Thank you Bill - that's a good idea, I hadn't thought of contacting Sony.

I was in Staples today and the young assistant told me that there are lot of people complaining about the manufacturers doing this without any prior warning or producing something that will carry on working with older 'gear' I think his comment "they're only after your money" is quite true.

I'll take a look at the site you suggested. I've used Maxell quite a lot in the past and never had any problems with them, so it would be great if they are still producing them.

Thanks again.

Audrey