Panasonic DMR-HS2 Progressive-Scan DVD Recorder/PVR with 40 GB Hard Drive (Silver)
At Last!!!! A Hard Disk DVR for everyone, everywhere
For years I had been writing ReplayTV and Tivo about how they could make their DVR units work outside of the USA, just like a regular VCR without the need for schedule service to set the programs.  They didn't move on the opportunity but now at last Panasonic has step up to meet the needs of customers who just wanted a VCR without the need for tapes.<br />I have been finding every bit of info that I can find on the HS2 to learn about its features. The HS2 has replaced VHS tape with DVD-R/RAM disc with varying recording capacities from 2 - 12 hours. Great! For backup and permanent storage this is convenient must. However even more powerful is the ability to record to a hard disk for up to 52 hours on a 40 GB disk.<br />The great feature of the HS2 is that it allows users the freedom from have to use or pay for a schedule service for what is just a simply function. I want to record a show every Saturday at 7 PM on channel 16 and store it to hard disk for later viewing. Just what I wanted. The digital manipulation features are nice to have allowing for simple editing for burning to DVD. No way you can go back to VHS.  I have a ton of VHS tapes that my wife would just love to see out of the house. Now with the help of the HS2 I can transfer these to DVD and get rid of all those bulky tapes.<br />My only recommendations here are that;<br />1. The HS2 should be able to play MP3 CDs and should be able to store MP3 music on the hard disk. The playback of MP3s should have an on screen display that give the MP3 file details (artist, song, album art image etc)<br />2. Panasonic should offer a larger hard disk like 80, 120, 160 or 200 GB upgrades. With even larger disk drives coming easy upgrades should be possible, in fact necessary. Just imagine having hours of TV on tap for each and every member of the family. No.. wait.... that sounds like two units.  :)<br />Even with these items outstanding the HS2 is a tremendous advance for the home video recordist.<br />Because the HS2 can be used anywhere in the world where there is a NTSC TV signal it will far exceed the limited competing DVRs. It is a great advance<br />My Christmas list is settled.  Thank you Panasonic!can be used anywhere in the world where there is a NTSC TV signal it will far exceed the limited competing DVRs. It is a great advance<br />My Christmas list is settled.  Thank you Panasonic!