Panasonic DMR-ES45VS DVD Recorder / VCR Combo with HDMI, SD Card, and DV Input

List Price: $299.00 Discount Price: $199.00

Features:

• Combo DVD recorder/VHS player recorder with HDMI up-converting output; measures 16.9 x 3.3 x 13.9 inches (WxHxD)
• Easy one-touch dubbing of DVD to VCR and VCR to DVD (non-copy protected sources)
• Records onto DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, and DVD-RAM; plays back dual-layer DVD-R/+R and CD-R/RW
• Connections: composite (2 in, 1 out), S-Video (2 in, 1 out), component (1 out), HDMI (1 out), RF (1 in, 1 out), Firewire (1 in), SD card slot
• Optical digital audio out for Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound

Customer Reviews:

Great machine! [Posted on 2007-11-25]
I purchased this item a year ago and have been very pleased with its preformance. I have not had a bit of trouble with the machine for over a year now and I use it to record every day. I generally record on DVDs but occasionally use the VHS, especiallly when I am away from home. It gives me 12 hours of recording time when I am away using both. I record weekly programs on DVD-RAM for viewing within the week, then erase the title. This is an easy process, which I like. Setting up the recording schedule is fast. You also have the option of editing the schedule or putting a scheduled recording on standby, therefore not having to delete the scheduled program and start over. A really good feature for me.

I have been transfering all my VHS recorded movies, etc. to DVD-R discs and that too is an easy process. I like the option of 1 touch recording or setting up a recording for a specified period of time.

The only problem I have found is that when copying from VHS to DVD or vice versa, you cannot view the television separately, (at least I have not found it so but then, I haven't tried to break the connection while copying either - I will experiment soon). And the instruction book is a bit difficult to navigate, but once you figure it out, it becomes easier. The instructions are easy to understand and well diagramed.

Altho' I am not a "techie", I am able to read and operate the machine competently and am very happy with my purchase. Would recommend this product to both experienced and novice operators.

Totally frustrating [Posted on 2007-12-19]
If you want to use this to record or play VHS tapes, DON'T!! Read all the other reviews about the problems people have when tapes get jammed. Panasonic should be ashamed.

DVR/VHS combo saves old tapes in newer format [Posted on 2007-12-21]
This combo works pretty much as advertised to copy VHS tapes onto DVD's of various formats. It isn't completely intuitive to operate, so, horror of horrors, you actually need to read the directions to operate it. The directions assume a level of competence I don't possess, so I'm still trying to figure out how to split titles and edit, but that will come with some experiementing.

Absolutely FANTASTIC! [Posted on 2008-02-14]
I needed to save dozens of home made VHS tapes dating back to 1983! EACH ONE played perfectly in this deck. I transferred each to an included DVD RAM dis WITHOUT TROUBLE OF ANY KIND! The internal menu settings I routed through my computer monitor (I did not own a TV) and the simple remote control provided WORKED FLAWLESSLY! I then transferred the MPG files created by the DVD side of the deck to my computer and checked them! Perfect transfer, no artifacts of any kind!

I then "formatted" the disc for the next transfer, in essence, erasing the info and setting it up for new data. When I used NERO on my computer, this process took 70 minutes! In the Panasonic, using the format feature, it took 4 minutes. I have since transferred thrity VHS tapes to my hard drive, using the one DVD RAM included in the box. It took days! But each "movie" played fine and even loaded into my Sony Vegas editing software without a hitch! Even older tapes, ones I had shot using old tube VHS cameras (back in 1983) came out looking good (or at least as good as the 25 year old video tape could afford to look!)

If you're going to transfer video to disc (or computer files for storage) I highly recommend this Panasonic unit. I was going to sell it after wards, but have kept it becuase it also allows DV cameras using Firewire to transfer in real time from the camera to the DVD RAM disc! Even at $10 a disc, these discs are great! I have "used" mine on 30 plus transfers without a hiccup!

This is worth every dime! Again, I highly recommend it!

Good but frustrating [Posted on 2008-06-02]
Seems like a good unit. Works as advertised. But some features are very frustrating. Command response is SLOW. Press a button and wait and wait for something to happen. The controls are complicated. Be prepared to refer to the manual A LOT. And the manual reads like the instructions for a IRS 1040 form.

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