Going to be getting hold of a DMR-E95H in the near future (second-hand, pass-me-down) and seeing as I never used this kind of thing could someone please answer the following for me?
[list=1][*]This is a Region 2 machine, is there any hack to region-free that anyone knows of? I've looked around but can't find anything except normal 'load cd', 'chipped remote control' or 'send of and hack' options.[*]I can't get Freeview and don't have satellite, is there any form of program guide I can use?[*]Is it possible to attach this machine to a computer? (probably not, but no harm in asking)[*]Is it possible to upgrade the firmware of these and if so, where would I get it from?[*]Any known issue I should be aware of?[*]As I'm a newbie with this, anything else I should know?[/list]

Hi

This is the same model as I have.

1. Not that i'm aware of, i bought mine as region free as Panasonic machines don't tend to have simple hacks.

2. No there is no form of program guide the only Panasonic's with a Program Guide are the Freeview range.

3. No you can't attach it to a computer, you can easily transfer the video's to a pc using DVD-Ram discs and a suitable DVD writer though.
I've found a nice guide telling you how to do so at:-
http://personalpages.umist.ac.uk/sta...oDVDRGuide.pdf

4. I have read of firmware upgrades for other Panasonic machines. I have never found any problems that would require one to fix. The best place to ask would be Panasonic support on their website.

5. Burning to DVD-R is a pain as you have to decide in advance if you wish to burn at high speed and set the option to do so. DVD-Ram can be burnt at high speed by default. Setting the option has side effects. These are listed in many places on this forum when Panasonic DVD recorders are discussed. Suggest you do some reading. I have only written one DVD-R in a year, I much prefer to use my PC instead.

6. Editting is very crude you have to be very careful the divide function is more useful than Partial Erase.

The best thing I can suggest is use it and then ask away.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Phil

Many thanks. As you say, I'll have to wait and play with the machine and then get back to you.

Cheers.