Sky Q has long been a popular TV device in the UK, known for its ability to record content on its internal hard drive. Despite its enduring appeal, a new competitor has emerged in the form of Manhattan’s latest offering, the S4-R Freesat 4K TV Recorder.
Similar to Sky Q, the Manhattan S4-R utilizes a dish for broadcasting shows and movies into homes and includes storage for recordings. Users also benefit from a comprehensive interactive TV guide and the ability to pause live TV.
One significant advantage of the Manhattan S4-R is its lack of subscription fees post-purchase, providing access to over 100 TV and radio channels without additional costs. While premium content like Sky Sports and Sky Cinema is not available, it offers a compelling choice for entertainment without the burden of extra bills.
Equipped with a 500GB hard drive, the S4-R can record multiple channels simultaneously, akin to Sky Q. Larger 1TB and 2TB versions are on the horizon for those requiring more storage space. It also mimics Sky’s live TV controls, enabling 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. Alex Arbab-Zadeh, Manhattan’s COO, emphasized the enhanced recording capabilities of the S4-R, allowing up to four simultaneous recordings, double the previous limit.
Described as a compelling alternative to subscription TV, the S4-R offers increased flexibility, choice, and a solution to avoid high monthly expenses. The Manhattan S4-R will hit the market this month and will be available at retailers such as Currys, John Lewis, Argos, and Richer Sounds. Prices start at £219.99 for the 500GB model, climbing to £249.99 for the 1TB version in May, and reaching £279.99 for the 2TB model in June.
