Neostar Mini Scart Freeview Digital TV Receiver & Recorder

Receive up to 74 subscription-free Freeview digital TV and radio channels and record them at a touch of button, all without the need for unsightly set-top boxes, with the Neostar TV Capture Mini Scart Freeview Receiver and Recorder.

TV Capture from Neostar Electronics is a compact unit that discreetly plugs into the Scart socket at the back of your TV and ensures you will be ready for the digital changeover in April 2012. Not only does it receive up to 50 digital TV channels, including Film4, E4 and Sky News (as well as all the terrestrial channels – BBC, ITV etc.), but it will record whatever you’re watching or listening to direct to SD card, USB memory stick or external Hard Disc Drive (using USB slot).

Not only that, but as nature seems to call at the most inconvenient of times, you can also pause and rewind live TV, so never again will you miss whodunnit, whether she said “I do”, that vital goal or that Bruce Willis was in fact a ghost (oops!).

As the programs you record are stored on an SD card or USB memory stick/HDD, you can then watch them back on your PC (as MPEG2s) meaning you can catch up on the latest goings-on in the Square or Street wherever you are.

Special Offer: Order the Mini Scart Freeview Digital TV Receiver & Recorder and Lloytron Amplified Analogue and Digital Indoor TV Aerial together for £64.90, and save an extra £5 (rrp: £79.90)

• Receives up to 50 Freeview digital TV and 25 digital radio channels
• Records Freeview TV and radio stations direct to SD card (or USB memory stick or external hard drive)
• Pauses and rewinds all digital TV and radio channels
• On screen EPG – program recordings up to 7 days in advance
• Easy to use menu system with automatic set-up
• Remote control with Infra Red sensor (for discreet positioning)
• Multimedia Player function: playback MPEG2 video/MP3 audio/DivX/JPEG files from SD card, memory stick or external hard drive to your TV
• Compact unit; measures only 10x2.5x6cm
• Discreet; plugs directly into your TV - no set-top box cluttering up your space!

Q: Can I download instructions for this product?
A: Yes, you can download a PDF copy of the instructions for this product by clicking here

Q: Is there a customer service phone number I can call for assistance?
A: The Neostar Electronics Customer Service number is 0871 590 5911

Q: How many gigabytes of memory will be taken up recording one hour of TV?
A: One hour of TV will require approx 1 GB of memory

Q: What is the maximum size SD card I can use?
A: There is no maximum, so currently available 32GB cards will be fine to use

Q: Can I receive Digital TV Freeview in my area?
A: Check the Freeview coverage in your area by visiting www.freeview.co.uk

Q: I have searched for TV and radio channels and cannot find as many as the advertised ‘up to 74 TV and radio channels’ – what can I do?
A: The number of channels you can receive is dependent on the particular television area in which you live and also your reception of the TV signal from your local terrestrial transmitter, based on your house’s aspect and TV antenna position. If you receive fewer than the maximum possible 74 then please be reassured that there is not a fault with the Neostar TV Capture

Q: How is this product powered?
A: It is powered by the supplied UK spec mains lead

Q: I have set the parental lock and forgotten my PIN number – what can I do?
A: 1.Press button to enter Main Menu. 2. Select SETUP option--then select and press button. 3. Press PLAY/PAUSE (red) button to confirm reset

Q: Does this unit support red button interactive services?
A: No, unfortunately not on this model

Q: When I play back a recording I want to make the percentage bar at the top of the screen disappear – how do I do that?
A: Press INFO on the remote control to make the percentage bar disappear

Q: If a passcode is requested what is the default passcode?
A: The default passcode is 0000

Q: How do I navigate around the menu?
A: By using the volume (left and right) and channel up and down buttons

Q: When playing back recordings, the footage is played back inside a black frame. Can this frame size be enlarged e.g. to 16:9, 14:9, 4:3 formats?
A: There is no option for this on the Scart recorder, so please adjust the aspect on your own TV

Q: Does this Scart recorder record subtitles?
A: Yes

Q: Is this device set up to receive HD channels?
A: No

Q: Can you watch one channel while recording another?
A: No, you are only able to view and record one channel at a time

Q: How do I turn the subtitles Off / On?
A: Select “SUBTITLE LANGUAGE” option. Choose from: OFF/English, German, Spanish, Italian, Croatian.” Press "MENU"- select "SET UP INSTALLATION" option, and then turn off the option

Q: How many gigabytes of memory will be taken up recording one hour of TV?
A: One hour of TV will require approx 1GB of memory

Q: What is the maximum size SD card I can use?
A: There is no maximum, so currently available 32GB cards will be fine to use

Q: How do I turn the subtitles off?
A: Press the green button when watching TV

Q: Does this come with a remote control?
A: Yes, a remote control is included which sends signals to an infra-red sensor, which is on a 110cm lead. This sensor can then be placed on top of the TV, DVD player or shelving to ensure clear and uninterrupted signals are being sent between remote control and sensor

Q: The remote control does not seem to work
A: Check battery plus also that the infra red sensor is plugged in and that the sensor is in view of the remote

Q: What format do the recordings save to the memory card in?
A: It records in .TS file format - This stands for Transport Stream and is a format connected with creating MPEG2 video files. Your PC or Mac should be bale to play these files – so you can record a TV programme on the SCA1 TV Capture device and play it back on a computer

Q: Can I watch my recorded TV programmes on my PC?
A: Yes, by inserting the SD card or USB memory stick into your PC you can watch your recordings on your PC too. Please note you will need to have recent media player software on your PC

Q: I get an error message such as: Device not recognised/PVR Initialisation failure/Recording failed to start in file. What can I do?
A: Please format the SD card/Memory Stick in FAT32 using a computer. Warning: Formatting will erase all data on the memory stick/card! Please check you do not have anything on there that you want to keep

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Absolutely brilliant. Setup a dawdle, everything else quite straightforward and easy-to-use. Very much valure-for money.
Jim Reville, Sherborne

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Does everything as advertised - neat, simple to operate and extended use and life of bedroom TV
David Lewis, Ringwood

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
This amazing little box has given new digital life to an old analogue TV all mounted in a bedroom. No worries about where to site the box and better TV reception than ever before.
Howard De Jonge, Nottingham

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
This is the most useful and versatile audio/video item that I have ever purchased and it only cost 40 quid! Well done to the manufacturer and the distributor of this excellent product.
Graham Cox, Telford

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
One of the best £40.00 I have spent. I am in Cornwall and item works well,used auto channel install no problem. clever piece of kit. Great value for money.
John Lobb, Truro

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
I am very pleased with product, thank you
paul tilsley, burgess hill

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Excellent. Installed in a few minutes and working perfectly.
Stuart Biddle, Glossop

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
The receiver/recorder was far better than i would expect for the cost well pleased
JOHN DOWNS, Lincoln

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
This product works well with a portable TV and gives an excellent picture, but tends to fall out of the scart socket when the set is moved (e.g. while cleaning) so care needs to be taken so that it is not damaged.
Marion Hall, Sutton Coldfield

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Extremely easy to install, set up and use.
Susan Fletcher, Houghton le Spring

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
I was guided by customers' recommendations, and wasn't disappointed. So easy to set up and activate, and reception is perfect. An innovative idea, and worth every penny.
Julie Daniels, Gt. Yarmouth

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Interesting concept,works well,within limitations. Unable to receive a few available channels
Michael Baines, Darlington

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
A compact unit,delivers as advertised.Good value for money.Would recommend.Thank you.
John Self, Cambridge

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
this item is very good value for money, the picture on t.v is brilliant, and more useful than ever are the subtitles as my husband is deaf.At the moment, i can'nt fault it, very happy with purchase.
janice wheat, skegness

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
superb piece of kit once the aerial is pointing in the right direction. All channels around 50 to 60% with no distortion. Still trying to work out record function to SD card formatted on computer but will not format on the freeview receiver...instructions not so good but will get there in the end
John Howard Goodman, Sockton On Tees

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
It is very good value for money especially for a spare television
Cynthia Monty, Dartford

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
This is a great little gadget which works very well. I did have a problem as the unit is too wide to fit into the scart socket which is at side of the base of my television. This was overcome by the use of a scart adaptor.
Alyson Pinnock, Ashford

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
This item tucks away very nicely behind the TV and does everything that you would expect of a more expensive product. It was great to be able to record videos from my PC on a flash drive and play them on my TV. Brilliant product.
Roy Adams, Kingswinford

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
I managed to get the box working after a while and are very satisfied with the result,my tv aerial is 30 years old and I am receiving a good picture,told a friend about it and he's getting one
Cyril Robinson, Hebden Bridge

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Very pleased with product which performs to its specification.
John Weston, Gillingham

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Amazing piece of equipment, particularly considering the price. Simple to install, set up and use.
Anthony Field, Eastleigh

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
The easiest system I have had to install and gives good reception. Value for money too.
Jean Berry, Banbury

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Excellent product works well with my portable Television
Richard Dixon, York

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
When I took it out of the box it virtually plugged itself in, started the search and was up and running before I had time to turn the telly on! Does exactly what it says in the ad! Brilliant bit of kit.
Jeff Bishop, Derby

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Amazing device; just the thing for bedroom TV
Leslie Thomas, Cheltenham

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
teresa randle, nottingham

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Does what it says on the box. Easy to use.
S Ali, Rickmansworth

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
first rate
john Francis, Rochester

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Excellent product.
Glynn Taylor, Ipswich

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
very good buy,works fine, thank you.
KEITH DONNELLY, Egremont

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Very pleased with Item & service.Thank you.
Peggy Anderson, Westcliff-on-Sea

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Working well - very good value for the money.
Peter Hampson, Shrewsbury

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
What I wanted
JOHN Newman, King's Lynn

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
handy little piece of kit does what it says on the box only the instruction booklet lets it down by one star,but easy enough to work out by trial and error
Ken Richards, Hull

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Just what i was looking for my analoge telly mounted on bedroom wall,no clumsy set top box.easy setup and works a treat.as the saying goes IT DOES WHAT IT SAYS ON THE BOX.
Gordon Campbell, Thurso

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
An innovative product.
John Pitchers, Norwich

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
The product is very good. Takes a while to understand the workings but once there no problems. Would have had 5 stars if it could record prog other than the one being watched.
Ronald Stewart, SUNDERLAND

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Excellent value - does what it says.. Use it to record freeview on vhs. Records well on SD Card. Could do with better instructions - good job I have some knowledge
David Wing, Rotherham

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Excellent product both in terms of picture generated and value for money. Only criticism is that device does not have a 'red button' facility
Michael Frowde, Westbury

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
So far it works well and the infrared receiver is a great boon.
Roger Appleton, London

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Does what it says on the box. Instructions could be a bit more comprehensive ( and printed a bit larger ) Setting the recorder timer is like going back to a pre-Video+ VCR, it would be nice to be able just click the required programme in the EPG
D C Budd, Broadway

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Product easy to set up and picture excellent. Had not realised that 'red button' features do not work on it however and this is not explicit on the website. Still good value however.
Michael Frowde, Westbury

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Excellent piece of kit but the manual is a little unclear insofar as I had to work out by default how to delete recordings on SD card. Very good value for the price
Peter Aughton, Newcastle upon Tyne

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Was easy to set up and the results were very good. If attaching to some other form of recorder, such as a DVD recorder one must remember to check and adjust any display settings for that piece of equipment. The USB attachment that was supplied means that one can attach a free-standing Hard Drive to the unit and obviate the necessity to keep installing SD cards. (Incidently it is possible to purchase some Hard Drives with greater capacity that 32Gig for less than the cost of some 32 Gig HD cards.) [T2 Direct reponse] Thanks for the added info, Eric.
Eric Bray, Lymington

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
I think its a great gizmo and will tell my friends about it.
Irene Combstock, Newport Gwent

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Brilliant piece of kit. I've got to get myself a better aerial but even the cheap indoor portable aerial in a weak area is pulling in quite a lot of channels. The instruction book is not too good, but the buttons and on screen display make it pretty intuitive. Will be getting one for my (old) mum who's video recorder has broken and for my caravan.
David Leeder, Nottingham

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Excellent product, easy to set up and to use. Its only limitation is that it will only record on the channel that you are viewing. I am able to overcome this as I also have Free-sat on my system so that I can record on Freeview whilst watching another programme on Free-sat
John Lay, Wisbech

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Very good product and easy to use.
Stephen Peek, Sittingbourne

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
simple to operate picture quality very good
Nick Law, Birmingham

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
First class delivery , arrived quickly, well packaged, and installation imformation inside the item was really easy to understand.. thankyou. Great value for money a real plus for my tv viewing.
carol mitchell, bangor

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Absolutely fine
Paul Pleasance, Leicester

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
ken weaver, Stroud

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Excellent value
Shirley Ritchie, Salisbury

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Charles Hoyland, Bath

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Amazing value for money. The setup is a bit clumsy and takes a some messing about to get the best quality picture but for the price this really is a great product. Plus points: Price, size, quality. Negative points: fiddly menus, weak powered remote control
Alan Bamford, Stoke-on-Trent

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Really good product does what it claims.
Robert Gracie, Glasgow

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
exellent product, excellent delvery time,
IAIN MURRAY, PERTH

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Great product. Easy to install. We are very happy with it.
David Dunn, Liverpool

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
james kent, Fareham

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Works very well and does all it should do.
Pete Mitchell, Gloucester

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Bought this as a second FV box for recording. It is fine except that when using the red button to come out of standby the message "No Signal" is displayed, can only be rectified by powering up again. I can live with that.
Peter Rylatt, Isle of Lewis

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Very good value for money neat and tidy Does what it says
Colin Thomson, Maybole

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Really good product
samuel mc farlane, kidderminster

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
david fletcher, Scarborough

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Got to hold back one of the stars: it's an excellent piece of kit, but lacking documentation. The mini manual is very limited, and some customising options aren't intuitive. For example, it took a bit of work to figure out how to enable automatic background recording for pause/rewind -- one of the reasons, I would've thought, for buying this -- and AFAICT this wasn't covered in the manual. Some other settings were similarly tricky to find. That said, once I figured out how to set it up, it does everything it's supposed to -- so highly recommended.
William Van Sickle, Basingstoke

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
excellent value for money, and good quality product.
kevin butchart, wakefield

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
performs better than expected, value for money
michael hedley, Doncaster

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Works very well /no problems /dead easy to use
Naveen Sahu, Liverpool

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Had to knock this down a star as it would not fit the scart socket of the television I wanted to use it on, the socket is slightly countersunk and the shoulders of your device were to wide to go in the countersink. Tried the unit on a different set and it worked fine.
Vic Pask, Banbury

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
really great piece of equipment thanks for your prompt delivery thank you
peter parsons, Sheffield

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Does everything that it says it will.
Ian B M Scott, Glasgow

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Easy to use and good value.
Susan Shaw, Dunoon

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Excellent product. Amazed at the diminutive size which does not appear to compromise the performance of the unit in any way. Manual not too good but caused no problems.
Ernest Simms, Tavistock

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
This is a really excellent piece of kit, that does just what it says it will do, only better than you have any right to expect! The EPG is a bit basic, but at least it has one. Quality of the image is excellent, and speed of processing incoming data outstanding. Thoroughly recommended.
Jeremy Dunnet, Redhill

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
John H H James, barry

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
ian winter, Carlisle

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
vincent atkinson, rugby

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
David Heavey, Lowestoft

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Christine Anderson, Bracknell

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
George Smith, Wellesbourne

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
arthur estlin, Prestatyn

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Robert Geoghegan, Coventry

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Fantastic product for many reasons: 1) it is an incredibly discreet unit that cannot be seen from in front of the TV. 2) the reception is crystal clear 3) Menu's are easy to navigate 4) Recording TV to my SD card is a doddle. I no longer miss Sky+!! Delivery was very prompt and email notifications were very helpful.
David Hatchard, London

PRODUCT:
WEBSITE:
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
Too little operating details in manual for wrinklies to deduce easily all that is involved. Seems to work OK with 32GB card and (at £50) is a lot cheaper than the few Digirecorders from other online sources. Have not cracked small replay screen size, but generally satisfied. PGB
Peter G Bunt, Bath