Personally I disagree with your review, I have just purchased the 500gb recordable version of this box and found it very simple to set up, no issues with the buttons at all and it connected to internet via Ethernet with no effort whatsoever. With regards the channels I too only got 142 channels but considering I was paying monthly for Sky and still could never find anything to watch I’m happy with the selection. Personally I’ve never had a Humax box so can’t compare but for someone who has downgraded from Sky to save money monthly so far I have been impressed by the box
My review was not for the recording version, but the non recording UHD-X version, which was available much earlier. They may have corrected some of the issues with firmware updates by now, but I have not used it since so probably not yet got any updated. Although the missing "z" from the remote is a fairly basic thing to check in Quality Control. But even today am reading reports of issues with some things on the recording version that are "due to be fixed", so there are still issues with that.. like Red button and search not yet enabled... A bit poor considering these ware due for sale "late 2019"...
One reason for the progress bar showing all services at 90% is the way the box tunes to a home transponder and then picks up the number of services set in it. It not like freeview tunning. It doesnt lock to different frequncies and get the channels, but locks to one transponder and then picks up the service list.
It’s disappointing that they didn’t use this as an opportunity to completely redesign the EPG, which is very out of date. I’d be keen to hear their view on your review.
Another great, informative video. You really do know your stuff. Shame it looks like the makers of the new Freesat box dont! Hope they do some good improvements in the future, as so far this box does not look too good
I have had one of the recordable 500gb boxes since June 2020. It has had many problems, too many to list. See the reviews on trustpilot 53% bad only 13% excellent, this was released long before it was ready, there have been several software updates but none have fixed the problems.
I have just purchased this box to watch Netflix on it. I have a Netflix account but when I press the Netflix button I get nothing. Have you tried this, don't know if I have done something wrong
Many people in the same boat having issues with Netflix on these boxes. Best use the app on your smart tv instead (or buy a firestick!) if it is not working on this box.
I contacted NETFLIX and discussed the problem. The lady said she will take the issue with their technical department and advised me to try again in few days time. After a few days I tried to use Netflix and it has been resolved.
Personally, if you have the Humax, i would stay with that. So far these new boxes have not impressed me at all. 4k on youtube and Netflix, well my TV already does that, no need for an 4k sat box that can get no 4k channels as there are none!
Does the remote have a 'last channel' button (not a 'back' button, but a button which jumps back to the last channel you were on) if not, is there a way to do it on the remote (combination press of 2 or more keys?)
The 1100S does allow you to watch one and reocrd another, as long as they are on the same frequency / frequency group. If the two things you are trying to watch and record are on different frequencies, then the single cable cannot handle this. The new 4k Arris is designed for two cable feeds, and will allow you to record two and watch a third, again as long as the one you are watching is on a the same frequency / frequency group as a channel that is been recorded. But with a wideband LNB this gets better, as it allows you to do at least 4 things at the same time, due to how the wideband LNB work
Wow, I was thinking of getting this box but after seeing the set up, that nasty remote and the comments here, I shall steer clear. Who on earth was doing the QC? no one it seems. Very poor.
the recoverable version can't be any worse than the Humax recordable..... where is intermittently would 'lose site' of the hard drive, and so all pause and record would be lost!!
The interface of freesat hasn't changed really since they come out. And that includes theses new box version s. sorry but it's criminal for£266 for recording version. The user interface is slowly and painful to use and WiFi from what youve show is just as bad. Nothing has changed. no thanks.
This box was originally only available on Amazon, direct from Freesat. It still is, but Currys / PC World are the only stockist of the both Arris 4K Freesat boxes, recording and non recording. As it is mentioned on trhe freesat website, with links to each box from both suppliers, and both say they have stock of them now, where did you look not to find them?
Nope. No 4k channels available on Freesat. Only a few apps (youtube, netflix, and selected programmes on iPlayer) are in 4k... Dont think there is even HDR support on these boxes either
The majority of terrestrial channels are behind the curve on 4K at the moment, but this will likely change in the future with the increase in uptake of 4K UHD equipped hardware, nice to have a device that is future proof for once.
I purchased the recordable version and wasn't impressed by the remote, it actually uses the volume on the box and not the tv and my "Huge bug bear" is you cannot turn tv off with it or select another hdmi input, so if you have a firestick on hdmi 2 you have to have 3 remotes around you to pick a channel or input, Tv original, Freesat, Firestick quite naff for a £200 box. Then to top it off mine won't fire up and I just get a blank screen all within 12 hours of installing it from new! When lock down is over it's going back! Absolutely Rubbish!!!
You can set the remote to work your TV, the instructions were in the box with mine and it works perfectly with my Sony Android TV, and not to be funny but setting up my 1TB box was a lot quicker and easier than this video suggests.
@@SatTVGuy I set one up tonight, totally agree with you about the remote control issues, they still have not improved - was really hoping I would find someone who had a solution instead of finding many other posts saying the product is flawed. Setup was a really terrible experience, it took me several goes to type in my wifi password successfully and to log into freesat afterwards, the remote sometimes sends multiple keypresses at once and other times nothing at all gets received, with the remotes red light going on and off for a second or two after pressing it for some operations. There is something seriously wrong with how the remote has been implemented it seems! Also, adding channels like CH4 HD using the non-freesat mode then requires you to start setup again including a channel scan and logging in again when switching back to watch freesat which when combined with the poor remote makes the box pretty much unusable aside from prescribed channels assuming you can get the remote to actually work then! Also, I can't get the app to sync with the box to allow remote control from my phone, which I had hoped would allow me to put the broken remote back in the box and use the app to control it instead! So frustrating!!! Hope they can figure out the issue and fix it through a firmware patch, although I have a suspicion it might be a fundamental hardware problem :(
Video does exactly what the title says, shows the set up process (which yes is very slow and annoying), and review at the end...cannot really put the review of the set up process at the start of the video without showing the setup process!!
Personally I disagree with your review, I have just purchased the 500gb recordable version of this box and found it very simple to set up, no issues with the buttons at all and it connected to internet via Ethernet with no effort whatsoever.
With regards the channels I too only got 142 channels but considering I was paying monthly for Sky and still could never find anything to watch I’m happy with the selection.
Personally I’ve never had a Humax box so can’t compare but for someone who has downgraded from Sky to save money monthly so far I have been impressed by the box
My review was not for the recording version, but the non recording UHD-X version, which was available much earlier. They may have corrected some of the issues with firmware updates by now, but I have not used it since so probably not yet got any updated. Although the missing "z" from the remote is a fairly basic thing to check in Quality Control. But even today am reading reports of issues with some things on the recording version that are "due to be fixed", so there are still issues with that.. like Red button and search not yet enabled... A bit poor considering these ware due for sale "late 2019"...
@@SatTVGuy The problems have still not been fixed despite several software updates.
One reason for the progress bar showing all services at 90% is the way the box tunes to a home transponder and then picks up the number of services set in it. It not like freeview tunning. It doesnt lock to different frequncies and get the channels, but locks to one transponder and then picks up the service list.
It’s disappointing that they didn’t use this as an opportunity to completely redesign the EPG, which is very out of date. I’d be keen to hear their view on your review.
Another great, informative video. You really do know your stuff. Shame it looks like the makers of the new Freesat box dont! Hope they do some good improvements in the future, as so far this box does not look too good
I have had one of the recordable 500gb boxes since June 2020. It has had many problems, too many to list. See the reviews on trustpilot 53% bad only 13% excellent, this was released long before it was ready, there have been several software updates but none have fixed the problems.
I have just purchased this box to watch Netflix on it. I have a Netflix account but when I press the Netflix button I get nothing. Have you tried this, don't know if I have done something wrong
I have the same problem. I contacted Netflix but they can’t resolve the issue.
Many people in the same boat having issues with Netflix on these boxes. Best use the app on your smart tv instead (or buy a firestick!) if it is not working on this box.
I contacted NETFLIX and discussed the problem. The lady said she will take the issue with their technical department and advised me to try again in few days time. After a few days I tried to use Netflix and it has been resolved.
Worth an upgrade from the Humax box if you don’t need LNB cabling? Me personally I need it because currently got Sky Q.
Personally, if you have the Humax, i would stay with that. So far these new boxes have not impressed me at all. 4k on youtube and Netflix, well my TV already does that, no need for an 4k sat box that can get no 4k channels as there are none!
Does the remote have a 'last channel' button (not a 'back' button, but a button which jumps back to the last channel you were on) if not, is there a way to do it on the remote (combination press of 2 or more keys?)
Have not found one yet...
My Humax box is 1100S and can record 1 show while watching another but with this can I record more at the same time? Thank you
The 1100S does allow you to watch one and reocrd another, as long as they are on the same frequency / frequency group. If the two things you are trying to watch and record are on different frequencies, then the single cable cannot handle this. The new 4k Arris is designed for two cable feeds, and will allow you to record two and watch a third, again as long as the one you are watching is on a the same frequency / frequency group as a channel that is been recorded. But with a wideband LNB this gets better, as it allows you to do at least 4 things at the same time, due to how the wideband LNB work
Humax lost the contract with Freesat which is why they can no longer make Freesat boxes.
Wow, I was thinking of getting this box but after seeing the set up, that nasty remote and the comments here, I shall steer clear. Who on earth was doing the QC? no one it seems. Very poor.
Thanks for the video. Can you plug a hard drive in and see if you can record?
Nope. Does not recognise the HDD and no record options available either.
the recoverable version can't be any worse than the Humax recordable..... where is intermittently would 'lose site' of the hard drive, and so all pause and record would be lost!!
The interface of freesat hasn't changed really since they come out. And that includes theses new box version s. sorry but it's criminal for£266 for recording version. The user interface is slowly and painful to use and WiFi from what youve show is just as bad. Nothing has changed. no thanks.
Can you program remote to operate TV, I have an lg & I'm getting nowhere fast
Not that I know of...
When is this box coming out. I can't find it anywhere.
This box was originally only available on Amazon, direct from Freesat. It still is, but Currys / PC World are the only stockist of the both Arris 4K Freesat boxes, recording and non recording. As it is mentioned on trhe freesat website, with links to each box from both suppliers, and both say they have stock of them now, where did you look not to find them?
So do you get any 4k channels? If not, is there any point in getting a 4k receiver?
Nope.
No 4k channels available on Freesat.
Only a few apps (youtube, netflix, and selected programmes on iPlayer) are in 4k...
Dont think there is even HDR support on these boxes either
There's no deadicated 4K channels on SKY either, only a few programs and films and some sports events.
The majority of terrestrial channels are behind the curve on 4K at the moment, but this will likely change in the future with the increase in uptake of 4K UHD equipped hardware, nice to have a device that is future proof for once.
Dosent look to good. Hope they improve it when the hdd version comes out
The HDD versionhas apparently had a lot of issues, and only a few are back on sale at the moment
@@SatTVGuy im glad i renewed and stayed with sky q now, but its a shame
Does it have WiFi?
Yes, but it repeatable refuses to find or connect to the network I want it to connect to. Which is annoying.
I bet you can plug a USB keyboard in for postcode, search etc.
How much do you want to bet? Have tried a few and so far nothing
That music's a bit eerie and depressing lol.
Its free youtube music.... but yes a bit creepy!
I purchased the recordable version and wasn't impressed by the remote, it actually uses the volume on the box and not the tv and my "Huge bug bear" is you cannot turn tv off with it or select another hdmi input, so if you have a firestick on hdmi 2 you have to have 3 remotes around you to pick a channel or input, Tv original, Freesat, Firestick quite naff for a £200 box. Then to top it off mine won't fire up and I just get a blank screen all within 12 hours of installing it from new! When lock down is over it's going back! Absolutely Rubbish!!!
You can set the remote to work your TV, the instructions were in the box with mine and it works perfectly with my Sony Android TV, and not to be funny but setting up my 1TB box was a lot quicker and easier than this video suggests.
Christ, that postcode input would have me hurling the thing out the nearest window! its 2020 for god sake, how can something so janky be produced!
Annoys the hell out of me each time I have to go back and do it!
@@SatTVGuy I set one up tonight, totally agree with you about the remote control issues, they still have not improved - was really hoping I would find someone who had a solution instead of finding many other posts saying the product is flawed. Setup was a really terrible experience, it took me several goes to type in my wifi password successfully and to log into freesat afterwards, the remote sometimes sends multiple keypresses at once and other times nothing at all gets received, with the remotes red light going on and off for a second or two after pressing it for some operations. There is something seriously wrong with how the remote has been implemented it seems! Also, adding channels like CH4 HD using the non-freesat mode then requires you to start setup again including a channel scan and logging in again when switching back to watch freesat which when combined with the poor remote makes the box pretty much unusable aside from prescribed channels assuming you can get the remote to actually work then! Also, I can't get the app to sync with the box to allow remote control from my phone, which I had hoped would allow me to put the broken remote back in the box and use the app to control it instead! So frustrating!!! Hope they can figure out the issue and fix it through a firmware patch, although I have a suspicion it might be a fundamental hardware problem :(
Painfully slow review!
Video does exactly what the title says, shows the set up process (which yes is very slow and annoying), and review at the end...cannot really put the review of the set up process at the start of the video without showing the setup process!!
Painfully slow freesat box.
Video too long, it's painful to watch. Should be speeded up between processes.
Well, if i speeded it up, you would not be able to see how bad and slow the whole set up process was...but thanks for your comment