Freesat have confirmed that their PVR/Digital Television Recorder named “Freesat+” will be launched in November.
A Humax Freesat+ device has been announced that features a whopping 320GB hard drive which can store up to 80 hours of HD programming, or up to 200 hours of standard definition shows, while the eight day on-screen electronic programme guide makes it easy to scan the Freesat TV schedule and plan your viewing.
The Humax FOXSAT-HDR also has twin Freesat HD tuners which enables you to record one channel whilst watching another. The box will be available Mid-November, and retail around £299. For more information, please look at Humax’s Freesat website.
Freesat also confirmed that it will be “increasing its number of manufacturers and retailers”, and of course it will be “launching more exciting new channels and services every month”.
The BBC has commenced DVB-T2 test transmissions in preparation for the launch of high definition services on Freeview.
The tests, which are being conducted from the Guildford transmitter, follows the approval by the DVB Project of the DVB-T2 specification, an improved version of the DVB-T standard currently used for digital terrestrial transmissions in the UK designed to increase capacity and thus permit the carriage of high definition services on the platform.
Plans announced in April by broadcasting regulator Ofcom will see multiplex B cleared of its current standard definition services, converted to use the DVB-T2 standard to increase its total capacity, and used for the carriage of BBC HD and other public service broadcasting offerings by the end of 2009.
BBC Research and Innovation is conducting the test transmissions in partnership with National Grid Wireless and Arqiva. It is also developing a modem compliant with the newly-ratified DVB-T2 standard.
Justin Mitchell, who leads the DVB-T2 modem development team for BBC Research and Innovation, said:
“We are delighted that our team in collaboration with our partners has been able to deliver such a key piece of technology in such a short timescale. This is a big step forward in enabling the introduction of full HD terrestrial on Freeview by the end of 2009.”
After the launch of Freesat, we have had a few emails asking what exactly “HD” is. We’ve compiled a guide for you to help you understand.
What is HDTV?
High definition (HD) offers picture quality with four times more detail than standard definition (SD) TV delivering vibrant colour, stunning detail and incredible depth. It’s the ultimate way to watch your favourite movies, TV programmes and sporting events and it’s going to blow you away!
High definition television, or HD TV, is a new standard that delivers higher picture quality and better sound than traditional TV technology. Put simply, older flat screen TVs support current standard definition TV broadcasts, DVD players and games consoles but they can’t reproduce the higher picture quality of the new generation high definition programming.
How Does It Work?
HD TV or high definition television offers the highest picture quality available today. Instead of using the conventional 625 lines to plot a TV picture, HDTV uses 720 or 1080 lines. In addition, the pixels in each of those lines are closer together. This results in a hugely improved picture quality, clarity and colour definition. HD also uses millions more colours than SD TV, increasing the richness and intensity of everything you watch. Most HD programmes and movies are also created with cinema-style surround sound, that you can experience in full with a compatible surround sound system.
Freesat have confirmed that their PVR/Digital Television Recorder named “Freesat+” will be launched in November.
The BBC has commenced DVB-T2 test transmissions in preparation for the launch of high definition services on Freeview.
After the launch of Freesat, we have had a few emails asking what exactly “HD” is. We’ve compiled a guide for you to help you understand.