Freesat+
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The factual accuracy of parts of this article (those related to article) may be compromised due to out-of-date information. (March 2011) |
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| Type | Free-to-air channels digital TV recorders brand |
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| Industry | Media |
| Products | Digital TV (Freesat) recorder (aka Personal video recorder) brand |
| Website | http://www.freesat.co.uk/ |
Freesat+ is a consumer brand created to raise consumer awareness and promote sales of Freesat-capable digital TV recorders, otherwise known as personal video recorders. Branded players were available from late 2008, and expected to be "widely available" from 2009.[1]
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Background [edit]
Personal video recorders have been available for several years, and some brands (notably Sky+ and Freeview+) are well known to consumers. Freesat offers a greater choice of channels compared to Freeview, including a growing number of HD channels, but without the subscriptions of Sky or Virgin Media. Freesat also offers higher rates of coverage than Freeview.[2][3] Freesat+ offers a PVR functionality for this service.
Manufacturers [edit]
Freesat will not manufacture the units itself, but will award the Freesat+ label to manufacturers that are able to meet a series of specifications that have been drawn up by the UK’s Digital TV Group.
Currently, only Samsung, Echostar,[4] Goodmans, Sagem, Humax, Bush and Panasonic offer Freesat+ equipment, although other manufacturers are expected to incorporate Freesat+ features into their future recordable DTT equipment.
Features [edit]
The exact specifications of Freesat+ have not yet been released to the general public, but notable features of the Humax FOXSAT HDR-PVR – which most likely will reflect the specifications – include:
- Live pause and instant rewind – in case you need to answer the phone or replay that crucial scene.
- Watch one channel while recording another, or record two channels at the same time. (N.B. This feature requires two separate feeds from the satellite dish.)
- Series recording – to automatically record all the episodes of your favourite shows.
- Schedule tracking – so that recordings start and finish on time, even when broadcasters change their schedules.
- Split recordings – to record two-part programmes that may have a break in the middle for a news bulletin, such as films.
- 8-day Electronic Programme Guide (EPG).
- Solving a recording clash – if you select more than two programmes to record at one time, freesat+ will search the 8-day TV Guide and suggest an alternative time to record one of them.
- Radio recording – catch your favourite radio shows by recording the individual shows, or even the series.
See also [edit]
- Freesat
- High-definition television
- High-definition television in the United Kingdom
- ETSI TS 102 323 V1.4.1 (2010-01), Chapter 11: "Accurate recording" and Annex A: "Example recorder behaviour"
References [edit]
- ^ Freesat+ launched with Humax FOXSAT-HDR PVR in November 2008.
- ^ "reception". Freeview. Retrieved 2010-03-17.
- ^ http://www.radioandtelly.co.uk/satellitetv.html
- ^ Echostar Sling-loaded Freesat+ PVR
