Humax HD-FOX T2

Free HD channels, connectivity, compact, media player functions

Free HD rogramming ; Good network streaming ; Good SD and HD ictures

No PVR function yet ; Can't read HD movie files ; No Wi-Fi

We're definitely enamoured by the Humax, so much so that we doubt there will be many peers that offer as rich a picture experience with high - and standard definition any time soon - it's very nearly a five-star product.

We're looking forward to seeing tuner cards and USB adaptors to turn a media-centre PC into a Freeview HD-viewing platform; but until then the Humax serves as a good entry point as a standalone set-top box with networking potential.

You're paying a premium, but if you want free HD, the Humax HD-FOX T2 is very impressive

It's the simplest way to get HD, but it's expensive considering it only has a single tuner.

Appealing styling ; Good features ; Fresh-looking interface ; Future ability to record to USB storage ; Picture quality can be stunning

Green-line bug will irritate purists ; Expensive

But the question you have to ask yourself is: 'Do I really think Freeview HD has enough content to offer me?' Both HD channels have their gems, but we're far away from having every single show available in HD at the moment. Interestingly, some years...

Thoughtful, versatile design; learning remote; great Freeview image; dynamic sound

A little pricier than its rivals; won't output DD 5.1 on Freeview HD broadcasts

This unit does allow access to a DLNA server via Ethernet and as it also has a USB port you can show or listen to external content by either of those methods so a slide show of your holiday snaps is now easily shown on your TV and you can even have...

We're looking forward to seeing tuner cards and USB adaptors to turn a media centre PC into a Freeview HD-viewing platform; but until then the Humax serves as a good entry point as a standalone set top box with networking potential.

Judging Humax’s HD-Fox T2 purely on performance it’s hard to find much at fault. Its closest subscription-free rival is Freesat, which it kicks in to the long grass with a much prettier EPG; by listing ITV HD as a dedicated channel and by the imminent...