Looking for a Freeview HD+ digital box

gino_76ph

Hi there!

I am looking for a good Freeview HD+ digital set-top box where i can record HD or SD programmes whenever i want and one that you can depend on. What i meant by that is i bought this "hybrid" digital box by Fetch TV over a year ago from Tesco. i can watch and record programmes when i want it and i can connect a USB device in order to watch movies then or listen to music but it seems to me that the box is still quite slow, is buggy, has a 2-year old BBC iPlayer interface and a software that has not been updated by the company for a year now.

I have heard of a similar boxes by Humax & Sony but they seem to be quite expensive. I have heard about Youview but again their boxes are expensive and apparently have no built-in wifi which i think is a basic requirement if you want to connect to the internet, watch online contents, etc. I also heard of Google TV but it doesn't offer Freeview channels. just strictly online contents.

So,any advice please?

penrhyn

You'll be wanting a Humax DTR-T1000* then, why all this fuss about lack of wifi, a pair of Homeplugs is more reliable and do you know of any STB with built in wifi.?


*Advanced prototype mimetic poly-alloy!

marleyboy

Theres a bargain HD Freeview for £20 with 12 Month warranty available from Tesco http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=271015639276&clk_rvr_id=369043781310

However the cheapest recordable one I can find is
TVONICS DTR-HV250 - Freeview Box 250GB Hard Drive PVR for £79.95 @ RicherSounds

gino_76ph

I would prefer something who is well-known and with built-in wifi as it would make sense in this digital wireless world. and besides its the trend nowadays and having less wires would be better than having wires at all. I would try and avoid homeplugs as they just create more clutter and are expensive.

The Humax DTR-1000 (aka Youview STB) has NO built-in wifi which was a major complaint of consumers and tech reviewers everywhere. and again, its also expensive.

How about that normal Humax Freeview HD+ recorder?

penrhyn

The Sky+ HD box does not have built in wifi either. My YouView box is connected with a straight forward Ethernet connection, as is the Sky box bluray player and TV. Other kit uses homeplugs and wireless. It helps of course if you can locate your router near the TV stack.

Anyhoo its up to you what you buy.
Humax Direct often have managers specials for sale, and if you want commit yourself to talk talk for 18 months they will do you a youview box for £50.

Stompa

marleyboy wrote: »

However the cheapest recordable one I can find is
TVONICS DTR-HV250 - Freeview Box 250GB Hard Drive PVR for £79.95 @ RicherSounds

It's not HD though. And whilst I'd normally recommend TVonics products, I'd be a little wary now as the company is currently in administration.

gino_76ph

Sky TV would not be an option for me as we are only renting and they cannot just drill in to the wall/roof without the owner's permission which i think will be quite unhappy.

Youview boxes seems excellent in specs albeit the lack of dedicated wifi and still expensive for a £299 box. although i heard the ethernet connection is better.

In terms of online content, apps and being future-proof (i.e. software updates, etc.) would you go for the Humax Freeview HD+ or the Humax Youview box?

Gers

gino_76ph wrote: »

In terms of online content, apps and being future-proof (i.e. software updates, etc.) would you go for the Humax Freeview HD+ or the Humax Youview box?

We've had the Humax Fox PVR for about 18 months now and it's a great piece of kit. Just bought the new YouView Humax but it's not connected up yet - still sitting in the box. The ethernet connection works well with other stuff around house, including the existing Humax, with Homeplugs.

Am looking forward to OH doing the techy things but probably won't be until next week now.

Anyway, just wanted to say that Humax machines are fabulous - we had Pace PVRs for years and years and so are trying to keep up with technology at a reasonable rate.

penrhyn

The Youview software integrates the 4 on demand players into the planner.
I doubt the same level of integration will be offered in other boxes, although the on demand players may well be.
Talk Talk and BT will be offering packages using the YouView box and Skys Now TV service is coming onto the platform at some point.

Maybe you should pop down the shops and see a demo?
I have been using mine for over a month but thats all I can say.

gino_76ph

So, the Humax Youview STBs are better than the "standard" Humax Freeview HD+ boxes would you say because they have lots of content and would you say future-proof in one sense?

penrhyn

You may well think that, I couldn't possibly comment until the trial is over, sorry.