Panasonic DMR-BW850  
Price $1999
Test results  
Overall score (%) 72
Ease of use (/10) 7.3
Digital-tuner performance (/10) 8.6
Faulty-DVD-playback performance (/10) 2.6
Standby energy (/10) 8.0
Specifications  
Dimensions HxWxD (cm) 6.5 x 43 x 33
Weight (kg) 4.2
Hard-drive capacity (GB) 500
Digital tuners 2 x HD
Features  
Recording hours 72
LAN connection yes
Card reader SDHC
USB port yes

Guide to the table

Our test was conducted by the Australian consumer organisation Choice. Price is from a September 2009 survey.

  • Ease of use (55% of overall score) based on auto tuning system, menu navigation, recording functions.
  • Digital-tuner performance (25%) assessed using digital TV signals of varying quality.
  • Faulty-DVD-playback performance (10%) assessed using DVDs with deliberate faults such as dirt and scratches.
  • Standby energy (10%) based on energy used while unit is switched off but plugged into the wall.

Recording hours are as claimed by the manufacturer.

Join Consumer now and make your decisions easy on a huge range of products and services

  • Over 500 reports, plus interactive tools and calculators
  • Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
  • Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal

from just $28

Join now
Read what our members say