Panasonic DMR-XW380

This is the perfect recorder – I have had this recorder for 5 or 6 years and I love it. Yes it only records TV items but it suits me. This has never skipped a beat. I keep it very clean and dust free. Tip. If any DVDS are played make sure they are dust free Show details ·  1

will NOT tune new MPEG 4 HD channels – The manual states Video Recording System MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 but Panasonic helpline Tech states unit is equipped only with MPEG 2 decoder. Flimsy excuse video system does not equate with Tuner system. Unfit for stated purpose???? great tuner and recorder but not able to play MPEG-4 recordings or tune to new HD MPEG-4 channels.

An all round excellent performer, with one important caveat – I've found this unit to be very good at what it does. Even if the software is a little sluggish it's neat and tidy and pretty straightforward to understand. However, based on my experience with this unit and with a similar model purchased by my uncle, these units have one very significant Achilles heel: the tuner. When new, the tuner works… Read more

just fine, but as it gets older there is a noticeable reduction in sensitivity resulting in breakup in reception. It seems that a stronger and stronger signal is required to produce reliable reception. Meanwhile, any other devices in the house continue to receive TV signals without a hitch.

The unit was sent for a service but that was totally useless. I ended up having a masthead amplifier installed which increased the signal by 20 or 30dB and that solved the problem, for about six months. I have just bought a current, similar model, also by Panasonic. Of course it's better and cheaper than the old one. Who knows how long the tuner in it will last?

These devices by Panasonic are fantastic but I wish they would address the problem with the tuners that degrade in sensitivity over time. Surely I'm not the only person to have encountered this problem. Remember, it affected my machine and my uncle's.

So, this is something of a warning to prospective buyers. They're great devices, but don't be surprised if someday one or two channels start breaking up, then a couple more.

Excellent ALL rounder - Brand image changer – I replaced an older model recorder and i must say this one is worlds apart. It allows for easy navigation where i have never had to rely on the user manual. For a machine with so many features this is exceptional. I am especially impressed with the editing features and copy function to DVD. To do this you do need to convert the original file… Read more

format onto a DVD recognised one BUT this is very easy to do as does it while the machine is in standby. The best thing about this is that if you time record something the machine does not turn on! Magically the program or programs are there for you. The play back is faultless and as good as original free view transmission. Having an excellent stereo i have not noticed any problems with sound quality. What a great product. Being using it for nearly 2 years and no issues. EVERYTHING, changes my brand image of Panasonic Nothing