A Great Machine
BWT955 provides complete control over one's viewing of free-to-air shows. The three tuners resolve many conflicts that would arise from a two-tuners setup. The 32 programs limit with the Timer Recording facility is overcome with the brilliantly executed Keyword Recording (KR). Scattered episodes of a series (consistent scheduling weekdays, but different on the weekends) are tracked by KR. Eg, episodes of Seinfeld on 76 Flix (Australia), are all over the place, but KR lists them all for taping. KR is also great for searches. Eg, with the keyword, "Maigret" (fictional French detective), I've requested BWT955 to find any program with "Maigret" in the title or in its information snippet to be taped from all available free-to-air channels, now or anytime in the future. ... MoreBWT955 provides complete control over one's viewing of free-to-air shows. The three tuners resolve many conflicts that would arise from a two-tuners setup. The 32 programs limit with the Timer Recording facility is overcome with the brilliantly executed Keyword Recording (KR). Scattered episodes of a series (consistent scheduling weekdays, but different on the weekends) are tracked by KR. Eg, episodes of Seinfeld on 76 Flix (Australia), are all over the place, but KR lists them all for taping. KR is also great for searches. Eg, with the keyword, "Maigret" (fictional French detective), I've requested BWT955 to find any program with "Maigret" in the title or in its information snippet to be taped from all available free-to-air channels, now or anytime in the future. The Blu-ray capability allows for taping onto Blu-ray discs high-definition programs (standard-definition programs can still be taped onto DVDs). The TV-Guide screen is fantastic and easy on the eyes, but other screens are inconsistent in colour scheme and appear "harsh". The font especially on the list of recorded programs is thick, compacted and dark. Another example of BWT955's power is in editing a recorded program: ads and boring bits can be edited out with frame-by-frame precision. There are many other pleasant surprises in the use of this machine. In closing, BWT955 is not perfect, being clumsy is some aspects, but it is incredibly powerful and BWT955 is the complete package for mastery over free-to-air viewing.... Show more
ConK.
originally posted on binglee.com.au
A pretty good product
This triple tuner is a great feature, better than previous panasonics with only a two program recording feature. It is just as easy to set up and operate as all my previous panasonic dvd/pvr's have been. The only thing that I don't like is the new keyboard. This keyboard style is very cumbersome to use when changing the title of a recording compared to previous versions that have upper and lower case in a 123/abc style. Value, probably a little expensive, but I will decide that when I see how long it lasts without any glitches. Overall, I would recommend it.... Show more
iggy
originally posted on appliancesonline.com.au
A worthwhile upgrade.
I replaced an older Panasonic recorder with this newer model. The two extra tuners are really useful, and the interface has been modernised slightly. There are new features like keyword and series recording which are great. The user interface is intuitive and the unit functions reliably. Overall I'm very happy with it. I've had two previous models that are still working - the oldest one only has an SD tuner. so it is less useful now, and the second one is used on a second TV.... Show more
Chris
originally posted on appliancesonline.com.au
Great Product for most Network media needs !
This Pana box is an "All in One" for almost any media ,Net ,TV, BD, DVD , CD , USB & will play almost anything. That and the ability to record , manage & work across most networks makes it a star for downsizing plenty of older tech. It can record at least 3 channels simultaneously , and once on your home Net , is accessible anywhere. Best media device I've purchased in ages !... Show more
Freds
originally posted on harveynorman.com.au
Panasonic 955 2TB triple tuner FTA Bluray Recorder
Triple tuners are handy, as is keyword recording, especially when there are clashes and overlaps in the networks scheduling. Simply use the keyword feature to find a repeat airing. A bit slow navigating through the recordings, even with fewer than ten recordings on the HDD. I thought the loss of the ability to record direct to LP mode (that my old BW500 Panasonic had) would be a limitation but it manages to find time to convert to LP during Standby. Editing naming of recordings is a little easier than the old, but why they don't have dedicated keys for Home, End, space and delete backwards, and a hold-to-repeat function on delete is puzzling - it could be so much easier. But I doubt they'll be putting much more R&D effort into this category of machine. Wish they had ... MoreTriple tuners are handy, as is keyword recording, especially when there are clashes and overlaps in the networks scheduling. Simply use the keyword feature to find a repeat airing. A bit slow navigating through the recordings, even with fewer than ten recordings on the HDD. I thought the loss of the ability to record direct to LP mode (that my old BW500 Panasonic had) would be a limitation but it manages to find time to convert to LP during Standby. Editing naming of recordings is a little easier than the old, but why they don't have dedicated keys for Home, End, space and delete backwards, and a hold-to-repeat function on delete is puzzling - it could be so much easier. But I doubt they'll be putting much more R&D effort into this category of machine. Wish they had an SSD in there for longevity, or at least the option, but I gather they are not SSD compatible. Also, any external USB drives are dedicated to the unit (max 8), so the only way to have long term backups is to record to disc. Happy if someone could correct me on those aspects. All in all very happy with my purchase.... Show more
Free to air fan
originally posted on binglee.com.au
Panasonic Blu-Ray Recorder Great PVR Great Brand
I recently bought this via on-line shopping at JB HIFI. The purchase procedure was perfect, and service when I picked it up was GREAT!. The Panasonic recorder has changed how I watch TV permanently. I record the nightly news and watch it when I have the time. The triple tuner is GREAT! and the picture and sound quality is brilliant. 4 Tuners would be even better but I have a second Panasonic recorder so I have 5 channels I can record. All the documentary's I watch are on late at night and so I record them and watch them later when it suits me. I have networked this PVR with My Panasonic PVR in ther bedroom and also The Blu-Ray player in the second Bedroom . The Networking feature works perfectly and all devices talk to each other without a glitch. All I can say is ... MoreI recently bought this via on-line shopping at JB HIFI. The purchase procedure was perfect, and service when I picked it up was GREAT!. The Panasonic recorder has changed how I watch TV permanently. I record the nightly news and watch it when I have the time. The triple tuner is GREAT! and the picture and sound quality is brilliant. 4 Tuners would be even better but I have a second Panasonic recorder so I have 5 channels I can record. All the documentary's I watch are on late at night and so I record them and watch them later when it suits me. I have networked this PVR with My Panasonic PVR in ther bedroom and also The Blu-Ray player in the second Bedroom . The Networking feature works perfectly and all devices talk to each other without a glitch. All I can say is Wow, Wow, Wow. I am an IT consultant with 25 years experience so I am a bit fussy with my TECH gear and expert perfection. I can't fault it or any of the other 2 Panasonic Players in the Media System. I have it Plugged into a Marantz AV receiver then a 4k Samsung Quantum Dot TV. The Images of the free to air are just brilliant. I would like to commend Panasonic on a great product and as usual the service at JB HIFI was faultless. So I am happy to spend time writing this review to spread the word. I have recently completely updated my media system and purchased over $3700 of gear from JB HIFI. I can't fault the service so do yourself a favour and get this one if your in the market for a PVR. Life is too short to live without a good PVR with 3 tuners. Regards Maxwell 05-09-2021 JB HIFI Gepps Cross, JB HIFI Muno Para , South Aust.... Show more
maxy67
originally posted on jbhifi.com.au
Poor Panasonic PVR
This has to be the worst PVR we have ever owned. Sure it has three tuners but nothing else is up to scratch. You cannot watch anything off a separate connected device (say USB key) when its taping anything; recordings do not overlap so you have to keep the one before; it does not recognise 2 of the 5 main stations and their shows as having series recording so you need to "keyword" record; you cannot control the volume from the remote - you have to use the TV remote for that; it doesn't put the season/episode information in the recorded files so you have no idea of what you are watching; their is no status bar when fast forwarding so you have no idea where you are; and the list goes on. Our 4-tuner Humax died and the only PVR with more than two tuners is this one. We ... MoreThis has to be the worst PVR we have ever owned. Sure it has three tuners but nothing else is up to scratch. You cannot watch anything off a separate connected device (say USB key) when its taping anything; recordings do not overlap so you have to keep the one before; it does not recognise 2 of the 5 main stations and their shows as having series recording so you need to "keyword" record; you cannot control the volume from the remote - you have to use the TV remote for that; it doesn't put the season/episode information in the recorded files so you have no idea of what you are watching; their is no status bar when fast forwarding so you have no idea where you are; and the list goes on. Our 4-tuner Humax died and the only PVR with more than two tuners is this one. We should have bought a two tuner Humax which is infinitely better. Its basically a $700 piece of poor engineering which does very little. I would not recommend it to anyone. If we could get a full refund we would get rid of it in a blink.... Show more
PoorPVR
originally posted on appliancesonline.com.au
Review Update with Important Info.
Just felt that it was important to update everybody about one of the few features of this unit which could put you off from purchasing it. After searching the web to find a way of converting this DVD player from region 4 only to a multi-region player, I came across a notice from Panasonic Australia. Put simply, you can contact Panasonic Australia directly by phone and they will provide you with the name of a local company that will convert your Panasonic DVD player to multi-region (DVD's only, not Blu-ray discs) - it takes less that 30 minutes. If your unit is less than 5 years old & you have a copy of the purchase receipt there is no cost (yes, it's free). So, don't spend money on suspect conversion "codes" or "magic" remotes to make this unit a multi-region DVD ... MoreJust felt that it was important to update everybody about one of the few features of this unit which could put you off from purchasing it. After searching the web to find a way of converting this DVD player from region 4 only to a multi-region player, I came across a notice from Panasonic Australia. Put simply, you can contact Panasonic Australia directly by phone and they will provide you with the name of a local company that will convert your Panasonic DVD player to multi-region (DVD's only, not Blu-ray discs) - it takes less that 30 minutes. If your unit is less than 5 years old & you have a copy of the purchase receipt there is no cost (yes, it's free). So, don't spend money on suspect conversion "codes" or "magic" remotes to make this unit a multi-region DVD player. Just a little extra comment - recently used the unit's built-in editor to remove commercials from a recorded TV programme & then burnt it onto a DVD disc. The results are fantastic & a great way to keep your favourite programs for future viewing. Cheers... Show more
Retrox Mother
originally posted on jbhifi.com.au
The Panasonic DMR-BWT955 is a powerfull,practical,easy to use piece of equipment that delivers on it,s promises.
I am 67 years old, not very tech savy and have integrated this unit with :- * A ten year old Samsung HD T.V. * A near new Sony stereo system. * A vintage 1970,s Pioneer stereo system ( thanks Panasonic for the analog audio out. ) and :- EVERYTHING WORKS ! ! ! ! Picture and sound quality is excellent ( very happy ) The recording of T.V.( up to 3 tuners ) / playback / pause / rewind / skip functions all work perfectly ( skipping through T.V. ads is great ) Playback and / or recording of C.D,s D.V.D,s U.S.B,s S.D,s micro S.D,s ( with optional adaptor ) and unit HDD is a breeze. ( photo,s videos and audio from these devices are crisp and clean ) Rewind of current T.V .viewing works great. If you don,t have, need, can,t get, or wish to have internet ( I am sure this unit ... MoreI am 67 years old, not very tech savy and have integrated this unit with :- * A ten year old Samsung HD T.V. * A near new Sony stereo system. * A vintage 1970,s Pioneer stereo system ( thanks Panasonic for the analog audio out. ) and :- EVERYTHING WORKS ! ! ! ! Picture and sound quality is excellent ( very happy ) The recording of T.V.( up to 3 tuners ) / playback / pause / rewind / skip functions all work perfectly ( skipping through T.V. ads is great ) Playback and / or recording of C.D,s D.V.D,s U.S.B,s S.D,s micro S.D,s ( with optional adaptor ) and unit HDD is a breeze. ( photo,s videos and audio from these devices are crisp and clean ) Rewind of current T.V .viewing works great. If you don,t have, need, can,t get, or wish to have internet ( I am sure this unit will deliver if you have ) This is a terrific alternative ( and over time cheaper ) especially for those with older equipment who would like to enhance it. Obviously the Panasonic DMR-BWT955 is capable of delivering considerably more than I have touched on here ( only owned this a week) but it delivers easily and logically all that I require. ( A beneficial addition would be Bluetooth but in my case I have this covered ) Thanks Panasonic.... Show more
Graeme
originally posted on binglee.com.au
Well worth the additional price
We had previously owned a DMR-BW850 Blu-ray Disc Recorder for over 12 years and were extremely happy with it until it wouldn’t play some HD stations. Due to the fantastic operation of the DMR-BW850 we decided to upgrade it with another Panasonic product. I researched the available models from Panasonic and we originally purchased a Panasonic DMR-PWT560GN because we didn’t think we would utilise all the additional features of the DMR-BWT955GL however we were wrong. The main issue with the DMR-PWT560GN was the basic time slip controls, you only have -20 seconds or +1 minute whereas the DMR_BWT955GL has full time slip functionality, you can slip forward or backwards as much as you like. This is a function we use quite a lot, so it was a real game changer for us, but it ... MoreWe had previously owned a DMR-BW850 Blu-ray Disc Recorder for over 12 years and were extremely happy with it until it wouldn’t play some HD stations. Due to the fantastic operation of the DMR-BW850 we decided to upgrade it with another Panasonic product. I researched the available models from Panasonic and we originally purchased a Panasonic DMR-PWT560GN because we didn’t think we would utilise all the additional features of the DMR-BWT955GL however we were wrong. The main issue with the DMR-PWT560GN was the basic time slip controls, you only have -20 seconds or +1 minute whereas the DMR_BWT955GL has full time slip functionality, you can slip forward or backwards as much as you like. This is a function we use quite a lot, so it was a real game changer for us, but it is not explained in the sales information. Since starting to use the DMR_BWT955GL we have noticed a few advantages over the previous models we have used. We only have a 1080p TV so I didn’t think the 4K abilities of the unit would show any difference, however the images on the TV are noticeably clearer. The other advantage is the sound, it has either optical or coaxial cable outputs to an amplifier which provides excellent 5 channel sound output and is very noticeable. The Network Service on the unit is quite disappointing, I thought there would have been large improvements to this in the 12 plus years we owned the DMR-BW850 but the only usable additions are Netflix and YouTube. What we found was you can connect to the internet with wireless or with an ethernet cable. If you connect wirelessly, Netflix is blurred slightly. Whereas with the ethernet connection, Netflix is crystal clear. I wasn’t able to get the TV Anytime function working as there was infighting between the Panasonic and my Router but it wasn’t that important. If you are looking for a new Blu Ray recorder, I would definitely suggest the DMR_BWT955GL. The vision and sound are a step above the other models and it has full time slip capabilities. It also has functionality that will be an advantage with future technologies. The additional price involved is worth every cent.... Show more
Panasonic Fan
originally posted on appliancesonline.com.au