Panasonic DMR-E55K Progressive-Scan DVD Recorder/Player (Black)

Panasonic DMR-E55K Progressive-Scan DVD Recorder/Player (Black)

Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
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.

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.

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.

Product Description:
Here's a great opportunity for you to move ahead to digital recording. The DMR-E55 records to DVD-RAM and DVD-R discs, and gives you terrific features like simultaneous record and play, chasing playback and multi-format compatibility. It even plays MP3 files burned to CD-R and CD-RW discs.

Panasonic DMR-E55K Progressive-Scan DVD Recorder/Player (Black)
Average customer rating:

Good but has some major glitches

Serious Problem In Month Nine of Ownership/Use

Doesn't hold up

Watch the shipping date!

EXCELLENT RECORDER IF USING THE RIGHT BLANK DISCS

Panasonic DMR-E55K Progressive-Scan DVD Recorder/Player (Black)

Manufacturer: Panasonic
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

DVD Players | Home Video | Panasonic | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
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DVD Players | DVD Players & Recorders | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Accessories:

The AVIA Guide to Home Theater

Monster Cable MV2CV-2M Monster Video 2 2-Meter Component Video Cable

Monster Cable High-Resolution S-Video Cable (6.6 Feet)

Terk MINI RF Modulator, Compact

JVC DVD47BU 4.7GB DVD-R

Product Features:

Records DVD-R, DVD-RAM for best of both worlds; plays DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, CD-R/RW, and MP3 CD

Up to 16 hours on a double-sided 9.4 GB DVD-RAM disc; up to 8 hours on a single-sided 4.7 GB DVD-RAM or DVD-R

Offers one-touch record, TimeSlip, chasing playback (watching a recording in progress from the beginning), on-disc video editing

Progressive-scan video output for seamless, flicker-free picture on high-definition and HD-ready televisions

Measures 16.9 x 3.125 x 11.2 inches (W x H x D)

ASIN: B0001G0FFI

Amazon.com Product Description

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.

The Benefits of Progressive Vs. Interlaced Scanning

What's in the Box
DVD player/recorder, remote control, remote batteries, user's manual, and a stereo analog audio interconnect/composite-video cable.

Product Description

It's a digital world. A world where sound surrounds you and pictures dazzle the imagination. It's a world where the excitement of the movies is captured and brought to life on a simple five-inch disc - the size of a CD. Welcome to the incredible world of DVD. As a leader in digital technology, Panasonic made possible and forever changed the face of home theatre. Panasonic has packed big-screen excitement into the world's smallest and lightest DVD player. Come and experience the ultimate in home theatre entertainment.PRODUCT FEATURES: DVD RAM recordings up to 16 hours (EP Mode, 9.4GB Disc); DVD-R recordings up to 8 hours (EP Mode, 4.7GB Disc); Time Slip Function; Chasing Playback; Simultaneous Play & Record; One Touch Record & Play; Direct Navigator; Play list; NTSC Tuner with VHF, UHF, CATV Coverage; Includes VCR Plus+ Programming; Visibility Modulation Technology; Hybrid VBR: Variable Bit Rate Technology; 20-bit Dolby Digital A/D 2-Channel Recordings; 3 Line Inputs with: Composite, S-Video, L & R Audio; 5-Mode Recording Modes; Progressive Scan 480P/480I Video Playback; Compatible Formats: VCD, DVD, DVD-R & DVD-RAM; Composite, S-Video, Component Video Outputs; Compatible Formats: CD, CD-R/RW1, DVD-Audio (2ch), DVD-R & DVD-RAM; Built-In: 96kHz 24-bit Dolby Digital & DTS decoders, 2-Channel Decoders; DTS & Dolby Digital Compatible Optical Output; MP3 Playback (music files on CD-R/RW).

Customer Reviews:

Good but has some major glitches.......2006-02-25

I've had this DVD Recorder/Player for a little over a year now. It was extremely easy to hook up right out of the box and the manual actually makes sense if you actually read it. Very clear picture and sound quality, even when recorded on the lowest setting. The system is very user friendly and self-explanatory. Great price for the features you get including a simple to use timer, remote, write speed selection, disc and segment names, numerous audio selections,etc. I've no complaints whatsoever about the DVD Player, just the recorder that has issues from time to time.

My main complaint is that it tends to be glitchy every so often. It has little fits where it runs a "self check" that seems to last FOREVER. You usually have to manually hold the power button down for about 3 minutes to get the machine to reset and stop the self check. Also, I've used numerous types of DVD-R media (with various write speeds) and DVD-RAM discs and I've had SEVERAL discs just spontaneously erased for no reason, which needless to say is completely irritating and frustrating, especially if you had something you wanted to save. This seems to effect the DVD-RAM discs more often, regardless of the age of the disc or the manufacturer (even Panasonic). The disc finalization has also failed several times, leaving you with a disc that can only be played in this recorder because it can not be recognized in any other player. Once the finalization fails, forget it. This doesn't occur all the time and does tend to happen more frequently with discs with higher write speed (8X).

Overall, I think it is a decent machine for the price if you are patient and don't record anything that you want to keep forever because you just never know if you'll ever see it again. If you do get this machine forget using something with a high write speed because chances are it will eventually cause a problem. The good news is that you can use just about any type of DVR-R even the cheap ones, IF the write speed is low (no higher than 4x).

Serious Problem In Month Nine of Ownership/Use.......2005-09-12

In the ninth month of owning and using this model, suddenly the picture pops on and off.

I use the Y-R1-R2 cable into my HD television.

You'll be watching, and the picture goes on, off, on, off, on, off.

If I use the component cable (Yellow RCA with the red and white sound cables), it doesn't do it.

The problem must have to do with the HD-Out area.

I've checked the HD cable, using another DVD player. No problem.

Here's the kicker. The Panasonic authorized repair shop says there's nothing wrong.

Come again?

The shop says they couldn't find anything wrong.

So, I brought it home, hooked it back up, and had the same problem within 30 seconds.

Stay away from this model. There is a significant problem, and not only won't they fix it, they don't acknowledge it exists.

Doesn't hold up.......2005-05-05

This should say it all: I just came back from the repair shop. When they saw me walk in with the unit the clerk said, "I can't believe how many of these units come in." This very model. I used it for a few months, made 20 or 30 recordings, then it just failed. I called tech report, told them the error message I was getting and they told me to bring it in. I have a feeling I'll be returning it often till the warranty expires and then I'll throw it out.

For what it's worth it worked well till its demise.

Watch the shipping date!.......2005-04-22

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.......2005-04-04

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.

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