My vote is for CBC too, due to the hockey coverage. However, now that the NHL network simulcasts Hockey Night in Canada each Saturday night, I think I'm good.
Same problem here. A reboot brought the guide back,but all of my pending recordings are gone. I am hoping that they start to show up again in a few hours, or at least by the morning.
I have had one of these for years (it was the first DVR I got from Directv) and have never had an issue with it. It should be perfect for your daughter's room.