I see there was a thread named this last year when Panasonic released their Freeview HD certified recorders so I thought I'd make a new thread just to see who still has their unit and whether they're happy with it one year on.
DaMo73: I see there was a thread named this last year when Panasonic released their Freeview HD certified recorders so I thought I'd make a new thread just to see who still has their unit and whether they're happy with it one year on.
Yeah Got a Panasonic DMR BW880 about 3 months ago and I'm rapt with it. Only down side they brought out the new 3D model just a few weeks after I bought. However the BW880 + a 3D Player is still cheaper than the new model recorder.
kandjc: Yes - we have an DMR-XW380 - and are very pleased with it 10 months on.
I've been looking at getting this model actually but the one thing it would have to do, that my Sony can do, is the ability to precisely edit recorded content on a frame-by-frame basis for backing up to DVD R/RW.
In fact I emailed Panasonic about this and they yes, but without knowing anyone who has this model, until now, I do remain a little skeptical.
Editting is done using the partial delete menu with the standard fast forward/rewind arrows - 5 speeds available. Not super precise frame by frame but I can get close.
kandjc: Editting is done using the partial delete menu with the standard fast forward/rewind arrows - 5 speeds available. Not super precise frame by frame but I can get close.
Sony KDL 40EX500 Panasonic DMR-XW380
Correct for my BW880 AND if you use the left and right arrows either side of the OK button you get super precise frame by frame forward and reverse. The Manual isn't much help in this area though. I found it by trial and error.
I am sort of happy with my DMR-XW380. Had it for 12 months - had a Pioneer DVD HD recorder before that, and that actually puts the Panasonic to shame in startup and shut down times. The Panasonic takes a good minute to crank up - ages if you want to tape something straight away. The Pioneer started in well less than 30 seconds.
Also I notice that sometimes if you are recording something, you can't click on the Disk Navigator button to access that menu - I have to click on the Prog button first to see what's lined up to tape, and then to Disk Navigaotr, and it works.
Yes I probably should take it in, but is it worth the hassle? Not unless something else goes wrong.
If I was still shopping around for a new unit I would go for the Panasonic DMR-BWT700GZ. RRP is $1299 but JB had it at $1195. Have a look at Panasonic NZ. Seems to do all you want (except Facebook)? Should be able to negotiate down to around $1050 for cash and would be well worth the investment. Will probably be retailing at $1099 in a couple of months anyway.
The BWT700GZ has been listed for $1050 on Pricespy a couple of times. Watch carefully and you'll save $$$.
I wouldn't buy a DMR-XW380. Small HDD and a DVD drive in 2011 does not appeal. I'll guess if you already own one that it'd be possible to swap in a larger drive.
Get the DMR-PWT500GZ, with a 320GB HDD and a BluRay drive, it could be a go'er... There's no BluRay burner, but you could always use the DLNA server capability to send the content to a PC... then convert it / store it there. RRP is less than what you're looking for the 700 series, so I think it would be a great option to consider.
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