By Padusi

If you need to record to numerous types of recordable DVDs, including DVD RAMs, and to VHS at the same time, the Panasonic DMR-ES45V is your choice.

panasonic dvd recorder vcr combo

Aside from one-button copying from VHS to DVD, the Panasonic DMR-ES45V offers a FireWire input that enables you to record straight from your camcorder. However, its onscreen scheduling capability will prompt you to tell it the time and channel you want to record.

For DVD recording, the unit offers four recording modes that all have trade-offs in recording quality vs. capacity. Only 1 hour of highest-quality XP mode video fits onto one single-layer DVD; SP is 2 hours, LP is 4; and EP either 6 or 8 (the 6-hour mode gives better audio quality).

The DMR-ES45V has one of our favorite features: flexible recording. Selecting this option allows you to completely fill a DVD with your program, maximizing the video quality. Rounding out the rest of the connectivity is a component-video output, two A/V inputs with S-Video (one front, one back), one A/V output with S-Video, and optical digital audio output, a FireWire input, and screw-type RF input/outputs. Recording quality on the Panasonic DMR-ES45V was excellent overall, highlighted by an impressive LP mode.

Whereas most recorders suffer a large drop in resolution when switching from 2-hour SP to 4-hour LP mode (usually from about 450 lines of resolution to 250), LP mode on the DMR-ES45V maintained almost exactly the same resolution as SP mode. The downside is, however, as with other Panasonic DVD recorders, for standard DVD playback, image quality performance was largely disappointing.

Using the HDMI output at every resolution (480p, 720p and 1080i), we ran the DMR-ES45V through Silicon Optix’s HQV test suite. Resolution tests in 720p and 480p mode revealed that the DMR-ES45V was not passing the full DVD resolution–the bars on the test pattern were solid where there should have been detail. Disc compatibility overall was spotty and represents the Panasonic DMR-ES45V’s greatest weakness. If we declined the formatting option, it refused to play the disc.

Panasonic DMR-EH75V – DVD recorder/VCR combo with 80GB HDD

The Panasonic DMR-EH75V has the ability to play back and record to three kinds of media: VHS, DVD, and a built-in internal hard drive. The Panasonic DMR-EH75V allows you to record to the 80GB hard drive, numerous types of recordable DVDs (including DVD-RAM), and VHS. Usually, you’ll record to the hard drive then archive anything you want on DVD.

You can also record one program while playing back another on the hard drive or DVD-RAM discs, except during high-speed dubbing. The hard drive can store 17 hours of XP-quality video or up to 142 hours of 8-hour EP quality, while dual-layer discs can hold up to 1.75 hours of XP video or 14.3 hours of 8-hour EP video.

Although Panasonic claims compatibility with blank DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, DVD-RAM, and the dual-layer versions of -R and +R discs, +R media failed in our experience. The DMR-EH75V uses the free TV Guide EPG to schedule recordings and retrieve program info. It also has one of our favorite features: flexible recording length. Selecting this option allows you to completely fill a DVD with your program, maximizing the video quality.

Unfortunately, like all VHS/DVD recorders so far, the deck can’t record from VHS tapes in high speed. Recording quality on the Panasonic DMR-EH75V was excellent overall, highlighted by an impressive LP mode. Whereas most recorders suffer a large drop in resolution when switching from 2-hour SP to 4-hour LP mode (usually from about 450 to 250 lines of resolution), LP mode on the DMR-EH75V maintained almost exactly the same resolution as SP mode.

Since the DMR-EH75V can up-convert via its HDMI output, we ran it through our video-quality test but came away somewhat disappointed. Disc compatibility overall was spotty and represents the DMR-EH75V’s greatest weakness. The Panasonic handled -R dual-layer discs well, although it can record from only the hard drive to dual-layer media, not directly from a live video stream.

After numerous failures with other decks, our tests of the DMR-EH75V’s TV Guide EPG were successful on Time Warner NYC’s digital cable hookup.