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If you're using the HDMI or coaxial digital output to pipe multichannel Dolby Digital or DTS audio to your AV receiver, then the results sound fantastic provided your system's up to scratch. But if you're limited to your TV speakers or a hi-fi, then rest assured that the two-channel analogue stereo, HDMI and SCART outputs do a great job of conveying the sonic essentials clearly with dialogue and effects sounding crisp and dynamic.

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We ran through a range of digital media files and DivX, MP3 and JPEG played back with no issues, but its refusal to play our WMA files is a pity. CD playback lacks audiophile sparkle but remains enjoyable, making this a decent all-rounder.

Verdict

OK, so its picture and build quality leave a lot to be desired from a videophile perspective, but those with less demanding tastes will still find a lot to like about the SD-580E - it's easy to use, offers HDMI and USB ports, looks really snazzy and most importantly it's yours for under £60.

Large high-end TVs will expose its shortcomings but let's face it, if you're fussy about picture quality you probably won't be looking at budget players anyway. On a modestly-sized screen you won't have any major complaints, making it an ideal deck for day-to-day DVD viewing.

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