Sky Q has long been a popular TV device in the UK, cherished for its ability to record content onto its built-in hard drive. However, a new contender has emerged in the market, challenging Sky Q’s dominance.
Dubbed the S4-R Freesat 4K TV Recorder, Manhattan’s latest set-top box offers similar functionalities to Sky Q, utilizing a dish for content delivery and boasting internal storage for recordings. Users can enjoy a full interactive TV guide and the convenience of pausing live TV with this new gadget.
One standout feature of the Manhattan S4-R is its lack of subscription fees post-purchase, providing access to over 100 TV and radio channels for free viewing. While premium content like Sky Sports and Sky Cinema is not included, it serves as a solid entertainment option without the burden of extra costs.
Like Sky Q, the S4-R enables simultaneous recording of multiple channels and comes equipped with a 500GB hard drive, offering storage for approximately 300 hours of content. Larger 1TB and 2TB versions are on the horizon for users requiring additional space. The device also mirrors Sky’s live TV controls, allowing users to pause and rewind broadcasts.
Manhattan promises a user-friendly interface for the S4-R, complete with search functionality and access to a vast library of on-demand content through various apps like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and My5.
Alex Arbab-Zadeh, Manhattan’s COO, expressed confidence in the S4-R as a compelling alternative to subscription TV, emphasizing its enhanced recording capabilities, which now allow up to four simultaneous recordings—twice the previous limit.
The Manhattan S4-R is slated for release this month and will be stocked by popular retailers such as Currys, John Lewis, Argos, and Richer Sounds. Pricing kicks off at £219.99 for the 500GB model, escalating to £249.99 for the 1TB variant in May, and £279.99 for the 2TB model set to hit shelves in June.