TechRadar Verdict
With a nice and quick blind search function you're sure to have this box set up in no time at all, however the PVR options could be better
Pros
- +
Very flexible
- +
Excellent AV
- +
Fast and revealing blind search
Cons
- -
Basic PVR
- -
Can't use DTT and satellite tuners simultaneously
- -
More control over blind search parameters could be offered
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It's over twice the price of the Manhattan PLAZA XT-CM but the TM-6900 HD Combo Super gives you get plenty for your money.
For a start, it's ready for hi-def, with DVB-S2 tuners, H.264 support, HDMI and component outputs capable of delivering 1080i – standard-def is automatically upscaled to the chosen resolution. SD alternatives include two Scarts.
There's the basic DTT capability – the HD Combo Super can receive Freeview out of the box – and USB/SATA PVR upgradability.
Pay-TV fans will like the two CI slots and multi-CAM card reader, and an Ethernet port with networking ability to come.
Motorised dishes are supported in both DiSEqC 1.2 and USALS guises – as are DiSEqC 1.0/1.1 switchboxes. Other features include an eSATA alternative to USB, JPEG/MP3 playback and UHF modulator.
The HD Combo Super's menu system is fast and friendly yet comprehensive. Digital terrestrial and satellite have independent search systems.
Twin tuners
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Terrestrial is simple and effective, concentrating on a single multiplex or the whole band.
Satellite scans seek out all broadcasts or just FTA; if you're using a multi-satellite setup then all birds can be scanned automatically.
Manual scanning concentrates on single transponders, with PIDs defined manually or automatically. And blind searching? You're given choices of vertical and/or horizontal and all channels or just the free ones.
As with the Manhattan, stop/start frequencies can be specified – useful if you know what part of the band you want. Early firmwares allowed you to switch between 2MHz and 4MHz steps; there's no longer such a setting and so switching is now presumably automatic.
What a pity you don't get the Manhattan's ability to choose a symbol rate range. Scanning proved (with the exception of Sirius) to be noticeably faster; more channels were found, too. But then again, this is a more expensive unit equipped with faster processing.
AV quality – with HD channels especially – is a treat.