Freesat's latest set-top box can store up to 2TB of TV
While there are plenty of TVs available with built-in Freesat, the satellite-based alternative to Freeview, set-top boxes aren't going anywhere soon. Freesat and hardware partner Humax haven't released a new model in several years, though, so it's time for a fresh box to attract new, subscription-phobic customers to the service. The Humax HDR-1100S isn't a huge improvement over previous models, but it's almost a third smaller than the popular HDR-1000S and comes with WiFi as standard (most other boxes require a dongle to make them WiFi-compatible).
Humax hasn't included a front display on this new box, opting instead for LED under-lighting that changes colour to convey basic status info, which is thought to be less distracting. The HDR-1100S comes in black and white colour options and in three configurations, with 500GB, 1TB or a whopping 2TB of storage for recording movies and TV. Otherwise, the box has all the advanced features found on certain other models, including the Freetime EPG, on-demand section for streaming services, and the ability to access your own videos, pictures and music from network-attached or USB storage.
The HDR-1100S is available today from Freesat and Humax directly, as well as at numerous other retailers including Amazon, Argos, Tesco, John Lewis, Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Dixons and more. The 500GB model is priced at £190, the 1TB version £220, and the generous 2TB configuration will set you back £270.
