EmailBest Reviewed
DVD Recorders
- Basic DVD recorder Panasonic DMR-EA18K *Est. $180
- No-frills DVD recorder Toshiba D-R410 *Est. $120
- VCR/DVD recorder combo Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK *Est. $280
- Hard drive DVD recorder Philips DVDR3576H/37 *Est. $350
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VCR/DVD recorder combo
- Built-in VHS recorder
- Good image quality
- Time slip recording and chasing playback
- Digital tuner
- Difficult to program
- No IR blaster
- Can't record digital TV to VHS tapes
The Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK is one of the most highly regarded DVD/VHS recorders currently available, although that's not exactly a ringing endorsement as most such devices are widely disparaged. The Panasonic recorder upconverts standard-definition video to 1080p, has an SD card slot for viewing still images and offers chasing playback and time slip functions for more viewing and recording flexibility. The Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK also has a built-in ATSC tuner for receiving over-the-air digital broadcasts. However, it can be a challenge to use and there's no IR blaster for controlling an external cable, fiber or satellite TV box. If you don't need the VCR side of this recorder, the Philips DVDR3576H/37 (*est. $350) includes a hard-disc drive that can store up to 200 hours of programming. Experts and users agree that hard-drive DVD recorders like the Philips are among the easiest to use.
Experts have largely stopped reporting on DVD recorders, but lots of good information about the Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK can be gleaned from user reviews and forum discussions. An official review thread at AV Science Forum is a good place to start, and there's lots of feedback there regarding this recorder's usability and features. Amazon.com has a good number of user reviews. Consumer Reports magazine doesn't cover the Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK, but its now dated report does include the discontinued Panasonic EZ47V, which is similar.
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Our Sources
1. Amazon.com
After more than 25 user reviews, opinions are nearly evenly split here on the Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK. Some love the machine, others hate it, citing recording and playback problems. We appreciate that several of the reviews are nicely detailed.
Review: Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK 1080p Upconverting VHS DVD Recorder, Contributors to Amazon.com
2. AVSForum.com
While most of the opinions posted aren't from professional reviewers, an official thread for reviews of and information about the Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK contains nearly 400 posts, making this one of the better resources for information. The DMR-EZ48VK is also discussed in other threads at this busy site.
Review: Official Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK Thread, Contributors to AV Science Forum
3. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Consumer Reports' coverage of DVD recorders is nearly completely out of date, but the magazine does report on the Panasonic DMR-EZ47V, which is similar to the newer EZ48VK. Ratings are provided, but discussion is brief.
Review: DVD Recorders, Editors of Consumer Reports
4. About.com
About.com's home theater guide lists what he considers to be the top nine DVD recorder/VCR combo decks; the Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK is first on the list. Unfortunately, the recommendations seem to be based on manufacturer reputations, specifications and feature lists, with no indication that the author has actually tested these recorders. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Top 9 DVD Recorders -- VHS VCR Combinations, Robert Silva
DVD Recorders Runners Up:
2 picks by top review sites.
