My choice fell on the DVB-C / DVB-T & Analog variant DMR-EX 84C with 160 GB hard drive.
Here are my first impressions of the new hard disk recorders.
positively
+ Compared to the previous very good recording quality for digital stations. Analog recordings are high at the level of the predecessor model.
+ Those who have already used the previous model, will have no problems with the operation of the device.
+ Additional favorite lists facilitate the programming of digital and analogue channels immensely.
+ About the created favorite lists a mix of digital and analog broadcasts in the programming is possible.
Example Timer Programming: 18: 00-19: 00 RTL analog - then 19:15 to 20:00 ARD Digital.
+ About the advanced copy features can be copied to the hard disk and DVD content
(Unfortunately, this does the high-speed copy function not).
+ Like its predecessor can be excised after recording commercials, recordings can be shared later, etc.
neutral
o The processing of the device is good
o The arrangement of the controls is not quite logical (DVD drawer left, DVD eject button on the right (?), for the on / off switch on the left (?).
o Direct recording on DVD are not possible (do not bother me).
the Panasonic is o Delivered with activated energy saving mode.
That means no time display on the front panel and very long wait until after turning the unit is ready (just under 1 minute).
Who does not want to have to turn off the power saving mode in the Setup menu.
negative
- The manual is - like its predecessor - unstructured and for first-time users hardly helpful.
The notes are language and content hard to understand.
A Guide "Getting Started" there, but is confined to security measures, included accessories and the
Description of the FB.
- Some features are hard to find at first. Panasonic has hidden them well in submenus.
Example: Creating lists of favorites.
Calling up the function menu -> Advanced Features -> Setup -> Tuning -> Edit Favorites.
Those who do not even want to mess with it, my video tutorial can view this feature.
- There is no direct DV input for digital camcorders (analog predecessors had this interface yet).
- Despite CI Plus module and smartcard private programs (RTL, SAT1 and Co) can not be recorded digitally (but this is not due to
Panasonic but on the requirements of the private stations). But Analog recordings are still possible.
Despite some negative points outweigh the good quality of digital records and the sensible features for me.
Therefore 4 stars.
