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iPlayer is a digital set-top box that provides access to the various Freeview channels.  Add a "+" sign to the product's title and you get several additional features to boost the appeal and functionality of this set-top box.

As is fairly standard, this piece of kit consists of the base unit, remote control, SCART cable, aerial lead and power cable. You also get a phone extension cable that has a splitter connection at one end. It is this phone cable that enables the additional functionality of this device to be implemented.

The matt silver set-top box measures 31.1 x 16 x 4.7mm (W x D x H) and has most its connection ports plus an on/off switch at the rear.  There are sockets for aerial, power, telephone, audio output and two SCART sockets so that the device can link to both a television and VCR/DVD unit.  Basic step-by-step instructions are provided for setting up the box with your television.

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When you first power up the both, with your television set to the AV channel, you will be presented with a Welcome screen.  On-screen instructions will then lead you through the automated process of tuning in to the various available channels, whether television or radio, and configuring various aspects of the device.  Once this process has been completed you can sit back and use the supplied remote to check out the various Freeview channels or make use of the additional features of this product.

You can cycle through the available channels or use the on-screen program selector.  This option includes a seven-day program listing with the ability to pre-program recording sessions or set up reminders for those programmes you do not want to miss.  All the various procedures are easy to implement and come with on-screen instructions.

Freeview television, however, is just the opening gambit with this set-top box.  You can send and receive emails although the actual composition of messages would be rather time consuming with multiple key press being required unless you purchase the optional keyboard (£24.99).  Internet access is available with the ability to set up a Favourites listing.  Unfortunately, even with my Broadband connection, the actual logging on, accessing sites and any updating was painfully slow.  It reminded me of my old dial-up connection on a bad day.

News features, categorised as headlines, news, sports and money, are available.  There are options for online shopping with firms such as Tesco, John Lewis, Ticketmaster and BBC Food.  Young members of the family can check out an educational section that has help for homework and appropriate sites that concentrate on science, history, art and geography.  For off-line enjoyment, there is an option to listen to MP3 tracks and view videos or photos stored on an external device that can be attached by a memory card slot and USB port situated on the side of the box.

While the television aspect, with its 7-day programme guide, is excellent, the product is let down by its slow Internet performance.  The iPlayer can be purchased from Netgem @ TV Limited.  It has been priced at £89.99 and, as mentioned earlier, there is an optional keyboard available.

http://www.iplayer.co.uk/index1.asp