When it comes to DVD recorders, the bargain end of the market is predominantly swimming in no-name Chinese imports. Some are perfunctionary, even fewer perform above their status, but most suck more than a Dyson. Good news, however, has arrived at this end of the market in the form of the unashamedly 'entry level' recorder from Panasonic.

Dispensing with the company's trademark combi functionality (most offering either VHS or HDD options), the DMR-ES10 is strictly disc only, but with a twist. This season, multiformat recording has been introduced allowing you to (almost) chuck any recordable DVD into the machine and be good to go.

If you consider that DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD R and DVD RW are the major formats, it's only the latter that's AWOL. It makes for more versatility than previously seen in Panasonic recorders, not least in one that costs around £200, and adds further weight to this deck claiming the budget recorder crown.

Further, that is, to the simple fact that this model utilises Panasonic's wealth of experience in the field, both aesthetically and technologically. Build quality is well above average. The DMRES10 is a DVD recorder with which you could club a burglar to death.

While not especially heavy, it's built to last; the casing is reassuringly sturdy and it avoids the plasticky feel of many of its contemporaries. Oddly, the disc tray is ranged to the left of the machine and the front connections are found under a flap in the centre. I'm not overly sure why, but when a games console is attached, the leads are a little too exposed with this positioning, for my liking. It's the only minus really.

Connection options

The fascia flap reveals composite, stereo analogue audio and S-video inputs. There's no DV-link for camcorder hook-up or an SD card slot, unlike most other Panny recorders - obvious concessions for the price point. On the rear-side, the two Scarts are RGB-enabled for input and out, there's a set of component outs that are PAL progressive scan-enabled and an optical digital audio output is also thrown in.

Another composite input is supplied (along with its analogue stereo audio counterparts), as is an S-video input. Of course, they are similarly represented for output too.

Unfortunately though, the RF antenna loopthrough is for a single analogue tuner; you'll have to wait until later this year for Panasonic's highly anticipated range of Freeview recorders. It does, however, automatically grab programme names in areas that support this, so comes with an EPG.

Of course, that means there's only the five channels to choose from, so you aren't exactly spoiled for choice. Nonetheless, the RGB Scarts receive (and loopthrough) set-top box pictures immaculately, so I'd expect it to be suitably partnered. This is an option grossly lacking in many (even big-brand), recorders for the same price. Another tick in the box against its peers is the editing functionality.

Although DVD-RW recording is in Video mode only (increasing its compatibility with other decks, but reducing editing options) the fact that DVD-RAM is supported allows you to benefit from the myriad of editing options the nonlinear format has to offer: removing adverts, splitting titles and hiding chapters, among others.

Essentially, you'll use DVD-RAM to edit your footage, DVD-RW to store your 'throw-away' recordings and DVD-R or DVD R for anything you'd like to archive.