Sharp TUTV322H

I bought this box on what I read on here. I agree it was easy to use and I was really getting to enjoy it, the problems I had are listed below

1)It records 2/3 min of topup advert that I did not ask for

2)when you have seen a recording then it puts a tick to show you have seen it, but it will put a tick on it even if you look at it for seconds.

3)lost signal and did not record and unless you unpug it from wall then it wont come back, with this problem what would happen if you set it while on holday then theres no one to switch it off at wall to keep it going.

4)I went to make a recording tonight and some of the stations had blank in the tv guild so you could not record if your station/time was in that bit that was not there. I went to manual set the timmer and it knows there was trouble at that time so it still would not let me set the timmer.

Now the problem I am having is that I have bought this item for my elderly parent to use because of the switch over and videos on there way out. When I give them it I have to teach them how to use this and what will I do if these problem happen when I am not there, they live 200 miles a way so I can not just pop over.

Followed the set up instructions, which were very clear, did a search for channels then an error message came up. My heart sank as I've been having endless problems recently with new technology not doing what it says it will but I returned to the TV and all was working perfectly.

The Sharp TUTV322H comes with 30 days free trial of top up TV, which we weren't bothered about, as the Freeview channels already give us more than we have time to watch. Amazingly, the instructions make allowances for people who don't want the free trial, apart from the fact that you are asked to register your DTR but when you get through to the 0844 number supplied, they tell you that they are only signing you up for the free trial of Top up TV and, if you don't want that, there is no need to phone.

The instruction book is very clear and easy to follow. I was recording programmes within a few minutes of the set up and even managed to record two programmes simultaneously with no hassle whatever! When you want to watch a recorded programme, you are presented with a list of the items you have recorded and you simply highlight the one you want and press OK. After you've watched it, you can delete the programme to free up more recording space or leave it to watch again. There's over 200 hours of recording time so it's not a problem to leave and watch again. It's simple to watch one programme and record another. You can even record two programmes and watch one of them simultaneously!!

There is the facility to 'pause live TV' though I've not tried that yet. The instructions say that you can start recording (for example when you get a telephone call), resume watching, rewind to see part of the programme a second time, then fast forward to where you ' d got up to - all while the machine still records ahead! Multi talented or what??

There is an 8 day TV Guide if you just use the freeview channels or a 14 day Guide if you are using Top up TV.

The picture is excellent, though you do get the occasional 'blips' that seem to be par for the course with digital TV.

I bought the DTR from Cheaper Electricals and I have to say that their price was brilliant - a good £20 cheaper than anyone else I found online, with free delivery - and their service was excellent too.