It's fair to say being an early adopter of this technology has created a few snags although 3view have promptly provided software updates to overcome these. We also had a problem with an inadequate aeriel preventing HD reception (not 3view's fault).

We use the 3view box to record many many shows on the PVR, store photos and music and as its drive is so large we're nowhere near filling it up. The BBC iPlayer is good, now being able to watch missed BBC programmes at the touch of a few buttons. This box is overall a great revelation to our viewing habits and it would be great if other online channels could be added (ITV and Channel 4)and say LoveFilm online access. We await the updates, if available, with interest. Otherwise a great product, very good value for money, worth the initial (now ironed out) bugs.

3view is a real disappointment. Having had it on pre-order for the best part of 6 months it's delayed release was met with excitement which quickly dissolved.

The box itself looks and feels very cheap - and is exceptionally light. It's made out of cheap shiny black plastic and the remote control is something that you would normally find with one of those cheap tellys - certainly not on a box costing this much. There is also no digital display - just 2 led lights, one for when its recording and one for when it's on stand-by. There's no power-on indicator. This, however, is not the reason that I decided to return the box to 3view.

Firstly, it is not compatiable with the use of a fly lead to the aerial. It only picks up all of the channels when the aerial is plugged in directly to the box.

Secondly, the box needed to be rebooted at least 3/4 times a day. Needless to say this meant that recordings were missed. I had no complaints with those recordings which were made. Indeed, the picture and sound quality was on a par with the real-time picture.

Another disappointment was something which I have not come across before. Using an electricity monitor, when you put the box into standby it makes no difference to the amount of electricity the thing uses. In fact I had to turn the box off at the wall at night because you could hear it whirring away in the corner. Bizarre.

On the plus side, I was impressed with the full screen picture quality on YouTube. With other internet applications set to be released 'soon', the internet capabilities could be 3views biggest plus point - but don't hold your breath on that one, 3views made promises before which haven't been kept.

To 3views credit, they are releasing fixes to the problems that everyone is encountering. A little too late for me, this is clearly not a product that is yet fit-for-purpose. Consider the Humax or, if you're prepared to wait, the YouView if you are desperate for a PVR with more internet capabilities than you can shake a srick at.

Finally, don't expect to receive a refund quickly from 3view if you do decide to return it. Despite the phone calls, I had to wait over 5 weeks. So make sure you buy it on your credit card. Also check out the numerous 3view forums, there appears to be a load more dissatisfied customers than satisfied ones. In addition, despite attempting to leave similar reviews to this on retail sites, they fail to be published - I expect to ensure that sales are not affected.