subject: Upgrading From Dvd To Blu-ray Recorders [print this page] With the development and release of Blu-ray recorders, this is going to leave a few people in the 'do I upgrade quandary'. As there are only four models on the market at the moment, there is the further issue of "is it going to be a turkey?", and "will I be buying a white elephant?". In answer to second issue, Panasonic are unlikely to have have spent a lot of time (and money) developing a white elephant. In fact, the first models to hit the market are of such high spec that they will definitely be setting a standard for years to come. Competitors will have a very tough job matching the models on offer at a lower price, and at the moment the idea of bettering the models is whilst not impossible, nevertheless a feat of imagination, never mind engineering.
The functionality of Panasonic's models goes way beyond what many would have supposed a Blu-ray recorder would do. For a start they have twin receivers, so two television programs can be recorded in full HD simultaneously. Need we go on? We could, but, the best option is for you to go online and check out the specifications of the models for yourself.
Another question that arises is what do you with your library of old dvds? The answer to that is that you watch them on your Blu-ray recorder, as they are (or should be) perfectly compatible. And you should be seeing them in better picture and sound quality (dependent on the DVD itself as they are not all of the same visual and audio quality). At the moment the amount of Movie Titles on Blu-ray release is still limited, so, your DVD library will come in handy until the situation improves.
When considering whether or not to upgrade, the advantages, and disadvantages should be considered. The first obvious disadvantage is the cost of a Blu-ray recorder, as although they are not prohibitively expensive, in the current global economic downturn no one wants to be forking out extra cash for items that they don't really need. Well, we can all get by without a dishwasher, but it's one of those things that makes life a bit easier, and in the same vein, we can all do without a recorder but, it's one of those things that makes life more pleasurable.
The other potential disadvantage is that you find yourself spending more money to upgrade your sound system to make the most of the high quality audio output of the Panasonic models, and perhaps an even better High Definition Television, it all depends on who controls the purse strings in your house, and how much is in the purse. For someone in a family, expensive new purchases may lead to compromise, which will be further expense, as your partner may need to upgrade something of theirs as well.
However, it is unlikely that you will be in a position where you actually need to upgrade your sound system. These new models should be fully compatible with most surround sound systems, although the set up may be slightly different with an improvement in sound quality. You may have to study the manual a bit when connecting everything as you will probably find the amount of input and output jacks will be more than you have with your DVD player. Panasonic in particular do have a reputation for producing user friendly, straightforward manuals, so this should not be problematic. You may find yourself with your head buried in the manual for a day or two though, as the amount of functions and options to explore can be a small journey into 'techno heaven', having said this, a standard set up shouldn't take too long.
The advantages of upgrading are massive. Want to watch the latest series of Prison Break in full HD? All you have to do is program the recorder to record the whole series, and sit back. The best way to find out what you will be missing out on if you don't upgrade is to read the write-ups and reviews on the individual models. You will probably be pleasantly surprised when you realize what they are capable of, and will be scratching your chin, not wondering whether to upgrade or not, but when.
