Panasonic Freesat PVR on the Horizon

[spinaltap]

It looks as though Panasonic plan to release a Freesat PVR with Blu-ray recorder. A similar model is already available in France and Australia (DMR-BW500), but a Freesat derivative will eventually launch in the UK.

In another story, however, Panasonic (UK) appear to backtrack on the reported launch of such a recorder.

Panasonic Freesat PVR planned | PVR Junction

http://www.pvrjunction.co.uk/panason...ay-at-present/

[davemurgatroyd2]

There may be severe problems licensing such a box under the freesat logo without severe internal restrictions on HD recording to BluRay. Freesat are very strict in their specifications in regards to HDCP. There are already restrictions placed on current freesat boxes limiting what outputs can be used for HD channels.

[snaithg]

Originally Posted by spinaltap

It looks as though Panasonic plan to release a Freesat PVR with Blu-ray recorder. A similar model is already available in France and Australia (DMR-BW500), but a Freesat derivative will eventually launch in the UK.

In another story, however, Panasonic (UK) appear to backtrack on the reported launch of such a recorder.

Panasonic Freesat PVR planned | PVR Junction

Panasonic UK deny Freesat Blu-Ray ‘at present’ / Update: UK launch probable but no firm date | PVR Junction

Originally Posted by davemurgatroyd2

There may be severe problems licensing such a box under the freesat logo without severe internal restrictions on HD recording to BluRay. Freesat are very strict in their specifications in regards to HDCP. There are already restrictions placed on current freesat boxes limiting what outputs can be used for HD channels.

The Digital Rights Mafia strike again.

If the DRM crowd get their way again in the UK (and freesat appear to be in bed with them), then I suspect that we will NEVER see a freesat PVR with Bluray recording capability. At least not one able to record anything in HD worth recording .


Graham

[steb]

Has anyone heard anything else about this product in the new year?

[ian-d]

Panasonic still categorically state that no product is planned, but of course they'd do this to avoid any competition. If it's going to happen, it will most likely be Panasonic that take the first steps, like they did with the Freesat TV's.

[steb]

Originally Posted by ian-d

Panasonic still categorically state that no product is planned, but of course they'd do this to avoid any competition. If it's going to happen, it will most likely be Panasonic that take the first steps, like they did with the Freesat TV's.

It seems to be the ideal holy grail product, but I suppose if the price point is £1K+ - I'd most likely avoid it anyway!