The Manhattan S4-R is Manhattan’s latest Freesat TV recorder, designed to bring subscription-free satellite television, recording features and on-demand services together in one modern receiver.
In this article, we take a first look at the Manhattan S4-R, unbox the recorder and explore what’s included in the package. We’ll also share our first impressions of the design, build quality, remote control and features before diving deeper into the setup and operation in later guides.
If you’re considering buying a Manhattan S4-R, or you’ve just received yours, this guide will show you exactly what to expect straight out of the box.
Watch the full unboxing video below.
What’s Included in the Box?
The Manhattan S4-R arrives well packaged and includes everything needed to get started.
Depending on the model purchased, you’ll typically find:
- Manhattan S4-R Freesat TV Recorder
- Remote control
- Batteries
- HDMI cable
- Power supply
- Quick Start Guide
Before connecting the recorder, it’s worth checking that all the accessories are present and that nothing has been damaged during delivery.
First Impressions
One of the first things you’ll notice is the compact size of the Manhattan S4-R. Despite being a fully featured Freesat recorder, it has a clean, modern design that should fit comfortably into most TV cabinets.
The front panel is simple and uncluttered, while the rear of the receiver provides connections for satellite inputs, HDMI, Ethernet, USB and optical digital audio, making it suitable for both basic and more advanced home entertainment systems.
The supplied remote control also feels familiar and easy to use, with dedicated buttons for recordings, guide, on-demand services and quick access to commonly used functions.
Storage Options
The Manhattan S4-R is available in three storage capacities:
- 500GB
- 1TB
- 2TB
This allows buyers to choose the recording capacity that best suits their viewing habits, whether recording the occasional programme or building a much larger library of films and TV series.
Key Features
Some of the headline features of the Manhattan S4-R include:
- Subscription-free Freesat television
- Record multiple programmes at the same time*
- Pause and rewind live TV
- Series Link recording
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
- Access to catch-up and streaming apps
- Support for Universal, Wideband and SCR (Unicable/dCSS) satellite systems
- 4K Ultra HD compatible hardware
*Depending on your satellite installation.
Final Thoughts
The first impressions of the Manhattan S4-R are very positive. It feels like a well-designed Freesat recorder with a modern interface, straightforward setup and a feature set that should suit most satellite TV viewers.
Whether you’re upgrading from an older Freesat recorder or replacing another satellite receiver, this unboxing provides a good overview of what you can expect before getting started.
Be sure to explore our other Manhattan S4-R guides and tutorials, where we cover everything from everyday setup to hidden features and advanced technical tips.