Panasonic DMR-EZ37VS DVD Recorder

I have used the Panasonic DMR-EZ17 (nearly a year) , and purchased the DMR-37 for the added benefits of the VHS capabilities. Very few of the reviews I found for both describe the benefits of the tuner, so I decided to write this review. We have a cable TV service ( unreliable) and a roof antenna ( that we maintain). The cable now re-transmits the digital signals from the local OTA broadcasts on cable digital channels 90-120. They include both SD and HD content from the major networks ( big 3) and some smaller networks (Fox, My TV, CW). The cable company also re- transmits the local channels 3, 10, 12 on cable channels 3. 10 12. Therefore, we have at least four separate RF streams for each local broadcast content ( 2 OTA, 2+ cable). Both the EZ-17 and the EZ-37 have tuners that will demodulate , and as necessary decode, all of these channels, although obviously, you cannot switch between OTA antenna and cable antenna easily. You chose which you wish, and the computer will locate all avaiable channels. We can program one of our Panasonics for cable, and the other for OTA antenna, and have an immediate backup in the event the cable goes out ( as it frequently does in bad weather). We use the component output for video, and connected to a Vizio HD TV, can view content in up to 1080i from the networks. The optical output provides 5.1 surround sound when that is provided as well.
Other reviews I have read critique slowness of turn on, and the somewhat awkward menu system, and I would agree with those. One of the most irritating, compared to our RCA DVR, is the obscure warning when a scheduled event has an error, and difficulty in deciphering that error status.
On balance , the benefits in my opinion far outweigh the negatives.
The fact that these are currently still available at very reasonable prices is icing on the cake!

This is my second Panasonic DVD recorder. The first one is still going strong after two years of hard work. I bought this model for it's extra features like ATSC tuner instead of just NTSC, and although I don't use VHS much any more, I liked the idea of having one unit for both tape and disc. Both my old and the new model record beautifully in four hour mode which is a real plus. I primarily record Cable TV shows on write-once discs which cost under 30 cents. If I know I won't add the show to my collection, I use RW discs. RW discs won't work in my car's DVD player, but the -R discs are perfect. The files created by the recorder are un-encrypted VOB files which work well in my computer and can be converted to DIVX easily for playing on my PMP.
The output from the unit is component video. It does not have HDMI, so I have to use another cable for digital audio, not a big problem. This model doesn't read SD cards. Obviously the future will be HD, but since there is no reasonably priced HD DVD recorder yet available, this model is the next best thing.

i have owned a sony dvd/vcr recorder in the past and thought it was OK, but then i purchased on e-bay this panasonic dvd/vcr recorder and was amazed at how much better the recording quality is. also the amazing thing about this unit is the ACCU-TUNE tuner. most new units now days don't have a tuner, this item has a tuner that excepts both digital and analog and processes them automatically. so in 2009 when all analog signals are dropped you don't have to worry about it, and for your digital signal you don't need a box. i haven't seen this on any unit and it is great. as a matter of fact i am going to find another one on e-bay for my lake house.

PURCHASED A REMANUFACTURED DVD/VHS RECORDER AND PURCHASED A SQUARE D TWO YEAR WARRANTY FOR $150 TOTAL. AFTER USING FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS, PRODUCT SEEMS TO BE WORING FINE, BUT ONCE HAD TROUBLE WITH THE FLEXIBLE RECORDING MODE, IN THAT IT DIDN'T RECORD IN THE MODE IT WAS SET TO RECORD IN. HAD IT SET IN LP BUT IT RECORED IN SP WHICH CUT MY PROGRAM SHORT.
I HAVE HAD OTHER PANASONIC DVD RECORDERS AND ALTHOUGH THEY BOTH POOPED OUT ON ME, I STILL GOT NEARLY 1000 BURNT DVDS OUT OF THEM EACH. THIS ONE IS MAKING FUNNY NOISES, BUT I DO HAVE A TWO YEAR WARRANTY THAT COST AROUND $20, SO I DON'T FEEL TOO WORRIED IF IT POOPS OUT TOO SOON.

The panasonic 37v is a quality dvd recorder and player. The reason to buy this is if you want a good quality dvd recorder for recording television at a reasonable price. Note this dvd recorder can receive all ota tv channels within your area depending on your antennae and reception, but it is not an hd tuner, and its output is limited, only 480i for tv, and 480i or 480p for dvd.

The built in over the air digital tuner is good quality, but has a 1-3 second latency when changing channels. For the money, it is a good product. The programming and tuning interface is pretty good, remote is also good.

What it lacks, this dvd recorder would be better if it had HDMI, and co-ax audio output. And for the same price you would do better to purchase an upscaling dvd player or save your money up for a blu-ray dvd prayer.