bwsmom

My sweetheart's DVD Recorder/VHS/HDD machine (Panasonic DMR-EH75V) has finally crapped out on him. He's had this machine for years and years, and we're struggling a bit to find him something comparable to replace it.

Does anyone here have any suggestions? I've tried doing some research, but it looks like the technology is significantly different from when his machine was produced, so if any of you would be kind enough to provide some knowledgable input, we'd truly appreciate it!

(Note: The one thing I've definitely learned from my research... we will likely steer clear of any future Panasonic purchases in this technology realm, as it appears their track record, in production, repair and customer service, is very poor!)

JZ1276

Why steer clear of Panasonic products if he was able to get "years and years" of usage from the DVD recorder? Panasonic makes quality products (esp their TVs). What does he use the recorder for? Nowadays, I believe less and less people use DVD recorders due to the popularity of DVR's and computers. Why not check ebay/Amazon for the same one and buy a used one?

X

What will it be recording?

Spiky

Well, SD.

Or, IOW, the tech of DVDr has NOT changed since the purchase of the old one. Probably why they barely sell them, anymore.

cseyer

Certainly a dying technology very few on the market. Checking amazon I see a toshiba with no hdd and a maganvox with a hdd. As far as whether they are better supported than panasonic I would doubt it.

As you probably know, most folks are finding that they are unable to use a recorder that has ATSC/QAM because most cable providers are encrypting the signal and I read somewhere recently they are getting approval from FCC to even encrypt the basic tiers of channels. These moves will make it tough for most to use a recorder other than an approved DVR from the telco/cable company. Are you recording from over the air?

kahuna

You can find lots of info over at AVS Forums in the Dvd Recorders Forum thread.

There is also a person (Mikinct) who does repairs on Panny dvd recorders in this thread

My Panny E-500H Dvd recorder is still going strong (knock on wood) since 2005. I had it repaired once under extended warranty coverage. But now Panny will not give out extended warranty's any more since it is over 5 years old.

X

"What will it be recording" was meant as the type of material, not the format since it obviously was going on to DVD media.

Recording TV is different than recording VHS or other material and can determine the best recorder for that purpose.

Spiky

Yeah, but you gave me a great segue. Can't pass that up.

X

I kind of knew how it could be taken when I posted it. But I was too lazy to edit it.

There are some nice DVD recorders that just accept video inputs, so that's why I was asking. Like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-VRDMC6-DV.../dp/B002EVP85K

Josh-da-man

I have a Toshiba DVD Recorder that I bought about five years ago. Still works flawlessly. Specs are basically the same for the $99.99 model on Amazon. (HDMI out/S-Video and Composite-in, etc.)

soundman2

Here is a dvd recorder - with some good reviews

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Magnavox-H...320GB/20710260

price $229 seems to have good reviews - ($20 cheaper than Amazon)

I wish there was more demand for these kind of devices so do not have to pay ridiculous DVR fees from cable/satellite companies.

dleedlee

I have one each from the previous two generations of the Magnavox/Funai and am very satisfied with them. Right now, I'm regretting not getting the 533 when it was at $199 this fall.
The AVS Forum linked above is a great resource and highly recommended.

soundman2

I have couple of Qs

1. Are you able to record digital channels ( since cable companies have dropped analog) with timed schedule from BASIC cable ( NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS etc)
2. Do you think it is worth getting extended warranty - normally I never get this but with $28 for three years may be worth it.
3. I was using Lite-on DVD-R for years - but it has analog tuner so not very useful anymore ( you can still record via adapter the channel you are watching or tuned to)
3. I will look up AVS forum again did this a awhile ago.

dleedlee

1. Yes. I'm strictly OTA myself - haven't had cable since the '80s(!) but both digital and analog (if available) can be accessible.
- Lots of discussion/grousing about Comcast in flux, scrambling, etc, see #3

2. Both my machines were purchased as refurbs from J&R and I have had no problems. Saying that, I might consider a warranty for a new one even though Walmart has a good return policy. I think there's a cheap 2 year warranty isn't there? For the piece of mind if you need it, but most problems occur within the normal warranty usually right out of the box if it happens. The new models have less track record so that's why I'd consider one but only if it was cheap.

3. Check the beginning of the 'mega-thread' for faqs/tips and maybe the end for the latest discussions on the new models.

BigSue

I bought the 250gig Panasonic:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search...orders_BI10389