Panasonic DMRE85HS Progressive-Scan DVD Player/Recorder with 120 GB Hard Drive Recording
A welcome addition and a very good recorder
I have thought about buying a DVD recorder for sometime, but always wanted one with a hard drive.  The costs were prohibitive compared to other options, however.  After my VCR finally broke, I couldn't decide whether to replace it or go for the gold and buy a recorder.   <br /> <br />I did some research, including Consumer Reports, and based upon features, capacity, and price purchased the Panasonic E85HS.  Before it arrived I downloaded the manual (PDF format) and read it from front to back.  When it arrived, it took only a couple of minutes to set-up and twelve hours to download the TV Guide (note:  As much as I wanted to use it immediately, I follow the set-up instructions).  After that, I was off to the races and every day of use makes me a greater fan of this product.   <br /> <br />The product is easy to use, provides many features (some I will probably never use), and gives me everything I wanted in a recorder and more.  I wanted VCR+, on line TV Guide, a large storage capacity, and commercial skip - it has it all.  The instruction manual is well written, easy to use, and provides plenty of pictures to help you through the first few days of use.  You will need to reference the manual initially to learn how to take advantage of all the options and features.   <br /> <br />So far there hasn't been one problem, and even more important, no frustrations.  If it continues to perform like it has, I will be quite satisfied and one of the happiest campers around when football season starts. <br /> <br />My only warning to anyone buying this product is to follow the set-up instructions.  If you do, I think you will also have a winner.