Had a reply to an email I sent to Humax regarding the HDR-1000S and when it would be available.Their answer was next week with next day delivery from their online store.

I doubt it as it was made very clear to me by the Freesat guy at IBC that Freesat does not encourage use of the non-Freesat mode as this is detrimental to the channels paying for their inclusion on the Freesat EPG. That is why switching to non-Freesat mode and back is such a bind. Basically they have to provide fta viewing under EU regulations but they don't want to encourage it.

With regards to the backwards EPG feature can somebody explain whether the feature is like the normal 7 day epg whereby you see the whole guide on the screen in an "as it was" format or do you have to go to a sub menu and choose the channel and scroll through the vertical timeline as is the case on the Foxsat?

I hope this makes sense but I originally had TiVo (before moving house) and the catchup service was portrayed like a normal epg and I believe the YouView service is very much along the same lines.

I currently don't like the Foxsat iPlayer version but I appreciate it will be different.

The Freesat <freetime> backwards EPG feature shows the programmes which are available to watch via catch-up. This is better than the YouView menu which actually lists all the programmes over the past week a lot of which are not actually available to watch.You access it by going left from the normal EPG. This new EPG initially only just shows now/next which is handy for instant information and you click right to get to the full EPG or left for the 'earlier' backwards EPG. See the Freesat website for details and a video of how it all works:
http://www.freesat.co.uk/freetime/

I thought the you view catchup epg showed a little icon and a brighter font to indicate a programme is available on catchup?

Yes but YouView show all the programmes <freetime> only shows what is available so more meaningful IMHO. Only disadvantage with <freetime> is that AFAIK the seach facility does not operate on the backwards EPG only on the current and future programmes. I was lead to understand that the YouView search engine on the other hand only works on the Scrollback TV function (on demand and catchup TV) and not on current and future programmes. But I may be wrong on this.

I have YouView, and you are correct. The search engine does only work on catch-up.

Chris.

As I tried to tell people (oh I sound like a grumpy old man!) you should really try both for yourself before buying - there are major differences and quirks.

Myself, I can't imagine why anyone would pre-order a box that no one has seen the final software for. Compare the pre-release hype with the post-release trashing of YouView on DS. I hope Freetime is better, but given that it currently only gives the same two catch-up services as are already available on the HDR, I just don't understand why anyone would want to pay a premium to get one now. Is it worth the extra money to experience the software before everyone else has helped to find all the bugs?

Cheers,
David.

2Bdecided...... how can you try a YouView box? My local Currys and Comet dont have them available to try or I would.

I understand what you are saying about the only 2 services available are iPlayer and ITV Player though.

I guess you have You View? If you do - any comments?

Got an email from Currys yesterday advising me that the new Humax 1000S would not now be in stock until October 8th and offering me a refund if I wished.

I don't have YouView myself, but this thread describes the first box very well...
http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1706789
...especially the first few pages.

Cheers,
David.

I have had a reply from Humax stating that the box is being released into their online store and subsequently shops next week but they could only say between 24th - 28th.

Slightly confused now though as Currys are telling me 8th October onwards.

I can only assume that they give their own retail orders priority. After all they will achieve a higher mark up on a retail customer. I got the 8th of October message from Currys also.

I was also told next week for direct orders from Humax. Will be ordering as soon as it becomes available. Just glad I cancelled my order with Comet,as they are also quoting 8th October.

I was fortunate to be chosen as a trialist when YouView was first aired. Enjoyed the experience,but found the box to be so limited. Then heard about <freetime> and decided to eBay the YouView box to raise funds for purchase of the HDR-1000S. I'm really looking forward to the new box arriving,as what I've read so far points to it being really good. Roll on!

Anyone know what happened to the Manhatten G2 box? I thought they were lead partner?

At first when I heard freesat wasn't getting YouView, I was a little disappointed, but it looks like it's lot better. And none of this delay upon delay and management change bollocks YouView suffered from either!

I've got a horrible feeling YouView will become a bloated mess.

<free time> on the other hand looks pretty damn good, and it sounds like the Humax <free time> box will do lots of things we needed Raydon's firmware to do with the old Humax.

I hope it's also hackable.

I know the point of YouView is simplicity,but it is so bland,whereas <free time> with its brilliant programme guide and menus looks so slick. Although the RC looks similar to the YouView one,it has differences such as one touch access to recordings,tv guide,list etc. I really think <free time> will be a winner,and YouView will fade away.

Do you already have a <Free time> box then?

I think he saw this <free time> on freesat's site.

That is excatly the same as TiVo and it works quite well as you can generally have a vague idea when something was "roughly" on to go searching for it.

I am guessing then that the new G2 spec for Free Time catchup is like the current iplayer version on the Foxsat?

After having a reply to an email sent to Humax last week stating they would have stock of the HDR-1000S sometime this week, I rang them today for an update. Surprise,surprise they will not now have stock until next week. And what will happen next week...........

Perhaps their boat will arive?

Could well have sunk already.

Perhaps I should have said their ship will come in.