With the BBC Trust assessing the Project Canvas proposals, the partners approached the OFT in March 2010 to seek formal clarification over the proposed venture’s status – which has been confirmed with today’s decision.

As the proposed new joint venture would not own, control, or aggregate any content, the Office of Fair Trading has ruled that the proposed Canvas joint venture should not be assessed under their jurisdiction as a qualifying merger. Project canvas director Richard Halton said:

The Project Canvas partners welcome the decision from the OFT, which confirms our analysis and sets the scene for the final stage of the regulatory process.

Project Canvas aims to create an open platform that delivers a connected future for free-to-air TV and a competitive market for internet connected TV services in the UK. The Project Canvas partners are committed to achieving that aim.

Project Canvas – a partnership between Arqiva, BBC, BT, Channel 4, Five, ITV and TalkTalk – proposes to provide a connected future for free-to-air TV in the UK, and give consumers subscription-free access to a wide choice of third party connected TV devices, content services and applications.

Graham North, Commercial Director, Humax, believes this is positive news for consumers and the television industry as a whole:

The announcement today from the Office of Fair Trading regarding Project Canvas is great news for the digital television industry as a whole. Humax believes that this service will enable further growth in the digital TV market – giving the UK population a greater range of content, more choice over how they watch it and ultimately more control over their viewing. 

With the leading UK broadcasters behind Canvas it will generate good exposure and acceptance from consumers, in much the same way as on-demand services such as BBC iPlayer and ITV Player. The value of the Project Canvas initiative will only grow and strengthen as even more content from strong brands is introduced.

Providing a common standard is a positive step that will guarantee the viewer a quality service that is reflective of UK broadcasting standards, delivered on a platform with a trusted name. It will also guarantee a viewing experience that is consistent regardless of the hardware or device being used to access the content. 

While the content of Canvas forms a huge part of the project, the delivery is also dependent on many other parties. The hardware used to deliver the content is an important component and must live up to consumer expectations.  Humax has a solid reputation for developing set-top boxes for the Freesat and Freeview services that ensure consumers get the most out of their TV experience, offering additional benefits and features, such as BBC iPlayer on our Freesat boxes. Our understanding of the UK TV market, technical expertise and proven ability to deliver products that meet consumer requirements will ensure Canvas is supported by the very best technology.

Humax have announced plans for a software update to improve the performance of their standard definition Freeview PVR range. It will also introduce a new feature to cache the EPG so that it takes only a few seconds to display. The new round of updates is specifically to address performance issues affecting the PVR-9200, PVR-9300 and PVR-9150, which has come to light as the digital switchover is underway. For those that are affected, users have reported how their machine appears to become unresponsive to remote control commands. Especially for the first 10 minutes after switch on, but also at other times.

The Humax PVR is a multi-award winning hard disk based Freeview recorder that has turned out to be the popular choice amongst consumers in the UK. Sales records were broken a long time ago and with the lowest return rates, the Humax is a proven hit with retailers alike. But for those reasons we also believe the number of users affected by the recent problems could be in the hundreds, if not thousands. This must be why Humax has taken steps to explain why problem has occurred and outline the steps that are being taken to resolve the issue. Here is the official statement in full:

We are writing to provide more detailed information on the recent issues that have been affecting our PVR-9150T, PVR-9300T and, in particular, the PVR-9200T Freeview+ digital TV recorders.

Humax is very aware that, for several months, some customers have been experiencing a slowdown in operation and usability issues with our PVR models. Resolving these issues has been a priority for our technical team who have been working diligently on a fix, but unfortunately, due to the complex nature of the issues, it has taken much longer than we had hoped to develop new software to sort out the PVR issues.

The increasing complexity of the UK’s broadcast infrastructure and requirement to process a substantially higher volume of information has put the PVRs under pressure and significant performance issues became particularly apparent through the digital switchover. We recognise this has regrettably caused frustration and problems for some of our PVR-9300T and PVR-9150T users, and in particular those with the older PVR-9200T models.

However, I am pleased to be able to inform you that our technical team has developed a software solution that will dramatically improve the user experience and address issues such as freezing and locking up.

We have also ensured the new software mitigates the risk of future problems and have taken this opportunity to introduce a new feature as part of the upgrade to significantly reduce the time it takes to display the on-screen electronic programme guide (EPG) information, from many minutes to seconds.

Humax will be scheduling an automatic over-the-air software download for the fix in a matter of weeks, and we hope to confirm the exact dates shortly. We will ensure these are communicated to you through email, and across our Twitter and Facebook pages.

Finally, I would like to reassure you that, while our research and development team continues to work on a number of new products and services, Humax remains committed to maintaining its existing product line for long standing customers and partners.

We value your support and feedback, so if you have any questions about the PVR issues and areas raised in this letter, please contact our team directly on 0844 669 8800 and uksupport@humax-digital.co.uk.

Yours sincerely

Graham North
Commercial Director
Humax Electronics Co. Ltd

Between 2005 and 2006 Humax added a substantial number of new features as a result of research collected from customers and in 2007 the company retro fitted all of the new Freeview+ features into its existing design, to the delight of its loyal customer base. This included Accurate Record (allowing the unit to track when a programme actually starts and stops when recording), Series Record and Alternate Instance recording features.

The problem since DSO is about the amount of ‘over the air’ service information the machine now has to process, on top of everything else, which has tipped it over the performance threshold. Basically the only way to process it safely is slower and it has now got too slow.

We apologise for the techno speak but in brief the volume of SI is now massive (the “split” two sections of NIT, a busy SDT and a massive EIT). Series Links, event recommendations and the list goes on; is much bigger than the machine was originally designed for; a design that started in 2003 before a UK wide broadcast 7 day EPG service was up and running. Even if the PVR doesn’t use the data it still filters it which is not going to help.

There is unlikely to be enough flash memory available to store the volume of information in the EPG so it has become an unsuitable place for such data. Humax’s engineers have implemented a new technique that gives these PVRs more time to spend processing essential data and concentrating on giving the user a good experience. Part of that will be the storage of EPG and a related volume of data in broadcast to the hard drive itself; as it does not change as regularly it will not cause problems. The machine can then simply update what is there while it is running.

For those who need a temporary fix until Humax start to broadcast the new software (over the air) you can install a beta version onto the machine that will resolve the slowdown issue. The element of the fix where the EPG data is cached is not yet a feature of this beta however. For more information about the interim beta software contact Humax support.

It is a busy time for Humax; they are creating and launching an all new Humax Freeview+HD PVR for 2010. Legacy support will mean the new development and release activities will likely be delayed a little, but we think the PVR manufacturer is doing exactly the right thing.

Humax have confirmed to PVRJunction the release of a new updated version of the software for Foxsat-HDR Freesat+ PVR customers. It is now with the DTG, who organise the over the air software update timetables, to schedule.

The news clears up some of the uncertainly over when the software update, which has been mostly ready for some time, will be made available; the software release could not take place until the Freesat BBC iPlayer infrastructure could be tested under a wider audience. The software changes include the following items:

    • Support for BBC iPlayer service (service availability to be confirmed by freesat)

    • Auto Delete function included

    • Ability to Delete Recorded Programmes from the Media List while recording or playing back.

    • RGB output available on HD content (Live TV and Recordings)

    • Resolved ITV HD Schedules disappearing after a channel scan

    • Freesat schedules no longer removed after a Manual Tune.

    • Resolved issue with Subtitles appearing when use Time Shift Recording.

    • Resolved issues playing back encrypted HD content from an external device.

    • Diagnostic Menu now displays the signal levels for both tuners correctly.

    • NEW icon now appears in the Media List (Simple view) on Folders with new recordings.

    • Resolved issues with Series schedules failing to record.

    • EPG Genre screen now appears in two columns

    • Resolved Lip-Sync issue resetting after a power cycle.

    • Resolved incorrect character appearing on Postcode in the Diagnostic menu.

    • Resolved lockup issue when recordings 2 TV channels and changing to a Radio channel.

    • Resolved intermittent Lip-sync issue when accessing ITV-HD

    • Changes made to some on screen messages regarding conflicts

Most of the changes are included in the above list, which has one or two additions from our listing on PVRJunction last month. The current plan assumes the software filters out into the public domain from 10th November onwards, with release notes appearing on Humax’s website in due course.

A lorry driver asleep in his cab in a Northampton lay-by was tied up by raiders who stole thousands of pounds worth of Humax digital TV recorders.

Early on Monday the lorry was parked on the A45 at Collingtree. The Polish lorry driver was woken by the offenders who smashed their way into the cab and tied him up.

A spokesman from Northamptonshire Police said the lorry and its contents were then taken to the railway works access in Roade before being abandoned, although we are uncertain as to whether the entire contents of the vehicle were taken. He said:

We are appealing for information about a high-value robbery from a lorry which was transporting Humax digital video recorders.

The Polish lorry driver was asleep in his cab and was woken by the offenders, possibly three in total, who smashed their way into the cab, tied up the driver, and then drove the lorry towards Roade on the A508.

The lorry then turned right into Courteenhall Road before reaching Roade village and at the railway works access, in between Roade and Blisworth, the driver was off loaded from the lorry. Uninjured, he made his way back on foot to the Grange Park estate and raised the alarm.

It is believed the offenders moved the load, worth thousands of pounds, from the lorry to another vehicle. The lorry was found abandoned at the railway works.

During November, the Northamptonshire Police force had been issuing warning leaflets to lorry drivers which where distributed around lay-bys and other black spots where thefts, including this latest one, have been taking place this year.

This is a blow to some retailers, and customers alike, who have been struggling with high demand coupled with short supply. This week was supposed to see the start of significant increases in stock availability across retail outlets around the UK. We have been advised that many more shipments are planned including more later this week, however it is most unfortunate that after last weeks shortages, the product is likely to be just as scarce for a further week in many areas.

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!

Photos

Rear

Remote Control

Batteries included

Composite, SCART and HDMI leads provided

Warranty Certificate

Quick Start Fold-out Guide

Customer Research leaflet

User Manual

Video: (Click here to watch in higher quality) 

[youtube:http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=V2mFe5laXcU&fmt=18 480 360]

The FOXSAT-HDR remote control has had one or two recent adjustments to layout, and one of the first things to notice is the multifunction capabilities in the top part of controller. Earlier this week on PVR Junction we revealed the remote control accompanying the new Freesat+ recorder, minus close-up shots while one or two alterations were carried out to position of some functions.

The FOXSAT-HDR remote control will enable the owner to control not only the PVR, but also their TV and audio device. If it will help the user to put away the other remote controls that usually line the settees arm rest, this is great news.

Related Posts: A Closer Look At Humax FOXSAT-HDR And Freesat+ Features

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This week Humax and Freesat announced the first Freesat+ PVR in the UK, the FOXSAT-HDR. The first freesat+ PVR incorporates twin high definition tuners, with the ability to record two channels at the same time, a large 320GB capacity hard drive, and a host of advanced state of the art recording features.

Since publishing both the specifications of the FOXSAT-HDR on our Freesat PVR Comparison table in August, and a few development screen shots and photos, we’ve received a ton of emails from readers, and some publications, asking for more details. If our mailbox is anything to go by, the UK is going mad for Freesat+ / FOXSAT-HDR information; and the Humax/Freesat press release confirms some of the details, like the November release, and at the price of around £299. The main specifications were also outlined in the press release; namely, the ability to record TV programmes in high definition, easy series recording, and programme tracking. We’ll expand on some of these.

As mentioned above the FOXSAT-HDR can record two channels at the same time. You can start watching a programme that is being recorded from its beginning if you like, even though the rest of the programme is still being recorded (commonly called ‘chase play’). Whilst dual recording it is possible to watch any previously recorded programme on the hard drive too, while the current recordings continue in the background. Technically, it is possible for the FOXSAT-HDR to record up to four programmes at the same time; however this feature will not be enabled on the release version but could be a free feature upgrade in the future.

With the 320GB hard drive the FOXSAT-HDR will be capable of recording about 160 hours of standard definition programmes, or around 45 hours in high definition. The PVR can collect the whole freesat 7 day electronic programme guide (EPG) in around 30 seconds, which is an improvement on its Freeview PVRs. Of course, it’s the EPG on digital recorders that make setting and recording such a doddle, and both freesat and Humax have worked on a layout which should work well for most people. As well as the usual grid style layout showing multiple channels at the same time, there is an option to view the EPG by one channel at a time in list view.

There are features when using the guide on the FOXSAT-HDR which are very useful indeed. One example is when selecting a programme to record; if the programme is part of a series, the machine will ask if you would like the whole series to be recorded for you, or just that one programme. If you select to record a programme that happens to be in two parts – for example a film that is split by the news – the machine will see the later continuing part and record it for you. There is another cool feature where, if you are trying to select  programme to record, but it clashes with other timers already set, the machine will automatically search through the EPG to find an alternate instance of that programme, and offer to record it for you at the alternative slot available. The EPG comes with a search function which enables the user to search for programmes in the 7 day programme guide by keyword/s. You can also carry out a search by genre – for example you can search for all movies on this week and select from the results list which you would like to be recorded.

Another nice touch is the high definition recording suggestion. If a user selects a programme to record from the EPG, for example Strictly Come Dancing on BBC1, the machine can offer you the option to record the high definition version if that is available as well. The machine uses the alternate instance meta date in satellite broadcasts to achieve this, and this is how the option to record programmes on the freesat exclusive ITV HD channel will be achieved.

One of the main problems we face with recordings generally is when programmes to don’t stick to their scheduled broadcast time, even if this is only by a minute or two. How many times have you set to record a programme only to find its started earlier or ended later than it should have done – you miss some of the start, or the crucial ending of your recorded programme! Humax are providing two ways in which it can help customers here. One is the option for the machine to automatically add a little extra recording time to the beginning and ending of each scheduled recording. This is called autopadding. Perhaps its worth mentioning  that series recording and autopadding can work together on the FOXSAT-HDR – which is something that has not been possible on any of the Freeview PVRs (for some reason).

The other recording method attempting to capture the whole programme being recorded is called autotracking. What happens here is the machine will keep an eye on the broadcast stream in case a programme is starting earlier than the scheduled time. Also, if a programme does not finish at the scheduled time, the machine can continue to track its progress even after the scheduled ending time so that the recording will finish properly. This is partly dependant on the broadcaster supplying the relevant meta data during broadcasting hours. At the receiver end, the FOXSAT-HDR will start tracking a scheduled programme start time 15 minutes in advance, even if the machine has to be woken up in standby to do so. When it gets to 4 minutes before scheduled broadcast time the tracking polling interval is set right down to every 10 seconds, resulting in very accurate recording start times, for programmes that have moved out of schedule.

There are a couple of other usability features that are worth a mention. Within the list of recorded programmes there is an option for users to create folders in which to organise their recordings. This is great idea and one can easily set up a folder for a particular series, children’s programmes, movies etc. Indeed each member of the family can have their own folder. Another nice feature is the 4in1 universal remote control for PVR, TV, DVD and AMP. The relevant codes will be included in the manual. As well as the scart cable Humax are also providing a HDMI cable which is nice of them.

The PVR automatically buffers the channel you are watching to the hard drive in order to enable pause live TV and instant rewind functionally. One minor negative is you are not able to retrospectively go back into the buffer and record earlier programmes, as the instant recording button only works at the live point. If you press the record button when in the rewind buffer the machine will tell you the recording will start from the current live position in the programme. This is no big deal but its amazing how having this feature on the Topfield and Humax Freeview PVRs has come in handy.

As this is a freesat PVR the machine is not set up to manage non-freesat recordings therefore we feel this is something worth pointing out. If setting up timers for non-freesat channel recordings is a requirement, readers will probably need to invest in a FTA satellite PVR. Unfortunately they can cost a lot more for anything approaching the same specifications as the FOXSAT-HDR. Having said that, the machine can be set to ‘non-freesat mode’ for watching channels outside of the freesat service, including those on other satellites (motorised dish supported with DisEqC/USALS), and the instant recording button on the remote control will work for those non-freesat channels. The setting up of non-freesat ‘timers’ is not available to the FOXSAT-HDR on release, but could be added at some stage.

The Ethernet port will be used for archiving and iPlayer services at some point after the November release. The two USB host ports on the PVR (one at the front and one at the back) allow users to archive their recordings (which are the transport streams) to a USB hard drive or flash key. It is possible to play or move those recording back to the PVR also. However the PVR on release will not be able to play MP2 or MP4 media. Additionally, Humax have decided the development and licensing of Divx support is not for this particular product. It is worth mentioning that the archiving of recorded programmes to external sources is subject to freesat specifications, therefore if a broadcaster sets a flag to prohibit the archiving of their programme, the FOXSAT-HDR will comply. Other media playback and transfer options are for photos and MP3 music files. There is a 20GB partition created on the PVR for users to add their own photos or music. However you can set the size of the partition to your preference during the set up process.

With the cost of hard drive based satellite high definition recorders averaging around £400-£500, and taking into account Sky’s high definition PVR listing as £399 (with half the user recording capacity) we are on one hand surprised at the £299 price tag for the FOXSAT-HDR. This, given it is ready for IPTV with the forthcoming BBC iPlayer catch up TV application, its future remote network PC connectivity options, and possibly the most advanced UK EPG based recording capabilities we’ve seen. Volumes are not likely to be anywhere near that of the Freeview market, where Humax also provide a standard definition PVR first developed a few years ago for under £200; therefore one wonders how long it will actually take Humax to recover its trailblazing development costs on the high definition freesat PVR. The FOXSAT-HDR will have to be a popular device and fly off the shelves. Judging by comments on forums and retailers it seems the FOXSAT-HDR is set to fly off the shelves. The initial breakthrough price, no-doubt, will help.

Related Artcles: Video: Watch The FOXSAT-HDR Freesat PVR In Action

Humax has joined IMPALA – the International MHEG Promotion Alliance. IMPALA promotes the widespread adoption of MHEG-5 for interactive digital TV by broadcasters around the world. MHEG-5 is a cost-effective and efficient, public standard interactive TV middleware that is used to both send and receive interactive TV signals. It allows a wide range of TV-centric interactive (iTV) services to be deployed.

MHEG-5 also has an active technology roadmap enabling the rollout of new products driven by the need for broadcasters to provide better interactive services. From its early days of providing basic teletext-like services and enhanced interactivity, MHEG-5 now incorporates support for HD, push video-on-demand and support for broadband/IP return channel functionality.

From IMPALA: IMPALA, the International MHEG Promotion Alliance, is delighted to announce that leading receiver supplier Humax has joined as Humax is globally recognised for its pioneering efforts in the digital TV industry, particularly in the digital TV recorder (PVR) market.

Bob Hannent, Chief Technologist, Humax, says:

As a long time user of MHEG and a participant in DTG standards definition for MHEG, Humax is keen to demonstrate its support for this very useful middleware by joining IMPALA

Hannent adds:

After a period overshadowed by much larger interactive middlewares, the smaller size and simplicity of MHEG is now being seen as an advantage by far more than just the UK market. While MHEG has a history of existing in very small footprint boxes it is not just for small applications; its continuing extension for HD and the UK’s Freesat has shown how flexible it can be.

Hannent highlights the interest from international groups in high-end products with embedded MHEG at IBC
2008. And concludes: 

The Humax demonstration of MHEG running on an HD set-top box attracted great interest and the industry is keen to see what else can be achieved with the potential of the broadband interaction channel and other extensions

 Giri Valliappan, Director of Market Development, IMPALA, says:

Humax is a major player in the international receiver market with a tremendous reputation for innovation and quality. We are delighted that the company has joined IMPALA and is highlighting such strong commercial reasons for doing so.

MHEG-5 is a public standard with country or region-specific profiles. Both free-to-air and pay-TV broadcasters are now looking into and deploying MHEG-5 as a low-cost middleware solution for rollout over terrestrial, satellite and cable platforms. IMPALA’s continues to provide guidance and advice to ensure the  standard is adopted and implemented correctly and to expand its reach globally.

The founder members of IMPALA are Strategy & Technology (S&T), Cabot Communications and EchoStar
Europe.

Most of our readers will already be aware that Panasonic are launching a twin HD tuner 500GB PVR with DVD integrated Blu-ray disk recorder in Europe. Due for release starting in France later this month, the DMR-BW500 has been proudly sitting out on display at this summers IFA and  IBC exhibitions. Speaking to journlists during the roadshows M2N Michael Friedrich from Panasonic explains the strategy:

In general to launch a HD recorder the requirement for us is that you have enough free to air content. on air, already available. So that the consumer really can record a lot of content in high definition on their recorder. So in France it became clear already very early that high definition content would be available in sufficient quantity from this autumn. This is why we developed the first model in Europe for France mainly.

With high definition channels now starting on freesat, and freeview HD channels from 2009 – the question is when will we see this recorder in the UK:

So in the UK we are in close discussion with freest. The technology is a bit different that’s why can not simply use the France version. In France its based on DVB-T, the UK version will be satellite. But we are in discussions, and will conclude when it will come to UK soon.

Freesat is the new, free, digital satellite television service from the BBC and ITV. Freesat launched on Tuesday 6 May with free digital channels – television, radio, interactive – plus BBC HD and now ITV HD. Freesat’s channel line-up will grow each month, with up to 200 channels on air by the end of the year.

Freesat will be introducing Freesat+ next month – its digital recorder platform – which includes advanced recording features.  Humax is providing the first available high definition twin tuner PVR with Freesat+ branding around the same time. Metronics have indicated their intention of providing their Freesat+ recorder already and is due to be released in 2009. As ever, we await the official announcements by Freesat and Panasonic UK over the next few months. Lets hope their discussions are fruitful and Panasonic’s vision of the UK freesat PVR version is not too long a wait.

Update: Panasonic Press Response

London, 24 October 2008. Panasonic is actively seeking the opportunities to enter the HD recorder category in Europe as early as possible since we have most advanced technology for Hi-def / Blu-ray recording products in the industry.
Public awareness of the HD recorders that we have introduced in other regions such as Australia and France is growing, and it is understandable for the public to be asking questions about when we can introduce such products in the UK.

We are, of course, studying how to come to market with such products in the UK especially since we have enjoyed leading market share performance in the DVD-R market.

The products that we can launch are dependent on the spec on the respective platforms.  In the UK currently, the most clarified potential for development of such products is on the Freesat platform.
Whilst we can say we are in discussion with Freesat on the matter, and can say that we see good potential for recordable products on this platform, we are not yet at the stage where we can confirm actual merchandise or schedule. There is no concrete information to share at this stage.

To promote the introduction of Panasonic Freesat BD Recorder or other HD recordable products to the UK public at this time via any media could be potentially misleading and we can already see the spread of information on-line that is based on many assumptions.

Humax’s hugely popular Freeview PVR has recently undergone a hardware transplant to offer HDMI output, and the lowest standby power consumption we know of in a PVR. Consequently the model number has changed slightly to PVR-9300t, and a 320GB hard drive is now fitted as standard. The changes are hoped to satisfy current UK consumer demand until Humax can unveil its all new ‘signing and dancing’ high definition PVR when Freeview HD arrives late next year.

But despite its best buy status for UK PVR’s, it seems there is one issue a number of users have feedback to the company: a noisy fan. Ordinarily the fan is turned off during standby; however if the PVR is left on when the TV is switched off, many customers have reported hearing the sound of the fan.

During our conversations with Humax today we took the opportunity to ask them about the fan fitted to their PVR-9300t and PVR-9150t model; and its good news. Humax UK have already asked its engineering division to look into the issue, and as a result a new version of the PVR software has been readied for testing. The changes are designed such that the PVR can control the power feeding the fan while the machine is on.

In house testing will continue together with more beta testers in order to check there will be no adverse effects on the long term reliability of the PVR. If this goes as planned the software will be rolling out to all PVR-9300t and PVR-9150t receivers via an over the air download sometime in the next six or so weeks.

IDGs’ Mikael Ricknäs says Humax showed off some of what it has in store with a demonstration of the forthcoming iCORD Hybrid set-top box at the IFA electronics show in Berlin.

The product name comes from the set-top box’s ability to work for both IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) and satellite TV, which will make it possible for satellite operators to add more data services to their offerings. At IFA Humax is, for example, demonstrating integration with YouTube, a feature aimed at a younger audience. “I don’t think anyone will go into a store to buy it just for the YouTube support, but it will be a nice extra when customers are trying to decide between two models,” said Humax spokesman Frank Scheibe.

Other data-centric services demonstrated are video on demand and photo sharing. Humax is also planning to add support for wireless networking (802.11n) and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), to make it possible for the set-top box to connect to other devices.

Part of the networking functionality in the iCORD Hybrid is also the possibility of using one central set-top box with the main TV, and several simpler set-top boxes connected to other TV sets in the house. Humax’s goal is to solve the problem of getting digital TV to all sets in a household, according to Scheibe, who didn’t want to go into detail about how that will work.

The iCORD Hybrid will become available in the next nine months, according to Scheibe.