“I have owned a Humax 2000 previously and it was excellent apart from a slow boot up. However, it developed intermittant problems to the point I wanted a new PVR. I searched for a replacement but nothing compared to the 2000. Then I found Humax were releasing their 5000 model earlier this year. With anticipation I waited for its release.
Once in my hands, the first thing I notice is size. Is smaller and looks sleaker. Set up was absolutely easy as usual. The other thing I noticed was the front light. This is stuck underneath so it is hard to see when it is blue or red.
The features of the 5000 are much more up to date. With individual buttons for Netflix, Freeview Play and On Demand. Navigation is so much easier too. I can use the navigation buttons pretty much without looking at the remote, with exit, back, extra options and search all within reach of my thumb when using the navigational buttons.
The layout of the guide is cleaner. Keep pressing the navigational buttons to move bit by bit or press and hold to move faster. This will scroll through the guide channels faster or bring up guide days for you to select.
Searching is easier with the alphabet and programs are found with each letter you type. With the 2000 you could search by title, genre, etc. You can with the 5000 but is, in my opinion, much more restricted.
In the guide view you can press + for genre and this will bring up on demand. You can search by different genre but you only get whats on for the next few hours, not days like the 2000.
The other bug I have is, unlike the 2000, if you want info about a program you have to select it which will bring up basic info along with options to record etc. You get this by going through the guide option. With the 2000 you had a button for info.
The one thing that I like is that the 5000 will work without direct line of sight. My 5000 is on a bottom shelf of a shelf unit beside a couch. It responds from the remote even though the sensors are not in sight of each other. I have even controlled it when the 5000 was blocked by a flat screen tv in my bedroom.
Pros: A much improved model for Humax. Cleaner, smaller, sleeker, easier, faster.
Cons: Info and search options could be better.”
