Somehow we didn’t catch this piece of news last week, but it’s still worthwhile to mention that StarHub has a new Hubstation PVR that now does HD as well.
This is indeed good news for HD buffs who want to also record their favourite programmes on TV. Previously, there was the useful Hubstation PVR which did not do HD and the HD box which did not have a PVR. Now the Hubstation HD gives you the best of both worlds.
I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these, since I got HD on my menu now but want to use the EPG (electronic programme guide) on the Hubstation, which is a really useful feature to ensure I don’t miss my favourite History Channel Battle 360 and Dogfights docus and even some movies on HD5.
For now, the box is only for rental – at S$14 a month (the old Hubstation was at S$8 a month). That’s not bad if you consider a second regular digital box sets you back S$12 each month if you install one in your bedroom.
The other neat features of the old Hubstation are still there, including free fixed line voice, and more importantly, a free 1Mbps cable modem link, which comes in handy for hooking up your Xbox or PS3, which tends to sit next to your TV and cable box. It sure beats connecting over Wi-Fi, especially if your place has lots of blind spots like mine.
The new box, being an HD box, also has useful HDMI output, so the video goes nicely to your new HDTV or one of those swanky new AV amps like an Onkyo TX-SR606 or Denon AVR-1909.
Now the question is: will StarHub let people like me who have recently bought an HD box and those who own old Hubstations to upgrade easily? Come on, offer us a good price and we will upgrade and bring up the total HD takeup in Singapore!
You can’t really upgrade. You can choose to disable your HD STB (if you wish) or get the Hubstation HD box for $14 + mapping fee of $8. That translates to $22 +GST a month if you intend to use both your HD box + HD Hubstation.