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Pure Contour DAB/FM and Internet radio

The do it all dock?

Radio network

Connecting to both network storage and PC proved easy enough, and Pure’s claim that it can handle MP3, WMA and AAC files seemed to be justified, since I didn’t have any trouble streaming all of these formats from my Buffalo Nas drive.

Pure Contour

Sounds good, looks good but could be more finger friendly

Video playback to a TV is straightforward – connect it using the component or composite video interfaces, select a video from your iPod and it will start playing automatically, showing the pictures on your TV screen, with the sound played through the Contour. The same goes for YouTube clips – you’ll need to find them on your iPod or iPhone's navigation, rather than the remote, but when playback starts the video appears on the screen automatically.

Blowing up video intended for small screen viewing doesn’t always do it a service, and what looked pristine on your iPod can reveal itself to be grainy and fuzzy on your TV. Consequently, video output through the Contour does drop in few quality notches, but there didn’t appear to be any judder or timing issues to complain about.

Verdict

The Contour is easy on the eye delivers a respectable sound, has good connectivity and a tidy iPod dock arrangement to boot. The on-screen navigation can be frustrating though, especially when you’re trying to find your way around Internet radio or the tracks on your PC. When used from the front panel, the whole system could do with a few interface tweaks to make it a bit easier.

That said, Pure’s recently revamped Lounge portal does help with the customisation of Favourites for content including podcasts, Listen Again and Internet radio. Really, the Lounge is a must if you plan on adding more than a handful of stations as Favourites. Configuration options aside, given both its visual and sonic appeal, the Pure Contour is certainly worth considering. ®

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Pure Contour

Pure Contour DAB/FM and Internet radio

DAB/FM, Wi-Fi Internet radio and iPod dock.
Price: £200 RRP

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