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Manhattan Plaza HDS

High Definition Digibox

High Definition TV is the biggest revolution in TV for years. HD will bring you a cinema like experience in your own home with sharper, clearer, more vibrant pictures. These are the latest thing in High Definition viewing in your home when connected via an HDMI lead to your HD ready TV.

About the Manhattan Plaza HD-S Freesat HD Box

For access to over 150 Freesat channels simply connect the Plaza HD-S to a suitable dish (an existing Sky dish can be used) and follow the on-screen setup instructions. Changes to the Freesat channel line-up are automatically detected and the Plaza HD-S even keeps itself up-to-date by automatically downloading software updates when available.

Connect by HDMI to a suitable TV and enjoy free HD channels with cinema-quality Dolby Digital + sound (when broadcast). Even standard channels look fantastic thanks to advanced up-conversion to HD.

Freesat comes with an 8-day Programme Guide so you can plan your viewing a week ahead. The powerful reminder and timer functionality allows you to easily set the Plaza HD-S to turn itself off or on at any time to any channel or programme of your choosing.

If over 150 Freesat channels are not enough the Plaza HD-S can automatically add hundreds more non-Freesat† channels. And for true power viewing, the Plaza HD-S makes it easy to create and use up to eight favourites lists that are always accessible by a dedicated button on the remote.

Comprehensive connectivity

For perfect picture and sound make a direct digital connection to your HDTV using HDMI or use the digital optical audio output to connect to an external sound system. Connecting to non-HD equipment is no problem as the HD-S boasts twin SCART outputs (so you can connect simultaneously to a TV and DVD or Video Recorder).

Energy Saving

The Plaza HD-S will even help save you money due to its extremely low power consumption (less than 1W in standby) and comes recommended by the Energy Saving Trust.

"Choosing the HD-S a non-brainer"

What Satellite & Digital TV issue #305 awarded the Plaza HD-S 10/10 for Value and 9/10 for Performance, Navigation and Setup, stating in its verdict:

The Plaza HD-S is an extremely capable Freesat HD receiver. The simple switching between Freesat and non-Freesat channel lists and the inclusion of both types of channel in the favourites makes this receiver a good choice for anyone wanting everything that 28’E has to offer.

Its reception performance is excellent and it will even find enthusiast friends. That it’s probably the cheapest Freesat HD receiver around as well makes choosing the HD-S a no-brainer.

† Non-Freesat channels such as Sky News are not listed in the Programme Guide. Only information about the current and following programmes is available via the channel banner after changing to a non-Freesat channel.

Manhattan Plaza HD-S Specification

- HDMI resolutions: 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
- Upscaling of standard definition programmes to HD
- Dolby Digital+
- On Demand TV with BBC iPlayer (not available outside the UK)
- 8-day Programme Guide with Reminders
- Timer, Auto Turn On & Auto Turn Off functionality
- Auto scan of freesat & non-freesat channels
- 8 favourites lists that can combine freesat & non-freesat channels
- Energy Saving Trust recommended with under 1W consumption in standby
- Audio Description capable
- Concealed front panel buttons
- Easy-to-use Remote Control
- HDMI cable
- Connections: HDMI, Optical Audio, USB, Twin SCART & Ethernet
- Dimensions: W258mm, D175mm, H44mm
- Weight: 792g

Reviews

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Manhattan Standard Definition Digibox

Back Panel

About the Manhattan Plaza DS-100 Freesat SD Box

The Manhattan Plaza DS-100 is a standard-definition Freesat receiver allowing you to access over 150 UK channels via your satellite dish. Manhattan have a reputation for designing and manufacturing good quality satellite and terrestrial receivers. The DS-100 combined good quality components with two scart cables, whilst retaining a low and competitive price for those not looking to opt for a high-definition receiver.

Manhattan Plaza DS-100 Specification

Digitally interactive
Digital text
LNB in
Digital video broadcasting (DVB) subtitles
Auto setup
Auto detection of new channels
8 days electronic programme guide (freesat mode)
Now and next electronic programme guide (non-freesat mode)
2 SCART sockets
Access over 160 Freesat digital channels and radio stations
Audio description (broadcast mix) dependent
Power consumption in use: 8 watts
Standby power consumption: 1 watt
Size (H/W/D): 3.6 cm, 15 cm, 25.7 cm
Weight: 0.5 kg

Reviews

Bill says:

We’d give the unit 10 out of 10 as it does everything it should do for the price, and is exceptionally good value for a basic Freesat receiver.

More information on the

Sky+ HD
High Definition Digital receiver and video recorder

(Model shown above is the 1TB version)

Back Panel

High Definition TV is the biggest revolution in TV for years.  HD will bring you a cinema like experience in your own home with sharper, clearer, more vibrant pictures and amazing Dolby Digital 5.1 sound quality on many programmes. Once you've experienced it, you'll never want to go back. (A Sky subscription is required to watch HD channels) Two variants of this are available, one with 250GB of recording space and one with a whopping 1TB

Features:

• Watch one digital channel whilst recording another
• Watch live or recorded programmes on second TV in the home
• Instant Replay of live TV
• Record two digital channels simultaneously (Dual Record), while watching a third programme from the hard drive
• Series link facility
• Bookmark feature
• 1 year in home warranty (see guarantee page)

• Dimensions: 345mm wide x 250mm deep x 72mm high
• Weight: 5.3kg gross
• Hard disc capacity for personal recordings - 250GB (total disc size is 500GB, of which 250GB is reserved applications such as Sky Anytime, 1TB available special order)
• 1 x HDMI socket - high definition digital audio & video out
• 1 x scart socket (SD - RGB and composite out).
• 1 x SD S-video socket (4 way mini DIN)
• RF output
• RF output with 9V to power TV link 'magic eye'
• Aerial loopthrough
• Optical audio out for 5.1 surround sound - connect to home cinema system
• Stereo audio output (L & R phono sockets)
• Standard F connector fittings for the two dish input connections
• RS232 connection for Sky Gnome, Gamepads etc

Reviews:

It seems that Sky`s acquisition of Amstrad is paying of for this little gem. With it been built in-house they (Sky) can monitor it`s construction much more closely, & for the units to be made exactly to Sky`s specification. Now,I don`t know if there is any other manufacturer for this box (like there is for the 160gb`s), but I`ll tell you this, Sky/Amstrad have got this, just-about-right, it`s a delight to use, instructions are clear,the remote is well designed plus, it comes bundled with some versatile extras. Easily "FIVE STARS",the only REAL starting point for a Skyhd user.
Highly RECOMMENDED!!

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The NEW SkyHD Digibox

Sky's newly launched HD Digibox, is a direct replacement for the standard Sky digibox which has now been discontinued. This box allows you to access standard definition, and over 50 high-definition channels and 3D.

This new box has a modified version of the Sky Programme Guide (in high-definition) including the mini-tv feature; It operates like the current Sky+HD Digibox, just without the record functionality.

Not only is the receiver as sleek as the DRX890 (Sky+HD) but its smaller measuring only 273mm by 52mm high

The DRX595 has an HDMI connection for watching HD and SD channels allowing access to Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound which is a new feature for a Sky box.

It is worth noting that the DRX595 does not have the RF modulator output, so it will not be possible to run a cable with magic eye to a second location.

Please also note that this is a Standard Sky HD Digibox and not a Sky+HD box and does NOT have an internal hard drive for recording.

Sky DRX595 main features

- Suitable for watching both SD and HD channels
- Upscale all SD content with the use of HDMI
- Single tuner, requires just one satellite dish cable
- High quality build and reliability
- Modified version of latest HD EPG, including mini-TV mode
- 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound via HDMI, a Sky first
- Sleek, modern design and high gloss black finish which can be stored vertically or horizontally

Sky DRX595 Specifications

- 1 x HDMI
- 1 x SCART (TV, VCR)
- 1 x Optical Output (SPDIF)
- 1 x LNB Input
- 1 x USB
- 1 x RJ45 Ethernet Port
- 1 x Telephone Port
- 1 x 10 pin mini DIN
- Dimensions (Width x Depth x Height): 273 x 204 x 52 mm
- Weight: 2kg approx.

Sky DRX595 Box Contents

- Sky DRX595 Sky HD Digibox
- HDMI Cable (for high-definition channels, you must use HDMI)
- UK Power Cable with French adaptor
- Sky Remote Control (inc batteries)

Here is more information for the

Humax Foxsat  HD
Freesat High Definition Digital receiver

High Definition TV is the biggest revolution in TV for years. HD will bring you a cinema like experience in your own home with sharper, clearer, more vibrant pictures. These are the latest thing in High Definition viewing in your home when connected via an HDMI lead to your HD ready TV.

About the Humax FOXSAT-HD Digital Receiver

The Humax Freesat HD Digital Box (FOXSAT-HD) was the first HD receiver launched for the new Freesat satellite service, on 6th May 2008. Offering excellent quality picture and sound on both HD and SD broadcasts, plus a much improved EPG and menu system over its competition; the Humax HD Box almost instantly became a firm favourite with enthusiasts and general consumers alike. In addition, the Humax receiver offers the ‘add channel’ facility, which allows you to add further FTA channels which are not available via the EPG/TV Guide, plus the option to search for channels from other satellites, with the correct satellite dish setup of course.

High-Definition (HD) TV packs in up to 5 times as much picture detail as standard definition TV, so you get crystal clear images and mind-blowing colours.

Humax FOXSATHD Specification

- Receives HDTV signals (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 and MPEG-2)
- Under 1Watt power consumption in standby
- HDMI digital interface for perfect transmission of picture and sound
- Simultaneous playing of transmissions over HDMI, YPbPr or Scart (2 x Scart sockets)
- Easy installation and operation – automatic tuners and start-up guide
- Resolution format: 1080i, 720p, 576p, 576i
- DVB-S2 and DVB-S compatible
- Ethernet support – for future iPlayer and Kangaroo use
- Full colour, high resolution electronic program guide (EPG)
- Dolby digital optical audio output (S/PDIF)
- Automatic software upgrade via satellite
- Audio description / One touch subtitle
- Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth): 280mm x 45mm x 200mm
- Weight: 1.5kg

Geoff Says:

• My first two freesat boxes were bought on price and both returned faulty. My third is the Foxsat HD and it has been excellent, not a single problem.

Steve Cassidy Says:

• Bought this product in September 08. Wanted to try it out and move it between my home and my motorhome after initially being refused by C****’s without purchasing an installation package.

  Following advices from this website I simply connected it up to an old Sky dish and started the installation which was more or less fully automatic with regional choices being taken care of by inputting a simple post code.
  A single software update has been completed successfully with very little intervention from myself. The quality of the signal through the standard Sky dish is excellent and HD is something else. No problems with reception even through 2 quite bad storms.

  I use this box in my motorhome through a 66cm dish on a tripod (Omnistor/Maxwell portable system) with the same high quality output.

  The channel choice is improving all the time and will only get better as the digital switchover starts to move from region to region.

  I am so impressed with FTA HD content, limited as it is (particularly sport) I have decided to leave the box on the motorhome and purchase a new TV with integrated tuner which I have done (TH-42PZ81 with full HD)

  Excellent product both as a static or mobile solution

• loganz Says:
  

  I ditched my old sky digital box because most of the channels I was watching was on freesat. I bought this thinking I was downgrading. From the moment I turned it on I was pleasantly supprised. Easy to setup. Automatically upgrades itself with new software and channels.

  Pro’s for me over standard sky box.

  1) The standard picture was much better (thanks to HDMI output)
  2) High definition channels
  3) No subscription costs
  4) Faster EPG

  Con’s over my previous box
  1) Less channels

  In summary I have not missed my sky box since swapping for this and I wouldn’t go back.

Here is the Latest Product Information for the:-

Humax Foxsat  HDR
Freesat High Definition Digital receiver and video recorder

The FOXSAT-HDR is bursting with Freesat+ recording features to capture the incredible colour, sound and crystal clear images of the BBC HD, BBC1 HD, ITV1 HD & Channel 4 HD channels.

The high specification, twin tuner Humax FOXSAT-HDR is the only way to pause, rewind and record Freesat HD digital TV, as well as access an expanding choice of SD TV, radio and interactive channels.

The massive New 500GB hard drive can store up to 125 hours of HD programming, or up to 300 hours of standard definition shows, while the eight day on-screen electronic programme guide makes it easy to scan the Freesat TV schedule and plan your viewing. Because the Humax FOXSAT-HDR comes with two digital tuners, two Freesat channels can be recorded at the same time, so you never need miss a thing, and there’s plenty you won’t want to miss!

The Humax FOXSAT-HDR guarantees a whole host of advanced recording features for the Freesat+ digital satellite service:
• Series recording – to automatically record all the episodes of your favourite shows
• Radio recording – never miss your favourite radio shows by recording individual shows, or even series record
• Live pause and instant rewind – in case you need to answer the phone or replay that crucial scene
• Schedule tracking – so recordings start and finish on time, even when broadcasters change their schedule
• Split recordings - to record two-part programmes that may have a break in the middle for a news bulletin, such as films

Humax FOXSATHDR Specification

- Freesat HD and SD channel recording
- Simultaneous viewing of one channel and recording another channel
- Receive HDTV signals (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 and MPEG-2)
- Under 1W power consumption in standby
- HDMI – digital interface for perfect transmission of picture and sound
- Simultaneous playing of transmissions over HDMI, composite and Scart
- Easy installation and operation
- Resolution format: 1080i, 720p, 576p, 576i
- DVB-S2 and DVB-S compatible
- Ethernet support
- Full colour, high resolution electronic program guide
- Dolby digital audio output (S/PDIF)
- Automatic software upgrade via satellite
- Upscaling of SDTV to HD
- Audio description / One touch subtitle
- Massive 500GB HDD (1TB also available)
- Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth): 380 x 55 x 252 mm
- Weight: 3.1 kg

Sam P Says:

My new Humax arrived yesterday and fired it up as soon as I got home.

2 antenna feeds in and I was up and running in 10 mins, software updated and channels saved.

Picture quality on my Sony W Series is superior to the Amstrad Sky box I replaced and HD is of course fantastic.

EPG / menus etc seem to be good and load reasonably quickly, a little getting used to I guess and the remote is not laid out in the most obvious way (numbers too far above the jog wheel) and why oh why does the volume control the humax box and not my TV ? it takes several button presses to change the volume. These are of course minor issues and overall cannot complain, fantastic piece of kit and this from a long time Sky man.

Love the feature of being able to copy pictures etc straight off a usb stick onto the box and review all those holiday snaps in 37″ of HD pleasure ! Recording the radio is another interesting nice to have.

High Definition Television (HDTV) offers a marked improvement in picture quality, giving a home viewing experience similar to that offered in cinemas...

My Humax Recorder keeps switching off

If your Humax box keeps going into standby, it is probably because  a new “eco” setting has been added,

To switch the setting off,

• Press MENU on your remote control
• Select OTHER
• Select "Auto Standby"
• Use the Right/Left key on your remote to change the setting to "DISABLED "
• Press the EXIT Button to go back to the channels

Channel 4 HD launches on Freesat

Channel 4 and Freesat today announced that Freesat HD viewers will soon be able to enjoy C4HD when the channel launches on the subscription free satellite TV service in April.

C4HD becomes the fourth HD channel on Freesat joining BBC1 HD, BBC HD and ITV1 HD. Freesat currently offers over 170 TV, radio and interactive channels to its 1.5 million customers.

Freesat Managing Director Emma Scott said;

This is fantastic news for Freesat. C4HD is a high quality channel and we’re sure it’ll prove popular with our discerning viewers.

The addition of a fourth HD channel makes Freesat an even more attractive offer for savvy TV viewers looking for quality TV without monthly bills.

FIVE HD launches on Sky

Channel FIVE HD is now available on Sky channel 171 but has not yet been released to Freesat

ITV1, 2, 3 & 4 HD available late 2010

Great News! all of the ITV channels are now broadcasting all day in HD

Sky Viewing card change over

Sky are upgrading all of their viewing cards this year and you may be getting on-screen messages

In a nutshell,  IF YOU PAY A SUBSCRIPTION then Sky will send out a new card to the address at which the viewing card is registered.

If your card is a FREESAT card and you DO NOT pay a subscription then they will not automatically be replaced.

If you have a Freesat card, to get rid of the message simply remove the card from your digibox. Channel 4 is now available without a card. You will lose SKY THREE and FIVE. FIVE can be viewed without a card by following the instructions further down this page.

In certain cases, Sky will send out a replacement Freesat card free of charge to a UK address. To check whether your card is eligible for replacement click here . If your card is eligible, just complete the online form with your UK details and Sky will send the card to the address given. If your card is NOT eligible for a free replacement then you will be offered the opportunity to purchase a new one for £20, again to be sent to a UK address.

Please remember that Sky will NOT supply cards to non-UK addresses

If you have any concerns regarding this subject, please feel free to contact us through this link , remembering to include your viewing card number in the details.

Channel FIVE without a viewing card?

If you don’t have a viewing card you can still watch Channel FIVE by doing the following:-

• Press SERVICES on your remote control
• Select 4 SYSTEM SET UP
• Select 4 ADD CHANNELS
• Change the frequency to 10.773
• Change the POLARISATION from V to H
• Change the SYMBOL RATE to 22.0
• Change the FEC to 5/6
• then select FIND CHANNELS

After a few seconds a list of available channels will be shown.  Highlight FIVE, press the Yellow button to store it, then press the SKY button

To watch channel FIVE, select SERVICES, then 6 OTHER CHANNELS then select FIVE

My Sky box keeps switching off

If your Sky box keeps going into standby, it is probably because Sky have added a new “eco” setting,

To switch the setting off,

• Press SERVICES on your remote control
• Select option 5 AUTO STANDBY
• Change the “ON” to “OFF”.
• Highlight “SAVE SETTINGS” and press SELECT
• Press the SKY button to go back to the channels

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