Panasonic
Panasonic DMR-HS2 DVD Recorder PVR 40 GB Hard Drive
★★★★★
Capture and Preserve Your Memories with Versatile Recording Options Introducing the Panasonic DMR-HS2, a progressive-scan DVD recorder and PVR that combines the functionality of a DVD player, DVD recorder, and hard drive recorder into one versatile device. Perfect for archiving your favorite TV ...
$195.74*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.
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Overview
Capture and Preserve Your Memories with Versatile Recording Options
Introducing the Panasonic DMR-HS2, a progressive-scan DVD recorder and PVR that combines the functionality of a DVD player, DVD recorder, and hard drive recorder into one versatile device. Perfect for archiving your favorite TV shows, camcorder footage, and VHS tapes, this unit offers flexible recording options and enhanced playback features.
Detailed Specifications:
- Recordable Disc Type: DVD-RAM, DVD-R
- Hard Disk Drive: 40 GB (stores up to 52 hours in EP mode)
- Time Slip Function: Chasing playback, simultaneous recording and playback, time slip roller, and button control
- Selectable Recording Modes: XP/SP/LP/EP/FR
- PC Card Slot: Compatible with standard PC card, SD memory card, CompactFlash card, MultiMedia card, Smart Media card, and memory stick
- Input/Output: DV in (x1), composite video in (x3), s-video in (x3), composite audio L/R in (x3), RF in (x1) (UHF/VHF)
- Output: Composite audio L/R out (x2), component video out (Y, PB, PR), s-video out (x2), composite video out (x2), optical digital output
- Playable Disc Type: DVD-video, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, Video CD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW
- Progressive Scanning: Yes
Key Features
Built-in 40 GB hard drive, IEEE 1394 digital video input
Hybrid VBR (variable bit rate) technology lets you record up to 6 hours on a single-sided DVD-RAM disc
Time Slip lets you watch from the beginning a program whose recording is still in progress
Progressive-scan video output for film-like images on high-definition and HD-ready TVs
Plays DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, music CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, and JPEG image CDs
Specifications
Storage
Built-in 40 GB Hard Drive
Digital Video Input
IEEE 1394
Recording Technology
Hybrid VBR (Variable Bit Rate)
Max Recording Time (DVD-RAM)
6 hours (single-sided disc)
Playback Formats
DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, Music CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, JPEG Image CDs
Video Output
Progressive-scan
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Features a built-in 40 GB hard drive, allowing for direct recording and storage of content.
- Includes an IEEE 1394 digital video input, facilitating connections with compatible digital devices.
- Utilizes Hybrid VBR technology, enabling up to 6 hours of recording on a single-sided DVD-RAM disc.
- Offers a Time Slip function, which allows users to begin watching a program while it is still recording.
- Provides progressive-scan video output, enhancing image quality on high-definition and HD-ready televisions.
- Capable of playing a wide variety of disc formats, including DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, music CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, and JPEG image CDs.
👎 Cons
- The 40 GB hard drive may be considered small by modern storage standards, limiting extensive recording.
- IEEE 1394 (FireWire) is a less common digital video input standard on newer devices.
- DVD-RAM discs, while rewritable, are less universally compatible than DVD-R or DVD+R discs.
- The "Hybrid VBR technology" and "Time Slip" functions are specific to its DVD recording capabilities, not general playback.
- Requires a high-definition or HD-ready TV to fully utilize the progressive-scan video output.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the storage capacity of the hard drive in this DVD recorder?
This DVD recorder features a built-in 40 GB hard drive for recording and storing content.
Can I watch a program while it's still being recorded?
Yes, the Panasonic DMR-HS2 includes a Time Slip function that allows you to watch a program from the beginning even as its recording is still in progress.
What types of discs can this player play?
This unit is versatile, capable of playing DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, music CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, and JPEG image CDs.
Does this DVD recorder offer enhanced video quality for modern TVs?
Yes, it provides progressive-scan video output, which is designed to deliver film-like images on high-definition and HD-ready televisions.
What kind of digital video input does this device have?
The Panasonic DMR-HS2 is equipped with an IEEE 1394 digital video input, useful for connecting compatible digital video cameras or other devices.
How much content can I record onto a DVD-RAM disc?
With its Hybrid VBR technology, you can record up to 6 hours of video on a single-sided DVD-RAM disc.
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