beal

iTrader: (1)

I ve just got rid of sky tv at long last!
So im looking at the Humax range of freesat boxes available.
Just wondered if anyone had any recommendations to which one to buy?
I would like the record feature and probably hd as the tv has it.
Thanks phil

Ant

The pvr are all about the same tbh apart from disk size

beal

iTrader: (1)

Whats the difference with the ones with freetime and without?

Flaps

iTrader: (1)

My wife missed the tv record feature when we got rid of Sky so I looked into the freeview recorders, I wanted a HD one but didn't fancy spending £250. I was told about YouView and looked into the BT deal. We ended up with a Humax HD 500 gb recorder for a one off charge of £49 and then £5 a month on a 12 month contract, this was by far the cheapest way to get one and I've been really impressed so far (not sure if you need to be with BT for your phone for this deal though). Good menu system, great access to the on-demand service and great tuner which works far better than the one built into the tv. Look into it, nothing to lose!

BuRR

The HDR-Fox-T2, although a Freeview HD and not a Freesat HD box, would be my recommendation.

The EPG is slick, and can be massively customised and adapted for your use; it can double as a media streamer, media player, more and more.

Try this link - http://hummypkg.org.uk/


Other than that, the Freesat HDR box they have is pretty decent, but it does suffer from a laggy EPG to be fair.

A good forum for information can be found here - http://hummy.tv/forum/

jpor

iTrader: (1)

I currently have the Humax Foxsat-HDR. Not a bad recorder, but have had the odd it didn't record a program now and then.
As per someone mentioning the EPG, yes it is laggy, and only comes right when a tuner comes properly active (Around 25 seconds).
I currently have a custom Firmware on mine ( http://www.avforums.com/forums/frees...-part-2-a.html ) at the moment which allows for you to connect to the HUMAX via the Ethernet RJ-45 port using a web browser, which also means you can access the HUMAX using a media streamer such as a AC Ryan/PBO Boxoffice to watch your pre-recorded programs in another room.
BBC-Iplayer and ITV Player are also available, but on mine its streaming only and No HD option. Unlike the SKy option where you can set to record a program from the said players and play them back from your planner.

Littleted

My dad has the Foxsat HDR and it works ok, but locks up and doesn't do things. I personally after using his wouldn't have one. Id look at something else.

Ive updated firmware etc, but its still no way near as reliable as my Virgin Tivo, that things bulletproof.

The other thing to bare in mind is the cost, to claw back your money you could have rented Virgin standard package for a year.

But I hazard a guess you don't have virgin near.

As for Sky I wouldn't **** em, hated them with a passion.

Ant

TiVo reliable , that was so crap I bought out my contract

markjmd

iTrader: (11)

If you want a good alternative to a Humax, the Panasonic DMR-HW220 (or the smaller disk model HW120) get very good reviews on What-HiFi and elsewhere. I was lucky to pick mine up at a bit of a bargain price from Comet in their closing-down sale, but even at the higher RRP or Amazon price they give excellent performance for the money. Absolutely can't fault mine for picture quality, EPG layout or reliability

jpor

iTrader: (1)

Panasonic has some good kit. Unfortunately the older DMR models did suffer from problematic tuners.
Also as I have found out they seem to be the last manufacturer to gain from any Freesat upgrades. As an example BBC-Iplayer first came out on Humax kit first.

markjmd

iTrader: (11)

Good point, and I've just realized the OP is looking for a Freesat box, not a Freeview HD pvr, which is what I'm using

farmerwrx

we bought this one a couple of months ago to replace a sky+ box in the bedroom and so far it's been great

jpor

iTrader: (1)

Looks like the one I own, except for the bigger storage of 500GB.

Can also confirm that SD signals do look better on this setup, although it only displays up to 1080i.

iTV PLayer is also available now on this device.

JDM_Stig

iTrader: (3)

https://humaxdirect.co.uk/prodCat.asp?cat=stb&page=sat

jpor

iTrader: (1)

Nice find! The latest model of Humax with that 'Freetime' option

beal

iTrader: (1)

I ended up buying the Humax 1000s 500 with freetime,its fantastic at the side of the sky box,very pleased with it.
Also the bbci player and itv player are good,well,they will be better when ive got rid of sky broadband!!
thanks for the info guys!

badcompany

http://www.digital-kaos.co.uk/

Is a good site for help with problems like this

If you become a member of the forum "its free"

You get better info