This week we were invited to the launch of a new Freeview+ HD recorder from Harvard International, called the View21.

The View21 may look like any other Freeview+ HD recorder in both looks and specifications (see later) and you would for the most part be right, however it has a secret weapon.

You can control the View21 with the supplied remote control.

Or via an iPad or iPhone app (which is really want makes the View21 stand out). The iOS app will be available at launch time with an Android app coming later. This is the secret weapon, as it was so easy to use and control on the iPad and iPhone, and frankly it’s a great selling point over and above all the other devices on the market. Oh, and did I mentioned you can stream live and recorded TV from the View21 to the iPhone or iPad, so one person can be watching something on the TV, while someone else watches something on their mobile device. Very cool!

There are many different views, and the menu options are very easy to use and scroll through. There is a 4 hour window filter if you want to scroll through making it less of a chore having to go through many many screens looking for something.

The launch apps will include BBC iPlayer, Twitter, Flikr and YouTube.

This is definitely aimed as a catch up device to watch something you missed or something you recorded earlier rather than another preview VOD device.

You can have multiple favourite lists, so every member of the family can have their own.

View21 specifications

• 500GB Recording memory (approximately 300 hours of standard recording time)
• Twin Freeview HD tuners
• Full range of all Freeview channels
• On demand capabilities
• Pause live TV, recorded, fast forward and rewind – fast forward and rewind at x 64
• Watch one programme on TV, record another and watch another on your iPad all at the same time (iPhone version to follow)
• Picture Push compatible to upload high quality photos and videos
• Priority recording – deletes the oldest viewed program if box requires to make space for a new recording
• Programmes recorded have to be watched for 5 minutes before they change to ‘Partially Viewed’ in Library
• Time shift of 120 minutes
• Control your View21 box from anywhere in your house via your iPad and iPhone
• Lip synch adjustment

View21 will be available at www.view21.com and selected retailers from around the end of August time for around the £200 mark.

We hope to have one for a proper review soon, but we do like the look and feel and the View21 might be the box to have. It’s just a pity they couldn’t have released it before the Olympics because I think they have missed a great opportunity.