Panasonic DMR-E55S Progressive Scan DVD Recorder / Player , Silver
Great Features for the Price
Consumer Reports was right to rate this DVD-recorder the highest in its class. It is very easy to set up; it has inputs and outputs for basic coaxial, S-video, component and composite video, as well as standard and digital audio. With three line inputs, you can hook up a number of devices to it, like a VCR, a TiVo recorder, etc. It can serve as a tuner for broadcast and cable, although I don't use that feature, since I have satellite TV.<br /><br />Recording was easy and straightforward. You can use DVD-RAM discs, which effectively turn the recorder into a TiVo-like device (although nowhere near as convenient or as effective). Or you can burn DVD-R discs, to make permanent copies of your VHS tapes, TiVo recordings, TV shows, etc. It records as several speeds, including a great feature called \\"flexible recording,\\" where it picks a speed in between the standard speeds to make maximum use of the time remaining on a DVD.<br /><br />So far, we've been able to record DVD's from VHS tapes and from my TiVo with no problems. The quality of the recordings is first-rate.<br /><br />Two things to watch out for:<br /><br />1) While the recorder can output its video signal to the TV using S-video, component or composite video, it cannot output using standard RF coaxial cable. It can receive the signal via RF coaxial cable, but cannot output it. If your TV can only receive a signal via coaxial cable, you'll have to purchase a little converter box from your local electronics shop to make this work.<br /><br />2) If you have satellite TV, you won't use the DVD-recorder as a tuner. However, every time you turn it on, it will want to automatically search for channels, but it won't find them, since you're using your box or TiVo as a tuner. So, what you have to do is manually set one or two channels to fool the recorder into thinking that it's tuning your TV signal. Then it won't pester you with the Automatic Channel Setup dialog every time you start it up.<br /><br />For the price, this recorder is well worth it. Don't hesitate to get it, so long as you pay attention to the two caveats mentioned above.s recorder is well worth it. Don't hesitate to get it, so long as you pay attention to the two caveats mentioned above.