There are usually clear differences in features that separate cheaper TV boxes from more expensive ones. The Communications Act 2003 requires broadcasters to meet the legal requirements either by programmes being translated into sign language or programmes being made by or for deaf people and presented in sign language. Subtitling obligations have been extended to many other channels, whether they are broadcast by digital terrestrial or digital satellite signals. Legislation requires that 90% of ITV and Channel 4 programmes must be subtitled the BBC has been subtitling 100% of its programmes since April 2008. They can be switched on or off while watching either a live or recorded program using the remote control. Subtitles, often referred to as Closed Captions (or 'CC') are transmitted on some digital TV shows and a PVR will automatically record them.
It is also possible to change the volume of the original programme and the audio description soundtrack independently. The latter system allows more flexibility, as one person can listen on headphones while others watch the programme without audio description. The description can be carried on the same channel as the original programme, or it can be broadcast on a second sound channel which contains the audio description. There are two methods of receiving audio description. Descriptions are fitted between dialogue or commentary to avoid interrupting the flow of the programme.Īudio description can be found on many free-to-air programmes and most new digital TVs can decode the signal. It describes what is happening on screen, from changes of location and actions to facial expressions and gestures in order to give context and set the scene. Audio descriptionĪudio description (AD) is an additional narrative audio track for visually impaired people. We've highlighted some of the most common, below. Many PVRs and set-top boxes offer additional functionality for those with sight or hearing impairments. Set-top box and PVR accessibility features You can read more about the different brands and which make the most reliable devices in our PVR and set-top box brand guide. Manhattan has a wider range of products to suit most price points, as well as a few PVRs, while Bush (a brand owned by Sainsbury's) makes some of the cheapest set-top boxes. The set-top box market is focused around two brands: Manhattan and Bush. Sky and Virgin also make PVRs, but the SkyQ and Virgin V6 boxes are only available with a Sky or Virgin TV subscription. Humax certainly offers the most choice with a bigger spread of pricing, so if you're after a cheaper model then it's probably best to start with its PVRs. Freesat also made its first forays into both the PVR and set-top box markets in 2020. Humax is the big name in PVRs, but Panasonic makes them, too. How do I choose the best PVR or set-top box brand? Unsurprisingly, the best time to buy is usually during a sale, such as Black Friday or the January sales. Prices aren't that high to start with, and get even lower the longer a model is on the market. When is the best time to buy a PVR or set-top box?īoth types of device can stay on sale for many years. As yet, 4K content is relatively limited, but a 4K device will let you make the most of what's available now and in the future. 4K – all PVRs and set-top boxes can access HD channels, but some also support the higher-quality 4K.Hard drive size – a 500GB hard drive can store around 125 hours of HD TV, if that's enough then choose a bigger model.Is it smart? – not all PVRs and set-top boxes are internet-enabled, so if you want to access catch-up and streaming apps then choose one that is.Freeview or Freesat – a Freeview device uses an aerial to access channels, while a Freesat one uses a satellite, so make sure you choose the right one.
Some of the models we feature below have been around a while, but all of the devices we feature are excellent PVRs or set-top boxes that you wont' regret buying.īest PVR and set-top box features to look out for When this is the case, we make sure to mention it in our reviews.Ī lot of companies play fast and loose with these definitions – you've most likely heard Sky's latest product referred to as a set-top box – but this is how we at Which? make the distinction.ĭon't need access to live TV channels? If you're just after something to give you access to catch-up and streaming apps, check our our TV streamer reviews. Some set-top boxes have the ability to be paired with an external hard-drive, which will grant them PVR-like capabilities. Set-top boxes, meanwhile, merely allow you to watch live or catch-up TV via services such as Freeview or Freesat they can't record. PVRs have the ability to record live television, saving it to their built-in hard drive. Not much, to be honest, aside from one key factor. Table last updated: March 2021 PVR vs set-top box: what's the difference?
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