Sky Q has long been a popular TV device in the UK, known for its ability to store content on its built-in hard drive. However, a new rival has emerged in the form of Manhattan’s S4-R Freesat 4K TV Recorder. This new set-top box offers similar features to Sky Q, including the use of a dish for content delivery, internal storage, an interactive TV guide, and the ability to pause live TV.
One major advantage of the Manhattan S4-R is its lack of subscription fees, providing access to over 100 free TV and radio channels. While premium content like Sky Sports and Sky Cinema is not available, it is a solid option for those seeking entertainment without additional costs.
Similar to Sky Q, the S4-R can record multiple channels simultaneously and comes with a 500GB hard drive, expandable to larger sizes soon. The device also offers live TV controls for pausing and rewinding broadcasts.
Manhattan promises a user-friendly interface on the S4-R, with search functionality and access to a wide range of on-demand content through various apps like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and My5. COO Alex Arbab-Zadeh highlighted the enhanced recording capabilities of the S4-R, allowing for up to four simultaneous recordings, double the previous limit.
Positioned as a compelling alternative to subscription TV, the Manhattan S4-R is now available for purchase 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 follow in the coming months.