Manhattan has rolled out version 2.08 for their T4-R and T4 Freeview boxes, addressing a series of frustrating stability problems that could cause unexpected reboots during everyday use.
The update, which started rolling out yesterday (Thursday), focuses squarely on reliability rather than flashy new features – and frankly, that’s exactly what was needed after some users reported boxes crashing during routine tasks like navigating recordings or browsing the programme guide.
If you’ve experienced your T4-R suddenly restarting while managing recordings or your T4 freezing up during rapid menu navigation, this update should finally put those issues to bed.
Manhattan acknowledges that stability has been the priority here, with the company working to eliminate the various scenarios that could trigger unexpected reboots across both devices.
Meanwhile, some decent T4-R discounts are – surprisingly – still around (see below).
Manhattan T4 and T4-R: A Quick Refresher
Launched in June 2024, the Manhattan T4 and T4-R represent the latest generation of Freeview boxes from the British manufacturer, taking over from their popular T3 series.
At its core, the Manhattan T4 is a straightforward yet capable Freeview Play box. It gives you access to more than 100 live TV channels through your aerial, alongside the full suite of UK catch-up services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Channel 4.
As I noted in my review, the box offers snappy performance and an excellent programme guide, though some catch-up apps could be faster.
Step up to the T4-R, and you get everything the T4 offers plus comprehensive recording capabilities. Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB versions, it can store up to 1,200 hours of your favourite programmes, depending on the model.
The T4-R particularly impressed me with its intuitive interface, clever recording features, and innovative guide filtering options – and with the YouTube app added in February, it’s become an even more versatile device.
What’s New in Version 2.08?
You might notice that this update jumps from version 2.06 (the June update that fixed the standby bug) directly to 2.08.
Manhattan explains that version 2.07 was never released publicly, meaning most users are moving straight from 2.06 to 2.08.
Unlike previous updates that introduced new features or major bug fixes, version 2.08 is all about eliminating the various ways your box might decide to unexpectedly restart itself during normal operation.
There’s nothing more frustrating than having your Freeview box crash halfway through setting up a series recording or while you’re deep into browsing catch-up content – so this update should resolve these issues for those who encountered them.
T4-R Specific Stability Fixes
For T4-R owners, several recording-related crashes have been eliminated:
Recording menu crashes: The T4-R could unexpectedly reboot while playing, stopping, or navigating recordings in the Recordings menu – particularly problematic if you’ve built up a large library of content.
Post-recording crashes: After busy overnight recording sessions, opening the Recordings menu the next morning could sometimes cause the system to crash, forcing you to restart before you could even see what had been captured.
General Improvements for Both Models
Both the T4-R and T4 benefit from these stability fixes:
Guide navigation crashes: Extended, rapid navigation in the Programme Guide or repeatedly switching between all three Guide views could cause unexpected reboots. This was particularly annoying if you were browsing through the evening’s viewing options.
Home Screen carousel problems: Paging next/previous or moving left/right in the Home Screen’s “On Now” carousel could trigger crashes, interrupting your channel surfing.
More Info screen issues: Quickly navigating the More Info screen for programmes could cause reboots. Even worse, the “MORE” button would sometimes appear even when all programme information already fitted on screen – and selecting it could crash the system.
On-demand player crashes: Repeatedly restarting programmes in their on-demand player and then exiting could cause instability, making catch-up viewing less reliable than it should be.
BBC Sounds seeking problems: Repeatedly seeking through content in the BBC Sounds app could trigger unexpected reboots.
Interactive service fix: On channels 16 (QVC) and 37 (QVC2), pressing the red button to launch interactive services simply didn’t work. This has now been resolved.
How to Update Your Manhattan T4-R or T4
Users can update their devices in two ways:
Over the internet:
- Ensure your device is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet
- The box will update automatically overnight while in Standby
- To update immediately, press HOME and select: Settings > System > Software Updates > Check for update now
Using a USB stick:
- Download the update files (Manhattan_T4_T4-R_v2.08.zip) and instructions (Manhattan_T4_T4-R_v2.08_USB_Update_Guide.pdf) from Manhattan’s website
- Follow the provided instructions carefully to complete the update
To check your current software version, press HOME and select: Information.
Those “Limited Time” Discounts Are Still Going
Speaking of Manhattan surprises, remember those “limited time” T4-R discounts I mentioned back in August? Well, they’re still there.
I genuinely expected Manhattan to pull these prices after a week or two – but here we are, nearly three weeks later, and you can still grab the T4-R models at reduced prices (but only with certain retailers).
As I write this, the discounts remain:
- 500GB model for £165.96 (down from £169.99)
- 1TB model for £197.07 (down from £199)
- 2TB model for £215.57 (down from £229)
The 2TB version remains the best value of the bunch, with that £13+ saving being genuinely meaningful rather than tokenistic.
If you’ve been considering upgrading your Freeview setup, these extended discounts combined with the improved stability of version 2.08 make this a decent time to make the jump.
- Get Manhattan T4-R 500GB Freeview Recorder
- Get Manhattan T4-R 1TB Freeview Recorder
- Get Manhattan T4-R 2TB Freeview Recorder
- Get Manhattan T4 Freeview Player
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No problems with a couple of Humax 4000Ts and a 5000T. A bit slow and quirky at times but never let me down.
But star performers for basic HD recording and replay is (FreeSAT) Humax Foxsat HDR and (FreeVIEW) Fox HDR T2 that are both rock solid and responsive.
Most modern TVs now have Catchup streaming on the TV itself so why clutter up the set-top box with all that code for the various apps. Just use the STB for recording.
Re Channel 3,4,5 adverts….just record the programs from live TV then when you watch you can skip over them. 2 clicks of the double arrow fast forward button is usually just right.
Not what the advertisers want of course which is why they are strong-arming us to Freely.
When that day comes I will have to consider a PC server recording option. Any advice welcome on that topic.
“Stability updates”… Is this a joke? I got a notification that the update had been done and now, every few minutes the box reboots.
Humax haven’t even bothered to do a security update for the Aura. My software shows last security was 2021!! Box crashes and goes to unscheduled deep sleep around every 6 days or so. Humax Aura is a shit show and shouldn’t be.
I’ve just bought the Manhattan T4-R.
Seems to be working ok so far, but it was quite difficult finding instructions on how to record programmes. You would think that they would have put that in the instruction manual! In the end Google AI search found the information for me.
The main annoyance I have found so far is when using the Channel 4 app there are loads of ad breaks, far more than you get when watching the tv channel or using the website. Does anyone know if there is a way to block those ads?
It’s fairly intuitive to record programmes and series etc.. Don’t be scared, you won’t break it.
The ads will appear on whatever box you use for the channel 4 app – it’s not just Manhattan.
With the Channel Four app, you can pay four pounds per month to avoid adverts. With I.T.V.X you can pay six pounds per month to avoid adverts.
I.T.V.X states this applies to on-demand content only, not live telly (also called linear telly). I assume it also applies to the Channel Four app.
My comments apply to Freely, but I assume that they also apply to Freeview Play.
We’re treading a treacherous road putting all our reliance on internet coverage and as per usual in this modern age there are very little contingency plans for failures. I bought a freely TV for our 2nd bedroom but the idea that it’d work without an Ariel is a fallacy. It won’t scan for channels without it. Back to the drawing board me thinks
When I got my Freely telly, in the beginning, I struggled to find out how to scan for channels, but eventually I found it. And I have no aerial.
Here’s my procedure, it might work for you (or something similar).
Go to Settings, then Installation, then Automatic Channel Scan, then Internet (I.P.) Channels Only, then start the scan.
It was the word “Automatic” that confused me, as I expected it to say “Manual” instead, maybe you also have that “problem”.
Same problems on the T3
Why doesn’t Humax have such issues?
It does
Humax do, their irritating Aura box has been out way longer and has had updates. I have found Manhattan to be way better, intuitive clean interface and well supported.
True but I meant the pre-Aura Humax boxes as Aura itself is a total failure.
I have a pre-aura 5000-T and it crashes, especially after starting up. I have to wait a couple of minutes before pressing any key, such as the volume, or channel.
It’s probably classed as old tech these days.