Join Freesat

Metronic have finally released their first Freesat product, the SATHD100 Freesat HD Digital Box, a month later than planned, and TechRadar have written a useful review worth reading:

TechRadar Metronic SATHD100 Review

The review seems to suggest a fairly good all round receiver, although nothing ground breaking over the existing cheaper range Alba boxes (Grundig, Goodmans and Bush) or middle range Humax, with the exception of the usable USB port for playing your media files like music and video.

Priced at an initial £150 uptake will probably be slow, given the current price of the other HD receivers, but once Metronic begin to recoup the cost of manufacture, that price should drop.

At present we have not found any retailers selling this product, but it’s early days so please keep checking our Metronic SATHD100 product page for info.

Metronic are also developing a PVR version at this time, although we have been unable to confirm an ETA for release.

The first signs of Metronic’s Freesat HD Digital Box (SAT HD 100) have appeared on Maplin’s website, allowing you to pre-order the upcoming product for £149.99.

We have no further information on which major retailers or independents will be selling this receiver, and this is in fact the very first actual image we’ve seen, other than those published some months ago by Metronic as an example.

The HD digital box is expected to launch later in November, with a PVR version due early 2009.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=227336

Freesat have today announced a partnership agreement with electronics manufacturer, Metronic. A deal has been signed to produce high-definition Freesat digital boxes that will go on sale by the end of the year.

Emma Scott, Managing Director of Freesat said:

We’re pleased to be partnering with Metronic. They will deliver important extra volumes of affordable and high quality product to meet the demand from retailers and consumers as we enter the peak season,

Demand has been high since launch and the deal is especially significant given our ever improving line-up of channels and HD programmes. BBC HD and ITV HD have great schedules of drama, documentaries, blockbuster movies and sport planned for the run up to Christmas and, in the case of ITV HD, Freesat will be the only place to see them.

Dale Heathcote, Managing Director of Metronic added:

This new exciting partnership with Freesat will enhance the reputation of Metronic in the UK as a quality provider of digital products. As an established provider of free to air satellite equipment throughout Europe Metronic recognises that its new relationship with Freesat is a major step forward for the brand in the UK

The standard Metronic HD Freesat receiver is expected later this year, with a DTR/PVR Freesat receiver early 2009.