Sky Q has been a popular choice for UK viewers for over a decade, offering a built-in hard drive for recording content. However, it now faces competition from Manhattan’s latest release, the S4-R Freesat 4K TV Recorder. Similar to Sky Q, this device uses a dish to deliver shows and movies, includes internal storage for recordings, an interactive TV guide, and the ability to pause live TV.
The standout feature of the Manhattan S4-R is its lack of subscription fees, providing access to over 100 free-to-view TV and radio channels. While it doesn’t offer premium content like Sky Sports or Sky Cinema, it still appeals to those seeking entertainment without additional costs.
With the capability to record multiple channels simultaneously and a 500GB hard drive, expandable to larger sizes, the S4-R matches Sky Q’s recording features. It also supports live TV controls, allowing users to pause and rewind broadcasts.
Manhattan promises a user-friendly interface, search functionality, and access to a vast library of on-demand content through various apps like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and My5. COO Alex Arbab-Zadeh highlighted the S4-R’s enhanced recording abilities, enabling up to four simultaneous recordings, double its predecessor’s capacity.
Positioned as a flexible and cost-effective alternative to subscription TV, the Manhattan S4-R will be available from retailers such as Currys, John Lewis, Argos, and Richer Sounds. Pricing starts at £219.99 for the 500GB model, with the 1TB and 2TB versions set to launch in the coming months at £249.99 and £279.99, respectively.