CES Update - Panasonic

Here is the link to press realse about 4 new recoders all with digital tuners.
http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs...62007085220398

But without HDD?

Notice none of them available at the March deadline.

There's gotta be HDD units - I assume they'll just come later.

The release mentions using the recorder in place of a STB. I think that implies QAM, but we'll have to wait and see.

How do those prices compare to comparable models today?

Yeah, I agree. It does mention broadcast, and so it is probably referring to OTA.

But that is being done with the tuner of the TV - I assume the unit only has one tuner which is busy recording.

But it is also referring to a small minority of viewers now - how many people have an STB to tune ATSC signals? Of course that population will get real big come analog shut down time.

That wouldn't make sense - that would mean that come analog shutdown the unit couldn't record anything OTA? Surely that can't be the case.

* new name for the LP resolution
* they changed the names from ES- to EZ-. I hope that doesn't mean removing features to make them EZ to use!

Differences from 2005/2006 dvd-only models?
* Accutune digital/analog tuners
* record one, watch another (details please!)
* sub-screen to schedule while viewing a program
* Title Acquisition from broadcast signals?
* HDAVI control?
* auto-finalizing DVD-R?

Some of the features list at the bottom of the press release contradicts the middle of the press release where it says that all four models have 1080p, HDAVI, while the bottom of the press release says only the top two models of each line have those features.

No hard disk based recorders??? :-(

No Cable Card Either? Wonder if when they say "Digital" they will also be able to tune in the Non-HD digital channels & PPV & etc on cable systems that are above Channel 125 because I thought Panny & Comcast were working on "Standard" tuners that would tune in "Everything"

To me it also looks like Panny is also overcharging for the Digital Tuners.

NEW DMR-EZ47V $379.95
OLD DMR-ES45V $299.95

NEW DMR-EZ27 $279.95
OLD DMR-ES25 $199.99

New Models Are $80.00 MORE

NEW EZ37V $329.95
OLD ES35V $269.95

NEW EZ17 $229.95
OLD ES15 $169.95

New Models Are $60.00 MORE

Wow so it's an MSRP-price-hike! I wonder how it will translate to street prices....

Panny recorders have always opened around the MSRP, in fact 4 Cents higher like this years ES15 opened at $169.99 not the MSRP of $169.95

So I'm guessing you will see the EZ17 open at $229.99 & later a GREAT SALE PRICE OF $199.99 (Christmas?).

It also doesn't look like they have added much to the new line besides the "Digital Tuner" unless you consider "Auto Finalize" or "Auto Title" a big deal but I guess with an Auto Title feature at least you won't have to type in the name of the program anymore if the local tv station or cable system remembers to pass it on

I hope it also passes on the "Episode Title" but that might just be wishful thinking.

With the new ones having the option to edit the title name, this is probably a handy feature. My dvd-only model (ES20, 2005) cannot edit the title, just delete backwards. At least if they offered a wipe-out/clear title feature!

Dozens upon dozens of Panasonic-speak press releases from CES and beyond (past that is, not future): http://www.panasonic.com/pressroom

Which model are you referring to? My E85, and EH50 allow me to edit any title. If I misspell a word, I can go right to the spot and change the single letter. I don't have to delete back to the error and reenter what I just deleted. There isn't a clear title function though. If you want to delete a whole title, you have to do it one character at a time.

Oh i forgot to mention that, I'll update it, I was referring to the 2005 ES20 dvd-only model. They added title editing to the 2006 dvd-only models (eg ES15).

Clear Title is something they should have added, or at least give you the option not to have the time-stamp inserted into the title name automagically (other than DVD-RAM I think).

So Panasonic is using the digital tuner as an excuse to raise prices that much? Competition will make them lower those prices within weeks of launch.

no one's really going to buy these new models,the averge consumer will buy the much cheaper Funai recorders at Walmart,etc.

Roger & Biker, You Just Might Both Be Right!

Except The Recorders From China Might Not Have Any Tuners At All In Them & Then I Don't Think Panny Will Drop The Prices.

Anyone seen any pictures of them? Wonder What Button They Did Away With On The Remote This Time To Chose Between The Analog or Digital Tuner?

Looks like I will not be buying any Panny dvd recoders this year. Where are the HDD models? I just hope my E-80 and E-500 will last a few more years.

How much is the Funai with ATSC tuner?

they aren't out yet,but they'll definitely be lower than the least expensive Panasonic(EZ17,$229.95)