Panasonic DMR-XW385 / 390

a great unit with a lot of features – I've had many Panasonic products over the years, including TVs and VCRs (both mono and hi-fi stereo models), but as technology advances with devices and designs, so to must the consumer's approach to such. I had read reviews about this (and the DMR-XW385 models) and decided to make up my own mind. I picked up the XW390GLK after being informed (in… Read more ·  5

great detail) of its features compared to the DMR-EX78 and 79.

The things which stood out strongest for me with this PVR (as the store called it) included:

• Twin HD tuner - allowing either viewing of one channel while recording another or recording 2 channels at the same time and watching either one (also works with timer recording).

• 500GB HDD with option to convert DR (broadcast quality) mode to SP (for transfer to DVD-R)

• Pause live TV - this will cause a slight delay/break in the video when the function is activated (you can return to normal TV/playback by pressing STOP)

• up to 28 day timer record programming memory.

• advanced interactive editing feature - including partial delete to edit out annoying commercials or mistakes (also allows you to trim each end of your recording to make it neat if you wish to keep it)

divide title - split a long recording into 2 parts;

program category labeller (e.g. sport, entertainment, news etc.

• ability to record subtitles for certain programs (applies to DR mode only)

They won me on it immediately.

I found one thing; when this model when daylight saving ends in SA, that the clock automatically reverts to correct time (with no errors and is good to go - unlike the DMR-EZ48V - which displays 'U81' at the end of daylight saving instead of putting the clock back 1 hour as it should, resulting in a power reset to correct the fault - the DMR-EZ47V does not suffer from this problem) . this one works properly all-year round.

Versatile with removable media - reads most data from USB flash drives, SD cards (including content recorded to them with a digital camcorder so you can view or transfer to the HDD). The bonus is like many DVD recorders, you CAN record directly to a blank DVD-RW/-R from a channel or media source with this unit rather than to the HDD but you need to finalize the disc afterwards for compatible playback on other players as normal.

The user manual is pretty straightforward and easy to follow, and if you're like me, who just wants local entertainment, you don't have to have this set up for networking/online streaming (even though it is offered). The main set up is so simple you can have this up and running in a matter of minutes. The only downside is the EPG is a little slow to update, particularly for TEN digital and in other cases, channel 7 but you should expect some limitations from a unit with so many features. Overall, I think it's value for money and as I've mentioned in other reviews, it always pays to take advantage of extended warranties on products like these so if they do fail during the period, you are completely covered. The one I've got has not missed a beat since I first got it in 2012 and the built-in editing feature is almost precise. Another thing I noticed about this model, was if a title's playback is stopped, and the navigation menu is exited, when it is called up again later or next day, and that title is selected for playback from the menu, a dialog pops up with 'where do you want to start playback from?' and offers 2 choices; LAST STOPPED or BEGINNING (one of these will be highlighted if part of the title was played previously) - even if the unit was switched off.

Both this model and the DMR-XW385 offer Pause Live TV as an option, and twin HD tuner; but the only difference between the 2 models is the capacity of the HDD (the XW385 has a 320GB HDD, the XW390 has a 500GB). I would definitely recommend this for anyone who likes doing a little more than just watching TV.

If you can look beyond all of this model's limitations and any design flaws it may have, it's a pretty decent unit for everyday consumer needs. Twin HD tuner for recording one thing while watching another or recording 2 different channels at the same time, while watching one plus pause live TV option is a bonus.. Remote response is a tad slow when keys are pressed on the RC, but it works overall and if you are patient, the results are quite satisfying.

A top quality piece of kit that does everything that I want – I purchased this unit for my family in December 2012. I chose this unit spoecifically for the DVD function over the more expensive Blu-ray/PVR units as we have DVD players, PCs etc in various rooms of the house that can play the finalised DVDs on. It is important that the friendly manual is read and that you comprehend & become familiar with the… Read more ·  2

functions and terminology to get the maximum benefits of this unit. My only gripe was the carton the unit came in which confusingly stated it could play Region 4 of All regions DVDs. The unit actually plays only Region 4 or Region Zero DVD discs, as this unit is NOT an ALL Region player. Good news is that this can be converted at no cost under warranty if done with the first 12 months. It can record all free-to air TV plus Foxtel via the A/V channel. The VieraCast is a disappointment as the free content has all but disappeared now. Setting up the unit as a DNLA server requires an reasonable understanding of networking, however once achieved is a godsend to enable viewing of recorded programmes on other devices likes PCs and smart TVs, tablets etc. throughout the house if they are connected to the same network. While it CANNOT record direct to a DVD, I generally archive my recorded programmes from the HDD (Hard drive) to DVD overnight when the unit in not in use. A nice little trick is to watch Foxtel/Austar via this unit and if the phone rings etc., hit the "pause Live TV" button, so that you don;t miss a thing during the interuption (this won't work if you are recording 2 programmes at the sames time). In summary, a robust and well made unit, perhaps a little let down by the hype on the carton. Record all FTA channels including Hi-Def, records up to 2 channels simultaneously, Pause Live TV function, DLNA, Easy record to DVDs. Wording on carton confusing. Unit plays only Region 4 or Rego 0 (Zero) discs. Can be fixed for free under 12 month Warranty.

took it back – I bought this unit to replace a Strong unit that was very old and starting to fail. I had some Panasonic stuff a long time ago and it was fine, gee how things have changed. The remote response was so unbelievably slow I was never sure if I had pressed the button and would often press again causing it to do things twice. This unit has no volume… Read more

control, no mute. Fast forward was hit and miss with only a crude indication as to how fast you were going and no progress bar to visualise. You cannot preview (watch) anything whilst in the guide unlike the Strong. The stored program list was chunky and difficult to use. The power button is next to the DVD and the DVD eject is on the opposite side, confusing. I could not work out how to stop a program recording whilst still going despite trying everything and going thru the manual over and over. Guide was very slow to populate, even when channel selected. Many more issues made this thing barely useable and I wondered what I would do with it. Thank god the good people at RetraVision took it back. Looks like Strong or Humax are far better units, yet to decide which. inexpensve - for a reason

Easy to use – Not being a tech wizard I thought this would be out of my league I was pleasantly surprised at the simple way to operate it I would recommend this item and when the time comes I would buy the same concept , it also has no trouble copying the programs, pictures are perfect.  Show details

I love this product – I am 65 years old and I can't understand how these younger people have not been able to master the operation .I use mine every day now that I have retired and have now a second system so I have more options of recording more channels. My original system I have had for years now and have not had one problem with it. I love this player.

Re remote re fast forwarding thru or back – You have to whirl it around to it hits the spot. Very annoying. Do we need a new remote. Thanks. Anyone out there experienced this problem. That's all I really need to know. Although we don't use the Panasonic box to its capacity. Really hard to work out. We have had it a few years now. Thanks

So frustrating won't buy Panosonic ever again – Sound goes all the time and picture. Have to unplug from power point and a lot of the time that doesn't work either very disappointed and paid top dollar thinking I had a good PVR and all this happened from early on rang Panasonic and all they said was to unplug it.

TOTALLY disappointed – WOW.....how bizarre that soooooo many people at roughly the same date 26th/ 27th of May 2016 ALL start having the EXACT same problem....I rely heavily on my recorder and paid a fortune for it not even 4 years ago...i have recently had to purchase a new remote for it and was not happy with how expensive it was and now this....EXTREMELY upset and… Read more

will be going to consumer affairs..

" The clock stops and reverts Mon 09.01.1905 23:52 and the guide goes blank. I reset the clock to correct time/date and it works for an hour or so then crashes. Any programming is lost and recording stops".

Wish I'd brought something else – I brought this DVD/Recorder with inbuilt HDD because I thought having 1 machine rather than 2 would be great, BAD MISTAKE. I was very annoyed that I had to take it to a service centre to have it modified to accept ALL Region DVD's then even after being "repaired" it still won't accept region 2 ! Secondly, when recording to a DVD from a recorded… Read more

tv program, it takes forever and is incredibly difficult to figure out. I got rid of an older 5 Disc SONY DVD player - HUGH MISTAKE. My old Sony was far SUPERIOR to this piece of JUNK . I shall NEVER buy PANASONIC again.

Lasted 6 years of med-heavy use before DVD burner began to fail (extended warranty only good for 5 years) – Brought six years ago and had no problem setting up and using as I had previously used a Panasonic DMR-XW380 and was happy with that. Over the six years of ownership I have had all the well known problems that come as part and parcel of the Panasonic ownership experience. Have used this to record many hours of programs and have burnt a fair few… Read more

DVDs.

1. Digital TV tuner very temperamental, unreliable and required quite a few different attenuators to get the signal strength right, even for an absolutely standard TV antennae setup..

2. Remote control failed after approx 5 years and required replacement - if you are a frequent user I recommend ordering a spare remote now, while they are still available as the unit is useless without a remote. Its been commonly reported that the response time for these generation of Panasonic DMR-XW series do have a slight lag and these units need to have a think about each menu before displaying it.

3. DVD burner issues - the DVD burner is the only way to get stuff out of this PVR , so you would have thought that they would build it with a reliable DVD burner if nothing else. I have found that this isn't the case and although many people report that the DVD reader is reliable, the DVD burner is unreliable and unstable in operation with the unit randomly rejecting brand new quality DVD's out of the box and turning them into drinks coasters. The unit claims to be compatible with DVD+R DVD-R and DVD+RW but I have found that the burner often rejects brand new DVD's from Verbatim, TDK, Kodak and Imitation, currently my particular unit will only burn DVD-R disks manufactured by Taiyo-Yuden which are the highest quality blank media on the market at the moment, although need to be ordered online. I have experimented with various configurations of DVD burning and finalising but either the software or the hardware of the unit is not very reliable and I have always had to experiment and throw out a lot of blank media to find a reliable brand and format that burns reliably in high speed mode and finalised so that other DVD players can read the DVDs.

Have wasted quite a bit of time and have owned two Panasonic DMR-XW series tuners and DVD player/burners in the last 8 years, although to their credit Panasonic have always been responsive and have attempted to troubleshoot DVD burning problems via email. In the meanwhile the Sony single tuner DVD player and burner in our lounge room from 2006 is still going fine and everything in it still works, thats the difference in modern appliances over the last few years.

1.30 PM Thursday 23/03/2017 – I have a Panasonic DMR-XW 385 recorder..Just recently I have been getting subtitles when I record a programme from the TV. When I try to transfer recorded titles from the hard drive nothing is recorded. It says your disc has scratches, try another disc. I have wasted a number of discs without success.I cannot get rid of the subtitles Would you be able to advise me on this please. Thanks, Stan MacDonald  Show details

Good product – Purchased two of these a number of years ago both have performed very well, easy to use no glitches so to speak they do everything the book says they will do, it pays to have very good signal if not change antenna & use a booster, tried other brands before these always had programing problems with them not on these.  Show details

Great machine – I don't have any problems with this unit I have had it since 2012, it took a little time to understand its functions but when you get used to it no problems, but I have lost the book of instructions mind you the unit is still operating thank you.

So hard to use that I'm chucking it out – This recorder is almost impossible for me to use. I can't cancel programmes that are on a chain, meaning short miniseries that I programmed a year ago (and are long finished ) are still recording every week! You can't stop recordings once they have started. The display pops up at random times, it even changes channel by itself. I'm no tech dummy… Read more

(or genius) but it's just not intuitive, is difficult to understand, has multiple steps to do the most basic functions and takes an age to power up. Dreadful.

Poor remote problems from day 1 – Same as another person here. Ir indicator in display keeps flashing when screen has a still picture. Have improved slightly by masking or receiver with black tape so it doesn't get light from TV. Even mounted beside TV still has issues. Sometimes I need to get up and shield or block for from TV and it comes right. Is a pain. Went to… Read more

pansonics support desk when we first brought it. But didn't have succes. Brought back to store and couldn't simulate so no one believed issue existed.

Seems to be a fault between display emissions on Samsung and Ir filters on dvr

Unfriendy recorder – Too many functions. Function titles are unfamiliar. Remote control is not user friendly and slow responsive. I bought this product without reading any reviews since I have been using Panasonic products for a long time. I hardly use this recorder due to its unfriendliness. Very disappointed. Need to refer to manual every time.

So far so great – The product is working perfectly. Initially I had a problem with the remote control 'talking to' other Panasonic devices, but one email to Panasonic help centre and within 12 hours they emailed me with directions on how to stop this. If I had read the manual I could have figured it out myself. Great product, very smart, well designed and I love it much more than the Sony equivilant which is sitting in the shed gathering dust.

Not bad – Yes it's a bit clunky, but I have had it over 12 months and it still works and plays all the different formatted discs I have tried, the previous model Panasonic DVD twin recorder was very limited. I have even taught mum how to use it and I am over sixty. Worst thing for me is the slow response time when using the record program mode. Don't be… Read more

to harsh, it was cheap, it works and like another reviewer if I want to watch a 3rd show while recording I go to TV mode. It appears to play all formats even the OS discs.

Great unit, but – Purchased March 1012 and have been very happy with it, Good clear instruction book included, which is rare these days. Have recently purchased a new TV which I wanted to connect via HDMI cable, only to find the HDMI port on PVR is faulty. Of course it is just out of warranty. Otherwise, I have to say that the Panasonic DMR- XW385 is a great, user friendly unit. Large amount of storage on HDD. User friendly, Easy to understand instruction book.

Ready to throw it out of the window – I am so frustrated with not being able to access the (I would think) most basic of trouble shooting problems. I have followed the guide to programming the TV through the DVD remote - no result. I have 2 popular TV channels that say 'no service' when trying to view them through the player even though the GUIDE gives the menu for them. Have tried… Read more

manually programming them to no avail so thought I would rescan the whole lot in case that may work through the FUNCTION menu but the OTHERS option is not highlighted. I have wasted 2 hours looking for a result. Can't even find out how to reset the unit to the factory setting so that I can just try everything again.

Unimpressed – Bought this player after reading mostly positive reviews, so was disappointed after using it for a while. The menus are extremely sluggish. The player cannot be made region free without attending a service centre and expect to pay for the service also. For the price you'd think they could get the basics right. Have to pay to get it made region free, sluggish operation.

Good unit – Apart from not being able to record direct to DVD unit is easy to use. Sent an email to Panasonic on how to to display the time and they rang me the next day and explained over the phone - very impressed. Reading the other reviews made the decision to purchase the unit easy. If the phone call from Panasonic is a reflection of their service I would… Read more ·  6

highly recommend the Panasonic DVD recorder Harvey Norman had it on sale for $150 less than RRP. Easy to operate with a real manual that you don't have to download Will not record direct to DVD

A passable DVD Recorder – Bought the XW390 after doing some research on twin tuners and found that this unit seemed to have the least problems unlike some other brands. Really, in the year of 2013 one should be able to buy a DVD recorder with no problems but it isn't so. One thing that you will find is, that if you believe you can insert either a USB memory stick or an… Read more

external hard drive with MPEG2 files on it, and view the files, forget it. It just ain't so. The manual is rather ambiguous about this. It mentions you can't read directly from the USB port but can copy the files to the HDD and then watch the files. Rubbish. This unit will only let you copy MPEG2 files from a Panasonic camcorder. Any other format of MPEG2 files is off limits. Very disappointing, especially when the salesman says it can be done.

The other annoyance is, what engineer decided to place the open disc button on the opposite side to where the tray is, but have the power button there instead. Must have been a Friday when he designed the placement of the button. Compact unit, easy to use Can't view MPEG2 files from the USB port or copy MPEG2 files to the HDD

Fantastic - Should have bought one sooner! – After struggling for years with a bad Sony recorder and after a lot of research I bought a DMR-XW390. Fantastic - Should have bought one sooner! Easy to set up (and I was setting up a new HDMI capable AV receiver at the same time - no stress with either), got high speed copying to work on the second attempt, twin tuners meant I made the wife AND… Read more ·  5

the daughter happy on the second day of operation recording conflicting programs. Simply brilliant. Easy setup, works well, everybody happy! Only minor gripe is there does not seem to be a disc tray Open button on the remote.

Always had Panasonic but not again after this – I've always been a big fan of Panasonic gear and all my AV gear to date has been Panasonic. However, the XW390 has just left me frustrated. In recording a channel it always records both the main channel and the +1 channel (although only actually records programme once so must overwrite). It has a nasty habit of not recording last 5 min of… Read more

programme. So, I set the time to record for additional 5 min following programme timed finish. However, because it's got both main and the +1 channel recording, if I'm watching another channel, it changes the channel to the one recording. This means I miss the last 5 min of the programme I was watching.

By the time I've gone through the hassle of stopping recording (not straight forward) the programme I was watching has finished. Very annoying and for the first time I have to say this Panasonic product is a load of rubbish! On top of that the on/off switch on the remote doesn't work very well either (hold it down a second too long and it turns it off again), so I now just use on/off button on unit. Had several other recorders before (including Sky boxes) never had this issue before. See by other forums a common problem - sort it out panasonic!

Wow, it just works! – With the introduction of HD TV I decided to enter the world of digital video recorders, thinking it would be a fairly simple exercise. I don’t have great demands of a recorder, just a clear (and accurate) EPG, good reception and simple (or at least intuitive) programming for recording. Was I mistaken! I tried and returned several different… Read more ·  3

brands (one advantage of buying from department type stores) frustrated and eventually broken by each in turn. I found them, in general, to be difficult to program, unreliable (often not recording a set recording) and downright cantankerous.

After doing some research I decided to try the Panasonic and what a pleasant surprise. Set up is a breeze. It took perhaps 5 minutes including connecting the cables.

Setting the recording function is very easy, it even allows me to easily add time before and after EPG program times (given CH7 in particular likes to run 15 minutes late once the news is over - lift your game), it names the recorded program properly (so no painful renaming), the picture and sound quality is excellent (I’m using a HDMI cable), the remote doesn’t conflict with anything else and it looks good.

It has “jump forward”60 seconds and “back”10 seconds buttons which allow easy skipping of ads.

Overall it is great. The only complaint I can find is that the “return” button, to jump back to the last channel, doesn’t seem to work for me. A minor issue but I’d still like Panasonic to find a fix.

I’m yet to burn a DVD with it but once I have I’ll update the review. Very easy to use and understand, excellent picture and sound. It just does what I want it to do. Channel 'return' button doesn't work.

Help? – Bought a new DMR390 last Friday. Whole unit kept locking up... IR sensor LED flickers when unit is frozen. Took back to retailer, who swapped immediately... Next unit does the same thing... Have had 3 other Pana HDD/DVD' s all great but this one seems to have a "bug"? Any ideas? Let you know when sorted!

Cannot be unlocked – After spending a while looking for a quality DVD player, I had decided to get this model. Luckily before I ordered I checked that I could play (legally purchased) region 2 DVDs, only to discover that this Panasonic model cannot be unlocked Most DVD players can be unlocked after a quick internet search, but it seems Panasonic are now making… Read more

machines which have to be taken to a Service Centre to be unlocked. This seems crazy - if you are prepared to unlock the machine at a Service Centre, why bother locking it in the first place?

Cannot be unlocked

Not good – Bought in August 2102, in April 2013 laser on DVD reader has failed. Accordingto local repairer, Panasonic needs to have whole board replaced if this happens, unlike other brands. So, it costs much more, takes much longer and programs on HDD are all lost. Can't dub from HDD to DVD at all or watch any DVD's.

Very disappointed with Panasonic – I bought this machine with the view to be able to copy my favourite programs to watch on another tv, only to find out that you can't copy it to dvd on hi-speed, which my original Pioneer used to do. It will only burn onto a dvd in real time. Frustrating! I also found out when I wanted to set the timer for programs I was going to miss while on… Read more

holiday, that it would only let me set the timer for one week in advance! What use is that? If someone finds out how, I'd love an answer on here. Easy to set timer using the tv guide, able to record 2 programs at once. Can only copy to a dvd in real time, cant program more than a week ahead.

Really very good – Found it nice and easy to operate, especially for someone who is a bit not down with the programme as regards electronic stuff. I am just having trouble finding out how to do hi speed dubbing from hard drive to disc understand must do the right thing when recording. Need help? Otherwise all very good. Reliable Cannot find out how to do hi speed dubbing from hard drive to DVD disc? Please help? Show 2 replies

a good unit – This was a good unit until one month after the warranty ran out the hard drive blew up and will cost $367.00 to fix.We used it often and I am very dissapointed with Panasonic in regards to this and their service.I lost everything that was recorded to it.There is not enough service places to have the item fixed but I guess it cheaper than purchasing a new one. Was the best thing I have ever purchased until it stopped working. Faulty Hard drive

Recording in advance – Easy to use I love it, hoping I can precorder more than 1 week ahead? Not much use to me if I can't follow a great series if not at home for a while. I heard great things about this before purchasing, but unfortunately didn't check up on this very important detail. Reliable  Show reply

Reliable and easy functionality – I have been using the XW385 for over three years now and have had no problem with this unit. It has recorded possibly close to a thousand programs and has not skipped a beat once. The Viera Tools provides the ease of use on my Panasonic Plasma & Home Theatre. Picture quality is fine. The EPG and menus are of decent size and intuitive. I got my… Read more

unit free when I bought the plasma tv in 2009. The price then was over $1000. I liked it so much that I bought the enhanced version DMR-PWT500 GL two days ago at HN for $250 (boxing day sale)!!. I have moved the XW385 to our bedroom as I am lulled to sleep by watching the 1960s movies conveniently recorded while I'm busy at work. The kids have also their chance to record Simpsons, Mythbusters etc...and watch it outside homework hours. I don't use the PVRs for anything else (the new one has got wifi to allow skype, youtube, facebook, DLNA functionality) other than watching recorded free air programs (and there is a lot to watch nowadays w/ foxtel struggling) and DVDs (Bluray w/ PWT500) as there are laptops and desktops for other applications. The main thing is I can watch the news or movies in my own time at my convenience . The only negative view I could put in is the slow loading time. Reliable unit, simple and decent menus, Viera tools align well with Panasonic tv and home theatre Slow loading time

Not happy – I own a 50" LG plasma (model number 50PX4RA) which is approximately 7 years old but works really well. I bought this DMR-XW 390 to replace my set top box and Panasonic DMR-EH50 dvd recorder as we are about to lose our analogue signal here. As the new recorder has two tuners I was lead to believe that the new remote would control the old tv… Read more

volume, input channel and on-off controls by use of a code but it doesn't do any of that. So now I have to have two remotes which is something I was trying to overcome.

I guess I'll have to buy a new panasonic tv now. Pause live tv is great tho. No volume control on new remote so ensure your tv is compatible with the remote.