Goodmans GDB9 Digital Set Top Box

The Goodmans GDB9 Digital Set Top Box has a regular selection of output sockets. One for connecting to an AV receiver, plus a RF input/output. Then a USB port for your TV service. The TV and VCR Scarts can be composite or RGB output, although RGB produces better recordings. Simple, yet functional. The set up process remains easy.

The Unit itself is also straightforward. Switch on to view the initial setup screen. Choose your aspect ratios and the Goodmans GDB9 automatically tunes into all available channels. Edit them afterwards, in the main menu. Again, easy to follow.

The seven day "Intuitive EPG" uses a channel by channel method. It's capable of listing half a dozen programs at once. Flip through days, add reminders and adjust channels. Your "favorites" list is accessed via a different control interface.

The Goodmans GDB9 has all the usual features. Audio Description, digital text and subtitles. Plus, OTA software upgrades and interactive access. Screen size is adjustable and color quality is good. Images are sharp and detailed, although the sound quality lets it down. But still, it's on a par with most of the competition in its price range, though some have reported irritating little niggles with the auto retuning messing up.

Other drawbacks. The remote looks okay, but the buttons are small and disorganized and the unit itself looks a little cheap and outdated. But it's slim, so you can easily slip it away, out of sight!