The SRP2100, flagged by maker Topfield as the 'Total Media Solution', is a well-specified twin-tuner 500GB HD satellite PVR that also boasts compatibility with online content like YouTube, Flickr and ShoutCast internet radio.

You can also transfer compatible multimedia files to it from a PC, again via a USB storage device, web interface or FTP (File Transfer Protocol). With appropriate network setup, remote control of the receiver from anywhere in the world with an internet connection is possible. Topfield even includes a wireless keyboard, and USB dongle. The SRP2100 redefines the luxury receiver.

Build and connectivity

A sophisticated receiver needs a sophisticated look, and the surprisingly compact SRP2100 is actually quite close to some cutting-edge Samsung products – maybe it's a Korean thing.

Topfield srp2100 front

The front panel's most conspicuous feature is a bright-blue backlit circle that defines a somewhat fiddly touchpad. From here, you can select channel, adjust volume and access menus. To its left is a fluorescent display for channel indication, menu names and so on. On the right is a pull-down flap that conceals a pair of USB sockets and two CI slots. It looks as if Topfield was considering a built-in card reader – and thus CAM emulation – but no such luck; the slot is, alas, filled in. The accompanying handset may look good but its keys have a horrible plasticky feel and is disappointingly unresponsive on occasion. Thanks to pre-programmed codes it will operate some audio equipment, DVD players and TVs – but a button for favourites lists access is absent.

The rear panel hints at the SRP2100's potential. Each of the two DVB-S/S2 tuners has an input and loopthrough output – if you're using a single dish one tuner can be looped to the other. However, you'll lose much of the unit's viewing/recording flexibility. For HD (and upscaled standard-def) video, component and HDMI outputs are included. The HDMI output provides bitstream or decoded (PCM) digital audio. You also get coaxial and optical digital outputs. 'Legacy' Scarts for TV and VCR, plus a composite video and analogue stereo output are also present. The TV Scart supports RGB, but if you're using the component or HDMI outputs the best you can hope for is S-video. For attaching external storage devices, eSATA and USB ports are provided.

Topfield srp2100 connections

Finally, we have the Ethernet port that plays such an important role in the SRP2100's capabilities.

Setup

A wizard is responsible for basic settings. From here, languages are specified and you can specify an initial satellite for searching. For anything more advanced – motorised dishes, for example – manual configuration is required, courtesy of the pleasantly designed main menu's 'installation' option. Within this are various submenus for searching, transponder/satellite editing, LNB options and motorised dish (DiSEqC 1.2/USALS) setup. From these menus, a transponder and satellite can be selected – signal strength and quality bars (in large 'extended' form if desired) are displayed. You don't get the audible signal metering of previous Topfields, though.