Although a number of modern set top boxes offer the new Topuptv service via a CAM (conditional access module) slot, Thomson's is effectively the official release.

It combines a well featured PVR with the standard range of Freeview channels and optional subscription to Topuptv.

As the former it's a pretty capable product, offering twin digital tuners and a 160GB hard drive on which to store recorded content. Since most would agree that Sky+ is still the benchmark in terms of usability and performance, it's encouraging to see Thomson follow suit to a certain extent by working in a similar way.

The remote control has a comparable layout, making it pretty obvious how to time-shift, browse the EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) and set up recordings. With twin tuners you can record one channel and watch another (even time-shift it), or alternatively record two programmes at the same time, which really is the established standard in this market.

To a large extent the focus of Thomson's box is in offering you the option of subscribing to its Topuptv service. This is a relatively new upgrade to the standard set of Freeview channels, and for a monthly fee you'll also find a supposedly 'hand picked' selection of additional programmes automatically downloaded to your PVR overnight.

The basic package includes 19 additional channels for £9.99 per month and over 120 selected programmes can be stored on your PVR at any one time. Additional subscriptions to Picture Box and Setanta Sports are available for a separate monthly fee.

The way the service works is fairly effective, although you're very restricted in what you can actually view live. For the most part you're at the mercy of whoever's hands actually pick what’s recorded, and although you can use the EPG to view ahead it's far easier to browse the listings on the official site (www.topuptv.com).

It's strictly a personal choice then as to whether you use the Topuptv service or not, but you are given a free one month subscription when you buy the box, which is a great opportunity to find out what it can do.

As a PVR the device is pretty capable and fairly reasonably priced in today's market. Whether or not you subscribe to Topuptv is entirely up to you. Personally we found the lack of control over the choice of programmes fairly restrictive, but if you like the line up and selection the service works pretty well.