Argos is now offering a popular alternative for homes seeking a Sky Q-style upgrade without monthly fees. The Manhattan S4-R set-top box, introduced recently, provides similar features to Sky’s premium service, such as recording shows, pausing live TV, and storing content on its internal hard drive.
The main distinction lies in the cost structure. While Sky Q requires ongoing payments, the Manhattan S4-R grants access to over 100 channels with a one-time purchase. This device operates with Freesat, leveraging an existing satellite dish to deliver free TV channels directly to your screen, including popular channels like BBC, ITV1, Channel 4, E4, and others.
Manhattan emphasizes the user-friendly design of the S4-R, boasting an intuitive interface, built-in search functionality, and access to a vast library of on-demand content. Supported apps include BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and My5.
Although it may not match Sky Q in premium sports and movie offerings, Freesat stands out for its cost-free viewing experience. The Manhattan S4-R 500GB model is currently available at £219.99 from retailers like Argos and Amazon, with larger capacities expected soon due to high demand.
Manhattan’s COO, Alex Arbab-Zadeh, highlighted the S4-R as an attractive alternative for households seeking an affordable, flexible TV solution. In a similar vein, the Pleio puck has emerged as another disruptive device, providing streaming access to TVs without aerial connections, offering over 50 live channels over the internet.
Following initial stock shortages, the Pleio puck is back on sale through platforms like Amazon and eBay at £99.99, bundled with a gaming controller and access to a range of online games.
Sky has responded to market dynamics by announcing a 20% price reduction ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Prices for the Sky Glass Air TV now start at £4.50 per month, while the enhanced Sky Glass Gen 2 model, featuring a 4K Quantum Dot display and built-in Dolby Atmos soundbar, requires a monthly payment starting from £11.
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