Humax Launches Freesat HD Digital Box

(6 May 2008) Humax has today launched the Foxsat-HD digital set-top box, enabling UK TV viewers to watch subscription-free high definition (HD) content through the new Freesat digital TV service.

Available in a black finish, the Foxsat-HD offers a range of innovative features and enhanced interactive TV services to provide the ultimate way to watch Freesat HD TV.

A joint venture from the BBC and ITV and launched on 6th May 2008, Freesat offers access to over 80 digital TV and radio channels for a one-off payment which covers the cost of a Freesat digital box, satellite dish and installation. By opting for the Humax Foxsat-HD digital box, connected to an HD Ready TV, viewers can also immerse themselves in the very best of HD programmes from the BBC and ITV subscription free.

Getting started with a Humax Foxsat-HD box couldn't be simpler. The HD box comes complete with an HDMI cable, scart cable, remote control and batteries, and the four step set-up wizard ensures installation is quick and easy. The fully-featured, seven day electronic programme guide (EPG) has been designed to enable users to organise and plan their TV viewing at the touch of a button. Viewers can search for programmes or channels by genre using the intuitive 'find' function, set up reminders for favourite shows on the schedule planner, or set up groups of favourite channels.

Other key features of the Foxsat-HD include:

• Advanced digital text and interactive services
• One HDMI slot for transmission of amazing high definition pictures and surround sound audio to an HD Ready TV
• Low power consumption - less than 1watt in standby mode and an automatic standby function, so the box shifts to standby mode if inactive
• Improved standard definition pictures on an HD Ready LCD TV
• Parental controls - so access codes can be set to prevent children watching inappropriate content
• Audio description services for the blind or visually impaired and one-touch subtitles
• Two scart sockets, for connecting other equipment such as a DVD recorder
• Dolby digital audio output

The Humax Foxsat-HD also comes with an Ethernet port, which is not currently enabled but will ensure Freesat viewers can take advantage of future interactive services and, in the longer term, enable users to receive additional content via IP.

Graham North, commercial director, Humax, commented: "The launch of Freesat is an exciting milestone, bringing subscription-free HD programmes to almost every home and providing a new way for TV viewers to embrace the UK's switchover to digital. Humax is committed to delivering high quality products across cable, terrestrial and satellite platforms and the launch of the Foxsat-HD for Freesat reinforces our position as a technologically advanced digital TV brand that is at the forefront of the UK TV sector."

The Humax Foxsat-HD will be available to buy from John Lewis, Comet, Argos and Currys and key independents from 6th May 2008, priced from £149.99. Installation will be charged as extra at point of sale.

About Humax

Humax is one of the world's largest manufacturers of digital set-top boxes, exporting its products to over 90 countries across the globe. The company has built a solid reputation as a leading supplier of high quality, feature-rich digital TV products, including Digital Television Recorders (DTRs), high definition (HD) set-top boxes and HD-ready integrated digital TVs with built-in PVRs. The company headquarters and R&D facility are based in Korea, with offices in Dubai, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US.

About Freesat

Freesat is the new TV service providing subscription-free digital television to everyone in the UK. It offers over 80 TV, radio and interactive channels, including High Definition (HD) services from the BBC and ITV. Freesat is a not-for-profit organisation and is a joint venture between the BBC and ITV.

(source: Humax)

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