An extreme limitation is that only automatic scanning is offered so you're restricted to whatever transponders Pinnacle has pre-programmed into its software - if MediaCenter doesn't find a channel, you're stuffed.

For this reason we weren't able to tune into the BBC HD test service on Eurobird. The reason the channel could not be found, suggests Pinnacle, is because the BBC doesn't broadcast the correct service-ID information.

Pinnacle realises that this is unacceptable and will address it with a new (4.91) version of MediaCenter which should be available by the time you read this. Viewing a channel is a matter of clicking on the list and selecting it (they can also be selected from the remote).

Recording TV programmes to the hard disk is allowed, as is timeshifting. The EPG allows you to schedule recordings - there's also support for the TVTV and i-TV services. MediaCenter also includes a teletext decoder, a transcode feature for portable media players and the ability to stream near-live recordings to one of Pinnacle's excellent ShowCenters.

Multimedia playback functions include audio, video and internet radio, all of which can be driven by the supplied remote handset.

Unfortunately, some time into the review period MediaCenter stopped recognising the PCTV Sat HDTV Pro USB with error messages like 'no TV devices are available for playback'. Strangely, you could still invoke searches, suggesting that the hardware was fine.

But we were able to use the excellent DVBViewer for both standard and hi-def satellite viewing, owing to Pinnacle's wise decision to use a BDA driver architecture. As far as satellite is concerned, DVBViewer is superior to MediaCenter in just about every conceivable way (not least the ability to search manually).

When the system was working the video and audio quality of SD and HD channels alike couldn't be faulted. For some reason, though, the channel information pop-ups were blocky and unclear. The unit is sensitive enough to bring in the key services from satellites like the Astras and Eurobird. Indeed, sensitivity equates to that of a decent budget set-top box.

Unfortunately, flaky software lets the side down. That it should suddenly stop working for no reason is infuriating and it's not helped by the lack of meaningful diagnostic tools. We hope the proposed update will improve reliability; the ability to search manually will be welcome too.