Humax HD-FOX T2 update: Freeview HD receiver to get recording skills

We knew an update to add recording functionality to the Humax HD-FOX T2 was coming since before the Freeview HD receiver was even launched. We were excited about it then, and we remain pretty thrilled about it now. The free, over-the-air update will arrive in early October, allowing owners of the HD-FOX T2 to record TV programmes from the box to a USB storage device of their choice.

The £150 HD-FOX T2 earned our respect and a coveted Editors' Choice award when we reviewed it back in February. We praised its picture quality, as well as its easy-to-use and graphically pleasing menu systems, and we liked its exterior styling too. The fact that it's getting the ability to record is just the icing on a cake that's already pretty tasty.

The HD-FOX T2 is also about £150 cheaper than its older, hard-drive-equipped brother, the HDR-FOX T2, so, if you're on a budget, this update will probably please you no end. The HDR-FOX T2 does include a 500GB hard drive and a twin tuner, though, which are pretty crucial features for a PVR.

As the HD-FOX T2 is a single-tuner device, you'll only ever be able to record and watch one thing at a time. For recording a show while you're out, it's pretty decent, but it's not going to cut the mustard if you want to record Deal or No Deal while you watch Neighbours.

It is worth pointing out, though, that the HD-FOX T2 will sometimes be able to record one thing while you watch another. This will work if the two channels are on the same multiplex, but this is really too complicated for most people to get to grips with.

In every other way, the HD-FOX T2 will soon be a fully capable PVR, with all the usual features, including the ability to pause and rewind live TV and track schedule changes.

If you miss the over-the-air update, Humax says you'll be able to download it from its website and apply it to your machine manually, via USB.