Sounds as if you bought a PVR rather than a dvd recorder.
I'd go to Currys / Comet / Richer sounds first as you don't know what to ask for.
Once youve seen one you like make a note of the make and model number then go online and see if you can find it cheaper there.
Best makes (reliable ones) are by Sony ,Toshiba and Panasonic but read some reviews on places such as
Dooyoo
http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/dvd-recorder/
or Amazon before parting with cash.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/HDD-DVD-Recorders-Syst ems/s/qid=1232035325/ref=sr_nr_n_6?ie=UTF8&rs= 4085971&bbn=187258011&rnid=4085971&rh=n%3A5607 98%2Cn%3A560858%2Cn%3A4085971%2Cn%3A187258011