Hi

Firstly Happy New Year

I have been pondering getting a HDR-1000s but not 100% convinced with the feedback also not fussed about Freetime due the having a very limited broadband connection. So now looking at the Foxsat HDR.

My main questions are:

1. Is the picture quality of the Foxsat and HDR-1000s the same? Does Foxsat upscale SD content too?

2. Can you still buy the Foxsat new anywhere?

3. Would you recommend it?

Thanks in advance, I'm a previous toppy 5800 owner and loved using custom firmware which I understand is possible with the Foxsat?

Rich

As a Foxsat owner for the last 11 months, since ditching Sky, I can answer some of this.
1. Without seeing an HDR-1000S & Foxsat connected to the same TV it is difficult to say if the quality is better on one or the other, they're both very good. Yes the Foxsat will upscale to 1080i or 720p or whatever you select.

2. Argos still list them.

3. I would wholeheartedly recommend them, particularly with the custom firmware.

1. The HDR-1000S (set to1080p) is much better on my Philips TV than my Foxsat set to its max output of 1080i. This could depend on your TV's upscaler if you allow it to output origional.

2. Decreasing availablity.

3. I would recommend both - both have minor niggles - the Foxsat UI looks very dated and is quite slow. Perhaps the Foxsat has less niggles currently but I doubt these will be addressed as they are very minor. I expect the HDR-1000S/freesat G2 issues to be addressed in the near future..

Thanks for the quick replies much appreciated.

Main differences, picture quality is better on my TV with the newer box but not massively

G1 Foxsat-hdr transfer of recorded content to usb is possible, SD recordings are standard mpeg2 transport stream files with mp2 audio. HD recordings can also be copied to usb but if recorded in freesat mode they are encrypted and will only play back on the Foxsat that recorded them. If recorded manually in non-freesat mode then the content is not encrypted. The files are H264/AVC 1920 x 1080 with ac3 audio (2.0 or 5.1). Files larger than 4GB require the usb device to be formatted linux EXT format.

Adding the custom firmware adds a dnla server to the Foxsat and FTP access to the recordings as well as adding the capability to record non-freesat channels from any satellite you can point a dish at.


Streaming content to the box isn't possible, replay of external video requires conversion of content to create extra support files (AV2HDR)

G2 Box

Is much more locked down than the G1 box, unlikely you will see custom firmware for it.

It does come already with a DNLA client built in that will stream content from your network and also will replay content directly from USB. There's no DTS-HD passthrough so best audio you can use is ac3 5.1. A DNLA server is promised with the capability to stream even encrypted HD content to a DTCP-IP capable client.
Other than the current range of Humax boxes, HDR FOX T2, HD FOX T2 and the HDR-1000s these aren't yet very common.

The G1 box will of course add CH4 and CH5 catch up soon.

agree wi all the above, but i am sure u mean the G2 box will add CH4 and 5 catchup soon

Thanks - yes of course

Cheers Graham for the detailed reply all good stuff and also for the info about HD recordings. I have been reading about Raydons custom firmware which look great too.

Not too fused about streaming to the box, was lucky to get a new Samsung Smart tv for Xmas which streams fine for everything I need to use it for.

Thanks again for everyones replies

I`ve found the managers specials to be excellent value for money. EG the Foxsat HDR 500Gb is only £149 at the mo.

They come with a full warranty and look like brand new. I got a 320Gb model about a year ago and never had any problems with it.

These deals do change from time time to time so it`s best to keep checking whats on offer.

http://www.humaxdirect.co.uk/prodCat...ctory&type=sat

Thanks for the tip Beberex, £150 is excellent value will definitely check these out.

They were on sale/special offer/clearance at my local John Lewis Home store at Poole, Dorset yesterday @£199.00

I have had one of these units for 2/3 years and have only just plucked up the courage to consider connecting it to the Internet to see what advantages and services are available. Two main questions that I would appreciate some help and advice with please:-

In the settings menu there are a bewildering number of details to enter under 'Enabling Ethernet' connection. With a BT Wireless Router I hope that all the settings details are to be found on the key if I try to connect via a patch cable. Homeplugs I have had no joy with so far!

BT don't seem to dock your monthly Broadband allowance for the daily update of the EPG when using 'Youview' (yes I know its Terrestrial/Freeview) so does the same service/functionality apply to the use of the Freesat EPG?

Thanks for any help folks

The only setting you need if you have a connection to your router is to select DHCP (homeplug or direct cable). The box should then get a IP address from your router.

This will give you access to

901 BBCi player (View Only)
903 ITV Player (View Only)
907 Boxoffice365 (View Only Pay IP Service)

Any data downloaded will be counted as part of your broadband limit (if you have one). Not sure what you mean about the epg

Using the custom firmware add on creates a lot more capability from the box.

http://www.avforums.com/forums/frees...-part-3-a.html

I'm ex BT and worked with BT Broadband service

If by this statement you mean the set-top box provided with the BT Vision service, then yes you are right. The use of BT Vision service is excluded from adding to your BT Broadband bandwidth usage for billing purposes. However, any other non BT product that uses Broadband such as a Humax will contribute towards any monthly Broadband usage allowance that may be applicable. Yes I agree, that BT is using its position as an ISP to gain what some might consider an unfair competitive advantage.

Thanks for the help and info. Graham

Why do people refer to the hacked software as custom?

Admit what it is... HACKED ... :

Depends if you are meaning in the true original meaning of the word or the pejorative meaning it subsequently was given by the ignorant?

Best ask the Murdochs that question, I am sure they will be able to tell you

It's not hacked, the original Humax firmware is untouched. Using the box from the remote is the same as always.


The so called custom firmware runs on top of the Humax settop application. It adds extra functions, using the open source Linux system used by the box.

Hence the add on

Think of a Windows PC running a freeware software package, it doesn't involve hacking windows, it does extend what the PC can do.

If you bought a Rasberry PI computer you can use it as a H264/AVC encoder by adding custom software. What's the difference ?

The house manager will not tolerate the idea of a long patch cable connecting the Foxsat HDR to the router! The AV Equipment is downstairs and the Router is upstairs in a house with only some carpets to hide the wire.I have tried to connect using a Netgear Universal Wi-Fi Adaptor WNCE 2001 but have no idea what Ethernet settings to enter in the set up box of the Foxsat. Once again its help time from you long suffering fellows please?

You shouldn't have to enter any. It automatically picks it up.

Unless there's some reason you need to set it up manually?

Normally the default of using DHCP to set them from your router is all you need.

@not007

I too have my wireless router upstairs and the AV kit downstairs as you do. I have used Homeplugs to successfully connect the HDR to the internet. The data transfer rate is much higher than a wireless connection and you don't have to use that 10m long ethernet cable from upstairs. I use a pair of 85Mbps Powerline Ethernet Adapters bought from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Max-Value-Po...7579278&sr=8-1

Just to update everyone from my original post. I purchased a 500Gb Foxsat HDR on Ebay for a good deal.

All setup and custom firmware on! Loving the custom web interface and set it up for remote access plus a few other good packages. Definitely recommend it!

Only minor gripe is the boring screensaver, not sure if it's possible to change this?