Philips DTR220 Ultra Compact Digital Freeview Set Top Box
Posted by Notcot on Mar 27, 2010 in Home Cinema & Video |
5 CommentsReply |
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After the old Philips 200/05 box packed in after a so-called software “upgrade”, I went for the 220 model and we haven’t been disappointed yet. It’s a small, yet stylish little black box (much smaller than the old 200/05). 7-day EPG works well, channel scan took about 5 minutes (despite the fact that we live in a low signal area and require signal boosters) and channel switching is fast (around a second, I’d say). So all in all the box seems to perform well so far.
Rating: 5 / 5
I was a bit disappointed when I read the numerous bad reviews for this Freeview box, as when I initially read the description and spec’s it all sounded pretty good. I tried looking for an alternative Freeview box but was rather surprised by the real lack of quality set top boxes on the market. It seems that just about every box is made by a little heard of manufacturer who make it their aim to make the most hideous looking box on the market. Because of this I decided to take a chance and go for the Philips which at least came from a fairly reputable manufacturer and looks good.
Having bought and used the DTR220 for a couple of months now I have to say I am very impressed, and slightly confused as to why this item currently only has such a low rating. The box itself is very neat and compact, with the actual footprint being smaller than a DVD case and around twice as thick. It is finished in a stylish gloss black so it will match beautifully the current trend of gloss black TV’s sitting on black glass stands.
Although this box is around £10 more expensive than some of the other boxes on the market, its worth bearing in mind that it does come with a scart lead which you might have to buy for around £10 if you buy another box anyway.
Hooked up to my digital aerial I have got a good signal on all the Freeview channels. I get little to no glitches with this box which is very impressive considering the problems Ive had in the past with other boxes. The EPG is great and easy to work with. It is also pretty quick when loading so you wont be pulling your hair out trying to find out what programme is on next.
Based on my experience with my DTR220 I have to highly recommend this item, despite the other critical reviews. My only real criticism is the “loading” time when you switch it on from stand by, but even that is a minor issue. This is a great looking box that works brilliantly when hooked up to a decent digital aerial. What more could you ask for!
Rating: 4 / 5
This is not the 1st digital freeview box i have brought but i have to say the best one yet. The menus are very easy to set up all nice and straight forward even a child could use them. Set up took only 5 mins. My only complaint is that the digital signal in my area is not strong enough so would recommend checking that out before buying any digital reciever. You might need to buy a booster for you arial. Cannot fault this product just have to play the waiting game for a digital tower to be placed nearer to my home to view all channels.
Rating: 5 / 5
This is my 1st freeview box. I have had no problems with it. Very easy to set up. it only took a few minutes. Great value for money. Very please with this product.
Rating: 5 / 5
This one is better than the previous PACE box I had, for some reason that needed to warm up before being usable and froze up and crashed all the time.
When this Phillips box works it’s excellent – BUT occasionally the on screen graphics (telling you info about the programme etc) completely corrupt and become little green meaningless blobs. Turning the unit off and on clears this though.
Also, and this one is bizarre. Occasionally when a BBC2 show is broadcast the screen goes black and all I get is sound. When the next programme starts, the picture comes back. Only affects BBC2 (so far). Annoyingly this problem is not sorted by switching off and on.
From what I’ve heard most Digi boxes have numerous glitches so I should be grateful this only has some minor ones. I do wonder though if such a thing as a fault free Digi Box exists.
Rating: 2 / 5