Panasonic DMR-EZ48V information from Consumer Reports

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Panasonic DMR-EZ48V

Approximate retail price:

$300

Summary: A progressive-scan DVD recorder/VCR with built-in tuner and pseudo-HD upconversion.

64 people have reviewed this model.

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Type: DVD recorders with built-in VCR

About - Panasonic DMR-EZ48V
The Panasonic DMR-EZ48V is part of the Blu-ray & DVD player test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, DVD recorder models like the DMR-EZ48V are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below. Prerecorded DVDs (480i): Scores of this picture-quality test indicate the sharpness and detail of images on both analog and digital TVs when the unit is playing a DVD disc and outputting standard-definition 480i (interlaced video) to the TV. Prerecorded DVDs (480p): Scores of this picture-quality test indicate the sharpness and detail of images on both analog and digital TVs when the unit is playing a DVD disc and outputting standard-definition 480p (progrssive-scan video) to the TV. Recording (fine): Scores of this picture-quality test indicate the sharpness and detail of recordings made to both blank DVDs (at the one-hour, fine-mode picture quality setting) and, when applicable, the unit's hard drive at the same picture quality setting. Models equipped with VCRs scored "Good" for VCR recording at the SP picture quality setting.

About - Panasonic DMR-EZ48V

The Panasonic DMR-EZ48V is part of the Blu-ray & DVD player test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, DVD recorder models like the DMR-EZ48V are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Prerecorded DVDs (480i):: Scores of this picture-quality test indicate the sharpness and detail of images on both analog and digital TVs when the unit is playing a DVD disc and outputting standard-definition 480i (interlaced video) to the TV.
Prerecorded DVDs (480p):: Scores of this picture-quality test indicate the sharpness and detail of images on both analog and digital TVs when the unit is playing a DVD disc and outputting standard-definition 480p (progrssive-scan video) to the TV.
Recording (fine):: Scores of this picture-quality test indicate the sharpness and detail of recordings made to both blank DVDs (at the one-hour, fine-mode picture quality setting) and, when applicable, the unit's hard drive at the same picture quality setting. Models equipped with VCRs scored "Good" for VCR recording at the SP picture quality setting.

About This Brand
Panasonic is a top-tier consumer electronics manufacturer in multiple product categories. its various DVD products have typically been midpriced and widely available. The company has been one of the more aggressive in the Blu-ray category in terms of price and assortment, and was the first to offer a portable Blu-ray player and among the first to add 3D capability.

About This Brand

Panasonic is a top-tier consumer electronics manufacturer in multiple product categories. its various DVD products have typically been midpriced and widely available. The company has been one of the more aggressive in the Blu-ray category in terms of price and assortment, and was the first to offer a portable Blu-ray player and among the first to add 3D capability.

Features & Specs - Panasonic DMR-EZ48V
Built-in tuner Has a built-in tuner that can receive and decode over-the-air digital (DTV) and analog (conventional) TV signals, unscrambled analog cable TV signals, and, unless otherwise noted, unscrambled digital cable TV signals. Models that lack a tuner must be connected to a cable box, satellite box, tuner equipped DVR, or some other TV tuning device to receive and record TV broadcasts. Broadcast of over-the-air analog TV signals is scheduled to be discontinued on February 17, 2009. After this date devices that normally receive an over-the-air TV broadcasts (such as TVs, VCRs, DVD recorders, and DVRs that are equipped with conventional TV tuners) will no longer be able to unless they are also equipped with, or are connected to a tuner that can receive and decode over-the-air digital TV signals (basic analog cable TV reception will not be affected). Note that models with built-in tuners can be used as DTV or unscrambled digital cable converter boxes to enable TV programming to be receive by TVs that lack DTV or digital cable TV tuners. Built-in tuner	Yes
Set-top box control A recording device's ability to change channels automatically on a cable box or a satellite receiver--needed to record programs from several channels when time-shift recording from a cable box or a satellite receiver. Set-top box control	No
Pseudo HD up-conversion Can up-convert the video from standard DVDs to 720p, 1080i, and for some models, 1080p resolution which may result in better picture quality on fixed pixel display HDTVs. Note that upconversion does not produce a true HD picture. Pseudo HD up-conversion	Yes
Records to DVD-R For DVD recorders, the ability to record onto writable DVDs in the DVD-R format. This format is highly compatible with other DVD recorders and players, but once a recording is made, you can't re-record over it. Depending on the recorder, limited editing can be performed on the recorded material. Records to DVD-R	Yes
Records to DVD-RW (video) For DVD recorders, the ability to record onto re-writable DVDs in the DVD-RW format's video mode. This format is highly compatible with newer DVD recorders and players. Once a recording is made, you can re-record over it. Depending on the recorder, limited editing can be performed on the recorded material. Records to DVD-RW (video)	Yes
Records to DVD-RW (VR) For DVD recorders, the ability to record onto re-writable DVDs in the DVD-RW format's VR mode. This format is only compatible with certain DVD recorders and players. Once a recording is made, you can re-record over it. This (in VR mode) and the DVD-RAM format are the only two that let you fully edit what you've recorded. With some recorders, this format also lets you view a previously recorded program at the same time you are recording another, or pause, reverse, or fast-forward a program while you are still recording it. Records to DVD-RW (VR)	NS
Records to DVD+R For DVD recorders, the ability to record onto writable DVDs in the DVD+R format. This format is highly compatible with other DVD recorders and players, but once a recording is made, you can't re-record over it. Depending on the recorder, limited editing can be performed on the recorded material. Records to DVD+R	Yes
Records to DVD+RW For DVD recorders, the ability to record onto re-writable DVDs in the DVD+RW format. This format is highly compatible with newer DVD recorders and players. Once a recording is made you can re-record over it. Depending on the recorder, limited editing can be performed on the recorded material. Records to DVD+RW	Yes
Records to DVD-RAM For DVD recorders, the ability to record onto re-writable DVDs in the DVD-RAM format. This format is only compatible with certain DVD recorders and players. Once a recording is made, you can re-record over it. This and the DVD-RW format (in VR mode) are the only two that let you fully edit what you've recorded. This format also lets you view a previously recorded program at the same time you are recording another, or pause, reverse, or fast-forward a program while you are still recording it. Records to DVD-RAM	Yes
HDMI output HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a relatively new form of digital audio/video connection found on TVs, monitors, Blu-ray players, DVD players, receivers, cameras and digital TV tuners. HDMI has become the preferred connection method instead of component, etc., as it carries audio and video signals on the same cable. HDMI supports a range of standard- and high-definition video formats, although it can vary for each product. HDMI supports up to eight channels of uncompressed, 24-bit/192kHz audio. HDMI version 1.3, doubled the bandwidth of its predecessor (HDMI 1.2), and added support for 30-, 36- and 48-bit color depth and a new "xvYCC" color standard, as well as the new Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master lossless audio formats (See "Dolby True HD" and "DTS-HD Master Audio") used in Blu-ray discs. HDMI version 1.4 added full support for 3D television, an audio return path, and ethernet network connection. Some Blu-ray discs, in order to be viewed in high-definition, will require that the Blu-ray player and the HDTV/display be connected using an HDMI cable as a copy-protection measure. HDMI allows content providers to limit the quality of the component video outputs, and your ability to record the content. HDMI output	Yes
Coaxial digital-audio out Digital-audio outputs are important only if your home-theater system lacks HDMI connections. As an alternative, you can pipe the digital audio signals--both stereo and multichannel--from the Blu-ray or DVD player, or television set-top box into a digital receiver. Coaxial digital audio interconnect, also called SPDIF cable, sends digital audio signals over a coaxial cable. This coaxial cable is the same as a composite-video cable -- both use common RCA connectors. Digital-audio, via coax or optical, supports multichannel Dolby Digital and DTS audio, but not the more advanced formats available over HDMI. When choosing your Blu-ray or DVD player, consider the models that have the outputs to match the inputs on your digital receiver or external, digital decoder. All Blu-ray and DVD players have digital audio outputs--coaxial, optical, or both. Coaxial digital-audio out	No
Optical digital-audio out Digital-audio outputs are important only if your home-theater system lacks HDMI connections. As an alternative, you can pipe the digital audio signals--both stereo and multichannel--from the Blu-ray or DVD player, or television set-top box into a digital receiver. Optical digital audio interconnects, also called Toslink cables, send digital audio signals as pulses of light over optical fiber rather than an electrical signal over coaxial cable. Digital-audio, via optical or coax, supports multichannel Dolby Digital and DTS audio, but not the more advanced formats available over HDMI. Most optical cables use the small, squarish Toslink connector, but there's also a smaller mini optical connector, which looks a lot like a standard 1/8-inch mini-plug. When choosing your Blu-ray or DVD player, consider the models that have the outputs to match the inputs on your digital receiver or external, digital decoder. All Blu-ray and DVD players have digital audio outputs--coaxial, optical, or both. Optical digital-audio out	Yes
More features and specs

Additional Information (The information below has been supplied by an external source.)

General Information
Manufacturer	Panasonic
Manufacturer Website Address	www.panasonic.com
Product Model	DMR-EZ48VK
Product Name	DMR-EZ48VK DVD/VCR Combo
Product Type	DVD Player/VCR

User Reviews - Panasonic DMR-EZ48V

Consumer Reports User Reviews

Already own it? Write a review

Bob, the Late Night Courier Guy

from

my couch

3.0

What year IS this?

5/11/2012

Pros

Sometimes it works

Cons

Sometimes it doesn't

Best Uses

If you like to gamble

Comment:

All the stuff everyone else said... locks up, won't read a disc it just recorded, timer just forgets? It's a lot like a teenager that just won't listen. But they're ALL like that! Actually, it seems all digital stuff is like that... IF I feel like doing it at all, I'll do it when I'm good and ready. I can't believe that nobody can (is it can't or won't?) make a reliable DVD recorder. I recently bought a Magnavox MDR515H with a hard drive and sent it back it was such a frustrating piece of poo. I then got a DVR670 DVD/VHS Recorder. Looks to be the same lousy firmware as the Magnavox by the menu screens and horrible channel selection method, but I kept it anyway. (I can't keep wasting money on return S&H!) At least it only records a black silent screen on some of the channels as opposed to most of the channels like the Magnavox, and 5 to 10 seconds can add up when you have to wait that long between every channel change. It can literally take several minutes just to go from a channel at the low end of the tuner like 4-1 to one somewhere in the middle like 20-2. And yes, you have to wait for every single one in between. The Panasonic isn't nearly so bad and the channel selector (especially for timer recordings) is so much easier to use. Also, you can preview the channel you are programming as you set the timer so you know there is actually a channel there. Not possible with those other two units which, btw, don't let you label channels. The Panasonic does. So, the Panasonic has some problems, but it is so much better and easier to use than the others. It's too bad when an unreliable unit is the best go to option you've got. I would hesitantly recommend it keeping that in mind. I found a firmware update a few months ago and it worked reasonable well for a while. Lately it's has become very unstable again so I will try to find another update. I just threw out a Sanyo D1000 that I used to think was a PITA, but after dealing with these SOBs I miss it. It only had an analog tuner, but I could have at least used it to record off the cable box. Now, Comcast... THERE's a topic for disgruntlement! (Some other time and place.)

How long have you owned it:

More than six months

Bottom Line

Gman

from

Los Angeles

4.0

Panasonic DMR-EZ48V is not so bad

2/23/2012

Pros

Built in fan -longevity

Clearity of recordings

Fast Recording

Fast Setup

Flexible Recording Discs

Input and Outputs 5 Star

RAM disc flexibility

Simple Controls

VHS to DVD crisp copies

Cons

Quirky at times

Timer not always reliable

Best Uses

Archiving TV Shows

Cable Into Recorder to TV

HDMI SD Card USB

Movies

Professional

Storage

Comment:

There are ONLY a few decent DVD recorders as of 2012, the 10th year of consumer DVD recording. I have owned many and most were not good. Philips began the consumer DVD recorders with Rivals of Panasonic and Toshiba. Thru the decade they have made all recorders compatible for the wide variety of discs out there. Philips leaned toward +R +RW while Toshiba and Panasonic leaned heavily toward -R -RW and RAM discs. The Panasonic is a great contender, it offers the most inputs, outputs and flexible recording with DVD-RAM discs. Toshiba also provides good machines but make sure to check if the model has RF in /out . Some models do not provide simple co-ax cable (RF). Panasonic does have a well built DVD recorder with VHS to DVD recording, as well as SD Card, Digital Camera and Recorder inputs, and USB. There is only a few small glitches with this recorder (and all do have their glitches) but I noticed unreliable timer for shows to record regularly. And occasional on-screen notification Uupper right) that may stick until rebooted. But these are minor glitches. The Panasonic certainly reads DVDS and media loudly but precisely. I am very happy over all and would recommend this model.

How long have you owned it:

Three-to-six months

Bottom Line

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

Informed consumer

from

Illinois

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

1.0

Why don't they allow us to buy parts?

1/3/2012

Pros

Plays about 20 disk

Cons

Disk drive is not quality

Best Uses

Paper Weight

Comment:

I haven't even used this very often until now. The system locks up often and the disk will not read all disk. I attempted to use cleaning disk without any results. The company claims I can return this to Texas and get another one but not for warranty. There may have been a weak disk drive all the long!

How long have you owned it:

More than six months

Bottom Line

No, I would not recommend this to a friend.

Other User Reviews

2.0

(based on 5 reviews)

FRED59

User has 1 Year of experience with this product

2.0

Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK DVD Recorder

12/06/2009

Strength

LOTS of Options

Weakness

Timer recorder freezes up, not reliable for time shifting, complicated,very poor customer relations, won't convert digital TV signal to analog VHS for recording.

This unit had great potential for replacing my VHS for timeshifting with my outside antenna. Unfortunately, it has come to the point that I must unplug the power cord each time I want to time shift, otherwise the unit freezes up-locks up and won't record. We have missed a lot of shows we planned on seeing later because of this flaw. Panasonic is totally uncommitted in helping us with this problem. I have read from others that Panasonic has terrible customer service, now I know that's true.

Source: Price Grabber

Anonymous

User has 60 Days of experience with this product

1.0

don't buy it

10/11/2009

Strength

none

Weakness

difficult to understand the directions, locked up, destroyed a older tv.

You don't want to own one of these. I can't believe how difficult it was to record, never could figure out how to produce a menu on the recorded dvd, only could put on 2 hrs on at dvd from a 6 hr vhs movie. VERY slow to start up, very slow to change channels, and finally, it locked up completely, wouldn't turn off, even when unplugged and given time to reset. Then the third time it locked up, it took out the TV with it. Now we have to purchase a new tv.

Source: Price Grabber

Orchidgirl70

User has 4 Weeks of experience with this product

5.0

A really good product.

03/09/2009

Strength

Can record onto dvd or vcr, watch both dvds and tapes, watch one program while recording another.

Weakness

I have been unable to set up the Viera link properly, although I've tried a couple of times.

I think it's a great dvd recorder / vhs recorder. Setting it up was relatively easy, although it is evidently capable of advanced functions. I've also formatted my dvds on it very quickly.

Source: Price Grabber

See all 64 user reviews

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