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.

By Padusi

panasonic vcr dvd recorder

If you want to convert old VHS video recordings to DVD, the Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK DVD Recorder is exactly what you need.

The DMR-EZ48VK is a single disc DVD/VHS VCR combo recorder which includes a digital tuner and 1080p up-conversion capabilities. By interpolating video data using proprietary algorithms, SD format data is up-converted to 1080 x 1920p HD format video data. This conversion increases the richness of the original data by almost six fold, producing the highest possible image quality when viewing content on a large-screen HDTV. The DMR-EZ48VK can also convert standard-definition DVDs to 1080p. Depending on your HDTV capabilities, your DVD movies should look better.

The Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK DVD-VHS Recorder Combo is compatible with all standard types of recordable DVD media, including DVD-RAM and dual-layer discs. With DVD-RAM, you can watch your program while it is recording. Plus, you can record something on the DVD-RAM disc while watching something else on the same DVD-RAM disc. This gives you simulated digital video recorder.

While the digital tuner receives both digital and analog broadcasts it does not output true high definition video from the ATSC tuner. The signal is actually down-converted to standard digital and then up-converted 1080p. Nevertheless, the down-converted digital signal will look much better than a normal analog signal and maintains the wide-screen aspect ratios available with some movies. Regrettably it does not have an electronic program guide which is common for most DVD recorders.

The Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK DVD-VHS Combo is equipped with an SD Memory Card slot and a USB connection. This allows you to view your photos from your digital camera or external device. Just slip the SD card into the slot or use the device to the USB slot, and you’re ready to enjoy your slide show. Plus, you can even listen to music recorded onto a USB device while viewing your photos.

 The HDMI output allows you to up-convert standard digital to 720p, 1080i, and 1080p resolution for DVDs, VHS tapes, and even digital television. Additionally, there are audio/video inputs, along with S-Video, USB, and more. The USB port allows playback of JPEG images, MP3, and DivX items.

Overall, with its built in digital tuner, 1080p up-conversion, DVD media compatibility, and excellent recording quality, the Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK DVD Recorder/VHS VCR Combo has most features anyone would need in a DVD/VHS Combo.

Executive Summary about DVD Recorder VCR Combo by John Dulaney

dvd recorder vcr combo

A code free DVD VCR Combo is a three-in-one device and combines DVD, VCR, and MP3 player in one, saving both time and space. With a code free DVD VCR combo you can play video tapes, DVDs and CDs procured from anywhere in the world. The system has many new features, not featured in ordinary TVs, DVD players or VCRs available in the market.

• It can play any DVD, VCD, Audio CD, and VHS tapes.
• Multitasking is possible since you can watch a DVD while recording a TV program on the VCR.
•  Remote controlled DVD and VCR decks.
• If DVD is not copy protected with Macro-vision, it can record DVD to VHS.

Apart from these general features of the Combo, the device has certain special features relating to DVD and VCR too.
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Followings are the features that make the combo all-DVD compatible:

• A 10-bit video digital-analog converter that transforms digital signals to analog signal and vice versa facilitating transmission.
• A 96 KHz with 24-bit source play back system.
• It plays back MP3 files from the CD-ROM.
• During 2x speed playback operation the audio continues without being disturbed.
• Allows DTS enhanced DVDs to be played since it has DTS digital output system installed.

For VCR compatibility, the system provides the following features:

• A Hi-Fi stereo system for maintaining high sound qualities.
• It can playback S-VHS systems better than any other standard resolution.
• Has a feature for Zero return.
• Allows direct time search and blank search.
• Consists of 16-event, with one year timer recording
• Consists of both a time remaining and a real time counter.

 The components in the package includes the DVD-VCR combo, RCA cable for the audio and video connections, Radio Frequency Antenna Cable, a remote control operator, and 1.5V “AA” batteries.

The ‘One Touch Recording’ feature in the device makes copying the easiest job. The feature allows you to record a DVD to a VHS tape. The record speed ranges from Super Slow (SP) to Super Long Play (SLP). The VCR supports the S-VHS recording and playback. Moreover, the searching features like Index Marks, Blank Search, and Direct time search makes searching anything possible.

No device is without its limitations. You have to go manual while recording a DVD to a VHS tape. There is no facility for stereo recording in S-VHS recording. Despite all its limitations, the device is a great invention combining so many features in one unit.

Executive Summary about Panasonic DVD Recorders by Samantha Clark

panasonic dvd recorder

The Panasonic DMR-ES25S receives a good DVD recorder rating because it offers important advantages at a very reasonable price range. It has HDMI connectivity, quality recording modes and flexible recording length. The Panasonic DMR-ES25S is a DVD player/recorder but has DVR like qualities.

The Panasonic DMR-ES25S has the Chasing Playback feature which allows you to watch the beginning of a recording while the end is still being recorded. This Time Slip option gives you the ability to record something while watching something else. Another excellent feature of the Panasonic DMR-ES25S is its flexible recording length. This feature allows you specify the exact length of the program you want and record it at the maximum quality by completely filling the DVD.  One reason this DVD recorder rating is high is its overall recording quality. Panasonic DMR-EH75V

Panasonic DMR-EH75V

Panasonic DVD recorder has it all a DVD player/recorder, an integrated VCR and an 80GB hard disk drive for programmed recording when you’re not there.

Panasonic LS80-K Portable DVD Player
Executive Summary about Panasonic DVD Recoreder by Philip Strong

The Panasonic LS80-K is quit a stylish little portable DVD player with its black interior and silver housing this looks the business. And not only does it look the business but it is and I can gladly say that the Panasonic LS80-K portable DVD player also delivers.

Some of the main features include an 8.5 inch LCD screen, with DVD player which can play DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD+R, DVD-RAM. The Panasonic LS80-K will also play all of your DivX films as well as JPEG, VCD and most other media. The Panasonic LS80-K DVD player also has a SD card slot supporting SDHC.

The Panasonic LS80-K has impressive visuals coping with some fast and contrasting colors superbly. It manages to blend dark background colors with minimal blur and keeps a solid crisp and colorful picture. The sound quality good enough but as usual with portable devices you get the best results with earphones or a speaker station plugged in.