YouView box on sale tomorrow

Humax’s new YouView box, the DTR-T1000, will go on sale in UK stores tomorrow.

Following the official launch earlier this month, the first YouView boxes – priced at £299 – will be available from major retailers, including John Lewis, Currys, Amazon, Comet and Argos, as well as independents including Euronics group and Richer Sounds.

The set-top box – a hybrid digital-terrestrial/IP box – features a basic remote control, with easily clickable content via an EPG, a PVR, the ability to pause, rewind (including “scroll-back TV”), fast-forward and search, and seamless integration with VoD content via “players” (iPlayer, ITV Player, 4OD and so on). It also features archive programming in a library with full series and films.

The box supports HD on-demand and the option to record in HD and has a 500G hard-drive (equivalent to 300 hours of programming).

Speaking after the launch event, Dr William Cooper, who runs informitv, the broadband broadcast convergence consultancy, said: “YouView has come up with a very good digital video recorder that combines broadcast and broadband delivered programming in a simple, seamless user experience. Currently missing key features, like WiFi and remote recording, or any form of integration with second screen devices, it’s deliberately basic. It’s a surprise that it’s taken this long to come to light.”

Earlier today, BT announced plans to launch its own YouView package, bundled with broadband and telephone services, in the autumn.