0304wv10 freeview

14/2/2003

3:07 pm

Page 69

dttv adaptor
Backing up this excellent user system is a superb picture performance. MPEG decoding is almost flawless, but whats most pleasing is its ability with weaker signals. It holds steady where some rivals would drop out or freeze. You might have to pay 30 more but its worth it the 221T is a luxury adaptor with a slick OS and exceptional AV performance.
NOKIA MEDIAMASTER 221T NETGEM I-PLAYER
Nokias second DTTV receiver is by far the best on the market. The pod-like shape looks great and socketry is abundant. There are two Scart outputs (one for your TV, one for your VCR), stereo audio output (to run TV sound through a Pro-Logic audio system) and an electrical digital audio output useful if Freeview broadcasts ever contain Dolby Digital soundtracks. Otherwise, it can be used to output PCM signals. But Nokias ingenious Navibars system is the real star. Two scrolling bars intersect at the chosen option. Here, you can select TV and radio channels, create lists and change settings quickly and easily. Netgems i-player is a DTTV adaptor with a twist. As well as giving you all of Freeviews TV channels it provides access to the net and email, making it a real all-rounder. This extra functionality is reflected in the price 50 higher than most Freeview receivers. On the side of the unit is a USB port for connection to USB devices and PCs though this requires further software and drivers, which arent yet available. Other connections include two Scart sockets, an optical digital audio out and an analogue stereo out. The i-Player is configured quickly and easily. It makes a local-rate phone call, which downloads the logos for the EPG and details of interactive services, then it auto tunes all the channels. Internet sites are also listed as channels. This gizmo is a superb performer. Web browsing is a cinch, though slower than on a PC. DTV pictures and sound are very strong, and the power under the bonnet ensures that interactive services are speedily accessed. A useful device with loads of potential.

SPECIFICATIONS

CONTACT Nokia 046 www.nokia.com/multimedia
CONTACT Netgem 0066 www.netgem.com

VERDICT

OVERALL.77777

OVERALL.7777

HAUPPAGE DEC2000-T
One of the most significant features on this box is that its USB port lets you record DTTV onto a PCs hard drive. Its quite 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. Setup is easy, thanks to a comprehensive and logical menu system. The user interface is responsive and 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. The DEC2000-T sends raw MPEG bitstreams via the USB to your PC, where its decoded by software and displayed on your PC monitor. This software has a Record option, though theres no timer features like this will come with future software upgrades. Digital TV pictures are first-rate, and high sensitivity allows it to pick up and hold channels with minimum fuss. The DEC2000-T is a great Freeview box, but its potential will only be fully unlocked with new software.

THOMSON DTI-1000

The DTI-1000 is essentially a clone of the Grundig GDT1000, as Thomson recently acquired Grundigs set-top box factory in Wales. Thomson claims that its version has several advantages, such as a superior tolerance of poor signals. It certainly looks better than the rather ugly GDT1000, with a half-black, half-grey fascia, and its dimensions are fairly slim. Around the back are two Scarts, which solves connectivity headaches, along with a socket for the optional 10 infrared extender. However, theres no UHF modulator for sending pictures to a Scart-free TV. Features include a 10-event timer, support for digital teletext and MHEG5 interactivity. This boxs speedy operation makes day-to-day use a real joy, as channel changing is instantaneous and teletext appears in a flash. Picture quality cannot be faulted. Visuals are detailed, while colours are wonderfully vibrant and clean. Our only grumble is that some of the less-robust channels (like Five and QVC) stutter and break into blocks but this is down to the broadcaster. Overall, a superb DTVA debut from Thomson.
CONTACT Hauppage 1997 www.hauppage.co.uk
CONTACT Thomson www.thomson-europe.com
A P R I L s W H AT V I D E O W I D E S C R E E N E N T E R TA I N M E N T

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