digital recorder will not start function?

You do not state the make and model of the recorder.

Two possible fixes are:
1) Remove the aerial and switch the recorder on. If it then allows you to get to the menus then locate the option for the default setting and use that before reconnecting the aerial

2) Depending on the model it may be possible to update the recorder's software.
'Starting' and 'wait' are two of the words suggest that it may be one of the models listed at
http://www.vestelpvr.futaura.co.uk/allmodels.php

If it is then you may be able to download a copy of the software to your PC and then connect the PC and the recorder to refresh the recorder’s software.
For most of these models software is available from the same site and instructions on how to do the update for these is available from http://www.vwlowen.co.uk/vestel/update.htm

NS
July 2012