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The TechniSat HDFS has been awarded ‘group test winner’ in a recent feature review in What Satellite Magazine.

The magazine tested the existing range of Freesat HD single tuner receivers against each other, including the TechniSat HDFS, Humax FOXSAT-HD, Sagem DSI86HD and Metronic SATHD100, with the TechniSat winning by some margin, though not really a surprise to most (we are unsure of the absence of any of the Harvard range – Grundig, Goodmans and Bush).

The final review scores were:

TechniSat 86%
Humax 80%
Metronic 75%
Sagem 69%

**Update 21/12/2009**
The code for accessing BBC iPlayer has been released to us for all of you to use; the code is 5483. Please note BBC iPlayer is currently in beta test so may still have bugs and glitches, plus is only available via Humax Freesat HD or Freesat+ receivers with the latest software versions. We’d ask that you have a play and leave your comments/feedback below so BBC/Freesat can take the information to assist in the development before an official launch in the New Year. For more information on the BBC iPlayer trial with Freesat, please visit this page.

Though not officially announced, we have it from a very reliable source that BBC/Freesat will release the BBC iPlayer code to the general public from early next week.

This will give those with a Humax Freesat HD or Humax Freesat+ receiver the opportunity to test out the service over the Christmas period enjoying all there is to offer through the festive season from the BBC.

The BBC iPlayer setup video can be found here

All other Freesat HD and Freesat+ makes/models will be able to enjoy BBC iPlayer some time in the new year.

Humax last night announced details of their next generation Freesat receivers due to launch in Autumn 2010.

The Humax FOXSAT-HD2 single tuner Freesat HD digital box will replace the existing FOXSAT-HD and include additional features such as PVR functionality via USB storage device (similar to how the TechniSat HDFS currently does). The receiver will also have an automatic re-tune function and be able to read file formats from USB including MP3, JPEG and XviD, as well as access media streaming over your home network.

The Humax FOXSAT-HDR2 twin tuner Freesat+ HD digital box, successor to the existing FOXSAT-HDR, will include new features as above, apart from USB recording instead opting for the increased size of a 500GB hard drive compared to the existing 320GB.

At the same time as announcing this information, they also confirmed an almost identical product range for the Freeview platform, due to launch in February 2010 in keeping with the availability of high-definition channels for the first time on terrestrial television.

Humax’s current software versions (HD V1.00.23 / HDR V1.00.11) are due to expire tomorrow (2nd December 2009) so expect a new release which should hopefully resolve the problems some of you have been having with your receivers since the last update was released back on the 10th November 2009.

We are unclear at this stage whether Humax will simply roll-back the software to a previous stable version, or will release a new version that they have been working hard on since collating all the information supplied by you guys when contacting them with problems.

Whilst BBC iPlayer is expected to launch first on Humax receivers in December, we don’t expect at this stage the software will include that facility as beta testing still hasn’t began in full; it will be interesting to see the ‘end’ date of what ever new update is released, as that might give an indication of when iPlayer will be ready.

The long awaited Humax software updates are due to be released today, following our previous post.

The version numbers are FOXSAT-HDR V1.00.11 / FOXSAT-HD V1.00.23.

There is presently the option to download the update directly from the Humax website, but the OTA (over the air) version should come live later this afternoon if you do a scan for it; or over night if you don’t.

Humax FOXSAT-HDR Manual Software Update (V1.00.11)
Humax FOXSAT-HD Manual Software Update (V1.00.23)

Let us know what you think about the updates when you have it.

Humax have confirmed to PVRJunction that they will release the eagly anticipated FOXSAT-HDR new software this November. The update is now with the DTG, who organise the over the air (OTA) software update timetables.

The software update has been expected for some time but has been constantly delayed as BBC try to prepare their iPlayer service for launch, of which is embedded within the software update Humax have been working on for months. The software updates/changes include the following:

• Support for BBC iPlayer service (subject to service availability)

• Auto Delete function included

• Ability to Delete Recorded Programmes from the Media List while recording or playing back.

• RGB output available on HD content (Live TV and Recordings)

• Resolved ITV HD Schedules disappearing after a channel scan

• Freesat schedules no longer removed after a Manual Tune.

• Resolved issue with Subtitles appearing when use Time Shift Recording.

• Resolved issues playing back encrypted HD content from an external device.

• Diagnostic Menu now displays the signal levels for both tuners correctly.

• NEW icon now appears in the Media List (Simple view) on Folders with new recordings.

• Resolved issues with Series schedules failing to record.

• EPG Genre screen now appears in two columns

• Resolved Lip-Sync issue resetting after a power cycle.

• Resolved incorrect character appearing on Postcode in the Diagnostic menu.

• Resolved lockup issue when recordings 2 TV channels and changing to a Radio channel.

• Resolved intermittent Lip-sync issue when accessing ITV-HD

• Changes made to some on screen messages regarding conflicts

Humax should be very proud, they have been announced as winner of the prestigious T3 ‘Home Gadget of the Year’ award 2009.

The FOXSAT-HDR beat competition within their category including the Yamaha YSP-40D surround sound speaker system, Panasonic KX-TG8321 DECT phone, as well as products from other brands including Dyson, Siemens, Bosch and BT.

The award goes to show the huge success of the Freesat+ PVR product, in both innovation and useability; as well as popularity of sales. T3 said;

The Foxsat is a AAA-grade combo of excellent image quality, basic DVR functionality – record a channel whilst watching another, or record two at once – with access to Freesat, Freeview’s super-powered mutant sibling.

More award winners included:

Innovation of the Year – Spotify
Commuter Gadget of the Year – Apple iPhone 3GS
TV of the Year – Samsung UE40B7000 WW
Phone of the Year – HTC Hero
Camera of the Year – Canon EOS 50D
Computer of the Year – Lenovo Ideapad S10E
Music Product of the Year – Sony X-Series Walkman
Work Gadget of the Year – Apple MacBook Pro
Green Gadget of the Year – Sony Bravia TV
Game of the Year – Call of Duty: World at War
Retailer of the Year – Amazon.co.uk
New Media Service of the Year – BBC iPlayer HD
Drop Dead Gorgeous Gadget of the Year – Apple MacBook Pro
Launch of the Year – Google Android
Gadget You Can’t Live Without – Apple iPhone 3GS
Outstanding Contribution to Tech – Jon Rubinstein
Tech Personality of the Year – Stephen Fry
Tech Brand of the Year – Google
Gadget of the Year – HTC Hero

Thanks Raymond Reid for letting us know

It would appear that a few days ago some of the major retailers decided to increase their retail price of the Humax FOXSAT-HD from £119.99 to £149.99.

The retailers involved in the price hike include John Lewis, Dixons, Maplin, Argos and Currys, with a lesser increase also by Amazon.

We have checked the trade price for this Freesat high-definition receiver but it hasn’t changed, suggesting that the major retailers have some how determined that the demand for this product is increasing, or available stock is about to become very short. We cannot imagine it would be due to lack of sales, as these big retailers would typically drop the price to trade values just to sell stock.

Very interesting, and odd at the same time; wonder if the same will happen with any other Freesat product.

Edit (03-Aug-09): Price increased to £244 now they have stock!

Dixons have today reduced the price of the Humax FOXSAT-HDR PVR receiver to £234 including delivery, a new low for the product; so if you were still considering a purchase, this further price reduction might just be enough for you to consider buying this great product.

Visit Dixons £234 Humax Freesat+ PVR Offer

The cheapest 2 year warranty deal on the Humax FOXSAT-HDR remains at £254 including delivery, see the product page for more price comparisons.

Home Cinema Choice have today announced the Humax FOXSAT-HDR Freesat+ PVR Digital Box as the “Best Digital Recorder” in their 2009 awards in association with DTS.

Humax can take pride in fending off stiff competition from the Panasonic DMR-EX98V, Sagem DTR 6416DT and Sony RDR-HXD995; although having the in-built Freesat EPG may have been significantly important in obtaining this excellent result.

You can read more about this award and many others announced on the Home Cinema Choice website.