The first set-top boxes to support the next-generation of Freeview have gone on sale today.
First announced last year, the new Freeview Play service connects to the user’s broadband service to offer integrated access to popular catch-up players such as iPlayer and ITV Player via a scroll-back TV guide.
The service also includes access to the full range of Freeview channels, including free-to-air HD channels from the BBC, Channel 4 and ITV.
Made by STB specialists Humax, the FVP-4000T has three built-in tuners allowing TV fans to record up to three shows at once and comes with a choice of 500GB (£199.99) or 1TB hard drives (£229.99) for up to 300 hours or 600 hours of recordings respectively.
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The device comes in a new compact design with a leather-look top available in two different colours: ‘Mocha’, with a dark brown top, silver band and black base; and ‘Cappuccino’, with a brown top, gold trim and white base.
A future update will also add support for Netflix, allowing users access to the service’s growing library of films and original TV shows.
Graham North, commercial director, Humax, said: “The new FVP-4000T range for Freeview Play gives viewers the options they want from a TV service, whether that’s on-demand viewing, scrolling back the TV guide to catch up on missed shows, playing back recordings or watching live TV.
“By combining seamless wireless connectivity with the advanced features of the Freeview Play service into one box, Humax continues to lead the UK’s subscription-free set-top box market.”
Guy North, Freeview’s managing director, added:“We believe that Freeview Play is set to become the new normal way of watching TV and it’s great news that with this launch Humax is giving even more viewers the opportunity to experience it.”
