This latest DVD recorder reproduces high-definition pictures of excellent quality, writes STEPHEN FENECH

PANASONIC XW300

WHILE the video cassette recorder’s coffin was nailed shut a while back, there are  other products already emerging that make those first-generation DVD recorders look rather dated as well.

Panasonic’s latest offering, the XW300 DVD recorder takes home recording tothe next level, with built-in twin high-definition tuners.

Standard definition digital tuners aboard DVD and hard-disk drive (HDD) recorders have only been a recent addition, but Panasonic has gone one better with HD.

The XW300 offers the option of recording direct to DVD or on the 250GB hard drive in standard or high-definition.

And thanks to not one, but two HD digital tuners, the recordings are digital quality.

Having two tuners means it is possible to record two programs at the same time.

With more high-definition content on free-to-air television, the XW300 allows viewers to capture their favourite TV shows in the same quality in which theyare broadcast.

On the XW300, high-definition recordings can only be captured on the hard drive, while DVD – a standard definition medium – can only store SD recordings.

Up to 441 hours of recordings can be stored on the 250GB hard drive, while up to eight hours of material can be stored on a single layer DVD and about 14 hours ona dual-layer disc.

Setting up the device was quite simple.

It was just a matter of connecting the RF aerial cable from the TV point on the wall tothe XW300 and then supplying an RF cable from the device to the TV’s aerial input.

HDMI provides a simple one-cable connection between the XW300 and a HD TV, and after that all you have to do is plug it into the power point.

Onscreen, all that has to be done is choose a state of residence and the XW300 does the rest, including setting the time and date and scanning for all available digital channels.

There is a seven-day EPG (electronic program guide), so you can plan recordings.

There’s also an option for extending the recording time so you don’t miss the end of the program. But the XW300 is not only able to record TV shows and view DVDs.

Because the product comes with an SD card slot, it’s possible to put on a slide show of digital images or watch digital video on the TV’s large screen.

Anyone with a digital video camera can relate to the difficulty of organising and archiving footage.

The XW300 easily transfers footage from the camcorder to the hard drive or on to a DVD.

TV programs can also be transferred to disc after being recorded to hard drive if, for instance, a friend asks if you recorded a TV show they missed.

The Panasonic XW300 offers an excellent solution for anyone looking for the highest quality recording and playback capabilities.

It is priced at $1329 and is available by calling 132 600 or going to panasonic.com.au 

PIONEER DVR-560HX

The Pioneer DVR-560HX is an excellent-value unit with DVD and 160GB hard drive for recordings.

There’s a standard definition tuner plus an upscaling feature that can make DVDs look more like high definition.

It is priced at $649 and  available by calling 1800 988 268 or going to pioneer.com.au 

LG RH2T160A

A built-in SD tuner enables recording of up to 477 hours on to the 160GB hard drive or DVD discs.

It also has an eight-day electronic program guide (EPG) and DV input for a camcorder.

The LG RH2T160I is priced at $849 and is available by calling 1800 544 357 or by going to lge.com.au

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