Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK DVD Recorder

This Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK DVD Recorder/VHS Recorder was exactly what we were looking to purchase. There are very few VHS recorders left on the market. The unit works great and even allows us to copy from VHS tapes we have recorded with our camcorder to DVDs. I am even able to view and copy SD cards from my game camera to DVDs. My wife even comments on how easy it is to program. I could see how limited the time is for VHS use, while looking to replace our VHS recorder which had failed. This will allow us to make an easy transition to DVDs while preserving the VHS collection we have acquired over the years. The only thing the unit does not do that would be nice, is to record directly from the built-in digital tuner. You can only record using the coaxial input. I would reccommend this unit to anyone wanting to purchase a DVD Recorder/VHS Recorder.

Because of the Digital Tuner (and the unwelcome switchover to all-digital by our local cable company) I upgraded from my old Panasonic dual deck to this DMR-EZ48 on Ebay and even bought a second for the bedroom. I have not been displeased - the picture remains crisp, the burning features easy to navigate, and the exquisite freedom of using DVD-RAMS to time shift shows I may or may not wish to keep, and IF I keep may want to edit to provide more room on the disc is not to be missed.

At the same time, I'm glad I didn't give away my old machine because of one or two mild irritants in the new machine. When I burn a disc (either directly from a network feed or a transfer from VHS, I still FINALIZE it on the old Panasonic deck which allowed the user to design more visually interesting menus on the finished disc. The EZ48VK doesn't seem to think "Thumb Nails" are important.

In channel "surfing" these days, the term would more appropriately be channel *wading* since it takes noticeably LONGER to switch from channel to channel while the machine checks to see if there is a digital feed (which it will then display in "half channel steps" - ie. first Channel 2, then Channel 2.5 for the digital feed - IF ANY). The remote is a little over designed (it would have been JUST as easy for Panasonic to stick with their easier to navigate earlier remote which was easier to use IN THE DARK - and fortunately still works on this model for almost all functions) but ultimately that is a minor point.

As I do not have cable service I needed a DVD Recorder to record TV programs for later viewing. This model was very satisfactory for my purpose. I also use it to copy old VHS tapes onto DVD discs.

This is the second of these units I have purchased through ebay. I find this unit to be as easy to use for recording as a vcr. The quality of the recordings is very good on SP and excellent with XP. When using the HDMI output the upscaling is quite decent for a recorder in this price range.

This is the second one in the famly of these Panasonic DVD recorder/players I have owned. I loved the first one and had no problems. When I purchased a data projector to set up a home theater, I needed to upgrade to a player that was compatible (HD, SD, higher resolution, etc.) I found this one on eBay (lucky break) and gave my old one to my best friend who is using it to turn all her videos into DVDs. Every machine, however, has its Achilles heel. These player/recorders are like computers - they take a while to boot up. It's a little temperamental so you have to be patient. If it gets stuck, I just unplug it, count to ten, and plug it back in. The BIG PLUS for my situation is the now RARE digital tuner. Because I don't use a cable box, I need to have a way to control my tv channels through the DVD player. This machine allows me to have it all - VHS, DVD, CD, USB, HDMI, SD memory card, sharp HD tv channels, play and record functions w/editing - with one remote control. This is one of the very few devices that allow this much freedom in a time when retail is trying to shove us into limited use products. If you get a chance to buy one DO IT!