Panasonic Dmr E80 Operating Instructions Manual

							Dear customer
Thank you for purchasing this product. For optimum performance
and safety, please read these instructions carefully.
Before connecting, operating or adju sting this product, please read
these instructions completely. Please keep this manual for future ref-
erence.
Region number supported by this unit
Region numbers are allocated to DVD players and software
according to where they are sold.
≥ The region number of this unit is “ 1”.
≥ The unit will play DVDs marked with labels containing “ 1” or
“ ALL ”.
1ALL2
4
1
Example:
PC
®
DVD VIDEO RECORDER
Operating Instructions
Model No. DMR-E80H
[For\U.S.A.]only]
The warranty can be found on page 60.
[For\Canada]only]
The warranty can be found on page 61.
En las páginas 62 y 63 hay una guía de referen-
cia rápida en español.
RQT6984-P
P 
						

							2
RQT6984
Getting started
.
CAUTION!
THIS PRODUCT UTILIZES A LASER.
USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORM-
ANCE OF PROCEDURES OTHER THAN THOSE SPECI-
FIED HEREIN MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION
EXPOSURE.
DO NOT OPEN COVERS AND DO NOT REPAIR YOUR-
SELF. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC
SHOCK OR PRODUCT DAMAGE, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN, MOIS-
TURE, DRIPPING OR SPLASHING AND THAT
NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH
AS VASES, SHALL BE PLACED ON THE
APPARATUS. 
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK MATCH
WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT,
FULLY INSERT.
CAUTION!
DO NOT INSTALL OR PLACE THIS UNIT IN A BOOKCASE,
BUILT-IN CABINET OR IN ANOTHER CONFINED SPACE.
ENSURE THE UNIT IS WELL VENTILATED. TO PREVENT
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE HAZARD DUE TO
OVERHEATING, ENSURE THAT CURTAINS AND ANY OTHER
MATERIALS DO NOT OBSTRUCT THE VENTILATION VENTS.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within 
an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user 
to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” 
within the product’s enclosure that may be of suffi-
cient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock 
to persons.
CAUTION
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE SCREWS.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle 
is intended to alert the user to the presence of 
important operating and maintenance (servicing) 
instructions in the literature accompanying the ap-
pliance.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN THE U.S.A.
FCC Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential instal-
lation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accor-
dance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or televi-
sion reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
≥Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
≥Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
≥Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
≥Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help.
FCC Caution: To assure continued compliance, follow the
attached installation instructions and use only shielded inter-
face cables when connecting to peripheral devices.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user’s author-
ity to operate this equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Opera-
tion is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN THE U.S.A.
Note to CATV system installer:
This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer’s
attention to Article 820-40 of the NEC that provides guidelines for
proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable
ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the build-
ing, as close to the point of cable entry as practical.
Before moving the unit, ensure the disc tray is empty.
Failure to do so will risk severely damaging the disc and the
unit.
RQLS0233
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 -  - VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN.
AVOID DIRECT EXPOSURE TO BEAM. DANGER(FDA 21 CFR)
(IEC60825-1) VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN.
AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM. CAUTIONRAYONNEMENT LASER VISIBLE ET INVISIBLE EN CAS D’OUVERTURE.
EXPOSITION DANGEREUSE AU FAISCEAU.ATTENTIONSYNLIG OG USYNLIG LASERSTRÅLING VED ÅBNING.
UNDGÅ UDSÆTTELSE FOR STRÅLING.ADVARSELAVATTAESSA OLET ALTTIINA NÄKYVÄÄ JA NÄKYMÄTÖN
LASERSÄTEILYLLE. ÄLÄ KATSO SÄTEESEEN.VA R O !SYNLIG OCH OSYNLIG LASERSTRÅLNING NÄR DENNA DEL 
ÄR ÖPPNAD. BETRAKTA EJ STRÅLEN.VARNING
SYNLIG OG USYNLIG LASERSTRÅLING NÅR DEKSEL ÅPNES.
UNNGÅ EKSPONERING FOR STRÅLEN.ADVARSELSICHTBARE UND UNSICHTBARE LASERSTRAHLUNG, WENN ABDECKUNG
GEÖFFNET. NICHT DEM STRAHL AUSSETZEN.VORSICHT
(Inside of product)
Do not place the unit
on amplifiers or equip-
ment that may become
hot.
The heat can damage the unit. 
						

							3
RQT6984
Getting started
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read these operating instructions carefully before using the unit. Follow the safety instructions on the unit and the applicable safety instructions
listed below. Keep these operating instructions handy for future reference.
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-
type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than
the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided
for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched partic-
ularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the apparatus.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with
the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution
when moving the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been
spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate nor-
mally, or has been dropped.
This unit allows recording of high quality video on HDD
and DVD-RAM, the compact and durable digital media
with fast random access. This media also out performs
past tape formats in ease of operation.
∫Maximum 106 hours on HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
(‹page 15)
This model is installed with a high capacity 80 GB hard disk capable of
recording a maximum of 106 hours (6 hours continuously). The same
functions are available with HDD as with DVD-RAM and editing/record-
ing of visual data from hard disk to DVD-RAM/R is easy-to-perform.
∫Maximum 12 hours on DVD-RAM
≥Using a double sided, 9.4 GB DVD–RAM allows you to record a
maximum of 12 hours (6 hours continuously).
≥You can also use the FR (Flexible Recording) mode to fit record-
ings efficiently onto the available space on the disc.
∫Auto Renewal Recording (➜page 26)
If you record a program onto HDD repeatedly everyday or every week using
timer recording, the unit will record the new program over the old one.
∫Relief Recording (➜page 25)
When timer recording to DVD-RAM or DVD-R, the unit will compare
the remaining space on the disc and the time necessary for record-
ing. If space is insufficient the unit will record the program to HDD
instead (there is no relief recording function the other way, i.e. from
HDD to DVD-RAM or DVD-R).
∫Editing your recording [HDD] [RAM]
≥You can divide programs (➜page 34). 
≥Use play lists (➜page 31) to select your favorite scenes and rear-
range them to play in any order you like.
∫Exceptional sound and picture quality when recording
≥Audio is recorded using Dolby Digital stereo, enabling high quality
sound recordings. When recording in XP mode it is possible to use
LPCM (2 channel) to achieve sound recordings of even higher quality.
≥The encoder system used for recording is called “Hybrid VBR” and
allows high quality recordings.
∫Fast access to the program you want to watch
(➜page 19) 
[HDD] [RAM] [DVD-R]
Use the Direct Navigator to find a program you have recorded and start play.
∫Make your own DVD-Video
≥Finalizing a DVD-R that has been recorded on produces an origi-
nal DVD-Video in accordance with DVD-Video standards.
≥In addition to DVD-Video movie software, this unit can also play
other types of discs including audio CDs and Video CDs. This
means that this unit has the potential to play a central role in your
home entertainment, from high-end home theater through to CD
playback.
∫MP3 disc play (➜page 23)
You can also play MP3 files recorded on CD-R and CD-RW, as well
as DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, Video CDs and CDs.
∫Progressive Scan
By connecting the component video terminal of this unit to a pro-
gressive scan television, it is possible to enjoy the high quality pic-
ture rendered by the progressive scan function.
∫Quick View (➜page 21)
You can speed up play to make checking the contents faster. Both
video and sound are played faster.
∫The FUNCTIONS window shows you most of the
features you can use (➜page 42)
The FUNCTIONS window has most of the features and functions
you are likely to use regularly. Just select the icon for the operation
you want to perform.
∫Watch a program while you are recording it
(➜page 17) 
[HDD] [RAM]
Chasing play
You can watch a program from the start while you are still recording it.
Simultaneous rec and play
You can record a program while watching one you recorded
previously.
Time Slip
You can jump back to review a piece of action you missed while
recording by pressing the time slip button.
≥During playback, you can specify a length of time to jump to the
scene you wish to view.
Features
The manufacturer accepts no responsibility and offers no compensation for loss of recorded or edited material due to a problem with the
unit or recordable media, and accepts no responsibility and offers no compensation for any subsequent damage caused by such loss. 
Examples of causes of such losses are
≥A disc recorded and edited with this unit is played in a DVD recorder or computer disc drive manufactured by another company.
≥A disc used as described above and then played again in this unit.
≥A disc recorded and edited with a DVD recorder or computer disc drive manufactured by another company is played in this unit. 
						

							4
RQT6984
Getting started
Table of contents
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
STEP 1 Antenna and television connections  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
STEP 2 The remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
STEP 3 Plug-in Auto Tuning  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
STEP 4 VCR Plusi guide channel settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
STEP 5 Set up to match your television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Disc information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Control reference guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Recording television programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Inserting discs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Watching the television while recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Recording the best quality pictures in the remaining time
—Flexible Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Recording from a video cassette recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Playing while you are recording  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Playing from the beginning of the program you are recording
—Chasing Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Simultaneous rec and play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Reviewing the recorded images while recording—Time Slip . . 17
Playing discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
When a menu screen appears on the television  . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Position Memory  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Using the Direct Navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
To erase a program that is being played back . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Other methods of play  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
Skipping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Slow-motion play  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Frame-by-frame viewing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Starting play from a selected item . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
Skipping a minute forward—CM Skip  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Selecting an amount of time to skip—Time Slip  . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Fast forward and rewind—SEARCH  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Quick View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Marking places to play again—MARKER  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Using menus to play MP3 discs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Timer recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Specify a time to stop recording. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Using VCR Plusr codes to make timer recordings . . . . . . . . . 24
Manually programming timer recordings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Auto Renewal Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Check programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Change or delete the program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Dubbing programs or play list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
One Touch Dubbing (HDD ➜ DVD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Creating play lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Playing play lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Playing play list scenes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
To erase a play list or a play list scene during playback . . . . . . 31
Editing play lists  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Editing programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
HDD, Disc setting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Entering text  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Changing audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Using on-screen menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Common procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Disc menu  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Play menu  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Audio menu  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Video menu  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Using the FUNCTIONS window  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
On-screen displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Changing the unit’s settings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Summary of settings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Common procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Changing the remote control code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Clock settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Other channel settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Home Theater  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Connecting a cable TV box/satellite receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Connecting an amplifier or system component  . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Connecting other video equipment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Other antenna connections  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Other antenna connection to the unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Other antenna connection from the unit to the television . . . . . 53
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Disc handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Troubleshooting guide  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Specifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Product Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Limited Warranty (ONLY FOR U.S.A.)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Limited Warranty (ONLY FOR CANADA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Guía de referencia rápida en español
(Spanish Quick Reference) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Back cover
Getting started
Setting up
Recording
Playing back
Timer recording
Dubbing
Editing
Advanced operation
Reference
Accessories
Please check and identify the supplied accessories. Use numbers indicated in parentheses when asking for replacement parts.
Only for U.S.A.: To order accessories contact 1-800-332-5368 or the website (http://www.panasonic.com).
Only for Canada: To order accessories, call the dealer from whom you have made your purchase.
[]1 Remote control
(EUR7624KB0)[]1 AC power supply cord
(RJA0065-A)[]1 75 ≠ coaxial cable
(VJA1091)
[]2 Batteries
for remote control[]1 Audio/Video cable
(VJA0788)[]1 DVD-RAM disc
[Note]
The included AC power supply cord is for use with this unit
only. Do not use it with other equipment.(U.S.A. only)
Product Registration Card
Please complete and return the included product registration card, or register
via the Internet at: http://www.prodreg.com/panasonic/ 
						

							5
RQT6984
Setting up
STEP 1Antenna and television connections
Preparation
≥Refer to the television’s operating instructions.
≥Turn the television off and disconnect its AC power supply cord.
To enjoy sound through other audio equipment (➜page 51)
To enjoy progressive video
Connect to the component video (480P) input terminals on a televi-
sion compatible with this unit’s copy guard system. (Video will not
be displayed correctly if connected to an incompatible television.)
≥All Panasonic televisions that have 480P input terminals are com-
patible. Consult the manufacturer if you have another brand of
television.
RF IN
RF OUTVHF/UHF
OPTICAL
DIGITAL AUDIO OUT(PCM/BITSTREAM)COMPONENT
VIDEO OUT
(480P/480I)
YPBPRR - AUDIO - L
R - AUDIO - LVIDEO
VIDEOS-VIDEO
S-VIDEO
(L3)(L1)
IN 1 IN 3R - AUDIO - L
R - AUDIO - LVIDEO
VIDEOS-VIDEO
S-VIDEOOUT 1 OUT 2
R - AUDIO - LVIDEOS-VIDEOOUT 1
OPTICAL
DIGITAL AUDIO OUT(PCM/BITSTREAM)COMPONENT
VIDEO OUT
(480P/480I)
YPBPR
AUDIO 
IN
R     LVIDEO
IN
VHF/UHF
RF IN
IN S VIDEO
COMPONENT
VIDEO IN
Y
P
BPR
COMPONENT VIDEO OUT terminal
These terminals can be used for either
interlace or progressive output and
provide a purer picture than the S-VIDEO
OUT terminal.
Connection using these terminals outputs
the color difference signals (P
B/PR) and
luminance signal (Y) separately in order to
achieve high fidelity in reproducing colors.
≥The description of the component video
input terminals depends on the televi-
sion or monitor (e.g. Y/P
B/PR, Y/B-Y/R-Y,
Y/C
B/CR). Connect to terminals of the
same color.
≥After making this connection, change the
black level for a better picture
(➜page 45, Video–Black Level Control).
S-VIDEO OUT terminal
The S-VIDEO OUT terminal achieves a more vivid picture than
the VIDEO OUT terminal by separating the chrominance (C)
and luminance (Y) signals. (Actual results depend on the tele-
vision.)
When making this connection, ensure you connect the audio
cables to the corresponding audio input terminals on the televi-
sion.
When making this connection, ensure you
connect the audio cables to the corre-
sponding audio input terminals on the
television.To the antenna
Outdoor antennaCable TV
Indoor antenna Television
Audio/Video cable
(included)Antenna cable 
(usually discon-
nected from the 
television).
To household AC outlet
(AC 120 V, 60 Hz)
This unit Cooling fanRed White Yellowor
S video cable
(not included)
Do not connect the unit through a video
cassette recorder
Video signals fed through video cassette recorders will be
affected by copyright protection systems and the picture
will not be shown correctly on the television. Television
Video cable
(not included) 75 ≠ coaxial cable
(included) ➜below
Te l ev i s i o nIf the connector 
doesn’t match 
➜page 53 Red White Yellow
Connect last.
Also connect the AC 
power supply cords for 
the other equipment.
75 ≠ coaxial cable
≥The signal from the antenna passes through this unit and along
the 75 ≠ coaxial cable to the television even when this unit is
turned off. You don’t have to connect the antenna to the televi-
sion.
≥The picture and sound signal from this unit does not go through
the 75 ≠ coaxial cable to the television. Make sure you connect
one of the following terminals on this unit to the television: the
AUDIO/VIDEO terminal, the S-VIDEO OUT terminal or the
COMPONENT VIDEO OUT terminal. If the television has none
of these terminals, consult your local dealer. AC power supply cord (included)
Conserving power
This unit consumes a small amount of power, even when it is
turned off (approx. 3.3 W). To save power when the unit is not to
be used for a long time, unplug it from the household AC outlet. 
						

							6
RQT6984
Setting up
STEP 2The remote control
≥Insert so the poles (i and j) match those in the remote control.
≥Do not use rechargeable type batteries.
Do not:
≥mix old and new batteries.
≥use different types at the same time.
≥heat or expose to flame.
≥take apart or short circuit.
≥attempt to recharge alkaline or manganese batteries.
≥use batteries if the covering has been peeled off.
Mishandling of batteries can cause electrolyte leakage which can
damage items the fluid contacts and may cause a fire.
Remove if the remote control is not going to be used for a long
period of time. Store in a cool, dark place.
[Note]
If you cannot operate the unit or television using the remote control 
after changing the batteries, please re-enter the codes (television 
➜page 9, main unit ➜page 46).
After plugging the unit into your household AC outlet and pressing
[Í, DVD  POWER] to turn the unit on for the first time, the unit
assists you to set the menu language, and automatically tunes in all
the channels it can receive and sets the clock.
The unit automatically determines the type of transmission (air or
cable) and puts them into channels as follows.
Batteries
Use
-+
-+
PUSH1
2
P
U
S
H
1
2
3
P
U
S
H
R6/LR6, AA, UM-3 Opening the rear cover.
Press with your  
fingerClosing the rear cover.
Slide into place.
When the cover  
comes off
Remote control signal sensor
7 m (23 feet) directly in front of the unit 30x
30x 20x
20x
BandChannel
TV Mode
(Air)VHF 2s13
UHF 14s69
CATV Mode
(Cable)VHF 2s13
CATV LOW BAND 95s99
CATV MID/SUPER BAND 14s36
CATV HYPER BAND 37s65
ULTRA BAND66s94
100s125
SPECIAL CATV CHANNEL 1
DV DTV
INPUT SELECTVCR Plus+OPEN/CLOSETV/VIDEO
CH
VOLUME
SKIP
DIRECT NAVIGATORPLAY LIST
TOP MENU
ENTER
MENU
FUNCTIONSRETURN
STOPPAUSEPLAY/x1.3
SLOW/SEARCH
CANCEL
123
DV D T V
4
56
789
0
100
FRAMECM SKIP TIME SLIP
ERASE
RECPROG/CHECKADD/DLT
DUBBINGREC MODESTATUSMARKER
AUDIOSETUPDISPLAYPOSITION
MEMORY
POWER
Í, DVD POWER
3, 4, 2, 1 
ENTER
ADD/DLTW, X, CH
RETURN
SETUPHDD DVD
Numbered
buttons
RECHDDDV DREC
POWER, Í/IX,W, CH
STEP 3Plug-in Auto Tuning 
						

							7
RQT6984
Setting up
Preparation≥Confirm that the antenna is connected correctly.
≥Turn on the television and select the appropriate video input to
suit the connections to this unit.
1Press [Í, DVD POWER] to turn the
unit on.
2Press [3, 4] to select the menu lan-
guage and press [ENTER].
e.g., when you select
English
3Press [ENTER].
Plug-in Auto Tuning starts and the unit puts the stations it
can receive into channels.
The unit then proceeds with Auto Clock Setting. The time is
displayed when finished. If the clock is an hour slower or
faster than the actual time, go to “Time Zone Adjust” to cor-
rect it (➜page 47).
4When the display shows the correct time
Press [ENTER] to complete Plug-in
Auto Tuning.
If the unit couldn’t set the clock automatically
Press [ENTER] to show the “Manual Clock Setting” screen. Set the
time manually (➜page 47).
To start Plug-in Auto Tuning again (after reloca-
tion, for example)
When the unit is on and stopped
1Press and hold [X, CH] and [W, CH] on the main unit for
about five seconds.
The unit turns off.
2Press [Í, DVD POWER] to turn the unit on.
Follow the above steps 2–4.
1Press [SETUP] to show the menus.
2Press [3, 4] to select “Channel” and
press [1].
3Press [3, 4] to select “Antenna Sys-
tem” and press [ENTER].
4Press [3, 4] to select “TV” or
“CATV” and press [ENTER].
The screen shown in step 2 reappears.
5Press [3, 4] to select “Auto Channel
Setting” and press [ENTER].
If you have not yet set clock, the “Auto Channel/Clock Set-
ting” screen appears.
6Press [ENTER].
Auto setting starts. This takes a few minutes. (To stop auto
channel setting, press [RETURN].) When finished, the Com-
plete screen or time display is shown. Press [ENTER].
To return to the previous screen
Press [RETURN].
When you are finished
Press [SETUP].
Add or delete channels if necessary channels are not set or unnec-
essary channels are set.
While this unit is receiving the antenna signal (but not during
recording):
1Press the numbered buttons to select
a channel.
e.g., “5”: [0] ➜[5]
“15”: [1] ➜[5]
“115”: [100] ➜ [1] ➜ [5]
≥You can also use [W, X, CH]
when you are going to delete a channel.
2Press [ADD/DLT].
The channel is deleted if it was set or added if it was not set.
e.g.,
Repeat steps 1 and 2 as necessary. Antenna system, channel caption, and VCR Plusr guide
channel settings all revert to the default values when you
perform the procedure below. Timer recording settings are
also cleared.
If Plug-in Auto Tuning fails
EnglishEspañolFrançais
Press ENTER
Pulse ENTER
Appuyer sur ENTER
Select Language
Seleccione la Lengua
Sélection de Langue
RETURN ENTER
Auto Channel/Clock Setting
Connect antenna cable and if you use a
cable box, tune it to your local PBS CH
then. . .
Please push the ENTER key.
TA B
SELECT
Antenna SystemAuto Channel Setting
Channel Caption
Preset Channel CaptionManual Channel Caption
VCR Plusi CH SettingCATV
Channel SETUP
   RETURN
Set UpDiscVideoAudioDisplayTV Screen
Adding and deleting channels
Antenna SystemAuto Channel Setting
Channel Caption
Preset Channel CaptionManual Channel CaptionCATVSet UpDisc Channel SETUP
SETUP
Set UpChannel
Antenna System
TV
CATV
SETUP
Set UpDiscVideoAudioDisplay
Channel
Auto Channel Setting
Connect antenna cable and if you use a
cable box, tune it to your local PBS CH
then...
Please push the ENTER key.
Unit’s display
CHANNEL 15 DELETED 
						

							8
RQT6984
Setting up
STEP 4VCR Plusi guide channel settings
Set these guide channels so you can use VCR Plusi codes for
timer recording. Before starting the settings, prepare a chart show-
ing the channels, station names, and guide channels.
e.g.,
1Press [SETUP] to show the menus.
2Press [3, 4] to select “Channel” and
press [1].
3Press [3, 4] to select “VCR Plusr
CH Setting” and press [ENTER].
e.g., when the current antenna system is CATV.
4Press [3, 4] to select the guide
channel you want to set and press
[1].
When selecting the guide channel, press and hold [3, 4] to
scroll the screen up and down.
5Press [3, 4] to select the channel
corresponding to the guide channel
and press [2].
To delete a number, press [CANCEL].
Repeat steps 4 and 5 as necessary.
6Press [ENTER].
The “Channel” screen reappears.
To return to the previous screen
Press [RETURN].
When you are finished
Press [SETUP].
Station 
nameGuide 
channelChannel 
numberChannel setting
(in step 5)
CBS 04 04 Unnecessary
HBO 33 15Enter channel 15 next 
to Guide Channel 33.
Nickelodeon 38 20Enter channel 20 next 
to Guide Channel 38.
DV DTV
INPUT SELECTVCR Plus+OPEN/CLOSETV/VIDEO
CH
VOLUME
SKIP
DIRECT NAVIGATORPLAY LIST
TOP MENU
ENTER
MENU
FUNCTIONSRETURN
STOPPA U S EPLAY/x1.3
SLOW/SEARCH
CANCEL
123
DV D T V
4
56
789
0
100
FRAMECM SKIP TIME SLIP
ERASE
RECPROG/CHECKADD/DLT
DUBBINGREC MODESTATUSMARKER
AUDIOSETUPDISPLAYPOSITION
MEMORY
POWER
3, 4, 2, 1 
ENTER CANCEL
RETURN
SETUP
HDD DVD
Look up the guide channels 
for the stations in magazines.Write down all the stations you 
can receive.
TA B
SELECT
Antenna SystemAuto Channel Setting
Channel Caption
Preset Channel CaptionManual Channel Caption
VCR Plusi CH SettingCATV
Channel SETUP
   RETURN
Set UpDiscVideoAudioDisplayTV Screen
TA B SELECT
Antenna SystemAuto Channel Setting
Channel Caption
Preset Channel CaptionManual Channel Caption
VCR Plusi CH SettingCATV
   RETURN
Set UpDiscVideoAudioDisplayTV ScreenENTER
Channel SETUPVCR Plusi and PlusCode are registered trademarks of Gem-
star Development Corporation. The VCR Plusi system is manu-
factured under license from Gemstar Development Corporation.
Pats. 5,307,173; 5,335,079; 4,908,713; 4,751,578; and
4,706,121
SETUP
Set UpDiscVideoAudioDisplayTV ScreenENTER
VCR PlusiCH Setting
Guide Channel CATV Channel
---
---
125
1
------
   RETURN
2
3SELECT
Channel
ENTER
VCR PlusiCH Setting
Guide Channel CATV Channel---
4
5
6
------
   RETURN
7
8
---
---
SELECT
SETUP
Channel
Set Up
Disc
Video
Audio
Display
TV Screen
ENTER
VCR PlusiCH Setting
Guide Channel CATV Channel---
4
5
6
------
   RETURN
7
8
12
---
SELECT
SETUP
Channel
Set Up
Disc
Video
Audio
Display
TV Screen 
						

							9
RQT6984
Setting up
STEP 5Set up to match your television
Change the settings if your television is:≥Progressive
– Read your television’s operating instructions for details.
≥Widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio)
1Press [SETUP] to show the menus.
2Press [3, 4] to select “TV Screen”
and press [1].
3Press [3, 4] to select “TV Type” and
press [ENTER].
4Press [3, 4] to select the item and
press [ENTER].
≥If you select a progressive output (480P) item, select Video
in the on-screen menu and set “Transfer” to suit the material
(➜page 41).
To return to the previous screen
Press [RETURN].
When you are finished
Press [SETUP].
∫Regarding Progressive Television Picture
Progressive image aspect (height to width ratio) is set at a standard
16:9. DVD-Video which has been set at 16:9 will be displayed cor-
rectly. However, 4:3 video material will be stretched to the right and
left when displayed.
≥To view the picture at the right aspect
– For televisions that allow the aspect of progressive images to
be adjusted, use the function provided on the television and
adjust as necessary.
– For televisions which do not allow the aspect of progressive
images to be adjusted, please set “Progressive” to “OFF”
(➜page 41).
[Note]
≥If the unit is connected to the TV through VIDEO OUT or S-
VIDEO OUT, output will be interlace only (even if you select pro-
gressive output).
≥When progressive output is on, closed captions cannot be dis-
played.
You can control televisions by entering the remote control code.
Press and hold [Í, POWER TV] and enter the
two-digit code with the numbered buttons.
e.g., 01: press [0] ➜ [1].
Code No. and Manufacturer
≥Test by turning on the television and changing channels. Repeat
the procedure until you find the code that allows correct operation.
[Note]
If your television brand is not listed or if the code listed for your tele-
vision does not allow control of your television, this remote control
is not compatible with your television.
∫Operation
Point the remote control at the television.
DV DTV
INPUT SELECTVCR Plus+OPEN/CLOSETV/VIDEO
CH
VOLUME
SKIP
DIRECT NAVIGATORPLAY LIST
TOP MENU
ENTER
MENU
FUNCTIONSRETURN
STOPPA U S EPLAY/x1.3
SLOW/SEARCH
CANCEL
123
DV D T V
4
56
789
0
100
FRAMECM SKIP TIME SLIP
ERASE
RECPROG/CHECKADD/DLT
DUBBINGREC MODESTATUSMARKER
AUDIOSETUPDISPLAYPOSITION
MEMORY
POWER
Í, POWER TV
3, 4, 2, 1 
ENTERW, X, CH
TV/VIDEO
DVD, TV
r, s, VOLUME
RETURN
SETUP
HDD DVD
Numbered
buttons
TA B
SELECT
Antenna SystemAuto Channel Setting
Channel Caption
Preset Channel CaptionManual Channel Caption
VCR Plusi CH SettingCATV
Channel SETUP
   RETURN
Set UpDiscVideoAudioDisplayTV Screen
TA B
SELECT
4:3 TV Settings for DVD-VideoTV mode(4:3)
LetterboxPan&Scan
SETUP
   RETURN
Set Up
Disc
Video
Audio
Display
TV Screen4:3 TV Settings for DVD-RAM
TV Type 
ENTER
Channel
4:3 (480I)
SETUP
Set UpDiscVideo
TV Type
Aspect 4:3 & 480I
Aspect 4:3 & 480P
Channel
Aspect 16:9 & 480P
Aspect 16:9 & 480I
Television operation
01
Panasonic/National QUASAR11JVC
0212HITACHI
03MAGNAVOX SYLVANIA 
PHILIPS (RC-5)13MITSUBISHI
04ZENITH14SAMSUNG
05THOMSON RCA GE15
GOLDSTAR/LG
06
SHARP16
0717
08SONY18
SAMSUNG
09TOSHIBA19
10SANYO FISHER–
OperationButton
On and off[Í, POWER TV]
Video input mode[TV/VIDEO]
Channels(Switch [DVD, TV] to “TV”.) 
[W, X, CH] or
Numbered buttons
e.g., Channel “5”: [0] ➜ [5]
Vo l u m e[r, s, VOLUME] 
						

							10
RQT6984
Setting up
Disc information
≥We recommend using Panasonic discs as they have been con-
firmed to be compatible with this unit. Other discs may not perform
correctly.
≥Do not allow the disc to become dirty or scratched. Fingerprints,
dirt, dust, scratches or deposits of cigarette smoke on the record-
ing surface may make it impossible to use the disc for recording.
≥Discs with programs recorded in PAL already cannot be recorded
on using this unit.
≥DVD-RAM recorded on this unit may not be compatible with
other DVD players, including some Panasonic players. Con-
sult the manual for the player to determine compatibility with
these DVD-RAM discs.
≥This unit is compatible with both non-cartridge and cartridge
DVD-RAM, but the write-protect tabs on cartridge-type discs give
better protection to your recordings. 
≥Picture aspect ratios, regular 4:3 or widescreen 16:9, are recorded
as they are received.
≥In order to play a DVD-R recorded using this unit on another
playback source, the disc must first be finalized (➜page 36).
≥Once a DVD-R is finalized, it becomes DVD-Video.
≥You can record onto the available space on the disc and perform
editing functions, such as giving titles to discs and programs and
erasing programs before finalizing.
≥When programming is erased from a DVD-R, that space does not
become available. Once an area on a DVD-R is recorded on, that
area is no longer available for recording, whether the recording is
erased or not.
≥It takes about 30 seconds for the unit to complete recording man-
agement information after recording finishes. 
≥This unit optimizes the DVD-R for each recording. Optimizing is
carried out when you start recording after inserting the disc or
turning on the unit. Recording onto the disc may become impossi-
ble if optimizing is carried out too many times.
≥Play may be impossible in some cases due the condition of the
recording.
≥The video is recorded in a 4:3 aspect irrespective of the video sig-
nal input.
≥A DVD-R recorded on this unit may not be recordable on other
Panasonic DVD recorders.
[RAM]
You can protect the contents of your discs in the following ways.
≥Cartridge-protect:
With the write-protect tab in the protect posi-
tion, you cannot record to, edit, or erase from
the disc. (Type 1, 2, and 4 cartridge discs)
≥Program-protect (➜page 34)
≥Disc-protect (➜page 36)
§1Play is in stereo only.§2Including discs recorded with MP3.
≥The producer of the material can control how DVD-Video and
Video CDs are played. This means that you may not be able to
control play of a disc with some operations described in these
operating instructions. Read the disc’s instructions carefully.
≥This unit can play CD-R/CD-RW (audio recording disc) recorded
with CD-DA (digital audio), video CD (video CD format 2.0 or
above) or MP3. Finalize
§ the disc after recording.
Play may be impossible on some CD-R or CD-RW discs due to the
condition of recording.
§ A process that allows play on compatible equipment.
≥This unit cannot record onto CD-R or CD-RW.
≥Audio format
The features you can use with the different types of discs are indi-
cated as follows.
[HDD] [RAM] [DVD-R] [DVD-A] [DVD-V]
|| | | |
Hard DiskDV D - R A M DV D - R DV D - Au d i o DV D - V i d e o
[VCD][CD] [MP3]
|| |
Video CD Audio CDMP3 discs
≥[DVD-R] indicates DVD-R that have not yet been finalized
(➜page 36). DVD-R that have been finalized can use the same
features as DVD-Video. (Refer to features indicated [DVD-V].)
≥DVD-Video with a region number other than “1” or “ALL” 
≥12-cm (5z), 2.6- and 5.2-GB DVD-RAM
≥DVD-RAM not recorded following the Video Recording Standard
≥3.95- and 4.7-GB DVD-R for Authoring
≥Unfinalized DVD-R recorded on other equipment
≥PAL discs≥DV D - R O M≥DV D - RW≥iRW
≥CD-ROM≥CDV≥CD-G≥Photo CD
≥CVD≥SVCD≥SACD≥MV-Disc
≥PD≥Divx Video Disc, etc.
Discs you can use for recording and play
DVD-RAM
4.7 GB/9.4 GB, 12 cm (5z)
2.8 GB, 8 cm (3z)DVD-R
4.7 GB, 12 cm (5z)
1.4 GB, 8 cm (3z)
for General Ver. 2.0
DVD-RAM
DVD-R
Protection
PROTECT
Play-only discs
DVD-Audio§1DVD-Video Video CD Audio CD§2
DVD-Video
Dolby Digital (➜page 45)
This unit can play Dolby Digital in stereo (2 
channels). Connect an amplifier with a built-in 
Dolby Digital decoder to enjoy surround sound.
DTS Digital Surround (➜page 45)
Connect this unit to equipment that has a DTS 
decoder to enjoy DVDs with this mark.
Discs you can use
Discs that cannot be played