I am looking for a basic satellite receiver with some means of recording (USB stick will do), but am confused about EPG's. I thought you had to have Freesat for this, but have seen several models advertised with EPG, such as Manhattan's Plaza UPM and Technomate's 5200. I don't want bells and whistles, just live rewind and the ability to time-shift.

Any recommendations? Apologies if this has been done to death, but I did search first..

There are more than 4 different types of EPG being transmitted on various satellites for reception by various different types of satellite receiver.

On 28 East - the satellite used by freesat there are 3 different EPGs at present
freesat's EPG intended for freesat badged receivers - a full 7 days info
Sky's EPG for Sky digiboxes - again a full 7 day EPG
Basic DVB-S EPG - received on most generic non-freesat badged non Sky receivers but only consists of "now and next" data on 28East.

Beware of receivers that are not freesat badged that say 7 day EPG as they are usually referring to the DVB-S EPG which broadcasts a full 7 day EPG on other satellites such as the German channels on 19 East amonst a few other satellites.

If you are after the Freesat channels at 28°E then I can recommend the Humax Freesat PVR, if you run out of room on the Hard Drive
you can transfer it to a USB Stick or Portable Hard Drive and watch it on your Computer/Laptop

Thank you. I'm not sure about 28E, but I assume that's the same as Eurosat, which my basic Ross receiver is tuned to, and which gives now+next programmes. Sounds like I should ignore any EPG claims if the unit isn't badged Freesat...

Sadly you will find many stores using the name freesat for products that are not officially "Freesat" - basically they chose a really dumb name for this system. Look for the Freesat logo and you're safe - see http://www.freesat.co.uk/.

Thanks guys. Have ordered a proper Freesat one (Technisat) so will see how it goes...

Or do as I do and keep a 1Tbyte drive attached and play through the Humax box