The Humax Foxsat-HDR went on sale at the end of last week with home deliveries already arriving at homes since early Monday morning. So what can you expect to find when opening the box? Thanks to our enthusiastic readers we have photos of the box contents.
As you can see it pretty much comes with everything you need this time, including batteries. We see from these pictures the Foxsat-HDR also comes with a 2 meter HDMI cable. Please remember this when buying the box, especially if ordering online as we have seen some etailers are still recommending buying such a cable at an additional £20; and in some cases even adding an additional HDMI cable automatically to your shopping basket which you have to un-tick yourself!
Its rather peculiar that product unboxing on the internet has become increasingly popular, especially for sought after products and eager beavers. All we can say is there must be some very bored office workers out there! If you are one of them – enjoy!
Today sees the launch of Freeview’s first national television ad campaign to promote Freeview+, the platforms digital TV recorders, featuring a stellar cast of British TV talent.
The campaign, created by Beattie McGuiness Bungay (BMB), acts out Freeview+ functionality within much-loved Freeview programming. 4Creative and ITVCreative collaborated on the activity. The line-up includes Antony Cotton, Jennie McAlpine and Tupele Dorgu of Coronation Street fame; comedian, Alan Carr; chef, Gordon Ramsay; football pundits, Steve Rider and Andy Townsend; not to mention an African cheetah and her cubs, and an entire period drama cast.
In one execution, a big match kick-off at Wembley is held up until Mike in Cirencester has finished his bath and dried his hair. In another, Gordon Ramsay is repeatedly rewound, and wound up, because Helen in Swansea hasn’t been able to catch his rapid-fire recipe. And in another, an early 19th century Ball at Hampton Court is suspended until Zoe in Godalming is back from Barbados and ready to watch them off series record.
Freeview+ not only provides quality digital television, including 13 of the 15 most-watched channels, it also lets viewers pause, rewind and record their favourite shows without monthly bills or a contract, unlike other ‘+’ services on the market. It could save viewers £200 in the first year alone.
The TV ads break on 6th November and run into the New Year. They are supported by online creative and a revamped Freeview website, developed by Grand Union, and by retail that incorporates a new look and feel by 999 Design. Freeview+ advertorials are also featuring in titles such as The Daily Express, The Daily Star and OK magazine.
Rob Farmer, Director of Marketing Communications at Freeview, says:
There are no monthly bills with Freeview+, you can just enjoy the control it gives you of the telly you love. This campaign celebrates the functionality from the public’s perspective, rather than the TV personality’s. We’re aiming to make the power shift itself a source of entertainment.
Other marketing activity is focused on conversions to Freeview at the Digital Switchover in Border. In addition to on-the-ground initiatives driving awareness of the value and quality of Freeview, a promotion with Tesco has been created whereby customers get a free Technika Freeview box if they buy a Techwood Freeview+ box for £69.97*; a saving of approximately £300 in the first year alone compared to subscription alternatives.
Farmer concludes
Freeview’s proposition is as relevant today as it’s ever been. With a new Discovery channel and, later, HD coming next year, we’re confident in Freeview’s continued ability to deliver the quality TV people want, without the bills they don’t want.
Thanks to the freesat team who are exhibiting at the Stuff Live exhibition in London, PVR Junction were treated to a hands on look at the new FOXSAT-HDR in action.
Just before the doors opened at the Excel Exhibition Centre we were invited to talk to both freesat and Humax together about the brand new satellite service, which includes free high definition TV from the likes of BBC and ITV, called freesat. And, just for you, the team offered to give our readers a walk through of the freesat service when used together with the nw Humax FOXSAT-HDR PVR.
So, with freesat ready and PVR Junction cameras running, without further ado sit back and enjoy their introduction to freesat+ …
Please note there are higher quality versions available on youtube which will show detail/onscreen words clearer. Simply click on any video below once playback has started and you will be redirected to the onsite youtube version. Click on the small link below the video box “ watch in high quality”.
A Wotsat blog article today says Panasonic have advised that the CE company do not have Freesat recorder plans to reveal at present. This is the same statement PVR Junction and other online publishers have received this week from Panasonic UK. Our advise, like last week, is to do like us and wait for any official news or statements from Freesat or Panasonic on this, as and when, they are ready to do so.
Last week PVR Junction commented on Panasonics plans for the DMR-BW500 in the UK as not being a twin tuner terrestrial Blu-Ray recorder, but a satellite one and that discussions with Freesat taking place, as Panasonic execs at trade stands reveal earlier. This is exciting news, however, Panasonic UK were unaware of this and have no further comment to make at this time.
Relevant video snippet clip below
Update 16:00:
As Blu-Ray and Panasonic fans, we are excited to say Wotsat has changed its blog title originally titled ‘Panasonic quashes Freesat Blu-ray PVR rumours’. Their article today picked up on PVR Junctions story and stated “Panasonic has told Wotsat that it has no plans to launch a combination hard disc and Blu-ray PVR with built-in Freesat reception.”
Since publishing our page here on PVR Junction this lunch time, together with the small video clip showing Panasonic own Freesat statements at IFA on the internet, the Wotsat article is now titled “Updated: Panasonic considering Freesat Blu-ray PVR” and goes on to now say ”Panasonic is considering launching a Blu-ray recorder for Freesat when more HD channels are added to the service.”
Of course, many of our readers may be forgiven for being already under the impression this is certainly a possibility; considering the Panasonic news articles on PVR Junction on the 13th September and 11th October. In a turn around Panasonic has pointed out to Wotsat this afternoon that they will release the blu-ray recorder in the UK but the Panasonic spokes person “can not give a date yet”. As with other EU countries we know Panasonics policy is to release this recorder in areas where customers have access to high definition broadcasting.
At PVR Junction, we expect during 2009 there will be not only BBC and ITV (as is now) but also Channel 4 hi definition on Freesat. Freeview is expected to roll out its high definition broadcasting on DTT from 2009 also. BBC, ITV and Channel HD channel offerings have today been accepted by Ofcom for Freeview HD. A 4th HD slot on Freeview HD is thought a strong possibility, leaving the passage for FIVE, Virgin or other broadcasters in with a chance to feature on the HD platform should they see value.
