Panasonic DMR-E55S Progressive Scan DVD Recorder / Player , Silver
Watch out for this unit!
I have had problems with this unit. I also wanted a way to backup some TIVO programs. I needed a solution that was simple for my wife to be able to use.  I thought it was nice that it supported DVD-RAM media.  I was mistaken. This unit works well for playback, although most additional features are a waste for my setup with DirectTV.  As noted by someone else, the door mech. is slow and clunky, making me question whether it will fail soon (it has stuck once already). I purchased a pack (of 50 DVD-R, TDK, faster speed, etc.) and off I go to to record.  The first DVD died during recording, so I tried another, then a third.  All died within 40 seconds of pressing 'record'.  The unit then starts to reboot and perform self-tests over and over going into \\"la-la\\" land.  Before returning unit to store, decided to try a DVD-RAM from panasonic. No problems noted, but since DVD-RAM can't be read on typical DVD players I went back to the store and purchased a 10pk of panasonic DVD-Rs. Tested this last night.  Recorded fine.  Great, I thought. Now, here comes the best part.  I took the finialized DVD-R and placed it in my newly purchased 27\\" Panasonic TV-VCR-DVD Combo located in another room.  The message \\"Disk format not supported\\" is displayed.  So, unless I have an identical unit in another room, I'm out of luck.  Thanks panasonic, I WILL NEVER FALL FOR THIS AGAIN!   <br /> <br />*** I wonder if I can return it without the box ***