Sky Q has been a popular TV device in the UK for over a decade, known for its ability to store recordings on its internal hard drive. However, a new competitor has emerged in the form of Manhattan’s S4-R Freesat 4K TV Recorder. This new set-top box functions similarly to Sky Q, utilizing a satellite dish to deliver content and offering storage for recordings, interactive TV guides, and live TV pause capabilities.
One major advantage of the Manhattan S4-R box is the absence of subscription fees, providing access to over 100 free TV and radio channels. While it lacks premium channels like Sky Sports and Sky Cinema, it presents a cost-effective entertainment option without additional bills. Like Sky Q, the S4-R can record multiple channels simultaneously and comes with a 500GB hard drive, expandable to larger capacities of 1TB and 2TB for more storage.
The Manhattan S4-R emphasizes user-friendly features, including a simple interface, search options, and access to a wide range of on-demand content through various apps like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and My5. Manhattan’s COO, Alex Arbab-Zadeh, highlighted the enhanced recording capabilities of the S4-R, enabling up to four simultaneous recordings, double the previous limit. He positioned the S4-R as a compelling alternative to subscription-based TV, offering flexibility, choice, and cost savings.
The Manhattan S4-R is set to launch this month and will be available at retailers such as Currys, John Lewis, Argos, and Richer Sounds. Pricing starts at £219.99 for the 500GB model, with the 1TB version priced at £249.99 in May and the 2TB model at £279.99 in June.