We want a ViewHarbour recommendation to be easy to follow back to the evidence behind it. This page explains what we check, what we don’t know, and when we’re speaking from hands-on experience rather than published information.
Where our information comes from
For researched guides and reviews, we start with manufacturer specifications, official support pages and platform documentation. Retailer listings can be useful for availability, but we don’t treat marketplace copy as the final word on a technical specification.
When we’re comparing devices, the details we usually care about include:
- Streaming-service and platform support
- Resolution and HDR formats
- Storage and memory
- Wi-Fi and built-in Ethernet
- Ports and remote-control features
- Voice-assistant support
- UK catch-up and live-TV features
- Price and value
- Setup and day-to-day usability where we have reliable evidence
If we haven’t physically used a product, we don’t claim that we have.
Researched coverage and hands-on reviews
Not every device on ViewHarbour has been through hands-on testing. Researched articles are labelled as such and are built from published information rather than personal observations.
When we do test a device, the review is tied to the exact hardware we used. We keep those observations separate from catalogue specifications so a manufacturer claim doesn’t accidentally become a first-hand claim.
Review samples and loan units
Manufacturers, distributors, PR agencies and retailers can supply hardware for testing. A supplied or loaned product does not buy a recommendation, a higher ranking or softer wording.
If a unit is on loan, return arrangements can be agreed before it is sent. If a sample is retained, the same editorial standard still applies. Our full policy is on the Review Samples & Press page.
How we choose recommendations
We don’t start from the idea that there must be one winner. Different buyers need different things. Someone who wants the simplest setup may end up with a different recommendation from someone who needs Ethernet, more storage, Freely or a particular home-cinema feature.
Our job is to make those differences clear enough that you can decide whether they matter to your own setup.
Prices and availability
Streaming-device prices and stock can change quickly. Where we show a price or retailer link, check the retailer page before buying; that is the final source for the price, stock and terms that apply at the time.
Affiliate links
Some retailer links are affiliate links, which means ViewHarbour may earn a commission from a qualifying purchase at no extra cost to you. Those relationships do not decide our rankings or conclusions.
You can read the full explanation in our Affiliate Disclosure.
How the Device Finder works
The Finder first checks the requirements you give it against the device catalogue. Must-have features such as built-in Ethernet or a minimum storage amount are treated as requirements, not small bonuses. It then uses editorial suitability profiles to order the remaining matches.
Those suitability scores are guidance, not laboratory benchmarks or customer-review ratings, and affiliate commission is not part of the scoring.
AI-assisted tools
We use AI-assisted tools for some behind-the-scenes work, including organising research, drafting and maintaining parts of the website. They do not physically test products and they are not allowed to fill gaps with invented specifications or observations.
Technical claims still need to be checked against the relevant sources, and hands-on comments only belong in a hands-on review. Automation doesn’t turn researched coverage into personal experience.
Updates and corrections
Platforms, software, app support and hardware availability all change. We update pages when we find a meaningful change that affects the advice, and article pages show an updated date where appropriate.
If you spot something that looks wrong or out of date, please tell us. We’ll go back to the underlying evidence and correct it where needed.