With a huge 500GB of storage, Panasonic have introduced their High end Blu-ray recorder which also features Freesat+ PVR functionality. Sitting alongside the 250GB DMR-BS750 the DMR-BS850 is available in the UK now.

The DMR-BS850 packs quite a punch with Dual Freesat tuners which give you the flexibility to record two programmes while watching a Blu-ray/DVD movie along with the ability to archive High Definition content to Blu-ray disc. High Definition Freesat material is recorded in direct bitstream so there is no loss of quality. Five recording modes allow you to record from 77hrs (highest quality) up to 240hrs (lowest quality) of material.

Another bit of good news as far as Blu-ray recording goes is that the BBC has lifted the restriction on their HD channel to allow viewers to burn one copy to Blu-ray. Until now, recordings from BBC HD have been tightly restricted, the corporation not allowing archiving to hard disc. Restrictions may still apply on some imported US material however.

The eight day EPG (Electronic Programming Guide) has an impressive little feature which prompts you when an Standard Definition programme is available in HD.

Of course, being Freesat+ certified, the DMR-BS850 offers a tried and tested EPG to make it easy to set up and manage recording schedules. Features include 'series record' and 'accurate recording' - a feature which monitors the programmes’ actual running time so it doesn’t clip any of the recording should the schedule slip.

With BD Live support for online interactivity and 1080/24p playback, Panasonic have not compromised on high end Blu-ray features. All of the HD audio codecs are supported and you also get access to Panasonic's VieraCast technology, which allows you to watch, amongst other things, YouTube videos on your TV.

If the BBC introduce their iPlayer to Freesat as promised later this year, these Blu-ray players will become even more desirable. The catch? Well inevitably a pretty hefty price tag ...

Panasonic DMR-BS850 

Panasonic DMR-BS750 

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