[ken 2311]

I have recently bought both the Panasonic SD5 Camcorder and the EX77 DVD Recorder. Pretty satisfied with both but can anyone help over a query re transferring SD5 footage to the hard drive or disc of the EX77 resulting in highest possible standard definition footage? I am just a novice in this area but since I can play the footage via component connection happily enough on the TV with superb picture why cannot I record this to the EX77? Or perhaps I should ask HOW can I record this to the EX77? Anyone any advice?
ken2311

[alpine101]

Originally Posted by ken 2311

I have recently bought both the Panasonic SD5 Camcorder and the EX77 DVD Recorder. Pretty satisfied with both but can anyone help over a query re transferring SD5 footage to the hard drive or disc of the EX77 resulting in highest possible standard definition footage? I am just a novice in this area but since I can play the footage via component connection happily enough on the TV with superb picture why cannot I record this to the EX77? Or perhaps I should ask HOW can I record this to the EX77? Anyone any advice?
ken2311

It may be outputting HiDef over the component outputs from the camcorder, which the Standard Definition DVD recorder won't cope with. On the SD1, there is a menu setting that allows the component output to be 576i SD, so if the SD5's the same, and your DVD recorder has component in, that should be OK. The SD1 also has a standard AV out composite vid plus stereo cable provided. I don't know whether the SD5 has the same. If so that would be an alternative.

[ken 2311]

Thank you Alpine101. There are menu adjustments for output but from what you say the problem seems to be that the EX77 does not have Component IN only Out. Is there such a thing as a Component to Scart adapter which would allow the footage to feed into the Recorder? Otherwise it seems I am limited to the lowest level of transfer via the front inputs which includes SVideo.
ken2311

[alpine101]

Originally Posted by ken 2311

Thank you Alpine101. There are menu adjustments for output but from what you say the problem seems to be that the EX77 does not have Component IN only Out. Is there such a thing as a Component to Scart adapter which would allow the footage to feed into the Recorder? Otherwise it seems I am limited to the lowest level of transfer via the front inputs which includes SVideo.
ken2311

RGB can be carried by Scart, but the SDs don't output RGB but rather YPbPr. I haven't come across a DVD recorder carrying this standard on a Scart input plug: check your manual. My SD1 doesn't offer SVideo out either, it's component, HDMI or Composite vid.
Adaptors do exist but will cost: check out places like Keene Electronics.

[senu]

Even if you got a component to Scart adaptor..
Such as THIS
It would only work if the SD5 was outputting SD via component..
It might from your above posts If you can get 576i in menu. But in which form??( RBG or YPbPr?? Important difference )
AFAIK Scart inputs don't expect YPbPr.. but RGB

By and large, Component of Hi Def camcorders is usually put there to cater for Displays that may not have HDMI and not for Input to Recorder
Despite the "poor" quality of composite,isnt it possible that this originating from a Hi def source may be acceptable?
There are component to RBG converters but Im not sure they are worth the Hassle Im all for experimentation and wish you luck

This is one area the HDV camcorders which can downconvert to HDV to SD in-camera and output this via firewire to a DVD recorder or PC perhaps have an advantage

[lurcher]

I"m recording from the AV out on the Sony SR7 to "S" in on Panasonic recorder with excellent results.

[alpine101]

This is the Keene box that would do the conversion from component to RGB: it's £89....
http://www.keene.co.uk/multi.php?mycode=RGB2C

[ken 2311]

many thanks Alpine - I will keep this info in case I need it later. for the moment I will soldier on in AV mode
ken

[ken 2311]

thanks lurcher. Yes I agree that the AV results are pretty good. What a pity though that the EZ77 has no component INPUT - only the TVs seem to have this. The EX77 has SVideo input but the SD5 has no SVideo OUTPUT. Why does nothing ever quite match up? We buy an HD camcorder only to view our footage not to record it? I dont think so!! All the best
Ken

[ken 2311]

many thanks Senu for your very helpful comments. I am just a novice but have learnt much since joining AV Forums. In my reply to member lurcher I agree with him that the AV output from the SD5 like his Sony does produce very acceptable results on the EX77 but obviously having invested in HD gear the object is to get the best possible in terms of recorded material.
ken2311

[redsox_mark]

Yes, but obviously you are taking a big hit in quality when recording in standard definition on the DVD recorder (as well as the re-encoding). The differences between S-Video and component or RGB are small in comparison.