Toshiba intros first Freeview HD-compatible PVR
updated 06:55 pm EST, Wed February 10, 2010
Toshiba to launch 500GB Freeview HD PVR in the UK
Toshiba on Wednesday said it will bring its first Freeview HD-compatible PVR to market this summer. The HDR5010 will be capable of recording the digital over-the-air transmissions in the UK onto its 500GB hard drive. Thus far, only two channels send the broadcasts, BBC HD and ITV HD, but both can be recorded simultaneously thanks to the HDR5010's dual tuners.
The drive can record 120 hours of HD programming, and users can also plug in external hard drives through two USB ports. The PVR will also have an Ethernet port, two HDMI inputs and one output, as well as an SCART connection (European standard). Internet access gives the player as many as eight days of program schedules. Outside of broadcasts, the HDR5010 can play DivX and MP3, but more are likely to be announced by the time the device is launched.
The HDR5010 will cost the equivalent of $545 when it arrives in the UK in June. Freeview is a UK-only service launched by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky and transmitter operator Arqiva; a North American PVR would need ATSC to catch local HD broadcasts. [via Pocket-Lint]
