Philips DTR 210

The Philips DTR210 has 2 SCARTS (1 RGB) digital audio on phono (spdif) & a RF loop through. The unit has an external 12V power supply and comes with remote, batteries & scart lead.

Set up is fairly quick, but as is all too common, where there are multiple versions of channels available, it takes the first one found, regardless of signal strength, you can do a manual tune though & delete any useless channels. The menu system appears to be a cut down version of that used by Thomson.

Channel change is average but you cannot reorder them, which is a pity as freeview channels are somewhat mixed up after initial install (ITV 1,2,3,4 are on channels 3,6,10,30). There is a 7 day guide and a 5 event timer. There is also a handy radio button.

This box provides for 16/9 & 4/3 displays. Picture quality is OK, although I find this varies little between STB`s. The remote is average size but has no separate buttons for your TV.

So, not too bad overall but perhaps a little overpriced and pity about mixed up channels.