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(Reviewed 9/24/06) The Panasonic DMR-ES25S receives a good DVD recorder rating because it offers important advantages at a very reasonable price. It has HDMI connectivity, quality recording modes and flexible recording length. The Panasonic DMR-ES25S is a DVD player/recorder but has DVR like qualities.
The Panasonic DMR-ES25S has the “Chasing Playback” feature (like a TiVo DVR but without the EPG) which allows you to watch the beginning of a recording while the end is still being recorded. This Time Slip option gives you the ability to record something while watching something else. Another excellent feature of the Panasonic DMR-ES25S is its flexible recording length. This feature allows you specify the exact length of the program you want and record it at the maximum quality by completely filling the DVD. One reason this DVD recorder rating is high is its overall recording quality. This DVR has 4 recording modes: XP (1 hour on a single-layer DVD), SP (2 hours), LP (4 hours), and EP (8 hours). While most DVD recorders have a very different video quality when they record in SP and LP mode, the DMR-ES25S has no obvious differences between the two modes. The EP mode, however, is not recommended because the loss in quality is noticeable. Although the unit lacks an IR blaster and the Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) these options are generally found on more expensive DVD recorders. Although a little tedious at the beginning, editing video (only DVD-RAM discs) does become simpler once you become familiar with the DVR. There is a “Chapter” button that will help you remove commercials. You can also skip commercials using a remote button that allows you to jump a minute forward. The Panasonic DMR-ES25S can record on most DVD recordable media (DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+R/-R, and dual-layer DVD+R/-R). Caution: do not buy DVD+RW discs since the unit has trouble recording to them. The DVR also has a problem playing DVDs created by other units. The DMR-ES25S needs to format your discs in order to play them. The connectivity of Panasonic DMR-ES25S is solid. The HDMI output is an advantage as units with this interface usually have a higher DVD recorder rating. HDMI connections allow the DVR to convert the resolution of the DVD content to 720p or 1080i for a better image. The Panasonic also has an RF antenna input/output, a SD card slot, two A/V inputs, one A/V output and a FireWire port (for camcorder recordings). The external appearance of Panasonic DMR-ES25S is not outstanding. It looks like a normal DVD recorder with buttons on the front panel (record, play, stop, channel-up/down). The remote control is easy to use with many functions having their own button. Conclusion: The Panasonic DMR-ES25S honestly earns its good DVD recorder rating. It does not strive to perform a large number of functions like the highly appreciated combo units. Its affordability, the quality of the recording and the HDMI output gives this Panasonic a good DVD recorder rating.
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