The standard definition (SD) TDR986 is great for hiding away behind slimline displays such as plasma and LCD, or to improve performance with bedroom and other TVs nowhere near equipment racks.

An included infrared lead allows for remote control without line-of-site to the miniscule (10 x 6.4 x 2.3 CM) box.

Prima's Lyle Sinclair says "It's a great little device, it operates really well. You select the country and hit go for automatic tuning. The software is pretty much a full menu and it operates as quickly as another STB as far as channel changing is concerned, for example. I actually prefer it to some because you can sort the channels in true numerical fashion.

"Due to the size you obviously can't have a lot of connectivity – it has a 3.5 mm stereo plug out to composite RCA – but most applications will be for concealment, although it has a direct IR pick-up on the front."

Available from March 2006.

Cost: $129

See www.primaaustralasia.com.

Features:
MPEG2 compatible
EPG
Software updatable
Automatic search run
Favourite list
Sleep timer
Teletext
Video text
Child lock