Panasonic DMR-BS850

No jarzab, I believe that Sky's HD programmes are copy-protected - you'll only be able to record them to the Sky+ HD box, not an external device.

No official line from Pana on a Freesat-only PVR, but I'd be surprised if they're not considering one.

junior0610:

As we went on to say: "Our only problem is the price. A BD player and PVR of comparable picture and sound performance could be yours for �600. Are you prepared to pay the extra in order to archive content to Blu-ray disc or just to have it all in one box? The choice is yours�"

We know it's not the exact same comparison � we didn't feel the ability to record to Blu-ray disc was worth an extra �400.

The DR mode is 'as is' but other quality modes compress the content to allow you to record even more content. The size of the hard disk means we don't think you need to use these lower quality modes - as we said in the review, we did see a loss in quality.

can i use it to record hd programs from sky hd box

thanx andy but how to connect sky hd box? i don't see hdmi input in panasonic

So if it records the bitstream 'as-is', why are there quality modes?

Any indication from Panasonic as to whether they will bring out a regular FreeSat PVR without Bluray or DVD?

I feel you've missed a point, this product is a blu-ray recorder, so comparing it to a blu-ray player and PVR's price bracket, its a bit misleading, in my opinion. If your knocking a star off because of price, what about the philips 42" at �1800???

At this price, the lack of 7.1 analogue outs to benefit older amps is very disappointing.

the 500gb panasonic blu-ray recorder is already retailing at play.com for £759 with in 1 week of being released.

A Freesat decoder, Blu Ray player, twin feed recorder, CD Jukebox, digital photo frame and internet access all in one box. Soon we'll have the iPlayer online too! Add a decent amp, speakers and a TV and what more could you want.

An awesome piece of kit. Its expensive yes, but worth every penny

Al

I like the idea of being able to combine blu-ray read/write, Freesat+ HD, USB, SD. This unit does provide that, however the menus are not very intuitive, and often the way you operate the menus differ (e.g. the PgDn button is different from menu to menu). The fact that you cannot play back from the USB/AVI while recording on the Sat signal seems like an oversight. Also the time lag between pressing buttons and the unit responding can be frustrating, and you get a blank screen while it does this.

You can record from PVR to disc if the broadcaster permits you to.

Oddly the power button is above the disc tray, and the disc eject is the opposite end of the unit to the disc tray.

I like this unit for its capabilities and combination of features, though I think Panasonic rushed it to market without full usability and consistency testing. I have offered to help with future testing, but my offer was ignored.

After 9 months, my unit developed a fault with its ability to provide a picture on power-on, Panasonic have enabled me to obtain a full refund which is great.  I now plan to buy separates (Humax Freesat+ HD, and probably a Sony blu-ray).