Digital Stream DPS-1000 review

The Digital Stream DPS-1000 will stream the BBC iPlayer, LoveFilm and Blinkbox Tested at £90

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

A respectable offering if not an inspiring one

Pros

  • +

    Good value

  • +

    decent out-of-the-box spec

Cons

  • -

    Can crash at times

  • -

    some quality issues

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At £90, the Digital Stream DPS-1000 is a cheap streamer, yet it makes the Apple TV look under-equipped thanks to its provision for BBC iPlayer, LoveFilm and Blinkbox streaming.

Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube are also on tap, and while there’s no wi-fi as standard, an extra-cost USB dongle sorts that quickly.

So far so good, although the Digital Stream’s lack of dedicated audio outputs means it’s not easy to use it with an analogue amp for music use.

On the other hand, the DPS-1000 does include a Scart, making it great upgrade choice for owners of old CRT sets.

Other gripes? The user interface doesn’t like to be rushed, and text entry sometimes takes ages. For all its promise, the Blinkbox service (in beta at present) is frustrating, too.

It’s blocky and prone to hanging – not acceptable in a paid-for service, and disappointing next to the iPlayer performance. Still, given its price, it’s a fair buy.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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