This Panasonic DVD Recorder is Also a Digital Video Recorder
The Panasonic DVD recorder(DMR E30) provides some of the features that were absent on its predecessor, the DMR E20. Of course the Panasonic hallmark feature "time slip" recording is on this machine. This Panasonic DVD recorder (DMR E30) has progressive scan output, the most noticable deficiency in its predecessor. It also has a feature that gets rid of a problem that has haunted most videophiles from time immemorial. It's called Flexible Recording.
It works like this: In older models you could only record in one-hour, two-hour, four-hour and six-hour modes. The old bugaboo we had to deal with was when a movie ran a little longer than the prescribed time settings---say two hours and twenty minutes. You'd be forced to go up to the four hour mode and sacrifice picture quality. Not so with the Panasonic DVD recorder(DMR E30). The Flexible Recording feature let's you enter any time between one hour and six hours and the unit will burn a DVD to the specified time capacity using the best possible quality. For the techies:Panasonic has improved upon the MPEG noise reduction. This helps to minimize artifacts. The DMR 30 DVD recorder has analog inputs that are identical to a VCR. You'll find the old reliable RF cable/antenna connections as well as two sets of A/V and S-Video inputs and outputs, a digital optical output and component-video output. The DMR E30 has VCR Plus. This Panasonic DVD recorder writes to DVD-RAM and DVD-R. As mentioned in previous critiques of the DVD-RAM that although the DVD=RAM can be written to and erased almost endlessly the disc only works on Panasonic DVD recorders and players. This DVD recorder employs variable bit rate recording for the Flexible Recording feature. Major Quirks:This DVD recorder still lacks the FireWire connection. You cannot connect a digital camcorder or a computer to this DVD recorder. The profile of the machine has changed. It has been slimmed down at the cost of the DVD recorder's depth. This DVD recorder is now 12 inches deep to accommodate its cooling fan.
Although the remote is functional the important buttons are underneath an annoying sliding door. The remote also lacks a backlight or glow in the dark buttons. As with all standalone DVD recorders there's little if any editing ability. There's no way to record sound and video tracks separately.
Conclusion:The Panasonic DVD recorder (DMRE30) is feature rich so you'll need to consult the manual. If you're like me this is not a drawback. The prices of these DVD recorders are coming down all the time. Personally I can never figure out when the time is right to jump in and buy one. This DVD recorder is so darn tempting especially if your VCR is crapping out on you. The time slip features that the Panasonic DMR E30 DVD recorder employs is almost enough reason to warrant the purchase.
|