Sony VTXD800U > Reviews

Advantages: Looks, fast channel switching, on-screen menus, remote
Disadvantages: Not the cheapest.

Sony has been making integrated digital TVs for a while now so it's nice to see them release a stand-alone box for use with older televisions. *** Looks *** The design is much like Sony’s own PS2. The unit can be stood vertically or laid horizontally. The design looks much better in the vertical position and also saves on space. The attractive frosted front completes the Sony’s good looks. There’s minimal buttons on the unit itself. A power ... Read review

Advantages: Fast, simple, stylish, reliable, Sony!
Disadvantages: No RF Modulator, relatively pricey, no RCA output

...first freeview box. Naturally choosing Sony I expect the usual quality with this brand and this little marvel upon opening the box portrayed the usual standard. First point to make is that according to the online DTT checker I cannot receive freeview in this area however with the D800U straight out of the box I was receiving a freeview signal. Included in the box was the D800U itself, remote control with batteries, Scart lead, RF cable, a stand ... Read review

Advantages: Attractive, Easy to use, Functionality. Strong signal reception.
Disadvantages: No card slot. Price.

...favourite ex-catalogue store for this Sony VTX-D800. What I did not expect when installed the Sony, was to find that the picture was perfect, signal strength was full (not bouncing around like the old Philips one) 10 months down the road I have not had one single problem. No freezing of picture, no block pixelation ( where the signal looks like it is being intercepted from outerspace reminiscent of a clip from the film Independence Day). I could ... Read review

Advantages: Looks great, can vertically Stand, Good remote, Easy to Use
Disadvantages: Not compatible with top-up TV

...tag is put towards the sony brand, that is renound for having a slightly mark-up on some of its products, and this is no exception, however, it is a truly excellent peice of equipment. As you inspect the back of the box to your pleasent surprise you will find 2 scart sockets, for optimal intergration into your set-up and minimum changing of scart leads between appliances, which is of course is a good feature. Also an optical output allows digital ... Read review

Advantages: Very easy to use excelent menu easy to programme can switch on compatible VCR
Disadvantages: a little pricey

...it will aslo operate a Sony TV. There is a seperate button for subtitles and a button for switching between TV and Digital Radio Channels. There Is features page in the menu which is like a very basic on screen manual. Excellant programme listings that programme events up to at least a week ahead, the unit can operate a compatible VCR 2nd Only to the sky + box Only things I've seen on other set top boxes that this unit doesn't have are built ... Read review

Advantages: It works!!! Hurrrragh
Disadvantages: A vertical standing design?? Are you serious?

I'll keep this short, the other guys have summed up and I agree with their comments, just to add: 1) It actually WORKS, i.e. the software (unlike so many other boxes) does NOT crash. 2) Their marketing department should be shot for the idiotic 'vertical' design. What's that all about? 3) For whatever reason My VCR cannot 'see' any freeview channel - but I think that may be more my fault. 4) The remote is excellent & feels good in the hand ... Read review

Advantages: Attractive, manual controls, Excellent quality
Disadvantages: no top up tv slot

...TV too. If you have a sony video with SMARTLINK it can control your video recorder too. It`s simple to operate and has a EPG and a catagory/favorites list. Softwareupgrades are automatically received. An excellent product that I would highly recommend. ... Read review

Advantages: Easy to use, good picture with little pixilation
Disadvantages: No top up tv slot

I am very happy with the box, it gives a good clear picture with little pixilation of the screen and the in built 7 day schedule allows viewing to be set in advance. The only two issues I have are one it does sometimes freeze and has to be reset by turning the power off and on. And two there is no top up tv slot, this I do not consider to be a problem personally as there appears to be little on the top up channels and if you are willing to ... Read review

Advantages: Stylish, can have it standing up or flat, changing channels is quick and easy
Disadvantages: Lack of top up tv slot

A great freeview box that can be used on a indoor aerial and work fine even if the transmitter is miles away. In my case the nearest transmitter is over 30 miles away. It is quick to change channels and it is easy to navigate through the menus. it is also useful having a 7 day tv guide as it means that there is no need to go out and buy tv guides or newspapers. If you have a smartlink video recorder you can set it up to record programs automatically ... Read review

Advantages: Excellent sound & vision, fast channel change, good in weak signal
Disadvantages: None excpet a bit pricey

Review after 4 months use: Like many others I was frustrated with poor set-top boxes and did a lot of research. Curry's box @ £29 is remarkably good value, but freezes up and needs to re-program 2-3 times a week. The Hauppage DEC 1000t despite its high price and mini good looks is rubbish - even after a replacement, it froze every day, and didnt get sound on some channels. Others start off well, but have problems after 6 months or so. Hurrah for ... Read review

Advantages: good picture
Disadvantages: didn't reliably receive all channels

...other reviewers). I bought the Sony solely on the strength of consistent excellent reviews and it did produce a good picture. However, there were at least three key channels which even the Goodmans could receive, but where the Sony was totally unreliable. These included Channel 5. I have now replaced the Sony with a Sagem ITD61G (at almost a third of the price) and this has, so far, been totally reliable. I wonder if this is a good choice for people ... Read review