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Freeview Recorders are fast becoming one of the most popular products for those who want to record digital terrestrial television, but who want to have the simplicity of a standalone product, rather than a combination of a video recorder and separate set-top-box.
Often, the product is chosen by those wishing to replace their aging VHS VCR, but want to have a product which is more future proof and reliable.If you look hard, you can actually find places still selling an intermediary product of VCR with Freeview tuner (Manufactured by Daewoo under liscence from Novapal) , but the cost of these units turned out to be a little high for the consumer.
The main benefits of hard drive based video recorders are listed at the bottom of this page.
"Freeview Playback"
.... Freeview, and the DTG group, are working towards a "Freeview Playback" branded range of Digital TV Recorders (DTR), which can be promoted as a group and will conform to certain standards.
It's not clear, but I would expect that this is additional branding that all participating manufacturers will be able to apply to their DTRs, if they conform etc.
We'll search for more information on this, and will report more when available. Launch of the products is hoped for late Q4, so maybe there'll be a few models available before Christmas.
LATEST NEWS FOR FREEVIEW PLAYBACK
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Another Freeview Playback box for Christmas
2007-11-14 07:51:21
PVR UK Link: SharpSharp have updated their Freeview recorder range to include this Freeview Playback liscenced model.
"Simultaneous 2 channel recording - whilst watching another! This product features a 160GB HDD providing up to 80 hours recording capacity, Series recording and an 8 day Electronic Programme Guide. Series Recording. Split Recording, Multiple/Alternative Recording when supported by broadcasters."
Price is about £159.
Please check -HERE- for latest reviews of Freeview Playback products.
Evesham DTR250 Freeview PLayback recorder
2007-10-29 17:27:35
PVR UK Link: EveshamJust added to the PVRUK database for reviews is the Evesham DTR250.
Here's the blurb:
Evesham's new DTR250 Twin Tuner Digital TV Recorder delivers a wealth of features to ensure you are just a click away from staying in total control of your TV viewing and radio listening.
A combined Digital Terrestrial (Freeview) receiver and Digital Video Recorder the new DTR250 from Evesham gives you access to all free-to-air digital TV channels and radio stations and includes a whopping 250GB HDD to record an extensive amount of TV programmes in digital quality. It includes a comprehensive selection of ports ensuring a phenomenal amount of connectivity options to suit your requirements.
Twin Tuner (DVB-T) – Record one channel while watching another
Time Shift - Pause live TV
One button record
7 Day EPG (Electronic Programme Guide)
Once, daily, weekly programmed event recordings
250GB HDD
Remote Control
The DTR250 has an automatic channel search facility so set up is not only instant but completely hassle-free and features an easy to read, full 7 day Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) which allows you to pre- schedule your weekly viewing and doubles as a multi guide to schedule recordings quickly and easily up to 7 days in advance.
Recording your favourite programmes couldn’t be simpler, by adding your selections to record with just one touch of a button, the DTR250 automatically records your preset selections until either storage space is filled or until you run out of things you want to record. With Twin Tuners as standard you can even record one Digital TV channel, whilst watching another.
The DTR250 also boasts the Freeview Playback logo certifying it as a high quality product to ensure you get the best TV experience with Freeview. ‘Freeview Playback’ puts you in control of the 40+ Freeview channels currently available, allowing you to watch what you want at a time that suits you. You can record programmes at the touch of a button and can schedule recordings in advance, all that you record can then be played back at anytime, you can even schedule an evenings TV list based on your recordings. Not only can you record your favourite TV programmes, you can also pause and rewind live TV so that if your viewing is interrupted for any reason you can return to the part of the programme you left off or if you miss or simply want to repeat a pivotal moment in a programme you can do so with ease.
All of the DTR250's features are easily accessible with the supplied fully functioning, user friendly remote control giving you total viewing control at the touch of a button.
VCRs swapped for Freeview Playback recorders
2007-09-11 07:46:17
PVR UK Link: Digital Spy"Residents from West Cumbria are to take part in an analogue video recorder recycling scheme ahead of the region's digital switchover."
The first 100 people to take part will receive a Freeview recorder for free, while others will then receive a 10% discount off a FReeview recorder. (A Humax 9200TB)
Bizarrely, all the returned VCRs will be used to create a new sculpture, to be revealed in Whitehaven.
Please follow the link above for more on this story.
Freeview Playback Group 2 recorders arriving
2007-08-15 07:36:08
PVR UK Link: PVRUKSome manufacturers are announcing that their latest models will comply with Freeview Playback "Group 2" classification.
This means they will have added features like series link, split recording, and alternate instance recording.
So far Humax will offer Freeview Playback Group 2 features on its PVR-9200T digital recorder range, including the PVR-9200TB and PVR-9200TS models, and LGs new Time Machine TVs will also have group 2 capability.
Freeview Playback recorders aplenty at Argos
2007-07-30 16:44:07
PVR UK Link: PVRUK AdminHaving just released their Autumn/Winter catalog, we were straight off to Argos to see what was in store for the Freeview Playback shoppers out there.
I was please to see that there was a good selection from £84.99 up to £149.99 for standalone HDD recorders.
Hard drive size seems to be 80Gb minimum, up to 250Gb, depending on model chosen. This means anything from 35 to 130 hours recording.
All the standalone recorders have been added to our listing and can be seen HERE. There is also a large range of DVDR / HDD combo recorders, which will be added to this website as soon as possible.
Argos say about Freeview Playback:
"Ever missed the best bit of a movie because you had to answer the phone? The great new is Freeview Playback Digital TV recorders let you pause live TV broadcasts by simply pressing a button - you can even rewind the channel to create your very own instant replays..." and so it goes on.
Please add your own review of any of thes products if you can to help everyone make an informed choice as to the best product for them to buy, thanks.
Freeview Playback Update
2007-06-04 07:40:47
PVR UK Link: DTGIn addition to the news that Freeview is about to launch a major press and online advertising campaign promoting its digital TV recorder brand, Freeview Playback, a meeting will be held by the DTG on Freeview Playback on June 20.
"The meeting, at a venue to be confirmed, will cover the ongoing technical requirements for Freeview Playback products and identify any outstanding issues with the specification and the test suite. It will also provide an opportunity for manufacturers to raise issues associated with the next stage of functional requirements, such as series recording and alternative instances.
The meeting will also discuss a proposal to establish a new DTG working group, the Digital TV Recorder Test Suite Support Group, intended to put the management of the test suite under industry control. "
The digital terrestrial platform operator said it was putting online at the heart of its marketing strategy, taking banners and page sponsorship positions on sites such as Lastminute.com, and TimeOut.co.uk from June 11.
Freeview Playback Launches
2007-04-30 16:43:11
PVR UK Link: FreeviewAfter what seems like a long wait , Freeview Playback digital TV recorders seems to be currently under launch.
The Freeview website linked to above has some new information and links to the new Freeview Playback website at www.freeviewplayback.co.uk
"Leading manufacturers Humax, Sony and TVonics are the first to offer Freeview Playback digital TV recorders, which will be available from Argos, Comet, John Lewis and Tesco from May 2007"
The Freeview Playback website doesn't yet seem to be complete, and we were unable as yet to find any new products on the retailer's websites (Well I suppose it is only 30th April) but we'll keep an eye out and update where necessary.
Freeview Playback recorders available from May?
2007-04-19 07:45:02
PVR UK Link: Media Guardian It's being reported on the Media Guardian web site that Freeview Recorders may be available from next month, with the possibility of an advertising push by Freeview. While we're all wary of the launch times given for any product or service we can only hope Freeview Playback is finally getting it's proper launch.
The report says:
"Freeview's general manager, Cary Wakefield, said she hoped many would switch to one of the new Freeview Playback machines, which will be available from next month from a range of manufacturers from around £170.....
A marketing campaign to support the launch will focus on ease of use and convenience as well as the lack of an ongoing subscription."
Please follow the link above for the full story.
Freeview Playback signalling update
2006-12-13 06:08:30
PVR UK Link: DTG NewsInformation for those of you interested in the technical progress of Freeview Playback:
"The new central collator went live nationally last Friday afternoon for all signalling on muxes 2, A, C and D. For muxes 1 and B the BBC continues to take EIT p/f actual from its own transport streams; all other signalling comes from the new system. It is planned to move muxes 1 and B fully across to the new central collator in early January once the Christmas lock-down has ended. Note that, until the muxes 1 and B are moved over to the Collator, the EIT p/f on mux 1 and mux B will not be fully synchronised with that from the Central Collator. However both are locked to the same triggering source and it is expected that the latencies between the two will be of the order of a few seconds - certainly much better than with the old system. The SI_Event_Ids will be synchronised.
The new system is set up to support all the Freeview Playback signalling. Default authority descriptors have been added into the SDT and one network also carries the default authority in the NIT. Once issues with multiple-section NITs are resolved, it is the BBC's intention to signal the default authority in the NIT. The BBC is currently supplying metadata to support series recording, alternate instance and split instance. ITV and Channel 4 will start supplying series recording information and accurate triggers in Q1 2007 when their infrastructure upgrades are complete, and other broadcasters are expected to follow. The BBC has been working with its metadata supplier to ensure the data is correct. If there are any inconsistencies the BBC would like to know. "
First Freeview Playback Partners announced
2006-11-16 04:05:46
PVR UK Link: Media WeekFreeview have announced that Alba, Humax, Sagem, Sharp, Sony, and TVonics have all signed up to their Freeview Playback brand.
First available before Christmas should be Sony models, available at Sony Centres.
More details available at Media week, linked to above.
Freeview Playback recorders on sale for Christmas?
2006-10-09 03:24:27
PVR UK Link: DTG NewsThe DTG is reporting, as linked to above, that the first Freeview Playback recorders will be on sale in the shops this Christmas.
There are no details as to which manufacturer will be launching the product at this time.
Compliance testing is currently underway, although I understand that the final specification is still not 100% settled - hence it is not on public release. Manufacturers will not have had much time to complete new software against the provisional spec, so have they put forward some of their current PVRs for testing to see if they may meet enough of the conditions and get approval, or to see what further work needs done?
As the advertising campaign for the Freeview Playback is currently delayed until the new year, I guess Freeview themselves are not expecting that, while the first product may be available by Christmas, there will not be a "range" available until into the new year.
We look forward to more information on which manufacturers are going to be first up with the Freeview Playback product - if anyone has any news on this, please let me know.
TDN Support for Freeview Playback
2006-10-03 08:34:46
PVR UK Link: DTG"The members of The Digital Network (TDN) have agreed that, following the introduction into service of the new Central SI Collator later this year, the Collator will be the single source of Service Information on the UK multiplexes.
The key objective is to promote the design of good digital TV recorders by ensuring that EPG information is consistent, accurate and timely across all multiplexes.
A secondary objective is to ensure that receivers are presented with a consistent description of the network, irrespective of the multiplex to which they are tuned. This should enable better receiver service management.
A plan for the introduction and testing of the new Central Collator has been agreed by the members of the TDN Operations Group, leading to the implementation of these benefits and facilitating the introduction of Freeview Playback recorders."
FREEVIEW PLAYBACK launch on track
2006-09-27 10:33:40
PVR UK Link: DTG"Keeping to its commitment for the introduction of FREEVIEW PLAYBACK, announced at the industry kick-off event in May 2006, the Digital TV Group has on 22nd Sept released the technical specification. Next, members of the DTG's working group will finalise the test specification which Digital TV Recorders will need to pass to use the FREEVIEW PLAYBACK brand.
Manufacturers are encouraged to contact the industry's test centre, DTG Testing, to schedule in their Digital TV Recorders for compliance testing which will begin in October 2006 ahead of the brand launch. FREEVIEW and the industry will begin trade marketing and communications in the Autumn to establish a clear Digital TV Recorder category for Christmas 2006. Following this, the FREEVIEW PLAYBACK Digital TV Recorder Brand will be launched to consumers in the spring of 2007
Freeview Playback Feature Checklist
2006-08-29 09:46:26
PVR UK Link: PVRUK ForumA checklist of the expected eventual Freeview Playback features has been added to the forum board to let people compare this against their existing PVR product.
Follow the link above to go directly to the discussion forum.
Freeview Playback spec to be unvealed at IBC
2006-08-21 03:00:38
PVR UK Link: DTG ---DISCUSS---
The DTG will be holding a series of meetings with manufacturers at IBC, taking place from 7-12 September in Amsterdam , to present the FREEVIEW Playback specifications.
The introduction of the specifications, and subsequent implementation and conformance testing of digital TV recorders, is an important step for manufacturers to enable the use of a valid FREEVIEW Playback trademark licence and logo, revealed last week by FREEVIEW. ( http://www.freeview.co.uk/playback_logo ).
As well as discussions surrounding the specifications, the DTG will also discuss with manufacturers the group’s strategic goals and plans over the next 12 months following a detailed consultative review and planning process. This includes details of DTG’s enhanced DTG Testing procedures to further assist manufacturers in bringing high quality products to market.
ITV wants limited FF on Freeview Playback recorder
2006-08-10 07:49:12
PVR UK Link: DTG News'ITV demands limited ad-skip for Freeview Playback
ITV is said to have caused a rift with partners in the Freeview consortium over its apparent insistence that forthcoming Freeview Playback digital TV recorders should operate at a restricted fast-forward speed.'
For the full article please follow the link above to the DTG website.
Freeview Playback: CSI test streams for developers
2006-08-04 19:30:43
PVR UK Link: DTGNo, not new broadcasts of the American crime drama, but -
"New live CSI streams for Freeview Playback developers
Arrangements are being made to enable manufacturers to have access to feeds from the new Central Collator for product testing. This is in advance of the Central Collator going into live service and will be of particular benefit to manufacturers developing digital TV recorders to the Freeview Playback specification. Two multiplexes will be available simultaneously from the set-up, with synchronised EITactual and EITother information, so the EPG tracking and accurate recording functions in the specification can be tested.
The facility, which will be available for only a few weeks, should be ready in mid-August and will provide live streams at the DTG Test Centre at Kingswood Warren in Surrey, thanks to the BBC and National Grid Wireless who are making equipment available.
Manufacturers wishing to book time at the Test Centre should contact the DTG Test Centre at 01737 839568 or
info@testing.dtg.org.uk . "
Freeview Playback Recording Support
2006-07-31 02:56:41
PVR UK Link: DTG"Support for accurate-recording and series-recording functions
Further support for the Freeview Playback digital TV recorder initiative came at a recent meeting of The Digital Network Operations Group, which has been discussing new operational practices to be implemented when the new Central Collator comes into service later this autumn. The group has committed to introducing the signalling required to enable digital TV recorders to capture series events (e.g. soaps or ‘grouped’ events on a theme) and split events (e.g. a movie divided into parts, with a news bulletin in the middle).
The introduction of the new collator will result in all service information (SI) tables being generated at a single source, resulting in full consistency of information carried in the SI for both the actual and other multiplexes. Particularly relevant for accurate recording, the electronic programme guide information will be generated centrally so that the event information tables (EIT) schedule and EITp/f will be accurate, use consistent event identifiers and be updated more rapidly than is possible currently. It was further agreed that broadcasters are to implement systems to ensure that the running status transitions within EITp/f are sufficiently accurately aligned to content boundaries to enable complete capture of the content by recording devices. The broadcasters shall decide the content boundaries.
An outline timetable, agreed at the meeting for the introduction of the signalling for split-event and series-event recording, indicates that functionality should be available from some public service broadcasters for the launch of the new collator and for the others by the end of 2006"
Freeview Playback Logo Reveiled
2006-07-31 02:47:16
PVR UK Link: FreeviewThe official FREEVIEW Playback logo has now been unveiled. In order for products to use it they must hold a valid FREEVIEW Playback trademark licence, which requires products to successfully pass the DTG Functional Specification for digital TV recorders. DTG is on track to have test suites ready for the end of August, and FREEVIEW will be promoting the brand this autumn, with the logo available to manufacturers and retailers in time for maximum exposure at Christmas. FREEVIEW will run a marketing campaign to educate consumers on the benefits of digital TV recorders and to let them know how to look out for the FREEVIEW Playback logo. The digital TV service will also be working with retailers and manufacturers to achieve FREEVIEW Playback brand presence at point of sale.
Freeview Playback Update July 16th
2006-07-16 17:13:03
PVR UK Link: DTG"The drafting and sub groups have largely completed their work and a plenary meeting of the specification group was held on 5 July. Following the incorporation of changes requested at this meeting the work on the specification is expected to be completed within the next week. It then remains for Freeview to decide the feature set for 2006.
Series recording facility ...
Following the recent approval by the DTG Technical Council of the SI Group’s series recording proposal, its introduction has taken another step forward with the availability of test streams for product developers. So far, five streams with descriptive documentation have been created and are available to members through a dedicated FTP site.
The series recording facility is expected to be a requirement for the Freeview Playback trade mark in 2007."
Freeview Playback update
2006-06-26 02:50:40
PVR UK Link: DTGFreeview Playback specification work is currently underway, and approval of the specification is expected around 5th July.
Preliminary work on what changes to the broadcast signal content will be required to support Freeview Playback features has been made.
While not confirmed as final specification for Freeview Playback, the changes to the signal will allow the user such features as to:
.Record all programmes in a series, while avoiding the recording of repeats.
·Avoid scheduling conflicts when this can be resolved by scheduling a later repeat of a selected programme.
·Record a complete programme when it is split by, for example, a news bulletin.
·Take advantage of a recommendation facility whereby a recommendation is signalled along with the programme being viewed, a “further viewing” service.
Plans for official Freeview Playback branded PVR
2006-05-18 08:54:40
PVR UK Link: DTG NewsFreeview, and the DTG group, are working towards a "Freeview Playback" branded range of PVRs, which can be promoted as a group and will conform to certain standards.
It's not clear, but I would expect that this is additional branding that all participating manufacturers will be able to apply to their PVRs, if they conform etc.
We'll search for more information on this, and will report more when available. Launch of the products is hoped for late Q3/Q4, so maybe there'll be some before Christmas.
The DTG and many manufacturers have been involved with EPG standards with the TV-Anytime group, so perhaps some of their work will be included in setting the standard definitions.
To read the article, please click the link above.
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