Panasonic DMR-E80H Progressive-Scan DVD Player/Recorder with Hard Drive , Silver
Good bye VCR
I just got this recorder and it was easy to set up. It has many features but it can't do everything. The best thing about this recorder is the 80 gig hard drive. You can record programs using vcr plus codes and watch them while it's recording or later if you want by using the navigator playlist.<BR>The best things about this recorder:<BR>1) ease of use<BR>2) commercial skip button<BR>3) you can record up to 99 (i think) programs<BR>4) you get your line up recordings on the hard drive using vcr plus and no more need to channel surf aimlessly.<BR>5) When setting up to record you have your choice recording on drive or dvd-r. <BR>6) dvd-r after I finalized played in a laptop, playstations 2 and 7 inch portable dvd player.<BR>cons:<BR>You can not convert store bought vhs tapes to dvd, it's blocked. Manual mentions some media will be blocked from recording. however regular tv and homemade tapes not a problem to copy.<BR>I only recorded three dvd-r and quality wasn't like store bought, but I used memorex dvd-r for 2.50 each. I think the recording to dvd-r will be good but most likely not match the quality of store bought ones, but neither the price.<BR>Overall the hard drive feature alone would make this unit a worthwhile purchase but being able to edit and record dvds makes this a great unit to own. This system will one day be the standard and will evently replace the VCR. If you can get it for a good price, buy it. Panasonic does not make junk, so you know you are getting something good when you buy a Panasonic.<br />Update 10/7/03<br />After almost three months, the E80h is still working flawlessly. I lost power during the blackout, but the contents on the hard drive were in tack when power came back. This is by far the best piece of electronic hardware I have ever owned. The people who report problems with the E80 are not too bright on the technical aspects of this amazing machine or just unlucky and should get a replacement unit. If you are the kind of person who can't set the clock on a VCR, you should not buy the E80. You should be learning how to read instead of watching TV.<BR>Tips. <BR>1) Do not record past LP 4 hour mode. LP quality is very good but EP is not good for movies, EP ok only for TV shows and cartoons for the kids.<BR>2) Editing out the commercial is easy, once you get the hang of it. You use the Navigator shorten segment. I've have been able to copy many movies now without commercials. Besides you will save 30 mins. DVD-R disk space for every two-hour movie. <BR>3) When using VCR plus codes you need to program the correct corresponding channels in the function area to record correctly. I.E. if you type in a VCR code, it might read Ch. 56, but the show is really on Ch. 38. You would then need to adjust VCR plus channels code, so all future recordings will record on the correct channel.<BR>4) Memorex DVD-r works well and the disks are cheap, about 2.50 each.<BR>5) Remember this dvd-r will not be as pristine as store bought DVDs but the quality is still very good. Considering I can put two classic movies on a 2.50 DVD vs. buying them for at least 30.00. I settle for slightly less quality.<BR>6) Commercials suck and you don't have to watch them when you use this unit correctly. I recommend buying this unit just for that feature alone.