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PIONEER DBR-TF100GB OR SONY VTX-D800? ITS TIME FOR THESE FREEVIEW BOXES TO GO.
SEAN MARIN TAKES A GANDER AT TWO OLD STAGERS MAKING A BELATED ENTRY INTO THE FREEVIEW DIGITAL BOX MARKET
PIONEER DBR-TF100GB N 100 (APPROX) N N www.pioneer.co.uk
impressive range of all-in-one systems and we can see many people complementing their NS-DV1000 universal mini system with the addition of this free-to-air receiver box. Connection options are decent, with two Scart sockets on the back panel and an RF aerial pass through. But what is most interesting about the socket array is the inclusion of an optical digital output. Only a smattering of units offer this connectivity and its undoubtedly the best way of getting the stereo signal out of the box and into a Dolby Pro-Logic II equipped multichannel amp.

RATINGS

PIONEER
Highs: Clear images and a good selection of features Lows: No phono audio output
Picture Build Sound Overall #### ####12 #### ####
Highs: Great picture quality and top class EPG Lows: All the good stuff comes at too high a price premium
Picture Build Sound Overall ####12 ####12 ####12 ####

Excellent

Average

Lab Report

PIONEER Colour Geometry Frequency response Contrast SONY Colour Geometry Frequency response Contrast
ell its about time. Weve seen more than our fair share of Digital Terrestrial

UGLY RUMOURS

Setting the Pioneer up and day-to-day use are both very simple, although not helped by the rather ugly and slightly confused remote control. Theres no such problem with the Electronic Programme Guide, which is quick to load and fast to navigate. Another neat trick is the ability to store still images from broadcasts; all you do is flick the left cursor button to save your chosen image. Interesting, but pretty pointless really. The optical output provides a good way of enhancing the audio of terrestrial digital broadcasts. Connected to an AV
Receivers since OnDigital/ITV Digital and its boring black boxes gave way to the BBCs far more open-market approach to receiving free-to-air broadcasting, but very few of them have come from companies with Pioneers heritage. The DBR-TF100GB is a very stylish box and while it occasionally bears a striking resemblance to Thomsons recent DVB offering, the fascia styling is all Pioneer. Its sleek design puts us in mind of its
had me reaching for the remote to knock the levels down. Whether you are listening via Scart to your TV or via the optical output, sound is also pretty good. But when you start playing with the surround sound modes on your amp, you quickly find it hard to go back to the plain stereo. The price of Freeview boxes is on the usual downward trajectory that manufacturers hate and consumers love, but the Pioneer is still reasonably priced given its top quality EPG, good design and build and general ease of use.

FEATURES

PIONEER Specifications: Snapshot facility; 16:9/4:3 modes; access to interactive services and digital teletext; Electronic Programme Guide; now and next information; Smartlink recording; timer alerts; RF modulator throughout; over-the-air updates; signal strength meter; auto tuning; favourite channels Connections: 2 Scarts (1 RGB); RF in/out; digital optical output Dimensions: 260(w) x 55(h) x 283(d) mm; Weight: 1.1kg SONY Specifications: 16:9/4:3 modes; access to interactive services and digital teletext; Electronic Programme Guide; now and next information (with unused 7-day ready functionality; timer alerts; RF modulator throughout; over-the-air updates; signal strength meter; auto tuning; favourite channels Connections: 2 Scarts (1 RGB); RF in/out Dimensions: 215(w) x 48(h) x 240(d) mm; Weight: 1.5kg

amp it really helps your viewing pleasure. However, people with only standard hi-fi amps may find the lack of analogue outputs disappointing. The picture quality of the Pioneer is crisp and clear, with plenty of detail onscreen. It works well with movies and fast moving sport, with Wayne Rooneys goal against Liechtenstein relayed with precision and little in the way of digital artefacts. The only reservation I have is over the colour, which seems slightly oversaturated and
SONY VTX-D800 N 130 (APPROX) N 1999 N www.sony.co.uk
hese days, Sony seems content to follow rather than lead when it comes to some areas of high
tech (its half-hearted plasma range
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The Sony Freeview box can be stacked horizontally or vertically
The Pioneers styling matches the brands all-in-one systems
The optical audio output is a good way of enhancing the audio of TD broadcasts
springs to mind) and it has taken some time to enter the Freeview market. But now its Freeview tuners have escaped its impressive range of iDTVs and are being sold as stand-alone products. And it was worth waiting for, because to my mind this is the best-looking Freeview box yet to hit the shelves. Its stylish corrugated finish gives it a distinctly futuristic look. And like the companys highly successful and similarly TV-dependent PlayStation2 it can be placed horizontally or vertically. To our mind, it looks better standing proud; judging by the writing on the fascia it was designed with that in mind. Compared to most Freeview box remote controls, the handset supplied here is a work of art. Slim and stylish, it looks good and proves itself to be intuitive in use, too. Connection options are good, with two Scart sockets and an RF throughput, plus an optical digital output for getting the audio signal to a suitably equipped home cinema amplifier. only equates to endless scrolling through boxes listed as no event information. This obviously isnt Sonys fault and the sooner Freeview sort it out the better for everybody. Sadly, it looks as if we wont get any more than Now and Next until late 2004. You have been warned. The performance of this box is also impressive. The picture quality via the RGB Scart is first rate, with plenty of detail and a good natural colour balance. Detail levels arent quite as high as we have grown used to with good analogue broadcasts, but unfortunately this is one of the cons of digital broadcasting in the UK we are now become accustomed to. Sonically, the signal via the digital output is more than good enough for mixing by a Pro-Logic II decoder, something that provides great results with football and other sporting events. If you are willing to pay a premium for Sony style and quality then this is one Freeview box youre sure to want to hunt down. However, if price is an issue, there are other units out there that offer considerably better value for money. Ultimately, higher-end DVB boxes like this only really excite when offering additional functionality, such as PVR or networking facilities I

QUICK CHANGE

Another plus point is the speed at which this Freeview box changes channels. One of the biggest gripes with the service is the interminable pause as you switch from Sky News to Sky Sports News, but with this box it feels much the same speed as an analogue television. Sony has obviously thought about this and its EPG is also impressively quick off the mark, loading as soon as you press the requisite button on the remote. Its also attractive to look at, wonderfully simple to navigate, and seven-day ready, which at the moment
Twin Scarts make hookup easy
The remote is not the Pioneers strong point
The Sony handset works seamlessly with the EPG
We like the vertical-standing option on the Sony
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0504wv08 Echostar/panasonic

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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

OVERALL VERDICT

A very robust, effective and easy to use digital receiver
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 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

Picture; sound; connections; speed
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.
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 www.panasonic.co.uk
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

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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 www.fusiondigitec.com
Picture; proprietary 7-day EPG
No S-video, digital audio or modulated RF outputs; not the fastest with red-button services; stubby handset keys
A fair first try but the rest of the range needs more than its own EPG to stand out from the crowd
After the operational quirks, its good to report that the Digifusions reception and picture quality are very good with
Stubby keys spoil the show
May 2004 s WHAT VIDEO AND WIDESCREEN TV 47
0504wv15 Freeview round-up

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10 of the best Freeview receivers
A selection of recent Freeview receivers, updated for todays market
Nokia Mediamaster 121T Humax F2-FOX T
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
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.

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

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

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
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

provides just a bit less its still worth checking out.

Philips DTR1500

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

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
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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

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.
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

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.
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
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
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

# # # # # #

# # # # # # #

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 4

RF modulator

RGB output