Panasonic DMR-ES30VS DVD Recorder/VCR Combo
For ultimate recording and playback quality and versatility, look no further than Panasonic's DMR-ES30VS combination DVD player/recorder and 4-head/hi-fi VCR. The space-saving combo device offers the flexibility of recording on both DVD-RAM--ideal for instant chapter access and for multiple rerecordings--as well as DVD-R, DVD+R, and rewritable DVD-RW for full flexibility in recording and sharing your favorite programs (you can tailor your choice of format to the playback capabilities of your friends and family).
With the DMR-ES30VS you can digitally record superb picture and sound--up to 8 hours on a single-sided DVD-RAM or DVD-R/RW or DVD+R, thanks to Panasonic's original VBR (variable bit rate) technology. (Rewriteable DVD-RAM discs can be rewritten over 100,000 times and offer 4.7 to 9.6 gigabytes per disc.)
Amazon.com Product Description

The company's Time Slip feature lets the DVD recorder be used like a digital video recorder, or DVR. You sit down to watch this week's episode of your favorite show and realize that you never got around to watching your recording of last week's episode. Not a problem with Panasonic's Time Slip feature, which includes the ability to perform simultaneous recording and playback. Select this week's episode in the electronic program guide (EPG), start recording, and as it records you can watch your recording of last week's episode.
In addition to recording new video content, the DMR-ES30VS lets you transfer favorite VHS recordings to durable, space-saving discs. The Direct Navigator instantly accesses recorded material from an onscreen menu that lists recording dates, times, channels, and titles. Finding and viewing recorded material are simple, because there's no need to search, fast-forward, or rewind. And, with one-touch 2-way transferring, you can dub a VHS tape to DVD by pushing a single button or vice-versa (so long as the disc isn't copy protected).

One-touch DVD recording will save your favorite programs from accidental overwriting by automatically scanning the disc for blank space before starting the recording process. No more worries that your favorite sitcom's season finale will be overwritten by a family member's Sunday fishing show.

As a player, the DMR-ES30VS offers a progressive-scan video output for optimal picture quality when viewing a DVD movie on a high-definition or HD-ready TV. Progressive scanning doubles the scan lines of an interlaced signal by scanning all 525 lines in 1/60 of a second for each full pass. The higher-density video signal creates film-like DVD images with rich detail, extraordinary depth of field, and precise color reproduction.
VCR features include quasi S-VHS playback (plays Super-VHS tapes at standard-VHS resolution), Jet Search super-fast playback scanning, Jet Rewind, repeat play, and long-recording ability (10 hours to 1 VHS T-180 cassette). VCR Plus+ simplifies advanced programming. You can also record a TV program to VHS while you play or record something else on DVD.

Test Report

AVOID ALL PANASONIC ELECTRONICS!! / Report November 25, 2005
Panasonic has the absolute WORST customer service in the industry! I had this unit for 45 days. When I got it, I had to wait two weeks to set it up because of business travel. So I had the unit actually set up and running for about 30 days. So a month and a half after I purchased it, the power totally went out. Nothing would turn on. I couldn't even get my DVD out. Panasonic said I had to take it to a Panasonic-approved repair place -- which I promptly did. In 3 months - yes, THREE MONTHS - those people still could not fix it. I asked for a refund and they refused. To make a LONG story short, I ended up turning the repair place AND Panasonic in to the Better Business Bureau. Every time I tried to get something done through Panasonic's customer service, they were absolutely NO HELP. I asked to speak to a superviser and there was not one that they would let me speak to. It was a totally horrible, miserable experience! After I wrote to the better business bureau, all of a sudden they sent me a check in the mail for the price I paid for the unit. WHAT A HUGE PAIN AND WASTE OF MY TIME!!!! To have a new DVD/VCR recorder combo last for one month and to receive that type of customer service is absolutely uncalled for! I will never NEVER buy anything with the Panasonic brand on it ever again. And you can be sure I tell everyone and anyone to steer clear of Panasonic as well!

Don't waste your time or money on this unit!!!


Panasonic DVD Recorders w/ Harddrives are prone to failure / Report October 19, 2005
I purchased a Panasonic DVD recorder with a harddrive about 18 months ago. Unfortunately, the harddrive malfunctioned just beyond the warranty period and I now have a useless $500 piece of junk. A coworker of mine also purchased a Panasonic DVD recorder around the same time and experienced problems with three of them before giving up and buying a JVC. From my experience, I'd advise anyone buying a DVD recorder to steer clear of Panasonic, as they are prone to failure.

Easy to use product / Report September 30, 2005
This is a very good machine and it is very easy to use. It takes one push of a button and it will go either way. Even the button has an arrow to show which direction to go, From VHS to DVD or DVD to VHS. I am learning more options on this machine as time go by. I'll recommend it anyone who wants to save their VHS tapes.

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