Good DVD / VCR Unit
Written: Feb 19 '08
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Pros: Easy dubbing, No problems with playback.
Cons: Not too many controls buttons on the unit.
The Bottom Line: This is a solid, easy to use combo player/recorder. Panasonic has done well with this unit.
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| stazy's Full Review: Panasonic DMR-ES30 DVD Recorder / VCR Combo |
We were in the market for a DVD player that also played VHS. (We have tons of VHS tapes and don't have the heart to give them up!) I did my research and came across this unit a few months ago. We don't record off the TV anymore, so we weren't looking for features related to that. I liked this unit because it also copied from a dvd to vhs as well as vhs to dvd.
The unit:
The unit is well built. It is solid and sleek looking. It is easy to hook up to the tv using the cables provided. If you want to hook it up to an HDTV you can using the standard yellow, red, and white cables. There is the option of using a different set of cables (blue, teal ones) for the dvd part for 480i, but you still have to hook up the red, white, and yellow for the vcr part. I have hooked it up with and without the blue/teal cables and really don't see a difference on my 65" HDTV. Since I am currently using 2 different sets of cables, I have to switch inputs to play the dvd and vcr. It has an easy to use remote control. The controls on the unit are very limited (stop, play, dubbing) so you need the remote to do most functions.
Playing:
I have not had a problem with playing tapes or DVDs. I have not had a dvd that doesn't play in it (unlike another player I have). It has been good with my picture CDs as well.
Recording/Dubbing:
I have used this unit to record my own videos from vhs to dvd as well as dvd to vhs. I've done it a few times and need to look at the instruction book each time because I forget easily. I have marked the pages I need to do it. For the most part, you pop in a vhs you want to transfer to dvd. You hold down the dubbing arrow for 5 seconds and it starts for you. When done, you have to make sure you finalize the dvd so it will play in other dvd players. This is easy to do by going through the few steps outlined in the book. You don't need to finalize after dubbing to a tape. If you really want to get into it, you can add titles and edit the video. I haven't had a need for that. The instruction book is pretty easy to follow. I have not recorded off the TV since I have a DVR.
Overall:
This is a great combo player/recorder. It is easy to use with the remote. It would be wonderful if the unit had rewind, fast forward buttons on it for easier use.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 150
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Epinions.com ID:
stazy
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Reviews written: 32
Trusted by: 0 members
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