Panasonic Smart Blu-ray Player HDD Recorder

I initially bought the new DishTV superbox, returned it to NL due to ongoing problems with its software. (Hats of to NL for the return process). Compared to the Dish, The Panny is a dream. It is rock solid and 'just works' - all the time, every time. DLNA, Miracast etc just work. Netflix, On demand, blue ray player - it all 'just works'. Interface is old and a bit behind the times - essentially harks back to its release date circa 2010. I a a bit unsure what the future of the software apps is. Apps are quite limited now, don't expect an Andriod TV type online store. Its a bit quirky, but once your used to it, its works well. Combining everything means a single remote to control the lot (our TV is panny as well so remote control that)

Excellent sound and image quality & time slip

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 is ... 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 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.

Fulfills 80% of my needs

I purchased this device because I didn't want to have 2 pieces of equipment to replace my old one. Why was there only one combo player available to choose fromI have 4 specific requirements. To be able to record a tv show (and have the internal drive to store it) - even if the show is running late, to access Amazon Prime, Netflix, and play dvds. I didn't get Amazon. That means I still need to rely on my laptop.Downside. The remote was not logically set out. The menu system makes playing a dvd difficult. And what is with that clear plastic flap that runs the length of the player You have to manually open it before you can play a dvd.

GREAT, COMPACT ALL IN 1 BLU RAY/MEDIA PLAYER/PVR

Hey Peterinoz, you can get this unit converted to DVD 'multi zone' free of charge at a Panasonic authorised service repairer as long as you have the purchase receipt.I went to European Electronics (Moorabbin, VIC), Panasonic pay them. They did it on the spot.Best thing was that this unit greatly improved/sharpened the HD picture of my 2007 Panasonic TV. It's an excellent, very compact all in one (3D) Blu ray player/Media Player/Big Hard Drive for recordings. It could have done with an extra tuner (Mighty FetchTV box has 4!) instead of just the Panasonic Twin Tuners, to be able record more than 2 programs at once while wanting to watch another channel. Netflix button on remote launches the app faster. Very easy to navigate menu, choose record whole series or ... MoreHey Peterinoz, you can get this unit converted to DVD 'multi zone' free of charge at a Panasonic authorised service repairer as long as you have the purchase receipt.I went to European Electronics (Moorabbin, VIC), Panasonic pay them. They did it on the spot.Best thing was that this unit greatly improved/sharpened the HD picture of my 2007 Panasonic TV. It's an excellent, very compact all in one (3D) Blu ray player/Media Player/Big Hard Drive for recordings. It could have done with an extra tuner (Mighty FetchTV box has 4!) instead of just the Panasonic Twin Tuners, to be able record more than 2 programs at once while wanting to watch another channel. Netflix button on remote launches the app faster. Very easy to navigate menu, choose record whole series or single program. Simple!Can play most types of files through USB media player (including finally MP4 which Panasonic was very slow to the market on) but it can't play MP4 if you burn it on a DVD-R disc which Sony, Samsung, LG devices can. PAUSE, REWIND, FAST FORWARD Live TV is always reliable unlike the FETCH TV (which falters especially on Channel 9). Very happy for the price.

Great product

We are very happy with the Player and recorder. Better than the previous player that we had. Love the skip commercials button as well as the return button. The only thing was that the Good Guys were supposed to give us a $50 cash back and after purchasing, but then only a $10 one was passed on. More chasing up will have to be done which is a shame as we were so happy with our player.

Not great

I have used Panasonic DVD recorders for a long time and thought I was getting a good deal with this one. However, there have been sound issues from the very beginning. Initially, the sound from the television is much softer when going through this player and we have to turn the volume right up on the TV. But the most frustrating thing is that sometimes there is no sound at all coming through DVD recorder from the television, and it often takes about 5 or 10 minutes for the sound to come through. It is still under warranty but when we took it back to the Good Guys they were pretty dismissive of the issues we mentioned. So overall not very impressed.

PVR short comings

Purchased this PWT-560 recently to replace my ageing PWT-540 and, out of the box, realised I should have hung onto the older model. Whilst it performs as well as the older model, it has two significant short comings:When using both tuners to record on the PWT-540, there were two red indicators to show both tuners in use. The PWT-560 has only one indicator with a tiny little number below it to indicate how many tuners are in use. This number is unreadable from the comfort of my chair. What was Panasonic thinking when they came up with this idea?My second gripe is with the remote control. In order to make the remote smaller, the main surfing buttons (function, menu, guide and video menu) have been made smaller. Thank heavens the functions and frequency of the ... MorePurchased this PWT-560 recently to replace my ageing PWT-540 and, out of the box, realised I should have hung onto the older model. Whilst it performs as well as the older model, it has two significant short comings:When using both tuners to record on the PWT-540, there were two red indicators to show both tuners in use. The PWT-560 has only one indicator with a tiny little number below it to indicate how many tuners are in use. This number is unreadable from the comfort of my chair. What was Panasonic thinking when they came up with this idea?My second gripe is with the remote control. In order to make the remote smaller, the main surfing buttons (function, menu, guide and video menu) have been made smaller. Thank heavens the functions and frequency of the older remote are similar. I’ve managed to hang onto the older remote and use it instead.The PWT-560 might be OK for a new user but for someone who has been using Panasonic for a while, this model takes about three steps back.

Who needs pay TV with this unit.

This is our third Panasonic unit, the last one dying after 10 years of faultless and daily use. Cannot believe that the new unit has 3 times the recording capacity (300 hours), great new features, and yet comes in at a 40% discount to 10 years ago. We find it particularly comforting that it retains very similar operating processes and commands to the old unit. The old remote even works with the new unit.We just love these units and always watch TV through it. The ability to record 2 shows and watch one allows us to squirrel away shows for the ‘lean’ viewing times, and best of all no advertisements. Who needs pay TV with one of these?

Works as advertised

Excellent comprehensive instruction manual for setup, set top box usage, dvd and tv playback. It also uses nearly half as many cables to set up.I love that I can record an entire series.The DVD playback is not entirely intuitive and there are no clear controls on the remote for using Netflix or the internet. Yes there is a Netflix (and Internet) button on the remote - but once you finished watching a program, how do you return to the Netflix menu It's trial and error without booting yourself back to regular tv.The only other thing I don't like, is the tv guide. The guide itself is excellent. It tells you what time shows begin/end and all the important stuff. I would like to see some sort of representation of how far into the show, that is currently playing. Or the ... MoreExcellent comprehensive instruction manual for setup, set top box usage, dvd and tv playback. It also uses nearly half as many cables to set up.I love that I can record an entire series.The DVD playback is not entirely intuitive and there are no clear controls on the remote for using Netflix or the internet. Yes there is a Netflix (and Internet) button on the remote - but once you finished watching a program, how do you return to the Netflix menu It's trial and error without booting yourself back to regular tv.The only other thing I don't like, is the tv guide. The guide itself is excellent. It tells you what time shows begin/end and all the important stuff. I would like to see some sort of representation of how far into the show, that is currently playing. Or the current time.When you press enter to watch a currently playing show, it takes you through an intermediary screen where you get to decide if you want to watch it or record it. On older models, there was a different/ better way to manage this.Please note. My last dvd/set top box was this model, 10 years older. This is model not an improvement. I only upgraded because the DVD failed in the old one and Netflix was no longer supported. I didn't like the idea of buying separate items to provide each function. E.g.. set top, DVD, tv recording, Netflix.... and I still don't have Prime.

brilliant recorder and player

I had no trouble setting up and that's because I had a similar blu ray viera dvd player which is 10 years old which is now dead. I have a Panasonic TV that is compatible with viera blu ray I'm no tech person so the set up almost identical to past. player This DVD has wifi built in so just tapping in my password from the nbn telstra modem was simple to install internet. it has the twin recorders and watch live TV simultaneously. It is exactly what I wanted.