Share your experience!
Add me to the list of sufferers! There's nothing like a digital tag on the screen for ruining a recording of Downton Abbey!! Grr.
I also have this issue with a KDL-42W807A.
Like others on this forum, I have exactly the same issue with my 2 week old television. I actually chose this television based on the record to USB feature as I wasn't making much use of my Tivo and didn't want to have a set top DVR. I reported this to Sony, the issue was logged as I was assured I would get a call back which didn't happen. I am going to call again today. I have the latest firmware, have tried a factory re-set and have tried two different USB drives. I really hope they sort this issue out as this was the main reason for buying this TV.
Update PKG3.802.EUA seems to have stopped the "subtitle off" banner appearing randomly. It does appear after a pause / fast forward. This is a step in the right direction. I do not see this as a "solution", as I need to see it consistently behaving over the next week......
It seems possible that firmware update or factory reset reduces the problem for a bit but tonight i counted the subtitle:off message 47 times in a 1 hour programme. I have now stopped doing any new recordings with the TV until it is sorted out.