If you’re looking for a recorder and player with a punch, the Panasonic DMR-BS850 is one of the best choices you have. It is rated by several users as one of the best in its class. This model is an upgrade of the earlier DMR-BS750EB and offers more memory, extra recording time and several other features that truly make it an asset in your entertainment room. Here are some more features and capabilities about the device.

Recording Power

As for the recording features, the Panasonic DMR-BS850 has 500 GB of hard drive space, compared to the BS750EB’s 250 GB. You also get twice as much recording time at 885 hours. There’s a 8 day EPG or electronic programme guide, so you can schedule your recording periods and not miss a single show. The Pause live TV gives you the ability to stop whatever’s playing on TV, so you can attend to other matters for a few minutes without having to miss anything.

Sound and Connectivity

The device has Dolby True HD, Plus Dolby Digital, DTS and DTS HD decoding, so you get the high quality sound intended for the program as your watch or record it. There’s a 2 channel audio output as well. The DMR-BS850 has 1 HDMI port, 1 USB port, 1 SD memory card slot and 1 Ethernet port. You can immediately connect your USB device or the SD card from your digital camera so you can watch videos or view images. Just link the Panasonic DMR-BS850 to a TV or HDTV and you’re ready to go.

More Things to Expect

The package comes with a remote control, complete with 2 AA batteries. Everything measures 5.9 cms high, 42 cms wide and 33 cms deep. The whole package also weighs 4.1 kgs. The Blu-ray recorder is the first HD and HDD recorder available in some countries. The EPG or electronic programme guide makes it very easy to simultaneously record shows and programs on TV. The recorder has a price tag ranging between £360 and £499, depending on your location. You can quickly test or purchase it in designated retail outlets or just order online.

Overall Assessment

A lot of people like the Panasonic DMR-BS850 very much because of its very powerful recording capabilities. The 500 GB of hard drive space and 885 hours of recording definitely makes it one of the most advanced Blu-ray recorders available. SD programs and picture quality in high definition are almost flawless. Some of the minor drawbacks are that some programmes are copyright protected and cannot be easily recorded and some people might find only a few programmes available on Freesat. Considering the price, this Panasonic Blu-ray recorder is a great device for any home theatre.

As a whole, a lot of users give the device a perfect score. Picture quality and sound quality are excellent. Linking the recorder to a HDTV will bring you very close to the action and everything just comes alive right in front of you. The features are also more than sufficient for many viewers. The ease of use is rated good by most people, since adjustments and other changes can be done with some practice. The Panasonic DMR-BS850 is truly a powerful upgrade from its predecessor and gives HD and HDD recording a whole new meaning.