Woops - got the torch out for a closer inspection at the back of the TV unit and what do you know there it is! Off for a serial cable tomorrow. As you came in with your post I also found this one http://www.nztivo.net/index.php/Serial which looks quite handy. I'll get connected and see what I can do myself before coming back here. It would appear from Pete's previous post that there is some analysis that can be done to identify what may have gone wrong.

Thanks for the steer.