Icecrypt T2400 (2TB) review

Good HD PVR with 2TB storage and decent picture, but lacks frills Tested at £330

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Loads of storage for your money but could do with more polish and more features

Pros

  • +

    A simply enormous 2TB of storage

  • +

    good picture quality

Cons

  • -

    Clunky interface

  • -

    no BBC iPlayer or video-on-demand

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If the thought of missing even one episode of your favourite show fills you with dread, a Freeview HD PVR with ample storage is a must – especially if they’re being broadcast in lovely high-definition.

The Icecrypt T2400 has twin tuners and is equipped with a mighty 2TB hard drive (1TB and 500GB versions are also available), enough to store around 500 hours of high-def recordings, 1000 hours in SD.

An alphanumeric display helps you keep track of which channel you’re watching, and the dial on the front brings up a simplified channel list. Turn the knob to scroll, and press in to select a station.

You can use the unit’s USB inputs to play DivX, AVI and MP3 files, but the Icecrypt’s ethernet socket is there to allow for software updates only.

There’s no smart functionality, nor is there access to any video on demand content. Even BBC iPlayer is missing – a bit of a blow when the vast majority of rivals offer this as standard.

No frills, but good where it matters

Still, the Icecrypt does just enough to keep the user interested. Operating the menus and electronic programme guide (EPG) is straightforward, but the whole experience is a little clunky when compared with the polished menus of some rivals.

Thankfully picture performance is up to scratch. Traces of on-screen noise are kept to a minimum although there’s a little instability with standard-definition broadcasts.

Step up to HD and the picture appears more robust, with confidently drawn edges.

Colours are bright and bold while the PVR digs out just enough detail to make itself a decent alternative to the class-leaders from Samsung and Humax.

We’d like some streaming functionality – BBC iPlayer as the bare minimum – but this 2TB PVR will undoubtedly appeal to serious telly addicts.

See all our Freeview set-top box reviews

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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