The Compro V600 provides a relatively cheap way to turn an old computer monitor into an analogue TV. Its styling is clearly inspired by the Nintendo Wii, signifying its intended use with game consoles.

The unit consists of two parts: the upper section that houses the electronics and a lower base which provides composite, S-video and component inputs. The two parts can be separated, but are normally electrically connected with a D-sub 15 (VGA) connector.

Power is supplied to the top section, which houses the analogue TV tuner (powered by a fairly common Phillips XCVT chip) as well as 3.5mm audio and VGA I/O connectors. The V600 is a standalone passthrough box; no connection to a computer is provided and hence no facilities exist for recording.

The fun starts when you connect the base and gain access to the composite, S-video and component inputs. You can switch between the inputs in a number of ways -- either by navigating through the menu system, using the supplied infra-red remote control or tapping the power button, which if you hold down will turn the unit off and pass the input VGA signal to the connected display.

The colour was mostly good, although at all display resolutions images weren’t as vibrant and were slightly more smeared than the image from a conventional TV. We also calculated roughly 80ms of input lag, which may subconsciously annoy (but not be noticed by) many. What will noticeably annoy many are the two blue LEDs that illuminate a plastic strip down the front of the device whenever it’s turned on, without a menu option to turn it off.

Although we realise it is wishful thinking, we would have liked to have seen DVI connectivity and a digital tuner at this price, although as it stands the V600 represents reasonable value on its own.