Panasonic DMR-EX79 DVD / HDD Recorder Comments

They've done a remarkeble job of making those menus and epg look ugly.

@haim - that's also what I thought on first impressions. I can only assume it's different when you use it first hand? Also, what's with the big grey DIGA block on the EPG - is it used for anything?

@ Haim
They're not much to look at, but if they're anything similar to last years model which I won they are remarkably easy to use and navigate, even my dad was able to record a program something he hasn't been able to do since VCR tapes :P

I bought a Panasonic DMR-EX78 last year and although that is also an excellent recorder, there were a few fundamental user interface features that bugged me so much that I ended up selling it. At least one of them, auto chapter marks seems to have been resolved but what about any of these in this year's EX79 model?

1) When you come to the end of one recorded program does the EX79 play straight through to the next program - thus removing the 'new' tag.
3) How good is the display information? Can you see the title, chapter and playing and remain time? The EX78 was pretty poor with no time remaining information.
4) How long is the DVD layer change delay? It's quite slow on the EX78
5) Although this may not be a region-free player, do you know how easy it handles the swap between PAL and NTSC discs. Do you have to go in and change TV mode just to watch an NTSC disc when you have a timer recording?
6) When in power save mode, is the start up time still hideously slow?

On the positive side it's great to see TR show more screen shots of the product in action.

@Pbryanw - The grey DIGA block is actual the space where adverts are shown and you cannot get rid of it. It's a really annoying waste of space but obviously Panasonic had some deal to include advertising in their EPG ;-(

Whoa, times change fast in the world of Countdown...since when has that guy from Sky Sports been presenting it?!

I didn't even know it was still on TV!

@smc8788 - Going off-topic, but Jeff Stelling's been there for a while. Do you also know that Carol Vorderman no longer co-presents either. Apparently the new show's not doing too well in the ratings also.

@Orinj - Thanks for clearing that up. I've heard that Panasonic TV's run adverts in their EPG, but didn't realise the recorders did too. The last DVD/Hard-disk recorder I had was a Sony which was pretty good. I wonder how this Panasonic stacks up against a similar Sony.

And yet another HDD/DVD freeview recorder without twin tuners!

You don't really need twin tuners as most tv's these days come with a built in freeview tuner so you can still record while watching another program.

@Pbryanw - Interestingly, I sold the Panasonic EX79 to buy a Pioneer DVR-LX61D which I am much happier with. It uses the same user layout and functionality as the Sony models and I also have a Sony RDR-HXD870. Both models have their quirks that don't make them perfect but I still prefer them to the Panasonic. It's just disappointing that the remote controls for the Pioneer and Sony have too many buttons compared with the Panasonic and so finding basic controls such as pause and time skip are a bit tricky in the dark.

When you pay £280 for a device, you really don't expect to be fobbed off with ads in the EPG. Not cool, Panasonic!

@Isaac Sarayiah - dual tuners are essential for me. I never use the tuner in my TV (in fact it isn't even connected to an RF cable), because - having been a PVR user for a couple of years now - I hate not being able to pause and rewind live TV. I use my PVR in chase mode a lot, especially on commercial channels where I can start watching say 10 minutes late and then catch up by fast forwarding the ads. Also it is useful to be able to record two things at once, perhaps while also watching an existing recording.

@John Mclean - exactly, i too always watch in chase, especially the gadget show so i can fast forward over the irritating presenters :)

"new is an advanced control system that activates the fan only when the unit gets too hot" - it's called a thermostat

I thought the primary benefit of having twin tuners is that you can record two programmes on two different channels at the same time... Anyway, can anyone tell me how the upscaling performance of these Panasonic recorders compares to the upscaling of standard DVD on a Panasonic Blu-ray player? I'm trying to make my mind up. Thanks!