Digital giant Pace has hit back at a Which? magazine report advising consumers not to buy its landmark television set top box.

It is hoped the budget TV adapter, which allows permanent access to free digital channels for a one-off fee, will play a major role in encouraging British viewers to switch onto digital television.

But the damning verdict from Which? magazine was that the product would not solve the problems plaguing the industry and that consumers should wait a few months to see what other products have to offer.

Helen Kettleborough, head of corporate communications at the Saltaire-based company, said there was "nothing new" in the report and that the box would "keep digital moving forward".

She said the adapter offered viewers an affordable way to gain access to digital television stations.

"It is not the solution to the problems of digital TV but it is an important element in getting people to switch from analogue to digital," she said. Demand was "very high" for the box and the company expected to sell 50,000 before the end of May.

The adapter costs £100 and needs no subscription, making it the cheapest way to upgrade analogue sets to receive digital TV. It gives instant access to the five existing terrestrial channels, plus other free-to-air digital channels.

But the report released today highlights a number of drawbacks.

Those wishing to use a Pace set top box must live in an area with a digital signal. At present there is limited coverage across the Bradford area.

Even if the signal is adequate, an aerial upgrade may be necessary, costing up to £150. Another limitation is that it is not possible to watch one digital channel while recording another.

Ms Kettleborough said: "This is the first product on the British market. It is a budget device to allow viewers to have access to digital.

"They can always upgrade their systems if they decide to subscribe to pay- for-view channels."