Babel TV - A Freeview box with Internet surfing

A new set-top-box brings Freeview, personal video recording and Internet surfing to the home.

The “Babel TV” device, is a regular Freeview box, with a personal video recorder (PVR) and the ability to surf the Internet.  All that is required is a Freeview compatible aerial and a broadband internet connection.  Users will also need their router or modem.

As well as regular surfing, it can be used to make cheaper Internet phone calls.  Internet downloads can be stored on the box itself, and Babel TV offers an automated external back up service at a secure location for an extra cost.  There are also parental controls to restrict access.

The device does not include a wireless keyboard or pointer for mouse functionality, so this would need to be purchased separately.  The Babel TV device acts like a normal PC in many respects, and includes applications for word processing, email, media management as well as web browsing. Security updates are also managed remotely so it’s like a self contained ‘mini PC’.

Babel TV comes from a company called DaweVision Ltd, owned by Peter Dawe and Mark Turner, who were the founders of service providers Pipex and Demon.

The Babel TV box is due to be available online from November 6th at a price of £295.