Based on the available information, and my understanding of UK broadcasting, what you've been told is true. The older Panasonic ES10 from 2005 is analog-only coaxial on the tuner. This is true in North America, too (USA/Canada).
You can only record from s-video or composite -- or SCART, being a British specific model.
The television (and HDTV, I would assume) is new enough to have a digital tuner. In USA, it's ATSC (antenna) and/or QAM (cable). I forget the name of the signal jargon in Europe -- but it's the same thing, different name, somewhat difference specs (the old PAL vs NTSC issue, for the most part, nothing major).
In the USA, we have these ridiculous "digital converter boxes" that receive the new ATSC antenna signals and down-convert them to standard definition and output via composite (sometimes s-video, but usually just composite). I don't know off-hand if the same sort of box was ever made for UK use.
UPDATE...
I did some quick Google research, and it appears this same sort of box was created in UK, too. These are often called "freeview" receivers, converters, boxes. The terminology varies slightly, but it's essentially the same underlying principles.
For example, this Philips unit:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...SIN=B003INEHAA
That's probably all you need.
Sadly, even with a converter box, I'm too far away to get good signal reception. The ideal reception is within 30 miles (45 kilometers, if my math isn't too off), and I am just outside that range from the transmitters in my area. The geography doesn't help the situation, either -- the terrain is rather rough and uneven. Of course, if your TV is fine, then the box may work well for you, too.
