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Review: Topfield TF5800PVR

The Topfield TF5800PVR is a twin-tuner Freeview PVR that has some unique capabilities that make it stand out from the competition. It has 2 Common Interfaces that allow you to plug in a cards for Top Up TV and other services that may become available. Whereas most PVRs are a closed piece of consumer electronics, the Topfield has been designed to allow the user to connect it up to a PC or Mac and copy the video files off, download MP3s onto it for playback and add software modules developed by Topfield and the user community to enhance it's functionality.

I've managed to get hold of one for an extended test, and I'll be posting this review and my experiences over the next few days. Check back for updates as the week progresses.

The Topfield TF5800PVR is available from around £265.

Initial Impressions

The Topfield comes well packaged and gives an impression of quality from the start. The case is a solid-feeling pressed steel construction, and has plenty of ventilation. I've included plenty of pictures in this review - click them for a bigger version.

As you can see, it's a well-connected beast. From left to right we have

• Dual Antennas with a loop through
• Video out
• Audio left
• Audio right
• S-Video
• TV Scart
• VCR Scart
• USB port (for connecting to your PC/Mac)
• RF in
• RF out
• S/PDIF (optical output for digital audio)
• RS232

More to come soon!

Topfield TF5800PVR resource

While doing some research on the Topfield TF5800PVR I have here for review, I came across toppy.org.uk , a site dedicated to the PVR and full of useful information on it for anyone thinking of buying one. The forums are particularly useful, with those who have a TF5800PVR already, helping out new users. I can see myself making use of their help!

Coming soon: Topfield TF5800PVR review

I have a box (as yet unpacked!) sat by my desk containing a Topfield TF5800PVR for review :-) This looks like it may be the techie's dream PVR, so I am looking forward to putting it through it's paces over the weekend. If you have any questions or specific things you'd like me to take a look at during the review, pop them in the comments here and I'll investigate for you. I hope to have a short preview up after the weekend, with a full in-depth review a week or so later. Mind you, with all the features this unit offers, it may take a bit longer than normal to fully understand the potential of this PVR...