RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.

Freeview digital television - April/May 2005

  • Features

    The products tested were packed with many different features.  Those worth looking out for include ….

    On-screen menus

    All the products tested here make extensive use of menus which appear on your TV screen. These allow you to change the settings, access programme information, set the product to record and access your recordings. Look for good, clear on-screen menus that are easy to read and understand.

    Electronic Programme Guide (EPG)

    This is a full programme guide (almost like an electronic Radio Times on your TV screen), giving details about all TV programmes over the next few days. If you have a recording device you can also use the EPG to quickly and easily programme recordings. All of the products tested can access the new EPG.

    Audio outputs

    These are either analogue or digital. Analogue outputs are suitable for connecting the product to an induction loop, cordless headphones or other amplification system. Digital outputs are useful if you want to connect it to a high quality hi-fi system.

    Digital TV tuners

    All of the products tested (apart from the Digifusion) had only one digital TV tuner. This means that, if you are recording a digital channel, you have to watch the same channel or an analogue one. But with two digital tuners you can record one digital channel while watching another. If you want two digital tuners, the Digifusion is your only choice at present, but many more twin tuner products should soon be available.

    Two SCART sockets

    If a set-top box or recording device has two SCART sockets it makes it much easier to link it with other receiving or recording devices, such as a TV and video recorder.

    Time shift recording

    If your TV viewing is interrupted, then this allows you to instantly start recording. When you return, you can continue watching the programme from where you left it while the product is still recording the live transmission. The similar Chasing playback function (Sony RDR-GXD500) records the programme from its beginning, but you can easily fast forward to where you left it if you prefer.