Media Centre Tests: LG and Fantec add digital TV tuners

LG MS450H Prices unavailable Recommended alternatives Editor's Choice Popcorn Hour A-300 Built-In Blu-ray Player HDI Dune HD Max Functions on a Shoestring Popbox V8

We've been waiting to bring today's two media centre tests for a little while now.  The reason they're special is that, as well as decoding HD content you already have, they both also include TV tuners capable of picking up HD signals broadcast by TV stations.  So do they meet our expectations around usability, connectivity and compatibility?

To start with, the Fantec R2650 comes with a HD TV tuner, video inputs and an external LCD screen.  Fantec also promises that it provides support for both DTS audio tracks and BitTorrent.  That could be enough to knock the Dvico Tvix 6632N of its pedestal: but will Fantec manage?

Next is the LG MS540H, which looks great and still manages to include not one but two HD TV tuners.  As well as having the same chip as the Tvix we mentioned above, it has 802.11n WiFi built right in.  Does it have what it takes to become a star product, or will LG's first appearance in our media centre tests be a missed opportunity?

Of course, you can find all of raw test results in the brand new Product Face-Offs: Media Centres.

> Test: Fantec R2650
> Test: LG MS450H

> Product Survey: Multimedia Hard Drives and Media Centres

> Buyer's Guides: Our Pick of The Best Products