Test methods

All products go through a rigorous and tightly controlled test procedure. Below we explain these tests

Indoor aerials
We put each aerial through a series of technical tests and try them in homes in different areas.

We carry out a series of technical measurements in a special radio-frequency test chamber in a laboratory. This tells us:

• How sensitive each aerial is, for picking up a weak signal.
• How well it covers all the frequencies used by digital TV broadcasters.
• How ‘directional’ the aerial is – ie whether it works best pointing in just one precise direction.

We also assess each aerial for how likely it is to topple over or come apart. We check the lengths of cable included. And, for amplified models, how much power it takes to provide that amplification.

We also want to see how well an aerial might work, once you actually get it home. We try each one in 11 different places, covering different signal strengths and a wide selection of transmitted frequencies.

Set top boxes, Digital TV recorders and Digital TVs
Our test programme is designed to show

• how easy the product is to use
• what features each model has, and how well it works
• that the quality of picture and sound is satisfactory
• how well the product works with other equipment

Sound and picture quality and their synchronisation are measured by technical tests in the laboratory, backed up by assessments made by a panel of viewers.

Features are systematically noted and checked with manufacturers. Each is checked to find out if it works to the parameters claimed. For example, information on over 120 different features is recorded about each digital TV recorder.

Ease of use assessments are made by a panel of three experts. All are experts in their field, which include the technical side of audio visual equipment, ergonomics and user interfaces, and the special needs of older and disabled people. Between them they have over 50 years experience of consumer product testing and carrying out detailed assessments with users.

The assessment covers specific situations likely to be encountered in practice and takes into account the likely level of expertise different consumers have. The guide used by the assessors is itself based on the cumulative experience of laboratory and assessment staff and their knowledge of users, ergonomic research and recent tests on digital TV equipment carried out with disabled and older people. It includes such scenarios as initial installation, everyday use by all members of the household, advanced use by a keen user and use if the remote control is lost. It takes about 2 hours to assess the ease of use of each item of equipment.

All information is independently verified and fact checked with manufacturers.

Availability of products and prices
We check availability of products and update prices every 6 weeks. For test reports on products that are no longer manufactured see discontinued products.