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Humax Foxsat-HDR freesat hd recorder 320 g

  • 09-09-2009 11:44PM
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,123 ✭✭✭


    Just wondering if anyone has got one of these freesat boxes. I know u can record one channel while watchin another but my question is does it work similar to a sky+ box, as in can u view foward in the epg and press record button similar to a sky+ box and also does it series link record ?


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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,905 ✭✭✭steveon


    Only provides a proper useful guide when in Freesat mode....not great when trying to record in non freesat mode as guide inst the best...A nice machine but you require 2 feeds from dish for full benefit. Not 2 sure about series link to be honest..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 326 ✭✭marathont


    Yes I have one of these for nearly a year now. Its very good in my opinion. Series link works great, easy to setup just select the item on the epg, and it gives you the option to record it, record the whole series or set a reminder. If its available in HD it will ask whether you want to record it in HD or SD.

    I have never used SKY+ so cant compare, but I have heard its similar.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,297 ✭✭✭joolsveer


    I have both a Humax and a Sky HD and on the whole I prefer how the Humax works. One thing I don't like is you can't delete a programme while recording another.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 269 ✭✭Martin_F


    I've one too. Also finding it pretty good. It can record 2 programs at a time - and you 'may' be able to watch a 3rd depending on which you are recording. Series link works most of the time. I think a firmware update is due in the autumn to fix some of the bugs. Also never used Sky+ so can't compare. Find it easy to use though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,584 ✭✭✭DublinWriter


    We have one and it's the veritable dog's.

    You may need dual-LNBs to record and watch at the same time.

    With a single LNB, you can record and watch stuff from only from the same bouquet.

    The EPG is brilliant and east to use. The only thing you'll miss (or not!) from Freeview is lack of Irish channels.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,744 ✭✭✭✭blueser


    Seriously considering getting one of the Humax boxes to go where the Sky+ box was (in the bedroom; Sky box moved to living room). Just one or two questions about it. I understand there are two USB ports which you can plug an external hard drive into for increased disk capacity. Is there an option when recording, to record on to the external HD as opposed to the box's own? Also, can you set up a similar system to the "magic eye" gizmo that you can plug into the Sky box, for viewing in another room? And is it fairly straightforward to plug in a DVD recorder to it via a scart lead, to copy programmes onto DVD? Sorry for what are probably simple questions to the more "tech-savvy" amongst you out there!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,711 ✭✭✭fat-tony


    blueser wrote: »
    Seriously considering getting one of the Humax boxes to go where the Sky+ box was (in the bedroom; Sky box moved to living room). Just one or two questions about it. I understand there are two USB ports which you can plug an external hard drive into for increased disk capacity. Is there an option when recording, to record on to the external HD as opposed to the box's own? Also, can you set up a similar system to the "magic eye" gizmo that you can plug into the Sky box, for viewing in another room? And is it fairly straightforward to plug in a DVD recorder to it via a scart lead, to copy programmes onto DVD? Sorry for what are probably simple questions to the more "tech-savvy" amongst you out there!
    You can transfer recordings from the hard disk via USB onto an external hard disk (or fast USB stick) and view them on your PC or burn to DVD. You can't configure the box to record on an external hard disk in preference to the internal drive, but you can replace the internal drive with a bigger one, or some people have linked the internal SATA connection to an external drive instead of the internal one.
    No magic eye solution or RF modulator built in, but you could presumably use an external modulator/IR blaster solution via the SCART socket.
    DVD copying via the SCART socket would be possible, but I download to a USB drive and burn DVDs from the digital signal. Can't do that with a SKY box;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,744 ✭✭✭✭blueser


    Cheers for the heads up Tony. I presume the two cables that were connected to the Sky+ box screw straight into the back of the Humax as they are?


  • Posts: 19,205 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    We have one and it's the veritable dog's.

    You may need dual-LNBs to record and watch at the same time.

    With a single LNB, you can record and watch stuff from only from the same bouquet.

    The EPG is brilliant and east to use. The only thing you'll miss (or not!) from Freeview is lack of Irish channels.

    what's the same bouquet? What's a good cheap dual lnb dish option to go with this? is this the best not sky option or any other good boxes out also? (apols for the multiple questions!)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,734 ✭✭✭branners69


    Another happy Humax customer here, I replaced a Sky HD box and a Sky + box with 2 Hummies two months ago and am well happy!

    Yes you just plug the cables into the back and put in a post code. People recommended DT4 7BP because this will give you ITV West County which has a better signal than other ITVs!

    One thing I would recommend before you record anything, format the harddrive removing the 20gb which is set aside for photos and music. Unless you plan on using these features.

    You will find more information here, but dont let the negative posts put you off!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,744 ✭✭✭✭blueser


    branners69 wrote: »
    Another happy Humax customer here, I replaced a Sky HD box and a Sky + box with 2 Hummies two months ago and am well happy!

    Yes you just plug the cables into the back and put in a post code. People recommended DT4 7BP because this will give you ITV West County which has a better signal than other ITVs!

    One thing I would recommend before you record anything, format the harddrive removing the 20gb which is set aside for photos and music. Unless you plan on using these features.

    You will find more information here, but dont let the negative posts put you off!
    Cheers for the info "branners". Wasn't sure if I had read somewhere about putting in a post code to set up the regional variations. I was thinking about putting in a Manchester postcode (my home city) but if the signal is better off the ITV West area, I might have to reconsider! Is that formatting of the hard drive a difficult procedure?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,734 ✭✭✭branners69


    Try the Manchester post code and see if you notice the difference. I lived in Manchester for a couple of years so I have selected BBC North West as my BBC. There is an option in one of the menus where you can change the BBC from being West County to BBC North West!

    The manual explains the formatting process, if you have any problems let me know but I reckon you will be fine.

    As I say I am happy with the box but there is a new firmware update due ( it has been due since the start of the summer!) Hopefully when it arrives it will sort out some of the problems. Problems such as not being able to record what is in the buffer, so if you rewind the programme you can re-view it but you cant record it. As mentioned not being able to delete when something is recording is a pain in the @rse. The series links sometime dont kick in, but that is rare. If you have it in a bedroom the lights on the front are very bright if it is recording something.

    But I really like being able to record BBC HD and watching the football on ITV HD is great too. And of course not giving Sky a cent is a great bonus!

    I got both of my boxes from richersounds.ie, including a 5 year guarantee and delivery I think I paid around €340 or so.

    Any more questions let me know!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,711 ✭✭✭fat-tony


    blueser wrote: »
    Cheers for the heads up Tony. I presume the two cables that were connected to the Sky+ box screw straight into the back of the Humax as they are?
    Yes they do.
    As regards postcodes - I use the Queen's :D Setting the Buck Palace code, gives you BBC1 London and BBC2 England as your home channels. I've found the London postcode gives solid series link info. Some regional channels may not manage their series link and programme start info so well as there are some reports of series link problems with regional variations. If you have an affiliation with a particular region or want to see UTV/BBC NI etc. then the London postcode may not suit.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,744 ✭✭✭✭blueser


    fat-tony wrote: »
    Yes they do.
    As regards postcodes - I use the Queen's :D Setting the Buck Palace code, gives you BBC1 London and BBC2 England as your home channels. I've found the London postcode gives solid series link info. Some regional channels may not manage their series link and programme start info so well as there are some reports of series link problems with regional variations. If you have an affiliation with a particular region or want to see UTV/BBC NI etc. then the London postcode may not suit.
    Good point actually. I'd imagine any of the regions that have large cities in them (London, Brum, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow etc) would probably be fairly well catered for re. series link info. Seeing as I'm from Manchester, if I choose London as my "home" channels, I'm going to need subtitles to understand the cockneys!!!
    :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 269 ✭✭Martin_F


    Choice of region can affect what is left on the EPG if you are recording from 2 of the main channels - for instance - BBC London, BBC2 England, BBC3, BBC4 & Five are all on the same transponder (or they were when I last checked). If you pick an obscure BBC region - it is quite likely the transponder is carrying just other BBC regions.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,744 ✭✭✭✭blueser


    Martin_F wrote: »
    Choice of region can affect what is left on the EPG if you are recording from 2 of the main channels - for instance - BBC London, BBC2 England, BBC3, BBC4 & Five are all on the same transponder (or they were when I last checked). If you pick an obscure BBC region - it is quite likely the transponder is carrying just other BBC regions.
    Didn't realise that. Anywhere on the web that shows what transponder carries what channel(s)?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,559 ✭✭✭Tipsy Mac


    Anyone got any idea what file format it saves files to when transferring to an external hd?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,711 ✭✭✭fat-tony


    Martin_F wrote: »
    Choice of region can affect what is left on the EPG if you are recording from 2 of the main channels - for instance - BBC London, BBC2 England, BBC3, BBC4 & Five are all on the same transponder (or they were when I last checked). If you pick an obscure BBC region - it is quite likely the transponder is carrying just other BBC regions.
    Excellent point :) and worth noting.
    The Humax is well capable of recording multiple channels off one transponder using one tuner, leaving the other free for viewing another programme. I've had three programmes recording while watching something I recorded beforehand.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,734 ✭✭✭branners69


    Tipsy Mac wrote: »
    Anyone got any idea what file format it saves files to when transferring to an external hd?

    The format is TS. You can convert it easily using xvid4psp to avi format then you can edit it using VirtualDub!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,744 ✭✭✭✭blueser


    branners69 wrote: »
    The format is TS. You can convert it easily using xvid4psp to avi format then you can edit it using VirtualDub!
    You DID say any more questions Brannner! So; how easy is it to transfer a recorded programme off the box's internal HD to an external drive? In simple layman's term please, for a simple layman!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,734 ✭✭✭branners69


    blueser wrote: »
    You DID say any more questions....

    I was only being polite :D

    It is very easy to do, most HD stuff wont copy over due to copyright and/or file size. Files over 4gb in size wont copy to external harddrive.

    Plug in your harddrive's usb cable into the usb port on the front of the Humax, it is behind the front cover. You should get a message on the screen along the lines of usb device detected. Then hit the media button and then the opt+ button. Select file manager.

    The left hand side of the screen is your humax the right hand side is you usb device. Arrow to the right and hit the function button then select create folder. Name the folder whatever and then select into it. Go back to the left hand side of the screen and highlight a programme then hit the green button and this should then copy over to the usb device!

    Let me know if the above doesnt work!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,744 ✭✭✭✭blueser


    branners69 wrote: »
    I was only being polite :D
    Polite is good! Cheers for the info. Will try it when I get hold of the box!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 430 ✭✭Aepos


    Hi all you can copy large HD content to USB keys or external hard drives but the drive must be formatted as ext3, The only problem is you have to move HD content back to the main unit to play them and some content will only let you copy across once.

    I have just fitted a Samsung 1TB drive into my Foxsat HDR and it is working just fine, (Komplett.ie - Samsung EcoGreen F2 HD103SI 1TB):)

    Cheers Aepos


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,900 ✭✭✭Apogee


    branners69 wrote: »
    It is very easy to do, most HD stuff wont copy over due to copyright and/or file size. Files over 4gb in size wont copy to external harddrive.

    You can get around the copyright feature on HD material by recording the programmes in non-Freesat mode.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,744 ✭✭✭✭blueser


    Apogee wrote: »
    You can get around the copyright feature on HD material by recording the programmes in non-Freesat mode.
    Is that a simple procedure?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,399 ✭✭✭Kashkai


    I bought my Humax HDR from Richersounds last May and its the best purchase I've made in a long time. Well worth every cent (and all the other cents that I'm not handing over to SKY :D)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,609 ✭✭✭✭L1011


    I've two of them now, cancelled Sky+ as a result. Interface seems overall better, just find the file manager a little strange when you've become used to Sky+ - its done much more like a filesystem

    Curries Enniskillen and Bangor (Wales) are where I got mine, one when they were pricey and rare and one a few weeks ago for quite a lot less!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,900 ✭✭✭Apogee


    blueser wrote: »
    Is that a simple procedure?

    Depends what you consider simple - you first put the receiver into non-freesat mode, and assuming the channel is already tuned in, set the manual timer to record much as you would with a VCR.
    http://foxsat.wikispaces.com/Non-Freesat+channels


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,177 ✭✭✭Barr


    I would like to get one of these boxes as well , wheres the cheapest place to buy one ?


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,559 ✭✭✭Tipsy Mac


    Barr wrote: »
    I would like to get one of these boxes as well , wheres the cheapest place to buy one ?

    Argos have them for £284.99 in the North, this I think is cheapest around but you need to factor in the cost of driving up and back.

    The Humax box is out for I think a couple of years does anyone know if it is due to be replaced soon or if the alternatives now available would be better? I know Argos are selling these three models but there's very little reviews around on either...

    Sagem DTR94250S HD Freesat Recorder 250GB £249.99
    Sagem DTR94500S HD Freesat Recorder 500GB £300
    Goodmans GFSDTR320HD 320Gb Freesat Digital TV Recorder 320GB £280


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