[Bob_Cat]

Ok,

I have been authorised to unofficially comment on the messages I have had of late. I have been asked many times about the Humax freesat DTR (the technical term that we are using to describe this product, not a product number), better known to you as the intended first freesat HD PVR. Unofficially because we will clarify things with the press in due course through the usual channels.

The complexity of freesat means that we have focused our efforts on developing our first product; the first product is what we refer to as the 'zapper' or a basic HD receiver. This receiver is based on a common platform we have developed which is known to many of you as the iCord and is an evolution beyond. However, because of both the complex requirements for freesat and the freesat extensions to the DTR it has always been intended that the DTR will follow the basic receiver once that is stable.

This means that the final stage of DTR software development will begin after launch of our receiver product and the DTR product will follow in a few months. I am sorry if some of our are disappointed with this, but our priority has always been to ensure we have as stable a product as we can to launch. It would not have been possible to run the two developments in parallel because so many of the DTR elements are dependent on the initial basic box working. We also could not launch a DTR box which just had the basic zapper function and basic DTR functions because this would not meet the required specification.

Resources are always an issue and as good as the UK market is we could not allocate our entire development group just to this one product line. We are now finalising the basic receiver firmware and the hardware is already being gathered into it's kit form (for final European assembly). We have the DTR hardware nailed down for our software team to work on and the team are already planning their next move.

I expect the accusations of being 'late' about a product which was never given a launch date, but I can live with that. This was how it was always planned, but seeing how many people are waiting for the PVR I thought it wise to give notice here. I hope those who have been listening have appreciated how tricky a situation we are in and understand how we must prioritise the work loads. The basic receiver is a good first step and the DTR will surely follow.

Regards,

Bob
Chief Technologist, Humax

[Jarrak]

Many thanks, we all want products to be their best when launched so if it's a case of waiting for the more advanced boxes then so be it.

[Nigel Goodwin]

Originally Posted by Bob_Cat

I expect the accusations of being 'late' about a product which was never given a launch date, but I can live with that. This was how it was always planned, but seeing how many people are waiting for the PVR I thought it wise to give notice here. I hope those who have been listening have appreciated how tricky a situation we are in and understand how we must prioritise the work loads. The basic receiver is a good first step and the DTR will surely follow.

Nice to actually get some information Bob, regardless of the actual content - I can't see as we can accuse it of being 'late', because as far as I'm aware you've previously 'hinted' (if not actualy stated?) that a Humax HD PVR wouldn't be available for launch.

I hold Freesat more responsible than the box manufacturers, as they didn't provide the specifications early enough, so didn't give you enough time.

[Bob_Cat]

Thank you both for the kind responses so far.

I think when anything new is 'anticipated' it can never be delivered soon enough for people. Whatever the spec, we would have developed it at whatever speed it required. However freesat has been anticipated for a very long time in some peoples eyes, commercial realities often dictate something different. We have no regrets, we are happy, happy people!

Bob

[gunerdoo]

Originally Posted by Bob_Cat

Thank you both for the kind responses so far.

I think when anything new is 'anticipated' it can never be delivered soon enough for people. Whatever the spec, we would have developed it at whatever speed it required. However freesat has been anticipated for a very long time in some peoples eyes, commercial realities often dictate something different. We have no regrets, we are happy, happy people!

Bob

Speaking personally I would much sooner have a late Good Box than an Early Bad One

[brattbakkk]

Thanks Bob...........We'll just have to wait then

[bayards]

Gives you faith in a company. I had a Humax receiver years ago when using multi-sat and 1m dish - great receiver too. Thanks for the heads-up Bob.

H

[qpw3141]

I doubt that the 'lateness' will be too much of a problem given that C4/C5 will probably not be available from launch anyway.

[Scrapanatchi]

this means they'll put out a crap box, then perhaps after 1-2 years they will release a firmware update that solves half the issues...

[robbie2]

Originally Posted by qpw3141

I doubt that the 'lateness' will be too much of a problem given that C4/C5 will probably not be available from launch anyway.

Thanks for the update Bob_Cat.

Not so sure about the 'lateness' not being a problem. There is bound to be a lot of hype about watching the Olympics in HD, and releasing the PVR a ‘few months’ after the release of the basic receiver (in late May?) sounds as if the PVR might not be generally available till the end of July/early August.

The Olympics in HD will be a major ‘excuse’ for people to go out and buy a Freesat HD PVR, and if the machines are not in the shops early enough to enable people to watch the games in HD, Humax are going to miss out on a lot of early sales. Me for one!

[Megabird]

Originally Posted by Bob_Cat

I expect the accusations of being 'late' about a product which was never given a launch date,

I like it

I for one would much rather buy a product without the teething problems and bugs.
I am happy to wait until things have settled down.

Buying around Christmas has always been my intention, after first reading about all the woes and problems on these forums .

[derek500]

Originally Posted by robbie2

The Olympics in HD will be a major ‘excuse’ for people to go out and buy a Freesat HD PVR, and if the machines are not in the shops early enough to enable people to watch the games in HD.....

They could always buy an HD PVR from another provider!!

If they like sport, there's not a great deal on FTA HD channels anyway. They'll have the bonus of The Ryder Cup a month later too!!

[patjt]

Bob,

thanks for the update. Quick question...does the basic box have an output I can plug in to my existing DVD recorder and so time-shift that way? In which case it'll do me fine, price permitting :-)

[J L Jones]

[quote=derek500;22668193]They could always buy an HD PVR from another provider!!

/QUOTE]
That's what I now intend to do. The Freesat EPG is less important to me than the ability to record. And I'm not going to buy a set top box next month only to replace it with a PVR a few months later.

I see Bob's position, but it isn't what I was expecting until recently.
Alba/Sagem producing basic boxes, and Humax/Panasonic making HD PVRs. Sagem seem to have dropped out, and no word about Panasonic apart from a possible IDTV.
I wonder if things would be any different if more manufacturers had been licensed for the first six months?

[nvingo]

Originally Posted by Bob_Cat

Resources are always an issue and as good as the UK market is we could not allocate our entire development group just to this one product line. We are now finalising the basic receiver firmware and the hardware is already being gathered into it's kit form (for final European assembly). We have the DTR hardware nailed down for our software team to work on and the team are already planning their next move....

Regards,

Bob
Chief Technologist, Humax

Do you have any call for external beta-testers ?

[barnsleykeith]

I would be very interested in a Freesat HD PVR but it has to work properly out of the box. Anybody remember the Digifusion Freeview PVR (still got mine-works brilliantly now). The left audio played out of the right channel and visa versa. The W/S flag didn't work on programmes copied to DVD disc, The box would hang up on constant hold after overnight updates, the PSU was to weak to give enough power for the box to work properly. Those are just a few of many faults that plagued a design that was a good idea but just didn't work in every day use. I will watch these Freesat threads with a keen eye before I splash out on a unit. Will probably give it 6 months of dedicated operational trials before I decide which one to go for.

[D-J-S]

As a Sky+ owner I am more than willing to wait the time it takes for a good box to be released. As someone has already stated, around Christmas time would be a great time to look at what's available.

[barnsleykeith]

Originally Posted by nvingo

Do you have any call for external beta-testers ?

Same hear. I would really put any device through it's paces and identify any glitches for you.

[Bob_Cat]

The basic box has dual SCART suitable for connection to an external recorder. In fact these products are loaded with connectivity.

Testers I am afraid are usually selected from existing customers who want to play at the bleading edge.

I would again like to thank you for the understanding replies. I don't think you will have to wait too long.

[tanner]

Thanks for your response and time Bob, I indeed hope we won't have to wait long!

[davemurgatroyd]

Originally Posted by J L Jones

Alba/Sagem producing basic boxes, and Humax/Panasonic making HD PVRs. Sagem seem to have dropped out, and no word about Panasonic apart from a possible IDTV.
I wonder if things would be any different if more manufacturers had been licensed for the first six months?

It would appear that Alba are also making an HD box (as well as a SD box) as there is already a test software update being broadcast for it.

[flashgordon1952]

as its april 1st i will read it and think about it\\! I dont know who bob_cat is ? there have been many rumours about freesat equipment but no sign of anything yet ! i am a little surprised he mensions complexity ,how can the HD reciever be that complex they aready make a FTA/V HD reciever how complex does it have to be ? there is only a FREESAT EPG thats the only difference there not even a card reader needed as there is not one the whole point of FREESAT is its free to view . and cant be soft encrypted. yu dont need a card. maybe the recieverwill have a card slot just in case the reciever is used for other satellites.

[jondy1]

yeh april the 1st and more tosh from the chief

[davemurgatroyd]

Originally Posted by flashgordon1952

as its april 1st i will read it and think about it\\! I dont know who bob_cat is ? there have been many rumours about freesat equipment but no sign of anything yet ! i am a little surprised he mensions complexity ,how can the HD reciever be that complex they aready make a FTA/V HD reciever how complex does it have to be ? there is only a FREESAT EPG thats the only difference there not even a card reader needed as there is not one the whole point of FREESAT is its free to view . and cant be soft encrypted. yu dont need a card. maybe the recieverwill have a card slot just in case the reciever is used for other satellites.

You really do not have a clue about this at all do you? I suggest you do a lot more reading on the subject before making such inane comments.

[qpw3141]

Originally Posted by davemurgatroyd

You really do not have a clue about this at all do you?

And apparantly neither do you.

If you do a black box analysis of an HD PVR and relate that to other DSat/DTT equipment Humax make it is very hard to see where this extreme complexity comes from.

The only black box that needs replacing is the EPG handling.

PLus there may be a small amount of work to get the Freesat now/next from the channel stream and junk the Sky crap.

I know a few people here make knowing comments about how difficult it all is but I have yet to see an even vaguely convincing reason given.