An FCC (Federal Communications Commission) regulation requires all devices capable of receiving analog signal to be able to do the same for digital transmissions starting March 1st. Apparently this decision gives manufacturers two choices: either include a digital tuner which might led to an increase in the product’s manufacturing price, or not including any tuner be it digital or analog.

Panasonic just made an announcements to let us know that all their DVD recorders and DVD/VHS recorders (The DMR-EZ47V DVD/VHS recorder and player; the DMR-EZ37V DVD/VHS recorder and player; DMR-EZ27 DVD recorder and player; DMR-EZ17 DVD recorder and player) are currently equipped with tuners capable of receiving both digital and analog transmissions. Panasonic representative justified the decision stating that “Basically, we felt it was important for all Panasonic DVD and combo recorders to continue to offer record-and-watch, and cable-box-free recording capability. Another reason and benefit to have the digital tuner built-in is the improvement in picture quality that is synonymous with digital.”

We don’t know if the newly added functionalities will have an impact on the overall pricing of the upgraded devices but we appreciate the gestures.

Filed under Home Entertainment