Please help me with the set up of two Panasonic DVD recorders

RW is for read/write, for use if you would want to record something every day, or someting your not saving for a long time, and not need to use up to many disks. If you are trying to "save" something, I'd use -R or +R. I have not used -R. I think it was something I had read that the -R was not as good as the +R format, but I can't remember what that was.
I have used +R with no problems as long as there is no issues with the recorder. I have had two recorders that have given me trouble with different things.
One does not "see" the +R disks and I have to use RW for that one. Acctually I don't record anything anymore. After having seen HD, the picture from recording, even to DVD, just isn't that good.
Good luck!

..issues with the DMR-E55 recorder:

http://club.cdfreaks.com/f106/problem-recording-panasonic-dmr-e55-130046/

..here is your manual:

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/support/DVD-Recorders/model.DMR-E55K

...and on page 33 of that manual they discuss how to do the finalizations.

From my experiences on a friend's DVD recorder,
you need to go 'step by step' and in exact order or the processor
in the machine may not see the correct labeling codes on your disk
at the time you finalize. The "problem issues" referenced in the first
link should help you keep from stumbling over an 'error prone' situation
and may/may-not apply, but IF it does please contact your original sales location with that information.

WW [email protected]

If the freeview box has a SCART output, connect that to either AV1 or AV2 on the Panasonic. To record, select either AV1 or AV2 as the input. Use the other AV to connect to the TV to playback.

HOLD or X HOLD? If the latter - which is most likely - then the Child Lock has been activated! Press and hold ENTER and RETURN simultaneously until HOLD disappears!

Must be a trick question... it has a recordable drive.
No to DVDs, Yes to DVD-R, DVD RAM, DVDDL

You will have no problem playing your non finalized discs on any of the Panasonic DMR range including the DMR EZ28 series. The DMR E55 can also easily be repaired if you can use a soldering iron and a little care. Please checkout my other postings for full repair details.
Cheers...

Hi Steve
Please see my earlier answer to this common problem >HERE<
Best wishes..

A manual can be found here Panasonic DMR-E55 DVD Recorder User Guide
Or if you prefer, you can visit the Panasonic product support website ( just use google to find it) and look for the manual for your machine.
Best wishes...

http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/DMRE55.PDF

I have been told that panasonic now have a faster speed disc on sale to suit the newer dvd recorders that dmr-e55 cannot record on as they are too fast. You have to buy the slower speed ram discs to suit the dmr-e55.