GROUP TEST - Thompson Lyra PDP2860

Thomson was the first company to try its hand at a portable jukebox that could record from the telly without needing to have extra bits dangling off it. This player was a trailblazer when it first appeared, but now it looks decidedly middle-aged and paunchy.

THE GOOD There's plenty of storage space on the 20GB hard drive - as well as enabling you to record and watch telly, the device can be used to listen to MP3s and view digital pictures. The menu system is also cleanly laid out and easy to follow.

THE BAD The main problem with this jukebox is that it's quite large. However, it's also showing its age, with a less- than-inspiring screen and poor video- recording quality. There really is way too much stuttering and blockiness to be seen on the recordings for our liking.

FEATURES
20GB hard disk. 3.5-inch screen. Plays AVI (as MPEG-4), MP3, MP3Pro, WMA. 12 hours' music, 4 hours' video battery life. USB 2.0. 275g.