Panasonic Dmr Es25 Operating Instructions Manual

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You can select whether to show the top menu after finalizing. Make 
selections before finalizing the disc.
Preparation
• Press [DRIVE SELECT] to select the DVD drive.
After performing steps 1–3 (Ôpage 40)
4Press [e,r] to select “Playback will 
start with:” and press [ENTER].
5Press [e,r] to select the item and 
press [ENTER].
     
Finalize the disc so you can play it on other DVD equipment. The 
equipment must be able to play finalized discs. To check 
compatibility with other equipment, refer to page 4.
Preparation
• Press [DRIVE SELECT] to select the DVD drive.
After performing steps 1–3 (Ôpage 40)
4Press [e,r] to select “Finalize” and 
press [ENTER].
5Press [w,q] to select “Yes” and press 
[ENTER].
6Press [w,q] to select “Start” and 
press [ENTER].
• Finalizing starts. You cannot cancel finalizing.
• Finalizing can take a few minutes, up to a maximum of 15 
minutes, depending on the remaining space on the disc. 
(    up to 60 minutes.)
Do not disconnect the AC power supply cord while 
finalizing. This will render the disc unusable.
7Press [ENTER].
• You cannot finalize discs recorded on other manufacturers’ 
equipment.
• Discs finalized on this unit may not be playable on other players 
due to the condition of the recording.
• When finalizing a high-speed recording compatible disc, it may 
take longer than displayed on the confirmation screen 
(approximately four times).+RW discs contain no Top Menu data. Top Menu is a convenient 
function. We recommend you to create the menu before playing a 
+RW disc on other equipment.
• You cannot use the top menu for playing on this unit.
Preparation
• Press [DRIVE SELECT] to select the DVD drive.
After performing steps 1–3 (Ôpage 40)
4Press [e,r] to select “Create DVD Top 
Menu” and press [ENTER].
5Press [w,q] to select “Yes” and press 
[ENTER].
6Press [w,q] to select “Start” and 
press [ENTER].
Creating Top Menu starts. You cannot cancel creating.
Creating Top Menu can take a few minutes.
7Press [ENTER].
Recording or editing on the disc may delete the menu. In that case, 
create the menu again.
 
DVD-R DL and +R DL discs have two layers of recording surface on 
one side. This unit does not offer seamless recording on two layers. 
Recording stops when space on the first layer becomes full. You 
must close the first layer to start recording on the second layer. 
Closing makes the first layer unavailable for recording (editing is still 
available). You cannot cancel closing. Make certain before 
proceeding.
Preparation
• Press [DRIVE SELECT] to select the DVD drive.
After performing steps 1–3 (Ôpage 40)
4Press [e,r] to select “Close First 
Layer” and press [ENTER].
5Press [w,q] to select “Yes” and press 
[ENTER].
6Press [w,q] to select “Start” and 
press [ENTER].
Closing the layer starts. You cannot cancel closing.
Closing the layer can take several minutes, up to a maximum 
of 30 minutes, depending on the remaining space on the first 
layer.
Do not disconnect the AC power supply cord while 
closing the layer. This will render the disc unusable. 
7Press [ENTER].
• You cannot close the first layer when it has no recording.
• By closing the layer, you can record or edit discs that have been 
recorded on the second layer by other equipment.
nTo confirm the layer you can record
You can confirm the remaining recording time on the layer you 
can record.
Selecting whether to show the Top 
Menu first
–Playback will start with:
DVD’s Top Menu: The top menu appears first. 
First Title on DVD:  The disc content is played without 
displaying the top menu. 
Enabling discs to be played on other 
equipment
–Finalize
After finalizing
•        The disc becomes play-only and you can 
no longer record or edit.
•  You can record and edit the disc after formatting 
(Ôpage 40) although it becomes play-only after finalizing.
• Titles are divided into about 5-minute (    8-minute) 
chapters. This time varies greatly depending on the condition and 
mode of recording.
• There is a pause of several seconds between titles and chapters 
during play.
-R-R DL-RW(V)+R+R DL+RW
-R-R DL-RW(V)+R+R DL
-R DL+R DL
Note
-R-R DL+R+R DL
-RW(V)
+R+R DL
Creating Top Menu
–Create DVD Top Menu
Enabling the second layer on DL 
(dual- or double- layer on single side) 
discs to be recordable
–Close First Layer
+RW
-R DL+R DL
Note
Disc Name
Playback will start with:
Finalize
Top Menu
1
0:00Of the first layer3:54(LP)DVD
MANEGEMENT      DVD-R DLTitles:
Used Time:Free Time:DOCUMENTARY
DVD and card Management 
						

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Changing the unit’s settings
1While stopped
Press [SETUP].
2Press [e,r] to select the tab and 
press [q].
3Press [e,r] to select the menu and 
press [ENTER].
4Press [e,r] to select the option and 
press [ENTER].
To return to the previous screen
Press [RETURN].
To exit the screen
Press [SETUP].
Note
There may be differences in operation methods. If this happens, 
follow the on-screen instructions for the operation.
The settings remain intact even if you switch the unit to standby.
*
1You can set these menus only after “Set Channels Automatically” is completed.
*2You can set this menu only after “Set Clock Automatically” is completed.
RETURN e,r,w,q
ENTER
SETUP Numbered
buttons
Common procedures
Setup
Channel
Setup
Disc
Video
AdiPreset Channel Captions
Manual Channel Captions Channel CaptionsSignal Source (RF IN)
Set Channels AutomaticallyCable TV
Tabs  Menus Options 
Summary of settings
Ta b sMenusOptions (Underlined items are the factory presets.)
Channel Signal Source (RF IN) (Ôpage 15) • Antenna • Cable TV
Set Channels Automatically–
Preset Channel Captions*1 (Ôpage 16) –
Manual Channel Captions*1 (Ôpage 16) –
Setup Off Timer
Select how long the unit remains on when it is not being used.• 2 Hours • 6 Hours
•Off
Remote Control Code (Ôpage 17) • Set Code 1
• Set Code 2 • Set Code 3
Clock Settings
Press [ENTER] to show the following settings.
Set Clock Automatically–
Set Clock Manually (Ôpage 17) –
Adjust Time Zone*
2 (Ôpage 17)•–1 •0•+1
Quick Start
If you set Quick Start to on, you can start recording to 
DVD-RAM about 1 second after you press [^DVD POWER] to 
turn the unit on and then press [*REC].•On •Off
The following happens when you have selected “On”.
• Power consumption in standby mode increases because power 
is supplied to the unit.
Restore Default Settings
This returns all values in the Setup menus, except for the clock, 
channel settings, ratings level, and on-screen language, to the 
default settings.•Yes •No 
						

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Changing the unit’s settings
Ta b sMenusOptions (Underlined items are the factory presets.)
Disc Settings for Playback
Press [ENTER] to show the following settings.
Ratings
Set a ratings level to limit DVD-Video play.
Follow the on-screen instructions. Enter a 4-digit password 
with the numbered buttons when the password screen is 
shown.
• Do not forget your password.•8 No Limit
:  All DVD-Video can be played.
• 1 to 7:  Prohibits play of DVD-Video with corresponding 
ratings recorded on them.
• 0 Lock All:  Prohibits play of all DVD-Video.
• Unlock Recorder
• Change Level• Change Password
•Temporary Unlock
Play DVD-Audio in Video Mode
Select “Video Mode (Video On)” to play DVD-Video content 
on some DVD-Audio.• Video Mode (Video On):
The setting returns to “Audio Mode (Video Off)” when you 
change the disc or turn the unit off.
• Audio Mode (Video Off)
Audio Language • Some discs start in a certain 
language despite any changes you 
make here.
• Enter a code (Ôpage 46) with the 
numbered buttons when you select 
“Other    ”. 
When the selected language is not 
available on the disc, the default 
language is played. There are discs 
where you can only switch the 
language from the menu screen 
(Ôpage 24).• English• French • Spanish
• Original: The original language of each disc will be selected.
• Other    
Subtitle 
Language • Automatic
: 
If the language selected for “Audio Language” is not available, 
subtitles of that language will automatically appear if available 
on that disc.
• English • French • Spanish
• Other    
Menu Language • English
• French • Spanish
• Other    
Settings for Recording
Press [ENTER] to show the following setting.
Recording Time in EP Mode
Select the maximum number of hours for recording in EP 
mode (Ôpage 19, Recording modes and approximate 
recording times).• EP – Extended Play (6H): 
You can record for 6 hours on an unused 4.7 GB disc.
• EP – Extended Play (8H)
: 
You can record for 8 hours on an unused 4.7 GB disc.
The sound quality is better when using “EP – Extended Play (6H)” 
than when using “EP – Extended Play (8H)”.
Video Still Mode ( paused video )
Select the type of picture shown when you pause play 
(Ôpage 53, Frames and fields).• Automatic
• Field:  Select if jittering occurs when “Automatic” is 
selected. (The picture is coarser.)
• Frame:  Select if small text or fine patterns cannot be seen 
clearly when “Automatic” is selected. (The picture is 
clearer and finer.)
Black Level Control
Select for adjusting the black level control to the desired setting for picture enhancement.
Press [ENTER] to show the following settings.
Input Level
Adjusts the black level of the input signal.• Lighter • Darker
Output Level (Composite/SVideo)
Adjusts the black level of the output signal from the VIDEO 
OUT and S VIDEO OUT terminal.• Lighter•Darker
Output Level (Component)
Adjusts the black level of the output signal from the 
COMPONENT VIDEO OUT (Y/P
B/PR) terminals.• Lighter • Normal
•Darker
DVD-V
DVD-V
DVD-V 
						

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Changing the unit’s settings
Ta b sMenusOptions (Underlined items are the factory presets.)
Audio
Dynamic Range Compression   (Dolby Digital only)
Change the dynamic range for late night viewing.•On •Off
Multi-channel TV Sound ( MTS )
      
Select whether to record the main or secondary audio program 
(SAP) when recording to a disc.•Main• Secondary Audio Program (SAP)
You cannot select the audio on this unit when recording from an 
external source, such as when copying from a video cassette 
recorder. Select on the other equipment. When recording from the 
unit’s DV IN terminal, select the type of audio recording from 
“Select Audio Channel for DV Input” (Ôbelow).
Digital Audio Output
Change the settings when you have connected equipment through this unit’s DIGITAL AUDIO OUT terminal (Ôpage 12).
• Press [ENTER] to display the menu.
PCM Down Conversion
Select how to output audio with a sampling frequency of 96 
kHz or 88.2 kHz.
• Signals are converted to 48 kHz or 44.1 kHz despite the 
above settings if the signals have a sampling frequency of 
over 96 kHz or 88.2 kHz, or the disc has copy protection.• On:  Signals are converted to 48 kHz or 44.1 kHz. 
(Choose when the connected equipment cannot 
process signals with a sampling frequency of 96 
kHz or 88.2 kHz.)
•Off
:  Signals are output as 96 kHz or 88.2 kHz. (Choose 
when the connected equipment can process signals 
with a sampling frequency of 96 kHz or 88.2 kHz.)
Dolby DigitalSelect how to output the 
signal.
If “Bitstream” is selected, the 
connected equipment 
decodes the signal.
If “PCM” is selected, this unit 
decodes the signal and 
outputs it as 2 channel.
Note
Not making the proper 
settings may result in noise 
or some trouble for digital 
recording.• Bitstream
:  When connecting to equipment displaying the Dolby 
Digital logo.
• PCM:  When connecting to equipment not displaying the 
Dolby Digital logo.
DTS• Bitstream
:  When connecting to equipment displaying the DTS 
logo.
• PCM:  When connecting to equipment not displaying the 
DTS logo. 
Select Audio Channel for DV Input
You can select the kind of audio when recording from the unit’s 
DV IN terminal (Ôpage 38).•Stereo 1
: Records audio (L1, R1)
• Stereo 2: Records added audio such as narration (L2, R2) 
subsequent to original recording.
• Mix: Records both Stereo 1 and Stereo 2.
      
When recording MTS broadcast, select the type of audio in 
advance from “Multi-channel TV Sound ( MTS )” (Ôabove).
Display Status Messages
Choose whether to show status messages automatically.• Automatic
•Off
On-screen Language
Choose the language for these menus and on-screen 
messages.• English
• Español • Français
Blue Background
Select “Off ” if you do not want to have the unit show the blue 
background when reception is weak.•On
•Off
FL Display
Changes the brightness of the unit’s display.• Bright
•Dim
• Automatic: 
The display turns dark during play, and reappears momentarily 
when you press a button. When the unit is turned off all displays 
disappear. While using this mode the standby power 
consumption can be reduced.
DVD-V
-R-R DL-RW(V)+R+R DL+RW
-R-R DL-RW(V)+R+R DL+RW 
						

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Changing the unit’s settings
Ta b sMenusOptions (Underlined items are the factory presets.)
TV 
ScreenTV Type (Ôpage 16)  • Aspect 4:3 & 480i
• Aspect 16:9 & 480i• Aspect 4:3 & 480p
• Aspect 16:9 & 480p
Functions of HDMI
Press [ENTER] to display the menu.
HDMI Video Output•On
• Off: When video is output from COMPONENT VIDEO OUT 
terminal.
HDMI Resolution
You can only select items compatible with the connected 
equipment. This setting normally does not need to be 
changed. However if you are concerned about output 
picture quality, it may be improved by changing the setting.
Still pictures play at a resolution equivalent to 480p 
regardless of the settings.•Auto
: Automatically selects the output resolution best suited to 
the connected television (1080i, 720p or 480p).
• 480p
• 720p
• 1080i
HDMI Output Display Aspect
Settings used when 4:3 aspect video is output on the 
television as 16:9 aspect.
(Only effective when 720p or 1080i is selected as the output 
resolution)• Full: Video output is enlarged to match the screen size.
•Normal
: Video is output as 4:3 aspect. Side panels (black 
bars on the left and right) will appear on the screen.
HDMI RGB Output Range
Effective when connected to a device that only supports 
RGB output.• Standard
• Enhanced: When the black and white images are not distinct.
HDMI Audio Output•On
• Off: Audio is output from an amplifier when using the DIGITAL 
AUDIO OUT terminal.
HDMI Connection Speakers Setting
You can set the unit to output the best possible sound for 
your speakers.•Auto
:
When using the speaker settings of the connected equipment
• Multi Channel:
When using three or more speakers with equipment that cannot 
set the speaker settings
• 2 Channel:
When using two speakers
Multi Channel Setting
Displayed when “Multi Channel” is selected in “HDMI 
Connection Speakers Setting”You can adjust the settings for speaker size, presence and audio-
delay (Ôpage 46).
Ctrl with HDMI•On
: When “On” is selected, you can operate other “HDAVI 
Control” compatible devices using the “Ctrl with HDMI”.
•Off
4:3 TV Settings for DVD-Video
Select how DVD-Video widescreen picture is shown on a 4:3 
standard aspect television.• Pan and Scan (Stretch to fit)
: 
Video recorded for a widescreen is played as Pan & Scan 
(unless prohibited by the producer of the disc). 
• Letterbox (Shrink to fit): 
Video recorded for a widescreen is played in the letterbox style. 
4:3 TV Settings for DVD-RAM 
Select how DVD-RAM widescreen picture is shown on a 4:3 
standard aspect television.• 4:3 Aspect: Titles played as recorded.
• Pan and Scan (Stretch to fit): 
Video recorded for a widescreen is played as Pan & 
Scan. 
• Letterbox (Shrink to fit)
: 
Video recorded for a widescreen is played in the 
letterbox style.  
						

							RQT8327
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Changing the unit’s settings
Refer to the control reference on page 42.
For connection with an HDMI cable to an amplifier, use the following settings on this unit if you cannot set the speaker size, presence and delay 
effect on the amplifier.
1While stopped
Press [SETUP].
2Press [e,r] to select “TV Screen” and 
press [q].
3Press [e,r] to select “Functions of 
HDMI” and press [ENTER].
4Press [e,r] to select “HDMI 
Connection Speakers Setting” and 
press [ENTER].
5Press [e,r] to select “Multi Channel” 
and press [ENTER].
6Change the speaker setting.
nSpeaker presence and size (A, Ôleft)
1Press [e,r,w,q] to select the speaker icon (A) and press 
[ENTER].
2Press [e,r] to select the setting and press [ENTER].
Icon examples:
Surround speaker (LS)
•Large: Select when the speaker supports low-frequency 
(under 100 Hz) reproduction.
•Small: Select when the speaker does not support low-
frequency reproduction.
If the subwoofer is set to “No”, the front speakers will 
automatically be set to “Large”. (In this case, we recommend 
connecting a speaker that can reproduce bass below 100 Hz.)
nDelay time (B, Ôleft)
(Effective when playing multi-channel audio)
If either distance C or E is less than D, find the difference in 
the relevant table and change to the recommended setting.
3Press [e,r,w,q] to select the item B and press [ENTER].
4Press [e,r] to select a setting and press [ENTER].
7Press [e,r,w,q] to select “Complete” 
and press [ENTER].
To return to the previous screen
Press [RETURN].
To exit the screen
Press [SETUP].
Changing the speaker setting to suit your speakers
m s L
Complete
R
SW
C 0.0
BAA
 (LS) (RS)ABAA
CompleteFront (L)
AFront (R) Center
— Surround —Subwoofer
m s
LS
RS
 0.0
C Center speaker
: Recommended 
placementDifference Setting
Approx. 34 cm (1
1/10 feet)1.0 ms
Approx. 68 cm (2
1/5 feet)2.0 ms
Approx. 102 cm (33/10 feet)3.0 ms
Approx. 136 cm (4
2/5 feet)4.0 ms
Approx. 170 cm (5
1/2 feet)5.0 ms
E Surround speakers
Difference Setting
Approx. 170 cm (5
1/2 feet)5.0 ms
Approx. 340 cm (11 feet) 10.0 ms
Approx. 510 cm (161/2 feet)15.0 ms
Large Small No
LSLS
LS L
R
SWED
C C
RS
Language code list Enter the code with the numbered buttons.
Abkhazian: 6566 Chinese: 9072 Hebrew: 7387Macedonian: 7775 Romanian: 8279 Telugu: 8469
Afar: 6565 Corsican: 6779 Hindi: 7273 Malagasy: 7771 Russian: 8285 Thai: 8472
Afrikaans: 6570 Croatian: 7282 Hungarian: 7285 Malay: 7783 Samoan: 8377 Tibetan: 6679
Albanian: 8381 Czech: 6783 Icelandic: 7383 Malayalam: 7776 Sanskrit: 8365 Tigrinya: 8473
Ameharic: 6577 Danish: 6865 Indonesian: 7378 Maltese: 7784 Scots Gaelic: 7168 Tonga: 8479
Arabic: 6582 Dutch: 7876 Interlingua: 7365 Maori: 7773 Serbian: 8382 Turkish: 8482
Armenian: 7289 English: 6978 Irish: 7165 Marathi: 7782 Serbo-Croatian: Turkmen: 8475
Assamese: 6583 Esperanto: 6979 Italian: 7384 Moldavian: 7779 8372 Twi: 8487
Aymara: 6589 Estonian: 6984 Japanese: 7465 Mongolian: 7778 Shona: 8378 Ukrainian: 8575
Azerbaijani: 6590 Faroese: 7079 Javanese: 7487 Nauru: 7865 Sindhi: 8368 Urdu: 8582
Bashkir: 6665 Fiji: 7074 Kannada: 7578 Nepali: 7869 Singhalese: 8373 Uzbek: 8590
Basque: 6985 Finnish: 7073 Kashmiri: 7583 Norwegian: 7879 Slovak: 8375 Vietnamese: 8673
Bengali; Bangla: French: 7082 Kazakh: 7575 Oriya: 7982 Slovenian: 8376 Volapük: 8679
6678 Frisian: 7089 Kirghiz: 7589 Pashto, Pushto: Somali: 8379 Welsh: 6789
Bhutani: 6890 Galician: 7176 Korean: 7579 8083 Spanish: 6983 Wolof: 8779
Bihari: 6672 Georgian: 7565 Kurdish: 7585 Persian: 7065 Sundanese: 8385 Xhosa: 8872
Breton: 6682 German: 6869 Laotian: 7679 Polish: 8076 Swahili: 8387 Yiddish: 7473
Bulgarian: 6671 Greek: 6976 Latin: 7665 Portuguese: 8084 Swedish: 8386 Yoruba: 8979
Burmese: 7789 Greenlandic: 7576 Latvian, Lettish: Punjabi: 8065 Tagalog: 8476 Zulu: 9085
Byelorussian: 6669 Guarani: 7178 7686 Quechua: 8185 Tajik: 8471
Cambodian: 7577 Gujarati: 7185 Lingala: 7678 Rhaeto-Romance: Tamil: 8465
Catalan: 6765 Hausa: 7265 Lithuanian: 7684 8277 Tatar: 8484 
						

							RQT8327
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Messages
The following messages or service numbers appear on the unit’s display when something unusual is detected during startup and use.
On the televisionPage
Cannot finish recording 
completely.• The program was copy-protected.
• The disc may be full.
• The maximum number of times you can record the program is exceeded.—
—
—
Cannot play.• You inserted an incompatible disc (Discs recorded in PAL video, etc.).—
Cannot record on the disc.• The disc may be dirty or scratched.6
Unable to format.
Please check the disc.
Cannot play back on this DVD-
Recorder.• You tried to play a non-compatible image.
• Turn the unit off and re-insert the card.27
6
Cannot record. The disc is full.
•      Create space by deleting any unnecessary titles.
(Even if you delete recorded content from DVD-R, DVD-R DL, +R or +R DL, there is no 
increase in disc space.)
• Use a new disc.31, 39, 40
— Cannot record. The number of 
titles has exceeded the 
maximum limit.
No disc.• The disc may be upside down.—
No folders.• There is no compatible folder in this unit.5
No SD Card
No valid SD card.• The card is not inserted. If this message is displayed with a compatible card already inserted, 
turn off the unit, remove and then re-insert the card.
• The card inserted is not compatible or the card format does not match.6
5
There is not enough free 
space on the copying 
destination.• Create space by deleting any unnecessary items.31, 35, 39, 
40
Please change the disc.• There may be a problem with the disc. Press [;OPEN/CLOSE] on the main unit to remove it 
and check it for scratches or dirt. (The unit turns off automatically after you open the tray.) 6
This is a non-recordable disc.• The unit cannot record on the disc you inserted. Insert a DVD-RAM or unfinalized DVD-R, 
DVD-R DL, DVD-RW (DVD-Video format), +R, +R DL or +RW.
• You inserted an unformatted DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, +R, +R DL or +RW. Format the disc with 
this unit.4
40 This disc is not formatted 
properly. 
5• The operation is prohibited by the unit or disc.—
On the unit’s display
SET 
(“  ” stands for a number.)• The remote control and main unit are using different codes. Change 
the code on the remote control.
Press and hold [ENTER] and the indicated number button at the 
same time for more than 2 seconds.17
HARD ERR
(“HARD” and “ERR” are 
alternately displayed.)• If there is no change after turning the unit on and off, consult the dealer where the unit was 
purchased. —
NoREAD• The disc is dirty or badly scratched. The unit cannot record, play, or edit.
• The message may appear when the DVD lens cleaner has finished cleaning. 
Press [;OPEN/CLOSE] on the main unit to eject the disc.6
—
NoWRIT• Recording may be unavailable due to a disc problem. Use a new disc.—
NoERAS• Deleting an item may be unavailable due to a disc problem. Use a new disc.—
PLEASE WAIT
(“PLEASE” and “WAIT” are 
alternately displayed.)• Displayed when the unit is started. This is not a malfunction.
• The unit is carrying out its recovery process. You cannot operate the unit while “PLEASE 
WAIT” is displayed.—
—
UNSUPPORT
(“UNSUP” and “PORT” are 
alternately displayed.)• You have inserted a disc the unit cannot play or record on. 4, 5
UNFORMAT
(“UNFOR” and “MAT” are 
alternately displayed.)• You have inserted a new DVD-RW/+R/+R DL/+RW or a DVD-RAM/DVD-RW (DVD-Video 
format) recorded on other equipment.40
F74• The HDMI connection could not be authenticated due to a transfer malfunction.—
F75• The HDMI connection could not be authenticated due to an internal data malfunction.—
U59• The unit is hot.
The unit switches to standby for safety reasons. Wait about 30 minutes until the message 
disappears.
Select a position with good ventilation when installing the unit. Do not block the vent on the 
rear of the unit.—
U61• There was a power failure or the AC plug was disconnected while the unit was on. The unit is 
carrying out its recovery process. This process restores the unit to normal operation. The 
unit is not broken. Wait until the message disappears.—
U71• The connected equipment is not HDMI compatible.—
U72
U73• The HDMI connection acts unusually.
– The connected equipment is not HDMI compatible.
– The HDMI cable is damaged.—
U88• There was something unusual detected with the disc while recording or playing. The unit is 
carrying out its recovery process. This process restores the unit to normal operation. The 
unit is not broken. Wait until the message disappears.49
U99• The unit fails to operate properly. Press [POWER8] on the main unit to switch the unit to 
standby. Now press [POWER8] on the main unit again to turn the unit on.—
RAM-RW(V)+RW
Changing the unit’s settings/Messages 
						

							RQT8327
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Frequently asked questions
Set upPage
Do I need to connect Audio/video cables 
from the unit to the TV?• To enjoy vision and sounds from this unit to the TV, always use AV cables for 
connection. If your television does not have AUDIO/VIDEO terminals, an RF 
modulator is necessary. Consult your local dealer for more information.8–10
What equipment is necessary to play multi 
channel surround sound?• You cannot playback multi-channel sound on this unit without other 
equipment. You must connect this unit with an HDMI cable or an optical digital 
cable to an amplifier with a built-in (Dolby Digital or DTS) decoder.
• An amplifier supporting CPPM and the HDMI standard version 1.1 must be 
connected to this unit to play multi-channel audio on a DVD-Audio.12, 13
—
Are the headphones and speakers directly 
connected to the unit?• You cannot directly connect to the unit. Connect through the amplifier, etc.12, 13
The television has both S VIDEO IN terminal, 
COMPONENT VIDEO IN terminals and 
HDMI IN terminal. Which terminal should I 
connect with?• The output of picture quality becomes finer in the following order:
– VIDEO IN terminal; S VIDEO IN terminal; COMPONENT VIDEO IN 
terminals; HDMI IN terminal. However, it will take longer for the picture 
output to startup when this unit is connected with the HDMI IN terminal.—
Is my television progressive output 
compatible?• All Panasonic televisions that have 480p input terminals are compatible. 
Consult the manufacturer if you have another brand of television.—
Disc
Can I play DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD-RW 
(DVD-Video format), +R, +R DL and +RW 
recorded on this unit with other equipment?• You can play on compatible equipment such as DVD players after finalizing the 
disc on this unit. It is not necessary to finalize +RW. However, depending on 
the condition of the recording, the quality of the disc and capabilities of the 
DVD player, play may not be possible. To enable play on other DVD players, 
please use “Create DVD Top Menu” in the DVD Management menu.41
Can I play DVD-Video, DVD-Audio and Video 
CDs bought in another country?• You can play them if the video standard is NTSC.
• However, you cannot play DVD-Video if their region number does not include 
“1” or “ALL”.—
Cover
Can a DVD-Video that does not have a 
region number be played?• The DVD-Video region number indicates the disc conforms to a standard. You 
cannot play discs that do not have a region number.—
Please tell me about DVD-R, DVD-R DL, 
DVD-RW, +R, +R DL and +RW compatibility 
with this unit.• This unit records and plays DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD-RW (DVD-Video format), 
+R, +R DL and +RW, and plays DVD-RW (VR format).
• This unit also records and plays high speed recording compatible discs.
• After recording but before finalizing +R, +R DL discs
– You may not be able to play and record discs on this unit after recording 
them on other Panasonic products or other manufacturer’s equipment.
– You may not be able to play and record discs on other equipment after 
recording them on this unit.
After finalizing the disc, however, you will be able to play it on any DVD-Video 
compatible player.4, 5
4
—
Please tell me about CD-R and CD-RW 
compatibility with this unit. • This unit plays CD-R/CD-RW discs (audio recording discs) which have been 
recorded under one of the following standards: CD-DA, Video CD, MP3 and 
still pictures (JPEG/TIFF).
Close the session after recording.
• You cannot write to a CD-R or CD-RW with this unit.5, 27, 28
—
Recording
Can I record from a commercially purchased 
video cassette or DVD? • Most commercially sold video cassettes and DVD are copy protected; 
therefore, recording is usually not possible.—
Can I record digital audio signals using this 
unit?• You cannot record digital signals. The digital audio terminals on this unit are 
for output only. (The audio recorded using the unit’s DV IN terminal from a 
digital video camcorder, for example, is recorded digitally.)—
Can a digital audio signal from this unit be 
recorded to other equipment? • You can record if using the PCM signal. When recording DVD, change the 
“Digital Audio Output” settings to the following from the Setup menu.
– PCM Down Conversion On
– Dolby Digital PCM
–DTS PCM
However, only
– As long as digital recording from the disc is permitted.
– As long as the recording equipment is compatible with a sampling frequency 
of 48 kHz.
• You cannot record MP3 signals.44
—
Can I switch to SAP during recording?• With DVD-RAM, you can, and the recorded audio also changes. Just press 
[AUDIO].
• With DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD-RW (DVD-Video format), +R, +R DL or +RW 
you cannot. Change before recording with “Multi-channel TV Sound ( MTS )” 
in the Setup menu.21
44 
						

							RQT8327
49
Troubleshooting guide
Before requesting service, make the following checks. If you are in doubt about some of the check points, or if the remedies indicated in the chart 
do not solve the problem, refer to “Customer Services Directory” on page 55 if you reside in the U.S.A., or refer to “Product information” on 
page 52 if you reside in Canada.
The following do not indicate a problem with this unit:
• Regular disc rotating sounds.
• Poor reception due to atmospheric conditions.
• Image disturbance during search.
• Interruptions in reception due to periodic satellite broadcasting 
breaks.• Operations do not work due to a poor-quality disc. (Try again using a 
Panasonic disc.)
• The unit freezes due to one of its safety devices being activated. 
(Press and hold [POWER8] on the main unit for 10 seconds.)
PowerPage
No power. • Insert the AC power supply cord securely into a known active AC outlet.8, 9
The unit switches to the 
standby mode.• This is a power saving feature. Change “Off Timer” in the Setup menu, if you would prefer.
• One of the unit’s safety devices is activated. Press [POWER8] on the main unit to turn the 
unit on.42
—
TV screen and video
The images from this unit do 
not appear on the television. 
Picture is distorted.• Make sure that the television is connected to the VIDEO OUT terminal, S VIDEO OUT 
terminal, COMPONENT VIDEO OUT terminals or HDMI AV OUT terminal on this unit. 
• Make sure that the television’s input setting (e.g., VIDEO 1) is correct.
• The television isn’t compatible with progressive signals. Press and hold [g] and [qx1.3] on 
the main unit at the same time for about 5 seconds. The setting will change to interlace.
• When connecting with a component video cable to a television that is incompatible with 
progressive video, check if there is also an HDMI cable connected to an amplifier, etc. If so, 
turn the power off to the device connected with an HDMI cable, and set the “HDMI Video 
Output” to “Off ” in the Setup menu.
• To output video from a device connected with an HDMI cable, set “HDMI Video Output” to “On” 
in the Setup menu.
• Picture may not be seen when more than 4 devices are connected with HDMI cables.
Reduce the number of connected devices.8–11, 13
—
—
45
45
—
Television reception worsens 
after connecting the unit.• This can occur because the signals are being divided between the unit and other equipment. It 
can be solved by using a signal booster, available from audio-visual suppliers. If it is not solved 
by using a signal booster, consult the dealer.—
Status messages do not 
appear.• Select “Automatic” in “Status Messages” in the Setup menu.44
The blue background does not 
appear. • Select “On” in “Blue Background” in the Setup menu.44
The 4:3 aspect ratio picture 
expands left and right.
Screen size is wrong.• Use the television to change the aspect. If your television does not have that function, set 
“Progressive” in the Video menu to “Off ”.
• If you connect an HDMI cable, set “HDMI Output Display Aspect” in the Setup menu to 
“Normal”.
• Check the settings for “TV Type”, “4:3 TV Settings for DVD-Video” or “4:3 TV Settings for DVD-
RAM” in the Setup menu.29
45
45
There is a lot of after-image 
when playing video.• Set “DNR” in the Video menu to “Off ”.29
When playing DVD-Video 
using progressive output, one 
part of the picture 
momentarily appears to be 
doubled up. • Set “Progressive” in the Video menu to “Off ”. This problem is caused by the editing method or 
material used on DVD-Video, but should be corrected if you use interlace output.
• When you use the HDMI AV OUT terminal for video output, follow the steps below for setting.
1 Connect this unit to the TV with any cable except the HDMI cable.
2 Set “HDMI Video Output” in the Setup menu to “Off ”.29
8–11
45
There is no apparent change 
in picture quality when 
adjusted with the Video menu 
in the on-screen menus.• The effect is less perceivable with some types of video.—
Displays
The display is dim.• Change “FL Display” in the Setup menu. 44
“12:00A” is flashing on the 
unit’s display.• Set the clock. 17
Compared to the actual 
recorded time, less remaining 
time is displayed.• The displayed recording/play time is converted from the number of frames at 29.97 frames 
(equal to 0.999 seconds) to one second. There will be a slight difference between the time 
displayed and the actual elapsed time (e.g., actual one-hour elapsed time may display as 
approximately 59 minutes 56 seconds). This does not affect the recording.—
The time recorded on the disc 
and the available time shown 
do not add up.
The play time shown for MP3 
does not agree with the actual 
time.• Times shown may disagree with actual times.
• Even if you delete recorded content from the DVD-R, DVD-R DL or the +R, +R DL, there is no 
increase in disc space. 
• Available recording space on a DVD-RW (DVD-Video format) or +RW increases only when the 
last recorded title is deleted. It does not increase if other titles are deleted.
• Available recording space on DVD-R, DVD-R DL, +R and +R DL reduces if you have 
repeatedly recorded and edited more than 200 times or so. (For the second layer on 
DVD-R DL and +R DL, this happens after about 60 times.)
• While searching, the elapsed time may not display correctly.—
—
—
—
—
“U88” is displayed and the 
disc cannot be ejected.• The unit is carrying out the recovery process. Do the following to eject the disc.
1 Press [POWER8] on the main unit to switch the unit to standby.
If the unit doesn’t switch to standby, press and hold [POWER8] on the main unit for about 
10 seconds. The unit is forcibly switched to standby.
2 While the unit is off, press and hold [g] and [CH1] on the main unit at the same time for 
about 5 seconds. Remove the disc.—
Frequently asked questions/Troubleshooting guide 
						

							RQT8327
50
Troubleshooting guide
SoundPage
No sound
Low volume.
Distorted sound.
Cannot hear the desired audio 
type.• Check the connections and settings. Check the input mode on the amplifier if you have 
connected one.
• Press [AUDIO] to select the audio.
• Turn off V. Surround Sound in the following cases.
– When using discs that do not have surround sound effects such as Karaoke discs.
– When playing Multi-channel TV Sound (MTS) broadcast programs. 
•  This unit cannot playback multi-channel discs that prevent down-mixing unless the unit 
is connected with an HDMI cable to an amplifier supporting CPPM and the HDMI standard 
version 1.1. Refer to the disc’s jacket for more information. 
• The sound effects will not work when the bitstream signal is output from the HDMI AV OUT 
terminal or the DIGITAL AUDIO OUT terminal.
• Audio may not be heard when more than 4 devices are connected with HDMI cables.
Reduce the number of connected devices.
• To output audio from a device connected with an HDMI cable, set “HDMI Audio Output” to “On” 
in the Setup menu.
• If the sound is distorted when the unit is connected to an amplifier with the HDMI cable, adjust 
the settings in “HDMI Connection Speakers Setting” in the Setup menu to match the 
connection.
• Depending on the connected equipment, the sound may be distorted if this unit is connected 
with an HDMI cable.8–13, 44
25
29
—
—
—
45
45
—
Cannot switch audio.• You cannot change the audio type when DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD-RW (DVD-Video format), 
+R, +R DL or +RW is in the disc tray.
• You cannot change the audio type when playing DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD-RW (DVD-Video 
format), +R, +R DL or +RW. (You can select “Main” or “Secondary Audio Program (SAP)” in 
“Multi-channel TV Sound ( MTS )” in the Setup menu before recording.)
• When the sound is output from the HDMI AV OUT terminal or the DIGITAL AUDIO OUT 
terminal, the sound effect doesn’t work if the setting of “Dolby Digital” is “Bitstream”.
• There are discs where audio cannot be changed because of how the disc was created.—
44
12, 13, 44
—
Operation
Cannot operate the television.
The remote control doesn’t 
work. • Change manufacturer code. Some televisions cannot be operated even if you change the 
code.
• The remote control and main unit are using different codes. 
Change the code on the remote control.
Press and hold [ENTER] and the indicated number button at the 
same time for more than 2 seconds.
• The batteries are depleted. Replace them with new ones.
• You are not pointing the remote control at the main unit’s remote control signal sensor during 
operation.
• Colored glass may obstruct the signal reception/transmission.
• Don’t place the signal sensor in direct sunlight or in areas that may be subject to sunlight 
exposure.
• It may be necessary to set the code on the remote control again after changing the batteries.
• It may be necessary to set the manufacturer code again after changing the batteries.17
17
6
—
—
—
17
17
The unit is on but cannot be 
operated.• Recording drive or playback drive has not been selected properly.
• Some operations may be prohibited by the disc.
• The unit is hot (“U59” appears on the display). Wait for “U59” to disappear. 
• One of the unit’s safety devices may have been activated.
Reset the unit as follows:
1 Press [POWER8] on the main unit to switch the unit to standby.
If the unit doesn’t switch to standby, press and hold [POWER8] on the main unit for about 
10 seconds. The unit is forcibly switched to standby. 
Alternatively, disconnect the AC power supply cord, wait one minute, then reconnect it.
2 Press [POWER8] on the main unit to switch it on. If the unit still cannot be operated, 
consult the dealer.20, 24
—
—
—
Cannot eject disc. • The unit is recording.
• The unit may have a problem. While the unit is off, press and hold [g] and [CH1] on the main 
unit at the same time for about 5 seconds. Remove the disc and consult the dealer.—
—
Startup is slow.• Startup takes time in the following situations.
– A disc other than a DVD-RAM is inserted.
– The clock is not set.
– Immediately after a power failure or the AC power supply cord is connected.
– When the unit is connected with an HDMI cable.—
Takes time to read DVD-RAM.• It may take time to read a disc if it is being used for the first time in this unit or it has not been 
used for a long time.—
DVD-A