With the World Cup in South Africa kicking off in less than a months time and HD TV really becoming a standard for viewing I’ve been playing Humax’s offering for viewing HD content  via Freesat the FOXSAT system.

As a subscription free view way to view HD and record it cannot be faulted! A twin tuner allows you to record and watch upto 2 channels simultaneously and then store them on the 320gb hard drive which allows about 200 hours of standard definition and 100 hours of high definition recording which is plenty.

A notable and truly wonderful feature is the ability copy shows from the hard drive onto a memory stick and then watch them on your computer (with the right software). A feature rarely seen on recorders and in an age where netbooks are becoming ever more popular and laptops coming with HDMI support it’s a blessing, sadly this is on available with standard definition recording due to copyright but nether the less still a great feature.

The user interface  is second to none and is extremely simple to use with recording completed with a few button presses. The layout is simple but gets across all the information you need and playback of what you have recorded is just as simple.

Currently only 2 HD channels exist on Freesat BBC HD and ITV HD and more a being launched over 2010 and 2011 will be the key to it’s success.

Most importantly the picture quality is stunning  in both standard and high definition I’ve had it running on a Sharp LC46LE700 and the picture was crisp, colours were sharp and sound clear. This was all run off the HDMI cable included in the box a very nice touch.

Quite frankly I can watch the BBC HD preview channel all day as it is stunning and I have recently thoroughly enjoyed the re runs of life the quality that you get from HD just makes you feel as if you are on Niue Island swimming with the Niuean sea snake. The world cup is also going to be broadcast in HD a prospect which has really got me going, because once you watch a programme in HD you can’t go back!

In the box is also included are a remote, HDMI cable, batteries, CD user manual and a scart lead ( a bit of an odd inclusion seeing as this box is built mainly for HD).

Over the years what has really got to me is the ridiculous amount of packaging with electrical items a) because it is a real nuisance disposing of it and b) it is a massive drain on our environment. In this department Humax scores highly with simple easily polythene covering the box and accessories and cardboard to hold it all together.

I have had this system in my living room for about a month now and it is fantastic. So easy to use I’ve even shown relatives who struggle to operate even the simplest of technology know how to record and playback. Personally my favourite function of this machine is the ability to transfer media to my laptop albeit a little complicated to get going but now it’s an absolute breeze.

For those wanting HD broadcasts but no recorder Humax have also done standalone HD receiver with no hard drive or twin tuner.

In about one year I will have made up the difference between the cost of the box and my old sky subscription. I miss the sports channels but that’s what pubs were made for!