Sagemcom (previously part of the Sagem brand and now a manufacturer in their own right) have launched details of their first foray in to the Freeview HD world, the Freeview+ HD recording RTI90-320 and RTI90-500.

Sagemcom RTI90-320 and RTI90-500 Summary

In comparison to the older standard definition devices from Sagem, these two models are certainly miles ahead when it comes to appearance. Sleek, shiny and remarkably compact, the RTI90′s will take pride of place alongside your TV.

Both models have identical specifications apart from the hard drive capacity, with the RTI90-320 sporting a 320Gb hard drive capable of storing up to 160 hours of high definition programmes, and the RTI90-500 unsurprisingly boasting a larger 500Gb hard drive, with a maximum storage of 250 hours .

Besides the standard features you would expect to find on a twin tuner Freeview+ HD recorder (pause, record & rewind live TV, Series Link, record two programs at the same time etc), Sagemcom have tried to go one step further. The library of recorded programmes can be conveniently organised in to folders – perhaps giving each person in the house their own personal library avoiding the ‘accidental’ deletion that is one of the most common causes of domestic arguments these days.

Then there is the inclusion of an ethernet port for internet connectivity. While there is no detailed use for this at present, you would hope it is planned to add ‘widget’ capabilities for Twitter, Facebook etc in the not too distant future. It will be interesting to see how long it will take manufacturers like Sagemcom to realise that not everyone’s internet router is right next to the TV. While WiFi is an option on some planned Freeview HD devices, it would be nice to see this as a standard feature to save having to invest in powerline type ethernet adaptors.

The 320Gb model is expected at the end of April / early May, followed shortly after at the end of May by the 500Gb model. In the meantime, here’s a sneak preview provided by Sagemcom themselves.

Sagemcom RTI90 Freeview HD Recorder Specifications

• FREEVIEW+ HD recorder
• Twin DVB-T2 Freeview HD tuners
• 320GB Hard Disk Drive – 160 hours (RTI90-320) or 500GB Hard Disk Drive – 250 hours (RTI90-500)
• 1 HDMI out socket
• video upscaling up to 1080p
• 1 SCART socket
• 1 USB and 1 Ethernet port
• Dolby Digital Plus
• Compact glossy black casing
• Dimensions 26cm wide, 16cm deep, 4.8cm tall.
• 8 day electronic programme guide (EPG)
• Series Link for simple recording of entire series of programmes

Sagemcom RTI90-320 Price Comparison

Our price comparison tool checks prices at leading UK stockists every day to find you the cheapest place to buy. (The prices below are for the RTI90-320 – look a bit further down for the RTI90-500.)

Sagemcom RTI90-500 Price Comparison