First Freeview HD box hits the market

Humax has commercially launched what is believed to be the first set top box capable of receiving the DVB-T2 transmission for Freeview HD.

Titled the Humax HD-FOX T2, the receiver became available on February 13 at the John Lewis flagship outlet on London's Oxford Street, before being launched to other stores nationwide from today.

The product, which also supports access to Freeview's existing standard definition channels and interactive services, is priced at £179.

Humax UK commercial director Graham North told Broadband TV News that the launch of Freeview HD is a "really exciting milestone" for the UK.

"As the HD transmissions roll out across the UK, millions of homes will be able to view the outstanding quality of HD through their aerial," he said.

"Humax has delivered a high quality, plug and play product for the terrestrial platform with the HD-FOX T2. The addition of USB media playback and home networking capabilities certainly reinforces our position as one of the most technologically advanced digital TV brands."

Freeview HD began live technical transmissions on December 2 at the Winter Hill and Crystal Palace transmitters, covering homes in England's North West and London.

However, the service was not actually accessible for consumers until commercial Freeview HD products, such as set top boxes, PVRs and IDTVs, reached the market.

BBC HD will be available at first, along with Channel 4 HD and ITV HD, a new simulcast of the ITV1 channel. Five HD is expected to follow by the end of the year, with the platform hoping to offer five HD channels in total by 2012.

The BBC has set the target of 50% UK coverage for Freeview HD by the World Cup in June, but anyone considering purchasing the Humax receiver should first check the rollout timetable to avoid disappointment.