Johnsfine: thanks for your help so far.

I have read up on the dangers of trying random IR codes, and personally in my situation i think it's worth the risk.

Why? well, no other button on the remote will bring the machine out of standby, only the power button. Now normally I would just leave the unit on permanently, but the stupid thing automatically switches itself off after recording on timer.

As the player is in a cupboard and controlled by IR pyramids, i never know if it is on or off without opening the cupboard door!

it's infuriating.

Could you please give me layman step-by-step instructions on how to try 'the 256 combinations' you refer to.

p.s I also emailed LG customer services - they said "we can't give out hex codes as they could invalidate the warranty"

thanks

Gary