Panasonic DMR-E75VS

Panasonic DMR-E75VS Recorder Review

Introducing the Panasonic DMR-E75VS, Panasonic's first dual-deck DVD-Video recorder/VHS recorder, which enables you to easily dub home movies and recorded VHS tapes onto either DVD-RAM or DVD-R discs, and from DVD discs back to a VHS tape. It also plays back music burned to CD-R/RW discs as well as MP3 digital audio.

The DVD side of the Panasonic DMR-E75VS features progressive-scan video playback and great sound thanks to the Dolby Digital and DTS output. The unit also offers twin NTSC TV tuners, enabling you to record two channels at the same time (one on DVD and one on the VHS VCR). Other features include variable data rate settings, a front A/V input, and composite-, component-, and S-video connections on the back.

With Chasing Playback, an element of the Time Slip feature, you can watch a program currently being recorded from any point that's already been recorded--while continuing to record the program in process. Simultaneous Recording and Playback, the second element of the Time Slip feature, lets you record a program onto a disc while you're watching any other program that's previously been recorded on the same disc.

Tech Talk

DVD-RAM: DVD-RAM discs can be rewritten up to an incredible 100,000 times, whereas DVD-R discs are write-once. They come in double-sided (9.4 GB capacity) and single-sided (4.7GB) varieties in both cartridge (provides additional protection) and noncartridge types. DVD-RAM discs can be played back on DVD-RAM-compatible DVD home players and portable players like the Panasonic DMR-E75VS. Progressive scan: Progressive scanning, otherwise known as 480p ("p" for "progressive"), creates a picture signal with double the scan lines of a conventional interlaced picture, 480i ("i" for "interlaced"), to create a noticeably sharper image. Standard DVD players use interlaced scanning to produce a picture. Interlaced scanning combines two fields to generate a picture of 525 scan lines (480 of which are displayed).

Your television projects an interlaced image by first scanning the 240 odd-numbered lines of one field (in 1/60th of a second), followed by the 240 even-numbered lines of the other field (in 1/60th of a second). A progressive video processor enables all 525 lines (480 of which are displayed) to be scanned at the exact same time. A television with 480p component inputs completely scans the entire image in 1/60th of a second, so it only takes one field to build one frame of video.

What's in the Box?

This package contains the Panasonic DMR-E75VS DVD/VHS recorder, remote control, 2 AA batteries, and printed operating instructions.

What Features Does the Panasonic DMR-E75VS Have?

� Color: Silver

� Disc capacity: 1

� Region playback: Compatible only with discs coded for Region 1 and for All Regions

� Progressive scan: Yes

� Switchable 480p/480i: Yes

� 3:2 pulldown detection: No

� Memory card slot: No

� Hard drive: No

� Playback formats: DVD-Video (NTSC), DVD-Audio (2-channel), DVD-RAM, DVD-R, VHS videocassette, red book CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 CD

� Recording formats: DVD-RAM, DVD-R, VHS tape

� Recording features: Simultaneous record and play, one-touch 2-way dubbing

� One-touch dubbing: VHS to DVD or DVD to VHS (as long as source is not copy protected)

� Time Slip: Chasing playback, simultaneous record and play, Time Slip button

� Rapid random access: Recording and playback

� Relief recording: No

� Recording modes: XP/SP/LP/EP/FR

� Blingual recording: DVD-RAM only

� Picture enhancements: Input TBC, 3D Y/C Separation, 3D Noise Reduction, Block Noise Reduction, Mosquito Noise Reduction

� Firmware upgradeable: No

� Display: Yes

� Aspect ratio control: Yes

� Dialog enhancer: No

� Integrated receiver: No

� Front-panel operation: No (remote required for use)

� Quick play: No

� Multi-angle viewing: Yes (with applicable discs)

� Black-level adjustment: Yes

� Horizontal resolution: More than 500 lines

� Video DAC: 54 MHz/10-bit

� Audio DAC: 96 kHz, 24-bit

� Video ADC: Information not available

� Audio ADC: Information not available

� HDCD decoding: No

� Direct Navigator: Yes (revised)

� Chapter preview: Yes (including from recordable discs)

� Custom bookmarks: No

� Frame advance: Yes

� Still/freeze frame: Yes

� Forward/reverse play: Yes

� Karaoke: No

� Multilingual support: Yes (English, Spanish, French)

� Remote control: Universal (with TV and DVD control)

� Parental controls: Yes

� Picture zoom: No

� Random play: Yes

� Advance recording: Up to 16 programs, up to 1 month in advance

� Programming guide: No

� Reverse-frame step: Yes

� QuickView: Yes

� Slow motion: Yes

� Instant replay: No

� Text display: No

� VCR capability: Yes

� Audio outputs: 1 stereo analog (left/right), 1 digital (optical)

� Audio inputs: 2 stereo analog (left/right) RCA

� Headphone jack: No

� Video outputs: 2 composite-, 1 component-, and 1 S-video

� Video inputs: 2 composite-video, 2 S-video, 1 RF

� Surround-sound output: Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel passthrough

� Simulated surround sound: Advanced Surround (V.S.S.) simulated surround through 2 speakers

� THX-certified: No

� Front-panel inputs: Yes

� Power input: AC 120V, 60 Hz

� Power consumption: 31 watts (4 watts in standby)

� Item width: 16.94 inches

� Item height: 3.5 inches

� Item depth: 13.81 inches

� Item weight: 12.79 pounds

� Warranty: 1 year parts and labor

Conclusion

Dimensions 3-1/2"Wx10-4/5"Dx3-1/10"H. Shipping weight 13 lbs. Progressive Scan Advanced. 10-bit Video D/A Converter. Still Picture Display. Dolby Digital and DTS Compatible Output. Forward and Reverse Scan x200, 5 speeds. CD/CD-RW Playback MP3/DVD-RAM. The Panasonic DMR-E75VS is a good solid first offering from Panasonic into this marketplace. You could do far worse.

Best DVD Recorder Reviews Rating

8/10

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Panasonic DMR-E75VS Recorder Review
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