Panasonic DMR-EZ28K Single-disc black DVD player/recorder

Digital tuner capable

The high-performance hybrid digital tuner is capable of receiving both digital and analog broadcasts. And even when digital signals drop out because of interference with direct signal access, which makes the picture either disappear or become filled with block noise, the Digital Tuner still produces a beautiful picture.

HDMI and 1080p up-conversion

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is the first industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video connection. HDMI provides the best interface between a DVD recorder and compatible products, such as a digital television (DTV). When matched with a compatible TV, this single interconnecting cable combines: Multi-channel audio, uncompressed digital video, intercommunication between devices and simple control Protocols. This single cable connection ensures that all signals remain in their pure digital form and secure by use of High Definition Copy Protection (HDCP) regardless of signal output resolution. Since HDMI can support uncompressed digital video up to HDTV resolution, the DMREZ28K takes advantage by up-converting the standard DVD picture resolution to 720p, 1080i or 1080p. This makes the DMREZ28K a perfect match for today's digital televisions. And because this conversion is performed by the recorder, the signal remains free from excessive digital to analog artifacts. If you don't have an HDMI-compatible television, you'll still get great results from the component video connections with progressive output.

Easy operation with VIERALink&trade

Connect your DMREZ28K DVD recorder to your VIERA flat-panel HDTV via an HDMI cable, and the TV channel setting information is automatically downloaded to the recorder. Once the Auto Preset Download is complete, the DVD recorder will keep whichever TV channel you're watching as its receiving channel. This means you can record the program you're watching by just pressing the Record button on the VIERA remote. With VIERALink, you don't have to worry about setting the recorder to the right channel every time you want to record something.

Expansion of usages

The DMREZ28K DVD recorder is equipped with an SD Memory Card slot and USB terminal, which makes it easy to view photos from your digital camera. Just slip the SD card into the slot or use the cable to connect the camera to the USB terminal, and you're ready to enjoy a spectacular big-screen slideshow with family and friends. You can even listen to music recorded onto a USB device while viewing your photos.

Universal Design

All of Panasonic's DVD recorder models, like the DMREZ28K, are designed in compliance with Panasonic's Universal Design principles. Frequently used buttons (Power, Open/Close) are located at the top of the main unit to make them easier to see when the unit is placed in a rack and you need to look down when operating it. Both the remote control and graphical user interface (GUI) were designed for easy use by everyone, based on the results of a Panasonic survey.

Playback formats and features

Of course, you can play back all of the same formats that you can record. But your playback options don't end there. The DMREZ28K also plays CD-DA, CD-R, CD-RW, and DVD-RAM discs. You can play back CD-R/RW discs with MP3 or WMA audio files on them for even more flexibility. What's more, the DMREA28K is DivX Home Theater Certified, so it will play the formats associated with the DivX brand.

Included with purchase

Remote control

Write A Review

Panasonic DVDR (November 01, 2010)

Ease of Use		(1/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(3/5.0)
Overall Rating		(2/5.0)

Reviewed By: R. K. - Joliet, IL

I had an older model Panasonic DVD recorder but it died after 3-4 years of use. It was great!! I bought a new one, DMR EZ28 and while the quality is good, THE OPERATING SYSTEM IS GARBAGE. The old system would switch channels and programs on the fly, even while you were watching another program. The new system requires that you turn off the unit before it can begin recording anything. The recorder is good, the programmingoperating system sucks!

Great DVD Recorder (October 13, 2010)

Ease of Use		(4/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Mary N. - Alameda, CA

I have had a DMR-EZ27 recorder for about 3 years now. Lately it has been freezing and causing some problems so I decided it was time to order this unit. I also needed to change the remote setting for the old set to keep it separate from this one. Both units can read and write DVD-RAM disks that do have some advantages over DVD-RW media.

Vanns shipped promptly and packaged with sturdy foam inserts to protect it.

Since I did own a DMR-EZ27 it was easy for me to get this one going. Most of the settings are the same or very close. This unit does have a Signal Meter you can find by clicking Display that is useful for OTA Over-theAir TV broadcasts. I had already gotten a firmware update CD set up and installed it right away once the initial settings were in place.

If you have a Panasonic TV, make sure you have Viera Link turned on. Then let Viera Link set up your DVD channels. Its a piece of cake. You will find the channel numbers and labels just like the TV without your having to touch the set at all. Wonderful and so easy.

One suggestion is to only put in a blank DVD until you have the unit setup. I had one recorded and put it in before I did complete setup. It is possible the disk was previously damaged. All I know for sure is the program recorded is gone now. Recordings made after setup are fine.

Dont know how long this DMR-EZ28 will last. Since the older unit has served well for 3 years, I am most hopeful.

Nice DVD Recorder, but... (September 21, 2010)

Ease of Use		(4/5.0)
Value		(4/5.0)
Performance		(4/5.0)
Overall Rating		(4/5.0)

Reviewed By: Sidney M. - Cherry Hill, NJ

Records very nicely. There is no Eject button on the remote. An HDMI input would have been a nice feature. Panasonic just didnt give the screw a complete turn on this model

DMR-EZ28K...so far, so good (August 23, 2010)

Ease of Use		(4/5.0)
Value		(3/5.0)
Performance		(3/5.0)
Overall Rating		(4/5.0)

Reviewed By: L. H. - Doral, FL

...so far, so good.

Great Buy (July 27, 2010)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: John C. - Farmville, NC

Ive had this for about a week, no problems.
Im using a digital HD box from Cable.
This unit records everything including HD channels. At the beginning I had trouble with playback.. I had to download a firmware update from Panasonic, only took a few minutes. I highly recommend it,

Panasonic DMR-EZ28 (December 27, 2008)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: James R. - Huber Heights, Ohio

I bought my first panasonic DMR-EZ28 in August 2008 as a replacement for one of my older dvd recorders.
I liked the fact that is used virtually all forms of
recording media.I like the fact that is has an digital tuner. Picture quality is outstanding. Ease of set up and ease of operation are also a plus. As far as Im concerned this item is a great value and out performs the Sonys that I have purchased. I have since purchased 2 more Panasonic-DMR-EZ28s to replace my aging Sonys. I have had no problems with any of the 3 panasonics.I purchased them all from Vanns because they had the lowest price. I highly recommend this unit for first timers or as a replacement.

Comparison Specifications

1080p up-conversion
Multi-format playback: DVD, DVD-RAM, DVD-R/-RW, DVD-R (DL), +R/+R (DL)/+RW, CD, CD-R/RW
Outputs: 2ch. audio output, component video output (Y, PB, PR), S-Video output, video output, HDMI output
Inputs: 2ch. analog audio inputs, 2 video inputs, DV input terminal, 2 S-Video inputs
Built-in SD card slot with transfers to DVD-RAM and from DVD-RAM
CD, CD-R/RW playback capability: CD-DA, MP3, JPEG (HD)
Dolby Digital® (Dolby AC-3) 2ch audio recording
VIERALink&trade capabilities

Additional Specifications

DVD-RAM video playback capability: DVD-VR, JPEG (HD)
DVD-RW, DVD-R playback capability: DVD-video, DVD-VR (DVD-RW only), JPEG (HD) (DVD-R only), MP3 (DVD-R only)
Recordable disc type: DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-R (DL), DVD-RW, +R, +R (DL), + RW
Recording format: DVD video recording format, DVD-video format
Image file compatible media: SD memory card includes miniSD&trade cards (a miniSD adaptor needed)
Image file format: SD memory card, SDHC memory card
SD image file format: JPEG conforming DCF (Design rule for Camera File System); Image file number of pixels: 34 x 34 to 6,144 x 4096
USB 2.0 full speed terminal, HDMI output 480i/p, 720p, 1080i/p
Playback on USB memory: JPEG, MP3, DivX®, JPEG transfers to DVD-RAM and from DVD

Manufacturer Specifications

Recording time 4.7GB: XP Mode 1 hour, SP Mode 2 hours, LP Mode 4 hours, EP Mode 6/8 hours
Recording time 8.5GB DVD-R DL/+R DL disc: XP Mode 1 hour 45 minutes, SP Mode 3 hours 35 minutes, LP Mode 7 hours 10 minutes, EP Mode 10 hours 45 minutes/14 hours 20 minutes
TV system: NTSC color signal, 525 lines, 60 fields
Recording system: MPEG2 (Hypbrid VBR)
TV channel analog/digital: 2-69ch.
CATV channel analog/digital: 1-135ch.
Operating temperature: 41-104º
Operating humidity range: 35-80º RH (no condensation)