Have the same used to search to find a device that has an integrated receiver for digital reception via cable (DVB-C). The selection here is indeed very limited, unfortunately, which is why my choice fell on the right schenll Panasonic. So far I have made with Panasonic in the multimedia sector rather schelchte experiences. Ua I had recently a DVD player, which has turned out very short time and had not played DVDs. Moreover, I find the service very used to. But the reviews on Amazon were mostly positive and so alternatives are not available, so I had but decided in the end for this device.
I have the equipment now only a week, so I can now only give my first impression. But I am really very pleased with the performance of the HDD recorder. It offers all the features that I was already used to from my Pioneer, may also but the Unitymedia / Sky card directly into the CI slot record (but only by AlphaCrypt module "Classic"). This image is noticeably better and seems more stable than with an intermediary digital receiver.
The Panasonic is very easy to set up. The subsequent sorting and categorization of channels is easy and self-explanatory. The integrated TV Guide is sensational, but shows at Sky only the next 3 days (at rest the next 7 days). Programming is thus a breeze and is extremely fast. It's also great that you can adjust by default, how much pre- and post should have a recording. So you do not have to manually "mending".
A negative I've found so far, the instructions for use (the But I already knew from the DVD player). Confusing and cumbersome as it gets! Although everything is described in some detail, but you have to find it first time. In addition, there are some incomplete and Me also erroneous descriptions (eg cabling, protection of minors lock). If you have but then durchgewühlt times everything is fine. Positively surprised I was, for example, also on how to deal with the protection of minors laid down by Sky. Den can be set individually in setting up the CI card up to deactivation. Large class!
Other functions (eg copying DVDs, cutting broadcasts) I still can not conclusively assessed. It all seems to be available, but a bit more complicated than, say, with my Pioneer recorder.
The recorder can display Full HD, which is really a gain in quality. Unfortunately, he can not record in this quality. With a built-in tuner something unintelligible. It would be great if the recorder had a twin tuner (DVB-S devices is possible). It bugs immensely that one can never see another digital program if you record digitally. Here is still enormous potential for optimization!
Nevertheless, my conclusion: great device with everything your heart desires. Absolute buy recommendation!
