This is the last of my Humax STB reviews for now, but I’ve probably saved the best until last.
This little box is a combination of all that I’ve previously reviewed, it combines the pleasing aesthetics, a sleek UI, internal HDD storage and near perfect picture quality. To create a product which any AV rack would be proud to store, and any TV would be proud to offer a display of.
Pricing
This little number is obviously the more expensive of the Humax STBs, and can be purchased for around about £300. But you may require specialist installation for the satellite dish which may result in more fees, or just a higher price in the shop.
What do you get?
After busting open the box you'll find the rather large Freesat set top box itself, which bears an uncanny resemblance in size to a BD player. Then, of course is the obligitory paperwork, along withremote and batteries, plentifully long power cables and the all important HDMI lead.
After busting open the box you'll find the rather large Freesat set top box itself, which bears an uncanny resemblance in size to a BD player. Then, of course is the obligitory paperwork, along withremote and batteries, plentifully long power cables and the all important HDMI lead.
Setup/installation
The setup process is the same as the FoxSat HD, only difference between the STBs is the DVR capability of this 320GB HDR model.
The setup process is the same as the FoxSat HD, only difference between the STBs is the DVR capability of this 320GB HDR model.
Is it actually any good?
Very much so, I fell in love with it with ease, well not in love, but there was a definite nerd to gadget connection (probably via the remote). I’ll get the downfalls out of the way first, should be quick - Firstly, the UI is less easy-going than the HD-FOX Freeview STB, and it does take up more width on the AV rack; you also have to bear the slow start-up times.
Then of course theres the ups: it looks amazing, it’s obviously not an Apple product, but if it was unibody aluminum, it could be. The User Interface is complicated, but it is very very slick, and has really well developed to look good too. The HD channels are, well HD, and the SD channels are of a similarly good quality when coupled with the satellite dish and the 1080p Panasonic set I tested with. 320GB was ample for my recording needs, even when taking the toll of larger HD recordings.
Very much so, I fell in love with it with ease, well not in love, but there was a definite nerd to gadget connection (probably via the remote). I’ll get the downfalls out of the way first, should be quick - Firstly, the UI is less easy-going than the HD-FOX Freeview STB, and it does take up more width on the AV rack; you also have to bear the slow start-up times.
Then of course theres the ups: it looks amazing, it’s obviously not an Apple product, but if it was unibody aluminum, it could be. The User Interface is complicated, but it is very very slick, and has really well developed to look good too. The HD channels are, well HD, and the SD channels are of a similarly good quality when coupled with the satellite dish and the 1080p Panasonic set I tested with. 320GB was ample for my recording needs, even when taking the toll of larger HD recordings.
Overall, I would strongly recommend it for those of you with slightly deeper pockets. I would even go as far as to say that this is the best buy of all the Humax STBs. However, getting your mitts on one may set you back a small fortune, although you certainly do get what you pay for. This box truly is brilliance, wrapped in a beautifully HD friendly box.
