Freesat chooses Sagemcom for next-generation boxes

Freesat has confirmed that Sagemcom will be the lead manufacturer for the development of its next generation set-top boxes, due to launch in early 2012.

The UK free-to-air satellite service also confirmed that Humax will be producing new boxes later in 2012.

Emma Scott, managing director of Freesat, said, “Freesat has worked closely with both Sagemcom and Humax in the past and we are pleased to be partnering with them again on our exciting next stage of product development. We have now hit the two million sales mark, beating our original projections and adding more homes each quarter than any other TV platform. An important part of our success to date has been the quality of our technology and the manufacturing partners we work with.”

Separately, Sagemcom and content security specialist Viaccess have partnered to launch a 3D-ready satellite recorder with 3D Blu-ray player and embedded Viaccess conditional access.

Sagemcom’s BPRSI88-250 HD twin-tuner high definition satellite recorder is equipped with a 250GB hard disk and a 3D Blu-ray player. It can play most audio, video and photos formats from the hard disk, the Blu-ray or via its USB port or SD card reader.

The recorder’s Ethernet port makes it possible to access over the top services
Viaccess’ CA and DRM content security solutions have been implemented on receiver to enable the launch of hybrid services combining linear TV delivered via satellite and on-demand content form the internet.