The first set-top box designed to be used with the new Freeview Play service has been released at retail, a week earlier than anticipated.
Manufacturer Humax, which has previously been first with devices for YouView and Freesat’s Freetime, has produced the FVP-4000T.
The box is capable, giving it connectivity to catch up services including BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, All 4 and Demand 5. It’s anticipated Netflix will be added in early 2016.
Powered by the Opera Devices SDK (software development kit), it has three built-in tuners for advanced recording functionality, with a choice of 500GB or 1TB hard drives for up to 300 hours or 600 hours of programme storage space, respectively.
The FVP-4000T comes with a new compact design and definitive styling, with a leather-look top available in two different colours: ‘Mocha’, with a dark brown top, silver band and black base; and ‘Cappuccino’, with a brown top, gold trim and white base.
Graham North, commercial director, Humax, said: “The new FVP-4000T range for Freeview Play gives viewers the options they want from a TV service, whether that’s on-demand viewing, scrolling back the TV guide to catch up on missed shows, playing back recordings or watching live TV. By combining seamless wireless connectivity with the advanced features of the Freeview Play service into one box, Humax continues to lead the UK’s subscription-free set-top box market.”
Pricing is at £199.99 for the 500GB model and £229.99 for the 1TB model. It’s available from a range of UK retailers, including John Lewis, Tesco, Currys, PC World, Argos and Humax Direct.
