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Twin Tuners	HDMI Upscaling	Chase Play	Pause and Rewind live TV	EPG
Picture in Picture	Series Recording	Power Consumption

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Twin Tuners

The Humax PVR 9300T features two digital tuners. This is essential really if you don’t have a separate freeview box or your TV doesn’t have a built in Freeview decoder and you want to watch something live other than the program you’re recording. The twin tuners on the Humax let you :

• Record one program while watching another
• Record two programs at once while watching something you’ve already recorded
• Record two programs at once while watching another live channel as long as it’s on the same Multiplex (MUX) as one of the programs you’re recording.

You can find a list of channels available on each Multiplex here.

HDMI Upscaling

The PVR9300T can be connected to an HD ready TV with a HDMI cable (one is supplied with the recorder) and the output can be upscaled from 576p to 720p. So although this isn’t full HD you’ll get better picture quality and colour consistency . If it’s a full HD Freeview recorder that you’re after then why not take a look at the Humax HDR-Fox T2.

Chase Play

The Humax 9300T lets you chase play – if you are recording a program you can also watch it at the same time. This may on the surface sound a bit pointless, but what it means is you can set a program to record then start watching it after it’s been on – say 30 minutes – then you can whizz forward through the advertisement breaks or any boring bits. And at the end of the day you don’t need to watch it all the way through – it’ll be on the hard drive for you to finish watching whenever you want to.

Pause and Rewind live TV

Another feature that comes to the PVR9300T courtesy of Freeview+ is that you can pause and rewind live TV. The recorder constantly buffers whatever channel you’re watching (up to a maximum of about 2 hours) so you can hit pause and go and make a cuppa, press play when you get back and you won’t miss a thing. You can fast forward through the ads and rewind just like on a VCR. You’ve got to be little careful here though – if you accidentally switch channels or exit the pause function when you didn’t mean to then the contents of the automatic recording buffer will be deleted.

Electronic Program Guide (EPG)

The 8 day EPG is easy to use and well laid out and is the place to be for one touch program recording. It has one downside however – it can take up to 13 minutes to repopulate after the recorder’s been powered off or put on standby.

Picture in Picture (PIP)

The PVR9300T has a natty picture in picture feature which lets you watch two channels at the same time either side-by-side or one in a small box in the corner of the main screen. So you can keep everyone happy and watch Britains got Talent and The Voice at the same time.

Series Recording

The series link is a great option – where the machine records a whole series and automatically adjusts timings should the programme schedule change – even if it moves to a different day ! A pop up appears to give you this option any time you select a programme to record from the EPG and the machine detects a series link. Only downside is you need to make time to watch everything that’s recorded !

Power Consumption

According to the Manufacturer the 9300T uses at most 26 Watts when in operation and a very reasonable 0.9 Watts in standby mode.

What’s in the box ?

Humax PVR9300	Remote Control	User’s Manual	Quick Guide
Batteries	HDMI Cable	SCART Cable

Specifications

Brand	Humax
Model	PVR 9300T
Features
Freeview
Freesat
Twin Tuners
Standard Definition (SD)
High Definition (HD)
Hard Disk Size	500Gb
Maximum Recording Hours	300
Electronic Programme Guide	8 days
Pause live TV
Pause and rewind/fast forward
Accurate Recording
Series Recording
Alternate Recording
Split Recording
Connections
Scart Sockets	2
HDMI	1
RF Input	1
RCA Audio (L & R)	1
RCA Video	1
S/PDIF (digital audio)	1
CI Slot	1
RS-232C	1
General
Dimensions	360 x 50 x 245 mm
Net Weight	2.9Kg
Power Consumption in Operation	Max 26W
Power Saving in Standby	0.9W

Analogue BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5 were turned off permanently last night at the Tacolneston transmitter group. The final switchover means that 96% of homes in East Anglia can now receive digital TV through an aerial – up from 57% when the process began in the region.

The changes affect existing Freeview viewers who may find some of their channels missing this morning. The services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes.

Viewers in some areas may also find their digital TVs or boxes load more than one regional service. Advice on prioritising the preferred regional service is available from Digital UK.

Peter Monteith, Digital UK’s Regional Manager for Anglia, said:

Today marks the completion of digital switchover in East Anglia, as we say goodbye to the old analogue system forever. Viewers have responded extremely well and many are enjoying the benefits of digital TV for the first time.
Digital UK is still here to provide advice to those who need it, and the Switchover Help Scheme remains open to applications until 23 December.

Want to watch and record Freeview in crystal clear HD (high definition) ? Then why not have a look at the Sony SVRHDT500B – it’s massive 500Gb hard drive will let you record up to 300 hours of your favourite TV programs in normal definition, or up to 125 hours if you want to record in HD. Combined with a twin tuner that lets you watch one channel while up to 2 others are being recorded make this a very versatile Freview PVR.

Besides having all the features of Freeview+, it’s monolithic (you’ve seen 2001 a space oddity right ?) styling concept features luxurious materials with a cool, minimalist finish (if that floats your boat) to make it a perfect match with the BRAVIA TV.

So what do you get for you money ?

Freeview+ benefits of this PVR :

• An eight-day electronic programme guide (EPG)
• Series link – this lets you record an entire series with just the touch of a button
• The ability to record split programmes as one programme – eg if a film has a break in the middle to show the news, both parts will be recorded
• Offer to record related programme
• Can scan for alternative showing times if there is a time conflict between what you want to record and something else in your planner
• Schedule changes updated in standby – if the recorder is in standby mode it can still tell if the scheduled recording time is changed and make allowance for this
• Accurate recording because programmes are recorded based on signals from the broadcaster rather than scheduled time. As long as the broadcaster sends the correct signal !

On top of this the Sony SVRHDT500B Freeview+ HD Recorder can :

• Use its twin tuners to record one progamme while watching another. Or record two programs at the same time
• Pause, rewind and playback live TV
• Record up to 300 hours of SD quality TV, or 125 hours of HD quality on its 500Gb hard drive
• It’s got two USB ports that you can use to connect an external hard drive or USB stick to view photos or access JPEG images, MPEG movies or MP3 music. You can even use an external hard drive to back up your recorded programmes in the unlikely event that you start to fill up the internal hard drive

If you want to buy this recorder you can get it on sale on Amazon through this link.

Analogue channels have now been turned off at all transmitters, and Scotland’s switchover will be completed this afternoon at the Kirkfieldbank transmitter near Lanark, where the last digital signals are turned on.

Today’s switchover is the culmination of a three-year engineering project that has delivered more choice and improved picture quality to hundreds of thousands of viewers across Scotland.

To mark the end of analogue TV after 59 years on air in Scotland, legendary presenters Mary Marquis (BBC) and Glen Michael (STV) were invited to witness the completion of switchover at Kirkfieldbank today – the last transmitter in Scotland to be switched to digital.

The switchover affects Freeview viewers across central Scotland who may find some of their channels missing this morning. These services have moved to new frequencies and can be
restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes.

Paul Hughes, Digital UK National Manager for Scotland, said:

This is great news for Scotland – now that switchover is complete, digital TV coverage has been boosted to reach an extra one million viewers, and Scotland has a broadcasting system fit for the 21st century.
We will continue to offer support and advice to anyone who still needs it, and there’s still time for eligible viewers to apply to the Switchover Help Scheme.

Analogue BBC One, STV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 were turned off permanently last night, enabling extra channels to be broadcast from eight local relay transmitters serving thousands of homes.

This completes the penultimate switchover in Scotland. The nation’s final analogue signals will be switched off next week at the Black Hill transmitter group, which serves the majority of homes in central Scotland.

The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may find some of their channels missing this morning. The services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes.

Viewers in some areas may also find their digital TVs or boxes load more than one regional service. Advice on prioritising the preferred regional service is available from Digital UK.

The Yorkshire-based brass band kicked off the countdown to all-digital TV by entertaining viewers in Leeds and Hull with renditions of popular TV theme tunes including Dr Who, Match of the Day and Coronation Street. Advisors from Digital UK were also on hand to answer questions about how to get ready.

Latest research indicates most viewers are well prepared, with nine out of ten households already having made the switch to digital TV. Those still watching in analogue are now being urged to get ready for switchover – when Freeview coverage will be boosted to reach virtually all homes – or risk being left with a blank screen. All TV in the region will be fully digital from 21 September.

Digital UK and the Switchover Help Scheme have stepped up their communications campaigns across the region. Roadshows are now running across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and a detailed 20-page guide to switchover has been sent to every household.

John Askew, Digital UK’s Regional Manager for the Yorkshire TV region, said:

Most people have already made the switch to digital but we know some people may leave it until the last minute, or may need a little extra advice. We’re urging anyone still watching analogue television to make the change now and to contact the Help Scheme if they’re eligible for practical support.

Anyone who still needs advice on switching can visit the Digital UK website or call our advice line. We’ll also be holding roadshows and advice clinics at the time of switchover.

The change requires every Freeview viewer to retune their TVs and boxes, in order to regain BBC TV channels which are missing this morning.

Switchover began in the early hours when analogue BBC Two was permanently turned off at the Black Hill transmitter.

The process will be completed on 22 June, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off. Further Freeview channels from STV, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 will then be available from local transmitters for the first time.

Paul Hughes, Digital UK National Manager for Scotland, said this morning:

The Black Hill transmitter serves about half the Scottish population, and this final switchover affects viewers right across the central belt.

Anyone who hasn’t yet switched to digital should prepare for 22 June, when the last analogue channels will be permanently switched off and Scotland will become a fully digital nation. Our advice is: get ready now – don’t leave it until the last minute.

The penultimate TV switchover in Scotland means nearly 24,000 homes in digital blackspots such as Kinross, West Linton and Penicuik can get Freeview for the first time, while picture quality will improve for many existing viewers.

The change requires every Freeview viewer to retune their TVs and boxes, in order to regain BBC TV channels which are missing this morning.

Switchover began in the early hours when analogue BBC Two was permanently turned off at the Craigkelly transmitter group.

Craigkelly switchover will be completed on 15 June, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off. Further Freeview channels from STV, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 will then be available from local transmitters for the first time.

Paul Hughes, Digital UK National Manager for Scotland, said:

Craigkelly switchover is underway, and many people are receiving new channels.
Anyone who hasn’t yet switched to digital should do so now, as the last analogue signals in Scotland will be tuned off later this month. Our advice is: get ready now – don’t leave it until the last minute.

Analogue BBC One, STV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 were turned off permanently last night at the Darvel and Rosneath transmitter groups, enabling extra channels to be broadcast from 30 local relay transmitters serving thousands of homes.

The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may find some of their channels missing this morning. The services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes.

Paul Hughes, Digital UK’s National Manager in Scotland, said:

This is an historic day for TV in parts of central Scotland as we say goodbye to the old analogue system forever. Viewers have responded extremely well and many are enjoying the benefits of digital TV for the first time.
As with any change on this scale, some people may need a bit of extra help so we and the Help Scheme are on hand to give advice and assistance to those who may need it.

The start of TV switchover means that 50,000 viewers in digital blackspots such as Port Ellen, Campbeltown, Girvan and Bowmore can get Freeview for the first time, while picture quality will improve for many existing viewers.

The change requires every Freeview viewer to retune their TVs and boxes, in order to regain BBC TV channels which are missing this morning.

Switchover began in the early hours when analogue BBC Two was permanently turned off at the Darvel and Rosneath transmitters.

The process will be completed on 25 May, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off. Further Freeview channels from STV, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 will then be available from local transmitters for the first time.

Paul Hughes, Digital UK National Manager for Scotland, said this morning:

Switchover is underway at the Darvel and Rosneath transmitters, and many people are receiving new channels.
Anyone who hasn’t yet switched to digital should prepare for 25 May, when the last analogue channels will be permanently switched off. Our advice is: get ready now – don’t leave it until the last minute.

To mark the announcement, switchover robot Digit Al joined local school children on Eastbourne beach to remind viewers in the region not to bury their heads in the sand and make sure they’re prepared for the change.

Switchover will see the five analogue TV channels permanently switched off and the Freeview service boosted to reach virtually all 640,000 households in the South East. Thousands of homes currently in digital blackspots such as Eastbourne, Hailsham, Newhaven, Canterbury, Ashford and Margate will be able to receive Freeview channels for the first time.

Digital UK and the Switchover Help Scheme are preparing to launch a public information campaign to ensure viewers are ready for the change. The campaign, due to kick off later this year, will include roadshows, advertising and an information leaflet sent to every home. The Switchover Help Scheme will write to eligible older and disabled people offering support in making the switch, including equipment, installation if needed and aftercare.

Analogue signals will be switched off in two stages at each transmitter group.3 The dates announced today for switchover in Kent and East Sussex are:

Tony Gray, Digital UK’s Assistant Regional Manager for Meridian, said:

The digital switchover will bring digital TV to more than 100,000 homes in Kent and East Sussex for the first time and today’s announcement paves the way for a new era in broadcasting for viewers in the South East.
We are preparing for the end of analogue TV and the dawn of a fully digital age in which everyone can enjoy extra choice and easier recording. Digital UK and the Switchover Help Scheme will ensure people know about this important change, and that advice and practical support are available.

To mark the final countdown, two close members of John Logie Baird’s family will make an historic visit to the TV inventor’s birthplace.

John’s daughter Diana and his grandson Iain will return to Helensburgh, the town where it all began and which goes digital in two weeks’ time, to help remind viewers across central Scotland to get ready for switchover.

Analogue TV started in Scotland 59 years ago with the BBC’s public television service, followed by Scottish Television’s first broadcast in 1957. The last analogue signals will be turned off at the Black Hill transmitter group on 22 June 2011, marking the completion of digital switchover in Scotland.

Logie Baird’s first TV was made from a washstand and tea chest housing a projection lamp and
scanning discs cut from cycle lenses. Held together with scrap wood, darning needles, string and sealing wax, it was a far cry from the digital flat screens available today.

While visiting Helensburgh, Iain Logie Baird, Curator of Television at the National Media Museum, will look over a rare 1930 television set with owners the Helensburgh Heritage Trust. He will also convert a working replica of the model to digital with a set-top box, proving that nobody needs to throw their old TV away for switchover.

Iain Logie Baird said:

We’re delighted to have been asked back to Helensburgh to celebrate the
history of analogue TV, and the arrival of switchover. Whichever way you choose to receive digital, it means more channels and free high-definition TV for everyone.

Shortly after midnight, analogue BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5 were turned off permanently at the Ridge Hill transmitter group, enabling extra channels to be broadcast from 19 local relay transmitters serving 15,000 homes.

The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may find some of their channels missing this morning. The services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes. Viewers in some areas may also find their digital TVs or boxes load more than one regional service. Advice on prioritising the preferred regional service is available from Digital UK.

Digital UK, which has co-ordinated the switch, and the Switchover Help Scheme are today running advice points and a roadshow to provide support for viewers who need it. The Help Scheme is still open to applications from older and disabled viewers who may qualify for help including a choice of equipment, installation and aftercare.

Sumera Bashir, Digital UK’s Assistant Regional Manager for Central, said:

This is an historic day for TV in Herefordshire, south Shropshire and parts of Gloucestershire as we say goodbye to the old analogue system forever. Viewers have responded extremely well and many are enjoying the benefits of digital TV for the first time.
As with any change on this scale, some people may need a bit of extra help so we and the Help Scheme are on hand to give advice and assistance to those who may need it.

Existing Freeview viewers will be affected by the changes – they may find some of their channels missing this morning. The services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes. Viewers in some areas may also find their digital TVs or boxes load more than one regional service. Advice on prioritising the preferred regional service is available from Digital UK.

Digital UK, which has co-ordinated the switch, and the Switchover Help Scheme are today running advice points and a roadshow to provide support for viewers who need it. The Help Scheme is still open to applications from older and disabled viewers who may qualify for help including a choice of equipment, installation and aftercare.

Peter Monteith, Digital UK’s Regional Manager for Central, said:

This is an historic day for TV in north Shropshire and south Cheshire as we say goodbye to the old analogue system forever. Viewers have responded extremely well and many are enjoying the benefits of digital TV for the first time.
As with any change on this scale, some people may need a bit of extra help so we and the Help Scheme are on hand to give advice and assistance to those who may need it.

Shortly after midnight, analogue BBC One, ITV1 and Channel 4 were turned off permanently at the Bromsgrove transmitter, and Freeview digital TV signals boosted.

The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may find some of their channels missing this morning. The services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes. Viewers in some areas may also find their digital TVs or boxes load more than one regional service. Advice on prioritising the preferred regional service is available from Digital UK.

Digital UK, which has co-ordinated the switch, and the Switchover Help Scheme are today running advice points and a roadshow to provide support for viewers who need it. The Help Scheme is still open to applications from older and disabled viewers who may qualify for help including a choice of equipment, installation and aftercare.

Peter Monteith, Digital UK’s Regional Manager for Central, said:

This is an historic day for TV in the Bromsgrove area, as we say goodbye to the old analogue system forever. Viewers have responded extremely well and many are enjoying the benefits of digital TV for the first time.
As with any change on this scale, some people may need a bit of extra help so we and the Help Scheme are on hand to give advice and assistance to those who may need it.

Shortly after midnight, analogue BBC One, ITV1 and Channel 4 were turned off permanently at the Lark Stoke transmitter.

The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may find some of their channels missing this morning. The services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes. Viewers in some areas may also find their digital TVs or boxes load more than one regional service. Advice on prioritising the preferred regional service is available from Digital UK.

Digital UK, which has co-ordinated the switch, and the Switchover Help Scheme are today running advice points and a roadshow to provide support for viewers who need it. The Help Scheme is still open to applications from older and disabled viewers who may qualify for help including a choice of equipment, installation and aftercare.

Peter Monteith, Digital UK’s Regional Manager for Central, said:

This is an historic day for TV in the Stratford-upon-Avon area as we say goodbye to the old analogue system forever. Viewers have responded extremely well and many are enjoying the benefits of digital TV for the first time.
“As with any change on this scale, some people may need a bit of extra help so we and the Help Scheme are on hand to give advice and assistance to those who may need it.

This will be used as inspiration for the first poem by the official switchover bard Ian McMillan and is due to see the light of day in January 2011.

Ian also wants viewers to continue to send him memories of their TV viewing – they can even send in their own poems, the creamo f which will be published online by Digital UK.

The poll also shows Scunthorpe and Sheffield dwellers prefer Soaps, while those in Leeds and York prefer reality shows.

In the three hours a day, on average, that people in the city sit in front of the box, they are also partial to a bit of local drama. Yorkshire’s top five shows with their roots firmly in the region are:

The top five shows that are either set or made on Yorkshire are :

1. Emmerdale
2. Open All Hours
3. Countdown
4. Last of the Summer Wine
5. Fat Friends

The stars most people would like to invite into their houses are And and Dec, followed by Jeremy Clarkson.

Switchover, which starts in August 2011, will see the five analogue TV channels switched off permanently and the Freeview digital service boosted to reach virtually all households in the Yorkshire TV region.
For thousands of homes which were previously in digital black spots this will be the first time they will be able to receive Freeview channels.

Terrestrial TV services will be restored to most homes this morning, and in areas served by smaller relay transmitters by late afternoon. Viewers switching to Freeview will have to tune in their digital TVs and freeview boxes after signals have become available in their area.

• Press ‘menu’ on the remote control
• Select ‘set up’ or ‘installation’ option
• Select ‘first time installation’ option (sometimes called ‘full retune’, ‘default settings’ or ‘factory reset’,)
• Press ‘OK’ if your equipment asks if you want to delete all your channels – this is normal so don’t worry
• Channels will be automatically installed. This may take a few minutes; your equipment may shut down and
  restart

These instructions are a guide only – each product works slightly differently. If you need more information on retuning then try visiting digitaluk.co.uk/retuning

Make sure your TV is switched off, then take the aerial lead out of the back of the TV and plug it into the aerial socket on the digital box. Plug the Scart lead into the ‘TV’ socket on the digibox, and then the other end into the first Scart socket on your TV. Switch the TV onto standby then switch on with the TV remote.

Next plug the digital box in and switch it on. Most TVs will automatically detect the box, if not then select AV1 on the TV remote. Most digital boxes will then tune automatically. Once it has tuned you use the Freeview remote control to change channels and volume.

When you press the red button a menu is displayed. You can see in the menu different categories of information – these are like ‘extra’ channels some of which have live TV of anything from major music festivals to sports events. So you could choose which court you wanted to watch at Wimbledon or which band to see at Glastonbury. Ever wanted to watch live F1 practice ? You can find it here !

Use the arrow keys and find weather for example. You can then go through the menus and find up to date weather information for your area.

To go back use the yellow button, and you can see other useful categories such as travel information, children’s games and puzzles, lottery results, business news and loads more. Use the red button to get the information you need when you want it – no need to wait for a news button or weather forecast – just press the Red Button.

Every freeview recordeer has a seven day program guide so you can set it to record well in advance of the program being broadcast. Twin tuner freeview recorders will allow you to watch a different program to the one you are recording.

How about recording an entire series ? This is almost as simple. Just go to the TV guide and use the arrow key to find the program you want to record. If it’s a series you’ll automatically be given an option to record the entire series. Select and that’s it ! Most machines have enough storage space to record up to 100 hours of programs.

To pause live TV just press the ‘Pause’ button on the Freeview remote control, then to resume watching press ‘Play’ on the remote control. If you miss something first time round, just press ‘Rewind’ to watch it again !

That’s the beauty of Freeview+ – pause, record and rewind TV with no monthly bills !

The analogue signal will switched off at the Bromsgrove, Lark Stoke, Nottingham, Ridge Hill and Wrekin transmitter groups and the freeview digital will be boosted affecting households across the region. This also means that many homes in the digital blackspots of Helesowen, Hereford and Ludlow will be able to receive freeview for the first time.

Midland switchover dates are :

The freeview digital signal will be boosted when the Sandy Heath transitter switches of the five analogue TV channels. This will affect 966,000 households in parts of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and and Hertsford. This also means that many homes in the digital blackspots of Kimpton, Lutin and Dallington Park will be able to receive freeview for the first time.

East of England switchover dates are :

Shortly after midnight, analogue BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Five were turned off permanently enabling extra digital channels to be broadcast from 61 local relay transmitters serving thousands of homes.

Viewers will need to retune Freeview equipment to receive all channels.

Analogue BBC One, S4C, ITV1 and Five were turned off permanently at the
Wenvoe transmitter group shortly after midnight, allowing extra channels to be broadcast from 75 local relay transmitters serving thousands of homes, and making Cardiff the UK’s first digital capital city.

Existing Freeview viewers were also affected by the changes who may find some of their channels missing this morning. The services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and Freeview boxes.

Analogue signals will be switched off in two stages at each transmitter group – Stage one when analogue BBC2 is switched off followed by Stage 2 when the rest of the analogue channels are turned off.

The dates for switchover in the central belt are:

The analogue BBC Two was turned off permanently shortly after midnight and engineers started switching on digital signals at 61 local relay transmitters serving many thousands of homes. This is the first time that viewers in these areas will be able to receive Freeview digital channels.
The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may find their BBC TV channels are missing. The services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and Freeview boxes. After retuning, some viewers may find they can recieve services from both England and Wales. Advice on choosing preferred channels is available from Digital UK.

The second and final stage of switchover in the West TV region takes place on 7th April when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off permanently for Bristol, parts of Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. Further Freeview channels from ITV, Channel 4 and Five will also become available on this date from relay transmitters for the first time.