PANASONIC DMR-ES10 DVD RECORDER

I bought this unit about six months ago, as a refurb on Ebay.
After consulting Epinions, it seemed that Panasonic DVD recorders were
among the best. This is my first DVD recorder, and let me tell you I
am impressed.
It is heavy, and seems very well built.
I won't go into all the features and capabilities of this unit, there is more than
enough of that here already. But will tell you it has worked flawlessly, and
burned many DVDs so far, giving it quite a workout. I have experienced no
problems.

It takes some time to figure out the menus and the manual could be better organized,
but everything is there.
The 'front notched' DVD tray takes a bit of getting used to,
but actually works quite well. (The disc must be grasped with index finger in the hub, and thumb
at front of disc, not on either side of disc like most other players).

I recorded all DVD-R and DVD-RW discs, but the full capabilities of this unit really shine
using DVD RAM discs. (I used the included disc to test the unit and it works really well, especially
the capability to go back and play any part of a program WHILE STILL Recording it.)
DVD RAM discs are available, but are more expensive than other recordables.
They also are available double-sided for up to 16 Hrs of recording.
One of these is all that is needed to make this unit perform somewhat like a DVR.
DVD RAM discs are all continously re-recordable.
With the prices of other recordable disc media so low, most people will probably never
buy one (at least I won't, unless the one they gave me wears out, if thats possible).


ALL MY RECORDING WAS DONE THROUGH INPUT 2 (Front of unit), from external sources.

Recorded Video Quality (DVD-R), in my opinion is like this:


SPEED MAX TIME QUALITY

XP 1HR SUPERB

SP 2HR AS GOOD AS BEST VCR RECORDING

LP 4HR GOOD - ACCEPTABLE TO MOST PEOPLE

EP 6HR or 8HR ONLY ACCEPTABLE FOR PLAY ON SMALL SCREENS
OR ARCHIVING. NOTICEABLY DEGRADED VIDEO QUALITY.
SIX HOUR IS BAD ENOUGH, NEVER TRIED EIGHT.




One feature thats cool, and really useful is "Flexible Recording". This feature allows you
to let the machine set the best record speed for optimum quality, after you input the
desired recording time. (ie) If the movie or program you wish to record is say, 140 minutes ,
the unit will spread the program out on the disc (2hrs 20min), using the entire disc.
This would not be possible using preset speeds. Net result is best quality on full disc.

I already wrote more than I intended, but to sum it up...I feel this machine is a real work horse.
The only thing missing that I think it should have, is a Zoom button on the remote.
Well built, and although a bit dated by now....if you can find a new one (or good refurb), grab it.
I don't think they make'em like this anymore.