The DMR-E95HS can play back DVD-Video, DVD-Audio (2-channel), DVD-RAM, DVD-R (recorded on Panasonic units), Video CD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, and JPEG/TIFF discs, and can record to DVD-RAM and DVD-R media. It features selectable recording modes including XP, SP, LP, EP, and FR, and you can get 284 hours maximum recording time in EP mode. There is also the option for bilingual recording (to DVD-RAM only). The player has a playlist playback function, and also features aspect ratio control, dialog enhancer, frame advance and reverse frame step, slow motion playback, and a cinema mode for more cinema-like colors and improved resolution and contrast. Other features include two-channel Dolby Digital audio recording, and Advanced Surround (simulated surround sound from two speakers).

Recording to hard disk is easy with a multitude of special features, including a Time Slip Roller, simultaneous record and play, and a direct navigator. The Time Slip Roller (or Time Slip Button on the remote control) allows you to press just one button during recording to start playing back the scene recorded 30 seconds earlier, and you can search for scenes in units of one minute within the recorded section while you're watching the scene on a small onscreen window. Simultaneous record and play lets you record an episode of one program while you're watching another episode at the same. The direct navigator displays the list of programs recorded to disk so you can quickly see what's available, erase recorded programs, or select programs to watch.

A bevy of inputs and outputs lets you connect the DMR-E95HS to nearly any external home entertainment device you can think of. It sports three composite video, three S-video, and one RF input, along with one switchable component video, two S-video, and two composite video outputs. Audio outputs include two L/R outputs plus an optical digital out for DTS and Dolby Digital output. It also features a FireWire input for connecting to a compatible digital video camera (via an IEEE 1394 cable) for playback on your television, and also gives you the convenience of transferring your home movies to DVD media. A special PC Card slot is included for viewing of digital photos, and is compatible with most formats including PC Card, Memory Card, CompactFlash Card, MultiMediaCard, Smart Media Card, and Memory Stick.