Astratec TOPD2

Overall the Astratec TOPD2 is good, but did not realize setanta required subscription, thought it was Pay as you Go via Topup. Description is slightly misleading.

The Astratec TOPD2 from Tesco has 2 SCARTS (1 RGB) & a RF loop through. The unit has an external 5V power supply and comes with remote, batteries, scart & RF leads. The manual indicates it has a modulated output, but I could find none, though this should not be a problem as long as you have a SCART on your TV. This box does have a slot for a 'top up TV' card, which is unusual at this price.

Set up is fairly quick and very unusual where there are multiple versions of channels available it uses the best one found. You can also do a manual tune & delete any unwanted channels.

Channel change is average and you can reorder them, which is great 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 it doesn't take too long to get the data, it also has an 8 event timer & events can be set to repeat. This box provides signal strength info & more detailed channel info on pressing a status button. A swap button is provided to swap between the current & last channel viewed, surprisingly useful.

This box provides for 16/9 & 4/3 displays and if set to 4/3 a 'wide' button allows for various zoom modes. Picture quality is fine, although I find this

varies little between STB`s. The remote is average size but keys are well

spaced so good for 'fat' fingers. There are no separate buttons for your TV

though.

Overall this box provides most that you might want & at just £25, it's a bargain.