[Nick @ Sep 22nd 2006 6:47AM]

Two things: Firstly, boxes like this are ideal for second screens in a den or suchlike, where you want simplicity and a minimum number of boxes under your TV. I notice that JVC also do a version with a HD recorder (PVR) built in as well. I think that your hi-fi style idealism is getting in the way of recognising how many people relate to these sorts of products - simplicity is very attractive.

One additional aspect that I absolutely relate to is the benefit of only having ONE remote control that does everything, particularly where kids and spouse are concerned. So you set the TV up with just the one input pre-selected for this device and all you have to control on the TV is the volume - everything else is done in this one box. Heaven, even if there are some (relatively insignificant in proportion) drawbacks!

Secondly, a product like this is (or should be) DEAD IN THE WATER in the UK if it doesn't have Freeview (DVB-T) support. So far the only product of this type that I have seen with Freeview is the Panasonic DMREZ45 - the other manufacturers will undoubtedly be getting with the game over the next few months if they actually want to sell any of their products!