Panasonic DMR-EA18K Tunerless 1080p Upconverting DVD Recorder
By interpolating video data using proprietary algorithms, SD format data is up-converted to 1080 x 1920p HD format video data. This conversion increases the richness of the original data by almost six fold, producing the highest possible image quality when viewing content on a large-screen HDTV.Connect your Panasonic DVD recorder to your Viera flat-panel HDTV via an HDMI cable, and the TV channel setting information is automatically downloaded to the recorder. Once the auto preset download is complete, the DVD recorder will keep whichever TV channel you're watching as its receiving channel. This means you can record the program you're watching by just pressing the Record button on the Viera remote. With Viera Link, you don't have to worry about setting the recorder to the right channel every time you want to record something.The Panasonic DMR-EA18K DVD recorder is equipped with an SD Memory Card slot and USB terminal, which makes it easy to view photos from your digital camera. Just slip the SD card into the slot or use the cable to connect the camera to the USB terminal, and you're ready to enjoy a spectacular big-screen slideshow with family and friends. You can even listen to music recorded onto a USB device while viewing your photos.All of Panasonic's DVD recorder models are designed in compliance with Panasonic's universal design principles. Frequently used buttons are located at the top of the main unit to make them easier to see when the unit is placed in a rack and you need to look down when operating it. Both the remote control and Graphical User Interface (GUI) were designed for easy use by everyone, based on the results of a Panasonic survey.
Panasonic DMR-EA18K Tunerless 1080p Upconverting DVD Recorder Accessories
 HDMI Cable 2M (6 Feet)
Fiber Optical Toslink Digital Audio Optic Interface 6 Foot Cable
Panasonic DVD-RAMs (LM-AF120LU5)
Panasonic DVD-RAM 4.7GB single-sided DVD-RAM discs 10-pack
Cables To Go - 40315 - 2M (6.5ft) Velocity HDMI Digital Video Cable (Blue)
HDMI 6FT / 2M Super High Resolution Male to Male Cable by Eforcity
Panasonic RP-CDHG15 High Speed HDMI Cable - 4.9ft (White)
Verbatim DVD+R DL 8.5GB 2.4X 20pk Spindle
Toshiba DR410 1080p Upconverting Tunerless DVD Recorder
Samsung LN52A650 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color
Panasonic DMR-EA18K Tunerless 1080p Upconverting DVD Recorder Reviews
Completely satisfied with unit. DVD-RAM disks work like a hard drive and you can watch another title on same DVD while recording or start recording and later start watching from beginning while the recording continues. 1.3x playback perfect for the history or science lecturers who speak soooo sloooowllllyyyy- it makes them sound almost normal. 4-hr recording on DVD excellent.
The setup was like a VCR and after a short while becomes easy. Since the recorder can control my cable box (a great plus).I tried programing and recording a HBO movie at night. A great plus is that you don't have to pay a monthly fee like TIVO now (my old TIVO was free for basic). The picture from bought DVD's is very good. I was looking for a DVR to replace my old TIVO unit and after much searching I decided on this unit. Not sure why. I didn't have any problem setting it up as the instructions were pretty clear.
So far the shows I have recorded in the 2hr (SP)mode (using a RAM disc) have been very good. Since I use a seperate connection to my TV along with the connection thru my AV reciever I am able to watch a show using my TV's tuner while recording a different show. The unit works fine with the Harmony 880 remote. One last thing the unit didn't play a audio slide show I made up although the show does play on my Sony DVD player.
I am very happy with this unit so far (approx 2mths) and the only negative is that I don't have the TIVO guide I was used to for setting up programs. I am using the HDMI output to my AV Receiver. The next day I checked and the movie recorded and when I looked at it I thought the quality was good. Another slight negative is that it is slow in starting up although this might be my fault as I have it in the low power mode. Since I was connecting it to a cable TV input I didn't need a tuner.
It should be noted that I am not a expert in reviewing pictures but to me the picture was clear and the sound was good. This unit does have a better picture quality than my old TIVO both normal program viewing and recorded viewing. There are many functions I haven't tried yet such as copying old VCR's but if the unit performs as well as it has so far I shouldn't be disappointed. My input is the s-video. In a nutshell the unit has performed very well.
As such I returned it, and instead purchased a Sony VX535 from Costco for 199 - it has substantially better upscaling quality, easier to use menues, and is an overall better product. Also, in seemed to crash more other than I'd like, and wouldn't always handshake correctly over HDMI. The panasonic menus are cumbersome and not well laid out. A I bought this as I was upgrading my home theater, and I needed an upscaler to upscale my SD Tivo for my video projector. Sadly, the upscaling quality is quite poor - it bears significant artifacts, in particular vertical banding on primary colors such as red or green. Overall a very disapointing product.
I gave this unit a rating of only 2 stars because of my disappointment. However since I am in Alaska, and returning it to Amazon.com for a replacement could result in me getting a worse performing unit in exchange, I'll stick with my excellent digital tuner and HDD recorder as it is and just invest in a standalone up-converting player. If I had purchased this unit at a local store, I would be returning it for a refund/replacement. well, not so good. The remote is easy to understand and the menu for setting the timer to record shows is easy.
I'm able to pick up all the local digital signals over a simple pair of rabbit ear antenna. As an HDD recorder the unit works flawlessly. That is incredible to me.
I have yet to be able to play any DVD in it all the way through and have only been able to record anything to a DVD once. I'm pleased with Amazon.com for providing free shipping and the unit arrived intact. As a DVD player/recorder.
I'm disappointed. The DTV tuner works amazingly well. I'm sad that Philips couldn't get it 100% right in one package.
I worked as an IT professional for over 30 years, so I am not a novice when it comes to technical expertise. I returned the recorder. BUT, when next I attempted to set a scheduled recording, I spent 5-10 minutes trying to get manipulate the recording set time, when I gave up in frustration. HOWEVER, I would very HIGHLY recommend Panasonic's support personnel. To say I was surprisingly disappointed is an understatement. After 3 separate calls to support, I had the recorder working.
I have owned Panasonic products before and was very pleased. I would NOT recommend the EA18 recorder to anyone. They were very patient and professional in providing answers to all my questions. The manual is almost worthless in my humble opinion. However, I can not say the same for the EA18.
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