Compare Prices : Panasonic DMR-EH50

Review summary: Panasonic's all-in-one recorder could be improved, but you're still reaping the benefits of the company's vast experience in the market

Pros: Ease-of-use ; design ; component video outputs ; most recordable disc formats supported

Cons: No i.Link/FireWire input ; needs a bigger hard drive capacity ; no Freeview tuner

Review summary: The DMR-EH50 offers exceptional playback and recording options, although some small quirks do detract from the overall package.

Pros: Records to multiple DVD formats, Good recording quality, Multiple inputs

Cons: Can't downsample HDD recording quality, Scrollwheel annoying, Complex menus

Review summary: Panasonic's top-of-the-line recorder boasts eye-popping recording quality, but its programming guide may pose a setup challenge with some cable systems.

Pros: Outstanding recording quality, especially in LP mode ; 100GB hard drive ; chasing playback ; high-speed HDD-to-DVD dubbing ; free

Cons: High-speed dubbing works only on DVD-RAM discs

Verdict: key, the DMR-EH50's remote includes a unique central scrollwheel. You can use the scrollwheel in either of two ways: you can click the top, bottom, left, or right edge as with a typical navigational keypad, or you can rotate the wheel to select a ...

Pros: Outstanding recording quality, especially in LP mode ; 100GB hard drive ; chasing playback ; high-speed HDD-to-DVD dubbing ; free TV Guide electronic programming guide ; slot for Secure Digital media cards ; flexible custom recording speed

Cons: TV Guide EPG is still somewhat glitchy and not compatible with satellite TV ; remote scrollwheel is more hindrance than help ; no FireWire input

Verdict: Panasonic's top-of-the-line recorder boasts eye-popping recording quality, but its programming guide may pose a setup challenge with some cable systems.