Panasonic DMR-EH55S DVD Recorder - Product of the Week
Monday August 7, 2006
The Panasonic DMR-EH55S DVD Recorder includes a built-in 200GB Hard Drive, HDMI and Component Video Output, and a DV input for recording from a MiniDV Camcorder. Includes the TV Guide On Screen Program Guide to schedule recordings days in advance, and record to and play back DVD-R/-RW/-RAM/+R/+RW discs, plus, playback of DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, DVD-R(dual layer), DVD+R(dual layer), CD, CD-DA, and CD-R/RW(including MP3, JPEG, and DivX files). A nice DVD Recorder for those looking for just about any disc to record to or playback. One big extra with this DVD Recorder is its ability to output via HDMI, which will upscale DVD playback to 1080i or 720p on a connected HDTV.Compare Prices on the Panasonic DMR-EH55S DVD Recorder
Comments
The way I’ve seen it, the HDMI cable is simply another alternative for the 3 HD Component Video Output cables - but rather than using 5 cables (including the 3 Component cables + 2 audio cables), the HDMI conveniently puts it all into one. But I have not read that the HDMI is necessarily higher in quality than using all 5 Component + audio cables. With this in mind, the way I see this, any DVD recorder that can output using the Component video cables can “upscale DVD playback to 1080i or 720p on a connected HDTV.” Instead of using the HDMI cable, they can use the 3 Component cables + 2 audio cables. Can anyone tell me if this is correct or incorrect? This is just what I’m getting as I read. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
You are absolutely correct, but HDMI output has two big advantages over using component. First, HDMI is digital and component is analog, HDMI will be the future cable used for HDTV connectivity in the future. Second, which you’ve pointed out already, is you only have to use 1 cable instead of 5.
Sorry, but that is incorrect. While it is technically possible to upscale to 720p or 1080i over component video cables, it is forbidden on any AV device sold in the U.S. This is due to pressure from the movie studies to prevent illegal copying of movies. HDMI and DVI have copy protection built-in, but component video does not. You will not find any devices in the US that upscale over component video.
Thanks for the info. I’m going to try and verify this with our Home Theater Guide, so I can be clear on this issue.