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Panasonic DMR E20 Review
The DMR E20 has been built to provide an easy transition from VCRs to DVD recorders. It functions in many ways just like a VCR, including having a VCR Plus, which allows you to enter a number from TV Guide and program a recording in no-time. Because of the support for DVD-RAM DVD standard, the DMR 20 has many TiVo-like features, such as Time Slip (watch the beginning of the program while the recorder records the end). You can also watch a program on a disc while recording to the same disc at the same time with DVD-RAM. If you need to share your recordings with others, for greater compatibility with existing DVD player base, the DMR E20 also supports recording into DVD-R discs. Panasonic DMR E20 Review - Features Based on features, however, the DMR E20 is not the best for sharing self-made video content. It lacks a FireWire/IEEE 1394 input port, which would allow for digital quality connections with digital video camcorders. Instead, it has three composite/S-Video inputs and two composite/S-Video outputs. To balance out the great features associated with DVD-RAM, what's notably missing from the DMR E20 is support for progressive scan playback. Some of the features in the DMR E20 include: * Playback support for CD, DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, and Video CD media* 5 recording modes: EP, FR, LP, SP, XP* Advanced Virtual Surround Sound (V.S.S.)* DTS digital output, Dolby Digital output Panasonic DMR E20 Review - Competition The competitive offers for the Panasonic DMR E20 include: * iLo DVDR04* GoVideo VR4940 Of these, the iLo DVDR04 is an in-house brand sold exclusive in selected Wal-Mart stores. The DVDR04, which is positioned as the low-priced alternative to bigger brands, supports recording to DVD+R/+RW discs. GoVideo VR4940, meanwhile, has both a VCR and a DVD recorder unit combined into one. You can easily copy tape to disc or disc to tape. |