Argos is now offering a popular alternative to Sky Q-style upgrades with no monthly fees. The Manhattan S4-R set-top box, introduced recently, provides similar features to Sky’s premium service, allowing users to record shows, pause live TV, and store content on its internal hard drive.
The main advantage of the Manhattan S4-R is its cost structure. While Sky Q requires a monthly subscription, the Manhattan S4-R offers access to over 100 channels without any ongoing payments. Once purchased, users can enjoy all features without additional fees.
Operating on the Freesat platform, the S4-R utilizes existing satellite dishes to deliver free TV channels directly to televisions. Included channels range from BBC and ITV1 to Channel 4, E4, Sky Mix, TLC, U&Dave, and That’s TV 2.
Manhattan touts the S4-R for its user-friendly interface, built-in search functionalities, and access to a vast library of on-demand content totaling over 60,000 hours. Supported apps include BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and My5.
Although it lacks premium sports and movie packages like Sky Q, Freesat’s key benefit is its cost-free viewing experience. The Manhattan S4-R 500GB model is currently priced at £219.99 and is available at retailers such as Argos and Amazon, with larger 1TB and 2TB versions set to launch soon.
Manhattan’s COO, Alex Arbab-Zadeh, highlighted that the S4-R enhances recording capabilities by accommodating up to four simultaneous recordings, surpassing its previous two-channel limit. He positioned the S4-R as an attractive alternative for households seeking a more affordable and flexible TV service.
The Pleio puck, another innovative device, aims to challenge traditional TV providers by providing freely streaming access to TVs without the need for an aerial. Offering over 50 live channels over the internet, the Pleio puck comes with a gaming controller and access to more than 200 online games, priced at £99.99.
In the realm of traditional providers, Sky has announced a 20% price reduction on the Sky Glass Air TV ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Monthly prices now kick off at £4.50, with the upgraded Sky Glass Gen 2 model, featuring a 4K Quantum Dot display and built-in Dolby Atmos soundbar, starting at £11 per month.
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