On searching the internet, I discovered that there was a secret code to enter to enable the function. If the box itself is designed to let you export HD stuff that isn't a problem but the Humax isn't. Still, it's probably all moot and will never happen.

August DVB400 - Watch Freeview HD TV Set Top Box Recorder - August DVB400 - Watch

In practice obviously you are highly unlikely to be caught, as with all home copying/ripping for personal archival use but that doesn't make it legal. If I break the 30mph speed limit by 2 mph I'll almost certainly get away with it... and often do, but it's still illegal and I suspect that most of us will continue to that, too. I have an old PC card for HD recording and it works fine on the FTA channels and there are probably non-Freeview HD/+ PVRs out there that allow HD copying too, but the Freeview specs probably prohibit it. You can buy Freeview HD boxes that have a USB port one manufacturer will use this and have it as a selling point, another may only use the USB port for firmware upgrades only etc.August DA900D - 9" Portable HD Freeview TV DA900D:Firmware update: cancel manual channel search and replace it with blind scan. Software version:DA900D_3663_BS_V1.1

August DVB415 - 1080P Freeview Set Top Box Recorder - August DVB415 - 1080P

The August DVB400 HD receiver is perfect for those with an older HDTV that doesn’t have an internal HD freeview receiver.

The DVB400 Freeview HD box is capable of receiving full 1080p HD Channels, PVR recording and live channel pause all allowing you to watch what you want when you want. Never miss a programme again. You talk as if PC's with DVB-T2 tuners and generic DVB-S2 boxes that can freely record HD are somehow recording a different broadcast to those used on a PC, a Freesat box or even a Sky box. They are recording the same content which is not encrypted in any way. A PC is able to record HD content without encryption in some cases using the original epg (which itself is not encrypted), and in other cases a 3rd party epg. They clearly would not get a licence to be certified as Freesat+/Freeview+ and display the appropriate. Such recordings are not illegal but of course are still subject to the fair use requirements you already mention.