....why downloading .rec files via USB is so slow ? I ve seen the question asked in many threads but dont recall seeing an answer. I'm just interested to know.

Basically the CPU and firmware in the PVR is managing transfers and it can only go so fast. Thats why your turbo mode increases the speed a bit - the PVR is doing nothing else but deal with the transfer process. Same sory with the Humax machine. Perhaps a tool to access the disk directly without having to go through the PVR might be an option either available now or sometime. Thats about as much detail I can go I'm afraid

Thank you for your prompt response.