Humax debuts Aura next-gen Android 4k Freeview Play PVR

Humax has introduced its first 4k Freeview Play PVR based on the Android TV platform. The Aura comes in 1TB and 2TB editions, has an integrated Google Assistant, and offers access apps in the Google Play Store - and thanks to Google Assistant there’s voice control for frequently-used TV commands,

For system-builders looking for a premium TV PVR without a premium contract, it’s a unique proposition. With Freeview Play, there’s a full complement of mainstream catch-up TV players (comprising BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, My5, UKTV Play, CBS Catchup Channels UK, Horror Bites, STV Player and BBC Sounds), on top of which there’s access to  streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BT Sport and Google Play Movies, although not Netflix.

Freeview Play offers more than 20,000 hours of on demand content and over 700 box sets to choose from.

Key features include a universal search function, plus curated content recommendations. As well as the ability to watch, pause, rewind and record live TV, Freeview Play includes an seven day TV guide with scroll back functionality.



The Aura PVR has three digital tuners, allowing up to four programmes to be recorded at once while the user watches another live channel.
In addition, there’s a Humax Aura app, which supports downloading shows to watch later on the move. The app also allows users to schedule recordings and set reminders.

With Chromecast built-in as standard, making it easy to stream photos, videos, music and other media from a laptop, tablet or mobile phone via Wi-Fi.

The supplied remote control offers quick access ‘hot keys’: a Freeview Play button, Top Picks for content recommendations, a Google Assistant button to activate voice control, TV Guide button plus dedicated keys for Android Home, Amazon Prime Video and the Humax Kids’ Zone.

Unique to Humax is the Kids’ Zone, which provides a safe environment for children to watch content curated specially for the youngest members of the family. Episodes can be browsed, searched and selected by duration.

Available from November, the Humax Aura retails for £249 for the 1TB edition and £279 for the 2TB model.