Humax says it could bring out a 4K version of its new Freeview Play receiver next year, once it moves on to a new generation of chipset.
From next year specifications for Freeview Play recommend the inclusion of HEVC, which in turn would need a different form of chipset, which could allow a path to 4K.
At the launch of its new FVP-4000T box Humax commercial director Graham North said that while the prospect of broadcast 4K content was slight, there was the possibility of streamed content being made available. “We think there’s a market for 4K, we’ve launched here with BT, but we’ve also launched in Germany, so it’s something we’d consider.”
The FVP-4000T has a set of proscribed features laid down by Freeview and Digital UK; these include prominent positioning of the PSB catch up services BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, All 4 and Demand 5 – the Channel 5 service is not yet fully integrated – after which manufacturers can add their own features and content.
For example DLNA, which allows a connected device such as a tablet or a smartphone to view content direct from the receiver. Some restrictions have been placed on this internal distribution by the broadcasters, so while you could stream an HD channel, it’s not possible to view recorded HD content.
North said it had been ten years since Humax had launched its initial PVR receivers. Subsequently it has been first to market on YouView and Freesat Freetime receivers. However, delays that appear to have been largely out of the manufacturers hands have seen the launch date slip from the early summer, with product only now appearing in UK retailers.
“We were hoping to have been here in June, but have still launched in time for Christmas, and not too far behind the original dates,” said North. Problems in getting the product to market have been compounded by Humax withdrawing earlier models in anticipation of Freeview Play making its debut. These receivers were then reintroduced as Humax’s otherwise leading position was eroded by the lack of stock.
Since analogue switch off there has been a decline in the number of low-end boxes sold with PVRs gaining a higher market share – even so overall sales are down year on year.
