Panasonic DMR-HW220 review
Timeshifting isn’t the only thing the Panasonic DMR-HW220 connected PVR can do
-
+
Outstanding image quality
-
+
Generous 1TB hard drive
-
+
Lots of ‘net TV services
-
-
Bulky old-skool design
-
-
Button-festooned remote
-
-
Limited file support on LAN
Why you can trust T3
The Panasonic DMR-HW220 is more than just a Freeview HD PVR. You can also use it for Catch-Up, file playback or movie streaming
What the Panasonic DMR-HW220 lacks in cosmetic Va Va Voom, it more than makes up for in bloody-minded functionality. This Freeview HD recorder's feature-cup runneth over, offering an instant viewing upgrade for those not yet ready to buy an internet connected Smart TV. It faces off against the Echostar HDT-610R ultra-slim PVR and the Sony SVR-HDT1000.
Panasonic DMR-HW220: Build
While other PVR manufacturers court weird and wild designs, Panasonic sticks to the traditional. A tad dull possibly, but this recorder is well made and relatively quiet in operation.
Panasonic DMR-HW220: Features
As a Freeview HD timeshifter, the DMR-HW220 is largely peerless. It packs a massive 1TB drive, can record two channels simultaneously and permits playback before a recording is finished.
Once online, it also offers access to Panasonic's pert VIERA Connect 'net portal, home to iPlayer, Netflix, YouTube, DailyMotion, Acetrax and more. The one catch is you can't access any these internet services if the deck is recording, an irritating restriction.
File playback from USB is top notch, with MKV, AVI, MOV and other video file types accesible. Across a network from a NAS it's a tad less useful, with MKV going AWOL.
Panasonic DMR-HW220: Connections
The DMR-HW220 sports a standard jack pack: HDMI, optical audio, stereo phonos, plus Ethernet. Wi-Fi is built-in. There's also a front-facing SD card slot and USB media reader.
Panasonic DMR-HW220: Picture Quality
Image quality is outstanding, with recordings transparent to source. This means you get particularly fine results from the BBC and ITV HD channels. Significantly, the deck also makes a nice job of upscaling SD channels.
The recorder is also 3D capable, allowing you to depth convert 2D programmes into faux-D and playback stereo MPO format digital images. The latter is kinda useful, the former is not. MP3s can be copied from USB to the HDD, allowing the deck to double as a media jukebox of sorts.
Panasonic DMR-HW220: Verdict
The Panasonic DMR-HW220 is both a high-performance Freeview HD recorder and a polished internet TV streamer. Timeshift from the terrestrial HD channels and recordings prickle with detail, and subtle gradations. Pop online to Panasonic's VIERA Connect portal, and you're also spoilt for choice.
In addition to heavy-hitters like the BBC iPlayer and YouTube, there's Netflix, Fetch TV and Acetrax video-on-demand, assorted news and internet radio apps. Unfortunately you can't stream while the deck is in record mode, or play back files from USB.
Overall though, this is a well-equipped digital recorder, made all the more desirable by that humungous 1TB drive.
Panasonic DMR-HW220 availability: Available now
Panasonic DMR-HW220 price: £257
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
For over 25 years, Steve has been casting his keen eyes and ears over the best that the world of TV and audio has to offer. He was the creator of Home Cinema Choice magazine, and contributes to huge range of technology, home and music titles along with T3, including TechRadar, Louder, Ideal Home, the i newspaper, and more.
-
Formula 1 and LVMH announce landmark partnership - including TAG Heuer, Louis Vuitton and more
Some major brands will soon be sponsoring the F1 motor racing
By Sam Cross Published
-
3 breathing exercises that reduce your chances of catching a cold this winter
Use these breathing practices to build heat in your body during the winter months and boost your immune system
By Kat Bayly Published