Humax HD-FOX T2
Review The Humax HD-FOX T2 was the first Freeview HD box to go on sale. It’s a sturdy unit, with a metal case and - along with the Icecrypt - a built-in power supply.
The front panel has enough buttons that you can do most things without the remote – which itself can be programmed to control other devices too.
Where the Humax excels, though, is in its extra functionality that's integrated into it. There’s DLNA and USB media playback already - though so far only standard definition AVI files. A forthcoming update is set to improve the range of playback formats the HD-FOX T2 supports, as well as adding access to Sky Player.
The update will also bring the box the ability to record programmes to USB-connected drives.
The HD-FOX T2's interface is straightforward – not too dull, not too flashy – with a clear EPG that also includes a search option.
There is, though, an annoying quirk in the current software – changing channel selects the left audio only, and you need to switch back to stereo manually. Hopefully, the promised firmware update will fix this as well as boost the box's functionality.
Verdict
A good all-rounder, and while media playback is a little limited at the moment, that's set to improve in the near future. ®
Next: i-Can EasyHD
COMMENTS
Nothing Confirmed...
Reading the reviews of the current FHD boxes, I was attracted to the Humax HD-FOX T2 at £139 from Amazon because it mentioned a firmware upgrade would be offered to fix current issues and to allow recording to an external USB hard drive. I have a spare 320GB WD drive. I contacted Humax and asked when this bug fix and update would happen. This is what they replied:
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Hi
There is nothing confirmed on the future updates of these units, once the information on the update has been released it will be posted on the news section of our website - www.humaxdigital.co.uk,
Many Thanks,
Humax Customer Support
0844 669 8800
Mon - Fri: 9am - 5:30pm
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Best not bother since they don't seem bothered either. There is no doubt that HD is the way forward. I'd prefer a PCI-e card or dongle but none on offer yet. I'd hoped for F1 to be HD but Bernie Eccles Cakes says no since not enough interested in it. Not surprised give Humax retarded attitude. The firm with the imagination to set the scene it will clean up.
Don't do it!
I can shorten this review significantly - don't buy any of it! These are still at early adopter prices, the sort of money you'd once have paid for a standard Freeview box when they were new - you know, those boxes that you can now pick up for £20. The HD service itself is very limited at the moment and won't roll out to many areas for another couple of years, by which time these boxes will be substantially cheaper and £170 will by you an HD personal video recorder, not just a dumb set top box.
Don't be a mug, save your money and stick with SD Freeview for now.
Humax
Wow! That Humax has the worst EPG I've ever seen...
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