In message <fumafp$3mt$1$8300dec7@news.demon.co.uk>, Simon Slavin 
 wrote

> I'm usually out when my favourite programmes are on so I
>need something with capable recording properties.  That's why the new
>firmware is important to me.

If you want reliability from your Toppy install  5.13.65 plus the 
essential patches that cure some bugs.
<http://forum.toppy.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9429>
<http://forum.toppy.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9273>

The 'new' Freeview Playback software is somewhat buggy and even if it 
were perfect it appears that not all broadcasters are supporting the 
technology needed to make it work reliably.

The use of some of the popular TAPs on older software will probably get 
you something very close to the Freeview Playback features - and in some 
cases gives you more.
-- 
Alan
news2006 {at} amac {dot} f2s {dot} com