Panasonic DMR-EH50S DVD Recorder with 100 GB Hard Drive Recording
Panasonic DMR-EH50 DVD Recorder offers all the benefits of the DVD-RAM format, like simultaneous recording and playback, random access, Chasing Playback, on-disc editing, and multi-format data compatibility that lets you record TV programs and still pictures. Now, with expanded multi-format recording and playback capability, the DMR-EH50 also lets you enjoy all your DVDs, no matter which format you choose. The DMR-EH50 also adds DVD-RW (video format) and DVD+R recording, and DVD+RW playback capability, for enhanced compatibility with personal computers and DVD players. An integrated 100GB Hard Drive allows up to 170 hours (approximately) of internal storage of your favorite videos for easy access. Want to store or see digital photos? There's also an SD SecureDigital memory card reader to read photos recorded on a compatible digital camera or camcorder. At only 2.5" high and 17" wide, you can easily add the DMR-HE50S to your collection of home-theater A/V components. Virtual Multi Encode System enables LP mode recording with the same 500 lines of horizontal resolution as that in the SP and XP modes Optical Digital Output for dts and Dolby Digital Decoders Smart Wheel user-friendly remote control to quickly find recorded programs and start playback faster than ever (200x quick search and fast-forward smooth search.) One-touch record capable Inputs/Outputs - Audio Video Input - LINE (pin jack) x 3 / S-Video Input - S connector x 3 / Audio Video Output - LINE (pin jack) x 2 / S-Video Output - S connector x 2 / Component Video Out / Optical Digital Audio Out (PCM, Dolby Digital, DTS) Unit Dimensions (W x H x D) - 16-15/16 x 2-1/2 x 13-13/16 / Weight - 9.92 pounds Silver Finish

Test Report

A Great Machine! / Report May 29, 2005
After researching for a DVD recorder with hard drive for several weeks it became apparent that this new model coming out would be worth waiting for. I had almost settled on the E85HS model but after reading the reviews it seemed it had a lot of problems and was pretty limited to the types of disks it would record to. This new model has solved all that with several more types (read specs) to record to. The TV GUIDE downloaded just fine and works like a charm. I haven't recorded too much just yet (only have had it for a week) and have had no problems with it freezing up. The TV GUIDE editing works well and you need it as the stations on my system came in random order. I just rearranged them and turned off the channels that I didn't want. This device can certainly replace TIVO that is for sure. Be sure to follow the intructions about giving it time to download the TV GUIDE stations. It needs to be left off (standby) for at least 24 hours. I had to play with it for the first day or two so it took me a little longer to get up and running. Also, the manual is a bit daunting but I found by playing around you could figure out most of the remote functions. As you can tell, I didn't get this machine to convert VCR tapes. I wanted something that could replace my converter box from my cable TV company (RCN) and have TIVO capabilities. This unit does that magnificently. I am now using my converter box upstairs with another tv so I can tune in music channels and use the "on demand" channel. However, this unit will work with the converter box with the included IR Blaster so it is a very versatile recorder and tuner box. I'll come back later and add addtional information about my recording and editing experience.

7/7/05 update: I finally got around to editing and dubbing a TV recording to DVD. It was a very easy process overall. The only thing that slows you down is trying to read the instruction manual. Once you are on the editing screen ("Shorten Title" as it is called) it is pretty intuitive and with a little trial and error it was a pretty fast operation. Now my son-in-law has a commercial free copy of the Eagles concert. One thing to remember is if you want to utilize high-speed dubbing you need to turn it on before you start. This means even before you start recording a program. Once it is recorded without high-speed dubbing you are stuck with a dubbing time equal to the length of your recording. Panasonic recommends that you set that option to off unless you know you want to dub a program at high speed. They don't say why. Even though this wasn't the primary reason to buy this recorder for me it really seems to do the job and would be great for converting VHS tapes to DVD. Finally, don't forget to finalize your DVD so it will play on other devices. There is a prompt for it so it really isn't a problem.
As a follow up to my primary review, I am loving the recording of TV programs on the hard drive. I record and watch movies that I would never have bothered with because of the commercials. The TV GUIDE makes it very simple (push one button)to record. With the on screen menus you don't even need the book to use this function. The normal (SP) speed gives you 44 hours of recording time and I can't tell the difference between it and the orginal TV program in picture or sound quality.
Overall, this device has exceeded all of my expectations.

Very Good Machine / Report November 9, 2005
I've had the dmr-eh50 for about a month. So far so good. It works wonderfully with my cable; basic cable with no cable box (Cox). The TV guide downloads nightly about the next 2 days of information, and makes it a breeze to schedule recording of shows or events for one time or schedule it to occur weekly. Play back is very simple. I do suggest downloading the manual and reviewing it, it does point out that the dvr does not work with satelite. I did wire it differently than the manual suggest, using a splitter to enable my old vcr to also still record shows. If the TV guide is not setup, it really makes the dvr harder to use. I left the machine off overnight. The next night I was able to play with the machine while reading the manual. Got used to the functions quickly. Then I reread the manual a few nights later and picked up things I previously missed. For the money, this is a great box. It would gotten a 5 star rating if I could record 2 shows at the same time.


DVD or VCR? / Report November 6, 2005
DVD players are a fine choice of purchase and are more likely chosen over VCR's. DVD players are more advanced and tend to be more expensive because of its superiority. In order to use a DVD system compact discs are needed (DVD's). These are also expensive, as VHS tapes once were. The prices are increased as a new release comes out in stores. A DVD player would also be considered costly due to its rather convenient storage. It is flat and elongated, therefore easy to store in slender storage areas and most likely will go unnoticed.

VCR's, compared to DVD players, are considerably inexpensive. They have been around for several years and their value has decreased. The tapes (VHS's) are even cheaper at the present time due to the lack of purchase. An old DVD would most likely be more expensive than a new VHS tape. VCR's are bigger, wider and bulkier than DVD players and is suggestively another reason why a VCR costs less.

It seems that a DVD player allows us to save a great deal of time because of its rapidity. With the push of a button it can go directly to the scene of choice. It is also able to fast forward and rewind at different paces. You can skip all the previews in no time and begin watching your movie right away. In all, the DVD player has amazing alacrity.

In comparison with a DVD player, a VCR is much slower. It tends to take at least five minutes to completely rewind. With a VCR there is also a wait through previews. Although the previews can be skipped, you can't go directly to the movie without fast forwarding. VCR's don't have the speed of a DVD.

DVD players provide a few things that make it a first choice over VCR's. It provides accessibility to the many extras that a DVD maintains. Some DVD's have movie extras such as deleted scenes and games, which a VHS doesn't have. With a DVD player it is possible to download movies onto a compact disc when it is unavailable in stores. Whereas, with a VCR the only thing that can be done is to tape the movie from off of the television. A DVD player also provides more clarity. As long as the DVD isn't scratched you will be able to watch a movie without any problems. In contrast a VCR can have tracking problems and the tape could end up breaking inside the VCR by its film getting tangled in the inside. In the end you can have a VCR, which is of good quality and cheaper, but slower and lacks updated technology or a DVD player that is of good quality, expensive and faster.

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