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Following the announce that TechniSat HDFS customers would soon benefit from PVR record functionality, we thought we’d just let you know that the software is due for release on or around the 4th November 2009 and TechniSat have released the PDF instructions on their website.

TechniSat HDFS Satellite HD Digital Receiver USB Recorder Instructions

The software should automatically be downloaded to your receiver when released…without hopefully the muck up encountered by Harvard International receivers!

The TechniSat HDFS is available from a number of retailers, visit our product comparison page for details.

TechniSat have confirmed that through a software update, you’ll be able to record directly to any USB storage device via the existing TechniSat HDFS Freesat receiver.

It will be possible to record both standard and high-definition programmes, though broadcaster restrictions mean that you’ll only be able to playback on that specific receiver. Some broadcasters like ITV HD flag their programmes so you’ll not be able to record them at all.

The new feature will enable you to record the channel you are on, or record one whilst playing back another; you’ll not be able to record two channels at a time as the TechniSat HDFS is only a single tuner unit. Time-shift and pausing live TV will be available.

All this will be possible via the existing remote controls coloured buttons, and you’ll be able to manually record and schedule recordings using the existing Freesat EPG / TV Guide.

The software update will be sent over-the-air to all TechniSat HDFS receivers at the end of October.

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TechniSat have today announced the launch of the new Freesat high-definition (HD) digital box, equipped with a range of advanced features which will give viewers greater functionality and ease-of-use.

Receiving a Gold Award in a recent review by What Satellite & High Definition magazine, the TechniSat HDFS Freesat digital box comes with an extended feature set which allows the playback of movies, music and pictures from either USB memory sticks, memory cards, or from a PC using the LAN connection or a TechniSat WiFi adaptor (sold separately). The receiver is also eco-friendly, consuming just 0.25 watts in standby mode.

Cementing the partnership TechniSat and Freesat announced earlier this year, Martin Cole, TechniSat’s MD comments

We are very pleased with our relationship with Freesat which has given us the opportunity to create an award winning HD digital box, helping to position TechniSat as a premium UK brand.

Emma Scott, Freesat’s MD, added

With the arrival of their new Freesat box, TechniSat are providing viewers with yet another compelling way to access the range of channels and services available on Freesat.

The HDFS Freesat digital box comes with a three year manufacturer’s guarantee and is available now from some independent, and available within the next week or two from Currys, Comet and Maplin.

We’ll update the TechniSat product page with price comparisons as soon as they are available.

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We’ve had a number of requests to show an image of the rear connections on the TechniSat HDFS Freesat HD Digital Box; so thanks to John at TechniSat, please find picture of the actual unit below.

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Rear connections (left to right) of this Freesat receiver include:

- LNB In
- Video Out
- Audio Out (L/R)
- Scart (TV)
- Scart (VCR)
- HDMI
- Coaxial Out
- Optical S/PDIF Out
- LAN
- USB
- Power

Don’t forget this receiver also has a MS/SD/MMC card and Compact Flash reader on the front; plus WiFi capabilities, although a separate device is required for this, costing around £30.

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Wotsat have posted up an exclusive brief review on the new TechniSat Freesat HD Digital Box, due for launch in May 2009.

We originally announced the launch of this product back in February with TechniSat classing as a “high end fully featured” product, which might explain the £190 price tag (although we believe it will be closer to £150).

This Freesat HD receiver, product name ‘HDFS’ is expected to offer a number of features not seen on any existing Freesat high-definition unit; which includes the ability to play media directly from your PC via wireless adapter (sold separately). It will support MP3, JPEG and MPEG-2, with MP4 and DivX expected to be added via software update at a later date. The unit can also read .ts files recorded on other receivers and PC’s via the USB port.

The TechniSat HDFS will also have capacity to accept multimedia playback via USB, as well as MS/SD/MMC cards and a Compact Flash reader; sadly the ability to record programmes to such devices doesn’t appear to be an option which is a great shame, as that really would be of interest to those looking for an cheaper PVR alternative to the current Humax FOXSAT-HDR.

One additional thing that might tempt Freesat viewers is the free 3 year manufacturers warranty offered, although we are not sure whether that would be enough to justify the price difference over 2 years offered by some retailers for the Humax HD box.

Wotsat will have a full review in the June issue of What Satellite and Digital TV magazine, on sale 14th May 2009.

Technisat, a developer and producer of consumer electronic products in Germany has been confirmed as the latest manufacturer to be releasing Freesat products.

The first product to be launched by one of Europes leading satellite product manufacturers is a “high end fully featured” Freesat HD Digital Box, expected May this year. Product name ‘HDFS’.

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The Freesat HD HDFS box specification will offer “many features not yet seen on any current release”. These include wifi for wireless streaming of media (and possibly BBC iPlayer?) and a media card reader accepting SD, MMC and MS; in addition to 2 x USB ports. The unit will also have a full scrolling VFD display. The added bonus is a massive 3 year industry leading warranty as standard, giving the impression that Technisat are confident of a reliable product. Sadly no PVR functionality is available as it does not meet Freesat’s required specification, although we get the impression that TechniSat would have liked to offer.

For those technical boffins, the digital box will also include a Freesat and TechniSat mode and will have DiSEqC 1.2 multi-sat capabilities to drive motorized dishes.

Price is yet to be confirmed, although we’d expect it to be in the same range as existing Freesat HD boxes from £100-£150. Participating retailers are also to be confirmed.

In speaking about TechniSat, Emma Scott, MD of Freesat said;

The new HD digital boxes by TechniSat will provide a quality option for consumers to enjoy the choice and range of channels that are available on Freesat.

Martin Cole, TechniSat Digital UK’s MD adds;

We are extremely pleased to be working with Freesat. This provides us the ideal opportunity to introduce the high-quality TechniSat brand and Freesat HD receiver into the UK market.

A big thank you to the team at TechniSat for supplying so much information so soon before release, if their product is anything like their customer service, this should be worth waiting for.