Most people tend to get cold feet when the time arrives to make the digital crossover, as there is a misconception that this transition is very expensive. The truth however is not that bitter as it is made out to be, and it is not at all mandatory to dump your old analogue TV for a brand new flat-panel set to access the Freeview experience in its full glory. Moreover, Freeview PVRs and HDD/DVD recorders are also no perquisites to enjoy this spectacular experience. All you need to do is pick up a cheap, easy to use Freeview receiver, and connect it to your existing system, and the programmes burst into life.

It is however important that you follow discretion while buying a receiver set so that it consists of the features and functions you are looking for. Considering the situation one model that should fit the bill is the DTR220/05 from Philips, which is replete with a number of user friendly features apart from being delightfully compact.

The back panel of the unit has been inscribed with customary features like RF input/output and twin SCART outputs, in addition to coaxial digital output for piping stereo sound to your amp digitally. More importantly, the unit is endowed with the capacity to send raw bitstream to your receiver in case Dolby Digital broadcasts is included in the Freeview fold. The Philips DTR220 is bereft of an RF modulator, connoting that you can’t watch digital TV pictures through your TV’s RF input. This is however, not a problem with present generation TVs which are capable of doing without this archaic feature.

There are two SCARTs as well that can be simultaneously connected to TV and video recorder, thereby opening the floodgates of various possibilities. Now, you can have a choice between RGB, S-video (Y/C) and composite (CVBS) from the ‘TV’ SCART, and S-video or composite from the ‘VCR’ SCART, each of which is selectable via the setup menu.

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