Is a DVD recorder with digital tuner like the one on the Panasonic DMR-EZ28K DVD Player/Recorder really necessary if you already have cable? The answer to that question really depends on you and your cable system. Nowadays, most cable services offer both digital and analog signals. You can get analog signals with a cable-ready analog tuner while the additional digital signals need a cable-ready digital tuner.

The digital tuner equipped in this model will let you receive over-the-air high definition broadcasts without a glitch. Most high definition home theater owners will require a digital tuner to get their money's worth in HD picture and sound. The Panasonic DMR-EZ28K DVD Player/Recorder can play a variety of formats, including DVD, DivX, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, CD, CD-R, and CD-RW. It features a 1080p up conversion through an HDMI. You can also record digital over-the-air broadcasts thanks to the digital tuner.

The built-in ATSC tuner is pretty reliable, locking onto a signal effortlessly even if there is a low power source or the station is further away than would normally be convenient. Moreover, the tuner easily locks onto older analog signals as well.

The Panasonic DMR-EZ28K DVD Player/Recorder's on-screen interface might first appear dated. However, it was designed to be familiar and comfortable with a VCR of yesteryear's menu and programming. This will help insure that you will not miss recording your favorite programs due to confusion. Furthermore, this model features an elegant, minimalist chassis that hides it jam-packed set of features.

Panasonic's proprietary VIERALink can connect all components of your home theater to be guided by one remote control, including your sound system. An added plus was the on-board SD card reader, which lets us slip in the SD card from your digital camera to immediately start viewing photos. The Panasonic DMR-EZ28K DVD Player/Recorder also adds a USB port for even more flexibility.

One negative on this DVD recorder is that channel surfing can be very slow, but that might be the norm for digital tuners and over-the-air HD signals. The truth is the digital world is a dynamically changing environment and until the DVD recorder manufacturers catch up with the OTA HD signal technology you'll have to live with the slow speed.