Sales Rank: 173


Features:

Records DVD-R, DVD-RAM for best of both worlds; plays DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, CD-R/RW, and MP3 CD

Up to 16 hours on a double-sided 9.4 GB DVD-RAM disc; up to 8 hours on a single-sided 4.7 GB DVD-RAM or DVD-R

Offers one-touch record, TimeSlip, chasing playback (watching a recording in progress from the beginning), on-disc video editing

Progressive-scan video output for seamless, flicker-free picture on high-definition and HD-ready televisions

Measures 16.9 x 3.125 x 11.2 inches (W x H x D)

Average Rating:
Rating: - Best of breed
Unlike some lesser brandnames, this Panasonic DVD recorder actually works. I've heard that with some other brands, you can get failed burning sessions, which would waste your blank DVD media. Also, since this Panasonic uses the DVD-R ("dash" or "minus" format) instead of DVD+R ("plus" format), the discs you burn are compatible with *more* DVD players. For my money, I'd stick with DVD-R all the way. Also, be sure to get high-quality blank discs for better recording quality and longer shelf lives.

(Ignore the DVD-RAM format. No DVD player I know of except some Panasonic models can read DVD-RAM.)

I'm really happy with the great build quality and great price I got with this model. I didn't need one of those Panasonic models with a built-in hard drive, so I saved money. But if you want TiVo-like capabilities, check out those HD-equipped models.

The best virtue of this Panasonic is it does a great job at what it's supposed to do. I'm sure better models are already in the channel, so I'd say if you can wait a bit longer, wait a bit longer. Otherwise, the Panasonic is your best bet for value, quality, and durability.

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Rating: - Very reliable, easy to use, great image quality
I was looking for a DVD recorder that wouldn't break the bank but that would perform reliably and be easy to use. I got what I wanted with this Panasonic. I've been using Fujifilm DVD-R discs, and I've burned about 30 of them in two weeks, and haven't had one go bad yet. It has one-touch recording, and it's responsive. It plays discs quickly, and recording 4 hours per disc results in very good quality. It can fit up to 8 hours on a standard DVD, which is two hours more than most recorders. The manual is a beast, with about 500 cross-references, but the recorder itself is well designed so if you take the time to read the manual, life is good. If you are not a manual-reader, then this isn't the DVD recorder for you.

I would recommend this to anyone who was interested in a relatively inexpensive DVD recorder from a "name" manufacturer. Prior to purchasing this DVD recorder, I purchased a "Lite-On" DVD recorder, but it was dead on arrival. It may have been bad luck, but I wasn't willing to risk a second purchase of a no-name product.

This DVD recorder has been great for recording shows from my TIVO box, and with its help I'm creating a great home library of all my favorite shows and movies.

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Rating: - Fading in and out with prerecorded media...
I don't own a DVD recorder, but planning on buying one very soon.

One reason the picture fading might be happening -- Is your recorder hooked up through your VCR? This activates Macrovision copy protection that is built in on virtually all commercial DVDs to prevent illegal copying to VHS tape. You must ALWAYS hook up DVD players either directy to the TV, or through a switchbox or A/V reciever. Make sure you use S-video, or Component cables for best picture. I can't tell you how many times I see people using regular video cables to hook up their DVD players. They never have a clue how much better the other options look, nor do they often realize their TVs had those inputs all along.