like many users of this receiver, there seems to be varying differences with results but this is my path to securing recordings:-
'Menu/System Setup/Timer setting/
then:-
'1 Off'..... press OK and switch 'Timer Mode' to 'Once'
Scoll down to 'Timer Service' and set to 'Record'
Scroll down and alter the various fields with the settings you personally require
Press 'Save' and exit out.
The majority of users problems stem from:-
Not having the correct system time set and/or
Not having the 'Timer Service' field set to 'Record'
At the end of the recording period and by default the receiver will go into standby mode.
You can if need, press the 'EPG' button on the remote control, locate the channel+prog you wish to record and press the green ('Timer') button and alter the fields to meet your preferentials. Obviously this is limited by the EPG info limitations.
Hope you achieve success with this theme...please let us here know your findings