Netgem i-Player

Ignore ianmotican's review. The Netgem iplayer does have an EPG and has done for at least 6 months. It's getting a little long in the tooth now but is still one of the best players available.

The interface is miles ahead of all other boxes I've seen. transparent 7-day EPG with program icons is beautiful! Compare that to the ugly blocky BBC micro style text on other boxes.

A classic. I can't wait for the new version - a PVR is rumoured to be on the way!

Unlike many other set top boxes, the i-Player does not have an electronic programme guide (EPG) which allows you to see a whole day or several days ahead. Netgem has not given any date as to when this may be available, or indeed if it is ever definitely going to be available. Many present i-Player users are frustrated by this and believe that it will never be implemented.

As an i-Player owner, my advice is to buy another set top box with an EPG.

Having tried most of the Freeview boxes, this NETGEM i-player is my favourite. It tends to be robust and virtually lock-up free (unlike the Nokia 221T and many others). Intuitive in use with excellent quality and as much future proofing as is available at the moment on any model.

The remote has a wonderful action and it is easy to enter long channel numbers etc. The whats on section is joint best (along with the Thomson).

All in all, this box is pretty, slim, efficient with seemingly very high quality and reliability. The only criticisms are: PIP too small, no favourites, and no evident software update menu. Apart from this, the Netgem is outstanding (and represents particularly wonderful value for those without an internet/email facility).

Facilities are numerous and include twin scarts, audio outputs, optical output, card inputs for future possibilities in pay per view, online interactivity, games, rf throughput, volume control and one of the best EPGs available. Very useful diagnostic menu - particularly for signal strength.

Highly recommended as a well featured and reliable unit with all round good design and performance (unlike most of its rivals).

This is one of the best digital TV adaptor on sale

Picture and sound performance are fine

Its electronic programming guide is one of the best we've seen

It is surprising how quickly (Web page) load