When I record on DVD +RW disc from my other Tv and try to play it on my combie tv ,it will only play if my disc is finalised. so if I only record 30 mins and have to finalise ,I am wasting the disc. Why won't my combie play without disc being finalised. Thank you

DVD-RW discs are ideal for temporary video recording and data backup, but they are not recommended for successful finalising, as there is no guarantee that the disc will work in another device.

Have you tried using DVD-R discs? these CAN be recorded in video mode AND finalised for compatible playback in other players. I assume the DMR-ES30V is a DVD/VCR combo unit - if so, the DVD recorder will not recognise RW discs; only DVD-RAM and DVD-R.

DVD-R discs are recommended for video recording and finalising in this model. (later model Panasonic DVD recorders allow RW disc recording).

Recordings made on DVD-RW discs cannot be played in other players, including many PC DVD-ROM drives; incompatible format. If you had recorded your TV/video material onto a DVD-R in the recorder, for example, then finalised the disc, it would work in your PC and any DVD player.

But since you used a re-writable video/data DVD, it won't work outside of the recorder - that's why you can't play it (or if it was written on your PC, your recorder won't read it - incompatible disc).

If you don't wish to finalise the RW disc (I don't recommend it - plus I wouldn't blame you for not wanting to do that), you could copy it from one recorder to another, unless your PC has a capture card - which allows the outputs of your DVD recorder to connect to the PC inputs. Using relevant DVD software (for example, ULead DVD factory), you may be able to 're-author' the contents of your recording, and create a DVD-R copy which WILL work in all players that way - use DVD-R (or DVD+R if your PC and other players allow that format) for 'permanent' video recording - use re-writable discs for backups, test recordings, temporary stuff, and PC data files. There are many inexpensive software programs available. Have a look sometime at your leisure. See what they are like.

Even if you could copy the DVD contents in a Windows program, regardless of the software used, there is no guarantee that the copy you make will work outside of the player and/or original recorder, because it would require a lot of time and effort to achieve, and unless you know what you're doing with the program, you could waste a lot of time (and blank discs) in the process - it only adds to the frustration.

I am glad to hear your recorder has no major faults at present - that's great. No expensive workshop repair cost headaches; just frustration with discs (especially if they become drink coasters).

DVD-RW is ideal for test video recordings and PC data, but is limited when it comes to compatible playback/usage outside of the device it was written/recorded on.

DVD+RW discs on the other hand, when titled/ top menu created, can be played on a PC or player without finalising. You can even direct copy a DVD+RW straight to a DVD-R - it works in most cases.

The upshot of this is you haven't lost anything, and with the exception of perhaps a few dollars for a pack of either DVD+RW, DVD+R, or DVD-R discs (any brand), it didn't cost a fortune. You can also retain any DVD-RW discs you have previously used.

The simplest and cheapest options are often the best ones.

Did you say you used a DVD-RW disc to transfer a videotape onto? The reason your PC won't recognise that disc is because the data format on it is a different language to what PCs understand - plus an unfinalised DVD-RW won't play in other DVD players - it is usually an incompatible format.

(DVD+RW discs with titles/top menus created in video mode CAN be played on a PC DVD drive or a normal DVD player as can finalised DVD-R discs (DVD-R discs MUST be recorded and finalised in the same recorder for compatible playback). DVD-RW discs can only be viewed on the unit they were written/recorded on.

The other reason for the 'remaining space' on the disc you describe showing less than 120 minutes is due to a title recently being recorded or erased - unless you format it - the 120 minute / 4.7GB DVD-RW will not show full available space. Erasing titles on re-writable DVDs does not increase space. The same rule applies to unfinalised +R / -R discs (you cannot re-format these to get the space back once recorded - they are 'once only' writables)

I recommend you invest in some DVD-R discs and re-copy your VHS tape to that - then if you are satisfied with the result, title etc., finalise the DVD-R - it will play on any DVD player or PC with DVD support (or it should). These discs are relatively inexpensive to buy just about anywhere.

Final note: do NOT finalise the DVD-RW you recorded (I hope you haven't already done this) - simply format/erase it - re-use it for something else or keep it until you need it.

You can use any brand of DVD, just take note of the format before recording/playing.

This model (PY90DG) DVD recorder supports the following disc recording formats: DVD+RW/DVD-RW/DVD+R/DVD-R for everyday video. These should record fine. The RW discs are for repeated recording/erasure while the R discs are once-only recording types - the R discs must be finalised in this deck to make them playable on other DVD players. DVD-RAM discs are NOT supported by this unit. This recorder will play MP3 files on a CD-R or CD-RW (not DVD-ROM) just fine as well, but will not record them.

Best discs to buy for this type of recorder are DVD-R (recommended brand - Verbatim or TDK if you can get them, but not Memorex). These are OK.

Finalising a disc enables the disc to be played on any other compatible machine. By doing this it changes the disc format so that you can no longer record to it turning it into a Play Only disc. On your Panasonic DVD Recorder you can record to many (if not all depending on the model) of the following DVD Disc formats to the limit of their capacity over multiple occasions. The disc in question can be played back and recorded to on the DVD Recorder during this time but until it is finalised it will not work on any other machine.
DVD Formats: DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, DVD+R, DVD+RW.
How do I Finalise my disc?

1. When you have finished the initial recording stop the disc and press the ~FUNCTIONS~button.
2. Using the ~UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT arrows~ on the keypad select "To Others" and press~ENTER~.
3. Using the ~UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT arrows~ on the keypad Scroll down to "DISC MANAGEMENT" and press ~ENTER~.
4. When the disc management screen opens you need to use the ~UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT arrows~ on the keypad to scroll down to "FINALIZE" and press ~ENTER~.
5. Using the ~UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT arrows~ on the keypad select "YES" and press~ENTER~.
6. Using the ~UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT arrows~ on the keypad select "START" to begin finalizing the disc, please note by pressing start here you will no longer be able to record or edit the disc being finalized.

Finalizing may take up to 15 minutes.
Do not disconnect the mains power in this time. A message appears when finalizing is finished, press the enter button when this appears. It will now play on other compatible machines.

if you are using dvd-r/rw discs they need to be finalised to make them compatible for other players, if dvd+r/rw then the other players may not support them.(dvd+ does NOT need finalising)

before the disc will play on other players, you need to "finalise" the disc. Finalisation ensures compatibility with other devices. Go into the "Setup" menu, and look for "Disk Manager", there will be a finalise option. select the option, and after approx. 3mins the disc will play on other players.

Hey,
Maybe the format of your recorded movie didnt support your player..check out your manual for the supported formats and check the format of your recorded movie.If any of the format in the manual matches your movie format then it will definitely play..
please rate my suggestion..

the best format to buy is the DVD-R but make sure your disc has been finalised if you reinsert your disc on the functions screen you should see finalise this is essential for compatible playback hope this helps regards Jim

THE PLAYER IN THIS MODEL DOES NOT READ DVD+ OR DVD- OR DVD RW DISKS ITS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! CHEAP PLAYER INSIDE WILL ONLY PLAY STORE BOUGHT DVDS