Sky Q remains a popular choice in the UK for television entertainment, known for its ability to record content onto its internal hard drive. However, a new competitor has emerged in the form of Manhattan’s S4-R Freesat 4K TV Recorder. This device functions similarly to Sky Q, using a dish to deliver shows and movies while offering internal storage for recordings, an interactive TV guide, and the ability to pause live TV.
What sets the Manhattan S4-R apart is its lack of subscription fees after purchase, providing access to over 100 TV and radio channels for free. While it may not offer premium content like Sky Sports or Sky Cinema, it presents a cost-effective option for those seeking entertainment without additional expenses.
Like Sky Q, the S4-R can record multiple channels simultaneously and comes with a 500GB hard drive, storing approximately 300 hours of content. Larger 1TB and 2TB versions are in the pipeline for those requiring more storage capacity. Additionally, it offers features akin to Sky’s live TV controls, enabling users to pause and rewind broadcasts.
Manhattan promises a user-friendly interface for the S4-R, inclusive of search functionality and access to a vast library of on-demand content through various apps such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and My5.
Alex Arbab-Zadeh, Manhattan’s COO, highlighted the enhanced recording capabilities of the S4-R, allowing up to four simultaneous recordings, double the previous limit. He positioned the S4-R as a compelling alternative to subscription-based TV, emphasizing its flexibility, choice, and cost-saving benefits.
The Manhattan S4-R is set to launch this month and will be obtainable from retailers like Currys, John Lewis, Argos, and Richer Sounds. Pricing for the device starts at £219.99 for the 500GB model, with the 1TB version priced at £249.99 in May, and the 2TB model at £279.99 arriving in June.
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