Hello all
Could do with some help here. I think the ex77 (discontinued, but available) has a better epg (more intuitive, faster responding) than the ex768 (newer model). There are other minor differences between the models, but I think quality of epg would be quite important and will probably decide which one I eventually buy. Anyone able to comment, please? Thanks

If it matters to you. the 768 has no card slot and no support for jpegs unlike the EX77.

The most unpopular thing about the 768 EPG is that it contains advertising [ Is nothing sacred?! ]

This may be helpful - 768 spec Here

You can get the manuals for both machines from the same site.

Hello Gavtec
That's very helpful. I had a good look at the freeview and guideplus sections of the manuals. The Ex77 (without adverts) definitely appeals more. Can get a new Ex77 for about £250, or refurbished, from Panasonic with 1 year guarantee for £180 free delivery. £180 will do me. I think I will be fine with 160Gig hard disc, it's not overly important but I might look at possibility of diy changing to a larger capacity in the future. Time to dig out the plastic.....

Good luck with your purchase.

But note that disc upgrading is not possible on Panasonic units... for two reasons.
The firmware will only recognise the original size no matter what size is put in and more importantly, the operational firmware resides on the HDD and so you cannot get anywhere without an install disc from Panasonic.

I wonder how I would get on if hard drive packed up out of guarantee period? I imagine Panasonic could either say tough, maybe send me the firmware on a disc so I could re-programme another disc, or sell me another drive (at a price). There again if it last a couple of years something better, cheaper will probably be available.

I bought 2 units in the end, at 180 times 2. I quite often find there are two programmes I want to record at the same time.

Looking forward to playtime when they arrive.

Should have just bought a Wharfedale LP160DTRHDMI, saving 260 quids (at least) and got dual channel recording in one box. I admit the build quality of the pannys are pretty outstanding, but can you justify buying two just to record two channels?!?!!?

The Wharfedale LP160DTRHDMI is a PVR , not a DVDR, so a different class of machine altogether.