Freesat strips features from older Humax boxes and app, users revolt
When Freesat announced it would pull connected services from a swath of legacy Humax receivers on August 12, 2025, longtime satellite TV fans in the United Kingdom collectively groaned.
Starting that date, the Humax HDR‑1000S, 1010S, 1100S and HB‑1000S models – units that many households have kept running since the early‑2020s – lost the ability to stream external apps like ITV Hub and ITVX, after having already been stripped of those services in previous years. The blow was compounded by the disappearance of the remote‑control function from the Freesat mobile app, a feature that, despite never working with newer 4K boxes, remained the only way some users could toggle their older receivers from the couch.
What’s Changing and When
Freesat rolled out two distinct changes within weeks of each other. The first, formally logged as Legacy Device Service Cut‑off, targeted all Humax boxes purchased between 2018 and 2022. A second move, dubbed the App Remote Removal, went live quietly in early September, removing the remote‑control tab from the iOS and Android apps.
Both changes were framed by Freesat as part of “ongoing improvements to our service.” In the company’s brief social‑media reply, a spokesperson said, “The new app doesn’t have the remote control feature anymore and serves as a guide to what’s available on Freesat, with quick access to on‑demand services as well as what’s currently live.” No prior marketing material hinted at the loss.
How the Removals Affect Long‑time Users
For owners of the affected Humax hardware, the impact is immediate. Without the remote‑control function, the only way to change channels or set recordings is via the physical remote, which many have already lost or whose batteries are barely hanging on after years of use. A user from Manchester, who asked to remain anonymous, told us, “I bought the HDR‑1000S because it was cheap and reliable. Now I’m forced to juggle a spare remote and a phone that can’t even talk to the box.”
Industry analysts point out that the removed remote feature never worked with Freesat’s newer 4K receivers, such as the Freesat Recordable 4K TV Box. “It’s a classic case of legacy‑first neglect,” noted Martin Jacobs, senior analyst at TechWatch UK. “Freesat is rewarding customers who upgraded to 4K while effectively abandoning those who can’t afford to replace their hardware.”
Numbers from the company’s support centre show a 23 % spike in calls about “missing remote control” between September 1 and September 15, 2025. Meanwhile, social‑media mentions of “Freesat betrayals” surged to a weekly average of 1,200 tweets, a 78 % increase over the same stretch in August.
Freesat’s New Software Updates
Amid the backlash, Freesat pushed a software update – version 1.7.0 – on September 16, 2025 for both its standard 4K boxes and the Freesat Recordable 4K model. The update, logged as Freesat v1.7.0 Rollout, promises a faster‑loading TV Guide and a refreshed start‑up message when powering on from standby. Minor bug fixes and UI tweaks round out the package.
Earlier, on October 15, 2024, version 1.6.1 introduced a top‑screen menu layout and added a high‑contrast mode for the TV Guide, aiming to improve accessibility for visually impaired viewers.
Meanwhile, channel line‑ups continue to shift. The most recent tweak on October 1, 2024 added three new free‑to‑air channels, while the long‑standing UKTV network rebranded to simply “U” on July 15, 2024 – a change many older set‑top boxes still can’t display correctly.
- August 12, 2025 – Legacy Humax services removed.
- September 1, 2025 – Remote control stripped from mobile app.
- September 16, 2025 – v1.7.0 software update released.
- October 15, 2024 – v1.6.1 UI and accessibility improvements.
- July 15, 2024 – UKTV rebranding to “U”.
Industry and Consumer Reactions
The pattern of pulling support from older hardware has reignited a broader debate about the longevity of free‑to‑air satellite services in an era dominated by streaming giants. Representatives from Ofcom declined to comment directly on the Freesat moves but reiterated that “consumer choice and product durability remain key policy goals.”
Meanwhile, rival free‑to‑air platform Freeview issued a short statement: “We continue to support legacy set‑top boxes for as long as technically feasible, and we encourage manufacturers to consider backward compatibility.”
On the user side, forums dedicated to “Freesat and Humax” saw a flurry of advice threads. Tips ranged from pressing the LIST button on the remote to adjust guide personalization, to enabling High Contrast Mode via Settings → Accessibility & Language.
What This Means for the Future of Satellite TV
Analysts see Freesat’s strategy as a calculated push toward newer, higher‑margin 4K equipment. By phasing out support for older boxes, the company can streamline firmware maintenance and focus on features like 4K HDR and advanced EPG integration – capabilities that are increasingly expected by advertisers and content providers.
However, the trade‑off is a growing perception of a two‑tier service: premium 4K owners enjoy smoother updates, while legacy users feel left behind. If the trend continues, we may see a wave of “upgrade fatigue” among consumers who are wary of replacing hardware that was marketed as “free‑to‑air for life.”
In the short term, the backlash is likely to push Freesat into a more transparent communications approach, perhaps offering migration discounts or extended‑life kits for older Humax units. Long‑term, the market could evolve toward hybrid models that blend satellite broadcast with over‑the‑top (OTT) apps, reducing reliance on physical set‑top boxes altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Freesat remove the remote‑control feature from its app?
Freesat says the app now focuses on being a simple guide to live and on‑demand content. The remote function, which only worked with older Humax boxes, was deemed redundant as the company pushes users toward newer 4K receivers that have built‑in remote capabilities.
Which Humax models are affected by the August 12 service cut‑off?
The HDR‑1000S, 1010S, 1100S and HB‑1000S Humax boxes, all sold between 2018 and 2022, will lose access to connected services such as ITV Hub, ITVX and any third‑party streaming apps that were still supported.
What improvements does the v1.7.0 update bring to newer Freesat boxes?
Version 1.7.0 speeds up TV Guide loading, refreshes the start‑up splash screen, and includes a host of minor bug fixes and UI tweaks that make navigation smoother on both standard and Recordable 4K models.
How are other broadcasters reacting to Freesat’s changes?
Freeview has publicly pledged to keep legacy box support as long as technically possible, while Ofcom has reiterated its commitment to consumer choice, though it stopped short of intervening in Freesat’s product‑life‑cycle decisions.
What can owners of older Humax boxes do now?
Users can still access the basic free‑to‑air channels, adjust guide settings via the LIST button, enable High Contrast Mode under Settings → Accessibility & Language, and consider upgrading to a Freesat Recordable 4K box, which receives full software support.
About Author
Hi, I'm Kieran Lockwood, a sports enthusiast with a particular passion for soccer. I love sharing my insights and opinions on the latest matches, players, and tactics. In addition to my love for the game, I also enjoy writing about TV shows, analyzing their plots and characters. My ultimate goal is to combine my two passions and become a renowned sports and entertainment writer, offering fresh perspectives on the world of soccer and television.
