FAQ
How much HD content can I stick on a single Blu-Ray disc?
When recording from the HDD to a disc you have four encoding options offering different qualities. The lowest quality setting (HL) will get you around 12 hours worth of HD quality content stored (for standard definition you can get in around 30!).
Freesat recordings are made in DR mode, which stores the exact bitstream of the original recording, meaning extra subtitles and audio descriptions are preserved. Unlike other Freesat PVRs there is no loss of quality between the original broadcast and the copied stream, particularly salient for HD material.
Does the DMR-BS850 support Direct to Disc recording?
Unlike similar standard definition PVRs the BS850 only supports recording direct to the HDD. Of course, once on the HDD you can then copy them onto DVD/Blu-Ray.
Is the Panasonic BS850 BD Live compatible?
Yes, the BS850 is compatible with Blu-Ray Profile 2.0 meaning that you can get access to extra disc content via the BD Live system.
What’s the ‘Viera Cast’ system about?
Viera Cast is an exclusive online service previously only available on high-end Panasonic Viera TVs but now available as a BS850 feature. Basically it allows you to access some online services (such as YouTube for videos and Google Picasa for pictures) from the comfort of your sofa.
Can I play DivX movies on this baby?
Yes! Download them from your PC, burn them onto a DVD/Blu-Ray disc and watch them on your BS850.
It’s a bit expensive, isn’t it?
With a launch price just shy of a £1,000 it’s definitely intended for the serious home cinema enthusiast, but when you think about what you are getting in the box, and then work out the cost to buy them separately, you will see that the DMR BS850 represents good value for money in one convenient box.
Can it record two programmes at once?
Yes, without breaking a sweat. You can even watch a programme from your recorded library, or a DVD/Blu-Ray title whilst it is dual recording.
What about Copy Protection of Freesat/Freeview programmes?
Up to the broadcaster, who may set one of three flags on the transmission, ‘Copy Once’, ‘No Copy’ or ‘Copy Free’ (unlimited). All BBC HD broadcasts are due to be ‘Copy Free’ from Summer 2009.
Any other models in the same range?
Yes, there are two sister models, the DMR-BS750 which only has a 250GB hard drive, and the DMR-XS350 which doesn’t have Blu-Ray recording capabilities, just DVD.
Can I watch iPlayer from the BBC using this?
Yes, once the BBC iPlayer is launched on the Freesat platform (due late 2009) the DMR-BS850 will be compatible.
OK. I’m almost sold. What are the inputs and outputs?
The BS850 is very generous in this department. In terms of inputs it has an ethernet port, two RGB capable SCART sockets, composite video and analogue stero inputs.
For outputs it has HDMI, component, S-Video and composite video (yuk! don’t do it!).
In audio terms the system can output in optical (both coaxial and digital optical supported) and traditional analogue stereo outputs.
