Technika STBHDH2010 review

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Verdict:

Standard definition video quality isn't the best, but thanks to the HD channels, the STBHDH2010 is excellent value.

Review Date: 10 May 2011

Price when reviewed: £30

Supplier: http://direct.tesco.com

Reviewed By: Jim Martin

Our Rating 4 stars out of 5

User Rating

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Technika is a brand exclusive to Tesco and is aimed at the cost conscious buyer, rather than those that want the best money can buy. The STBHDH2010 has neither a memorable name nor good looks, but its low price is sure to tempt anyone wanting to watch Freeview HD channels as cheaply as possible.

The tiny box has a single DVB-T2 tuner inside and has no recording capabilities whatsoever. It's purely a playback device that allows you to tune into live Freeview broadcasts. Despite the low price, it has several features you wouldn't expect. One is the 1m HDMI cable bundled in the box - this could save you a few quid more, and is far more convenient than buying one separately.

On the rear panel, you'll also find USB and Ethernet ports in addition to the HDMI output, two scart sockets and an optical S/PDIF output (surround sound can be output via this or HDMI). Sadly the Ethernet port is 'for future use' and the USB port is currently only for firmware upgrades. However, it means Technika could roll out internet services such as iPlayer.

At the front, there's a single blue LED to indicate whether the box is on or not - the rest of the display is shown on your TV screen. Surprisingly, the interface is better than many well-known brands. When you first connect the box, you're asked to choose between a 16:9 and 4:3 display, a resolution (up to 1080p) and then a channel search is carried out.

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User comments

Technica HD box

I will never buy an own brand electronic device from Tesco. Why? Because I recall well the amazing story in the news of a man who returned a duff own-label TV to Tesco, within warranty and was told that Tesco had NEVER SOLD THAT MAKE! He then produced his till receipt. But they still denied it! The supplier had long since been dumped because of very poor QC and the suits at tesco had told the staff to simply deny that this brand was ever a tesco item. of course, the Small Claims Court didn't see the joke and the man got his money back. So beware these very cheap supermarket gizmos. Not only are they minimal in quality but they may not even exist - even the one in your hand and on your receipt!

By chrisnation on 16 May 2011

Technica STBHDH2010

I just bought one of these. Very disappointed as it does not pick up any of the HD freeview channels. Seeing as I purchased the product specifically for the HD channels, this is extremely disappointing. I am now contemplating returning the product.

By freeviewhd on 25 Jun 2011

When we tested the box, it had no problems picking up the HD channels in two separate locations. However, in a third, it refused to pick them up. The problem is usually with the aerial or location. If you have already checked that your location can receive Freeview HD broadcasts at http://www.freeview.co.uk/HD then your aerial is likely to be the problem.

By jim_martin on 27 Jun 2011

CARE! Not Best Budget Buy

To the right of this review, this unit is shown as the Best Budget Buy PVR. This is wrong, as the Technika STBHDH2010 is not a PVR, merely a "playback device" according to the review.
I have raised this with the editors but they have chosen not to correct the error, so do not take the Best Buy advice at face value!

By speedsport on 17 Jul 2011