038 EHC 20 panasonic DMR-e65

23/8/04

2:35 PM

Page 50

>>Reviews DVD recorder

Panasonic DMR-E65

NE OF THE MOST IMPRESSIVE THINGS about Panasonics DIGA range is the way you can see clear upgrades in functionality between the units. The DMR-E65 DVD recorder on test here costs 100 more than the next model down, the DMR-E55, and offers a wealth of connection options not available on the cheaper model. The DMR-E65 also sits 100 below the DMRE75 VCR/DVD recorder combi, which in turn is 100 cheaper than the DMR-E85 HDD/DVD recorder. Its like a technological version of a set of nesting dolls clear delineations in function and price making the consumers decision an easy one. The 400 DMR-E65 is a DVD recorder, offering
The Panasonic DMR-E65 is compatible with DV camcorders and digital still cameras. David Smith likes what he sees
What we like about this recorder Connectivity DVD-RAM features Picture and sound quality What we dont like about this recorder Poor recordings in EP mode Lacks versatility of DVD/HDD combi No playback zoom
the usual functionality we have come to expect from the DVD-RAM/DVD-R formats. Where it differs from many decks is the range of inputs available. As well as the vital RGB Scart input (for hooking up a digibox) and both S-video and composite video support, this model has a DV input for connecting a camcorder. It also boasts a pair of memory card slots that can handle SD Memory Cards, MultiMediaCards, Compact Flash, SmartMedia, MemoryStick, xDPicture cards, Microdrives and ATA Flash PC cards. The obvious thing to point out here is that if you do not have a need for these connections, you should be looking elsewhere and saving some money. On the output side this deck is well specified. There are component video outputs for PAL and NTSC progressive scan signals, and theres a second RGB-capable Scart for connecting to your monitor. There is optical digital audio support, as well as stereo outputs. The look of the deck is not spoiled by the card slots on the fascia, while the front AV inputs (including the DV socket) are hidden behind a flap. You can choose from five recording modes, whether
using DVD-RAM or DVD-R discs. XP stores one hour of high-quality programming, while SP is good for two hours, LP four and EP either six or eight, depending on how you set it up. Panasonic also offers a flexible recording mode, which is ideal for when you want to fit, say, a 45-minute recording into 30 minutes of disc space. The DMR-E65 can record at a setting between XP and SP to fit the programming into the space at the best possible picture quality. Obviously the more programming you cram onto a disc, the lower the picture quality will be. This is a trade-off that you will have to get used to if you do a lot of timeshifting, fitting several programmes onto a single disc. Recording scan be set manually, or using the VideoPlus system with PDC. There is also the usual one-touch record function. When using a DVD-RAM disc you get a couple of nifty features, called Chasing Playback and Time Slip. Chasing Playback means that you can watch the beginning of a recording even while the remainder of the programme is being recorded. Time Slip gives you an instant replay of the previous 30 seconds of a recording, while the image currently being recorded is displayed in the corner of the screen.
ESSENTIAL HI-FI & HOME CINEMA

3:16 PM

Page 51
Key Features Plays DVD-RAM/DVD/DVD-R/ DVD-RW (Video mode only)/ DVD+R/DVD+RW/DVD-A (2-channel only)/CD/VCD/ CD-RW/MP3/JPEG DVD-RAM/DVD-R recording PAL/NTSC progressive scan Digital video input SD/PC card slots 5 recording modes Time Slip and Chasing Playback Slow motion VideoPlus with PDC Connections Front DV input S-video input Composite video input Stereo audio input SD card slot PC card slot Rear 2 x Scart (RGB capable) Component video output S-video input and output Composite video input and output Optical digital audio output Stereo audio input and output RF aerial in/out Dimensions 430(w) x 79(h) x 274(d)mm

You can transfer digital images to DVD using the SD and PC card slots Analogue AV in/out Dual Scart RF aerial in/out
Optical Digital Audio out

Component video out

Recorded programmes are accessed via Panasonics elegant Direct Navigator system, which displays moving thumbnails of each title, allowing you to select the one you want to watch. Editing functions are the preserve of DVD-Ram discs. You can partially erase a disc to recover disc space, divide a title and create/combine/erase chapters. With both DVD-RAM and DVD-R discs you can enter a name for the disc, change thumbnails and erase content, although on R discs the erased space is not recovered for re-recording. The results are impressive. Recordings in XP mode are pretty well indistinguishable from the original source. Fed an RGB signal from a digibox the DMRE65 captures an astonishing amount of detail. The image is razor sharp, with no hint of artifacts or digital noise. Colours remain naturally vibrant, while skin tones look realistic. Tricky onscreen text is crystal clear and pans smoothly across the screen. Switching to SP mode, there is a drop in quality, but the image is still very good indeed. It is a quantum leap above VHS pictures, with tightly
defined colours and pin-sharp text, although there are traces of artifacts on fast-moving material. LP mode sees things deteriorate roughly to the level of VHS, with a lot more smearing, rather messy colour rendition and a loss of realistic skin tones. The EP mode is really only good for emergencies, when you have to make a lot of recordings while on holiday, for example. The nasty strobe effect

Verdict

Sales Web www.panasonic.co.uk
Fed an RGB signal from a digibox, the E65 captures an astonishing amount of detail
intrudes, with panned text jerking across the screen and small letters becoming indistinct. XP and SP modes are therefore the options for archiving, with the lower-quality settings reserved for non-critical timeshifting. Regular DVD playback and audio performance are also out of the top drawer, making this deck an unqualified success. If you want that enhanced connectivity, this is a deck to seriously consider. The beauty of Panasonics range is that if you dont need those card slots, the DMR-E55 is awaiting an audition.
EASE OF USE LOOKS FEATURES PICTURE SOUND VALUE
VERDICT A versatile recorder that will appeal to users who want exhaustive connectivity

Overall

BEST RIVALS
Thomson DTH8000 Philips DVDR70 Toshiba RD-XS32SB