Goodmans GDB400

Author's product rating:   

Picture Playback	Excellent
Sound Level	Excellent
Range of Features	Above Average
Durability	Satisfactory
Value for Money	Satisfactory

Advantages:	A compact system containing freeview and a DVD player
Disadvantages:	Does not have the best freeview reception

Recommend to potential buyers:

no

Full review

I bought this dvd player and freeview box in May 2005 and from the start had problems with the freeview reception. I thought it was my aerial for a while, so ignored the problems, but after I moved house and the poor reception continued, I realised it wasn't my aerial, but the box is not very good at picking up freeview signals and has a tendency to cut out on certain channels ever 3 minutes or so.
The dvd cababilities of the box are great, it's easy to use and has good options and the remote is easy to use too.
The freeview capabilities are not good. The box cuts out when you are watching certain channels, both freeview and terrestrial channels - ITV1 and ITV2 in particular. The picture also freezes while the sound continues to play on most channels at one point or another. Playing a dvd can also be affected by the freeview channels - I don't know how this happens but it does cut out on a disc if you were previously watching one of the tv channels the box cuts out on.
Overall, I would not recommend this product due to the problems with the freeview reception.