It looks like I'm returning this to Best Buy and trying to find the original DVD recorder I had Lite On 5001 which isn't sold any more as I'm having the same problem with this set I had with the other one and it looks like there is no way to record full 16:9 DVDs from full 16:9 recordings. Both recorders basically made them 16:9 letterbox when I know for a fact they were full screen 16:9 programs. Its probably something with the HD DVR. I called up the cable people about the DVR & the DVD recorder place & the worst thing is, scary too, I know more about their products then they do! When in doubt, punt! PS Lite Ons are so easy to use. This recorder is a pain in the butt!