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Which? set-top box |
We've tested Freeview and Freesat set-top boxes to sort the wheat from the chaff and identify the Best Buys. There are now two ways of getting free-to-view digital TV channels at home. Freeview is a collection of around 40 free digital TV channels, plus around 30 digital radio stations, alongside the five regular channels - with no subscription to pay. Freesat is a new service launched in 2008. Like Freeview there's no monthly subscription. You just need to buy a set-top box to receive free-to-view programmes. But unlike Freeview the signal is received using a satellite dish. (c) Copyright Which? Ltd 2008, all rights reserved. |
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 | Electronic Programme Guide (EPG): Freeview's eight-day EPG lets you see what's on all channels for the week ahead - but some do it better than others. |
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 | Favourites: The 'favourites' feature lets you choose your favourite channels, making them quicker to access - handy with the wide range of digital channels on offer. |
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 | Timer: This lets you program the box to switch between channels at a certain time - handy if you want to record from more than one channel while you're out. You'll still need to program your VCR or DVD recorder too. |
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 | Scart link recording: You select the TV programmes you want to record on the EPG and, at the appropriate time, the box sends a control signal via the Scart link telling a compatible VCR or DVD recorder to start/stop recording. This means you need only to program the set-top box and it will switch to the right channel at the right time and 'wake up' the VCR or DVD recorder to record, so there's no need for a timer. |
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 | Controls on the box: Some models have controls on the box, as well as on the remote control. This is useful if you lose the remote or if the batteries go flat. |
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 | Parental locks: These let you block access to digital TV channels using a PIN. Some boxes simply block all channels, while others are more sophisticated and let you to restrict access to channels of your choice. |
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| Scart sockets: Two Scart sockets give you more versatility. The first connects to the TV and carries the higher quality RGB signal and widescreen switching information that tells your telly when to switch between conventional and widescreen formats. The second Scart socket links to your recorder (video or DVD) - ideally this should carry RGB too, though often it doesn't. |
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| UHF modulator: If your TV doesn't have a Scart input (Scart isn't usually available on older models), you'll need a set-top box with a UHF modulator, which connects to the TV's aerial socket. |
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| UHF loopthrough: None of the Freeview set-top boxes lets you watch one digital programme while recording another on your VCR. However, if you opt for a box with a "UHF loopthrough", you can record a digital programme while watching an ordinary analogue channel (or vice versa), with minimal disruption to your TV and VCR connections. |
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| Audio output: Some boxes have a separate audio output, to connect the box to your hi-fi speakers. |
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So what's the best set-top box for you? By taking out a 30 day trial to www.which.co.uk you can discover all you need to know about LCD and Plasma TVs and find out our Best Buy recommendations. Which? is the leading independent consumer champion in the UK and has been testing products and services, as well as campaigning on behalf of the consumer, since 1957. It is committed to making individuals as powerful as the organisations they have to deal with in their daily lives. www.which.co.uk provides up to date, impartial, expert information on thousands of products and services to help people make the right choices, whatever they're buying. |
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| Manufacturers Acoustic Solutions, Alba, Bush, Daewoo, Digihome, Goodmans, Grundig, Hitachi, Humax, LOGIK, Matsui, Metronik, Philips, Proline, Roadstar, Sagem, Technika, Tvonics, Wharfedale, Worthit |
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| £: 0 scart sockets starting at £17 |
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| ££: 1 scart socket starting at £20 |
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| £££: 2 scart sockets at £40 |
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