Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic DMR-EX89EB-K Freeview+ 400GB HDD DVD Recorder

Having experienced a really poor DVD recorder from Sony which was so bad we only used it for pre-recorded DVD playback, we wanted a different brand. The DMR-EX89EB-K is a brilliant machine. It isn't cheap but value for money must rate top marks. The good points are too numerous to mention but those reading this review probably want to know about the following:
Ease of use - unbelieveably simple and very intuative.
Recording - lots of different ways but this isn't confusing. Recording an entire series could not be easier.
Play back - no searching through endless titles - just select from the active thumbnails.
Pause live TV (one of the things the Sony was supposed to do but didn't) - with the DMR-EX89EB-K it is simple.
Freeview programme guide - pretty good and easy to follow but a bit "clunky" moving between channels.
Picture quality - sounds too good to be true, but it somehow improves the picture compared with live TV.

Haven't used many removable discs yet because the hard disc is so good, quick and easy to use, but the functionality of DVDs does not seem to loose anything.

Would I buy again? Yes - and I have done as my father-in-law wanted one too.

Having owned an older Panasonic DVD recorder, using the DMR-EX89EB was reassuringly easy. The unit itself is very compact for its specification and is a very stylish design. In use the unit is perhaps not the quietest machine around, and some of the function buttons are a little sluggish, but I have had no problems whatsoever. Great editing a copy functions and when connected via HDMI cable to a good quality HDTV the picture is amazing. Setting the timer to record TV is absolutely fool proof and there's no need to remember to press a 'Timer Record' button; it's all done for you. DVD RAM discs are cheap enough to archive all your 'must-keep' recordings on and the transfer from HDD to DVD is quick and easy, not that you'll need to worry about taking up space on the HDD, which will record 89 hours at the highest quality resolution and double that in standard quality. I'm really glad I chose this machine, nice one Panasonic!

Hard disc recorders are a long way better than tape video recorders and DVD-only recorders - much, much better. So we bought one three years ago and it was a great success. With the changeover to digital-only terrestrial TV our old one would not cope because it did not have a freeview tuner built in and it is rather fiddly to use with an external set-top box. So I scanned the market and chose the Panasonic DMR-EX89EB. I usually shy away from Panasonic because they price a bit high but this was available from Amazon at a competitive price. It has all I need, though it does not have two tuners and some other makes do. However by taking the aerial feed directly from "RF out" to the TV and then connecting the TV with an AV cable to feed the playback to the TV, one can simultaneously record one programme and watch another so two tuners are not necessary.

So, this machine is easy to set up, records programmes to the hard disc and then plays them back when you wish to see them, without any tapes or discs involved and there is room on the disc to keep a hundred or so old programmes for re-viewing. You can also burn a programme onto a DVD for long term keeping if you wish. It also plays commercial DVDs with good quality of sound and picture. Furthermore it will accept still pictures from a digital camera because there is a slot to accept the SD card and even pictures and video from a USB memory stick. The instruction book is good and clear though a bit difficult to find the right page at times. So we are all geared up for the changeover!

I was considering buying a DMR-EX89EB but will not do so as adverts are displayed in the EPG as is the case with the DMR-EX79EB. By way of confirmation here are extracts from an email from Panasonic answering my query re adverts displayed in the EPG:

'...Thank you for your e-mail enquiry...In response, I would explain that Our R&D groups for the specific product areas decided to use the "Gemstar" software platform for the Panasonic EPG system. This platform has, as you have indicated, an advertisement area within the navigation menu. Regrettably, this advertisement area cannot be disabled or suppressed on the software version used on the Panasonic products...'

I suggest that anyone who dislikes Panasonics policy of subjecting it's customers to unsolicited adverts, emails their customer care dept and lets them know their feelings on this matter. Public opinion can make a difference.

Once you have come to terms with the time it takes to boot up, the DMR ex89 is a fantastic peice of kit. Picture quality is superb and its ease of use via the guide and direct navigator buttons led my partner to question if I serve any purpose in the house at all now! While I remain at least I am enjoying an excellent quality machine.