EchoStar Issues World's Slimmest DVR

You know, we were really beginning to wonder about the DVR. Phones, laptops, tablets and even towers have shrank considerably over the past two to three years, but DVRs are still... shaped like DVRs, by and large. But now, EchoStar is giving DVR lovers reason to celebrate, with an ultraslim model that actually looks fairly beautiful. It's being called the "World's Slimmest Digital TV Recorder," as the Ultra Slim Box (HDT-610R) offers up an array of features within a 14mm aluminum chassis. It's up for pre-order starting May 4 from Amazon, John Lewis and Maplin. As for specs? Here's a bit from the company:

"The Freeview+ HD Ultra Slim Box offers consumers subscription free TV with access to 50 high quality digital channels plus 4 in HD (BBC One HD, The BBC HD Channel, ITV1 HD and Channel 4 HD), features include the ability to pause or rewind live TV and record a complete series at the touch of a button using Series Link.

"We are delighted to see innovative companies bringing exciting new products to market on the Freeview platform", said Ilse Howling, Managing Director of Freeview. "Consumers are looking forward to an exciting summer of sport and facing a packed viewing schedule, digital video recording will be one of the key features that viewers will be looking for".

Despite a compact form factor, the Ultra Slim Box's feature set is uncompromised. Underneath the hood is a high capacity 500GB hard disk drive which allows up to 300 hours of recording space+, a twin tuner to ensure that consumers can watch one channel whilst recording another and an HDMI® connection for crystal clear picture quality. Internet connectivity provides access to Smart TV features including catch-up TV from BBC iPlayer, on demand* content through the BoxOffice365 service and the ability to upgrade to the latest software and features online.

EchoStar has partnered with The Connected Marketplace to bring on demand services to the Ultra Slim Box platform through the BoxOffice365 service. Kids' favourites including Thomas the Tank Engine, Fireman Sam and Bob the Builder, plus a great collection of movies from PictureBox, are all available for a monthly fee with more choices to come."