PVR UK: PVR (Personal Video Recorder) and DVR (Digital Video Recorder) news, reviews and how-tos for the UK (including Sky plus, TiVo, MythTV and Freeview)

Humax launch twin-tuner PVR

Humax's PVR-9200T (or DuoVisio) is a Freeview twin-tuner PVR with a 160GB hard disk (up to 100 hours of recording). Intriguingly, the blurb on the unit says "With USB2.0, Duovisio allows MPEG A/V file transfer between Duovisio and a PC. Duovision allows viewer to enjoy digital photos on a large TV screen or to listen to MP3 files downloaded from a PC", which sounds very interesting indeed. Full details on the Humax web site.

Review: Humax PVR-8000T/80

The Humax PVR-8000T/80 is a single tuner Freeview PVR with an 80-gigabyte hard disk (enough for about 40 hours-worth of recording). It's been around for a while (in a 40Gb version), and although (as with most early PVRs) it gained a reputation for having a few bugs, the software has been updated and can now be considered mature enough to have any "quirks" ironed out.

 

The PVR-8000T/80T does all the things you would expect from a Freeview PVR:-

• Pause and play with button during A/V watching.
• Fast Forward & Fast Rewind in various speeds.
• Jump to live program.
• Slow Motion to Forward & Backward in various speeds.
• Automatic rewind for a time and play with button (Instant Replay).
• Time shift recording for 30 Minutes Repeatedly.
• Recording live channels and stop.
• Recording reservation in EPG information.
• Recording reservation with setting start time and duration.
• Play back of recorded services with Trick play modes.

One neat feature the Humax has is the ability to search for programmes by entering some text i.e. find all upcoming episodes of Little Britain in the EPG by typing in 'britain' using the remote. I was also impressed by Humax's technical support:- I wanted to ensure I was using the latest software so tried doing an upgrade as it said there was one available over the air. Unfortunately, another manufacturer had an upgrade available that conflicted with the Humax's, so it wouldn't work (the PVR-8000T/80 sensibly did not load the wrong software). I rang their tech support and got straight through to a helpful person who told me that they knew of the problem and that a proper Humax update would go over the air the next day. The update was successful!

The PVR-8000T/80 did everything I expected - I set and recorded programmes from the EPG, was able to pause/forward/rewind live TV. It was a fairly uneventful experience, which is how it should be. I am quite sensitive to noise, and although the Humax did rattle the hard disk a bit at start-up, once in normal mode it was unobtrusive inside my video cabinet. It was definately a bit noisier than the Inverto or TiVo though.

The PVR-8000T/80 is however, a 1st generation Freeview PVR - it only has a single tuner, so you can only watch or record one programme. The thing that surprised me was that you cannot watch a previously recorded program while recording - my Inverto can record 2 programmes while I watch another! Unless you have a TV with a built in Freeview decoder or already have a seperate Freeview decoder, I suggest you look at one of the newer twin-tuner PVRs. Humax do have a twin-tuner PVR of their own coming out soon, the PVR-92000T, and we hope to get hold of one for review.

The Humax PVR-8000T/80 is available from around £130.

Humax combined TV/PVR

Humax have announced a combined 32" LCD TV and PVR. The  LGB-32TPVR will cost around £1700 and offer 40Gb of hard disk capacity. The TV's main features include:-

• 16:9 Wide Digital and analog / PVR complex LCD TV
• Digital 2 tuner PVR (Personal Video Recorder) function
• Analog and DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) reception
• USB 2.0 port connection compatibility without extension HDD
• Interactive communication via MHEG or MHP middleware
• Recording digital channel, analog channel and external AV input.
• Multiple Screen - Loaded with PIP and DS (Dual Screen) functions
• Virtual Surround audio: Multi-functional SRS TruSurroundXT
• PC grade WXGA Video resolution support (1280 x 768)
• VESA Standard Wall Mounting Support (not including bracket)

Coming soon: Humax PVR-8000T/80 review

We have received a Humax PVR-8000T/80 for review. It's an 80 Gb version of the popular PVR-8000T Freeview PVR (single tuner), and we'll be putting it through it's paces over the next week or so. If you have any specific questions you'd like answering, add them here, and we'll do our utmost to answer them.

Humax to upload 7-day EPG upgrade to its Freeview boxes

Humax has announced that it will soon be delivering an over-the-air download for its Freeview receiver boxes that will make them fully compatible with the BBC’s new 7-Day Freeview Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) - trials of which have recently been extended to Greater London via the Crystal Palace receiver. Humax is keen to point out that it’s one of just three manufacturers to offer 'EPG ready' Freeview receivers – and adds that if you live in Greater London and own a Humax PVR-8000T hard disk recorder you could soon be able to use its EPG-based one-touch recording feature.

If you’re wondering why an over-the-air download is necessary to use the EPG on Humax receivers at all, Humax claims its down to recent changes made by the BBC in the profile of the transmitted data. Apparently this can cause current models in the field to experience some limitations in receiving the EPG, such as information being slow to load or failing to display complete schedules. Humax will update its software on all products in the field later in the summer, ahead of the BBC’s promised national EPG trials.

Source: What Video Widescreen Entertainment Online.

Humax PVR-8000T software upgrade

If your PVR-8000T is having trouble coping with the new 7-day EPG (count yourselves lucky if you can receive it!), then Humax have some updated software available. Humax tech support have posted this...

The software to resolve the EPG issues is now available directly from Humax (uksupport@humax-digital.co.uk).

If you are in an area that can receive the 7 days EPG then please contact us regarding the software.

In regards to the other updates we are still getting them in place, whenever I have the software I will be able to comment on the issues that have been resolved. There will also be a new manual available from our website to coincide witht he new software (and this manual will be created by our UK office).

Latest information is that the MHEG 1.06 software will be available at the end of May, if so we will then transfer this to our software and then release on our HCSA website and via OTA in June.

Best regards

Humax support

The version number is 1.00.11.

So who are Humax?

Humax have made a big splash in the UK over the last year, with their PVR-8000T proving very popular. Reports from "the trenches" suggest that their quality of engineering, not just in the hardware, but in the reliability of their software, is very good. Add to this the ease with which hard disk capacity can be upgraded, and they have a winner on their hands. The Korea Herald reports on where the company came from...

Korea's leading maker of set-top receivers moves from obscurity to survive

Kim Jang-yong, co-chief executive of Humax, is a desperate man taking a leap of faith.

He is reinventing his company of 370 employees into a digital television manufacturer, putting him on a collision course with corporate titans like LG Electronics Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co.

But Kim is confident. In fact, he thinks Humax's technology is superior and has no doubt that he will succeed.

How a company transformed itself from a venture startup in 1989 to a global player spoiling for a severe challenge is a story of unnoticed success at home. It also reflects the risks small Korean technology companies are taking just to survive as economists and officials urge more export diversity.

Humax began in 1989, the brainchild of seven engineering Ph.D. students at Seoul National University. Until late 1990s, it was known as a small supplier of CD karaoke and video CD players.

Then it switched to set-top boxes - the electronic devices designed to decode signals so that conventional televisions can receive digital satellite broadcasts.

It joined a wave of Korean digital set-top receiver makers, who now account for an estimated 10 to 12 percent of the global supply. While Humax is the No. 1 seller in Korea, it is relatively obscure because of the low level of digital TV penetration here. Humax is in fact more European than Korean.

"Digital set-top boxes can become the backbone of the economy in the future. Korean set-top box makers have become a dominant player in the global market," said Na Ghi-hwan, assistant director of the digital electronics industry division at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy. "Humax is such a nimble competitor."

Market prompts change

Still, worldwide demand has not reached critical mass, leading to a price war and low profit margins. Around 70 out of 100 Korean set-top boxes manufacturers have recently gone out of business, according to the Commerce Ministry officials.

That has also prompted Humax to tap into the lucrative but slowly growing digital home appliance business.

"We're desperate for something new to replace our growth engine," said Kim, who is in charge of the company's digital TV business.

"The digital TV market is still in an infant stage. Any company with competitive technology and reputation could become a big player. Why not us?" said Kim, a marketing expert who joined in 1997 from Samsung Corp.

Humax PVR-8000T Questions and answers

Radio and Telly Forums have a long-running thread about this popular Freeview PVR. One of the posters has had a long and detailed reply to many questions he had regarding the PVR-8000T. It's refreshing to see a company taking such efforts to support customers... (answers in italics)

1. Deleting recordings. I like having to enter a password to do this. However, it is too longwinded. Instead of having to first disable protection (minor point - should say enabled and disable, not enable and disable which suggest the opposite of what they mean!) and then delete, there should be a simple option to click delete and then enter password.
1. The deletion method for recordings is to be amended in the next software release.

2. Lip Sync permanently wrong on a recording of Friends, Ch4.
2. This problem is to be addressed in a future software release. We believe it may be due to a compatibility error with our software and the MHEG software (Interactive software).

3. Cannot stop one recording and start another at the same time - need to have a minute's gap.
3. We may change this in the future to allow the starting of one recording at the same time as the end of another.

4. Automatic buffer needed from EPG. Simple click should add a buffer of 1, 2, or 5 minutes to beginning and end of recording to avoid cut-off. When this causes programmes to clash, the Humax should automatically drop the buffer and start/stop at the scheduled time.
4. We will be waiting until the 7 Day EPG is released by Freeview before make any changes to the recording methods.

5. Pick up program name from EPG when manually programmed. This should happen after the first five minutes as I usually set recording to start slightly early.
5. Again this will be looked into after the release of the EPG.

6. Faster population of EPG.
6. Again this will be looked into after the release of the EPG as we are developing the software to populate quicker.

7. Ability to record the "now" program from EPG, not just the "next" one. I often turn on and find the last program still ending or adverts/trailers, but the EPG has already changed and will not allow me to record from it. Also, I would often be happy to miss the start of a program and record the rest.
7. Unfortunately as the PVR takes the start time from the Actual EPG, it is not possible to use this method to record a programme that has already started.

8. Ability to save the last half hour of cached programme so that it can be permanently recorded instead of just available in timeslip mode.
8. This will be added to additional features that may be included in the future.

9. Is there a problem with screen resizing on Ch 4 (14:9)? - only seen on trailers so far.
9. There is an issue with Channel 4 and ITV 2; these channels are not sending the correct display information. To resolve the issue you can use the WIDE button on the remote control to change the Screen format.
(note by SC: this can’t be used once the program is recorded…)

10. On the trick play menu, the options for replay last 7 seconds and forward 30 seconds seem to have the icons reversed. Clockwise would generally mean forwards and anti-clock backwards… This is subjective and not everyone agrees...
10. Thanks for the info, but this will not be changed.

11. Maybe I need to read the handbook, but this seems a longwinded way to achieve trick play - by the time I have done 7 second replay it is too late.
11. To use this feature please press the Play button, then using the arrows select the correct icon and press OK.
(note: as I say, easier to just press rewind… S.C.)

12. When watching current recording in timeshift, it is annoying that the replay suddenly stop when the recording ends and dumps you back to live viewing.
12. We may change this in the future so that the playback continues after the recording has finished.

13. There is nearly 2 hours of cached material available on my machine. However, if I rewind this far and start watching I lose the sound soon after. If I stop and restart I get the sound back. I understand that this is exceeding the design brief of the machine, but it would be nice if it was fixed.
13. Please remember that this is a Low Entry PVR so there are limits to the features. We will look at this to see if we can find a solution.

14. Can we bookmark certain points in the recording for quick access.
14. This model does not have Bookmarking features at the current time, but it is something that may be added in the future.

15. Bookmarks could be used to edit recordings. I have some 30 min programs that I recorded with instant record and left running, so I have 2 hours of recording. It would be nice to edit out the unwanted 90 minutes and resave.
15. We do not have any plans to release any editing features on this model. What we do plan to include is a Recording step method when you press the Instant record buttons, each time it is pressed it will increase by 30 minutes intervals.

16. When jumping to a new location on the recording timebar there is only a graphical representation of where you have dragged the pointer to. It would be nice to see the time displayed too, e.g., 15 minutes 30 seconds so you could exactly jump to a particular point,
16. This will be added to additional features that may be included in the future.

17. View previous recordings at the same time as recording a new program.
17. This feature is being developed and if it is stable and works correctly will be released.

18. To view the disk usage (e.g. 60% used) I have to go to the same screen as Format disk. This makes me nervous… I hope the Format option is password protected
18. Yes, if you want to Format the HDD you will be prompted for a Password.

19. Trying to switch off my TV using the multipurpose remote I accidentally pressed the standby button and it switched off the PVR. It was recording at the time. Recording stopped. There should be a confirmation box before this drastic action takes place.
19. We will try to amend this in a future upgrade.

20. Manually label recordings at the reserve recordings stage. At present this option is not available until the recording is complete.
20. We do not have any plans at the minute to release this feature as the 7 day EPG is to be released in the next few months, the recordings will then take the name from the EPG.

21. When the Menu is opened it cuts off the picture and sound. It would be nice if they continued in the background. (note - there is a current "feature" which allows this during recording playback. Press the speaker item on the remote, which allows you to swap the Left and Right speakers. The recording continues to be visible and audible. Then press menu. The menu background is transparent and you can edit recordings or set up recordings while still watching the recording. However, eventually this leads to a lockup in the system which needs a hard reboot to fix).
21. We will not be able to allow viewing while in the menus. But we do plan to allow you to access the EPG guide to set future recordings when you are playing a recording.

Humax PVR-8000T hard disk upgrades

A few people have asked how to upgrade their shiny new Humax PVR-8000Ts. If you are one of those, you'll be pleased to hear that the PVR-8000T has a reputation of being as easy as it gets. Just swap the hard drive and use the menus to format the new drive...that's it! A particularly popular drive for this upgrade seems to be the Maxtor 120Gb Diamondmax Plus 9 which has "Quiet Drive Technology", making it suitable for use in your living room. It's available from retailers such as Scan and Dabs for around £65.

Got any experience of upgrading your PVR-8000T or questions? Just click on the Comments link and add your thoughts...

Humax, Tivo and the UK

Rumours that Humax were investigating launching a Tivo-based PVR in the UK have been circulating for some time, probably due to this news from the USA

Humax, an international leader of digital satellite set-top box manufacturing, disclosed details of its plan to sell DVRs and DVD recordable products powered by TiVo. Humax has licensed TiVo-technology that will be incorporated into a full line of digital video recorders and DVD recordable products. In the start of the second quarter of 2004, Humax will introduce two standalone TiVo Series 2 DVRs consisting of an entry-level 80-hour model and a step-up 250-hour model.

Later in the third quarter, Humax plans to deliver two combination DVD recordable models integrated with TiVo's best-of-breed service and robust features including home networking capability, progressive scan output and DV input.

From emedialive.

When Humax UK were contacted about the possibility, they replied with

Dear Customer,

Thank you for your kind interest in Humax products. We are aware that there are 18000 subscribers in UK using Tivo olution.

Kindly note that we are currently in discussion with Tivo about entering the UK market.

We have yet to decide whether the product should have DVD-recordable, or Freeview Terrestrial tuner, or just simple HDD-recording function.

Are you a subscriber of Sky or NTL (or other cable) or do you watch Freeview, or are you just interested in a new Tivo-powered HDD-recordable machine? Do you think the current Tivo subscribers will upgrade their machine if new product appears?

Your feedback is most welcome.

It all sounded so good that Digital Spy Forums even started a poll on what sort of features this possible product should have. A lot of people (myself included) got excited at the prospect of a twin Freeview PVR with Tivo software.

Unfortunatlely, it all seems to have been a mix up. In a statement from Dale Heathcote, Humax UK's commercial director, the company said that it "wishes to make it very clear that it does not have a relationship with TiVo in the UK. Humax has licensed TiVo and will launch TiVo products in the USA; however, the company has no current plans to introduce a TiVo product in the UK in any format at this time.”

Sad news for Tivo fans, indeed.

Humax PVR-8000T reviews roundup

Interested in this Freeview PVR?
It's one I've been keeping my eye on, and I've found the following useful:-

Radio and Telly forum : There is a very good (and long!) discussion and series of reviews of this box. Quite a lot of detail of people's experiences of this unit, and various ways of optimising the setup.

What Video and Widescreen Entertainment concludes

The PVR-8000T is very easy to use, offers exceptional recording performance and boasts a few extra treats to entice you further. But the biggest asset is its price – £200 is a small price to pay for such an impressive and convenient unit that lets you forget about videotapes. It would be unfair to compare the PVR-8000T’s functionality and price with that of the Pace Twin because of the Pace’s extra tuner. But the Humax easily matches it for ease of use and recording quality.

On this evidence, the step-up PVR-9000T (launched later this year) with its twin tuners and interchangeable hard-disk will be a real thorn in Pace’s side.

Read the rest here.

idTV also has a review.