How to view the firmware version: Panasonic DMR-ES20 DVD burner?

[Gene]

I have a Panasonic DMR-ES20S DVD Recorder (set-top)

It reports a firmware version of 00000103, which is not the proper
number. It should be something like U3-150 to U3-158 + , etc.

What are the magic keystrokes to see the version of firmware that
is "currently" in my ES20?

BTW- anyone know the "differences" between IN1 & IN2?
They do not seem to have the SAME specifications.
The front one seems to be missing features?

Also, I'm having a VERY HARD time getting good copies of
digital camcorder data burned onto any DVD. I'm using a Sony
460 D8, and also a Sony PC100 MiniDV tape to the ES20
via the DV cable. (I'm using a Belkin 3' 4x4 DV cable.)
LOTs of hang-ups, burner locking up, unable to finalize - the list
goes on & on.

Anyone have a link to download the latest DMR-ES20S firmware,
other than the USA link for the U3-150, which is the one that I now
have in the DMR-ES20S - I think

Is there a GOOD DVD set-top box burner that will work with Sony digital
cameras via the DV (firewire) cable? Or am I doomed to using the analog
A/V cable or S-video+A/V audio? Which, btw, is really not all that bad.
I need to do a little more testing using IN1 & IN2 (they seem to be
different)
but I have gotten some really LARGE VOB files that way - which is my
benchmark for a quality DVD

THANKS in advance!

Gene

 

[Meat Plow]

I have a Panasonic DMR-ES20S DVD Recorder (set-top)

It reports a firmware version of 00000103, which is not the proper
number. It should be something like U3-150 to U3-158 + , etc.

What are the magic keystrokes to see the version of firmware that
is "currently" in my ES20?

BTW- anyone know the "differences" between IN1 & IN2?
They do not seem to have the SAME specifications.
The front one seems to be missing features?

Also, I'm having a VERY HARD time getting good copies of
digital camcorder data burned onto any DVD. I'm using a Sony
460 D8, and also a Sony PC100 MiniDV tape to the ES20
via the DV cable. (I'm using a Belkin 3' 4x4 DV cable.)
LOTs of hang-ups, burner locking up, unable to finalize - the list
goes on & on.

Anyone have a link to download the latest DMR-ES20S firmware,
other than the USA link for the U3-150, which is the one that I now
have in the DMR-ES20S - I think

Is there a GOOD DVD set-top box burner that will work with Sony digital
cameras via the DV (firewire) cable? Or am I doomed to using the analog
A/V cable or S-video+A/V audio? Which, btw, is really not all that bad.
I need to do a little more testing using IN1 & IN2 (they seem to be
different)
but I have gotten some really LARGE VOB files that way - which is my
benchmark for a quality DVD

THANKS in advance!

Gene

The firmware should be displayed in the setup screen. And what makes you
think there is a newer version stashed somewhere else in the world besides
the USA site?

 

[Gene]

USA site = version 150 max, Canada = version 152 , I have seen a
version 158 in Europe. As for the Setup display of the version number,
it shows 00000103 after "any" update - it never changes from the
00000103. I was hoping that someone knew a better way to view
the current firmware version installed.

Gene

 

[Meat Plow]

USA site = version 150 max, Canada = version 152 , I have seen a
version 158 in Europe. As for the Setup display of the version number,
it shows 00000103 after "any" update - it never changes from the
00000103. I was hoping that someone knew a better way to view
the current firmware version installed.

Gene

Have you tried any forums like:

http://www.videohelp.com/

 

[Mike Walsh]

The different versions might be because of different advertisements. I downloaded a firmware upgrade some time ago that was supposed to improve compatibility with 8x and 16x media. It seems that the "firmware upgrade" was a ruse to install advertisements.
My DMR-E85H does not display firmware version, as far as i know.

 

[Gene]

FYI, here is the reply from Panasonic:



**************** copy & paste ***************
Dear MR (.. cut.. )

Thank you for your inquiry. You are not able to view the current firmware
version on the DVD Recorder. The only way to determine if you have the
most recent update is to try to install the firmware. If the unit
displays an unsupported message, that will indicate your unit has the most
recent update.

To obtain additional troubleshooting assistance for your product, please
contact our Panasonic Customer Call Center at (800)211-7262. The hours of
operation are Monday through Friday 9 AM to 9 PM. Saturday and Sunday 10
AM to 7 PM Eastern Standard Time. A representative will be available to
assist you. Please have your case number, which is listed at the top
portion of your email, available at the time of the call.

Thank You,
Panasonic Consumer Support

*************************************************************************



LOL - in the real world, there is a CE out there somewhere that knows
the magic button pushing sequence - or has software on a CD that
will do it

Gene

USA site = version 150 max, Canada = version 152 , I have seen a
version 158 in Europe. As for the Setup display of the version number,
it shows 00000103 after "any" update - it never changes from the
00000103. I was hoping that someone knew a better way to view
the current firmware version installed.

Gene

 

[Gene]

FYI: "FOUND" the correct firmware for the ES20 .
The latest from the USA was ~ U3-150, or so - which is not the best
choice, IMHO.

I flashed with the new U3-158 from Canada, and all the frozen screens, etc.
when going from my Sony PC100 LP (1.5hr) camcorder to the ES20 in SP200
via DV cable (firewire) has worked 100% - zero hang-ups - so far
I have not tried FR modes yet...

FYI - Here's my notes:
Updated ES20 to the U3-158 firmware from Canada on Jan 18, 2007
Seems to work 100%, DVD-Rs from Sony PC100 MiniDV to ES20
via DV cable are perfect. Zero problems so far...


Got ES20 firmware U3-158 from Canada on 1-17-2007 at:
http://www.panasonic.ca/english/customercare/sandd/softwareQuery.asp


Enter search string: DMRES20

Hope this helps someone, as getting the USA 150, or 152 version would have
been a BIG mistake. Wonder why the USA Panasonic is still shipping the old
(and defective) version? My best guess is that it has something to do with
copy protection - our protective government at its best

Gene

 

[Meat Plow]

FYI: "FOUND" the correct firmware for the ES20 .
The latest from the USA was ~ U3-150, or so - which is not the best
choice, IMHO.

I flashed with the new U3-158 from Canada, and all the frozen screens, etc.
when going from my Sony PC100 LP (1.5hr) camcorder to the ES20 in SP200
via DV cable (firewire) has worked 100% - zero hang-ups - so far
I have not tried FR modes yet...

FYI - Here's my notes:
Updated ES20 to the U3-158 firmware from Canada on Jan 18, 2007
Seems to work 100%, DVD-Rs from Sony PC100 MiniDV to ES20
via DV cable are perfect. Zero problems so far...


Got ES20 firmware U3-158 from Canada on 1-17-2007 at:
http://www.panasonic.ca/english/customercare/sandd/softwareQuery.asp


Enter search string: DMRES20

Hope this helps someone, as getting the USA 150, or 152 version would have
been a BIG mistake. Wonder why the USA Panasonic is still shipping the old
(and defective) version? My best guess is that it has something to do with
copy protection - our protective government at its best

Gene

Glad you got it fixed.

 

[Franc Zabkar]

FYI: "FOUND" the correct firmware for the ES20 .
The latest from the USA was ~ U3-150, or so - which is not the best
choice, IMHO.

I flashed with the new U3-158 from Canada, and all the frozen screens, etc.
when going from my Sony PC100 LP (1.5hr) camcorder to the ES20 in SP200
via DV cable (firewire) has worked 100% - zero hang-ups - so far

FWIW, the firmware history file makes no mention of any firewire
issues.

- Franc Zabkar

 

[Gene]

Yeah, I saw that too.

I hate to say it, but I'm still getting some "freezes" - with the 158
firmware,
and also with the one that Panasonic just mailed to me (not sure what it is,
150, or 152?)
Both run in spurts, a string of good burns, then a random freeze ...
geesh...

I purchased a Belkin 3' 4x4 pin 1394 (DV / firewire) cable thinking that
good
quality and a SHORT cable would help. But no help. Tried 4 DV cables so
far.

I'm slowly coming to the realization that Sony digital camcorders
(in my case PC100 MiniDV , TRV460 and TRV240 ) have a DV
(firewire) compatibility issue. I guess I have to sell the Panasonic
ES20 & get a comparable Sony brand DVR that will allow me to copy digital
tapes to DVD without crashing. I have a LOT of old 8mm tapes to copy
to DVD. Really hate to get rid of the ES20, it's an awesome little recorder,
other than the problem with the Sony camcorders & DV.
BTW, S-Video & analog audio to the ES20 "REAR" connectors
works 100% of the time with all brand camcorders that I have tried. It's
only
the DV connection that freezes with the Sony camcorders.

Anyone have a suggestion as a replacement for my ES20?
I must copy over a thousand+ 8mm & D8 tapes, so I'm stuck
with the Sony brand. Guess all that I need to decide on is WHICH
Sony set-top box will work with my Sony camcorders in DV mode.

Here is what I want to do:

1. Connect a Sony digital camcorder via DV (firewire) to a DVR (set-top
box).

2. Copy over ~ 1.5 hrs of digital video from the Sony camcorder tape to a
DVD+-R in a way that FILLS the entire DVD with video data.
A 1.5 hr mode that fudges a few minutes more (like 95 minutes)
would be ideal. I can choose the SP 2 hour mode & not get hurt too badly.
BTW, I have been shooting in LP (90 minute) MiniDV mode and have
never had a problem. The quality is 100% the same in either SP (60),
or LP(90) - just more likelihood that you will get some dropout in LP.


Anyone care to recommend a specific DVR set-top box make & model number
that will work with Sony digital camcorders in DV mode ?


THANKS,
Gene