The Manhattan T4 and T4-R, the successors of the widely acclaimed Manhattan T3 and T3-R boxes, are set to redefine the Freeview experience in the UK soon.
Despite the setbacks and delays, these highly anticipated models promise to bring an array of advanced features, enhancing both viewing and usability.
With a new, innovative EPG, global search (finally!), and some future-proofing for Freeview-over-broadband, the T4 Freeview Play box and T4-R Freeview Recorder promise to be a major step forward for Freeview fans.
Amidst the anticipation, the journey to their release has been marked by ongoing delays.
Originally slated for an earlier launch, the T4 and T4-R have seen their release dates pushed back several times – but they’re now set to come in early 2024.
- 2024 Update: My Full Manhattan T4-R Review
- My Full Manhattan T4 Review
Here’s everything we can reveal about these new boxes at this point.
Manhattan’s Freeview Boxes: The Road So Far
Manhattan, a UK-based firm established in 1992, has been a significant player in the TV receiver market.
Following their initial foray into Freesat boxes in 2010, Manhattan ventured into Freeview boxes with the T1 and later, the T3-R in 2019, along with the T2-R (which did not support Freeview Play) and the T3, which was not a recorder.
The T3-R was a 4K Freeview Play recorder with 500GB/1TB storage space that could record up to 600 hours (depending on the model) – see my full Manhattan T3-R review.
In 2022, Freeview stopped allowing manufacturers to produce official Freeview boxes without support for Freeview Play (Freeview’s broadband-connected tier that combines standard Freeview with streaming apps like BBC iPlayer).
When that happened, Manhattan’s T1 and T2-R were also officially retired.
Therefore, the flagship T3-R was the only model still being manufactured. That has recently ended as well, with the T3-R being discontinued.
Since then, there has been a big gap in the market for Freeview recorders (the Humax Aura being the only other box being sold as new – but it was also plagued with supply issues).
The New Freeview Generation: T4 and T4-R
Earlier this year, Manhattan announced the next generation of Freeview boxes – the T4/TR-4 series.
Building on the legacy of their predecessors, the T4 and T4-R are poised to offer improved performance and power, thanks to more robust processors.
A notable aspect is their compact design, especially the T4, which is considerably smaller than the T3, making it more portable and versatile.
Originally slated for a July release, the launch of these boxes has been postponed multiple times, with the current expectation set for late January or early February.
This delay can be attributed in part to the need for rigorous testing and certification by broadcasters like the BBC.
Key Features Of Manhattan T4 and T4-R Freeview Boxes
The T4-R (272 mm (W) x 197 mm (D) x 46 mm (H)) is equipped with a quad-core processor for swift responsiveness, Ultra HD (4k) HDR for superior picture quality, and dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11ac).
Designed for energy efficiency, it features ultra-low power consumption and a quick wake-up function.
The T4 model, being a non-recording Freeview Play device, is compact and portable (125 mm (W) x 137 mm (D) x 37 mm (H)), ideal for varied placement options.
Both boxes will come with a learning remote, that will be able to control the volume on your TV.
As for pricing, the T4 Freeview Play box will cost £69.99, and the T4-R Freeview Play Recorder will start from £169.99, depending on storage size.
Enhanced Storage and Recording Capabilities
The T4-R offers recording capabilities with three storage options: 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB, translating to 300, 600, and 1,200 hours of recording, respectively.
This model allows users to record two programmes simultaneously while watching a third, a feature that has been retained from the T3-R model.
The T4-R will also be getting another long-requested feature – a recording LED indicator. So when the box is recording something from Freeview – a dedicated LED will notify you of that.
Global EPG Search
Both the T4 and T4-R models will feature a much-awaited global EPG search.
This lets users search for specific shows across the free-to-air channels, recordings, and a range of streaming apps, significantly enhancing the content discovery process.
Furthermore, the EPG will include a new “Genre” view that will help you discover films, TV shows and sports according to your genre preferences.
Along with that, advanced filters will allow for more refined searches, such as filtering for HD content only, programmes with subtitles, etc.
As we mentioned before, there’s also some good news for T3 and T3-R users – although the Global Search was promised a couple of years ago (and never arrived) – it is still in the cards for a future 3-series software update.
Streaming App Support
Both boxes will support all the Freeview Play streaming apps, including BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, My5, UKTV Play (soon to be renamed ‘U’), STV Player, LEGEND, and others.
Of course, the boxes will also support ITVX (which was a sore point since several older Freeview boxes – including the once-popular Humax FVP-5000T, never received ITVX support).
Freeview-over-Broadband and Channel List Management
Both boxes still need an aerial connection for Freeview (though you can use the apps to stream content from the major broadcasters).
However, the T4 and T4-R are equipped to support Freeview-over-broadband technology, a future-proof feature anticipating potential broadcasting changes.
The new models will also support Channel List Management, a Freeview function enabling HD-swapping of channels.
This feature automatically prioritizes HD channels on supported devices, facilitating a seamless transition to streaming channels over broadband if necessary.
This feature is already being used by the BBC, to automatically place its HD channels in the lower numbers of the EPG (Channel 1, Channel 2, etc.).
Next year, Freeview (via the company behind it – Everyone.TV) is planning to launch Freely – its new Freeview-via-broadband service.
Not much is known about the technical aspects of the service thus far, therefore it’s still early to tell if – and when – the T4 and T4-R boxes will support it.
No Smartphone App – For Now
One point of disappointment for users is the absence of a dedicated smartphone app for the 4-series at launch.
Many had hoped for this feature, particularly for the convenience of remotely setting recordings and streaming content directly to their smartphones.
However, there is a glimmer of hope: the development of an app specifically for the T4-R remains a possibility in the future, suggesting that this much-desired functionality may eventually become available.
It has certainly been a long wait for the new T4/T4-R boxes, especially with the inability to buy the older boxes and the repeated delays.
However, at least on paper, it looks like the new boxes will deliver impressive features for those who are still in the Freeview-recording camp (and haven’t moved on completely to streaming).
We’ll wait for the actual launch – and full review – to pass judgement.
Want to know more about Freeview, TV and streaming? Subscribe to our free newsletter.
So Apparantly the T4’s are shipping today, just got a email from Manhattan, think i’ll wait for the reviews before jumping.
Still no Netflix support?
It’s a shame Humax now only sell the excellent Humax Aura. It’s expensive and over the top for many.
Have they sorted out the Aura with firmware updates? Lot of potential on paper, but all the forums were complaining that it was buggy and poorly performing even after post launch patches.
I admit I haven’t checked them lately as I was intending to purchase the T4-R, but if we get to March with more radio silence (or, more likely, a ‘Coming in Spring!’ change to the date) then I’ll be looking to buy whatever I can find that isn’t this.
Manhattan really are setting an excellent example of how NOT to market or launch a product.
It’s a complete joke.
Well, the Humax Aura hasn’t had firmware updares since 2022 I think. Which is terrible, especially when Humax don’t sell Freesat PVRs and only this Freeview PVR now.
That said, I’ve not had issues.
And more to the point, I’ve never come across a Freeview PVR that doesn’t have negative forum comments. Right back to the days of Freeview SD (pre-HD) PVRs the support was poor.
Across all companies.
I tend to think “it works for me” or “it works well enough”.
Even more so when streaming is gradually killing the Freeview/Freesat Recorder business.
It’s terrible Humax still sell the Humax Aura for £250-270 an it’s still on Android 9 but that doesn’t actually hinder operation so it is what it is.
Humax Aura – good idea – poorly executed .. appalling box that keeps crashing/rebooting/freezing. First year brilliant, after that awful. Suspicions are it is because of the old version of Android it runs on which hasn’t been updated 🙁
Same here, box keeps crashing, restarting for no apparent reason and freezing, bloody terrible, interface is poor too, and not user friendly. This box should have been so good, but in reality is anything but
Freeview-over-broadband technology says to me it’ll eventually be disconnected when Freely takes off.
Patience is a virtue, who the hell wants to be virtues.
When is tr 4 recorder being launched
“Originally slated for a July [2023] release, the launch of these boxes has been postponed multiple times, with the current expectation set for late January or early February [2024]”.
But “current expectation means little when it’s already been delayed by 7 months!
I have given up waiting! July 23, then August then September then October then December now early 2024! Disgraceful. Now changed to Humax.
Starting to look like Vapourware! Will it ever see the light of day!?
I’m almost at the same place now.
Since their last announcement and the ‘first in a series’ of blogs on their website, there has been radio silence. Not even another blog to give us any update. I didn’t get a response at all to my last email asking what was going on. So I assume that means nothing is going on.
How far does their latest launch promise of ‘early 2024’ give them? I’m waiting another month then I too am out. I am of the opinion this product may end up stuck in development hell long enough that it never releases.
I believe there is a more serious issue delaying this; getting Freeview approval and certification does NOT take this amount of time.
I think we may be edging closer… I’ve been monitoring their website and they have been tweaking the content a lot more frequently in the past week…
Changes:
– 28th Sep ’22 (Dropped the Coming in September in Favour of COMING SOON)
– 7th Dec 22 – FAQ change
– 2nd Jan – Updated copyright for 2024
– 23rd Jan – Removed older models
– 30th Jan – Added ‘Deep Dives’
– 31st Jan – Added sentence about ‘on demand’
– 1st Feb – Material Change (327 changes tracked)
So.. it does look like things are happening… hopefully gearing up but stil not sure of a definition of ‘Early’… to me thart means at least Q1…. but who knows…
Andy
Could well be a licensing issue.
I bought a Sony TV in 2021, the XJ range.
It shipped sans the main four catch up apps from the BBC, ITV, CH4 & CH5 with the promise they were to be added later.
As I recall it took well over a year after launch for this to happen.
Well, I’m keeping an open mind but am sticking with my Humax FVP-5000T for now. I don’t actually miss not having ITVX!
I bought the cheapest Roku thingy so I could have ITVX. It was under £30.
Only records 2 channels and no usb or freesat capabilities 🤦♀️
There’s never been a settop box that has both Freeview and Freesat.
I have an LG Smart TV and am disappointed that I cannot record in USB stick whilst I watch something on live TV can only watch on apps. Would one of these Manhattan boxes work on my TV.
Any freeview box will work with any tv with an hdmi connection socket
I bought my t3r having read the in depth and informative review given on this Web site, thank you Or Goren for an excellent review. The t3r is an awesome bit of kit and does what it says on the tin, and hopefully with the promised upgrades it will remain to do so. As for the t4r that will probably be the same and it’s reassuring to know that when the time comes I will hopefully have the opportunity to choose from a manufacturer who I trust,and if like me you read other reviews and reports on this site you will know we are not exactly overrun with choice for a pvr currently, I know there is talk of a streaming service coming to freeview next year but I still like the feeling of being in control. Thanks again Or Goren and I recently bought an Amazon fire 4k stick so i have the streaming aspect covered, having first read your excellent and informative review, keep up the good work.
I don’t know whether I should wait for the Manhattan recording box or get a Humax Aura, which I have just ordered. I see the Aura doesn’t come with full printed user instructions, which is a problem for me. Can one transfer to other media (eg using a DVD recorder and recordable DVD) material already recorded on an old Humax (the Humax is more than 6 years old now)? There are 45 minutes of material I would like to save as they include an interview with my child.
Bt tv box pro, can record 4 channels with all the streaming apps built. Plus freeview by Internet if required. Free with a BT sub, but approx £120-140 on ebay
No freesat version?
It would have been handy if they were introducing a freesat version.
I agree,it would be nice if there was a freesat version of this box, Manhattan do currently make a freesat box I have one but unfortunately it doesn’t record but it does show they have the know how.
I think with Freely around the corner the days of Freesat are numbered.
In reality it exists because not everyone can get a decent aerial connection but it’s unpopularity has always meant boxes have been scarce.
Humax no longer sell any.
I’m hoping Freely has as many HD channels as Freesat.
Well, how dissapointing is this, this is backward steps, should be at least as good as, and better given its 2 years newer than my Humax Aura, so it must be capable of recording at least 4 channels at once, for heavens sakes, the Virgin Tivo 6 was capable of recording 6 channels and that must be nearly 10 years old, so its a massive fail from me. Also it needs netflix, prime, and discovery portals built in as a minimum, and app to control and program it, and to play content too, this box will fail to sell because of lacking features and spec, very disappointing.
They promised a phone app for the t3r and never delivered. I wouldn’t trust them again.
Better off making your own with pvr software if you’re technically minded.
Plex with a Silicondust box can record 4 channels at a time, remote record and cut out adverts automatically.
Only two tuners. Welcome to the early 2010s, T4-R.
But seriously (two tuners hahahah!), I now have a decision to make. Wait for the T4-R or go with BT TV, or whatever we’re supposed to call it now, before BT’s offer expires in a week or so.
No four channel recording – what an opportunity missed. Will stick with my Humax Aura.
I understand the frustration at having only 2 tuners, but I do feel that this is being done to keep costs down. If you compare the reported price £169.99 as reported in this article to that of the Humax Aura as much as £269 on some websites then this may explain.
Agreed.
4 tuners will be niche. This is Freeview but Sky.
Love my Aura but it was expensive and frustrating there’s no 500GB model. I’ll never fill the 1TB.
I contacted Manhattan support around 2 years ago enquiring about an APP that would allow remote recording.
I was told this was coming soon.
Two years on and still no sign or mention of it for the T4-r box so for anyone asking about it, I wouldn’t hold your breath.
Since I have a decade old Panasonic PVR that, whilst still working fine, is slow and obviously lacking in modern features, and also because there aren’t really any decent alternatives to the T4-R, I’ll take this latest update on face value and remain interested.
But for a 2023 launch that went from ‘Coming Soon’, to June, to August, to Sept/Oct, back to ‘Coming Soon’ and now Jan/Feb 2024, Manhattan are really getting close to the ‘boy who cried wolf’ scenario with this box!
Would any of us honestly be surprised if we get to March without this box launching? I have to admit I’ll laugh if that situation does arise, because it would just be a comedy at that point.
Having said all that, I wish them good luck, because I do still want one!
That’s what prompted me to buy the Humax Aura when it came back into stock last week.
looks like no USB ON BOARD
I believe there is USB, because in one of the FAQ’s on their site, they state that firmware updates can be installed via USB as an alternative to receiving them directly over the network.
No usb for media player only updates 😞
I would have hoped for the opportunity to record more than two programmes at a time. I occasionally find I would have at least three programmes that I would like to record. A chance to improve on the T3-R in this regard is missed.
My humax aura records 4 at the same time, also has an app for remote record and viewing
Unless I can download my own selection of Apps (ie Crime & Investigation or Discovery Plus, both of which I subscribe to) then this box will be of no use to me.
So, if as promised the t3r gets the global search facility, then I can’t see the justification in swapping out a less than 2 year old, still under guarantee box for a blue light, and as for coming early 2024, nuff said.
Series 4 box lacks advancements, only updates from series 3. No app support or premium streaming services. Not worth buying on the promise of Freeview through the Internet.
Do we know if the EPG goes back in time to enable the selection of a programme on, say, last night? Directing you to the appropriate app hopefully.
That’s a pretty common feature of Freeview Play devices (going back in the EPG 7 days usually), so it’s safe to assume it’ll work here as well (as long as that channel has an app, of course)
Thanks, that’s good to know. I’m moving to somewhere without any aerials and will need my stuff to come via (ironically) an FTTP connection! I recently tried out a Sky Stream and was surprised how bad it was IMO.
My old Humax is on its last legs, so I’ll just have to wait.
I’ve been waiting some time for this (T4-R) and from a personal point of view, would have been more than happy if we couldn’t get any of the BBC channels.
Had my manhattan box 18 months nothing but trouble from the off cant recommended them