2 Questions

I have just bought a Panasonic E85 HDD & DVD Recorder.

Firstly I am trying to backup my VHS Video collection to the HDD but on some of the tapes I get a message saying it cannot be coppied because of copyright. Is there any way round this?

Secondly, I am using a spindle of DVD-R discs to try to record on. I keep getting an error message saying non recordable media? Does the E85 only accept certain DVD-R media, i.e. Panasonic or more expensive ones?. Granted I bought a spindle and they were not expensive but it doesnt say in the manual that it only plays certain types.

Many thanks in advance

Steve

[Rasczak]

I am trying to backup my VHS Video collection to the HDD but on some of the tapes I get a message saying it cannot be coppied because of copyright. Is there any way round this?

There is but we are not allowed to discuss them on this forum. Have a look around for special scart leads...

I am using a spindle of DVD-R discs to try to record on. I keep getting an error message saying non recordable media?

Are you sure they are DVD-R and not DVD+R (sometimes misleading marketed as DVDR)? The E85 can only record onto DVD-R discs. Failing that the E85, like most DVD recorders, won't record onto 8x DVD-R media.

Thanks for the reply

Yes they are definately DVD-R i bought that are compatable with my PC. They are made by Verbatim 8x certified DVD-R.

From your message does this mean that they will not work on my E85? If thats the case what discs can I get from Currys, Comet or PC World that will definately work with the recorder?

Many thanks for the help much appreciated.

Steve

[Rasczak]

Verbatim 8x DVD-R should work - even on the E85. Try a couple more discs - and if you are still having problems try picking up some 4x media from your local store and see if that helps.

Hi again mate

They dont work. Off I went to PC World today and bought some 1-4x DVD-R. Now the 8 speed arent even recognised as recording media, the 4x I got today worked fine for 5 mins then the system locked up. I managed to record 5 minutes on them no bother and trhought I was out of the woods, then it just froze frame, stopped recording and locked up. WHen I tried and started the recording again it said the disc cannot be recorded on.

I give up !!

Its going back tomorrow to Comet and I shall get a refund. Can you recomment a decent HDD and DVD recorder other than the 85?

Cheers again for the help

Steve

[Nick_UK]

I have an E95 and that works with all the DVD's that I've thrown at it, including the "cheap and cheerful" ones. Looks like you got a dud machine.

[musukebba]

Originally Posted by steveburrows

Its going back tomorrow to Comet and I shall get a refund. Can you recomment a decent HDD and DVD recorder other than the 85?

I concur with the previous post. It is not unknown for your source to try and sell on returned or display stock as if it were new. Getting another 85 from a more reputable retailer might give you a different experience altogether.

Rasczak's advice on discs is sound, but you don't want to go getting them from PC World all the time. There are a few on-line stores which will supply you on a more reliable stock basis.

Many thanks for all the advice, I really appreciate your help.

Steve

I returned it today and under duress and got a refund. The girl stated I was doing something wrong and that I needed to select I had a DVD-R disc in, under one of the menu functions??? She went on to say if DVD-R didnt work I should use DVD+R. She said she had the same model and they work fine on hers and I was doing something wrong. Well I didnt find the option to select DVD-R in any such menu and know for sure they dont take +R. She said to me "follow me" and went storming off to the display stand to show me that +R could be used. Obviously when she got there she was a little red faced as it clearly stated Ram or -R for recording. I then said I thought you had this model at home and they work fine, perhaps you should contact Panasonic and let them know you can use DVD+R for recording I am sure they would be interested. She then ommited to saying well it could be a different make. To which I replied well if you cant tell a Panasonic from a Bosch your in the wrong job. Geez what a battle. Anyways got a refund so am pleased.

Failing getting another E85 from a decent retailer are there any other good HDD and DVD recorders out their for similar money worth a look?

Thanks once again for the help

Steve

[Rasczak]

are there any other good HDD and DVD recorders out their for similar money worth a look?

- Panasonic EH50
- Toshiba RDXS34
- Sony RDR-GX510

...all around the £300 mark (online prices!).

[Steve.J.Davies]

my E85 faultless - no consolation to you I know - just took a bit to get the hang of the menus. Got mine from richer sounds - used all kinds of DVD-Rs with not a problem except one disk kept making the player reset itself. I took the hint and threw the blank away and it was fine. I get a good picture and good quality recordings. I recommend 'em. of course if you want digital tuner/toslink you need another model.

[Nick_UK]

Originally Posted by steveburrows

I returned it today and under duress and got a refund. The girl stated I was doing something wrong and that I needed to select I had a DVD-R disc in, under one of the menu functions??? She went on to say if DVD-R didnt work I should use DVD+R.

She was talking out of her rear end. The E85 and E95 recognise the disk format automatically - there is no menu selection to make. If you want a full featured machine at a good price, consider the E95 - many suppliers are doing this one cheap, because a new model is on the horizon. Don't let one bad experience with a Pannie put you off, because they are basically good machines.

[spikey1]

I've got to say I've only just realized x8 DVD-R aren't meant to work.

I bought some Tesco ones, a spindle of 25 for under £10 and so far they've worked fine.

Perhaps I'm tempting fate though!!!!

[Gary D]

i bought an e85 about 6 weeks ago and its lovely - had a EH50 before that but it had a dreaded "firmware" issue so it went back.

I bought the E85 to replace my old E50 which i'd had for a couple of years. The E50 has great except when you recorded on to DVD-r with cheap media. it would start recording then lock up (anytime from 30 seconds to 90 mins into the recording.)

now i record to the HD and dump stuff to the DVD-r disks. there isn't that much i want to keep so i use branded media now and is lovely


gary