This is a strong competitor against the long-awaited Dreambox 8000 which is still not available & the UFS 910 is already available! This HD receiver boast DVB-S2 and MPEG-4 capability.

For the hobbyists amongst us this is a very interesting receiver, because it runs on Linux & has an Ethernet connector, so cardsharing is possible! There is already an alternative image available which can run cardsharing clients/SoftCAM emulators.

Sadly the specifications only mention DiSEqC 1.0 & not DiSEqC 1.2 which is required to drive a DiSEqC motor or a big DiSEqC swithc (>4 connections) Probably a future firmware upgrade will add DiSEqC 1.2 capability, because this only a software based feature.

The Kathrein UFS 910 HD receiver is available in black, or silver.

Specifications

· Reception of digital satellite TV and radio channels in the DVB-S & DVB-S2 transmission standards
· Video decoding of MPEG-2 and MPEG-4/H.264 signals
· 16-digit alphanumeric display to show the channel names and programme information
· 4,000 channel memory positions
· Kathrein-easy-use EPG with timer programming
· Common Interface for two CA modules
· HDMI output for connection to an HDTV ready TV set
· HDCP copy protection
· Optical audio output for Dolby Digital data stream (AC 3)
· YPbPr output
· Cinch sockets for AV signal (composite colour picture, stereo-audio)
· One USB 2.0 port on the front panel & 2 USB 2.0 ports on the back panel for updates with a USB stick
· Multifunction setting device on the front panel
· Composite colour picture, RGB and Y/C signal output programmable on SCART socket
· Suitable for software updates (operational software & channel list separately) via satellite or USB stick . Language selection for programmes broadcast in several languages
· Channel search
· Channel position sort function
· Automatic date and time setting via DVB data stream
· On-screen display (OSD) in 8 languages (D, GB, F, I, E, CZ, NL, TR)
· DiSEqCTM 1.0 control signal and SCR one-cable system control signals (as of first quarter 2007)
· LINUX based operating system
· Mains switch
· Comes with: Remote control, batteries, manual, safety notes, SCART cable & power cable

Currently the UFS 910 is selling in Germany for around €300, other countries like the Netherlands can expect the receiver to be available arround September.

A video review of this HD receiver is available here

Now there is a spin-off site of HDTV Info Europe dedicated to this receiver, visit the site here  

Because this receiver looks very promising a special forum dedicated to this receiver is now online.