Panasonic DMR-E50K DVD Player/Recorder
A Second Shot
I purchased a E50 about two months ago and couldn't have been happier with it!  It did everything it promised...recorded, played back...I could even play my discs back on other (even relatively older) DVD players.  Then, it all started to change.  I had been using Memorex discs, and in a pack of five, usually the recorder would turn one into a coaster.  Then the ratio got higher until finally it wouldn't record at all.  I started troubleshooting, tried different disc brands  and even used the *supplied* Panasonic DVD-RAM disc, but no dice.  It just wouldn't record anymore.<BR>  I took the unit back and it was replaced...and...so far so good.  It's been about a month now with the new unit, and every disc I've recorded has come out working.  Just for giggles I bought some cheapie CompUSA discs...even they work! TMC has been showing classic Oscar winners all month, and vintage Charlie Chaplin...which I now have on DVD thanks to this recorder!  <BR>  I also enjoy having the front end inputs with S-video &amp; RCA. Great for hooking up my MiniDV Camcorder to caputure vacation videos to DVD...so now we can share them with friends without having to hook our cam up to their TVs.<BR>From reading the reviews here, there seems to be a problem in the manufacturing of these units, because when they work, they work wonderfully. I guess it's Russian Roulette as to whether you get a working model, or a paperweight.<br />*** out of ***** Because of the Forrest Gump rule on these recorders...&quot;You never know what your gonna' get.&quot;