If you're waiting to take advantage of Freesat, the free-to-air HD service developed by the BBC and ITV, there's a good chance you're waiting for this:
That's the previously mentioned HD-ready Freesat PVR from Humax and it was officially announced today. The device, dubbed the FOXSAT-HDR, will introduce Freesat+ and bring Sky+ like functionality to Freesat viewers. Armed with twin digital tuners and a 320GB hard-disk drive, the FOXSAT-HDR will allow viewers to store up to 80 hours of HD programming, or up to 200 hours of SD.
Despite having sold 100,000 non-PVR units in its first five months, Freesat is likely to see significant growth after the introduction of a unit that'll provide recording, rewinding and live pause functionality - all features that many viewers are now accustomed to.
FOXSAT-HDR will be available to buy in mid-November at an expected retail price of around £299 - with no subscription fee and a slow roll out of Freeview HD, it could be the cheapest means of recordable high-definition TV this Christmas.
Users should, however, be aware that a satellite dish is required and installation is not included. Further details can be found at freesat.co.uk.
Official press release: FREESAT+ LAUNCHES WITH HUMAX FOXSAT-HDR IN NOVEMBER 2008
