TiVo and ReplayTV users have it all. Almost.

[Gregg Lengling]

They can digitally record their favorite TV shows for later viewing, but unless they want to use up precious disk space, they still have to use that near-retro-status videotape to save those shows.
Sure, you could finagle a setup with your computer that gets the digital content onto DVD. But let's be real: You're not going to do that because you'd have to deal with tricky software.

Fortunately there's the set-top DVD recorder. And although it hasn't entered into mainstream use yet, the stand alone device is almost ready to take the place of your dust-covered VCR.

RAM It in There

If you want the ease of a cassette tape, you have to get reusable media. That's partly why Panasonic has chosen the DVD-RAM format for its new DMR-E30S DVD recorder.

With the -RAM format, you get the benefits of reusable media and the ability for some TiVo-like "time-shifting" playback. For example, should you be halfway through recording a show, you can go back to the beginning and watch it from there. You can even fast-forward through commercials or, in my case, the boring parts of the show.

And when it comes to capturing video on a blank disc, you've got options for recording length — just like with a VCR.

Just like a videocassette tape, a DVD-RAM disc can record two, four, or six hours. And as with a videocassette tape, the longer you go the lower the quality of your recording.

However, jamming six hours on a disc doesn't leave you with grainy, somewhat lackluster video. Instead you get less than 30 frames per second (fps) video playback with a little kick of compression. The end result: Video that looks a bit funny and may have a slight "flicker." It's not bad, but if you're archiving a show, use the least amount of compression.

High-End, But Lacking

Since the DMR-E30S is progressive scan, you're not just getting a nice DVD recorder, you're also getting a high-end DVD player that delivers crisp video from pre-recorded DVD movies.

And it has plenty of input/output options, even for the high-end user. It features the RF cable in/out and even RCA audio/video input jacks. There's also S-Video, a BNC video connection, and a digital out for audio using fiber optic cables.

The Panasonic was easy to set up and easy to use. The iconic menus were clear and playing back our DVD-RAM disc was a cinch. However, when it came to recording programs at a later time we ran into problems.

The unit features VCRPlus technology for easy programming, but if you're using a cable box, you're out of luck. And unlike TiVo and ReplayTV, the DMR-E30S lacks an internal programming guide and the ability to change channels on a cable- or satellite-TV receiver box. So to record a show off either of those common TV systems, you have to leave the decoder box on and tuned to the correct channel — a very disappointing and low-tech approach to unattended recording.


The Bottom Line

TiVo has spoiled us, and we want our new, DVD recording devices to incorporate the same features found on such hard drive-based digital recording units.

Overall, this the Panasonic DVD recorder is a great deal. Although the DMR-E30S lacks a few perks, late-adopters will like it. For consumers who already have TiVo or ReplayTV (or another PVR), it's an excellent addition, since you can finally save those shows you love to a high-quality DVD for later playback.

Now, if only there was something on TV worth saving.

Pros: Multiple recording options; digital, reusable media
Cons: No hard drive; no internal programming guide

Company: Panasonic
Price: $499
Available: Now
Category: Set-top DVD recorders