Is the DMR-ES40V the best DVD recorder to Copy VHS tapes to DVD?

The Panasonic DMR-ES40V offers very good image quality when you copy VHS tapes to DVD. It also eliminates video noises that appear so often in VHS/DVD dubs.

The quality of the recording is impressive, especially in the LP mode. The Panasonic DMR-ES40V has 4 recording modes: XP (1 hour on a single-layer DVD), SP (2 hours), LP (4 hours), and EP (6 or 8 hours depending on the audio quality). The recording quality in the XP and SP modes has almost the same resolution in the LP mode so you can record more material at a similar quality.

The flexible recording feature enables you to set the exact duration of your program and allows it to be recorded at maximum video quality. If you record with a DVD-RAM disc you can use various features such as “chasing playback”.

This DVR like feature allows you to watch the beginning of a recording even if its end is still being recorded. Using DVD-RAM discs enables you to combine, edit and split chapters.

The Panasonic DMR-ES40V can record on most DVDs but it is not compatible with DVD+RW. The Panasonic DMR-ES40V cannot set chapter stops in any other format except DVD-RAM so it is difficult to skip through the recordings made in another format.

The Panasonic DMR-ES40V’s set of connections is solid: A/V input, S-video and progressive scan video outputs, optical digital output (no coaxial) and an RF port. This Panasonic also has a FireWire port for a camcorder hookup.

The Panasonic DMR-ES40V’s exterior appearance is not different from other DVD/VHS combo units. The designers should have worked more on the VHS deck’s design. It has a primitive appearance with big, blocky buttons. The remote control is very easy to use although it’s not pretty.

You can copy VHS tapes to DVD and vice-versa using the one-touch buttons created for this purpose. The remote had well distanced, prominent buttons so it is easy to navigate by touch. There’s also a handy Commercial skip button on the remote. Another nice feature about the Panasonic DMR-ES40V is that it starts recording the second you hit the record button (especially in the DVD-RAM format).

Conclusion: The Panasonic DMR-ES40V is a fine choice for the less demanding buyers. It's DVR like features enable you to freeze "live TV". At a very competitive price, this combo unit has some shortcomings but it can copy VHS tapes to DVD (and vice versa) at a decent quality. It has other recording features that make it a worthwhile option.