0403wv06 DVD recorder round-up

20/1/04

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DVD recorder round-up

Panasonic DMR-E60
Panasonic has been carving a resolutely RAM-based path through several generations of DVD recorders and shuns the multi-format options of JVC and Toshibas current machines. DVD-RAM, with its inherent high read/write speeds and highly editable non-linear nature, enables fancy features not usually found elsewhere, such as Timeslip simultaneous recording and playback. The DMR-E60 is a slim and attractive recorder with a respectable set of inputs and outputs. These include i.Link for DV camcorders, twin RGB-capable Scarts and two slots for displaying or copying digital camera photos from multimedia SD or PC memory cards. The remote control is one of the finest of any DVD recorder and Panasonics functional yet elegant onscreen display makes it one of the easiest to operate. There are four fixed recording quality modes to store between 1-6hr on a DVD-RAM (rewritable) or DVD-R (write once but more compatible) disc. If the RAM disc is two-sided then you can double the capacity. In addition, theres a Flexible Recording option to tailor recording quality to exact running times to get the best out of the disc. Among the other useful features are a picture-in-picture mode that works with the aforementioned Timeslip to show the live TV image, a x1.3 trickplay option that speeds up the picture slightly but also provides intelligible audio, and Playlist Editing, where you can cut and paste scenes for seamless playback from a DVD-RAM, without affecting original disc content. As a replacement for a VCR, the DMR-E60 is streets ahead of clunky VHS. Videophiles and camcorder junkies will appreciate the flawless XP (1hr) mode, while SP (2hr) is perfectly acceptable for general recording. LP (3hr) is softer but still better than VHS, while EP (6hr) holds up less well, even compared to the 6hr mode on Philips, Pioneer and JVC machines. Overall, though, the DMR-E60 is a strong recorder, which even supports DVD-Audio playback (in stereo only). Stick to the top modes and recordings are excellent, and general DVD playback is perfectly respectable. Although not as adaptable or clever as the flagship DMR-E100, only DVD-RAMs lack of compatibility in other players lets down this neat standalone recorder.

Philips DVDR80

While a price crash has created the sub-200 MiCO DVD recorder, Philips has not neglected the luxury side. With the DVDR80 it makes major additions, including 8hr disc capacity, digital set-top box control and the GuidePlus interactive listings system. It is also well connected with an i.Link port for DV camcorder transfers, dual Scarts for S-video and RGB in or out, plus component video for higher-end displays. The machine stops short of offering progressive scan or digital video interfaces like DVI or HDMI but its otherwise decently equipped. Philips terrestrial TV tuner is excellent, even just for viewing. You will have to attach an external Freeview, Sky or cable box for digital TV but the recorder controls most digi-brands and GuidePlus (the 21st-century version of VideoPlus debuting here) carries the main digital channels in its seven-day listings. GuidePlus is transmitted free alongside terrestrial broadcasts and updated four times a day, so you still need a standard aerial to use it. Its no Sky+, being sluggish sometimes, but for a DVD recorder its simple timer programming is a revelation. The fact that all GuidePlus recordings are named automatically, and that you can use the Disc Manager to keep track of your library is extremely useful. The other benefit is the extra 8hr maximum capacity two hours more than most recorders. We wouldnt advise using it except for emergencies, because the picture is very blocky, however, the six hour mode now looks better. In fact, in the general recording quality is exemplary, especially in the top four modes, which provide 1-3hr of recording. Even the M4 (4hr) setting is serviceable, while pre-recorded DVD playback is of the highest order in both picture and digital sound. The only limiting factors are the basic editing features of DVD+RW discs compared to non-linear formats such as DVD-RAM, DVD-RW in VR mode or hard-disk video combi recorders. However, you can do a number of handy things, such as add or remove chapter markers, exclude chapters from playback and delete programmes without erasing whole discs. A quantum leap in usability, the smart DVDR80 could tempt even the most adamant DVD+RW doubters.

SPECIFICATION

FEATURES Plays: DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, CD, VCD, CD-R/RW, MP3, DVD-RW (Video mode) & DVD+R; records: DVD-RAM & DVD-R; four recording modes, plus Flexible Recording: 1-12hr capacity (2-sided DVD-RAM); Playlist editing (DVD-RAM); PAL & NTSC recording; 16-event/one month timer with VideoPlus, PDC & external digibox link; Timeslip simultaneous recording & playback (DVD-RAM); programme name recording CONTACT www.panasonic.co.uk PICTURE. SOUND. FEATURES. EASE OF USE VALUE.%%%%%.%%%%%.%%%%%.%%%%%.%%%%%
FEATURES Plays: DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RW (Video mode), DVD+R, CD, VCD, SVCD, CD-R, CD-RW MP3; records: DVD+R, DVD+RW; seven recording modes (1-8hr on single-sided, single-layer DVD+R/RW); PAL & NTSC recording; timer with GuidePlus, VideoPlus & PDC; external digibox link & digibox control; programme name recording; disc library CONTACT 9070 www.philips.co.uk PICTURE. SOUND. FEATURES. EASE OF USE VALUE.%%%%%.%%%%%.%%%%%.%%%%%.%%%%%
VERDICT A compact recorder with clever features and one of the easiest to get on with
VERDICT GuidePlus and digibox control make scheduling and DVD recording easier than ever
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0310wv22 PannyDMRE60

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PANASONIC DMR-E60

DVD recorder

RAM champ
Panasonics DMR-E60 adds extra features to the already successful DMR-E50. Is it worth the additional cash? Danny Phillips finds out
The DMR-E60 is the step-up version of Panasonics superb DMR-E50 DVD recorder, reviewed in our May 2003 issue. The main difference is that the E60 sports Memory Card slots and an i.Link input, the latter of which makes it easier for owners of DV camcorders to transfer their footage to DVD. You pay an extra 100 for these features. Like all Panasonic DVD recorders, the DMR-E60 records onto DVD-RAM and DVD-R discs. DVD-RAM is a versatile format that opens up several exciting features like Time Slip and scene editing. Meanwhile, DVD-R recording is provided to create non-erasable copies of treasured programmes or home movies. It also solves the problem of DVD-RAMs incompatibility with most DVD players (but you lose most of RAMs fancy features). cameras using the wonderful viewer function. You can even transfer these stills to DVD. Sadly, you cant play back MPEG4 video stored on a Memory Card, which doesnt fit in with Panasonics vision of a digitally networked system. This is a shame, since the flagship DMR-E100 (page 42) is capable of recording MPEG4 and dubbing it to Memory Cards. On the rear, two Scarts are provided (one RGB in, one RGB out) which loopthrough RGB signals when the unit is in stand-by. There are also composite, S-video and stereo audio outputs (with a matching set of inputs), plus RF in/out and optical digital audio output. Component video and electrical audio outputs are sadly missing. godsend. Four fixed-bitrate recording modes are provided, which let you trade off recording quality for recording time. They are: XP (providing a maximum of 1hour on a single-sided DVD-RAM disc), SP (2hr), LP (4hr) and EP (6hr). A fifth variable bitrate mode (Flexible Recording) lets you set a maximum recording time and calculates the optimum bitrate. This ensures that no matter how much space is left on the disc, you always get the best possible picture quality. Time Slip is as valuable as ever, making it possible to view a recording while its still being recorded (Chasing Play). You can also watch a recording while recording another programme. When Time Slip is activated, theres a nifty picture-in-picture function live TV is played in a small box in the corner while the recording plays full screen. DVD-RAM is still the only rewritable disc format that offers such functionality. A new feature on this years range of recorders is Quick View. This plays back recordings at 1.3x their normal speed with sound intact. When used, the resemblance to those sped-up sequences from Benny Hill is uncanny, but its useful for catching up with live TV when Chasing Play is activated. Direct Navigator is an index of all the recordings made on a disc.
Time Slip can be activated from the marvellous remote
Functionality and performance are key here

OPERATION

Installation is automatically handled by the unit, while the menu system couldnt be simpler to navigate or easier on the eye. Access to the main features is via the Functions menu enter Setup and every aspect of the unit can be tweaked to suit your preference. A lot of thought went into the remote. Its attractively styled in metallic silver. Every function is carefully labelled and the buttons are sensibly placed. With so many features to control, this is a real

DESCRIPTION

There are more attractively-styled DVD recorders out there, but the E60s slim dimensions are a real bonus. A flap on the front panel conceals composite, S-video and stereo audio inputs plus the important i.Link jack. Just above this panel are SD/MMC and PC card slots these let you display JPEG or TIFF images captured on digital
Check your amps inputs no electrical digital audio out
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Specification

FEATURES DVD/DVD-R/DVD-RW (Video mode) /DVD+R/ DVD+RW/DVD-RAM/DVD-A (2-channel)/CD/ CD-R/CD-RW/VCD/MP3/JPEG playback; DVDRAM/DVD-R recording; Dolby Digital/DTS compatibility; 5 recording modes: XP (1hr), SP (2hrs), LP (4hrs), EP (6hrs), FR (1-6hrs, variable compression); 16-event/1-month VideoPlus timer with PDC; switchable disc protection; Timeslip; Dolby Digital/LPCM 2-channel audio recording; playlist editing; direct disc navigator; 16:9/4:3 support; Q-Link; auto install; program/ random/resume play; child lock; 5x search/ slow-motion, Quick View mode (1.3x ); OTR; 30second (commercial) skip; sound-with-search; frame-advance; still frame; postcode security; SD/MMC-card and PCMCIA card readers SOCKETS Rear: two Scarts (both RGB-capable); S-video/ composite output; stereo audio output; S-video/ composite video input; stereo audio input; optical digital audio output; RF input/output Front: SD and PC card slots; i.Link input; S-video input; composite video input; stereo audio input
From here you can play them, rename them using a virtual keyboard or make basic edits, such as divide or partial erase. Sadly, you cant select thumbnails for the menu screen. More sophisticated editing functionality is offered by create playlist, where you can pick out the scenes you want from your original recordings. The sequence of scenes can then be played back without gaps in between. Unlike the DMR-E100, you cant choose the thumbnails and backgrounds for DVD-R title menus prior to finalisation. When DVD-Rs created by the E60 are played on other decks, content is displayed in a dull list. Other features include twochannel DVD-Audio compatibility, LPCM audio recording in XP mode, MP3 playback and DV auto record, the last of which automatically creates a playlist when dubbing using Firewire.
makes navigation much easier. We recorded an episode of Friends from a terrestrial digital receiver, using its RGB Scart output. In XP mode, the recording is identical to the source, retaining all the bright colours and fine detail of the sitcoms scenery. The drop in quality from XP to SP is almost imperceptible. Theres a minute amount of MPEG artefacting on detailed areas and movement but only the eagle-eyed would be able to spot it. As XP offers 1hour only (intended for camcorders), SP is the mode to go for when recording a movie.

PERFORMANCE

Anyone making the leap from VHS or S-VHS will be blown away by just how good the DMR-E60s recordings are. Picture noise levels are much lower than these tapebased formats, colours are richer and cleaner, while visible detail is much higher. Not only that, but the random access nature of DVD
Create playlist you can pick out the scenes you want from your original recordings
For anything longer, you will find that the LP mode is ideal. There may be less detail in the picture and more artefacts than the higher modes, but pictures are still impressive. Our test recordings were strong and stable, and far better than VHS.
Finally, EP mode is teeming with digital artefacts, particularly where fast-moving objects are displayed. Its akin to LP mode on a VHS VCR, and should only be used for recordings where picture quality is not important. Recorded Dolby Digital sound is consistently clean no matter what the recording mode, while the marginally better LPCM audio is recommended for music-based material such as concerts. The DMR-E60 also makes a great DVD player pictures are problem-free, boasting strong colours and loads of fine detail. Sonically, DVD-Audio is fine though only having stereo playback doesnt make the most of the multichannel software.
DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT 430(w) x 79(h) x 283(d)mm/4kg TEST DATA DVD PLAYBACK Video jitter: 5ns (good); signal-to-noise ratio: -71.5dB (good); chroma AM/PM: -70.8dB/ -70.0dB (excellent/excellent); chroma crosstalk: -50.1dB (average); frequency response at 5.8MHz : composite: -6.62dB (very good); S-video: -7.03dB (very good); audio jitter: 496.4ps (average) DVD RECORDING Chroma AM/PM (SP): -63.7dB/-61.1dB; frequency response: XP: -0.3dB (2MHz), -0.7dB (4MHz), -5.6dB (5.8MHz); SP: -0.4dB (2MHz), -0.7dB (4MHz), -5.6dB (5.8MHz); LP: -0.5dB (2MHz), -21.4dB (4MHz), -56.9dB (5.8MHz); EP: -0.5dB (2MHz), -21.7dB (4MHz), -59.3dB (5.8MHz) CONTACT Panasonic www.panasonic.co.uk

CONCLUSION

As DVD recorders go, the DMR-E60 is among the very best. It takes everything thats good about the DMR-E50 and improves it with the addition of an i.Link input and memory card slots. Some may argue that 550 still isnt exactly affordable, but when you consider the hassle-free operation and top-notch recordings, we think that its well worth it

What we think

WHATS GOOD Recording quality; features; ease of use WHATS BAD No electrical digital output; no MPEG4 playback; DVD-RAMs limited compatibility PICTURE.77777 SOUND.77777 FEATURES.77777 EASE OF USE.77777 VALUE.77777

Verdict 77777

Another excellent DVD recorder from Panasonic
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