Manhattan set to launch S4-R Freesat TV recorder - AVForums
News that the new-gen TV box for satellite viewers can provide up to 1,200 hours of recordings, with 100+ channels and 60,000 hours of on-demand content.
www.avforums.comHere are the latest updates I can share about Manhattan S4-R Freesat.
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The Manhattan S4-R Freesat 4K TV Recorder has been launched in mid-April 2026, positioning itself as a modern Freesat box with up to four simultaneous recordings and access to over 100 channels without ongoing subscription fees. This reflects Manhattan’s push to offer a subscription-free satellite experience alongside its Freeview and Freely platforms. [Sources report: April 14–26, 2026 coverage] [sources: Cord Busters, AVForums, El-Balad summaries]
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Key features highlighted in early reviews include: 4-channel recording, 4K output, a user interface tailored to satellite viewing, access to 60,000+ hours of on-demand content, and compatibility with a traditional satellite dish to deliver Free-to-Air and subscription-free channels. The price points discussed ranged from roughly £219 for the 500GB model, with higher capacities following in subsequent months. [Cord Busters, AVForums] [El-Balad summary]
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Context in the UK market: the S4-R arrives as Sky Q continues to shift away from satellite installs, creating appetite for a modern Freesat recorder that doesn’t depend on ongoing monthly fees. Manhattan emphasizes a simple, subscription-free experience with its own UI rather than adopting larger streaming platform skins. [Cord Busters, GB News coverage]
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Availability and outlets: announcements indicated availability in April 2026 through major retailers and Manhattan’s own site, with variants offering 1TB and 2TB storage rolling out in May and June 2026, respectively. [AVForums, Manhattan official page]
Illustration: The S4-R aims to revitalize satellite viewing by combining four-channel recording with a robust on-demand catalog, all accessible via a user-friendly interface over a home dish, without recurring subscriptions.
If you’d like, I can pull the latest specific UK availability dates, current pricing across retailers, or compare the S4-R to other Freesat options in a concise table. I can also summarize press quotes from the primary sources with exact phrasing.
Citations:
- Coverage on the S4-R launch and features [Cord Busters: "Manhattan Launches The S4-R: A New Freesat Recorder", 2026-04-14][3]
- Additional feature details and pricing notes [AVForums: "Manhattan set to launch S4-R Freesat TV recorder", 2026-04-15][5]
- Market context and strategy around satellite TV shifts [GB News: "British brand Manhattan launches long-awaited Sky Q rival", 2026-04-19][6]
- Manhattan official product page and press terms [Manhattan TV: "Manhattan S4- R Freesat TV Recorder", 2026-04-14][7]