Key to the summary test reports

Ease of use score. A score which combines the overall ease of use rating and overall convenient features score – both explained below. It is a weighted score on the basis that ease of doing things is more important than the helpful features that each product had.

Ease of use ratings
The star ratings are scores out of 5, where 5 is easy and 1 is awkward to use. The ratings measure: isetting up; remote control; on-screen TV guide; advanced use and front panel -using the controls on the box itself if you have lost the remote. These and the overall ease of use rating were assessed by our experts – see test methods.

Features score. This score is calculated by adding up all those features that made the product versatile and convenient. They include things like direct access buttons for important features and favourite channels. A total of over 50 items were included, with some given higher importance than others.

Type. All the TVs on test had integrated tuners for digital terrestrial TV. A CRT is a traditional Cathode Ray Tube TV so it will be relatively deep and heavy. An LCD is a flat panel style Liquid Crystal Display TV – slimmer and lighter.

Price. Typical selling price according to the manufacturer when we bought the product, or otherwise the price we paid for it. Once every six weeks we check on line for widely available high street and internet prices for all the current products on the site, and update to the cheapest of these.

Screen size. A measure of the screen diagonal. All the TVs tested are widescreen so these dimensions may look bigger than the dimensions used for traditional TVs. A 32” widescreen TV is roughly equivalent to an old-style 26” TV.

HD ready. Capable of displaying high definition broadcasts.

Digital tick. A TV can carry this logo if it has been tested to carry on working through and after digital switchover. Currently it does not guarantee the box can take on new features that are being introduced – see updates in the more information summaries for manufacturer assurances on this.

Verdict. Our view of the pros and cons of each product.

Key Features

Tuner. The type and number of tuners inside the TV. Most have a single digital terrestrial tuner and an analogue tuner. Some also have a digital Freesat satellite tuners (the TV needs to be connected to a satellite dish). Some have a High Definition (HD) tuner. This offers higher quality, more realistic pictures - see HDTV.

Screen size. A measure of the screen diagonal. All the TVs tested are widescreen so these dimensions may look bigger than the dimensions used for traditional TVs. A 32” widescreen TV is roughly equivalent to an old-style 26” TV.

On-screen TV guide. A listing of channels and programme times.

Source of guide from official broadcast multiplex. Freeview broadcast a full 8-day TV guide that is kept up to date through the day and most digital TVs use this for their TV guide display. A few TVs (and set top boxes) use an alternative guide. These often give more days ahead but are usually updated only once every 24 hours.

Favourite channel groups. Shortlist the channels you watch regularly. With some digital TVs, different members of the household can set up their own favourites. Also useful if favourites work from both the TV guide and the basic channel listing.

Now and Next. See the title of the current programme and what programme is coming up next. With most digital TVs you can also scroll through these N&N titles for all channels – all while keeping up with the programme on the screen.

Programme information. Most digital remotes have an ‘info’ or ‘i button’. Press this for a brief description of each programme. With most digital TVs this can be done for the current programme, for the N&N screens or, if you are really planning ahead, for the TV guide.

High Definition (HD) TV. This offers higher quality, more realistic pictures - see HDTV.

On-screen TV guide. A listing of channels and programme times.

Favourite channel groups. Shortlist the channels you watch regularly. With some boxes, different members of the household can set up their own favourites. Also useful if favourites work from both the TV guide and the basic channel listing.

Now and Next. See the title of the current programme and what programme is coming up next. With most boxes you can also scroll through these N&N titles for all channels – all while keeping up with the programme on the screen.

Programme information. Most digital remotes have an ‘i button’. Press this for a brief synopsis of each programme. With most boxes this can be done for the current programme, for the N&N screens or, if you are really planning ahead, for the TV guide.

Technical Performance
The result of basic technical tests covering picture quality and how well the terrestrial boxes performed in weaker signal conditions. See the detailed information summary on each TV for its technical performance.

Watching and listening. Sessions to make sure there were no problems with picture and sound quality and synchronisation.

Power consumption - in standby and in use. The lower the better – for the environment and your pocket.

Audio description When available this feature can decode extra spoken descriptions of what is happening on the screen – when these are broadcast. It is intended for people with visual impairment. See audio description [in our existing general report] for how to get it on the different platforms.

Connections
SCART socket. Best way to connect devices together and gives stereo sound, the best picture quality and automatic switching functions. Two SCART sockets are good for recording. See connecting up to record.

Slot for pay TV or common interface slot. All the digital TVs on test had a common interface slot where a smart card adapter could be fitted – available from electrical retailers for around £40.