We managed to get hold of the latest Freesat+ recorder from the Harvard Group Plc. This a Goodmans branded machine with model number GFSDTR320HD  (watch out for Grundig variants) which we’ve taken home to see how the whole family gets on.

Our first impressions are pleasant from an ease of use point of view. It is a straightforward and easy to operate HD Freesat+ recorder. Alas our first unit suffered from one or two problems; and whilst we are sure this is down to bad luck, we are currently awaiting a properly working replacement. In the mean time here are our first photos and screen shots:

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The IBC 2009 show in Amsterdam this year has seen a dramatic increase in DVB-T2 related news, and it’s great to see announcements from manufacturers keen to let everyone know they will be providing FreeviewHD ready set top boxes in the first quarter of next year.

The Humax Freeview HD single tuner (receiver only) version wil allow recording direct to USB

Joining Pace in early 2010, Humax will also be providing FreeviewHD set top boxes, and by the summer a flagship Humax Freeview+HD PVRwill be upon us. Technical details are still thin on the ground however the Humax Freeview+HD recorder will most likely feature the new and acclaimed high definition user interface and Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) which was successfully implemented into the Freesat HD PVR, the Humax FOXSAT-HDR. We’d like to mention there will be a USB port on the single tuner Freeview HD set top box receiver which will allow recording direct to a USB key or USB hard drive.

Other highlights being introduced into the new Humax Freeview+ HD PVR include a Network connection in order to support catch up TV services from BBC iplayer. The network connection will provide customers with a DLNA box that will allow it to connect, stream and transfer recordings to other devices and PCs in the home. For example, recordings on the Humax Freeview+ HD PVR can be streamed to – and controlled via – a Humax Freeview HD set top box that you may have in the bedroom for example (Humax Freeview HD STBs will also include a network port at the back).

Humax were on the verge of providing a high definition capable Freeview PVR in the UK two years ago, but then the industry veered in the direction of DVB-T2, which would require different hardware in order to receive HD broadcasts. The HD PVR project had to be shelved while DVB-T2 developed and so instead this lead to the face-lifting of the older PVR-9200t (see PVR-9300T/PVR-9150T).

The new Humax Freeview+ HD PVR will be built on a high performance platform using the very latest hardware, and this will enable high end features which haven’t been provided on Freeview PVRs before. Humax had earlier attempts at DLNA-type features for its UK Freesat+ PVR, like streaming between PVR/STB/PC, but in proof of concept work the first generation machine suffered from performance issues which couldn’t be brought “up to scratch”, as a spokesman put it. Bob Hannent, Chief Technologist at Humax believes Freeview HD will be an exciting platform: “We have greater ambitions for next generation products because the next generation hardware will sustain more features and from day one we can plan”. Humax also said the next generation tech will be made available to customers on the Freesat platform.

Pricing hasn’t been confirmed by retailers, however the Freesat High definition PVR was released at £300 last year, and this should serve as a good indication that Freeview+HD recorders will command higher prices than what we are seeing in the Freeview market today.

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 Harvard PLC are set to launch the Goodmans GFSDTR320HD and GFSDTR500HD Freesat+ Digital TV Recorders. The machines will feature high definition twin tuners, which will enable the recording of up to two programmes at the same time, and a 320GB hard drive for the GFSDTR320HD PVR and a 500GB hard drive in the GFSDTR500HD PVR. The PVR chassis is very similar to the Zoran based Freeview+ version (see below), which we at PVR junction are very familiar with, therefore it wouldn’t suprise us to learn the the new Goodmans Freesat+ machine is based on the same platform.

Unfortunately there isn’t a confirmed release date or official press release as this information was obtained by PVR Junction unofficially with Harvard PLC. However we have been told release is expected during August 2009 with prices around the £300 mark for the GFSDTR320HD and £350 for the GFSDTR500HD. This should interest those in the market for a freesat+ PVR and our advice would be to wait another few weeks for these PVRs before deciding.

Sagem have confirmed the launch of a new PVR for the Freesat service, due for release around October 2009. The Sagem Freesat+ digital TV recorder will be released in two versions: the DTR94250S has a 250GB hard drive and the DTR94500S will ship with a 500GB hard drive.

The new Sagem Freesat+ PVRs will feature a USB port for transferring media and  an ethernet port to support forthcoming iplayer on demand services arriving on Freesat this autumn. With its twin tuners it is possible to record two different channels at the same time.

Prices will start at £250 for the 250GB version and £300 for the 500GB version.

Sagem have also released a Freesat HD set top box with model number DSI86HD, which should be available in shops during the week. In the photo received yesterday from Sagem, the DSI86HD Freesat box design is in keeping with current Sagem STBs and features a USB port on the front. Prices will be around £130.