Panasonic DMR-EA38VK Tunerless 1080p Upconverting VHS DVD Recorder
by Panasonic
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Digital product summary information
Manufacturer: PanasonicBrand: Panasonic
Edition: Electronics
Model: DMR-EA38VK
Color: Black
Publisher: Panasonic
Studio: Panasonic
Music Label: Panasonic
Product features:
- Does not include TV Tuner
- Multi Format playback: DVD, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, CD, CD-R, CD-RW
- Viera Link to Panasonic Televisions
- 1080p Upconversion via HDMI
- SD card slot
- AmazonBasics Ultra-High-Speed HDMI Cable Braided (9.8 Feet/3.0 Meters)
- AmazonBasics 700MB 52x CD-R (50-Pack Spindle)
- AmazonBasics 700 MB 52x CD-R (100-Pack Spindle)
- AmazonBasics 3RCA Component Video Cable (6 Feet)
- AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Braided Cable (6.5 Feet/2.0 Meters)
Digital camera reviews of Panasonic DMR-EA38VK Tunerless 1080p Upconverting VHS DVD Recorder
Digital camera Review: Can't connect cable unless you use a cable box
Summary: 4 Stars
I guess I misread the specs, I thought I didn't need a tuner because I have cable, but what I didnt realize is this wont work if you dont use a set top box. Well, it'll work, but you need to kludge it together. I assumed there would be an ANTENNA IN for the cable, even though there is no internal tuner, but that's not correct -- there is no way to connect the cable directly on this tunerless dvd recorder combo. I ended up splitting my cable and going 1/2 into the TV directly, and 1/2 into an old DVD recorder that had a tuner .... then sent the output from there into the new EA38V to capture the channels from my cable feed on the new DVD recorder. That's crazy - it gives a reduced quality analog signal, but at least I could test the workings of the machine. I also experimented with an external DTV tuner to record digital OTA channels. It's okay, but the quality is compromised. Plus, you have to change the channels manually on the DTV converter, so that doesnt really help with timer recordings of different channels.
Since I first wrote this review I've been told that this model includes an IR blaster that will control a cable box , so unattended recordings may be possible after all. I haven't gotten that yet , so I can't comment on it, but I have managed to do some unattended recordings using an over the air DTV tuner set to one station and left ON.
I like the machine itself, and I bought it because of the good reviews compared to some of the newer models, but I've found the set up and operation to be a little complex. This is my fifth panasonic -- generally I'm a big fan of their products, but if you do not use a cable box, this probably is not the right model for you unless you only want it for copying VHS and other input source material to DVD. Also, be careful when setting recordings -- you can't just "record', you have to select input source if you use more than one, AND you have to select recording format (VHS or DVD). I accidentally recorded blank air because I had missed one of those 'options" and just hit 'record' when it was set to the wrong "line in." This is not hard -- it's just not automatic ... you have to pay attention and it's easier if you're THERE when you record, so you can control the variables.
BTW, there is a firmware upgrade available from panasonic's web site for this model - I haven't tried it yet, but it may have a few bug fixes that could be useful. You download it then burn it to a CD and then update the firmware of your equipment. I've done it on other DVD recorders and was able to 'fix" a disk incompatibility issue, so it might be worth looking into if you're running into trouble with yours.
UPDATE - I moved this recorder to a room that has a tv set up with a cable box and it's much simpler. It needs to be reset occasionally -- goes into what we call zombie mode -- but otherwise, it's been fine. I especially like the fact that it has audio passthrough that works even when the unit is powered off, so I am using an RCA - stereo mini female to connect headphones -- the TV did not have non-digital audio out option, so this DVD recorder is bridging the gap and allowing me to get TV sound via headphone or external powered speakers. Came in handy after all. Image quality is good. Oh, and we finally got the remote control via IR blaster to work , so all in all I'd say this is a worthwhile unit as long as you have a cable box or other external tuner source for your content.
Summary of Panasonic DMR-EA38VK Tunerless 1080p Upconverting VHS DVD Recorder
VIERALink technology ensures that you don`t have to worry about setting the recorder to the right channel every time you want to record something. 1080p up-conversion increases the richness of the original data by almost six fold, producing the highest possible image quality. SD memory card slot and USB terminal makes it easy to view photos from your digital camera. High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. Progressive scan provides a spectacularly clear image with no motion artifacts (stair-stepping), and details so sharp they seem as if they`re etched onto the screen. High resolution LP recording mode fits up to four hours of recordings on one DVD while still enjoying the crisp, vibrant, and exceptionally detailed images delivered by 500 lines of horizontal resolution. Global Product Type: DVD Player/Recorders DVD/VHS Combos; Playback Formats: CD; CD-R; CD-RW; DVD-RAM; DVD-Video; DVD+R; DVD+RW; JPEG; MP3; DVD; DVD-R(DL); DVD-RDVD-RW; DVD-VR; DVD+R(DL); VHS-Hi-Fi; VHS-SQPB; Audio Output: Coaxial digital Pin Jack; LINE Pin Jacks; S-Connector; Video Output: Coaxial digital Pin Jack; LINE Pin Jacks; S-Connector.DVD Recorders
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