Thanks for your reply.
I tried what you sugested and eventually got to the reset to factory settings options.
Tried resetting it without erasing recordings, (3 times) but no joy, each time it went to "Talktalk waking up" and stayed there for ages before going back to the reset screen again.
I then tried a full reset to factory settings (reluctantly, as I did not want to lose the programs I had recorded while on holiday)
but still no joy. It said it was upgrading the software and then a blank screen followed again by "Talktalk waking up"
with the red and blue lights alternating on the front of the box.
Gave up, and reported the incident.
A new box is now on its way, arriving tomorrow, very good service I thought.
Thanks again for interest and suggestions.
Ralmo1