I began a search to find a DVD recorder which will enable me to capture video form a few different sources, and eventually I came across this model. I checked out different models and all have pros & cons, but this one seemed to be the one I needed.
I bought this recorder and since it was my first, I had to learn to use it, although some things could have been easier, it really is pretty simple to use.
I wanted decent video quality, and made sure this one had at least 1 S-Video input.
What I like:
1. It has great Flex recording modes - meaning, you can record for 4 hours and still have good quality. Other players can't compete as the quality gets really bad the more video you add per DVD.
2. The nice thing is that this unit will use pretty much any format of DVD out there, including DVD-RAM which will allow you to use it like a small DVR, and you can rewrite on it over & over again, chapters management, edit, delete, etc.
3. I has the ability to upconvert your standard 480 DVD to 1080 via HDMI, it does work, but remember that things that were not originally made in HD, can only look so good.
4. I also love the fact that it has a firewire port on the from panel. Those of us who have DV camcorders will know the importance of capturing good quality video, also know it can only come from 1394 ports. Sony camcorders with Hi-8 or Mini DV need i-Link (1394) so your video comes out clean, and the audio syncs up with it.
5. Record & playback at the same time.
6. Flexibility in general, available I/O ports, SD card, etc.
7. Reasonably priced for what it can do.
8. Burns/reads Dual Layer DVD's
What I Don't Like:
1. No way to make you own menu. It has a "canned" menu that is very basic, and really kind of weak.
2. No options for playback display for "Time Remaining". I use that a lot on my older Panny, but they decided that this one didn't need that?
3. Some functions won't work on this unit if DVD's burned on another machine are used (FF, Chapter Search, etc.)
4. Dual Layer burning requires finalizing for each layer, should complete it with one finalization.
All in all I'm very satisfied with my choice, and for the money, this unit is VERY flexible and well worth the money. Other units that can do what this one does (important things) cost A LOT more. I used to use my computer to capture video, but this is much faster & easier. Although my PC allows me to creat my own menu.
Specs:
Playable Disk Types - DVD Video, VCD, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD Audio, CD-R, CD-RW.
Playable File Formats - MP3, JPEG, TIFF.
Built In TV Tuner.
TV Resolutions - 480i/480p.
Video Upconvert -720p (HD)& 1080i (HD).
Audio - Surround Sound Virtual Surround, Dolby Digital DTS.
Inputs - Composite x 1, S-Video x 1, Analog Audio x 1, RF x 1.
Outputs - Composite x 1, S-Video x 1, Component x 1, HDMI x 1, Analog Audio x 1, Digital Audio Optical x 1, RF x 1.
Front Panel - Composite Input, S-Video Input, Audio Input, iLINK DV Input.
SD Memory Card Slot.
Record/Playback - One Touch Recording, Time Slip (DVD-RAM), Chasing Playback, Playlist Playback.
Recordable Media - DVD-R • DVD+R • DVD-RW • DVD+RW • DVD-RAM.
Recording Speeds - SP, XP, LP, EP, FR.
DVD Recording Time - 1 Hr. to 8 Hr.
Recording Format - MPEG2.
Recommended:
Yes
Pictures of Panasonic Panasonic DMR-ES25
by (82%):
by (18%):
18.07.2007 20:52
This is something that I will probably buy in the future. I like Panasonic too. I found plenty of 'tech' facts in the review, but would have liked a little more basic description on how you use it, as I am new to many of the terms you describe. Karen
17.07.2007 22:32
Great review... very detailed. ♥Beth.
17.07.2007 16:33
I paid $170.00 USD, not sure what that comes out to exactly in £'s, but it would be roughly double.