NetGem i-Player Interactive Freeview Digital TV Receiver
This page contains details of
the NetGem i-Player... an interactive set-top box than can receive free-to-view
digital TV and radio, as well as access the Internet.
The NetGem iPlayer Freeview set-top
box was launched in the UK in November 2002, and has proved to be one
of the best value and most flexible boxes around. Software releases have
appeared roughly every six months adding more features to the box. As
well as the NetGem, a re-badged version from BT became available
in 2004 (adding caller display, and a card slot for subscription services).
Features:
- Access to 60 channels of Freeview TV and radio channels
- Support for digital text and interactive services
- Surf the Internet on your TV screen via a built-in 56k modem (or optional broadband)
- Access your email on your TV
- Widescreen (auto switch for 16:9 programming)
- Plays MP3 audio files
- Timers for use with your video recorder
- Two SCART sockets and a digital audio output
- 4 built-in games
- Parental lock
- USB cable for external storage, webcam, printer, broadband or wi-fi
- Support for subscription services: Smartcard reader (BT version only) and CAM slot (Not BT version)
- Caller Display (BT version only)
- Optional QWERTY keyboard available .
- Software upgradeable over the Internet, when new features become available
- Dimensions: 310 x 160 x 50mm
|
The NetGem is available from
the following sources:
If you have no luck with the above link(s), call NetGem Direct for a local stockist on 0800 015 30 92, or try www.iplayer.co.uk. |
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Mini-review (March 2004):
We reviewed
the BT-branded version of the NetGem, and are very impressed with this
little piece of kit. Installation was a breeze - plug into the TV SCART
socket, plug in the TV aerial, plug into the mains, and switch it on.
The box asks you if you want widescreen, takes a few minutes to scan for
channels (showing you the logos of the channels it finds), and then gives
you the option to dial the net (if you have a phone line plugged in),
to check for software updates.
Using the box for watching Freeview channels is flawless - you can browse
a now-and-next listing of all of the channels, and see a small picture
of the channel you're watching while you do this. You can set reminders,
view subtitles, see a programme description and even freeze the on-screen
image. Picture and sound quality are great, and navigating around the
Freeview menus and interactive services is a doddle.
The Now-and-next
screen, and the Info bar
The remote control is a little bit
of an odd shape, but it's a comfortable hold nonetheless, and although
the remote can be used for Internet and email, the optional keyboard can
make all the difference.
We
were initially sceptical about accessing the web and email via the TV
screen and the built-in modem (after some bad experiences with On Mail
some years back), but setup and access was very straightforward. We opted
to use an existing Tiscali dialup account, rather than taking advantage
of the free account that BT offer. Before we could do this, we had to
connect to the phone line and wait for a couple of minutes while the box
dialled a magic number to download some new settings to the box, and check
that we were running the latest software. Once
this was done, we could set
up our own ISP and get surfing. The browser is remarkably well specified,
supporting HTTP1.1, and secure
browsing (using SSL2 and SSL3). The Netgem can't cope with some web services,
such as file download, flash/shockwave or Active X, all of which would
require a drive on which to download files onto, but for general browsing,
this shouldn't present much of a problem.
Access to email (POP3 and SMTP) works well (up to ten accounts are supported),
and there's also FTP file access supported as standard (for use with images
and audio files). For more on connectivity, see our sister site's Connecting
the NetGem page for more.
Web and
email access
The USB port allows connection of hardware such as printers, hard disk/memory cards, webcams and broadband or wi-fi adapters. Pictured below is a screenshot of the NetGem playing an MP3 file from a USB memory stick
Media player
- browsing a USB memory card
Caller Display is only supported on the BT-branded version of the NetGem unit. If your BT line has caller display enabled (a subscription service from BT), you'll be able to see the number of the person calling you in the top right of the screen. You can add the name and a photo via the built-in address book, to see a picture of a caller, as per the screenshot below. For more on how CLI works, see our sister site's CLI page.
Caller Display (BT version only)
The NetGem comes with a small selection of built-in games: These are Block (a Tetris clone), Solo (marble Solitaire), Tello (marble strategy) and Memo (memory game). Nothing special, but quite diverting, and a nice free extra not found on other boxes. These don't require an Internet connection, and are separate from any games services transmitted over Freeview.
Free built-in games
Rounding off the package, the box comes with built-in help, and for those having issues with Freeview reception, a useful signal strength meter.
Diagnostics, including signal strength
In summary, it's very difficult to fault this box, especially at the price (it's cheaper than many far more basic models). Oddly, the DVB-CI card slot is missing (no services support this yet, but it's for possible future pay-tv services), and sadly the box doesn't have an RF modulator, meaning that those without a SCART socket on their TV and video may not be able to connect. Those minor niggles aside, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend this bargain!
Outputs:
- Digital optical audio out (S/PDIF) for connection to home cinema systems
- RF in and out (pass-through)
- 2 x SCART sockets (output and pass-through)
- Jack stereo line out
- Telephone jack (RJ11) for Internet access
- USB port (for digital accessories such as printer or webcam)
- Can be used with Broadband / Wi-fi for faster internet connectivity by connecting an ethernet adapter to the USB port and connecting (via a cable or wirelessly) to your router or PC ethernet port.
- DVBCI socket, card slot ready for any future pay-TV service (Not BT version).
- Smartcard socket (BT version)
Rear view of the NetGem
| What the latest software version number? |
You can check the version
number from Menu > My Adapter > Help > Diagnostics >
My Adapter.
|
| How do I update the box software? | If you connect to the 'net regularly, your box will check in the background to see if a new version is available and a menu option will appear to let you apply the update. To connect and get the latest version without waiting for auto-detection, it's a case of going to Services > Internet, and in the "Enter your destination" field, typing "http://www.netgem.com/upgrade", and then pressing 'OK'. The box will connect and start downloading the update |
| How do I add more channels? | You can set the NetGem to scan for new channels automatically when the box is in standby, or do a manual scan for new channels. To do either of these actions, go to Menu > My Adapter > Preferences > Television > Tuning in |
| How do I access the Net? | We've created a page of information on this on our sister site - See the NetGem connectivity page |
| Top Up TV? |
|
| Universal remote controls |
If you have a universal remote control, and want the code for the Netgem, read on:
|
| Connection to phone line | To connect to the 'net using a dial-up service (as opposed to Broadband or Wi-fi), you'll need to plug your iPlayer into a phone line - but what about if you don't have a phone line close to your set-top box? The common solution is to run a telephone extension cable from your home's Master phone socket - kits are available from Argos If you don't fancy running cables around your house, or messing around banging cleats into your skirting board, there is another option - You can use your home mains wiring to connect to your master phone socket. The Wireless Telephone EXtender from manufacturer One For All provides an instant phone socket without any wiring, and can turn an electrical socket into a phone socket. Easy-to-use and portable. Available directly from Maplin Electronics (Cat No: A82FY) and Amazon.co.uk
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| PC Share | If you have a connection from your NetGem to a PC (via ethernet or wi-fi), you can now use your NetGem to play MP3 files and view pictures. You'll need to download the special software, which was available from from the netgemplatform.co.uk site, until August 2006. Fortunately, a copy is available on the Yahoo NetGem Group site (you'll need to register) |
| What about Wi-Fi? | It's possible to use the NetGem to connect to the Internet via a Wi-Fi connection (also known as wireless networking / 802.11b). For information on this, see the NetGem connectivity page |
The
original version of the NetGem (Not the BT version), can be used
with Links:
- Manufacturers site - See also NetGem's UK iPlayer site
- Set-top box forum - Talk about the NetGem and ask questions, on our forum
- Freeview details- Information on Freeview channels and receivers
- Help with Freeview - Help and advice with common Freeview and reception problems
- Remote controls - Lost a remote? General advice here
Comments from our forum visitors:
"radioandtelly.co.uk
together with all it's contributors are due a big thanks from me and my
family! The information I have gleaned from everyone steered me to buying
the BT Digital Adaptor at their offer price of £49.99 inc delivery
(I was about to buy the Nokia 221T, as recommended by Which!). My first
set top box - verdict? Fantastic reception (in a postcode which is not
supposed to be covered) and great features. Thanks again." Paul
Jonson 13 March 2004
"... leaving
the Netgem many streets ahead of all set box makers. You name a feature
and the Netgem now has it." Alasn May
26 2003
"... the box is now very attractive compared with others and i'd say it was the best one to buy even if you're not interested in surfing the net with it. Pros:-
* Excellent picture quality, very sharp (tested via RGB scart)
* S-Video or RGB + Composite via Scart
* On screen text and graphics are anti-aliased (smooth)
* Surf the web broadband (USB ethernet adapter required) or dial up
* MHEG (digital text) is fast
* Second scart in/out with RGB passthrough
* Optical SPDIF output
* USB Socket can connect to many different devices
* Video Timers can start video recorder recording automatically via scart pin 8.
* Firmware updatable over the Internet
Cons:-
* None "
cybersoga May 16 2003
"Despite official advice that we are not in a reception area,I have just purchased the Netgem i-Player. Set-up was easy,and fast,and all available channels have been received. The picture,and sound quality is excellent- even on the ITV,and Channel 5,stations. It is early days with the Netgem,but so far I am very impressed with the quality of the results,and also with the customer advice line." Terry Maurice Apr 28 2003
"Netgem's i-player is a DTTV adaptor with a twist. As well as giving you all Freeview's TV channels it provides access to the net and email, making it a real all-rounder. This extra functionality is reflected in the price - £20-40 higher than most Freeview receivers. This gizmo is a superb performer. Web browsing is a cinch, though slower than on a PC. DTV pictures and sound are very strong, and the power under the bonnet ensures that interactive services are speedily accessed." What Video Widescreen Entertainment Apr 16 2003
"As a digital TV adapter, the i-Player excels. The i-Player is faster than average... and switching between the channels is also speedy. That translates to a faster and more responsive internet experience than with earlier internet TVs. The i-Player has all the features of an upmarket free-to-air digital terrestrial receiver. Logging on the internet is as easy as watching TV. Taking into consideration the target customer, the i-Player is impressive. The all-singing, all-dancing i-Player is an excellent product
WHAT VIDEO & TV Feb 2003
" Netgem has gone one
better than its competitors . Pictures are superb, crisp, detailed and
stable. Sound is also very good. Should you want to search the Web from
the comfort of your armchair, you can. Entertainment (interactive channel)
includes EastEnders and Fame Academy, while Community has Where I Live
and 10 Downing Street! (Internet) pictures download much faster than on
many PCs. Overall, we were very surprised by how good the internet access
is via the Netgem RATING 8/10" WHAT HOME CINEMA, March 2003
Submitted by: WHAT HOME CINEMA () on: Wed Mar 26 09:50:26
2003 from IP address: 212.234.203.198
Links:
- NetGem's iPlayer - Loads of information plus our review of the iPlayer
- NetGem HD box - Details of a new box for 2006 box from NetGem
- Freeview help - Our page of frequently-asked questions on using Freeview
- NetGem iPlayer forum - Talk about the iPlayer in our dedicated forum
- Freeview details - Information on Freeview channels and receivers
- Connected iPlayer - Help getting online with your NetGem iPlayer
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