My programme guide is empty?

Here is an answer at random to the secretive question you asked about your DVD recorder.

Your recorder may be a Top Up TV recorder in disguise as a DVD recorder. Top Up TV used to broadcast a 14 day programme guide, but permanently ceased broadcasting on 1st November 2013.

Owners of Top Up TV recorders have reported on-line that they have successfully looked through the on screen menus and found the setting to change from the defunct 14 day programme guide to the 8 day freeview programme guide.

Immediately after changing the setting to the 8 day epg a Top Up TV recorder owner should be patient. It takes time before all the epg is populated without any gaps.

You are very mysterious. There are many DVD recorders and DTT receivers, and each have their own foibles.
You have not said what the make, model and software is for yours. The How To Mend It question box does remind questioners to state the make and model as that will help other owners and attract those who know about that make and model.

Not Bradley
November 2013