Panasonic DMR HS2 DVD Recorder as a pass through for bad quality tapes?

Urbane0083 · #1 12-15-2011, 08:43 PM

As a note, I also have a Panasonic DMR HS2 DVD Recorder - should I consider its use as a pass through for extra crappy tapes?

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kpmedia · #2 12-15-2011, 08:43 PM

It might help. I don't know that it has the same hardware as the Panasonic ES10 and ES15. The ES20 has been discussed back and forth on this site and videohelp.com through the years, but I think the most recent verdict is that the ES20 does NOT have the passthrough sync filters ability. Even then, the ES15 was not working on all inputs like the ES10 did. The ES10 passthrough worked on all inputs.

Note that I'm going from memory. However, it's a subject I looked into a few times this year, as hardware was being replaced, added or upgraded. So it's not an extremely stale memory, just not something I've read or tested recently.

Urbane0083 · #3 12-16-2011, 09:47 AM

what would be the best way to test this? Also, just to be clear, it is an HS2 - which was a higher end unit at the time. Think I dropped around 800-900 for it.

kpmedia · #4 12-16-2011, 09:54 AM

The easiest way is to test it with a tape that has known tearing problems. And on that front, you're in luck. The tape you sent me had horrible tearing. Use that one. If it plays clearly -- without the picture jerking back and forth at the top of the screen -- then it's functioning as a passthrough frame sync / TBC like filter.

Give that a try.

manchild · #5 01-07-2012, 10:56 AM

Urbane0083, I would be interested to know the outcome of your test, as I know someone who is selling a faulty unit for a low price. Did you find out whether the HS2 improves video passed through it ? Thanks.

Urbane0083 · #6 01-07-2012, 07:06 PM

No idea yet. Holidays crushed me, and I've only this week gotten my head above water. I also am having to rework my capture PC, for it is still not quite right.