Entered CNET Catalog: 04/21/2006
SKU: DMR-ES45V-S
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Manufacturer description
You sit down to watch this week's episode of your favorite show and realize that you never got around to watching your recording of last week's episode. Not a problem with Time Slip, featuring simultaneous record and play. Select this week's episode in the program guide, start recording, and as it records you can watch your recording of last week's episode. What if you set up your DVD recorder to record a movie from 8:00 to 10:00 while you're out, but dinner was faster than you expected and you get home early? With the Chasing Playback feature, you don't have to wait for the program to finish recording in order to watch it. You can begin watching the portion of the program that has already been saved while the DVD recorder continues recording the remainder of the program. If you own a VCR, it's almost certain that at some point someone has accidentally recorded over a movie or show that you wanted to keep. One-Touch Record will save your favorite programs from the same fate by automatically scanning the disc for blank space before starting the recording process. No more worries that your favorite sitcom's season finale will be overwritten by a family member's Sunday fishing show. You and your family are sure to enjoy the convenience of your DVD recorder so much that you'll have a large library of recordings in no time. Keeping track of all those programs would be difficult if it weren't for the enhanced Direct Navigator, which displays thumbnails of every program on the disc as you browse, making it easy to identify the contents of each recording. It can be heartbreaking when you play an old VHS home video and find that years of playback have degraded the image and sound quality. Preserve your precious VHS tapes by transferring them to DVD, which will provide durability and many years of enjoyment. With One-Touch 2-Way Transfer, you can dub a VHS tape to DVD by pushing a single button. The goal of any playback device should be accurate reproduction of the original content. In the case of DVDs, most of that content is film-based. Utilizing advanced progressive scan playback techniques and very accurate MPEG video decoders, this DVD recorder provides an image that faithfully represents the image you see at your favorite movie theater.Product summary
The good: Records video to DVD or VHS; outstanding recording quality, especially in LP mode; HDMI output; slot for Secure Digital media cards; flexible custom recording speed; DVD-RAM compatible with editing ability; FireWire input.
The bad: Subpar HDMI upscaling video quality; some disc compatibility issues.
The bottom line: Excellent recording quality and an HDMI output make the Panasonic DMR-ES45V a top contender in the DVD/VHS recorder market.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 10/18/2006
While the graphical user interface can be a little daunting at first, we got the hang of it after a while. If you have a DVD with several programs on it, you'll most likely want to access them through the Direct Navigator. This brings up a series of thumbnail images corresponding to the programs on your disc. From here, you'll either select an image to view, or bring up the submenu for other options, such as editing or setting chapter stops. The other important menu is the function menu, which you'll want to access for settings related to VHS-to-DVD copying, and vice versa.
Unlike the step-up DMR-EH75H, the DMR-ES45V does not have the TV Guide EPG. This makes sense, since the DMR-ES45V lacks a hard drive and is less likely to be used as a DVR. However, it would still be nice to be able to schedule recordings from an electronic program guide, especially since the flexible DVD-RAM format can be used almost like a mini hard drive--more on this below. The DMR-ES45V does have onscreen scheduling capability, which means you have to tell it the time and channel you want to record--but once you've used an EPG, it's hard to go back to VCR-style recording. The Panasonic DMR-ES45V allows you to record to numerous types of recordable DVDs, including DVD-RAM, as well as to VHS. DVD-RAM is especially useful in that it is capable of chasing playback, which means you can watch programs from the beginning while still in the process of recording. In fact, DVD-RAM can take it even a step further--you can record something on DVD-RAM while watching another previously recorded program on the same DVD-RAM disc. It's pretty neat and effectively gives you something like mini-hard-drive functionality from the DVD-recorder--we could easily see someone using it as a DVR if they don't plan on recording a lot. You're also able to edit titles on DVD-RAM if, for instance, you want to cut out the commercials--see the tips and tricks section for a note on this. However, one thing the Panasonic DMR-ES45V doesn't do that DVR fans will definitely miss is constantly record live TV, which means you can't pause and rewind live TV. Of course, you could always start recording something to DVD-RAM and get essentially the same functionality, but few people will want to do that every time they watch TV--plus you'd have to remember to delete your recordings afterwards.
For DVD recording, the unit offers four recording modes that all have trade-offs in recording quality vs. capacity. Only 1 hour of highest-quality XP mode video fits onto one single-layer DVD; SP is 2 hours, LP is 4; and EP either 6 or 8 (the 6-hour mode gives better audio quality). Dual-layer discs have slightly less space than you might imagine: 1.75 hour for XP; 3.5 hours for SP; 7 hours for LP; and 14.25 hours for EP mode.
Luckily, if you have a program that doesn't nicely fit into one of those time frames, the DMR-ES45V has one of our favorite features: flexible recording. Selecting this option allows you to completely fill a DVD with your program, maximizing the video quality. This is particularly useful if, for instance, you have a two-hour-long movie and you want to use a dual layer disc--instead of having to drop down to SP, you can maximize the quality using flexible recording. You will have to tell the recorder exactly how long you want it to record, so this isn't the best option for programs of variable length, such as a football game.
In terms of connectivity, the highlight is the HDMI output, which allows you to upconvert to 480p, 720p, and 1080i resolution for DVDs. The HDMI output can also be used for VHS playback, although it is limited to 480p. Rounding out the rest of the connectivity is a component-video output, two A/V inputs with S-Video (one front, one back), one A/V output with S-Video, and optical digital audio output, a FireWire input, and screw-type RF input/outputs. Recording quality on the Panasonic DMR-ES45V was excellent overall, highlighted by an impressive LP mode. Whereas most recorders we've tested suffer a large drop in resolution when switching from 2-hour SP to 4-hour LP mode (usually from about 450 lines of resolution to 250), LP mode on the DMR-ES45V maintained almost exactly the same resolution as SP mode. This is a big deal, as you can double the amount of content you can fit on a DVD with relatively small loss in video quality.
When we compared footage from 24, for example, the difference between XP and SP modes was small--only hard-core enthusiasts will be able to spot it. As usual, longer-play EP mode was almost unwatchable, with a huge loss in resolution and a large number of video artifacts, especially in scenes with a lot of motion. We recommend using EP mode only for shows with simple animation, such as Aqua Teen Hunger Force. The loss in resolution is noticeable, but the resulting video is still watchable. As we said, the true sweet spot for most people will probably be the LP mode--which is slightly worse than SP, but still very watchable and allows you to record double the amount you could in SP mode. Additionally, the DMR-ES45V had no problem recording wide-screen content straight to DVDs from our DirecTV HD TiVo box, maintaining the correct aspect ratio and filling our wide-screen TV completely.
For standard DVD playback, image quality performance was largely disappointing, a problem we've mentioned with previous Panasonic DVD recorders. Using the HDMI output at every resolution (480p, 720p and 1080i), we ran the DMR-ES45V through Silicon Optix's HQV test suite. Resolution tests in 720p and 480p mode revealed that the DMR-ES45V was not passing the full DVD resolution--the bars on the test pattern were solid where there should have been detail. At 1080i, the performance was better, but each individual line could not be seen--we tried the same test with the Oppo DV-970HD, and it displayed the test pattern perfectly. The DMR-ES45V struggled on other tests too; it couldn't handle a rotating line or three shifting lines without producing jaggies, a waving flag was also jaggy-laden, and scrolling titles suffered from comb-like artifacts and jittery performance, as well. The only test on which it performed well was a 2:3 pull-down test, as it successfully locked into film mode as the race car drove by. Since we've seen HDMI players struggle with resolution tests in the past, we thought the DMR-ES45V might perform better using the component-video output--but its performance was nearly identical.
Disc compatibility overall was spotty and represents the Panasonic DMR-ES45V's greatest weakness. When we ran our test suite of discs, the unit often displayed a message indicating the disc would need to be formatted before it could play. If we declined the formatting option, it refused to play the disc. Considering that other players handled these discs without a problem, we'd exercise caution if you plan on using the Panasonic to play older recorded DVDs. On the other hand, we had good success burning to a variety of recordable DVD media, including dual-layer media and DVD-RAM.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15out of 15 user reviews
I've had this for two years..Nothing but trouble
Pros: The box it came in was nice.
Cons: Poor quality in every way. It is completely unreliable.
out of 15 user reviews
Tape to DVD works great
Pros: Timed recordings work well
Cons: Finialize menu vanishes from unit, locked out of setup menu
out of 15 user reviews
Makes a fine doorstop
Pros: Has many useful features
Cons: Implementation and user interface is extremely poor
out of 15 user reviews
Durability is a disappointment
Pros: Easy to use, both DVD and VHS recording quality is good
Cons: Durability of this product is below expection.
out of 15 user reviews
Manual Must Have Been Outsourced
Pros: Gee, Ma, I can record with it @@
Cons: Convoluted Manual, Functions, and Incomplete Remote
The remote is sorely lacking - you can't open the drawer with it, and the drawer button is slower than a slug. You stand in front of the video machine and wait. And Wait. And WAIT. FINALLY the drawer deigns to open. I am amazed the remote even has an on/off button.
Now, I am not tech-illiterate. But the setups for connecting with HDTV and digital cable are more complex, every system is different, and they need to show more than one way to hook systems up. The directions they give are not complete for the connections they *do* give.
As of now, we cannot watch one channel and record another, because there were no splitters included with it. For the price they charge for this convoluted thing, they could at least throw in a couple....I have to go out and buy Three of them. So I have this massive expensive HD connection, and Panasonic wants me to connect cheapo splitters to it.....
My whole HD setup is Sony, and I was going to buy Sony for the DVD/VCR so they'd be compatible, but reviews of the Sony dual recorder were Not Happening. I think I should have bought it anyway, because this is just pathetic.
There has to be a better way.
out of 15 user reviews
Higher Price, Fewer usability features. Locks up if disk is not perfect. No Autoplay function
Pros: Digital tuner and upconvert a plus but not enough to overcome the shortcomings.
Cons: No Autoplay, No CD playlist, Hangs up if DVD has small scratches, smudges
It does not have Autoplay - i.e. I want it to go straight to the longest program item on the disk and play. Without Autoplay you are forced to go through all the previews and commercials that spoil the convenience of a DVD player that I want to control myself.
One of the reasons I am looking for a new Player is to be more robust when playing older, well-used DVDs from Netflix. this machine fails dismally - It is worse than the 3 year old unit that I want to replace. If a portion of a DVD is unplayable it just hangs and locks up - none of the panel buttons work - you can't even power it off. the only way to recover was to remove the power plug from the wall and plug it back in again.
The designers missed the mark for user control and usability features. I want to control what I watch and I resent the fast forward or skip functions being locked out so you are forced to watch unwanted content.
If all Panasonic DVD players are like this I will buy another brand.
I have other Panasonic products I am really happy with - I am still reeling from the shock of disappointment in this product.
out of 15 user reviews
The DMR-ES46VS is the same as the DMR-ES45VS and it comes with an HDMI cable
Pros: Great for a combination NTSC tuner, VCR and DVD-/+R
Cons: Does not have Faroudja DCDi or equivalent
The 46 is the same model as the 45. The only difference is the 46 also comes with an HDMI cable. I have been waiting several months for CNET to place a stub review for the 46 out there so when people search on the 46 they can get a review. But alas they haven’t done it. SO I’m putting this review in the 45’s area. When or if CNET puts something out there for the 46 then I will post this review under it and ask this one to be removed from the 45. But I know I had trouble finding out that the 45 and the 46 are the same so I know others will too and I wanted to get this message out there.
I previously owned the Panasonic DMR-ES30V. And my review on that by and large applies to this model as well. The main difference with the 46 over the 30 is that the 46 is capable of up-converting/up-scaling to 1080i, de-interlacing up to 720p and has an HDMI output. The other notable difference is the video DAC is 12bit.
I have connected the 46 to an Optoma HD-72 (720p DLP) projector and a Vizio GV47L (1080p LCD) HDTV. I use a 25 foot HDMI cable for the projector and have had no problems with the 46s HDMI. I have also tried a 25’ component video cable, s-video, and composite video and had no problems with those either.
I have a standard definition DirecTV receiver connected to the 46 and the HD-72. The blockiness and compression artifacts are all a function of DirecTV and not the Panasonic.
None of the current VCR, DVD-R or combo products will allow you to dub copy protected material, either from a VCR to a DVD or any combination thereof in of themselves or by simple connections to each other. However, the Sima GoDVD! video enhancer can be connected between separate VCR and DVD components and can be purchased at your local Best Buy, you can read it’s reviews right here at CNET.
If you are looking for a standard definition combination VCR/DVD recorder, I highly recommend the DMR-ES46VS. If you are looking for a great standard definition upscaler, this product isn’t what you want. For many that do not care about such things, the upscaled video form a non DCDi or equivalent upscaler, such as the 45/46, looks beautiful. No it’s not the best upscaler but most will never notice the difference. And while all HDTVs upscale to their displays native resolution, most will enjoy the convenience of the S-video input ability of the 45/46. For example, you can connect the S-video out of your standard definition satellite receiver into the 45/46, your standard definition cable TV into the rf in of the 45/46, and run one HDMI cable to your high definition display. If your HDTV has the same type of scaler as the 45/46 then you will notice no difference in letting the 45/46 do the scaling. Similarly, if you have an HDTV or display device that has Farjoudja DCDi, you can run component video out (and audio to your TV or home theater receiver) from the 45/46 to the display device and let the display do the video upscaling. Either way, some will find the 45/46 convenient for satellite, cable, VHS, and DVD. It is important to note that if your HDTV has a QAM tuner built in, then you are likely to find local HD channels through your standard definition cable packages, if you don’t, try connecting the cable directly to your HDTV. I am not sure if they will pass through the 45/46 as the 45/46 has an NTSC tuner only.
For the best stand definition to high definition upscaling solution, look for Faroudja DCDi or equivalent. The 46 does not have one of the top tier scaler/deinterlaces such as Faroudja DCDi found in the Oppo DV-981HD or Optoma HD-72 projector. Neither do many HDTVs such as the Vizio GV47L. For a primer to this, I suggest you read my review of the Oppo here at CNET. If you are looking to upscale your standard definition satellite feed, then arguably, the best solution may be to upgrade your satellite receiver to a high definition set, but there are few high def broadcasts on DirecTV and the latest DirecTV HD sets are plagued with problems. I am not aware of any VCRs that have Faroudja but another potential solution is a stand alone up-scaler but they are typically expensive.
So if you are trying to watch standard definition satellite or cable programming, the best video performance will be seen through a stand alone upscaler or an HDTV or HD display with DCDi or equivalent built in. But keep in mind, nothing will overcome the compression artifacts on compressed standard def digital programming. I have seen compressed video on cable, OTA ATSC broadcasts, and of course satellite. Compression artifacts are clearly visible. They look like bubbles around areas of sharp contrast like a text message overlay on a video background. The resultant inferior video quality from compression can only be improved at the source end where the compression is being done. Of course the reason the sources use compression is to fit more channels in a fixed amount of bandwidth.
I use the 46 to record DirecTV TIVO’d programs onto DVD, as a cable tuner and play back my collection of VCR tapes onto an Optoma HD-72 projector which has Faroudja DCDi. Therefore I let the Optoma do the up-scaling by connecting the component video output of the 46 to the component video input of the HD-72. However, my Vizio GV47L does not have Faroudja. When I tried the 46 on my Vizio I saw no upscaling difference between letting the Vizio do it or the 46. In other words, there is no particular performance advantage of the up-scaling abilities of the 46 over the built into all HDTVs upscaling. In fact, you may find it hampers performance. The 46 uses a 12bit per channel video DAC. If your display device is 8 or 10bits, then you will probably see macro-blocking if you let the Panasonic do the upconverting. For the Vizio, I use the Oppo DV-981HD as it has Faroudja DCDi built into it.
out of 15 user reviews
Didn't last long
Pros: Looks Good. Easy setup and use.
Cons: DVD player lasted 2 months.
out of 15 user reviews
not bad - it works, but manual is frustrating
Pros: it works - copies from TV and transfers VHS
Cons: manual complicated - be prepare to be frustrated
Does anyone know how to "hack" it so it will play Region 2 DVDs?
Thanks.
out of 15 user reviews
I was expecting better than what I got.
Pros: Excellent upconversion to however close to 1080i it got playing dvd's.
Cons: Very Poor TV reception off The Dish.
out of 15 user reviews
Good machine
Pros: Versitle, easy set up
Cons: Can not transfer purchased VCR to DVD
out of 15 user reviews
What A Disappointment!!!!
Pros: Okay Picture
Cons: Panasonic's HDMI Is A Joke!
What's annoying is that the HDMI technology, according to home theater techs, is in its infancy and the bugs have not been ironed out. My question is: Why are all the electronics manufacturers putting this lousy technology on receivers, DVD recorders, amd HD TVs if it is not perfected yet????
So far, I am think the price of this Panasonic is too steep for the picture quality or lack thereof.
out of 15 user reviews
I LOVE IT!
Pros: Simple - Unattended copyings - 99% accurate copy
Cons: Disappointed in DL procedure
out of 15 user reviews
works great, remote does not work
Pros: easy to set up
Cons: remote does not work
out of 15 user reviews
Excellent Video quality
Pros: Easy to use; great quality
Cons: Cannot copy DVD to DVD
