Argos is now offering a popular alternative to Sky Q-style upgrades for households seeking a premium TV experience without monthly fees. The Manhattan S4-R set-top box, introduced recently, provides similar features to Sky’s premium service, such as recording programs, pausing live TV, and storing content on its built-in hard drive.
One significant advantage of the Manhattan S4-R over Sky Q is its cost structure. While Sky Q necessitates a monthly subscription, the Manhattan S4-R offers over 100 channels without any ongoing fees once purchased. This device operates through Freesat, utilizing an existing satellite dish to deliver free TV channels directly to your TV, including popular channels like BBC, ITV1, Channel 4, E4, and more.
With a user-friendly interface and access to over 60,000 hours of on-demand entertainment, the Manhattan S4-R supports various apps like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and My5. Although it may not match Sky Q in premium sports and movie packages, the Freesat service stands out for being completely free.
The Manhattan S4-R 500GB model is currently available at £219.99 from retailers like Argos and Amazon, with larger 1TB and 2TB versions set to launch soon. The device is in high demand, as indicated by Argos listing it as “in demand” and “selling fast.”
Manhattan’s COO, Alex Arbab-Zadeh, highlighted the S4-R’s enhanced recording capabilities, allowing up to four simultaneous recordings compared to the previous two-channel limit. He emphasized that the S4-R offers a compelling alternative for households seeking a more affordable and flexible TV solution.
Apart from the Manhattan S4-R, the market also sees new contenders like the Pleio puck, which aims to revolutionize traditional TV services by providing access to over 50 live channels via the internet without the need for an aerial. Priced at £99.99, the Pleio puck now includes a gaming controller and access to over 200 online games after initial stock shortages.
In response to the upcoming World Cup, Sky has announced a 20 percent price reduction for the Sky Glass Air TV, starting at £4.50 per month. Customers interested in the upgraded Sky Glass Gen 2 model, featuring a 4K Quantum Dot display and built-in Dolby Atmos soundbar, can expect to pay from £11 per month.