Panasonic DMR-EZ25EB-S
Product Rating   
Panasonic DMR-EZ25EB-S ReviewRating:
Date: 14-03-2007
Although it lacks a hard disk drive (HDD), the Panasonic DMR-EZ25EB-S is one of our top-rated DVD recorders. The reasons are easy to state. Firstly, although it doesn't have a hard drive, it still supports one of the key advantages of a HDD - Timeslip - enabling you to pause or rewind live TV whilst recording. It can do this because it supports the DVD-RAM format. DVD-RAM has a higher capacity than other formats and can be easily rewritten. The DMR-EZ25EB-S also supports all other formats - DVD+R/+RW and DVD-R/-RW, including the new dual layer and 16x speed -R disks - making it extremely versatile and compatible with other DVD recorders. Panasonic is virtually the only manufacturer making recorders that support all formats.
Secondly, the DMR-EZ25EB-S has an integrated Freeview tuner, meaning that you can record TV in digital quality, and future-proofing you against the switch-off of analogue TV some time between 2008 and 2012. The Freeview tuner also brings the benefit of an Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) showing the next 7 days of programmes in an on-screen menu. With the EPG, it's no longer a chore to operate the video! The EZ25EB-S also has an analogue tuner, for those who don't yet have adequate digital reception.
Thirdly, this is just about the only sub-£200 recorder that comes with HDMI output. HDMI is the standard for HD-Ready devices, and lets you connect the recorder to a HD-Ready TV. Note that the recorder does not accept high definition disks, but upscales conventional DVD's to High Definition (1080i or 720p) signals.
As well as recording in all formats, the Panasonic supports playback of all DVD formats, as well as CD's (CD R/RW & VCD), supporting MP3 and JPEG content.
Audio quality is good, with full support for Dolby Digital.
Finally, connectivity is outstanding. As well as the HDMI connection already mentioned, there is support for every other type of connection that you can imaging on a DVD recorder: two SCART's, RGB input/output, S-Video input/output, Component video output, DV input (for direct input from a camcorder), optical audio output (for connecting to a home cinema system), and even a slot for a SD memory card. Panasonic really have thought of everything!
Although it's not the cheapest system available, the Panasonic DMR-EZ25EB-S offers truly outstanding value for money. It's the best non-HDD recorder that we've seen, and the best DVD recorder for under £200.
Features of the Panasonic DMR-EZ25EB-S include:
- DVB-T Tuner (AND UHF Tuner)
- HDMI
- SD Card Slot
- Super Multi Format - Record & Play ALL DVD Formats
- Timeslip Functions : Pause TV , Simultaneous Record & Play, Chasing Playback
- Super Easy GUI
- 1 Sec Quick Start & Record
Panasonic DMR-EZ25EB-S Consumer Reviews
(8 reviews)
Write a review of the Panasonic DMR-EZ25EB-S!
Please share your experiences to help other people choose the product that's best for
them. This is a review site, not a forum, so please don't just ask questions. Please
do not use swear words or offensive language, and please, no advertising!
Reviewed by madame ping on 01/06/2009
I found it useful when the screen says finalize - dont finalize and the disc will keep the recording on a draft version as long as you like, then just format again to clear the lot. Finalizing was a pain when the lazer on the disc started scratching everything. The repair shops wants £25 just to look at it - which is to send you an invoice with whatever you say is wrong with it for about 99% of its cost and depreciation. Hopefully Panasonic will pay towards some of the repair but frankly the repair service is not worth it - as it is like buying a new dvd player but without the 3 year warranty etc...
Rating:
Reviewed by Mrs Smith on 19/11/2008
We brought 2 of these, and both of them only work for three months at a time, they both creak groin and grind, various number come up, and then unable to do anything with the DVD. Panasonic stated that we have to take to their own contractors shop, each time the same part is replaced, now out of the gurantee we have to pay £20.00 each time for the repair, although Panasonic do pay for the rest, while in the repair shop this always take at least two weeks. Panasonic have refused to replace them unless another £20.00 is paid. The rubbish tip they are going..!!
Rating:
Reviewed by Mrs S. M. Scott on 15/09/2008
Our DVD is just out of guarantee and stopped working - fault U61 disc drive control. Apparently it is only fit for the bin!
Rating:
Reviewed by Ian T on 17/01/2008
I've had this one for about 8 months and found it can do everything I've asked of it. The HD quality is great & HD upscaling works well too. Mostly I've recorded from a Sky box and picture quality, in the main is dependant on the original and will deteriorate if you try to cram too much on to a disc. XP and SP very good, LP is OK and beyond that EP, it's a bit blocky on moving images. Records in ALL formats!!! using RAM gives the best functionality but may restrict you if trying to play back on other players. Loads of connections on the back and camera connections and SD reader on the front. Excellent.
Rating:
Reviewed by Ruby on 12/06/2007
Not enough information on how to tune into Freeview and navigate between digital channels easily. Bt the way how do I get rid of the on screen graphics!
Rating:
Reviewed by Philip Barnard on 02/06/2007
I think this is the one I bought that progressively forgot how to play certain disks. Then I turned it off to "save the planet" and after that all it said was "welcome". I enjoyed stamping on it, then threw it out. The picture quality was dreadful, far worse than VHS, even if you used the "fast" setting. No more Panasonic for me.
Rating:
Reviewed by Alistair Brown on 05/03/2007
I feel the need to amend my thoughts about this recorder, I'm wrong to say once finalised a re-recordable disc cannot be used again, I've checked with Panasonic and all I need to do is format the disc and it will, sorry if I've missled anyone.
Rating:
Reviewed by Alistair Brown on 04/03/2007
Within 10 minutes of opening the box I found out somthing which is major dissappointent for us! I have a JVC DVD player in my lounge and this Panasonic was to go in my kitchen, that way we could watch whatever we wished whilst the Panasonic could be recording. I intended using re writable discs but, and here I find distinct comparables with the old VHS/Betamax scenario, a recoding from the Panasonic cannot be played on any other make of player unless it is 'finalised', the implications of this is that once finalised the disc is set and it is not then possible to re-write! I'm now faced with buying loads of cheap recordables and incidentally the DVD-RAM discs they seriously recommend cannot in any event be played on non Panasonics! I've had the machine two days only and cannot yet comment on it's performance, suffice to say if I'd known then what I know now I'd have chosen differently!
Rating:
|
 |
