Big Disc for Program Storage (Panasonic Diga DMR-EX88EG-K)

Member Name: Good_Guy

Product:	Panasonic Diga DMR-EX88EG-K
Date:	02/03/09 (103 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Enhanced Sound and Images

Disadvantages: A Bit Pricey

A massive 400 GB Hard Drive is featured on this Panasonic recorder as compared with its little brothers which have 160 GB and 250 GB respectively. Developments on this latest range of DVD recorders with HDD and Freeview tuner see that an even better sound and image quality is delivered. If you have a TV with full HD capability you really should get your hands on one of these, it's the 1080p up conversion that gives great pictures from standard DVDs or from recordings on its own hard drive.
The 400 GB hard drive gives you more storage of programs than you would ever need, so, a tip for you, don't mess about with the lower quality recording mode stick with the highest mode XP and enjoy fantastic viewing when you playback.

UPSCALING
This bit of great looking kit up scales your DVDs and digital recordings to HD like images (1080p up conversion). As I had purchased a Panasonic Plasma Screen TV over a year ago this upscaling is the main motivation for getting a Panasonic DMR. Picture and sound are amazing; no disappointment on that score, really well worth it.

VIERA LINK
Another good reason for acquiring the DVD recorder is the ability to use the Viera Link facility; basically you don't need to keep two remotes to hand as the link allows for recording control using the TV remote; get instant recording of the program you are viewing at he touch of a button..

TUNER
I would have reservations about the fact that there is only one digital tuner in this unit, would really like two for the flexibility it offers. If the tuner in your TV is Freeview the disadvantage shouldn't actually be an issue. Other advantages being the serial recording and ease of use of the EPG for viewing or recording.

I would question the price difference of the EX88 as compared with the EX78 (250 GB Hard Drive) around £100 mark. You may be better to go for the EX78 and enjoy the same great package, just with less disc space.

Summary: An Essential Partner for HDTV

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