Humax has revealed that its first Freeview HD PVR - the HDR-FOX T2 - will be launched in July priced at £349.
The surprise announcement concedes that the long-awaited receiver won't be available to consumers ahead of the 2010 World Cup, a key period for audio/visual sales.
Taking a step up from the existing HD-FOX T2, the HDR will add a second DVB-T2 tuner, allowing users to watch one channel whilst recording another.
Equipped with a 500GB hard drive and an eight-day electronic programming guide (EPG), the box will store up to 125 hours of HD video and can also playback content held on external storage via a single USB port. An Ethernet port is also included to make use of future over-the-web services such as BBC iPlayer.
Humax claims the receiver "continues our reputation for delivering easy-to-use, high-quality products," but the manufacturer's inability to deliver the HDR-FOX T2 in time for the football World Cup - coupled with a high £349 asking price - may push consumers toward rival services.
