S4•R sales FAQs

Do I need a satellite dish to use the S4•R?

Yes. The S4•R is a Freesat device and requires a satellite dish to receive live TV channels. If you already have a dish — including a Sky dish — you can connect the S4•R directly.

Can I use my existing Sky or satellite dish cabling?

Yes, in most cases. The S4•R works with Standard (Universal), Wideband (used by Sky Q) and SCR/​Unicable satellite feeds, and auto-detects the signal type during setup. Four-channel recording needs either two Wideband feeds (as fitted for Sky Q) or a single SCR feed; with two standard cables you get two-tuner operation. If you’re not sure what cabling you have, an independent installer can help — visit our Connecting Your Manhattan Box to a Satellite Dish page to learn more.

How many programmes can it record at once?

Up to four simultaneously with a wideband LNB (standard on Sky Q setups), or two with an older single-output setup like Sky+.

Does it need to be connected to broadband?

Broadband is optional but recommended. Live Freesat channels come via your satellite dish without any internet connection. Connect to Wi-Fi to unlock on-demand content from BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, My5, YouTube, and more — and to receive software updates automatically. If broadband isn’t available, updates can be downloaded from our website and installed via USB stick.

Is there a monthly fee?

No. Freesat is completely free. Pay once for the S4•R and that’s it — no subscriptions, no contracts, no monthly bills.

What's the difference between the S4•R and the existing Manhattan SX?

The Manhattan SX is a non-recording Freesat box — or what we sometimes call a ​‘zapper’ — it’s perfect if you simply want to receive free satellite TV without the extra outlay. The S4•R adds multi-channel recording, up to two hours of live pause and rewind, and significantly more on-demand capability through its enhanced interface.

What's the difference between the S4•R and the T4•R?

The T4•R is our Freeview recorder; the S4•R is our Freesat recorder. They share the same Manhattan interface and most of the same features, including pause, rewind and series link. The main differences: the T4•R uses a rooftop aerial, the S4•R uses a satellite dish; the S4•R records up to four channels at once (the T4•R does two); and Freesat carries more than 35 HD channels, where Freeview has nine.