Humax DTR-T1000 YouView Box Reviewed

We look closely at what the high-spec YouView box from Humax, review the DTR-T1000, and show you some close-up photos and screenshots of this Freeview and on-demand recorder.

 

YouView launched in 2012, and the first box on the market is the Humax T1000. We got out hands on this new recorder shortly after launch, and have been putting it through its paces.

Humax YouView Box DTR-T1000
The Humax DTR-T1000 YouView Box

 

Humax DTR-T1000 Features:

  • Watch and record Freeview HD
  • On-demand TV shows and movies with Ethernet connection
  • YouView Scrollback EPG with catch-up TV
  • 500GB built-in hard-disk (300 hours of SD TV or 125 hours of Freeview HD recording)
  • Twin Tuner (watch one channel while recording another)
  • Split recordings (handy for “two-parter” shows separated by a news break)
  • Subscription-free TV with access to Internet-based services

YouView Humax DTR T1000 availability:

Or… get the T1000 for free!

BT YouView Current Deal

 

HumaxDTR-T1000 UK Review:

So far, we’ve been pretty impressed with the YouView box from Humax. The programme guide is a key selling point of the YouView TV service, and it’s very good. The ability to scroll back for catch-up, as well as forward is great, and the box has an impressive and easy-to-use search, necessary to find content that’s been recorder, is available online, or is coming soon.

YouView EPG

YouView on-screen programme guide

Searching on YouView
Searching on YouView

The remote is a little on the large side, but generally comfy and responsive. Buttons have a tactile click, which is nice. Most of the YouView functionality happens from the Blue YouView button. The remote can be programmed to operate your TV too – a list of codes for common makes and models is provided.

Humax DTR-T1000 Remote Control
Humax DTR-T1000 Remote Control

Setting it up

Setup is straightforward. Connect to a TV aerial, the Internet and the TV (via HDMI or SCART), then you’re off. There’s quite a wait first time around as the box boots, asks a few questions, and downloads an updated operating system.

Humax DTR-T1000 Please Wait Screen
Humax DTR-T1000 Please Wait Screen

You then have a choice about how fast you want the box to boot in the future – either fast-but-power-hungry, or slow-and-energy-efficient. With Ecdemic, boot time is 2.5 minutes in return for jut 1 watt on standby, compared to 19 watts for a 15 second boot time.

Eco-Mode on the Humax DTR-T1000 Humax Box
Eco-Mode on the Humax DTR-T1000 Humax Box

Using the DTR-T1000

Accessing the on-demand movies, TV shows and catch-up is pretty intuitive, and you can do this in a number of different ways. Our box is one supplied for free on a YouView from BT contract, and as you’ll see from the following screenshot, offers access to the various on-demand players, plus premium content from BT Vision and Sky’s Now TV

YouView Players
YouView Players

 

So far, all’s looking good with the box – no crashes or major bugs, and with plans for extra TV channels and services promised with YouView, this is a pretty good option, especially if you can get it for free from your broadband provider.

Other features:

  • Recordings: Auto-delete if drive gets full
  • Auto HD: Box can bve set to search for HD versions of content if available
  • Automatic standby: 2, 3, 4 hours, or “never”
  • Eco-mode: As described in our article, option to reduce standby power consumption
  • Accessibility: Supports subtitles, AD, Sign Language and screen zooming
  • Security: PIN protection, ability to hide adult content, parental control

 

Humax DTR-T1000 Connectors

Here’s a quick look at what’s on the back of the Humax DTR-T1000 YouView box:

 

  • HDMI output
  • 1 x SCART sockets
  • RF aerial input
  • RF aerial output (not modulated)
  • Ethernet network connector
  • Video out phono
  • Stereo output L/R phonos
  • SP/DIF socket

Humax DTR-T1000 Rear View
Humax DTR-T1000 Rear View

Humax DTR-T1000 Specification:

  • Power consumption: Max 27 watts. Standby: less than 0.5 watts (Eco)
  • Size: 380 x 246 x 55mm
  • Weight: 2.75kg

Humax DTR-T1000 Supplied With:

  • Remote control with 2 x batteries
  • Ethernet lead
  • HDMI lead
  • User guides

Humax DTR-T1000 Box Contents
Humax DTR-T1000 Box Contents

 

Humax DTR-T1000 YouView FAQ

What’s the PIN Number?

  • The default passcode is 1234.

Can I feed the output to another room?

Recording padding

“I cannot see a facility in settings to add a couple of minutes to the end of a recording, so that one does not miss the ending, as so often happens with an over run.” (Peter Slater)

  • As far as we can tell, there’s no option to add padding to the start or end of a recording. This may be something that’s addressed in a future over-the-air software update.

Does this YouView box record subtitles?

  • Yes, it does. Here’s a screenshot of subtitles playing back from a BBC One recording. The T1000 also supports Audio Description and Sign Language.

Humax YouView subtitles

 

 

 

Got a question on the Humax T1000 YouView box? Ask in our Humax Forum

 

Useful Links:

 

3 comments

  • Steve from Hockley Essex

    Can this model the humax T1000 record to DVD’s aswell? Do all PVR’s have a dvd drive for recording/playing? I cannot see this in the specs.
    Steve

  • Olapade olubunmi victor

    Although thia set topp box has not be working in nigeria but very soon it wil be install. I am hereby request for training we ever is being worked in nigeria. Thanks.

  • Olapade olubunmi victor

    Although this set topp box has not be working in nigeria but very soon it wil be install. I am hereby request for training we ever is being worked in nigeria. Thanks.

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