As a first step, we obtained a Thomson DTI352TH Digital Set Top Box which is currently stocked in the Dick Smith Electronics PowerHouse stores. This prosaically named box is similarly unassuming in appearance, considering that it houses state-of-the-art technology. It has a charcoal finish and measures 368mm wide, 70mm high and 225mm deep.

This view shows the on-screen menu that comes up when you go to another channel. This information typically includes the name of the current program and by pressing the right arrow on the remote, you can also find out what's on next. The yellow button brings up a list for that channel.

Inside, it has a large double-sided PC board with lots of inscrutable LSI and surface mount chips. On the front panel, there is dark window for the remote control and a few buttons which let you access most of the functions via menus shown on the TV or video monitor’s screen.

On the rear panel, there are input and output sockets for the antenna, two RCA sockets for the left and right audio outputs and two SCART sockets to allow connection to a VCR and TV/monitor. The accessories include a SCART to SCART cable and two SCART to three RCA sockets for the VCR and TV connections.

In my situation, connection was easy since I have a Philips stereo TV with a SCART socket and I used one of SCART adaptor cables to connect the VCR. Also on the rear panel is a 2-pin 240VAC mains socket (the box is double-insulated) and an RS-232 socket. The RS232 socket does not get a mention in the instruction manual and so we assume it is used by the manufacturer to set up the parameters for different countries.

The 20-page manual is quite brief but an Australian produced single-page instruction sheet contains enough info to get you started. Basically you connect all the cables, turn it on and press the remote control buttons to bring up a number of menus and then you click down them as instructed. Once you have gone through the initial setup the on-screen menus are more-or-less self-explanatory.