I am using a Panasonic Freesat PVR. On Friday 21 Jan, 2011, I set the timer to record CH 4 at 7.30pm = "Planning Outlaws". The red light started blinking indication that the PVR was ready to start recording this programme. When it continued blinking - instead of going "solid" to denote recording, I checked live on CH 4 and found that they had cancelled the relevant programme and were extending the 7pm news.

At 8pm, the second red light came on to indicate that "Phil Down Under" was now recording on Channel 4. However, the first red light continued to blink - presumably because the timer was still expecting the "missed" programme about planning. Anyway, when we got to 8.34pm, this was still the case and the recorder was now missing the start of a timer recording of "Life In A Cottage Garden" on BBC 2. At this point, I went into the Function Menu and managed to cancel the Planning programme that CH 4 had "pulled". Hence, I was able to get my recorder working normally again.

So, because CH4 had cancelled a programme, had I been out, my recording schedule (where 2 programmes are on at once), would have been completely screwed up. I don't know where the problem lies - Panasonic, Freesat or Ch4? It would be interesting to hear if anybody with other makes of PVR has had the same problem. Then at least, I would know it is not Panasonic's fault.

I think its "working as designed". When its expecting a programme to start the light flashes and waits for the start signal. If that doesn't come on time (programme is delayed, etc.) it waits for a certain time (don't know how long?) and then eventually it times out. A bit like the old PDC on analogue.

That being the case, it is a pity that it did not "time out" earlier as it is preventing further recordings taking place. Surely if broadcasters cancel programmes, they should send out a "cancellation signal" so that PVR's do not "hang in" this standby mode?

On the Humax HDR-FOX T2 if the program is being put back (due to an overrun) then as the program still remains in the EPG it will wait for the start signal.

However I beleive that if the program is cancelled then when it gets removed from the EPG (in advance or when waiting for the start signal) it will re-schedule itself for the next program in that series (assuming it is a series and you have it series linked).

Assuming channel 4 removed the program from the EPG the Panasonic should have realised it had been cancelled and updated its schedule as appropriate.

thats why if you want to record something special , like a Cup Final you always do a manual recording

espically if the game goes to extra time and penalties .......................

Absolutely. For an evening cup game I will set a single manual timer to cover the game and the later evening highlights plus another hour.