Sky+ HD PVR

The basics

Sky has long dominated the market with it's Sky+ box, and the latest Sky+HD PVR looks like being the best device yet. Our very own Jon Bentley put the Sky+ HD box through it's paces – join us after the break to see if it's still the best when it comes to TV on demand.

The good

The Sky+ HD box offers loads of impressive features, and although it may sound dull, the remote control is one of them. We've got used to the layout of the Sky+ box's remote, as it's been around for so many years, and it's a great piece of design.

All of the buttons are just where you want them, and because they feature subtly different shapes, it's easy to operate in the dark or without looking. The buttons you use most are also just where you need them.

There's a comprehensive electronic viewing guide, and the menu is slick, responsive and easy to get to grips with – even if you're brand new to Sky+.

You'll be able to record up to two different channels, while watching a third, taking full advantage of all the channels on offer.

The bad

The Sky+ HD box isn't the perfect solution, however. Virgin Media's TiVo box comes up trumps when it comes to TV on demand, with a much greater choice of channels and content on offer. The TiVo also offers a better electronic programming guide – at least when it comes to content – although it can't match the Sky+ HD for slickness and speed.

The bottom line

The Sky+ HD box is still arguably the best PVR solution on the market, although it's starting to need an overhaul in some areas. If TV on demand is something you're more interested in, then it's worth checking out Virgin Media's TiVo solution. Otherwise, the Sky+ HD is still the one to go to, thanks to the speed and ease of use it offers.