0504wv08 Echostar/panasonic

15/3/04

2:22 pm

Page 46

FREEVIEW

time to go digital

Echostar T-101FTA
Like Humax, Echostar may not be a familiar brand in the UK, unless you are a satellite buff who receives services other than via Sky digital. With bases in Europe and America, Echostar is a huge set-top receiver manufacturer. The T-101 FTA is its first digital terrestrial box for the Freeview market and the company certainly shows its prowess with the quality and sensitivity of this tuner. Although its suggested price is about 90, we've seen it on offer for less than 60. Outwardly it looks plain, though its pale plastic case is strong. There are two Scarts, but your video options are restricted to composite/RGB for TV and composite for video (therefore no S-video). The RF output socket passes on your aerial signal but it does not add the Freeview channels, so the box is not suitable for TVs without video inputs. The basic approach also means there's no separate audio output, numeric channel

Freeview receiver 90
WHATS GOOD
Picture; sound; ease of use

WHATS BAD
No digital audio, S-video or modulated RF output; no smartcard slot display or controls on the front of the box. The handset is small, dark grey and perfectly adequate without too many buttons to clutter it up. The onscreen display is a clear and attractive mix of orange, blue and grey oblongs, which don't get too much in the way of the picture. There is no 'add channels' option for additions to Freeview (nor is there a pay-TV card slot for Top-Up TV) so you have to go through the somewhat slow full auto-tune sequence to update the box.

PICTURE SOUND FEATURES EASE OF USE VALUE

77777 77777 77777 77777 77777

OVERALL VERDICT
A very robust, effective and easy to use digital receiver

77777

FEATURES Auto set-up; ready for Freeview EPG; 18-event timer (8 recordings, 10 reminders); digital text & interactive compatible; subtitles; software upgradable over-air; screen saver; dimensions: 230(w) x 40(h) x 125(d)mm SOCKETS Back: 2 x Scarts (TV: composite & RGB out, VCR: composite out); RF aerial in & passthrough CONTACT 0870 080 2350 www.echostaruk.co.uk

PERFORMANCE
Having done that, the receiver picks up the full range of available channels and its picture is rock steady. Although it's rare to find a modern digital terrestrial receiver with a bad picture, the Echostar is easily up with the best. Its colours are fresh and well rendered and detail is crisp, especially on graphics-heavy news channels, though edges are a little too over-sharpened.

Picture glitches are absolutely minimal, and the audio for TV and digital radio stations is bold. A useful extra feature is the optional radio screen saver, so that static graphics don't burn into plasma TVs. Finally, digital text and interactive stations run very smoothly on the Echostar. Overall, despite the reduced connectivity, this unassuming looking box contains one of the best Freeview tuners available. Snap one up now! Ian Calcutt

Panasonic TU-CT30
Freeview receivers are becoming like budget DVD players, with new models coming thick and fast. Still, it does no harm to have a famous make like Panasonic supply your box. We reviewed the predecessor to this box in our December 02 issue and were impressed by its ease of use and its great pictures. This very sleek item will fit discreetly above most TVs or video products. Like many new Freeview boxes, a pay-TV element was not envisaged, so there is no card slot to accept the Top-Up TV service thats crept on air with little warning. Although its socketry looks basic, the receivers two Scarts are very adaptable. The TV socket outputs composite, RGB or S-video, while the VCR Scart feeds composite or S-video, so all the usual bases are covered.

Freeview receiver 100

WHATS GOOD
Picture; sound; connections; speed

WHATS BAD
No digital audio output; no smartcard slot; ugly Guide screen For non-Scart TVs, the RF aerial output also carries the boxs Freeview channels. Theres a tiny jack socket to serve as a stereo line out for hi-fis or amps but theres no digital audio output. The front fascia is pretty plain, with a bright on/off LED but no channel readout or manual channel buttons. The handset looks like a stunted version of a Panasonic TV remote. Its sensible, uncluttered, heavily colour coded and even adds basic TV controls. This box will tune itself in when first powered up, which it does in lightning quick time. The main menus are clear and unfussy, if a little dull, but you can read them no matter what. The TV guide is too cluttered but when Freeviews seven-day EPG arrives, the box is ready with handy numerical shortcuts to jump to specific days.

PICTURE SOUND FEATURES EASE OF USE VALUE

77777 77777 77777 77777 77777

OVERALL VERDICT
Small, sturdy, speedy and well-connected

FEATURES Plug & play auto set-up; ready for Freeview EPG; 24-event timer (with manual option); digital text & interactive compatible; four favourite-channel user profiles; subtitles; owner ID; dimensions: 235(w) x 38(h) x 135(d)mm; weight: 0.4kg SOCKETS Back: 2 x Scarts (TV: composite/ RGB/S-video out; VCR: composite & S-video out); RF aerial in & modulated output; DC mains in; stereo audio line-out (minijack) CONTACT 08705 357357 www.panasonic.co.uk

77777

PERFORMANCE
Channel changing is among the nimblest weve seen none of the sluggish delays

you find on older Freeview boxes and digital text and interactive channels run with ease. The reception is extremely stable, transforming even the dodgiest of analogue aerial pictures into sparkling, colourful, high-contrast images backed up by an uninhibited, punchy sound. The TU-CT30 is not especially revolutionary but it has better connectivity than many Freeview boxes and it does its job extremely well Ian Calcutt

46 May 2004 s WHAT VIDEO AND WIDESCREEN TV

0504wv06 Digifusion FRT100

15/3/04

3:56 pm

Page 47

FREEVIEW

time to go digital

q q q q q q

FACT FILE

Freeview adaptor 7-day EPG Two Scarts Only one RGB No S-video Wont output Freeview on RF

Digifusion FRT100
When the BBC, Sky and Crown Castle created Freeview from the ashes of ITV Digital, many things changed for the better notably the reach and quality of digital terrestrial transmissions. However, a new electronic programme guide (EPG) was needed. More than a year later, work is still being done, with trials running in Wales and a roll-out to London and the rest of the UK expected soon. Currently, all you can get from Freeview is now and next programme information. Expanding this to seven days is paramount for digiboxes that have built-in hard-disk drive recorders, but even standalone receivers can benefit as you can browse forward listings and set reminders. Fusion, a new UK-based company started by former Pace movers and shakers, couldnt wait, so it has leased bandwidth and is beaming proprietary programme data to its digiboxes. From the outside, the Digifusion FRT100 looks like most Freeview receivers. It has two Scart outputs, one with RGB for TVs (or some DVD recorders) and another labelled VCR that outputs composite only, not S-video. There is an RF aerial output but this is for passthrough to other devices only it will not send its own Freeview channel output through it. A pair of phonos are included for separate sound output, but theres no digital audio output. At the front are on/off and channel up/down buttons but the lack of display means you need the TV on to check digital radio stations. The remote control is small and has a simple button layout but the keys are stubby and awkward. The onscreen graphics are bright and colourful with funky icons and jazzy backgrounds but these may look untidy or even illegible on a small screen. A helpful feature is the aerial alignment meter for checking reception problems. Two notable assets are Multi Guide and the calendar. It works well, but to jump further ahead in the week quickly you have to swap from the main page to the calendar. The calendar is an onscreen diary for TV schedule reminders and your own events (entered through the handset) handy for forgetful couch potatoes in theory but the text entry is extremely unresponsive.

Digital terrestrial receiver 80

Reception and picture quality are good with natural colours and sharp details
Several menu functions seem counter intuitive: sometimes you use OK to enter or exit a screen, but other functions use a colour-coded key or the cancel button. Also, the channel up/down keys are spaced far apart. Cursor keys usually perform double duty for this but not on the Digifusion. Overall, it is less user-friendly than the What Video and Widescreen TV award-winning Humax F2 Fox-T.

natural colours, sharp details and few digital side-effects to spoil images. It appears to be robust enough to pull a decent digital picture even from weaker aerial signals (within reason). Channel changing and digital text are reasonably swift but not quite as speedy or stable as the best boxes and our sample behaved more like a flaky old ONdigital box when it came to interactive channels. This reasonably well-specified receiver is not a bad first attempt for this fledgling company. However, its a crowded market and the inclusion of a proprietary EPG to steal a march on the official Freeview version is all very well but that will only be a unique selling point for a short time. Fusions real test will come when it launches its combined hard-drive recorder and Freeview box Ian Calcutt

FEATURES Interactive & digital text compatible; favourite channels; subtitles; Multi Guide proprietary EPG; TV & programme reminder calendar; sleep timer; child lock; dimensions: 194(w) x 59(h) x 194(d)mm; weight: 0.26kg SOCKETS Back: 2 x Scart (TV: composite/RGB video out, VCR: composite video); RF aerial in/out; DC mains in; RS232 serial service port CONTACT 01423 815000 www.fusiondigitec.com

WHATS GOOD
Picture; proprietary 7-day EPG

WHATS BAD
No S-video, digital audio or modulated RF outputs; not the fastest with red-button services; stubby handset keys

PICTURE SOUND FEATURES EASE OF USE VALUE

77777 77777 77777 77777 77777

OVERALL VERDICT
A fair first try but the rest of the range needs more than its own EPG to stand out from the crowd

PERFORMANCE
After the operational quirks, its good to report that the Digifusions reception and picture quality are very good with

77777

Stubby keys spoil the show

May 2004 s WHAT VIDEO AND WIDESCREEN TV 47

0504wv15 Freeview round-up

3/16/04

10:38 am

Page 48

10 of the best Freeview receivers

A selection of recent Freeview receivers, updated for todays market

Nokia Mediamaster 121T Humax F2-FOX T

77777
The established satellite box maker dips its toe in the Freeview water and what a splash it makes. The F2-Fox T has a sprightly operating system for fast tuning, channel changing and digital text functions. Its also extremely well connected, with two Scarts (offering RGB, composite and S-video combinations), modulated RF out, digital optical and phono audio line out for your

77777
This tiny, unassuming box contains one of the best onscreen operating systems for a Freeview box, called NaviBars. You can glide from TV channels to radio, or change set-up options, all using the simple cursor keys on the attractive mobile-phone like handset. Theres no EPG or timer, socketry is minimal (no S-video) and the tuner is acceptable but not as sensitive in fringe areas as the Humax. It does have a modulated RF output, though, so its ideal for old small or old TVs.

(100)
Straightforward but superb in the execution of its duties. STANDOUT FEATURES RGB, composite out; NaviBars menu; modulated RF out

(100)
hi-fi, plus front panel controls and channel display readout (great for radio). The tuner also pulls in extra channels in troublesome fringe areas. A deserved What Video and Widescreen TV Award winner. STANDOUT FEATURES RGB, composite, S-video out; optical digital & phono audio out; modulated RF out

Pioneer DBR-TF100
77777
(100)
through either Scart, as well as RGB for optimum TV links and optical digital audio for amps. Picture quality is extremely healthy looking, too. A bargain. STANDOUT FEATURES RGB, composite, S-video out; optical digital audio out; modulated RF out

Samsung SIR-U200i
77777
The Korean giant weighs into the Freeview market with a stylish receiver thats too elegant and curvaceous to be simply called a box. Like the Nokia 121T, however, the connections are basic and although there is a second Scart, its composite video only. The remote control is simple, its ready for Freeviews extended EPG and

(100)
the onscreen menu looks like a snazzy TV information channel in its own right. Picture quality is excellent, so providing you dont need an S-video output option, we have no qualms about recommending this one. STANDOUT FEATURES RGB, composite out; Favourite channel lists; modulated RF out

Made in Pioneers Yorkshire factory, this is a well-specified receiver that shows a lot of thought has gone into its planning. The onscreen Home Menu complements the brands DVD and plasma products and theres even a screensaver to prevent image burn from static graphics. Connectivity is very good, with the useful option of S-video output

Sony VTX-D800
77777
(130)
provides just a bit less its still worth checking out.

Philips DTR1500
77777
Another big name joins the Freeview fray. There are two Scarts (one RGB and the other S-video, pleasingly), a coaxial digital audio output and the box can be side-mounted. Despite some flourishes, the onscreen menus are fairly plain but it will support the imminent Freeview EPG and adds an eight-event timer. Its also easy to create and edit

(110)
favourite channel lists. Reception is robust (it even claims immunity to electrical interference pulses) but channel changing is a little slow. Overall, though, a very reasonable receiver. STANDOUT FEATURES RGB, composite, S-video out; coaxial digital audio out; electrical pulse killer

After years on the IDTV scene, Sony pools its terrestrial digital knowledge in this fantastic Freeview box. Like the Philips, it can be sided mounted, and its Scarts include RGB or S-video choices, while its separate audio output is through a MiniDisc-style combined optical/analogue minijack. The onscreen menus are stylish and the TV guide choices are numerous. Ease of use and picture quality are top-notch. Although it costs more than the Humax or Pioneer and

SPECIFICATION
STANDOUT FEATURES RGB, composite, S-video out; optical digital audio out; 10-event timer

48 May 2004 s WHAT VIDEO AND WIDESCREEN TV

0504wv15 Freeview round-up

3/16/04

11:10 AM

Page 49

FREEVIEW

time to go digital

Freeview boxes conclusion

There is already a wide variety of Freeview receivers to choose from. Mini-boxes like the Nokia are ideal if you're pushed for space, as is a combined product, such as Thomson's Freeview/DVD player. A vital consideration is video output formats. All boxes here will output RGB video for clear pictures on most modern TVs. Some have second Scarts for video/disc recorders, but few offer more than basic composite quality. Because DVD recorders with RGB inputs are rare (mainly Philips, Panasonic and Sony models), choosing a box with an S-video option is wise. In this round-up the Humax, Pioneer, Panasonic, Thomson, Philips, Sony and Netgem each provide S-video. TVs without AV/Scart inputs need a box that outputs via RF (not simply passing on the analogue aerial signal). This is provided by the Humax, Thomson, Nokia, Samsung, Pioneer, Hauppauge and Panasonic. Digital audio output is less essential because Freeview doesn't support Dolby Digital (and is unlikely to for a while) but it's another connection choice for feeding TV/radio sound to a hi-fi. Optical ports are found on the Humax, Pioneer, Sony and Netgem, while the Thomson and Philips use electrical coaxial. Separate analogue audio output (other than via Scart) is supported by the Humax, Thomson, Goodmans and Panasonic, while the Sony uses a shared optical minijack. From all this, are there any true winners? Given that AV quality is universally good to excellent, it depends on extras. Some tuners are better at receiving channels in fringe areas notably the Humax, Echostar, Philips, Digifusion and Panasonic. Interesting frills include Fusion's proprietary programme guide that's beaten Freeview's own to the airwaves, Hauppauge's USB-PC link and Netgem's host of multimedia/web features. This box is also the only new Freeview receiver (not counting IDTVs) to carry a CI card slot compatible with pay services such as the new Top-Up TV. Our favourite all-rounder is still the Humax but strong competition comes from the Panasonic, Thomson, Pioneer and Philips for their above average connectivity.

Goodmans GDB3
77777
Although you can find exotic combis in Goodmans range (including one with DAB radio), the brand is not ignoring the entry level, as this keenly-priced receiver shows. Its socket options give good value youll find two Scarts (one RGB, but no S-video) and a dedicated stereo line out for feeding to your hi-fi.

(80)
Nor has Goodmans excluded handy extras like TV guide compatibility, event timer and an onscreen signal strength meter. As with most boxes, the reception is bright, crisp and enjoyable. STANDOUT FEATURES RGB, composite out; stereo audio out; signal strength meter

Netgem iPlayer
77777
The second generation of the iPlayer adds improved firmware and an infrared wireless keyboard to accompany the handset. This novel product is more than just a TV receiver it has a built-in modem for email and web access, a card slot (which should work with Top-Up TV), plus a USB port for broadband, multimedia and printer uses.

(130)
AV sockets include RGB, component and S-video via Scart and it has the full range of digital TV features. The Netgem iPlayer is a fascinating if occasionally glitchy receiver. STANDOUT FEATURES RGB, component, composite, S-video out; optical digital audio out; modem; USB port; broadband compatible

Digital audio output

total no. of Scarts

S-video output

Hauppauge DEC2000-T
77777
One of the rare breed of Freeview receivers that sports a USB port, which lets you record digital TV onto a PCs hard drive. Its rather ugly, but dont let that put you off. Other features include MHEG5 interactivity, digital teletext and a now-and-next EPG. The single Scart handles RGB and the RF output can send pictures in UHF form to a TV or VCR. Theres no dedicated audio

(130)
out, though. The user interface provides speedy access to channels and interactive services. Theres no timer for use with a VCR but you can add one via a software upgrade. STANDOUT FEATURES RGB, composite, S-video out; modulated RF output; USB interface for PCs; MHEG 5 interactivity; digital teletext

Digifusion FRT100 Panasonic TU-CT30 Echostar T101-FTA Humax F2-Fox T Nokia Mediamaster 121T Goodmans GDB3 Samsung SIR-U200i Pioneer DBR-TF100 Netgem iPlayer Philips DTR-1500 Sony VTX-D800 Hauppauge DEC2000-T

80

7-day

#  #   #   # # # 

# # #  # # #     #

2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 1

100 now/next 90 now/next

   #

100 now/next 100 now/next 80 now/next

     # # #

100 now/next 100 now/next 130 now/next 110 now/next 130 now/next 130 now/next

         

May 2004 s WHAT VIDEO AND WIDESCREEN TV 49

Overall Rating 5 5 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 4 5 4

RF modulator

RGB output

model

price

EPG