I'm seriously thinking of buying this as my first venture into dvd/hdd recorders. Having read about a umber of problems with the Sony equivalent, I want to see what the feeling is on this machine.

One thing in particular - does this machine have the same apparent problems with high-speed dubbing when the recorded programme features 16:9 and 4:3 pictures within it? Apparently the Sony will only dub those at normal speed.

Any other problems that keep recurring I should know about?

Thanks in advance.

EX75 will only dub this format at normal speed also... something I only found out about after buying it! (Despite a good few days of research!)

Panasonic DMR-ex75
Hi everyone - I have apparently got locked with the "ext-l" on the front panel suggesting that the machine is waiting for an external source recording. The manual instructions do not help (I have cleared all recordings off the HDD too). I have unplugged the unit but on power up it is still locked. Any ideasa please?

I guess you've tried pressing 'ext link' on the handset?

That would do it.
Alternatively there is a Ext Link button behind the small front door flap.