Panasonic DMR-ES10S DIGA Series DVD Recorder , Silver
Converting Analog Camcorder to DVD
If you have been looking at options for converting your old analog tapes to DVD, then this unit is a consideration.    After looking at multiple options, including countless computer accessories, software, Digital8, firewire, I finally decided to use the \\"point and shoot\\" approach this unit affords.    Since we already own a Panasonic DVD/VCR unit, the user's manual was a cinch. It took about 15 minutes to get this thing out of the box and begin burning my first DVD from a vintage 8mm tape via a camcorder.    Quality was excellent. Many approaches complain about the ability to sync sound with action. This was not evident on this particular unit.    What was especially nice was that I was able to utilize a batch of Verbatim DVR-R disks that I picked up on sale.     One drawback is the inability to create multiple chapters with the -r format. The documentation states that the unit automatically creates 5 minute chapters with a DVD-RW, however I have yet to test that feature.    One other glitch is Panasonic does not seem to differentiate their remotes. In other words, the ES10 remote will turn on, activate and eject DVDs from my other Panasonic unit. I will be moving this unit to another location to avoid this.    If you invest in the DVD-RAM technology, you can edit, create new chapters etc. This might be a consideration in the future. However, since the \\"RAM\\" technology seems to be favored by the Panasonic brand, I would prefer to burn a few \\"generic DVDs\\" first.    Another option is to invest in a DVD recorder which has a hard drive built in. Prices seem to be dropping on these as well. However, reading reviews of this technology indicates a greater tendency for breakdown, so an extended warranty would certainly be a consideration.    If you are looking to convert analog tapes to DVD, are on a budget, but still desire high quality output, then this is the unit for you.