Interface and usage
As far as PVRs are concerned, Humax's FOXSAT-HDR is fairly straight forward in use. If you're familiar with the ability to pause, rewind, or record live TV, you'll feel right at home here.
As with most other PVR solutions, the FOXSAT-HDR has a familiar on-screen format, including a media library and a seven-day electronic programming guide (EPG). As Freesat's top-end offering, it's also equipped with a few nice touches.
When choosing to a record a programme that's also available in HD, the box will automatically ask if you'd prefer to record the higher-quality broadcast. Similarly, if recordings clash, it'll automatically scan to see if the same programme is scheduled to be aired at an alternative time. Both very welcome features, as is the ability to skip forward in chunks of two minutes - ideal to navigate your way through pesky advertisements.
It isn't all good news, however, as the user experience is some way from faultless. First and foremost, pressing the "guide" button takes you straight to a list of genres - a familiar occurrence on Humax devices, and one that although changeable, continues to baffle those expecting to see what's on without multiple presses.
Once in the EPG, it becomes evident that the FOXSAT-HDR's interface is clear and functional, but it's far too dull for our liking. With just the occasional splash of colour, it's a largely grey interface that does little more than make a mockery of high-end screens that live to achieve vivid colours or deep blacks.
You'll find little to be eye-popping - or even mildly pleasing - in this interface, and it isn't helped by the fact that the live TV that's supposed to play behind the transparent overlay takes a while to appear.
Finding programmes to record, however, is easy enough - and unlike Sky's current EPG, full text search is available and proves to be mighty useful.
Unfortunately, the numerous features to like are interspersed with numerous frustrations. For instance, the FOXSAT-HDR doesn't appear to be able to automatically manage its storage capacity. Although able to store up to 200 hours of SD or 80 hours of HD, it won't automatically delete recordings to make room - that's left to the user to tidy up.
Elsewhere, the EPG doesn't have a filter to allow you to view only your favourite channels - somewhat negating the feature completely. Speaking of the EPG, it also doesn't highlight HD programmes in line, instead opting to display a symbol in the top-right-hand corner - for big-screen viewers, this means a lot of looking around for information that should be kept central.
Don't let all the above put you off, though. Despite the occasional frustrations and the feeling of "that could have been done a little better", the FOXSAT-HDR is more than adequate in terms of functionality and if you've not yet experienced a PVR, this is one that'll have you hooked.
Of course, there is a little something else that helps make up for some of the interface frustrations... high-definition material.
