However, the upscaling does definitely improve the quality of the standard SD image, making it noticeably sharper than the somewhat soft and airbrushed appearance of SD programmes that we normally see on our Samsung TV. Other handy features include parental control options that allow you to lock individual channels and even remove the channel name altogether from the main list of available channels.
The on-screen menu does the job, but scheduling can be tricky
The DSI86HD uses the standard Freesat 7-day programme guide, and though there’s no internal hard disk for recording programmes it does allow you to record onto a separate VCR or other type of recorder by using one of its Scart connectors. Unfortunately, the process for scheduling recordings this way is rather long-winded, and the receiver’s lack of recording facilities remains its only real weakness.
Verdict
Sagem deserves credit for producing a mass-market Freesat receiver that is easy to use and which will appeal to less technically-minded users in the same way as the many low-cost Freeview receivers that have helped to make Freeview so popular in the last couple of years. The upscaling option also works well and will help people to get the best from their HD TV sets. Given this promising start, we look forward to seeing the company’s forthcoming Freesat HD recorder with great interest. ®
More Freesat Gear Reviews...
Elgato EyeTV Sat |
Panasonic DMR-BS850 |
Humax Foxsat-HDR |
Panasonic DMR-XS350EB |
Sagem DSI86HD
COMMENTS
sagem box
I cannot believe the moron that is Anonymous coward- comparing a non recording box to a HD recorder? Get a grip, get a life. Nothing wrong with the Sagem box, still working just fine for me watching Watchdog in HD just now !
@Greg J Preece
"My Foxsat constantly pisses me off by forgetting its static IP settings every time I turn it on."
Can your dhcp server (router/nas?) assign an ip by MAC? this would fix your problem!
FreeSat & Ethernet and iPlayer
Isn't the ethernet port part of the Freesat Standard?
Isn't it on all Freesat boxes?
IIRC the beeb was working on an iplayer interface for freesat boxes. Whereby freesat boxes with internet could view iPlayer.. using the Tuner remote only.
And additionally arn't the new Panansonic freesat tuners capable of viewing youtube via the Ethernet port already?
a Title
The Humax Foxsat HD recorder kicks four colours of shit out of this box!
Twin HD Freesat Tuner And HD Recorder.. & No Murdoch Tax
Yes it costs a fraction more than this box (less than £100!), but its a HD recorder! why is this so expensive? most view only boxes are £30-£60
@mr mcgiver: Bitter?
have you bought one?
I see a lot of criticisms from people who have not bought this box.
Keep to the point!!
I have bought it and it works absoutely fine.
Picture is good, sound is fine. No problems.
I didn't want to pay Sky any more money and plugged this in the other day. Straight up and running. EASY .
