OK, this probably will not save many people at this point since this unit has been surpassed by newer models. I am now frightened to even consider a Panasonic DVD Recorder. I purchased this unit and let it sit unopened for about six months due to other priorities in my life....major mistake. I started using it in October of last year (2007). It performed reasonably well I thought - a couple of minor issues but functionally it did what we wanted, which was to emulate our old VCR that we had disposed of (another Panasonic product BTW that lasted 10 years with no issues). In May of 2008 my wife indicate a code has come up on the display. I tried resetting the power and when that didn't work I did a Google of U61 and Panasonic DVD Recorder - I advise you to do the same. The issue is rampant across several Panasonic models. Also there is a U99 error that seems prevalent on certain units as well. Cost to buy this unit for me was about $120 plus shipping on sale. Cost to fix? Way over $200....what to do? Well, I guess the VCR is an option but it is ridiculous that a unit only lasted about 8 months and probably only made 40 recordings during that entire time. Bottom line is that I will be looking for a different manufacturer to replace this unit and I am terribly disappointed that Panasonic did not either recall or warranty this particular problem or at least offer an acceptable repair rate for something that is obviously flawed.