Frequently Asked Questions about the Humax Foxsat HDR

Why should I buy a Humax Foxsat HDR instead of SKY?

With the Humax Fox's HDR you can:-

*Provided accurate data is broadcast with programme.

What is Freesat Satellite Service?

Freesat is a free satellite TV Service and a free radio satellite service which was created by the BBC1 and ITV. There are over 140 free to air (FTA) channels broadcast by Freesat, including two High Definition channels; BBChd and ITVhd. There are plans in the future for Freesat to broadcast Channel 4 and 5's high definition channels.

Can I store manually searched channels in the Freesat mode?

Unfortunately no, the limits on the manual tune mode are due to the Freesat EPG Pvr. In Freesat mode, the pvr firmware is set up for Freesat. Freesat broadcasts separately the program details for all Freesat channels. You will not be able to hack pvr. In the non-Freesat mode, the humax freesat hd PVR has to make its own program guide from the information broadcasted by the channels themselves. Normally this only covers what is showing now and next, but the service will vary. The box can only store one EPG, for example the freesat epg, which is why you lose the Freesat EPG when you do the manual tune. Please bear in mind, the Humax Foxsat HDR 320GB pvr was designed and built for the Freesat service, so you will have reduced functionality for manually scanned channels.

Can I get Freesat in Caravans?

If you want the benefit of having Freesat in your caravan you can. Provided you have the correct satellite dish installed on your caravan that will pick up Freesat television, you will be able to watch Freesat TV in your caravan. The Humax Fox's Freesat PVR will work in a caravan provided it has a power supply.

What is included with the purchase of your Humax Foxsat HDR 320GB pvr 320gb freesat box?

The Humax Foxsat HDR 320GB pvr comes with a users manual, a quick starter guide, RCA cable, scart cable, HDMI cable, a remote control and batteries.

What buttons and connections does the foxsat hdr 320gb freesat unit have?

There are options on the front panel for standby, TV, radio, menu and guide. There is also a USB port and a CI-Module slot. At the back of the Humax Foxsat HDR 320GB pvr are various connections for different uses. There are the two satellite connections, audio, video, TV & VCR scart, SPDIF, HDMI, USB port, ethernet and an on/off switch.

What is the CI Module slot for on the Humax Foxsat HDR for?

The CI-Module slot is for inserting a CI-Module and a smartcard into the freesat hdr. This is so that you can access channels that are decoded and not free to air. You will need to own or purchase CI-Module and smartcard/Freesat card separately. The CI-module slot is for a card and CAM (conditional access module). These are both available from companies that sell premium channels (such as Setanta). If you find a service that you want channels from, they will provide the card and CAM.

Availability of the Humax Foxsat HDR 320GB pvr

The Humax Foxsat HDR 320GB pvr arrived in our stores on the 20th November 2008. It sold out almost immediately with reports of 300 being sold in 6 minutes. Some retailers have already raised the price from 299.00 to 349.00. The decrease in VAT from 17.5% to 15% on 1st December 2008, has led some retailers reducing their price to 289.99.

Will the Humax Freesat HDR work with my existing satellite dish?

Yes. However the Humax Freesat HDR requires two cables from your satellite to get the twin tuner part to work. It is recommended get your satellite engineer to fit a quad LNB to allow for further expansion. Two cables (or more) can be run from one satellite. If you have a standard installation you will probably only have one cable running from the satellite. I f you haven't got two satellite cables running from your satellite dish but still want to use your Humax Foxsat HDR 320GB pvr you can use the loop through method, but bear in mind that you won''t have all the functionality of the Humax Foxsat HDR as the loop through method is generally used with standard set top box PVRs. The loop through method involves the signal cable being looped through the PVR, allowing pause and rewind of TV programmes and play back functions. This is fully explained in the instruction manual.

How do I set up the Humax Foxsat HDR 320GB pvr?

Setting up the Humax Foxsat HDR 320GB pvr is easy. When you first install the Humax Foxsat HDR 320GB pvr you can set the language, screen ratio, display format and resolution. Once the Foxsat HDR has detected Freesat you can enter your postcode whereupon it will search for channels.

Can I get other free to air channels on my television with the Humax Foxsat HDR 320GB pvr 320gb?

Yes, but you can only get other FTA channels in the non Freesat mode. To get the non Freesat mode you need to select the manual tuning option in the start up menu. [Menu>Settings>ok>STB Mode>ok, and the ? button to choose Freesat or Non Freesat. There are instructions on how to do a manual tune in the instruction booklet. It may be that there are no other FTA channels.

Does anyone else, apart from Humax make a freesat hdr?

Not at the moment; currently Humax are the only manufacturer that is providing a Freesat hdr (foxsat hdr).

Can I get Freesat in France or Spain?

Yes, provided that the satellite dish is large enough and has been installed correctly.

Can I receive SKY's free to Air Channels (FTA) with the Humax Foxsat HDR?

Yes; your sky card can be used in the Humax Foxsat HDR CI Module slot. This can be bought separately. This will give you give you Channel 4, Five, Five Life, Five US and Sky 3.

Why should I choose Freesat instead of Freeview received via a TV aerial?

Because there are more HDTV channels with Freesat. Freeview television is recieved through a digital set top box/PVR. In the future Freeview will broadcast HDTV but not until analogue TV is switched off. However there will still be less HD channels because of the large bandwidth required. Freeview has about 40 channels whereas Freesast has over 140.

What is the technical specification of the Humax Foxsat HDR 320 gb PVR?