Can i record straight to disc if not how do i format it ?

No you cannot record on a DVD. You can use all kinds of USB devices. If you want to use a memory stick then you should put it in a USB card reader and then plug it into the tv.You just have to connect it and record. You do not have to always format it unless the filesystem is raw. As or ormatting it ,I strongly recommend that you format it on a comouter using FAT32 file system and then use it in your tv as this filesystem will be a lot more reliable . To do this connect the USB drive to a computer. When it shows up as a removable drive, right-click on it and click format. Check the box called quick format and then choose FAT32 from the dropdown list next to filesystem. Once its done just plug into your tv, tune into the program you want to record and just press the record button. No you cannot record on a DVD. You can use all kinds of USB devices. If you want to use a memory stick then you should put it in a USB card reader and then plug it into the tv.You just have to connect it and record. You do not have to always format it unless the filesystem is raw. As or ormatting it ,I strongly recommend that you format it on a comouter using FAT32 file system and then use it in your tv as this filesystem will be a lot more reliable . To do this connect the USB drive to a computer. When it shows up as a removable drive, right-click on it and click format. Check the box called quick format and then choose FAT32 from the dropdown list next to filesystem. Once its done just plug into your tv, tune into the program you want to record and just press the record button.