This is Panasonic's most comprehensively equipped digital recorder. The feature-filled specification is almost identical to the previously reviewed DMR-EX75, except this model features a larger 250GB hard drive. That equates to over 440 hours of recording using the lowest quality mode, and up to 55 hours using the highest quality mode.
Hard drive recording is supported by universal disc compatibility including all DVD recording formats, which offers convenient flexibility. There's integrated analogue and digital TV tuners and an SD card slot that allows you to store and edit JPEG images from a digital camera, while a dedicated DV input means you can directly copy camcorder footage.
Recording quality using the highest quality modes produces copies that are indistinguishable from the impressive original, and there is a full range of post-editing functions. DVD playback performance is also enhanced using integrated video scaling, which converts standard-definition DVDs to close to high-definition quality using an HDMI digital connection with a compatible display.
Design
The unit carries a considerable weight but the surprisingly slimline design is unobtrusive and attractively styled using silver finishing and a mirrored front panel. The front section has been stepped to allow easier access to a few primary controls and some basic connections if you're standing over the unit.
A fold-down panel at the front conceals several easy-access AV connections and a dedicated DV input that can be used to directly copy high-quality footage from a digital camcorder. Above this is an SD memory card slot, which lets you store JPEG photos from a digital camera on to the hard drive. You can edit and organise the pictures on screen and even view them in high-definition quality.
The rear panel is fully connected with a full range of video output options. The inclusion of an HDMI digital output supports integrated video scaling using high-definition 720p and 1080i formats for the highest quality performance, especially from digital flat-screen displays.
Alternatively, you can use analogue component outputs that support progressive scan video and there are two Scart terminals for standard users. Both Scarts have been considerately RGB-enabled for better performance, which means you can record from a separate device like a set-top box or your old VCR without compromising quality. In fact, the VHS Refresh Dubbing technology actually improves the quality of recordings from original videotapes -- ideal if you want to transfer your old collection to disc.
On the sound front, there is a set of standard stereo outputs and an optical digital output that can be used to carry Dolby Digital and DTS multi-channel signals to a surround-sound amplifier used in home cinema setups.
Panasonic's remote units may not look svelte and stylish but they are incredibly easy to use, which is essential for a recording device with so many functions. All controls are intelligently labelled and arranged using oversized keys to ease operation, and three separate menu systems can be easily accessed and navigated using the intuitive central cursor.
Features
The system's all-inclusive specification integrates practically every recording feature you could ask from a digital recorder. You can record either analogue or digital TV programmes and store them on the massive 250GB hard drive or use any software disc type including DVD-RAM and dual layer (DL) formats. As the hard drive is so large it makes sense to use it for all recordings and then transfer to disc if you want to archive copies or transport them around. High-speed dubbing means you can transfer copies in a matter of minutes.
Setting up recordings is simplest using the well-presented Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) that accompanies digital broadcasts -- all you have to do is highlight the programme from the listings and recordings are automatically programmed. There are also manual timer and VideoPlus+ options as well as one-touch recording, which begins instantly without the usual delay to make sure you don't miss anything.
There are five recording quality modes that trade image quality for time length, but as the hard drive is so large you have more freedom to ignore the lowest quality modes. The highest quality (XP) mode offers up to 55 hours of recordings rising to an incredible 443 hours using the lowest quality (LP) mode. There's also a flexible mode (FP) that will automatically select the highest quality according to how much space you have available.
The excellent Disc Navigator function lets you easily find recorded titles using moving thumbnails and then organise them at your will. There's an extensive range of post-editing functions including labelling, deleting, chapter division and creating playlists. The intuitive design of the menu systems and remote means that even relative newcomers to digital recording will be able to find their way around without any fuss.
DVD playback features haven't been ignored and integrated video scaling means you can upconvert standard-definition images to close to high-definition quality 720p and 1080i formats. You'll need a compatible digital display to do this, but conventional users can also enhance performance using progressive scan video via component outputs.
Performance
Recording performance is dictated by the quality of the internal TV tuners, which act as a master copy. Analogue broadcasts are troubled by typical constraints but the quality of digital Freeview programmes is extremely impressive. Images are stable and sharply defined with well-balanced contrast and colours. Movement could be more cohesive at times, but overall there's no cause for complaint.
Recordings using the two highest quality modes, (XP) and (SP), are inseparable from the original and the massive storage space means you rarely have to use the lower quality modes. Nonetheless, even the (LP) mode still performs reasonably well and it's only the lowest quality (EP) mode, which suffers from colour smears and grainy resolution and should be avoided.
DVD playback performance is just as impressive -- especially if you're using HDMI. Although upscaled images can't claim true high-definition quality, you'll get noticeably more detail, depth and motion control from your existing DVD collection without having to upgrade to a next-generation player like Blu-ray or HD DVD.
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phaedrus
08/08/2007, 02:37 AM
rating
10/10
Kuddy...
thank you for the advce about the limitation denying NTSC DVD playback with existing schedules of PAL HDD programme recording.
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moanaman
16/07/2007, 12:33 PM
rating
9/10
This is my first DVD Recorder and I think it is fantastic. Even my wife can use it... yes it's that easy too operate.
Pros: Ease of use
Great picture quality
Nice fast switching of digital channels
Good price for a 250GB
Cons: Didn't record a box office movie from Foxtel. I recorded the 1st 5 or so minutes then cut to adverts. (Although I think this maybe from Foxtels Side)
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v8mumbo
15/07/2007, 08:46 PM
rating
6/10
Reliable product. Good picture quality.
Pros: Can record all formats.
Cons: Menu is confounding & not as intuitive as the review said.
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Happy Chappy
27/06/2007, 07:26 PM
rating
10/10
I have only good experience with this amasing machine
Pros: Delivers everthing its promises
Cons: None
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zoomer
27/06/2007, 07:23 PM
rating
9/10
Excellant quality images, and easy to use
Pros: Really good value
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troysteele
14/05/2007, 04:46 PM
rating
8/10
Great unit that I found easy to setup and use. Granted there are a lot of features I havent checked out yet but getting it up and running was a breaze. 1 of the drawbacks I have found is that div X discs will only play in the -R format and not the +format my DVD burner does. Also a twin SD tuner would of been better than a single tuner
Pros: Easy to use
Solid unit
Great colling fan on the back to keep things happy
Nice remote
Plenty of extra features
Cons: No -R div X playback
Technology still expensive
Lack of twin SD tuner
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Amar
21/04/2007, 07:10 PM
rating
6/10
I'm really disappointed that this player can't play divx movies off DVD+-RW, therefore every movie I get over 700Mb has to be burnt onto CD-RW or DVD-R, which is a pain for me. The great thing about it was that it was very simple to setup.
Pros: Easy setup
Cons: No divx for DVD+-RW
Issues with screen size
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michael
21/04/2007, 09:11 AM
rating
6/10
As of a week ago I am the owner of Panasonic DMR-EX85 dvd recorder. The picture, both original and the recorded, is excellent, absolutely no problem there. But the menu system. Yikes. What a mess. Can't believe the review talks about it in such glowing terms. My previous machine was a Toshiba which was good too, until the hard disc died, and a menu-driven dream compared to the Panasonic. The menu's on the Panasonic are so colourful and fussy that they actually obscure the function.
Getting anything done on the ex85 requires the pressing of many, many buttons. So many buttons. And it's not at all intuitive. In the Toshiba for instance the creating of playlists was integrated into the title/chapter creation screen. In the Panasonic it seems to have it's own separate menu system. I still haven't worked out how to combine two titles into one although I imagine, if it can be done, it has something to do with creating a playlist first.
No, not happy, Jan. OK, completely happy with the picture and quality of recordings but as for the rest? No.
Pros: The picture is excellent.
Pre-recorded DVD's are amazing when played on this machine.
Cons: The menu system is a fussy rabbit-warren of colour and movement, mostly managing to obscure function.
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TB
24/03/2007, 04:08 PM
rating
5/10
I have just purchased the DMR-EX75, it is a good machine but I am having problems recording Foxtel in wide screen, even though Foxtel is setup on wide screen, further more the reception of Foxtel on the unit is not as good as when Foxtel is connected to the TV (Plasma). I have spoken to Panasonic so called customer service and frankly they are useless about fixing the problem. Also the quality of playing VHS and recording on hard drive is very bad quality. Can someone help me please?
Pros: Easy to use
Cons: Some problems with wide screen recording from Foxtel and quality of playing VHS and recording on hard drive is very bad quality
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kuddy
09/03/2007, 09:22 AM
rating
4/10
A good attempt but a little short where it matters (ie everyday usability). Several bugs and lack of testing means it does its job, just about, but doesn't sing.
I bought this because I refuse to buy anything by Sony (the Sony HXD860 is the better machine) but I've regretted it.
Pros: 250Gb HDD
Good quality DVD playback
Cons: Poor GUI
Prone to crashing due to bad programming
Cannot play NTSC DVDs when a future TV recording is set for PAL (or vice versa).
Remote control receiver is limited by a very narrow angle meaning the remote has to be pointed directly at the unit.
No DivX
DVD-AUDIO playback is only in stereo NOT 5.1 (why?)
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