I am almost completely decided on the panny ex75 (over the pioneer dmr-540) but have just two concerns so would appreciate comments.
1 - Is the fan and/or hard disk noisy (the pioneer seems to be)
2 - Can it do pause-live TV like the Pioneer or SKY+. The manual i've downloaded seems to suggest it can for a timed recording but could i hit the record button, answer the phone, then come back and watch the programme from where i left it.

Many thanks, Colin

Hi, Mines quiet, never hear it. If you're watching TV and want to pause it, you have to press record and then press play when you're ready to watch it back. Its not actually called pausing live tv cos apparently it takes more than 1 press of the button to do it, but it works for me!

Thanks for the fast response. Do you have the problem i've read elsewhere about recording 16:9 widescreen programmes that become 4:3 when saved on DVD. Is it an issue?
I promise I'll buy one after this last question!!

It is only the WSS Flag that is not transferred to certain disks under certain conditions.

All the flag does is automatically switch your TV to Widescreen. You can workaround it by switching your TV aspect manually.

If you use RAM disks, the flag is preserved.

True to my word - bought an EX75 today at £315 from John Lewis shop with 2 yr warranty. Could get cheaper on line (£270 empire direct ) but not much in it when warranty accounted for. JL and their service and repair arrangements have been worth it in my experience.
Thanks for all the help.

Hi, yes, this isn't a problem when disks are played back on a 'modern' tv where you can change the settings. However, when I record disks for my parents they have to watch it all squashed up cos you can't change the settings on their 'older' tv.

Yup. The sytem is a mess.

For those who want the 'progress' of widescreen , this is the kind of price that has to be paid.