Topfield TF5800PVR review

At first glance this PVR looked overpriced, but after further investigation we discovered a wide range of features that may interest the serious TV enthusiast.

The bland silver unit has a four-way control on the front, which enables you to navigate the menus without using the remote control. Beside this is a door that hides a pair of slots for CAM modules, so you can watch subscription TV services by adding the appropriate module and viewing card.

The TF5800PVR has an extra RF output, in addition to the usual one for connection to a VCR. It carries the decoded digital signal of the currently selected channel, rather than the original signal coming in from your aerial. This means you can connect a second TV - perhaps in a different room - and watch a Freeview channel on it, even if it has only an RF input.

The interface reacts quickly to button presses on the supplied remote but is a little garish, with some nasty textured backgrounds and bright clashing colours. The EPG is clearly presented, though, and displays three hours of programming on four channels at a time. You can schedule two recordings at once, but there's no series link recording. The PVR has a USB port for archiving recordings to your PC, and you can transfer MP3 files to the PVR's hard disk.

Timeshifting is always available, and you can pause programmes and use the programme guide at the same time. Rewinding through scheduled recordings is also possible, although the rewind and fast-forward have a maximum speed of just 3x. Alternatively you can hold down the search button and skip quickly through the program with the help of the progress bar.

It's worth mentioning that the supplied manual is one of the best we've seen for any device. It's well written, easy to read and does a great job of explaining all the PVR's features. Topfield's PVRs can also be upgraded using Topfield Applications (TAPs), so you can tweak the interface and EPG to suit you. These are created by a group of Topfield users - see www.toppy.org.uk for details. It's expensive, but Topfield's TF5800PVR has some useful features that will appeal to serious TV fans.