Panasonic DMR-E75VS Progressive-Scan DVD Recorder/VCR Combo

The DVD side of the DMR-E75V features progressive-scan video playback and great sound thanks to the Dolby Digital and DTS output. The unit also offers twin NTSC TV tuners, enabling you to record two channels at the same time (one on DVD and one on the VHS VCR). Other features include variable data rate settings, a front A/V input, and composite-, component-, and S-video connections on the back.

With Chasing Playback, an element of the Time Slip feature, you can watch a program currently being recorded from any point that's already been recorded--while continuing to record the program in process. Simultaneous Recording and Playback, the second element of the Time Slip feature, lets you record a program onto a disc while you're watching any other program that's previously been recorded on the same disc.

Tech Talk

• DVD-RAM: DVD-RAM discs can be rewritten up to an incredible 100,000 times, whereas DVD-R discs are write-once. They come in double-sided (9.4 GB capacity) and single-sided (4.7GB) varieties in both cartridge (provides additional protection) and noncartridge types. DVD-RAM discs can be played back on DVD-RAM-compatible DVD home players and portable players.
• Progressive scan: Progressive scanning, otherwise known as 480p ("p" for "progressive"), creates a picture signal with double the scan lines of a conventional interlaced picture, 480i ("i" for "interlaced"), to create a noticeably sharper image. Standard DVD players use interlaced scanning to produce a picture. Interlaced scanning combines two fields to generate a picture of 525 scan lines (480 of which are displayed). Your television projects an interlaced image by first scanning the 240 odd-numbered lines of one field (in 1/60th of a second), followed by the 240 even-numbered lines of the other field (in 1/60th of a second). A progressive video processor enables all 525 lines (480 of which are displayed) to be scanned at the exact same time. A television with 480p component inputs completely scans the entire image in 1/60th of a second, so it only takes one field to build one frame of video.