Panasonic DMRE85HS Progressive-Scan DVD Player/Recorder with 120 GB Hard Drive Recording
This Unit Has Issues
After using this unit for 5 weeks, I encountered intermittent recording problems to the hard drive. Further, the unit would delete future scheduled programs I wanted to record. It would delete them regardless of whether I utilized the TV Guide feature or manual recording.    After taking the unit to a authorized repair facility and returning to pick it up, the repair person informed me he had discussed these issues with Panasonic and was informed that due to the vast number of features in the unit, it should have sold for about $1,500.00. In other words, the hardware inside simply will not support the features the unit proclaims.    The \\"fix\\" for my unit was to re-set the microprocessor and this did temporarily correct the recording problem but several features in the main Set-up menu were disabled.    It will go back to the shop but based on the Panasonic's tech's description of the hardware, I not only agree but suggest you avoid purchasing this unit.     ADDEMDUM OF 5/13/05    Yesterday, after my unit had been in the repair shop for a month, I picked it up and was advised that Gemstar was indeed the culprit responsible for the myriad of problems with my unit. Whether or not Panasonic is placing pure spin on this cause is speculation.    Another reviewer mentioned that Gemstar would soon be providing a fix and I was told this will be to be downloaded directly to the units via the antenna (cable) hookup. I have been advised this firmware fix is scheduled to be sent out between 5/16 - 5/21/05.    I am hopeful this will correct the many problems and issues with this unit but considering Panasonic no longer manufactures this model, I am probably being optimistic.     6/13/05 UPDATE    Gemstar came through as promised and provided the firmware update. Thus far, I have experienced no further problems with this unit.    Keeping my fingers crossed.    9/30/05 UPDATE  This piece of garbage just died. I guess the useful life span of my unit was 10 months. Back to the shop once again.    9/24/06 UPDATE  I replaced this unit with a technologically superior piece of equipment from the Ohio Toy Company . . . . their infamous Etch-A-Sketch. It performs much better than Panasonic's unit because I believe Panasonic has changed their marketing strategy and is concentrating on selling their units exclusively to the Aztecs.    3/2/08 UPDATE  Even though I purchased another unit, I continued to use this one as a back-up DVR and also as my primary DVD player. Oddly, it has worked flawlessly and I now ask myself, \\"Will wonders never cease?\\" I now fully realize this is truly a classic and dependable DVR that simply needs to be broken in for about 3 years or so.    Wish Panasonic had mentioned that in their ads.