Design
We're yet to see a digital set top box that blows our socks off in terms of design. Looking remarkably similar to other high definition units such as the Hydef GR3200T, Toshiba's HD-S25 comes in a silver box with minimal controls giving its front an uncluttered look. The display panel is mirrored and has a green four-digit LED display that shows the time or channel number.
Buttons on the front of the set top box include directional buttons to control volume and channel, as well as buttons for menu navigation, power and video output format (switching between PAL, auto, 1080i, 720p and 576p).
The rear panel contains a multitude of connection options for video and audio. Firstly, you'll need to connect the antenna to the RF input and the HD-S25 includes an antenna output to loop an analog signal through to other devices such as a television. There is a component video and stereo audio input to connect an external device, such as a DVD player or games console.
For high definition connections there is a switchable YPbPr (component) / RGB (with HD and VD jacks) output and a RGB (Mini D-Sub 15-pin) output. SD output is supported through S-Video and composite video connections. For audio, there are digital (optical and coaxial) outputs as well as two stereo analog outputs.
Features
The primary feature of this digital receiver is its HD (high definition) 1080i capability. This means pictures can be output to a HD-ready television with a resolution of 1080 interlaced lines to bring sharper widescreen pictures than is achievable with analog signals alone.
For audio, the HD-S25 supports Dolby Digital output when connected to a amplifier or home theatre unit equipped with a Dolby Digital decoder.
The HD-S25 allows HD and SD video streams to be output concurrently. For software updates, there is a serial port for connection with a PC with a RS232 cable. Teletext is also onboard which enables users to access text-based information such as channel guides and closed captions through the HD-S25.
While the Toshiba box supports picture-in-picture (PIP), we found that it only allows you to simultaneously view two channels in the same frequency range. For example, if you are watching the HD version of Channel 9 (broadcast on 90) through the STB, pressing the PIP button on the remote control will only allow you to view the standard definition version of Channel 9 or the Channel 9 program guide in the smaller viewing window.
A feature Toshiba calls Still Picture Display allows you to take a snapshot of whatever is being show on screen by pressing the Freeze button on the remote control.
Performance
Setting up the Toshiba HD-S25 is fairly intuitive. After we switched on the set top box and chose our region (Australia), we opted for 'Quick Scan' to find channels (other options include 'Auto Scan' and 'Manual Scan'). The unit found all channels in under a minute (including radio and datacast stations).
We had mixed results with the HD-S25, initially during our test period we experienced delays with the unit to change channels. Furthermore, we experienced the device locking up completely, requiring us to switch the unit off and reboot it. However, in a different set up environment we did not experience these problems at all.
Toshiba hasn't designed the most user friendly remote control to accompany the HD-S25. We find most of the buttons too small and the navigation buttons far too thin to be able to use comfortably. Generally, frequently used controls such as those to change channel or adjust volume are given prominence on remote controls. For the HD-S25, however, buttons such as 'Freeze', 'PIP', and 'Video Format' are actually larger than the miniscule buttons to swap channels on the remote control.
Our grievances aside, we like the 'Favourite' function that allows you to scroll through an on-screen a list of user-defined channels (for instance, you can set all the HD channels as favourites to quickly browse only through these). Another handy feature is the electronic program guide (EPG), which lets you see the current and upcoming program list (for most channels) at a glance and set a reminder to alert you to forthcoming shows. Changing channels brings up an info plate, which shows network name, program name, audio system (Dolby Digital or MPEG), teletext/closed captions availability, date and time, and signal strength.
Apart from the Toshiba unit freezing on us, we find that the HD-S25 has a decent array of high-end features that makes it a cut above other units we've seen. However, cheaper HD set top boxes can be found on the market.
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hummhome
03/08/2007, 10:52 AM
rating
2/10
Beware-lots of problems. Overpriced,slow to work. Won't turn off,switches on by itself. Continual problems
Pros: Nice looking box and buttons.
Cons: Too expensive,too many problems,poor service when something goes wrong.BEWARE.
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tavakol
27/11/2006, 12:34 PM
rating
2/10
This unit fails after afew months
Pros: easy to use
Cons: do not buy it
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