Entered CNET Catalog: 07/17/2003
SKU: 0037988406807
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Manufacturer description
The DMR-E100H gives consumers the option of recording on either a DVD-RAM or DVD-R disc or storing up to 160 hours of video on its hard disk drive. The DMR-E100H is ideal for compiling personal movie libraries or for archiving, preserving, cataloging and enjoying family videos. This model can be used for storing and playing back digital video (MPEG2/MPEG4 files) and photos (JPEG/TIFF files) from a compatible digital video camcorder/camera with an SD Memory Card slot or PCMCIA slot. DMR-E100H can record MPEG4 image data at the same time it is recording MPEG2 data to the hard disk. The DMR-E100H can also transfer MPEG data to an SD Memory Card at high speeds for storage or for use in other devices. For example, you could transfer a recorded TV program from the DMR-E100H to an SD Memory Card and then use a compatible digital video camcorder/camera to view the program away from the home. In addition, MPEG4 or MPEG2 data recorded by such devices can be transferred to the DMR-E100H via an SD Memory Card for editing or storage on the hard disk. The DMR-E100H can also convert MPEG2 data to MPEG4 and copy it onto an SD Memory Card in a single step. One touch of a button is all it takes to record data from the DMR-E100H's hard disk drive to a DVD-RAM or DVD-R disc at high speeds. Recording goes at a quick 12x normal speed to a DVD-RAM disc or 24x normal speed to DVD-R (both in EP mode). Recording from a DVD-RAM disc to the DMR-E100H hard disk drive is also possible. The DMR-E100H lets users view a previously recorded program onto a DVD-RAM disc or the hard disk drive while simultaneously recording a different program. With Chasing Playback, users can also view the recorded portion of a live program, from the beginning, while continuing to record that program until its completion. The Time Slip feature also allows viewers to replay a scene recorded 30 seconds earlier without disrupting the recording process, simply by touching a button on the remote. Auto Renewal Recording, a PVR-like function, lets users automatically record a favorite show every day or every week onto the hard disk or DVD-RAM disc. Creating an original video on DVD is easy with the DMR-E100H. Using the DV input terminal and DV cable (IEEE1394), images can be recorded from a digital camcorder directly to the hard disk drive or a DVD-RAM or DVD-R disc. To make editing easier, the DV Automatic Recording mode creates a playlist, which consists of a sequence of thumbnail still images each representing a different scene. Thumbnail display of contents is also possible for recording to a DVD-RAM or DVD-R disc. Since each scene is displayed with a thumbnail image, it's easy for users to select the sequence of scenes they want to play back. The DMR-E100H also features Progressive Scan, which ensures optimum picture quality when viewing DVD movies.Product summary
The good: Vast capacity; high-speed dubbing from HDD to DVD; great recording quality in XP and SP modes; records MPEG-4 to flash memory cards; FireWire input.
The bad: Expensive; complex operation; no IR blaster for cable or satellite control; soft recording quality in EP mode.
The bottom line: With a colossal hard disk and oodles of options, this expensive hard disk/DVD recorder can almost do it all.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 09/11/2003
Editor's note: We have changed the rating in this review to reflect recent changes in our rating scale. Click here to find out more.
With two card slots, rows of logos and buttons, a drawer, and a display, the E100H certainly looks the part of a full-featured recording powerhouse. A mirrored strip makes up the bottom half of the face and lends the E100H some sophistication. The big, animated screen does a good job of organizing information, but thoughtful design ended there.
The main way to access the E100's many functions is through a long series of bland, complex menus. We spent a good deal of time reading the dense, 67-page manual, and we still had to consult it afterward. Less-experienced users shouldn't have much trouble with basic recording, but advanced operations will require some study.
The E100's remote is an improvement over the clunker included with the DMR-HS2, this product's predecessor, but we would have appreciated more distinction between the buttons and a bit less crowding. On the plus side, once we'd gotten used to the layout, we had little problem accessing many of the functions.
The E100H is as close to a universal recorder as set-top devices get. It can record audio and video to DVD-RAMs, DVD-Rs, the hard drive, and (in MPEG-4) flash memory cards. Although DVD-RAM is the least compatible of the three rewritable DVD types, a variety of manufacturers are beginning to put out more RAM-capable players. Write-once DVD-R is the most compatible recordable DVD format available.
The E100H is the only deck that can transfer MPEG-4 video to memory cards. This ability makes the slots more than just a convenient way to display digital photos. For example, a 512MB card can hold 2 hours, 40 minutes of second-best-quality video (see the Performance section for more), so you can record a movie and watch it on your PDA. One slot accommodates an SD card, while the other accepts any PC Card adapter compatible with SD, CompactFlash, Smart Media, Memory Stick, xD-Picture Card, or Microdrive.
Another major feature of the E100H is dubbing from HDD to DVD and vice versa. It's quicker than with previous models, faster than real time when you use 2X and 4X DVD-Rs. A relatively simple editing interface lets you shorten segments on the hard disk before you transfer them to DVD--handy for eliminating commercials. Naturally, you can't dub copy-protected discs.
The hard disk and DVD-RAM also let you record one program while playing back another; watch an in-progress recording from the beginning; and pause, rewind, and fast-forward live television. The E100H includes VCR Plus to help you schedule TV recordings, but the machine cannot control a cable or satellite box. The TiVo and other hard-disk recorders, such as the upcoming, similarly priced Pioneer DVR-810H, are better for TV.
All the A/V inputs (one up front, two around back) and outputs (a pair at the rear) have S-Video. Just like a VCR, the E100H has an RF in and out for cable or antenna. Rounding out the backside are two outputs: a progressive-scan component-video connection and an optical digital jack. A FireWire input completes the front panel. The only missing link is a component-video in.
A few other features bear mentioning: two-channel DVD-Audio playback, MP3 playback, JPEG viewing and dubbing to hard disk or another memory card (but not DVD), and a choice of nine DVD menu styles.
As with the step-down DMR-E60, we got excellent video quality when we used the XP and SP modes, which can fit one hour and two hours, respectively, on a DVD. Colors were well saturated, the image was very stable--a big improvement over S-VHS--and SP resolution measured an impressive 450 lines. That dipped to 230 lines in the four-hour EP mode. The six-hour LP mode looked significantly softer than EP, introduced stutter in pans, and managed barely 200 lines of resolution.
The hard disk uses the same four recording-quality modes, but 120GB give you the luxury of setting everything to SP; you'll still get 52 hours of footage. During dubbing, you can reduce the quality to squeeze more material onto a DVD. We especially like the flexible recording mode: you specify an exact amount of time (2 hours, 33 minutes, for example), and the E100H will fill one disc without wasting any space.
Using the SD media's Fine or Super Fine mode, dubbing a four-minute MPEG-4 video to a card took a mere 20 seconds. On the screen of a Toshiba E750, the results were about as watchable as a small downloadable movie trailer. The soundtrack played back on a desktop PC but, unfortunately, not on the Pocket PC.
Photo viewing and copying worked as advertised, although we were unable to see our TIFF test files. Progressive-scan DVD playback was fine except for some jagged edges in video-based material.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12out of 12 user reviews
It's JUL 2009-runs fine 5 years later!!! Never a burp!
Pros: Records all my analog cable programs just fine. Records to DVD-R's from any input source except HDMI and USB. Gigantic HDD.
Cons: Won't work on digital input channels-my cable company does fiber w/analog channels for those who want to not pay extra for a digital box and all; me. Won't do HDTV.
Updated on Jul 27, 2009Can transcribe VHS w/RCA plugs to the HDD then to a DVD-R.
out of 12 user reviews
I use it all the time, but...
Pros: Terrific recording of TV, DV input. Easy ff. Remote OK.
Cons: Persons new to this type device can expect steep learning curve. Manual is tough. Cannot record on cable channels above 125.
Biggest disappointment? Does not seem to be able to record channels above 125. Whoa! I have tried UNSUCCESSFULLY to get a "yes"/"no" answer from Panasonic to the question: "Will the DMR-E100H access channels above 125?" Their online assistance seems pretty slow and useless. I can't find the answer in the manual, but it could be hidden there some place.
The remote is OK, but I have switched all my remotes (TV,DVD,Receiver/Amp,CD,CDR,Tape) to a single universal, the Home Theater Master MX-500. I can strongly recommend that remote for anyone tired of grabbing for different remotes.
My TV, a Panasonic TH-50PX50U, accepts a CableCard (no cable box necessary). I DO NOT HAVE A CABLE TV BOX. I have a CableCard installed in the TV. This keeps things simpler--no cable box, no box remote. With the CableCard installed, my TV can access 800+ channels, BUT my DMR-E100H is still receiving only access to 125 channels via standard cable. So, in order for my DMR-E100H recorder to access channels above 125, I need a cable TV box to decode the signal BEFORE it is sent to the DMR-E100H. That also limits one nice feature of the DMR-E100H: you can only watch the same channel you are recording (the one from the cable TV box). With the CableCard, you can watch one channel while recording another, but you can only get the basic 125 ComCast channels.
out of 12 user reviews
Worst interface ever conceived
Pros: It powers on! If you can discover how to do anything it will record and record and record.
Cons: Do not buy this Piece of Junk!!! I have had lots of Audio/Video and computer gear, but have NEVER seen such a clumsy interface. Lots of features, if you can figure out where they are, or where you must be before the button will do anything. This is the
out of 12 user reviews
very impressed
Pros: large hard drive. on screen tv guide makes programming easy. easy editing of commercials. no more searching for blank video tapes.
Cons: power up self check is not found in the manual or on the website. somewhat picky about what blank dvd's it will burn on
out of 12 user reviews
Its replaced my VCR.
Pros: Plug it in, hook up antenna or cable, let it tune in, and set it to record your favorite programs. Edit out comercials and save movie to disk.
Cons: Menu a little cumbersom. Won't let me copy my comercial tapes from VCR to DVR.
out of 12 user reviews
Outstanding performance either on hard drive or disc.
Pros: fast speed dubbing...huge hard drive...outstanding performance...easy to use after you learn the basics...easy to set timer...easy to erase hard drive...QUALITY
Cons: Little expensive...the DMR-E80H model is much cheaper and can be found under $500.00 and has 80 gig hard drive but no fast dub...
out of 12 user reviews
It's got everything you need!!!
Pros: manual, timer & dv recording is relatively easy to accomplish... GREAT video quality... perfect for archiving and recording shows and home video... dv link is awesome. progressive scan dvd player.
Cons: timer recording is not possible while dubbing to disk. pricey... but I guess worth it.
out of 12 user reviews
Great at what it does.
Pros: Fast and great picture quality. Some jagged video edges. But when the transfer is from DV camera to DVD, the picture quality is stunning
Cons: Steep learning curve. Reference manual is terrible, not well organized, far too many footnotes, can't find anything from glossary or index and is structured from an engineering point of view. However once you get the hang of things and highlight sections
out of 12 user reviews
Does It All!
Pros: Handles all kinds of media. Excellent editing capabilities. Superb recording quality (Will record HDTV but only in 580p, not 1080 p or i.) Excellent DVD or HDD playback. DVD progressive picture is very good. If you want one component to play DVD's an
Cons: Expensive. On screen menu's are complex. High learning curve. Remote is uninspired. Could use a backlight.
out of 12 user reviews
Don't read the Review summery
Pros: Great device, very good quality! I am almost very satified!
Cons: HDD is only 80GB not 120. Can stor about 106 min, and is NOT able to write top ANY memory card. only on SD-Card. But trough the PCMCIA Port it is possible to read almost every memory card. Copy from DVD to HDD is NOT possible. Even if DVD is not copy prot
out of 12 user reviews
Record Quality is Excellent
Pros: Record quality in SP mode is great. I don't have an HDTV, but on my 35" Hitachi I can't tell the difference in playback between the recording and the original. Has changed the way I watch TV- no more commercials. Started watching a hockey game the othe
Cons: Cannot read TIFF files or copy JPEG to DVD-R or DVD-RAM. Screen for typing titles somewhat cumbersome.
out of 12 user reviews
Great quality of video
Pros: quality of video is great. Fire wire and a huge size of hard disk drive is definitely plus feature.
Cons: Navigation by remote takes some time before you get use to it. Manual can be better and does not include every thing.
