Humax Foxsat-HDR 320GB Storage PVR Reviews: 0 freeview tuners HDR with HDMI

+ Auto set up.
One off payment for satellite progs.
Small size.
Simple to set recording mode.
Record 2 progs at same time

- Poor manual.
Some buttons a little small on the controller - especially for anyone elderly.

+ Great build quality, UK support is good, hopefully exciting developments for this box in the near future (iPlayer built-in for example).

- Slow to start up, about 30 seconds. Picture quality looks poor on some channels but that is down to the channel quality rather than the box.

+ Works out the box, pause of live broadcast popular/handy

- Too many buttons on remote
epg colour choice makes for poor visibility on the screen
Slow to start up

+ Full range of features and fairly straightforward to set up and operate. I have copied recorded content from the internal hard disk and then been able to show it on a PC and burn a DVD.

- Manual is not very comprehensive and some menus are less than obvious. Also I would have liked to be able to set my favourite channel list as the default list in the EPG but that is not possible - maybe it will be in a future code release.Recently retired

+ Best satellite receiver on the market

- Manual could be better to explain the features

+ ease of set up and quality transmission.

- need to purchase separate hdmi cables and audio cables if you wish to view hd quality - not clear from documentation - and can be expensive unless you look around.

+ Very intuitive and so easy to use, the remote is multi functional as well if your other kit happens to be one of the choices available.
Will operate with one cable from the LNB but with reduced functionality, but you will want both to get the most out of it.

- The shiny surface of the remote shows every mark and is almost impossible to keep looking clean.
Also some of the most frequently used buttons like those associated with playback/pause/forward etc are far too fiddly and should be larger..

+ very good picture quality,does what it says on the box and best of all no subscription cost

- remote buttons a little too small and could be better grouped--more like sky remote

+ Very easy to set up. Easy to use

- Not sure about sound, as I use it through a home theatre system

+ Great picture, easy to record. automaticaly offers a choice of recording/watching SD or HD (when available). some nifty shortcuts.

- FREESAT has a very limited channel choice. apart from the traditional terestrial ones (BBC, ITV, channels 4 and 5) there is nothing of else worth wathching.Volume is very low and can vary greatly between channels. its not always clear which is the oldest recorded program when more than one episode of a series is stored. deleting can be frustrating as you cannot clear watched programs while others are being recorded.

+ A very competent box.

- Takes time to boot up. Be aware that if you initially tune with just one sat able, you need to do a factory reset and re-tune if you add the second sat cable (otherwise it ignores the cable, even when you re-tune).

+ Sky plus features with no rental

- Occasionaly cuts off end of programmes by a minute or two
Very confusing file manager system
Instruction book pretty confusing

+ Cheaper than Sky and as easy to use as Sky plus, I do feel better not giving my hard earned cash every month to sky.

- Less channels but would hope this improves.

+ Much better interface and display of information than my old Grundig Sky box; series recording is really easy; EPG is easy to read and use and fast to refresh.

- The typically indecipherable remote control for anyone with eyes that are 40+ years old and the number of keypresses it takes to delete something from the 'File Manager' . When you record a series, the file manager lists every episode with the same generic name, which doesn't help in knowing which entry to delete - this is daft because the media list gives date and time information; but at least it puts them all in a separate folder for the series). On the default setings, scheduled recordings sometimes miss the first few seconds of an episode (I think you can adjust that somehow, just haven't managed it yet)

+ The Only freesat HD PVR available, but a fantastic product and great value for money

- Ihave not had the device long enough to be aware of any.

+ Makes recording programs a doddle, and shows the quality of HD.

- Reviewer left no comment

+ ability to archive off with a decent speed USB transfer onto external media fairly quiet ease of use, easy initial setup with onscreen prompts ability to upgrade the internal hard drive to 1TB+ optical audio output decent upscaling engine auto creates relevantly names folders for series linked programmes, meaning less cluttered file list and easier logical file management/navigation of archived shows great looking, easy to read front display.

- no ability as of yet to record from the buffer, in other words you can rewind a program if it was already on and watch what you missed, but you can't record what you have missed. ethernet port not yet enabled for home networking/archiving more of a freesat issue, but long winded to switch between freesat and non-freesat mode for accessing non-freesat programmes such as sky news etc (a programmable macro remote could be used) cost. pricey considering no record from buffer which is pretty much standard amongst other DVR/PVRs (lets hope future firmware introduces this feature)

+ Easy recording and retrieving of programmes

- Would like to see more programmes listed on Guide Menu, only 7, not enough. Would also like to have last programme viewed button.

+ I can record one channel and watch another which is what I wanted to do through the satllite chanels. Its fairly easy to use but I am still learning the functionallity.

- I dont think its an easy to follow instructions manual or on screen menu - that might just be me though, but I thought I could rewind a current programme and record or watch fro the start - but I might just be not understanding how to do it.

+ exerlant HD tele program guide good

- too slow booting up recording could be made easer to understand and all the childrens channels seem to unacessable, keeps coming up weak or bad signal, we never had any problems with sky programs

+ Recording & playback quick to operate. Picture quality is very good at all times.

- Recording does not always continue to end of a programme. Sometimes get a green screen on TV at start up. Then have to shut down & boot up again. Cannot find any mention of this problem in the literature. Slow boot up cycle

+ BETTER PICTURE QUALITY, F FORWARDS EASIER, RECORDING IS SIMPLE.DELETES PROGRAMMES IN A FLASH, NEVER GOEN WRONG IN THE MONTHS WE HAVE HAS IT !!!

- SOMETIMES IT MISSES THE END OF A PROGRAME OR STARTS A LITTLE LATE.

+ Good looking and easy to use. Simple to set up - mostly automatic. Excellent pcture and sound quality.

- HD programs sometimes 'drop out' and it won't play in HD format whilst recording anothe program.

+ So easy to use as a recorder and easy to find for playback

- Reviewer left no comment

+ PICTURE QUALITY IS GREAT ON HD,BEAUTIFULLY BUILT ,REAL GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY.

- THE CONTROL CAN BE A BIT FIDDLY ,HARD TO FIND THE CORRECT BUTTON,IT COULD ALSO BE DOING WITH SOME MORE HD CHANNELS.

+ ease to set up. found help line very good.

- manual very complicated for us non technical minded, remote control seems to be a bit of a flimsy construction, unable to see next programmes without going to list

+ Excellent picture quality on HD and upscaling of SD, good range of features and 4 in 1 remote performs very well. Twin tuner gives great flexibility and EPG is easier to use than Sky+

- Sound lip sync is not very good, sometimes terrible on HD. Interface is slow and ponderous. Some features are hard to understand and over complicated. More HD channels on freesat would be nice.

+ Set up and reception of FreeSat is a cinch and the picture quality is excellent. I love being able to put my photographs and some music on a memory card which via a reader and the USB port can be played back without more ado as a slideshow and it all remains out of sight at the back. There is a good picture when I plug my PC in but I haven't yet found a way to play back picture AND sound through the TV. I suspect I'll have to get a streaming transmitter/receiver and use the USB or HDMI port. I haven't yet used the network option but it looks like there are lots of connection possibilities. FreeSat tune produces over 100 stations. Manual tune produces over 400 stations. Recording and playback are a doddle. Series or single programme record are a piece of cake. The little niggles below I'm sure can be overcome with proper set-up. I am very happy with the Humax. I have a good system that doesn't continually bleed my bank balance via a subscription.

- I am still using a Sony TV remote for stations I can't get with the Humax (e.g. Sky Sports News ) and a HUMAX PVR remote. I suspect I can use just one if I configure the set-up options properly but I'm still learning. It's not quite as convenient as Sky+ but it's not far off. If you switch off at night (rather than use standby) it can lose all the latest guide information which it reloads on switch-on and it can lose your scheduled future recording intentions if you switch off rather than standby.

+ Ease of installation and operation, quality of reproduced images.

- Not found any yet after a months usage

+ ease of use especially it is pvr to record favourite programs

- Reviewer left no comment

+ Looks good and does everything one would want and more following on from the sky+ box.

- Expensive but am sure the price will come down

+ Able to get HD and the fact that the product is a one off payment is great.

- Some of the screens are pale grey with white wording which makes it difficult to read. The instruction book is not that easy to find you way around.

+ So many features the product is brilliant. I intend buying one for the bedroom when funds allow

- None

+ As long as you have two feeds from the satelite dish the set up is remarkably easy

- The remote has to point directly at the freesat box

+ Very easy to record a program or series of programs. Can start to watch a program whilst still recording it. Large storage for recorded programs.

- Switching betweeen Freesat mode and non-Freesat mode requires going through menus. If this was controlled by a button on the remote it would be better. Takes 10-15 seconds to boot up. Remote control is very directional and requires aiming correctly

+ Quick menu is good, rewiding live tv is good and ease to do
drives are quiet, looks cool with the samsung tv.
has other good features like when yuo move chanels with the P button you get a record icon top left telling you what is being recorded.

- the menue system could of been better. I always like to brows from the guide, the guide should of been on the main button at a single press. this is my only gripe

+ easy to operate

- Reviewer left no comment

+ HD

- Complicated menu and file management systems.

+ Works well and does most of what it says!

- No deleting of recorded items whiles it recording another , which is very annoying and a backward step.
No ability to add in dvi's, divx's etc and play them from a memory stick etc
UI a bit strange and don't like the way recordings are automatically put into folders by name. It makes it hard to watch older programs first.

+ able to get freehd

- cant erase programs part viewed

+ It will record two programmes at the same time and let you watch a 3rd (with limited access but still amazing), or you can watch a recording. Programming is so quick and easy. While a programme is recording you can watch it from the start,(chase play feature). Automatic recording of a series is great and should the mains power be lost the time and programming information is not lost. Pause / Play live TV and It will also save / record / play other media ie Radio, music and Photos. A wonderful product.

- The pause / play / Fast forward and rewind buttons on the hand controller I find too small and not located very well. Archiving recorded material to a USB drive or portable HDD does not appear to work. (that could be down to me?) A DVD burner would be the icing on the cake.

+ "Does what it says on the tin" - can't ask for more

- Boot up time is a little slow and I'd prefer it if there was an option to prevent the programme guide from scrolling to programs that had finished. (nit picking really!)

+ Easy to use

- Slight lag when using menus. Fiddely to swap to non-fresat channels.

+ Set up, tuning, screen display, image and sound quality.

- Must point the remote control directly onto the unit to make it work

+ Everything

- The controller is sometimes unresponsive... (our TV doesn't stay connected to the PVR input on AV4)

+ HAS ALL THE FEATURES AND MORE OF SKY+.
IN SERIES LINK ALL THE SERIES IS PUT INTO ONE FOLDER.MAKES IT EASY TO FIND AN EPISODE.

- SOME INSTRUCTIONS NOT CLEAR TO START WITH BUT ONCE UNDERSTOOD NO PROBLEMS.
COULD NOT FIND ANY INFO ON HOW TO SERIES LINK,FOUND IT BY ACCIDENT.
HOPE THERE WILL BE MORE HD CHANNELS SOON,CAN ONLY RECEIVE BBC HD AT THE MOMENT.

+ Very easy to set up. Fantastic picture. You can delete the channels you don't watch.

- The television guide is not as clear as the freeview version

+ GOOD QUALITY PICTURE AND SOUND

- A LITTLE TEMPREMENTAL RECORDING A PROGRAM SERIES

+ Dual tuner

- Network function not implemented yet

+ Looks & ease of use

- Handbook could be better

+ Versatile recording and playback options and large recording capacity.
Low standby power consumption.

- Small and ergonomically poor PLAY, STOP etc video playback keys on remote control.
User manual difficult to understand.
Slow boot-up time.

+ The picture quality is excellent, really easy to set up record function

- If being really picky I wish the play and stop buttons on the remote control was more defined ie bigger than the others and being able to delete items when already recording and possibly the price is a little high but you do get what you pay for!

+ Very easy to use
The being aboe to record two programmes at once is a real bonus.

- It has frozen a couple of times but that could just be me pressing the wrong button. It sorts itself out when re-booted.
It should have a DVD writer as recordings are sometimes wanted for longer periods than the life of the machine. I am now looking to buy an external DVD writer to connect to it.

+ Very easy to set up; up and running in 5 minutes;
Recording - no previous experience with an HDD recorder but this one is so easy to use
Support for external media enables a library of material to be maintained
Programmable remote control is great; managed to dispense with 2 others so far
Overall, it does what it says on the box

- The only glitch so far has been a single "hang" in the EPG; just exited the EPG and re-entered and all was OK again

+ Reviewer left no comment

- i am having trouble fiting two leads to the box so i can record one staition while i am watching another i canot get the right fitings from any shop ive been to.
i dont see the point of a record box if i can't record

+ It is easy to set up

- Takes a bit of time to boot up

+ Too many to mention

- Expensive compared to Freeview receiver.

+ Easy to install and very good menu options. A good saving on SKY.

- HD cable too short - had to purchase another one four meters long. You almost need a degree to operate the remonte - very difficult for me and impossible for my wife. Sound volume is not as high on system as it is on the tv freeview so constantly adjusting.
Need more HD very few channels to benefit from HD.

+ Excellent and well designed. Simple to use.

- Remote control would be better in silver as control buttons difficult to see on a black background, as they are small.

+ Does exactly what it claimed to do and is very useful.

- I sent the first unit back as it had a really loud background hum and the second one has a similar hum but not quite as bad and so have reluctantly decided to put up with it.

+ Finds alternative times if clash detected. Not confined to Freesat offering - can tune in other channels and other satellites (though with limited EPG). Can store photos for slideshow and MP3s for playback.

- Can't delete seen programmes while any recording is in progress. Programme deletion involves more effort than SkyPlus. Takes 30 seconds to boot from cold state.

+ Very easy to use and navigate.

- Limited to watching certain channels (5 or 6) when recording 2 others. I.e. you cannot view all of the channels normaly available.

+ provides all the promised features

- seems very expensive compared to Freeview equivalants

+ Very quiet (much better than the PVR6300 it replaced). Much improved menu system and general navigation such as series link recorded programs that appear under one heading

- Start-up time from stand-by is quite long (20 seconds)

+ You can Get HD content now over Freesat.. it works and is very neat. This unit is very nice so I can recommend it. However its not as easy to use as say my SONY Freeview Hard disk recorder.

- Ease of use could be improved.

+ Excellent product easy to use, great picture quality

- quite expensive

+ Easy to use and looks good with excellent quality image.

- None yet.

+ HD telly you can record, amazing.

- The remote isn't the best and your presented with lots of menus and options when navigating the guide. Could be simpler.

+ I think the product is excellent

- I think the manual could be more explicit as not all people are technically minded. Needs more detailed information for "Dummies"

+ Easy to set up, good looking piece of kit.
Picture quality excellent on SD. upscaling works well, HD picture is superb.
Good range of features, on screen guides are a little complex until you get used to them.
Very quiet in operation, none of the annoying clicks and whines I've had on other PVR

- Remote is a bit precise, have to be pointing directly at the unit.

+ Easy to install

- Reviewer left no comment

+ Remote supplied can be used to control all devices.

- Can connect external hard drive,card reader, etc. via USB which can be used for backup, photos & music but not to watch or transfer video.

+ Reviewer left no comment

- slow to boot up,short range and narrow width hand set signal.

+ It does exactly what it says on the box.

- Some of the buttons on the zapper are not logical - particularly to exit a feature

+ Gets away from Sky

- Cost, will probably come down in the future

+ its free and hd

- Reviewer left no comment

+ Good picture, easy setup great PVR

- Slight humming present during quiter scenes

+ The feature of multiple simultaneous recordings whilst watching another channel and the series recording facility.

- Remote could do with back lighting
Cannot delete previously recorderd programs whilst a recording is in process
Cannot do program searches on just favourite channel listings

+ Easy to set up

- None

+ just what I always wanted. You can record when away. Free HD is great.

- Haven't worked all the high end stuff out yet, but then again haven't read the instructions yet.

+ intuitive to use

- none encounterd so far

+ stylish cheap HD TV receiver - no subscription

- file management a bit cumbersome (can't delete old recrdings whilst device is recording)
epg / recording process not entirely intuitive

+ Is equal to sky plus overall, better in some ways.

- On/off button would be better if it was more clearer, I keep pressing the button below it.

+ Ability to record two different programs at the same time.

- Cannot think of any.

+ Reviewer left no comment

- Not enough HD broadcasts