Details are very hard to come by at the moment and nothing can be currently found on their website, the receiver we understand though will carry the freesat badge so will have a compliant EPG, HDMI, Optical, ethernet port connections etc though.

It is also rumoured that they are planning to produce a high definition freesat PVR/DTR as well, this will bring competition to Humax who are the only other manufacturer known to have one in the pipeline as the Alba group who manufacture the Goodmans, Grundig and Bush freesat set top boxes are not currently planning on producing a PVR to our knowledge.

Metronic is a subsidiary of HF Company and was established in France in 1988, Metronic LTD was established in the UK in January 2007.

It has been enabled to allow the HDPC (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) protocol on the HDMI connection, as HDCP can not be implemented on the component output it has to turned off, HDCP’s purpose is to “protect high definition content during transmission from a source device to a display device”.

This was part of the freesat specification from the start and is the same protection used on Blu-Ray DVD’s and used by Sky Digital on some programmes.

As most people have connected there receivers and TV’s via HDMI as freesat has advised from start most people will not notice any difference.

Humax has today launched the FOXSAT-HD digital set-top box, enabling UK TV viewers to watch subscription-free high definition (HD) content through the new Freesat digital TV service. Available in a black finish, the FOXSAT-HD offers a range of innovative features and enhanced interactive TV services to provide the ultimate way to watch Freesat HD TV.

A joint venture from the BBC and ITV and launched on 6th May 2008, Freesat offers access to over 80 digital TV and radio channels for a one-off payment which covers the cost of a Freesat digital box, satellite dish and installation. By opting for the Humax FOXSAT-HD digital box, connected to an HD Ready TV, viewers can also immerse themselves in the very best of HD programmes from the BBC and ITV subscription free.

Getting started with a Humax FOXSAT-HD box couldn’t be simpler. The HD box comes complete with an HDMI cable, scart cable, remote control and batteries, and the four step set-up wizard ensures installation is quick and easy. The fully-featured, seven day electronic programme guide (EPG) has been designed to enable users to organise and plan their TV viewing at the touch of a button. Viewers can search for programmes or channels by genre using the intuitive ‘find’ function, set up reminders for favourite shows on the schedule planner, or set up groups of favourite channels.

 

Other key features of the FOXSAT-HD include:
Advanced digital text and interactive services
One HDMI slot for transmission of amazing high definition pictures and surround sound audio to an HD Ready TV
Low power consumption – less than 1watt in standby mode and an automatic standby function, so the box shifts to standby mode if inactive
Improved standard definition pictures on an HD Ready LCD TV
Parental controls – so access codes can be set to prevent children watching inappropriate content
Audio description services for the blind or visually impaired and one-touch subtitles
Two scart sockets, for connecting other equipment such as a DVD recorder
Dolby digital audio output
The Humax FOXSAT-HD also comes with an Ethernet port, which is not currently enabled but will ensure Freesat viewers can take advantage of future interactive services and, in the longer term, enable users to receive additional content via IP.

Graham North, commercial director, Humax, commented: “The launch of Freesat is an exciting milestone, bringing subscription-free HD programmes to almost every home and providing a new way for TV viewers to embrace the UK’s switchover to digital. Humax is committed to delivering high quality products across cable, terrestrial and satellite platforms and the launch of the FOXSAT-HD for Freesat reinforces our position as a technologically advanced digital TV brand that is at the forefront of the UK TV sector.”

The Humax FOXSAT-HD will be available to buy from John Lewis, Comet, Argos and Currys and key independents from 6th May 2008, priced from £149.99. Installation will be charged as extra at point of sale. For more information about the Humax FOXSAT-HD, including detailed product specifications, please call Humax on 0870 247 8800 or visit www.humaxdigital.com/freesat.

Specifications

Receiving HDTV signals (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 and MPEG-2)
Under 1W power consumption in standby
HDMI – digital interface for perfect transmission of picture and sound
Simultaneous playing of transmissions over HDMI, YPbPr or Scart*
Easy installation and operation
Resolution format: 1080i, 720p, 576p, 576i
DVB-S2 and DVB-S compatible
Ethernet support
Full colour, high resolution electronic program guide
Dolby digital audio output (S/PDIF)
Automatic software upgrade via satellite
Improving SDTV on a HD LCD TV
Audio description / One touch subtitle
Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth): 280 x 45 x 200mm
Weight: 1.5kg