The EPG is clear and easy to use, and there’s also a search option which lets you browse by genre, or even enter a keyword. If you experience problems with the keyword search – it made the box stop responding to the remote in my initial tests – Humax has recently released a firmware update that I can report fixes this issue.
The programme guide is easy to use, with a genre and keyword search function
Recording conflicts are handled simply, with clear on-screen messages
Still, some interface niggles remain. It looks very slick and friendly, but the thumbnail previews of recordings take up lots of space on-screen, so you can only see five items listed at a time; I’d prefer at least the option to see more, especially as the hard disk fills up. It also takes a while to delete recordings.
And, if you’re playing a current recording from the media list and use the skip function to catch up with live TV, then the box returns to the media list, and the channel you were watching beforehand – which might not be the one you’re recording.
Set a recording, and you’ll often be prompted to record other recommended programmes
The media list is clear, but you can only see five items at a time
Those quibbles aside, I had no problems with missed recordings, as starts and stops were accurate and timely. Also, conflict handling is handled clearly, without confusing the user. Besides the planned TV portal, Humax says the box will be capable of streaming video to other Humax boxes later this year – much as the Panasonic DMR XW-380 can – and eventually, that may include other equipment too.
COMMENTS
Could say the same about a lot of kit.
Are there any 100% trustable PVRs?
Wiping recording schedule - didn't they fix that?
Paris beacause...
one of the screenshots shows a BBC programme called "An American in Paris". But then knowing her, that does not narrow it down a lot.
RE: YMMV
I agree...my wife didn't understand why I bought it but she can't live without it now. We rarely resort to watching live TV and albeit for the initial problems (which were fixed with OTA firmware updates) has worked perfectly. I'd buy another Humax...this one looks a tad expensive at the moment though.
DRM
All programmes on Freeview HD can be recorded; there's nothing to stop that.
The content controls are designed to prevent copies being made elsewhere, but not to stop actual timeshifting.
There are devices with BluRay or DVD recorders, like the Panasonic DMR-XW380 which I reviewed here not too long ago - but in my view they're a compromise, and designed more as a disc recorder with twin Freeview tuners than a PVR.
YMMV
You must have been unlucky, my 9200 is the best gadget I've ever bought. It's not that it's never given us a problem, but they've mostly either been issues that have been fixed or have been when I haven't followed the instructions (reverting to default settings after a patch etc.). It's more than made up for those by being simple to use and doing what it says on the tin. Or in fact more, with the improvements to the functionality that were rolled out later. Now if the powers that be could only get on with turning off the analogue signal to the south-east and boost up the digital power I'll be very happy.
