Review: Goodmans GDB3 set top box - The Plusses:
+ Easy to use with good picture/sound quality and trouble-free teletext operation
+ Good electronic programme guide display which includes small preview screen of currently-selected channel, very useful for surfing channels while getting detailed programme info at the same time - well though out
+ Seems to be relatively free of the software quirks which seem to bedevil other freeview units I have tried
+ Reset button at back enables 'reboot' if things go awry, only had to use this a couple of times over 12 months when picture froze, probably due to electrical interference. I don't believe any freeview box is really completely crash-proof, so this is a sensible feature which has been thoughtfully included
+ Smart looking unit
+ Additional SCART enables daisy-chaining with further AV unit
+ Additional audio phono outputs for connection to HiFi
+ VCR-style timer enables recording of programmes from different channels while you are away - the unit simply automatically changes channel at the appointed timeMinusses
- No TV modulator output means it cannot be connected to aerial socket on older TVs without a SCART, shouldn't be too much of an issue nowadays
- Timer doesn't work in standby as with a normal VCR which is a shame, you need to leave the unit on which means it consumes more power
- Subtitles occasionally somewhat 'jerky' - this has been a problem with other freeview units though, it has to be admitted |
DVD, TV & Video
