Editorial Review:Product Description:By interpolating video data using proprietary algorithms, SD format data is up-converted to 1080 x 1920p HD format video data. This conversion increases the richness of the original data by almost six fold, producing the highest possible image quality when viewing content on a large-screen HDTV.Connect your Panasonic DVD recorder to your Viera flat-panel HDTV via an HDMI cable, and the TV channel setting information is automatically downloaded to the recorder. Once the auto preset download is complete, the DVD recorder will keep whichever TV channel you're watching as its receiving channel. This means you can record the program you're watching by just pressing the Record button on the Viera remote. With Viera Link, you don't have to worry about setting the recorder to the right channel every time you want to record something.The Panasonic DMR-EA18K DVD recorder is equipped with an SD Memory Card slot and USB terminal, which makes it easy to view photos from your digital camera. Just slip the SD card into the slot or use the cable to connect the camera to the USB terminal, and you're ready to enjoy a spectacular big-screen slideshow with family and friends. You can even listen to music recorded onto a USB device while viewing your photos.All of Panasonic's DVD recorder models are designed in compliance with Panasonic's universal design principles. Frequently used buttons are located at the top of the main unit to make them easier to see when the unit is placed in a rack and you need to look down when operating it. Both the remote control and Graphical User Interface (GUI) were designed for easy use by everyone, based on the results of a Panasonic survey.
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
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Disappointment
I'm pleased with Amazon.com for providing free shipping and the unit arrived intact. As an HDD recorder the unit works flawlessly. As a DVD player/recorder... well, not so good. I have yet to be able to play any DVD in it all the way through and have only been able to record anything to a DVD once. I'm disappointed. The DTV tuner works amazingly well. I'm able to pick up all the local digital signals over a simple pair of rabbit ear antenna. That is incredible to me. If I had purchased this unit at a local store, I would be returning it for a refund/replacement. However since I am in Alaska, and returning it to Amazon.com for a replacement could result in me getting a worse performing unit in exchange, I'll stick with my excellent digital tuner and HDD recorder as it is and just invest in a standalone up-converting player. I'm sad that Philips couldn't get it 100% right in one package. The remote is easy to understand and the menu for setting the timer to record shows is easy. I gave this unit a rating of only 2 stars because of my disappointment.
Rating: -
Not user friendly
* To say I was surprisingly disappointed is an understatement. I have owned Panasonic products before and was very pleased. However, I can not say the same for the EA18. I worked as an IT professional for over 30 years, so I am not a novice when it comes to technical expertise. The manual is almost worthless in my humble opinion. After 3 separate calls to support, I had the recorder working. BUT, when next I attempted to set a scheduled recording, I spent 5-10 minutes trying to get manipulate the recording set time, when I gave up in frustration. I returned the recorder!
I would NOT recommend the EA18 recorder to anyone.
HOWEVER, I would very HIGHLY recommend Panasonic's support personnel. They were very patient and professional in providing answers to all my questions.
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Rating: 
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This is it!
Okay I tried a Samsung version of a DVD Recorder it just wasn't all the way right. Finally it stopped recognizing all DVD's. I replaced it with this Panasonic unit and like most items from Panasonic it works great. The set-up is easy, and since I do all my tuning through my cable box I do not miss having a build in tuner. My one criticism is I do not like the look of the IR transmitter that has to be placed in front of the cable box to allow the unit to control the cable box. Everything else is great.
Rating: -
Beautiful picture, Doesn't record
* Connection with the HDMI cable was easy, and everything looked great. I was able to play DVDs without a problem, and really liked the user interface.
BIG PROBLEM - I could not get it to record either on DVD-R or DVD+R, and I tried several of each. It would accept the disc and identify it. It even let me name the disc, but every time I pressed \"record\" it would say 'there might be a problem with the disc,' and then would go into self-check mode. This is never a good sign. I had to unplug it to get it out of self-check mode each time.
I was trying to record from a Tivo, but I don't think this was related to the problem.
I called Panasonic customer service, who suggested a disc cleaner or buying individual DVDs as opposed to a scroll or stack of DVDs. Upon pressing for a diagnosis of the problem, they said the drive likely was defective, and I could send it in for service. I've only had it for 1 week, so I'm opting to return it, as I don't want to get stuck with what might be a dud.
On the bright side, Amazon returns has been great, they sent me a shipping label and said they will accept it. I haven't decided what to get to replace it. My friends and family encouraged me to get a Panasonic and have had good luck with them, so I'm considering trying one again. Maybe I really did just get the random defective one.
UPDATE 8/12/08: After looking long and hard for a good replacement DVD Recorder, and not being successful in finding one that got generally positive reviews, I've decided to edit and record my videos using my computer. If you are looking for a DVD recorder to edit existing videos (i.e., not record directly from the TV) and just want the videos to play on your DVD player, I would highly recommend using your computer for this. I'm using Video ReDo TV suite, and so far it's worked well for me and my Tivo. The cost of the software + a new upconverting DVD player comes to about the same price as this DVD Recorder. I've also found that editing videos on my computer is much easier and faster. ...
Rating: -
Excellent product
I bought this DVD recorder because I wanted a Panasonic to match my Panasonic LCD and take profit of the Viera link. Have not tested yet the recorder but as far as reproduction is concerned, with the HDMI cable, image is excellent, easy to use, you can manage both, TV and DVD with the same remote control. I like it very much!
