written by captainkremmen on 22/12/2009
I have owned this Freeview STB for over 4 years now and it hasn't let me down once. Excellent quality, very good looking and extremely fast. No delay changing channels and for an older box has features that put most modern Freeview boxes to shame. EPG is fast, never slows down. Digital text works without a hitch, picture quality via RGB scart is fantastic as is the audio quality routed through my AV amplifier. Second scart can be configured for smartlink which means that when you set a timer it will send a signal to a compatible VCR or DVD recorder telling it to switch on and record, then sends another signal when the program finishes telling it to stop and switch off. The remote is probably the weakest part, over time the button icons/text rub off and the remote buttons become weaker. However I use a universal remote anyway so it isn't a problem. It is a real shame this machine is no longer manufactured, if Sony made a PVR of their own using this boxes features, reliability and menu/epg (and not one from Vestel with their own badge on it) it would probably be one of the best machines available. If you spot one for sale on Ebay or in a second hand shop, BUY IT!. Mine has now been relegated to the bedroom as I have a Freeview PVR in the living room, but oh how I miss the Sony sometimes.
written by on 30/09/2009
The Sony VTXD800U is a GREAT BOX. Only snag i find is dont know & cannot locate manufacturers code for re setting anything.
written by on 05/08/2009
The Sony VTXD800U was a present from my son when they first came out, found it easy to set up and its performance has been exceptional throughout, even channels 4 & 5 picture and sound quality much superior to my next door neighbour who has a lesser make. I have since bought 2 more of this model for other TVs in the house with no reservations, the best digi box available. Why did Sony stop production ?
written by on 06/03/2009
Sony VTXD800U is easy to set up, easy to use - great value for money as it's still one of the best freeview boxes even though it's no longer in production Who needs satellite TV at extra cost when you can have a great range of digital channels including radio free for life when you have purchased one of these!
written by on 16/09/2008
Where do I start, the Sony VTXD800U is fantastic, reliable, easy to use, fast response off the remote, cracking picture and sound. I hope sony produce a twin tuner version of this box & include a hard drive. I find it much easier & more reliable the the Humax. At least I don't mis the end of programs. I'm using Smartlink to a VCR.
written by davidgoves on 08/09/2007
Had the Sony VTXD800U for 1 year. Excellent, just a bit expensive.
written by Steve Cowley on 14/12/2006
Buy with confidence. And no, I don't have shares in the company
written by Gardengirl on 22/09/2006
I bought this Sony VTXD800U when it first came out, purely on the strength of the brand name. When I needed a second box I had no hesitation in getting another one. I'm now in a position to get a third. Having experienced cheap models at friends' houses, I wouldn't touch any other model than this one. Well worth the higher price.
written by Ieuanfawr on 30/04/2006
It's hard to find much wrong with the Sony VTXD800U freeview box. It works well with under-strength signal, and perfectly with 100% signal strength and quality.
Everything seems possible via the menu, though I found re-ordering the programmes to my liking lengthy.
The biggest disappointment is absence of the TopUpTV slot. I'm reluctant to get rid of the Sony for a model with a TopUpTV slot as the Sony is so good.
written by Tallywadger on 15/02/2006
Our Sony VTXD800U has outperformed every other freeview box I have had by miles! It is pricey at £80 but well worth the extra cash! No freezes EVER! Full signal strength, great picture quality and an epg that might see me getting rid of my Digiguide on the PC.
written by d70bv8 on 16/07/2005
Sony VTXD800U - Checked out rest of my family's digiboxes and they were all rubbish (a digifusion, a Panasonic and a brand I can't remember). Looked at reviews and the Sony came out on top. The reviews are correct. It worked straight from the box with no setup and no use of the manual. Better quality by far than the analogue and great sound too. Get one in preference to any other box. Can be placed vertical too.
written by al5000 on 28/09/2003
Just bought the SONY VTX-D800U,i'm happy with it.But picture does tend to break up now and then.picture and sound is much better than sky digital.sounds good through my marantz SR6200 using the optical lead i had.But you'll need to buy a optical fiber transfer adapter from maplin £2.99 it will be cheaper than the one the sony guys try to sell you, £24.99.Bought the box for £101.00.As for picture break up,looks like they all seem to do it,because my brother bought the new philips dtr1500 and that breaks up too..
The signal strength on the SONY VTX-D800U is good,so i don't really know why the picture should break up.Could be that our transmitter needs upgrading?(wenvoe).you can have the box placed vertical or horizontal.mine is vertical looks good to next to my ps2.good price nice little box.you won't be disappointed .
Written on: 23/10/2003
The box is 7 Day EPG ready - the only reason you don't see 7 days worth of EPG data is because it is not currently being broadcast!
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<br>For detailed specs, Sony have a site dedicated to this box at http://www.npe.sony.co.uk/, which also contains news regarding updates etc.
Written on: 30/06/2005
DVB broadcasts are not especially prone to breakup, neither 'do all boxes do it' Maybe the quality of received signal needs scrutinising???
Written on: 11/02/2004
I have had Terestrial Digital TV since the beginning and suffered from picture breakup but cured it by inserting a 7db Attenuator and it still works OK up to a 20db Attenuator in the down lead!
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<br>An engineer measured the signal strength and it was TOO STRONG giving cross channel interference!
Written on: 08/11/2003
Unfortunately, picture breakup is common to digital broadcasts--the one real downside. You even get it on cable.
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Freeky's Response to Gardengirl's Review
Written on: 01/10/2008
The fact this v-short review gets 'expert' status proves that 'expert' status is mearly a random addition & should be ignored.