Panasonic introduced two new DIGA DVD recorders – the DMR-ES40V and the DMR-ES20 – at the 2005 CEDIA EXPO. Both of these new models add a DV input to the feature mix. Additionally, the successful DMR-EH50, with a built-in 100GB Hard Drive, continues as Panasonic’s flagship model.

The DMR-ES40V is a dual deck DVD recorder and VHS VCR, a model that allows the consumer to transfer their old VHS tapes to a DVD disc with one touch of a button. The DMR-ES20 builds upon the success of its predecessor by offering the consumer an entry level DVD recorder that also features multi-format recording and playback. Both the DMR-ES40V and the DMR-ES20 offer up to 16-hour extended recording time on a 9.4 GB double-sided DVD-RAM disc in EP mode.

All three DVD recorders offer response in start-up of 1 second, an improved horizontal resolution in LP mode that renders images delivering up to 500 lines, and a new 12-bit ADC. The DMR-ES40V and the DMR-ES20, as well as the DMR-EH50 record to DVD-RAM, DVD±R and DVD-RW discs; and can play back DVD-RAM, DVD±R2/RW, DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, Video-CD, Audio-CD (CD-DA), and CD-R/RW MP3/JPEG formatted discs.

The DMR-EH50 features a 100GB hard disk drive, offering users up to 177 hours of recording time and comes with The TV Guide On Screen Program Guide. It also features a new Smart Wheel user-friendly remote control to quickly find recorded programs and start playback faster.

The DMR-EH50 also features a built-in SD slot and an SD viewer for sharing JPEG images between the DVD recorder and personal computers, digital cameras and camcorders, and other SD-enabled A/V devices.

While the DMR-EH50 is already available with the MSRP of $399.95, the DMR-ES20 and DMR-ES40V are to go on sale this month with respective MSRPs of $199.95 and $299.95.