.

I had used the Sony DVD-Rs mostly for the past several months and went back to them for this reason. However, a couple of days ago, I inadvertently bought a box of 1x-8x again, as I never really even paid attention to the record speed. The great news is that these new 1x-8x Sony DVD-Rs are every bit as stable and viewable as the older 1x-4x version of the same Sony DVD-Rs I was previously using. Therefore, I highly recommend going with the Sonys, as I have never had one lockup on dozens of DVD recordings using them, whether the speed of them is 1x to 4x or 1x to 8x. If you can find Panasonic DVD-Rs, I would assume they would be safe also. When the discs are compatible, the player is the best $250 investment I have ever made. For the money, there is no better performing DVD recorder out there.




Easy to Use, March 21, 2005 Reviewer: Mark A. Wellman (Plaucheville, LA United States) -
This is my first DVD recorder. I have made copies of many VHS tapes and have recorded a few TV shows. The DVDs I made look and sound great. This unit also plays DVD Audio discs in stereo. DVD Audio discs put CDs to shame. I have had my Hafler preamp and power amp and my Boston Acoustics tower speakers for almost twenty years, but they never have sounded as good as they did when I played some DVD Audio over them. I am very pleased with my Panasonic.


Consider the new model, Panasonic DMR-ES10, March 20, 2005 Reviewer: avoraciousreader (Somewhere in the Space Time Continuum) - If you're considering the DMR-E55, you might look at the just-on-the-shelves Panasonic DMR-ES10. As far as I can tell, though don't take this as Gospel, it does everything the E55 does (nifty DVD-RAM stuff like time slip; variable compression to make full use of the disc to record just exactly, say, a 1hr 23 minute program; etc) and probably has some new features as well. But most of all, Panasonic seems to have actually listened to people's comments and fixed a few things --

-- the ES10 uses not just 4X DVD-R discs, but both +/- and 4X/8X write-once discs (so a year from now you won't be vainly searching for media), and also re-writeable DVD-RW. Since most computers won't read DVD-RAM without extra hardware, this lets you, for instance, record TV shows and edit them on the computer without creating a bunch of unusable coasters.

-- many people found the E55 manual and operations obscure/difficult. The ES10's manual is clearly written, and the operation is almost intuitive (at least what I've tested so far).

And best of all, the going price of the ES10 is about $200 :-). At least that's what I payed for mine - after much research I had intended to buy an E55 in spite of its limitations, but this model had just come in, and I've been very pleased in the few days I've had it.

[I rated the E55K 4* to avoid skewing the rating; I haven't actually used it, but felt compelled to give this heads up.]



Looking to replace that old VCR, May 10, 2004 Reviewer: bruce c. beyer (Sunnyvale, CA United States) - If you are looking for a DVD Recorder to replace that old VCR and want up to 8 hours of continious recording time then this is the unit to get until Blue Lasers hit the market in a couple of years. With the 9.4 GHz RAM disks (rewriteable) you can record up to 16 hours (double sided) or 8 hours per side. Once I got past the AUTO SETUP problem I was able to set up the unit with very little trouble. After setting the basic setup functions (timer and channels) I was able to figure out the recording features within a couple of minutes. Once you view the recorded program you can erase it in a matter of seconds. The timer program featrure also allows you to program upto 16 programs, not like the usually 8 with a VCR. The only drawback to this unit and others on the market today is not being able to add more than one of these to my system and control multiple units with just one remote as I was able to do with three Sony VCRs.


Record DVDs as easy as recording VHS, April 20, 2004 Reviewer: Benjamin Wolz (Dallas, TX United States) - I bought this recorder a month ago and have recorded 20+ TV shows and a few movies on it. I was a little skeptical about this device at first, as I read many reviews about how DVD recorders seem to eat through DVD discs with mis rights and have other problems. However, this recorder has worked flawlessly so far. I have been recording on cheap Imation DVD-R discs without a problem.
I have recorded in the 2 hour and 4 hour formats. The 4 hour format is actually much better quality than I expected. So much, that I have been recording TV shows (Sopranos, Deadwood, Elmo, etc.) in this mode for later viewing.
I do have two minor dissappointments. 1) the technical specification stated that this unit has both optical and coaxial digital audio outputs. This is not true. It only has an optical digital audio output. This is a problem for me, as I don't have enough optical inputs on my receiver and have a coaxial connection to spare. 2) the recording schedule feature is a bit odd in that it requires you to turn off the recorder to record a scheduled program. This is a bit annoying, as I'd like to watch the event when it comes up. Because of this, I have to wait for the recorder to start recording before I can watch TV through the DVD recorder.



First entry into the world of DVD - VERY PLEASED, October 28, 2004

Reviewer:

William Kresge (Seattle, WA USA) -

Normally I don't write reviews about electronics, I'm not an electronics expert nor have I used lots of DVD recorders. I'm making an exception with this piece of equipment. I did my research (reading reviews like this one) before purchasing this machine. I'd been waiting until the price of a quality machine came down to a price I felt was reasonable. This machine has been a jewel. I needed to archive a considerable collection of VHS tapes for my personal use (over 200 tapes, most of which were in excess of 1.5 hours each.) So far I have completed over 100 transfers and made only one frisbee, not bad. The quality of the transfers is all I could have hoped for, in fact it's exceptional. For anyone who wants to move a collection from VHS technology to DVD technology I will make 3 suggestions. First, purchase the SIMA GoDVD! unit. It enhances and cleans up weak signals, you'll thank me for this suggestion. Second, get a good VHS cleaner and use it regularly. Last, don't shoot yourself in the foot using the cables that come with these units. Go out and purchase monster cables or their equivalent. Using the skinny little things that come with the unit will keep you from getting the best possible information transfer. If you're watching your dvds on the new generation of television you WILL notice the difference.

Last but not least, normally I don't believe in extended warranty contracts. With this unit I made an exception. I bought an 3rd party contract since I learned that Panasonic will keep your unit for months if you utilize their contract. The lasers in these things are pricey and in my opinion worth spending a little money on insurance. Oh, one last thing, be very careful that you DO NOT move your recorder with a DVD disc in the tray. The repair technician I spoke to regarding the contract said that this is the #1 way to screw up a DVD recorder.

As to the quality of the user interface. My wife, one of the truly great technophobes of the 21st Century was able to use this machine with a minimum of coaching. It's really pretty easy to use, but like everything it takes a little reading and time to get the hang of it.

I'm posting this review as a way to thank those of you who have posted reviews that have helped me make good purchases. What a great way for us to help each other, very empowering.





I L-O-V-E this machine!, November 23, 2004

Reviewer:

ccbaxter (Los Angeles, CA USA) -
What can I say but that this device has exceeded all of my expectations! I told myself for years that as soon as DVD recorders broke below $300 I would go ahead and buy one (to transfer my large collection of VHS tapes/movies, mostly). Then to discover recently that this well-regarded model was considerably cheaper than $300 was an opportunity too good to pass up. Two weeks later, I've recorded 50 disks without a single flub (well, two flubs but they were TOTALLY my fault)! Is there no end in sight?

Some quick pointers I've picked up since I've had the machine, if you plan to buy this model:

1) Everything you've read below about the confusing manual is TRUE. Absolutely an instruction manual written by the Marquis de Sade (yet as you read it you just KNOW some Poindexter somewhere thought it made perfect sense--yeah, maybe to Professor Frink!). You're better off figuring out all the nifty functions via trial-and-error by utilizing a reusuble DVD-RAM disk before you start recording things permanently on to single-use DVD-Rs.

2) People have mentioned (about this machine and others) that some recordings stall in the middle, get frozen, etc. If there's one important thing I learned a couple of years from my CD recorder experience is that a clean disk makes all the difference. Dust is your enemy!!! Get a can of compressed air ("Dust-Off", etc.) and spritz your disk just before putting it in the tray; you should have no problems recording.

3) One thing I didn't see mentioned anywhere is that this machine can use both DVD-RAM disks that are already in a cartridge (to protect from dust, fingerprints, etc.) and DVD-RAM disks that are just in a jewel case. I would suggest the cartridge kind (see #2).

4) Since I started I've been using Maxell DVD-R disks--I have had NO problems with them at all.

5) If you're recording something but you don't like what you've done (accidentally started too soon or too late, etc.), you can stop the recording, erase what you've recorded, and start all over from the beginning with the same disk, even if it's a DVD-R. It's only when you "Finalize" the disk afterwards that the recording is permanent (on a DVD-R).

6) Some fun things I've discovered: If you have more than one "title" on a single disk (i.e., several episodes of a TV show), you can easily create a menu page with the titles of each episode displayed. You can even pick the exact frame from an episode to be that particular title's thumbnail picture on the menu page!

7) Alas, as some have mentioned below, some prerecorded tapes will not be able to be transferred to DVD (because of Macrovision protection, etc.). I've had trouble with most of my MGM and Fox movies, some Disney as well, but most Universal and Paramount tapes are easily tranferable. All in all I've been able to transfer about 2/3 of my pre-recorded movie collection on to DVD-R. That's better than nothing, as they say.

So, if you're planning to get a DVD recorder, I urge you to check this one out. I don't think you'll be disappointed!


Virtually broadcast quality recordings, November 15, 2004 Reviewer: S. Sourelis "film nut" (Chicago, IL) -

I needed a unit that would both record high quality video at the two hour setting as well as decent quality at the four to six hour setting. Saw the five star rating here and knew this was the one.
I am very pleased with this unit. I am recording from a DirecTV signal and it seems as if I am watching the actual broadcast. I highly recommend this Panasonic recorder.



Plenty of features and easy to use, October 27, 2004

Reviewer:

R. Campbell (Minneapolis, MN) -

I can't comment on the longevity of this product, as I've only had it for a few days. But I can comment on the features and ease of use which are excellent. Contrary to the reviewer who said it is extremely hard to set up, I say the opposite. For the rest of us who can easily work a microwave or an electric shaver without incident, this thing is as easy as you'd want. Here's the 'exceedingly' difficult set up routine:

1. Plug in all the cables (make sure you get them in the right holes...)
2. Turn it on. You'll get a menu asking you what language you speak. Then let it go for a while and it'll set the channels and time for you.
3. Whew..we made it past that. Now to program something to record: Press the 'funtions' button and go to the 'timer recording' mode.
4. Choose the channel, ENTER, start time, ENTER, end time, ENTER, record mode, ENTER. You're done. Wow. Hard.
5. To watch a recorded program, press the navigator button and choose a recording. ENTER.
6. To watch from the beginning while you are still recording, press the Time Slip button. Then control it as a regular recording, or press stop to go back to live TV. Easy.

For the price this seems to be a great unit. The picture quality is great and it works as advertised. I don't really see the necessity of the 'feature' of being able to use double sided DVDRam discs, because you have to flip them over anyway, so it doesn't really let you record twice as long without intervention.

One more note : It says on the box that it supports DVDAudio discs, (music CDs specially split into 5.1 channels). But it specifically says in the book that they will play on this unit on only 2 channels. That doesn't really seem like support for the standard.

Overall, it is a great replacement for my piece of junk VCR and is indeed easy to use. Can't go wrong here.



© 1996-2004, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates

Panasonic DMR-E55K Recorder

Test report

Looking to replace that old VCR, May 10, 2004 Reviewer: bruce c. beyer (Sunnyvale, CA United States) - If you are looking for a DVD Recorder to replace that old VCR and want up to 8 hours of continious recording time then this is the unit to get until Blue Lasers hit the market in a couple of years. With the 9.4 GHz RAM disks (rewriteable) you can record up to 16 hours (double sided) or 8 hours per side. Once I got past the AUTO SETUP problem I was able to set up the unit with very little trouble. After setting the basic setup functions (timer and channels) I was able to figure out the recording features within a couple of minutes. Once you view the recorded program you can erase it in a matter of seconds. The timer program featrure also allows you to program upto 16 programs, not like the usually 8 with a VCR. The only drawback to this unit and others on the market today is not being able to add more than one of these to my system and control multiple units with just one remote as I was able to do with three Sony VCRs.




Record DVDs as easy as recording VHS, April 20, 2004 Reviewer: Benjamin Wolz (Dallas, TX United States) - I bought this recorder a month ago and have recorded 20+ TV shows and a few movies on it. I was a little skeptical about this device at first, as I read many reviews about how DVD recorders seem to eat through DVD discs with mis rights and have other problems. However, this recorder has worked flawlessly so far. I have been recording on cheap Imation DVD-R discs without a problem.
I have recorded in the 2 hour and 4 hour formats. The 4 hour format is actually much better quality than I expected. So much, that I have been recording TV shows (Sopranos, Deadwood, Elmo, etc.) in this mode for later viewing.
I do have two minor dissappointments. 1) the technical specification stated that this unit has both optical and coaxial digital audio outputs. This is not true. It only has an optical digital audio output. This is a problem for me, as I don't have enough optical inputs on my receiver and have a coaxial connection to spare. 2) the recording schedule feature is a bit odd in that it requires you to turn off the recorder to record a scheduled program. This is a bit annoying, as I'd like to watch the event when it comes up. Because of this, I have to wait for the recorder to start recording before I can watch TV through the DVD recorder.





First entry into the world of DVD - VERY PLEASED, October 28, 2004

Reviewer:  
William Kresge (Seattle, WA USA) -   Normally I don't write reviews about electronics, I'm not an electronics expert nor have I used lots of DVD recorders. I'm making an exception with this piece of equipment. I did my research (reading reviews like this one) before purchasing this machine. I'd been waiting until the price of a quality machine came down to a price I felt was reasonable. This machine has been a jewel. I needed to archive a considerable collection of VHS tapes for my personal use (over 200 tapes, most of which were in excess of 1.5 hours each.) So far I have completed over 100 transfers and made only one frisbee, not bad. The quality of the transfers is all I could have hoped for, in fact it's exceptional. For anyone who wants to move a collection from VHS technology to DVD technology I will make 3 suggestions. First, purchase the SIMA GoDVD! unit. It enhances and cleans up weak signals, you'll thank me for this suggestion. Second, get a good VHS cleaner and use it regularly. Last, don't shoot yourself in the foot using the cables that come with these units. Go out and purchase monster cables or their equivalent. Using the skinny little things that come with the unit will keep you from getting the best possible information transfer. If you're watching your dvds on the new generation of television you WILL notice the difference.

Last but not least, normally I don't believe in extended warranty contracts. With this unit I made an exception. I bought an 3rd party contract since I learned that Panasonic will keep your unit for months if you utilize their contract. The lasers in these things are pricey and in my opinion worth spending a little money on insurance. Oh, one last thing, be very careful that you DO NOT move your recorder with a DVD disc in the tray. The repair technician I spoke to regarding the contract said that this is the #1 way to screw up a DVD recorder.

As to the quality of the user interface. My wife, one of the truly great technophobes of the 21st Century was able to use this machine with a minimum of coaching. It's really pretty easy to use, but like everything it takes a little reading and time to get the hang of it.

I'm posting this review as a way to thank those of you who have posted reviews that have helped me make good purchases. What a great way for us to help each other, very empowering.





I L-O-V-E this machine!, November 23, 2004

Reviewer:
 ccbaxter (Los Angeles, CA USA) -What can I say but that this device has exceeded all of my expectations! I told myself for years that as soon as DVD recorders broke below $300 I would go ahead and buy one (to transfer my large collection of VHS tapes/movies, mostly). Then to discover recently that this well-regarded model was considerably cheaper than $300 was an opportunity too good to pass up. Two weeks later, I've recorded 50 disks without a single flub (well, two flubs but they were TOTALLY my fault)! Is there no end in sight?

Some quick pointers I've picked up since I've had the machine, if you plan to buy this model:

1) Everything you've read below about the confusing manual is TRUE. Absolutely an instruction manual written by the Marquis de Sade (yet as you read it you just KNOW some Poindexter somewhere thought it made perfect sense--yeah, maybe to Professor Frink!). You're better off figuring out all the nifty functions via trial-and-error by utilizing a reusuble DVD-RAM disk before you start recording things permanently on to single-use DVD-Rs.

2) People have mentioned (about this machine and others) that some recordings stall in the middle, get frozen, etc. If there's one important thing I learned a couple of years from my CD recorder experience is that a clean disk makes all the difference. Dust is your enemy!!! Get a can of compressed air ("Dust-Off", etc.) and spritz your disk just before putting it in the tray; you should have no problems recording.

3) One thing I didn't see mentioned anywhere is that this machine can use both DVD-RAM disks that are already in a cartridge (to protect from dust, fingerprints, etc.) and DVD-RAM disks that are just in a jewel case. I would suggest the cartridge kind (see #2).

4) Since I started I've been using Maxell DVD-R disks--I have had NO problems with them at all.

5) If you're recording something but you don't like what you've done (accidentally started too soon or too late, etc.), you can stop the recording, erase what you've recorded, and start all over from the beginning with the same disk, even if it's a DVD-R. It's only when you "Finalize" the disk afterwards that the recording is permanent (on a DVD-R).

6) Some fun things I've discovered: If you have more than one "title" on a single disk (i.e., several episodes of a TV show), you can easily create a menu page with the titles of each episode displayed. You can even pick the exact frame from an episode to be that particular title's thumbnail picture on the menu page!

7) Alas, as some have mentioned below, some prerecorded tapes will not be able to be transferred to DVD (because of Macrovision protection, etc.). I've had trouble with most of my MGM and Fox movies, some Disney as well, but most Universal and Paramount tapes are easily tranferable. All in all I've been able to transfer about 2/3 of my pre-recorded movie collection on to DVD-R. That's better than nothing, as they say.

So, if you're planning to get a DVD recorder, I urge you to check this one out. I don't think you'll be disappointed!



Virtually broadcast quality recordings, November 15, 2004 Reviewer: S. Sourelis "film nut" (Chicago, IL) - I needed a unit that would both record high quality video at the two hour setting as well as decent quality at the four to six hour setting. Saw the five star rating here and knew this was the one.
I am very pleased with this unit. I am recording from a DirecTV signal and it seems as if I am watching the actual broadcast. I highly recommend this Panasonic recorder.






Plenty of features and easy to use, October 27, 2004

I can't comment on the longevity of this product, as I've only had it for a few days. But I can comment on the features and ease of use which are excellent. Contrary to the reviewer who said it is extremely hard to set up, I say the opposite. For the rest of us who can easily work a microwave or an electric shaver without incident, this thing is as easy as you'd want. Here's the 'exceedingly' difficult set up routine:

1. Plug in all the cables (make sure you get them in the right holes...)
2. Turn it on. You'll get a menu asking you what language you speak. Then let it go for a while and it'll set the channels and time for you.
3. Whew..we made it past that. Now to program something to record: Press the 'funtions' button and go to the 'timer recording' mode.
4. Choose the channel, ENTER, start time, ENTER, end time, ENTER, record mode, ENTER. You're done. Wow. Hard.
5. To watch a recorded program, press the navigator button and choose a recording. ENTER.
6. To watch from the beginning while you are still recording, press the Time Slip button. Then control it as a regular recording, or press stop to go back to live TV. Easy.

For the price this seems to be a great unit. The picture quality is great and it works as advertised. I don't really see the necessity of the 'feature' of being able to use double sided DVDRam discs, because you have to flip them over anyway, so it doesn't really let you record twice as long without intervention.

One more note : It says on the box that it supports DVDAudio discs, (music CDs specially split into 5.1 channels). But it specifically says in the book that they will play on this unit on only 2 channels. That doesn't really seem like support for the standard.

Overall, it is a great replacement for my piece of junk VCR and is indeed easy to use. Can't go wrong here.



© 1996-2004, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates

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