Sky Q has long been a popular choice for TV entertainment in the UK, offering the ability to record content onto its internal hard drive. However, a new competitor has emerged in the form of Manhattan’s S4-R Freesat 4K TV Recorder. This device functions similarly to Sky Q, utilizing a dish to deliver shows and movies to households, complete with storage for recordings, interactive TV guide, and live TV pause feature.
The standout feature of the Manhattan S4-R is its lack of subscription fees, providing access to over 100 free TV and radio channels. While it may not offer premium content like Sky Sports or Sky Cinema, it presents a viable option for those seeking entertainment without additional costs.
Similar to Sky Q, the S4-R can simultaneously record multiple channels and comes with a 500GB hard drive, expandable to larger 1TB and 2TB versions for increased storage capacity. It also boasts live TV controls akin to Sky’s functionality, enabling users to pause and rewind broadcasts.
Manhattan promises a user-friendly interface for the S4-R, inclusive of search features and access to a vast library of on-demand content through various apps such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and My5. Alex Arbab-Zadeh, Manhattan’s COO, emphasized the device’s enhanced recording capabilities, allowing for the simultaneous recording of up to four programs, double the previous limit.
Positioned as a compelling alternative to subscription-based TV services, the S4-R offers flexibility, choice, and a means to avoid hefty monthly bills. The Manhattan S4-R will hit the market this month and will be obtainable from retailers like Currys, John Lewis, Argos, and Richer Sounds, with pricing starting at £219.99 for the 500GB model, rising to £249.99 for the 1TB version in May, and £279.99 for the 2TB model in June.