Sky Q, a popular TV device in the UK, has been a household favorite for over a decade due to its ability to store content on its internal hard drive. Despite its longevity, Sky Q now faces competition from the new Manhattan S4-R Freesat 4K TV Recorder.
Similar to Sky Q, the Manhattan S4-R utilizes a satellite dish to deliver shows and movies to homes and offers storage for recordings. One standout feature of the S4-R is that it doesn’t require any subscription fees after purchase, providing access to over 100 free TV and radio channels. While premium content like Sky Sports and Sky Cinema is not available, the S4-R presents a viable option for entertainment without additional costs.
The S4-R can record multiple channels simultaneously and debuts with a 500GB hard drive, ample for storing approximately 300 hours of content. Larger 1TB and 2TB versions are in the pipeline for those in need of more storage. Users can enjoy live TV controls similar to Sky Q, enabling functions like pausing and rewinding broadcasts.
Manhattan promises a user-friendly interface, search capabilities, and access to a vast library of on-demand content through apps such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and My5. According to Manhattan’s COO, Alex Arbab-Zadeh, the S4-R enhances recording capabilities, allowing up to four simultaneous recordings, double the previous limit.
Positioned as a compelling alternative to subscription TV, the S4-R offers flexibility, choice, and a way to circumvent costly monthly bills. The Manhattan S4-R is set to launch this month and will be sold at retailers like Currys, John Lewis, Argos, and Richer Sounds. Prices start at £219.99 for the 500GB model, with the 1TB version priced at £249.99 in May and the 2TB model at £279.99 in June.