In addition to sporting an attractive price tag, the feature-rich DMRE50S offers progressive scan technology (for use with high-definition and HD-ready TVs), MP3 playback, enhanced time-shifting, instant access, and on-disc video editing. Progressive scan is particularly valuable, as it delivers twice the scan rate of conventional DVD players, ensuring an incredible picture time and again. On-disc video editing, meanwhile, lets you tighten up or rearrange your home movies. And the device isn't restricted to DVD playback, as it also supports such formats as audio CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, and MP3-CDs.

Thanks to the DVD recorder's instant recording capability, users won't need to locate blank space on a disc. Simply press record and the unit automatically finds empty space, much like when recording on a computer's disk drive. Panasonic's Time Slip feature is another nice bonus, as it lets you replay a scene recorded earlier while a program is still in progress without disrupting the recording process. Chasing Playback, meanwhile, makes it possible to watch a show from the beginning even though the recording is still in progress. It's also simple to transfer favorite VHS recordings to space-saving DVDs, and personal movie libraries and family videos can be a