Technology Review - FVRT100 Digital Video Recorder

Digifusion have made a name for themselves in the burgeoning freeview PVR market, with some low cost, high spec set top boxes with some purportedly nice features. In this brave new world of video tapeless recordable TV they have stole a march on some of their closest rivals for value for money (Pace, Humax).

So it was with some excitement that we trialled Digifusion's FVRT100. After all, with such specs as a 40BG hard drive capable of storing 40 hours of TV footage (using SCT-Super Compression Technology), 7 day multi-guide, twin tuners (meaning you can record two channels simultaneously), and a quick-promised set up, surely this product couldn't go wrong?

Set-up wise, the first glaring anomaly was the lack of a scart lead. But after this hiccup - and as soon as setup was concluded (via some detailed but straightforward auto-tuning procedures), the picture was reasonably crisp, save for some 4:3-to-widescreen clipping occasionally. But on extended viewing, we also found anyone who suffers from digital reception drop out will also experience some nasty stereo clipping - not a good sign in terms of the picture.

Operationally, the biggest perk for a machine like this is its recordable functionality; and it's fair to say if the FVRT100 is your first PVR, the idea that recording TV has never been easier certainly rings true. Simply press red and you are recording; zoom forward to a day in the onscreen calendar and programme in for timer. Watching back your recordings is a simple procedure, with automatic scene-splitting and pre-queued recordings available.

The ability to pause and rewind TV is a lovely perk too - the machine automagically recording 30 minutes of recent programmes, so joining a programme half-way through is no longer a problem. Sky advertise this feature heavily but Freeview users can now join in the fun too.

The core promises this machine gives are to the large part fulfilled; easy recording, twin tuners for multi-channel recording, and Multi Guide 7 days advance recordings with access to free-to-air digital TV channels and radio stations available.

However, the big let down for this machine is it's menu design and shoddy remote control. Cheap is not the word; the ergonomics of the menu system are as poorly designed as a 1980s Hyundai Pony. The clunky interface and garish menu system sour an otherwise good experience.