Progressive Scan - MPN: DMRHS2 See Product Details
Quick Glance
Interface Connection: Audio - Line In (RCA), Audio - Line Out (AC-3 Bit Stream / PCM Optical), Audio - Line Out (RCA-style), Video - Component, Video - Composite (RCA), Video - i.LINK (IEEE1394), Video - S-Video
Media Supported: Audio CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, Video CD (VCD)
Hard Drive Capacity: 40 GB
Summary
Product Title: Panasonic DMR-HS2 Recorder
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Power Score: 4.5 | 9 Reviews
Product Type
Number of Discs Supported: 1
Disc Mechanism: Tray
Hard Drive Capacity: 40 GB
Video Quality
Video DAC: 10 Bit
Video Format Standard: NTSC
Audio Quality
Audio Features: Dialogue Channel Enhancer
Audio DAC: 24 Bit
Other Features
General Features: Dialog Enhancer, Dolby Digital Support, DTS Support, Function LCD, On Screen Menu, Progressive Scan, Virtual Surround Sound
Remote Control: Universal Remote
Dimensions
Height: 3.12 in
Width: 16.9 in
Depth: 12 in
Weight: 11.2 lbs
Warranty
Warranty Information: 1 Year Limited Warranty
More Info
URL: Manufacturer Link
Interface
Interface Connection: Audio - Line In (RCA), Audio - Line Out (AC-3 Bit Stream / PCM Optical), Audio - Line Out (RCA-style), Video - Component, Video - Composite (RCA), Video - i.LINK (IEEE1394), Video - S-Video
Video Output: Component Video, Composite (RCA), S-Video
Audio Output: Digital Optical, RCA
Input: A/V (Composite), IEEE 1394 - (Unspecified), S-Video
Compatibility
Media Supported: Audio CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, Video CD (VCD)
Slots: CompactFlash, Memory Stick, MultiMedia Card (MMC), SD Card, SmartMedia
Strengths: Great features and fun to use
Weakness: Need to educate yourself in order to use it all
Are you still using VHS to record your TV shows or using tape based camcorders to shoot your movies? Then you really need to catch up on home entertainment. I just bought the Panasonic DMR-HS2 and now I am officially scrapping my VCR. I have spent hours recording TV shows that I would miss and then watch them the next day or years later, but the quality deteriorated and I have no good archived...
Strengths: Amazing editing features and digital file flexibility
Weakness: A lot to learn and understand
I just bought the Panasonic DMR-HS2 and my VCR will soon see the dumpster. If you aren’t up to speed on DVD-RAM technology and recordable DVD, then you should get to an electronics store and test drive the HS2. First of all, since these units are digital and have hard drives (same as your PC), you can record video or TV shows to the hard drive (40GB) and then burn a DVD-R copy for your friend...
Strengths: Very good quality recordings with the right media - recommend Verbatim 1x DVD-R
Weakness: Owners Manual is almost useless. Panasonic needs to start over and try this again. Could use a firewire "OUT" to daisy-chain several units for duplication purposes.
I've had great success recording DVD's via firewire from my camcorder as well as DIRECTLY from my Macintosh computer running Final Cut Pro 1.25. I don't know why others are having problems, perhaps they have a Windows-based computer that isn't compatible. This is a really nice unit, but still haven't figured out how to make playlist "chapters" because the manual is useless.
Strengths: Nice looking, some good features.
Weakness: Not ready for prime time. Remote functions slow to respond on unit- power on (front unit display) delays until HDD spins up.
With so many choices (media types) on the market, it gets rather confusing. My focus was on a unit that had an internal HDD for more storage. The Panasonic seemed to fit the bill. I picked it up from Circuit City and gave the manual a once over. I figured a simple connection using the CATV cables was the best to get started. I plugged the unit in and it started the automatic programming just like...
Weakness: i-link only working with dv camera not with laptop or desktop.
guys we have a problem with the pcmiia card with memory stick. we can not put jpeg file´s on to hdd or dvd. Can somebody help us. Somebody knows if there is a posibility to put a keyboord on the system.
Strengths: Several inputs, Good video quality output to disc, Encodes sound as Dolby Digital (saves disc space), Record to hard drive for editing, Progressive scan playback.
Weakness: No DVD-RW disc support, 1x speed DVD-R recording, No menu display via coax cable, DV-in only for camcorders, Titles are hard to input (no keyboard), No TV guide.
I should note that my first Panasonic DMR-HS2 unit made a loud, high-pitch whine when powered on. I returned it to Circuit City for an exchange, and the new one is much more quiet. I ran into the same issue as stift mentioned above: no menus when connected via the coaxial cables. Turns out this is not a defect, but by design (although I have no idea why). But this fact is buried within the...
Strengths: Hard drive. Progressive scan output.
Weakness: Manual needs work. Not the easiest to read and find info. Some procedure descriptions are incomplete. Company has recognized this and installed a special toll-free number for expert help. Some menu itemx are hard to find.
Good hybrid product. But it has its weaknesses in not being able to control a satellite receiver and its manual needs an update in describing some procedures. Like computers, garbage in = garbage out. Record the best and play the best.
Strengths: Too many to describe. But basically it has all the advantages of the Panny E30 plus a hard drive for hours of recording and editing
Weakness: Editing is quite limited. Firewire connection only works with camcorders, not with PCs. The unit responds slowly to some of the commands from the remote.
This monster is the gadget I had been waiting for for a long time. It almost does it all. Great value!! Best unit of this kind in the market!!!
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Panasonic DMR-HS2 Recorder
Strengths: DVD-R recording, Hard drive, LOTS of inputs/outputs, multiple recording speeds.
Weakness: Slow response with remote sometimes, only very basic editing, editing is not "perfect", no keyboard for titles, DVD-RAM discs are pricey.
I picked this up for a low price off Ebay when it came out. The unit is a great intro to this new market. I use it almost every day to record stuff. I typically use it to record a tv show, edit out the commericals, and burn to a DVD-R which is playable on most regular DVD players. Even though I say "basic editing" is a weakness for now its just fine. I can't wait for newer models with more...
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