Trouble with DVD REcorder

[smurfchops]

Had so much trouble with recording on my Panasonic DMR EZ47VEB, have decided to chuck it and go to John Lewis for a new one - I need a VHS & DVD with Freeview recorder. Can someone please recommend a reliable recorder for me ? And can I tune it into my Panasonic TV, are the leads the same? I wondered if I could take the leads out of my DVD and put them in the same sockets on the new one, it would be a lot easier for me. And if any ABers want my old one (only about three years old) they can come and collect it ! Someone technical might be able to make it work better.