News The planned improvements to the capabilities of the VTX-D800U has now passed the stringent Sony tests for quality and reliability. You do not need to do anything to receive this improved software, it will be performed in the background while you watch a BBC channel on Multiplex 1 (e.g. BBC1/2/3/News 24). There are two repeat software upgrades available depending on your current version of software. The first software upgrade v1.15.01u will be broadcast from 10:00 on the 9th July 2007 until 09:00 on the 11th July 2007 and is intended for users with software versions other than v1.12.02u. The second software upgrade v1.15.01z will be broadcast from 10:00 on the 11th July 2007 until 09:00 on the 13th July 2007 and is intended for users with software version 1.12.02u only. The Upgrade To receive the upgrade, ensure that software upgrade on the Technical Information Menu page is turned ‘on’. The unit should be powered on and tuned to any BBC channel on Multiplex 1. It will take approximately 30 minutes and can be done anytime during the update period. The new software will be available once the unit has been placed into standby, and then back to normal operating mode. If you wish to check that you have received the software, go to Manufacturer Information from the Technical Information Menu page. If your box has updated, the Software Version will read either v1.15.01 U or v1.15.01 Z. If you do not wish to receive this upgrade simply disable software upgrade from the Technical Information Menu page. Details EPG issues. Sony would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our VTX-D800U customers. We hope that you are enjoying using the product and that this upgrade will further enhance your enjoyment. If you have any concerns or questions about this enhancement, please feel free to call the VTX-D800U help line on 0870 241 3624 for further information. Reviews In their March 2004 issue, What Home Cinema awarded the set-top box its Best Buy award (No. 1 out of 12 boxes tested). The following quotations are taken from the review: "Tuning is super-fast and the menu displays are clear and concise." "The favourites lists couldn't be simpler to programme and access." "Pictures are tremendous ... and the sound is second to none." "A worthy recipient of the Best Buy badge." In their November 2003 issue, What Video and Widescreen TV awarded the set-top box its Best Buy award declaring it was "A fantastic Freeview box". The following quotations are taken from the review: "..the design is hugely attractive" "..impressive tutorial, great for digital TV newbies" "..beautifully designed menus" "..great to use, with the intuitive remote, clear onscreen menus and quick processing engine combining to provide the ideal digital TV experience". "..one of the best Freeview receivers around with exemplary onscreen presentation, terrific performance and unusual looks". "Verdict: A fantastic Freeview box". In their October 2003 issue, leading Finnish magazine Tekniikan Maailma tested 12 affordable digital terrestial set-top boxes and gave the Sony box its 5 star rating. The following quotations are taken from the review: "The uniform quality of Sony box is seen in every criteria because ... Sony always got a 9 or 10 rating." "...ease of installation and the operating manual gave Sony a full 10." "Sony EPG was highly appreciated by the testers because it was fast and simple, also offering information on every channel by program type, e.g. movies." "Remote control layout is very clear... menus are exceptionally clear. Sony’s EPG is the fastest and clearest of all the devices now tested." "Sony set-top box was number one! 5 stars, 9/10."