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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.

It would seem judging by the number of major retailers now in stock, that Humax have finally overcome the problematic supply of their flagship FOXSAT-HDR Freesat+ Digital Box.

As a result, you may start to see prices drop, although don’t expect a significant reduction, it’s likely that retailers will be confident of selling the stock they have whilst retaining as much profit as possible.

In case you are still looking to buy, we have a regularly updated FOXSATHDR Product Page which includes prices and discount codes (where available) from the approved Freesat major retailers.

The availability is currently as follows:

Just a quick heads up, Homebase currently have stock of the Freesat+ Humax FOXSAT-HDR available for immediate despatch, just in case you are still after one.

In addition, using discount code DISCOUNT10 either today or tomorrow, you’ll get a further 10% off the price, which brings the total price down to £270.03 including delivery.

Buy online at HOMEBASE for only £270.03 now!

Also, just in case Homebase run out, Argos (the same company!) are showing as stock available too, although without the discount available. You can visit the PVR at on their site here.

Just a quick heads up, Comet have the Humax FOXSAT-HDR showing as available for order online, priced £299.99 with free delivery. As per last time, stock doesn’t last long so get yourself to their site ASAP! Note that not all regions may have stock, it depends on the distribution centre, but a few postcode regions we checked came up as delivery available from next Tuesday.

Buy online at COMET here

(Update – seems John Lewis have ran out of pre-orders now!)

Just to update you, John Lewis are now accepting pre-orders on the Humax FOXSAT-HDR, priced at £292 with stock expected within a week.

It’s not the cheapest deal around, but it’s another option if you are sick of searching high and low for stock.

This has been mentioned a few times by readers of this site, but at present, with the shortage on Humax PVR’s, it seems to best solution is to pre-order from Maplin, and save some money at the same time.

This is what you need to do:

Step 1 – Visit Maplin and click on the “Subscribe and save up to £25 off your order” in the top right corner.

Step 2 – Register an account and sign up for the newsletter…or sign up for the newsletter only.

Step 3 – Wait a few days for the newsletter to arrive via email, which will include a 20 digit code.

Step 4 – Add the Humax PVR to your basket, but because the £25 discount only applies on £300 orders or more (the PVR is £299.99), add this Radial Electrolytic Capacitors which we believe is the cheapest item at just 0.11p.

Step 5 – Wait for Maplin to process your order, and save yourself £25 (well, £24.89!!!).

Total price: £275.10

Given that obtaining stock is so difficult at the moment, why not at least pre-order and save yourself some money? Maplin have so far been honouring the orders within the time-scale indicated.