Not necessarily - older televisions might still require an external box to access Freeview, particularly if you want to watch channels in HD. A Freeview Play box that also serves as a (limited) streaming device, but with no recording capabilities – the Manhattan T3.

In addition to Smart Retune, Full Retune can now be chosen from the Tuning section of Settings. The Full Retune completely removes the existing channel database and is necessary when the T2-R is moved to a new region (e.g. when moving home). The Manhattan T3-R is a powerhouse. It’s obviously got processing power to spare because it zips around the Freeview Play user interface – itself a thing of beautiful simplicity – with bristling ease. It’s a joy to use, which isn’t something we thought we’d be saying about a Freeview set-top box.

How Do Freeview Recorders Work?

An issue that could stop programmes being set to record that are on now on a service that does not broadcast 24/7 (e.g. BBC FOUR). The recording could only be scheduled after changing to a service on the same multiplex.

The neatness, clarity and responsiveness of the T2-R's everyday user interface is worth praising. It's driven by a decent handset that can also operate many TVs. Because of their determination to get this sorted, "it's our top priority to understand & resolve as reliable timers are a must for a PVR", I'm willing to persevere with the box for now . Programmes deleted and emptied from the Trash could not be re-recorded and any repeats were indicated as already recorded.

Coming Soon

Automatic trash removal now takes place in Standby. Previously this would take place after boot-up and could slow the system down if there was a lot to remove. to those with sets they really should have replaced by now). Connected and powered up, you'll find Manhattan's onscreen tuning wizard. As with other Freeview kit, your location has to be entered so the correct channels are listed in the EPG and duplicates removed. And because the Manhattan T3-R has two tuners, you can record two programmes on two different channels at the same time, and also watch a third channel or a pre-recorded programme. The major advantage of the Manhattan T3-R is that it can give you TV in 4K quality, with incredible colours and sharpness. You can also watch YouTube on your TV screen. Made with a 500GB hard drive, it can store up to 300 hours of recordings. Like the Humax models, this one can pause and rewind live TV and has a search function. Besides, you can record an entire series and plan your viewing up to a week in advance. However, the Manhattan T3-R can record fewer simultaneous programmes — just two at once. The USB port is a bit of a disappointment, as it can only be used for software upgrades. And since software upgrades are easier to do via WiFI or Ethernet, the USB port is all but useless at this point- maybe we’ll get more out of it in the future.

One exception is the Google Play/YouTube workaround I mentioned, so you can also buy 4K films on Google Play – and watch them here, in 4K, via the YouTube app. When RF Loop Through in Standby was enabled in the System section of Settings, disturbances in the output could be observed for a few minutes after entering standby.

Manhattan T2-R Freeview PVR review

Sometimes at random it fails to record maybe once or twice a week - an irritation if you are missing an episode from a series but streaming services can come to the rescue. The DTR-T4000 boasts two built-in tuners, allowing you to record one channel while simultaneously watching another live channel. This feature ensures that you never have to choose between your favourite programs, even if they are airing at the same time.