Review: Panasonic DMR-ES20D DVD recorder

It's even more surprising when you consider that digital recordings are easier to encode from digital TV signals - as there's no need for any conversion between analogue stages. And integrating the two is not only going to save you the price of a set-top box but it's also going to free up valuable connections and space beneath your set.

But, while many of the latest generation TVs are incorporating digital tuners, the number of digitally equipped DVD recorders are conspicuous only by their absence. In fact, Panasonic's DMR-ES20D is only the second such DVD recorder we've come across - and the previously reviewed Sony GXD-500 has been discontinued.

So, if you want a single-box system that allows you to watch Freeview channels, make recordings onto disc and play DVDs then your search has just been made a lot easier.

Another attractive feature of the DMR-ES20D is its multi-format compatibility, both with recording and playback discs. You can record onto practically every disc format under the home cinema sun, except for DVD+RW. This cuts out buying confusion and gives you the versatility of using DVD-RAM for edited recordings, DVD-RW for temporary recordings and DVD-R/+R for permanent copies. And the list of playback formats is equally inclusive, stretching from standard DVD and CD formats to encoded discs and even DVD-Audio - although playback is restricted to two channels only.

Performance
For what's essentially an entry-level recorder, the understated design featuring a two-tone front panel uncluttered by controls is impressively stylish. And there's a full complement of connections around the back, including a pair of Scart terminals, PAL progressive scan enabling component outputs and an optical digital audio output that can be connected to an AV receiver. There's also a set of standard AV inputs hidden at the front for easy access, but sadly no DV input for camcorders.

The quality of recordings is always dictated by the quality of the original TV signal and the Panasonic's integrated tuner is on a par with any decent set-top box. Images are enviably solid and stable with deep black levels providing decent detail and depth of field. Colours are evenly balanced and equally adept at realising the natural tones in daytime soap operas as they are at rendering superficial effects in music channel videos.

Digital channels are automatically installed as soon as you turn the recorder on for the first time. Each channel carries an information bar bearing basic programme details and there's also a well-presented, easily accessible Electronic Programme Guide (EPG). Although the EPG doesn't support full programme details you can use it to view schedules - a seven-day TV guide is available if you leave the recorder in standby mode with the Quick Start mode on - and set recordings.

Using the EPG provides the simplest means of making a recording - all you need do is select a chosen programme from the guide and recording is automatically initiated when it starts. Otherwise, you can manually set up timer recordings, use VideoPlus or simple one-touch recording options. The DMR-ES20D features 1sec Quickstart recording, which as the name suggests starts pretty much the instant you push the button so you need never miss the opening seconds of a programme.

As usual, there's a choice of several recording quality modes with the highest (XP) giving you one hour's worth of recording on a standard 4.7GB disc. In this mode, copies are as close to the original as you would care to notice - retaining strong edge definition and vibrant colours without smearing or instability. Using lower quality modes gives you longer recording times, up to eight hours in the lowest quality (EP) mode, but definition rapidly deteriorates after the SP mode (two hours) with soft edges, shimmering lines and a spate of picture noise all overwhelming the picture.

Post-editing functions are largely restricted to DVD-RAM discs and there's an excellent Direct Navigator menu that graphically presents recordings using thumbnails allowing you to edit recordings, create playlists and generally organise your copies without any confusion. And the hard drive nature of DVD-RAM also allows time slip functions such as watching the start of a recording before it's finished.

Fortunately, DVD playback hasn't been ignored or treated merely as an afterthought. Progressive scan pictures in particular are immaculately clean and doused in detail and depth-defining contrast while colours are naturally balanced and realistic. Slow-panned movement occasionally stutters across the screen but fast-paced action is generally smooth and digital disturbances are kept out of sight in all but the most complex scenes.