Freesat is to take a big step forward this week when the first Humax-made set top box running the satellite TV platform's new Free Time TV guide goes on sale.
The Humax HDR-1000S Freesat+ box with Free Time - an advanced electronic programme guide announced last month - will appear in John Lewis, Currys, Comet, Argos, Euronics and a range of other independent electrical retailers on Wednesday (October 17), priced at £279.
This will mark the debut of Free Time, which is designed to offer next-generation digital TV services over the subscription-free satellite platform.
'Free Time' is the biggest redesign of the Freesat EPG in the company's four-year history, and represents a "big step forward" in it keeping pace with the industry.
Free Time users can scroll forwards seven days as with a standard EPG but also browse backwards seven days through programmes already aired, allowing them to catch up on selected content.
The video on-demand offering has the existing BBC iPlayer and ITV Player services in dedicated tabs, but this will expand to Channel 4's 4oD and Channel 5's Demand 5 "before Christmas".
A new Showcase section recommends programmes to watch now, in the future and on-demand.
Alongside the new guide, the Humax HDR-1000S gives access to all Freesat's subscription-free TV and radio channels, including the HD networks.
It supports all timeshift features for pausing, rewinding and recording live TV. The built-in 500GB hard drive allows users to store up to 300 hours of programmes.
Humax commercial director Graham North said: "Free Time is all about simplicity, allowing users to quickly find what they want to watch and effortlessly access it, whether it's live digital TV, or catch-up and on-demand content.
"The future of digital TV is making viewing an easy and flexible experience, connecting broadband and broadcast content seamlessly and through the launch of the HDR-1000S Humax is playing a key role in making this a reality.'
Freesat managing director Emma Scott added: "We're delighted that the new Humax Freesat+ box with free time will be available to buy from this week.
"Since announcing the launch of Free Time we've seen huge interest from viewers who like the simplicity and ease of use of the guide. We have a very successful and longstanding relationship with Humax and expect the new generation of boxes to be very popular."
Following the launch of the debut Humax Free Time receiver, other boxes running the guide from Sagemcom, Philips and Manhattan will follow.
