Sky Q has long been a popular choice for TV viewers in the UK, offering a range of features such as content recording on its internal hard drive. However, a new competitor has entered the scene, challenging Sky Q’s dominance.
Manhattan’s TV Team recently introduced the S4-R Freesat 4K TV Recorder, a device similar to Sky Q in terms of functionality. Like Sky Q, the S4-R uses a satellite dish for content delivery and includes storage for recordings. Users can enjoy features like 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 after the initial purchase. With over 100 free-to-view TV and radio channels, users can access a variety of entertainment without additional costs, although premium channels like Sky Sports are not included.
Comparable to Sky Q, the S4-R can record multiple channels simultaneously and comes with a 500GB hard drive capable of storing approximately 300 hours of content. Larger storage options of 1TB and 2TB will be available soon for users requiring more space. Additionally, the S4-R offers similar live TV controls like pausing and rewinding broadcasts.
Manhattan promises a user-friendly interface for the S4-R, along with search capabilities and access to a vast library of on-demand content through various apps including BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and My5.
According to Alex Arbab-Zadeh, Manhattan’s COO, the S4-R enhances recording capabilities by allowing up to four simultaneous recordings, doubling the previous limit. He highlighted the S4-R as a cost-effective alternative to subscription TV, emphasizing its flexibility and choice without recurring 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 will 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.