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Review: Humax FOXSAT-HDR: subscription-free HDTV heaven?

by Parm Mann on 17 April 2009, 16:59 4.45

Tags: FOXSAT-HDR, Humax

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Installation and remote control

Installing the box breaks down into two categories. Those who don't have a satellite dish will need to arrange to have a dish installed or choose to fit one themselves. Fortunately for us, we already have a dual-LNB dish in place so we're in the second category - just wire it up.

Setting up the box - with a pre-installed dish - is as easy as it gets. With both LNB inputs, a HDMI cable and the mains power cable connected within minutes, we were ready to go.

At boot, the FOXSAT-HDR setup wizard helps users get up and running. After detecting the satellite LNB, it simply asks the user for a postcode to determine the region and it'll then find all available channels. Piece of cake.

Throughout the setup wizard, and from here on in, you'll be making use of the FOXSAT-HDR remote control, and it's a mixed bag.

Although smart-looking, the remote is crammed with buttons and finding your way around the remote in the dark isn't easy - particularly with so many similar-sized buttons and small text labels.

On the other hand, the number of buttons are there for a reason - the remote can be configured to control other pieces of AV equipment, too, such as a TV or DVD player. Useful for some, perhaps, but we prefer a nice, simple and small remote for TV viewing - the traditional Sky remote being a prime example.

Humax, it seems, doesn't agree and the FOXSAT-HDR remote is quite large - measuring almost the same as a full-size remote for a Pioneer plasma screen.

Another notable quirk with the remote is that its range is frustratingly limited. If you're not pointing directly at the box you'll be pressing buttons to no avail. An unfortunate oversight, we feel.