'Freesat HD with freetime' box from Humax launches in UK

Next-gen user experience platform now available on low cost zapper box

Freesat, the subscription-free satellite TV service, has today announced the launch of its new Freesat HD with freetime box, further bolstering the products available with freetime built in. The freetime box is manufactured by Humax and will be available to buy from the 12th September from retailers including John Lewis, Currys PC World and a range of independents. The shelf price will be in the region of £99*.

Freesat’s freetime service launched to great acclaim a year ago, bringing new features to Freesat, including a Roll Back TV guide that lets viewers ‘turn back time’ to watch programmes that have already been on, ‘Showcase’ providing daily TV recommendations and enhanced On-Demand.

The new Freesat HD with freetime box allows viewers to tune into over 180 free digital TV and radio channels, six of which are available to watch in HD, with more to come in the New Year. As part of the freetime family of products, the new box offers the full set of the UK’s top On-Demand players – BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, 4oD, Demand 5 and YouTube. The new compact box provides all the key benefits of freetime to viewers wanting to choose a stylish, value option or those looking to add freetime to a second or third room in their home. Freetime products that also offer intelligent record ability are already available in-store and online.

“The new Freesat HD with freetime box is a natural extension of our award winning TV service, and it’s great to build on the popularity of the service, “said Matthew Huntington, Freesat’s Chief Technology Officer. “It’s a product we’re really proud of, offering the popular benefits of freetime such as Catch-Up and On-Demand TV, including BBC iPlayer, 4oD and YouTube, via a slick TV Guide which rolls back in time and also gives recommendations on what to watch.”

Graham North, Commercial Director of Humax, commented: “The affordable Humax HB-1000S brings the seamless freetime TV guide to cost-conscious consumers, opening up the opportunity for more people to benefit from this leading subscription-free satellite service. It offers the first low-cost option for the freetime range, without compromising on the performance and quality that TV viewers expect from Humax and Freesat.”

Freesat is growing the freetime features’ set over time, including a remote record and remote control app for phones and tablets as well as the introduction of additional movie and music services.

* prices may vary depending on the retailer.