Comments on: Panasonic DMR-ES20S DVD Recorder Silver

By: S. Arfa

S. Arfa — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:21:36 +0000

I am very disappointed with this Panasonic DVD product. I have both a cable box and a cable modem through which I get my Internet connection. This unit requires that the cable from the wall is Directly Connected to the RF in terminal. That is, the cable from the wall must be split with a splitter (which is NOT included) with one connection going to the cable box and the other connection to the RF in terminal of the Panasonic. You cannot use the common connection of the cable being connected to the cable box and then the box being connected to this unit which is then connected to the TV. I have never seen a VCR or DVD player or recorder where this common connection method cannot be used. In my case, I already use a spitter to get the Internet so I have NO way to connect this unit so that it can work. Be Warned!!
Rating: 1 / 5

By: W. VASSAR

W. VASSAR — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:40:26 +0000

Bought this item. Can’t figure out how this unit differs from the Panasonic DMR ES-10S. It must be an improvement, since it is newer and costs $50 more. Yet the write ups on the ES-10 hype up its 12-bit analog to digital converter that allows more gradations of color and its noise reduction and stabilizer that improve the quality of VCR tapes dubbing, but there is nothing about this is any of the write-ups or the manual of the ES-20. Could it be that Panasonic is foisting off an inferior “upgrade” for more money? Don’t know. One thing about both units that bothers me is that both record to DVD-RWs in VR mode ONLY. The limitation seems to be more of the technology–like the DVD-RAM these units sport–forced on manufacturers to guard copyright materials. They are definitely not a boon to consumers or advertisers. DVD-RW and, especially, DVD-RAM disks are a lot more expensive that VCR tapes; and, based on my study of the manual for the ES-20, a lot less trouble to use. As far as I know, there are no one-time-only restrictions on recording to VCR tapes and thence to DVD–at least via computer–but if there aren’t now, you can be there will be. I wouldn’t be surprised if the new VCR recorders aren’t already designed to scramble recordings or mark them in some way as to make them uncopyable, so hang on to your old VCRs. If you do decide to buy a DVD recorder, however, bottom line on the ES-20 is don’t buy until [...]–which, by the way, has a neat video tape touting the advantages of the ES-10 but nothing like it on the ES-20–provides sellers more information to give customers, specifically: how does the ES-20 differ from the ES-10?
Rating: 3 / 5

By: Jungatheart

Jungatheart — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:52:51 +0000

It seems Panasonic has become like other Corporations in that the customer is treated like the enemy. Panasonic.com doesn’t return any emails or calls and even customer service has ignored all of my emails. I sure hope the recorder doesn’t break because there is no way I’d expect any help from Panasonic.

Rating: 1 / 5

By: Luis F. Choriego

Luis F. Choriego — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:47:37 +0000

I buy the equipment because the information say it was a multi region, when I tryed it was only region 1 not a multirigion. and is to expencive send this back.
Rating: 3 / 5

By: A. Bailey

A. Bailey — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:54:31 +0000

Anybody reading this should report this DMR-ES20 to the GOVERMENT and THREATEN Panasonic to MAKE a TOTAL RECALL for FIRMWARE UPDATE for the SCHEDULE RECORDING LIST FUNCTION!

This company took TOTAL advantage of consumers when they KNOWINGLY put out a DEFECTIVE PRODUCT!!

thanks very much Rating: 1 / 5