Humax to launch first Freeview Play set-top box

Set-top box supplier Humax has said it will be the first manufacturer to deliver the new Freeview Play connected TV service later this year.

The Humax Freeview Play boxes will support HD content and feature built-in Wi-Fi for wireless broadband connectivity to access Freeview Play’s range of catch-up services, which includes BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, 4oD and Demand 5.

Three built-in tuners will provide advanced recording functionality alongside the catch-up and on-demand services, according to Humax, with the option of 500GB and 1TB built-in hard drives for up to 300 hours and 600 hours of storage space, respectively.

Further details on the price, features and specifications of the Humax Freeview Play boxes will be made available in the coming months.

Freeview unveiled Freeview Play, its new connected TV platform, last month. It said that the service would be available in a range of new TVs and set-top boxes, while individual manufacturers will be responsible for any deals to bring additional catch-up and online services such as Netflix to the platform.

Panasonic has already announced that it will incorporate Freeview Play in its new 2015 line of smart TVs. Freeview has also said that Vestel will launch a range of Freeview Play products. 

Graham North, commercial director at Humax, said: “The launch of Freeview Play marks a significant milestone moment in the UK’s broadcasting industry and our role as the lead set-top box manufacturer further reinforces the long-term relationship between Humax and Freeview. Our new range of set-top boxes will bring advanced recording features that compliment catch-up TV, on-demand services and live television, to offer an exceptional Freeview Play experience.”

Ilse Howling, Managing Director, Connected TV at Digital UK, said: “Humax is an exciting addition to the line-up of leading manufacturers supporting the launch of Freeview Play. Its new range of set-top boxes will offer the perfect way for viewers to bring all of the benefits of connected TV to their existing set, free from subscription.”