Sky Q, a widely popular TV device in the UK, has been a favorite among households for over a decade due to its ability to store content on its internal hard drive. Despite its enduring appeal, a new competitor has emerged with a significant advantage.
Manhattan’s TV Team has introduced the S4-R Freesat 4K TV Recorder, a set-top box that functions similarly to Sky Q by using a satellite dish to deliver shows and movies while offering storage for recordings. Users can enjoy features like a comprehensive interactive TV guide and the ability to pause live TV.
The standout feature of the Manhattan S4-R Freesat 4K TV Recorder is its lack of subscription fees after purchase, providing access to over 100 free TV and radio channels. While premium channels like Sky Sports and Sky Cinema are not included, it offers a solid entertainment option without additional costs.
Similar to Sky Q, the S4-R can record multiple channels simultaneously and comes with a 500GB hard drive, ample for storing around 300 hours of content. Larger 1TB and 2TB versions are on the horizon for users requiring more storage capacity. Additionally, it offers live TV controls akin to Sky, enabling users to pause and rewind broadcasts.
Manhattan promises a user-friendly interface for the device, complete with search functionality and access to a vast library of on-demand content through various apps like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and My5.
According to Alex Arbab-Zadeh, Manhattan’s COO, the S4-R enhances recording capabilities, allowing up to four simultaneous recordings, double the previous limit. He touted the S4-R as a compelling alternative to subscription TV, offering greater flexibility, choice, and cost savings.
The Manhattan S4-R is set to launch this month and will be sold at retailers such as Currys, John Lewis, Argos, and Richer Sounds. Prices will start at £219.99 for the 500GB model, increasing to £249.99 for the 1TB version in May, and £279.99 for the 2TB model in June.