Panasonic DMR-E55K Progressive-Scan DVD Recorder/Player , Black
The problem was mine, not the DVD
We bought this unit in December 04 and found that the pictures were badly distorted and snowy in comparison with direct TV reception.  We tried every available combination of cables from audio-video to S-video to component and could not improve the condition. <br /> <br />We assumed we had a defective tuner in the DVD.  Sent it to the Panasonic shop and were told it was OK.  Only then did we find that locating the DVD next to a VCR was the source of the problem. <br /> <br />After we separated them, this unit worked perfectly and does everything it claims to do.  Thought our experience might help someone else. <br />