However, if you love flipping live channels, but still want to record programmes and watch them on your own time – then a box like the Manhattan T2-R can be perfect for you, with no-fuss smart recording capabilities and a big hard drive. When trying to set a recording that clashed with two other recordings, one of which was the second part of a split event, the system would fail to present the Recording Clash prompt and the event could not be booked.

The T3-R is the Manhatten flagship product and has had the most attention from support even software for some to log the faults. With T2-R its advice is reformat or factory reset which doesn't change anything. The Automatic Service Update (ASU) previously took place every time the T2-R entered standby. It now takes place only once overnight. At this price you don't get luxuries like app control; use the electronic programme guide (EPG) to select channels for viewing or recording instead. This can also 'remind' you when a programme is due to start and supports series-linking. If there's a schedule clash, you're invited to set recordings on the offending channel individually asI remember getting my first PVR fifteen years ago – a Pace Twin with a 20GB hard drive, rendered useless a few years later by technical changes to the terrestrial broadcast platform. Around the same time the Pace Twin was in retailers, a company called Eurosat was supplying digital satellite receivers under the Manhattan brand to enthusiasts via a network of specialist dealers. Pause and rewind live TV, record two programmes at once and record entire series at the touch of a button. The 1TB hard drive holds up to 600 hours of recordings, smartly organised into categories and series. In terms of connectivity, the Aura provides a wide range of options. It features HDMI, USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling seamless integration with your TV, external storage devices, home network, and the internet. The built-in Wi-Fi allows you to access online streaming services, enjoy over-the-air updates, and take advantage of the Aura's smart capabilities. After an alternative to the Sky Q box above? Your best bet is Virgin Media’s Virgin TV 360 box because it offers many of the same premium channels and recording capabilities. The key thing to note is that if you want the Virgin Media TV service, you need to have its broadband too. Once you do, you’re getting a competitive Sky rival that delivers a huge selection of premium channels (including Sky Showcase, MTV and Comedy Central), the ability to record six programmes simultaneously while watching a seventh, and the same 1TB of storage that the standard Sky box includes. When a major retune event (e.g. addition of a new multiplex) is signalled by the broadcasters, the T2-R will display a prompt to retune. This can be done straight away or postponed until convenient. Such retune events normally occur no more than once or twice a year.

Live in Chester so get really strong signal for both North West (Winterhill) & Wales (Moel y Parc) channels. Usually resort to manual tune to filer out Wales duplicates. Originally, Manhattan were planning to release a big update this summer with several new features – but with things being what they are around the world, some of the features have been delayed.

With Version 1.5, you will be able to record two different programmes on two different channels – AND watch a third programme on a third channel (as long as it’s on the same Freeview Multiplex as one of the other channels). The interface is beautiful and most importantly – fast. The “smart” recording features are useful, and navigating your recordings is easy. Picture quality is great, but – as always – depends a lot on your aerial reception. The intuitive electronic program guide (EPG) ensures you have access to detailed information about upcoming shows, helping you plan and schedule your recordings effortlessly. Additionally, the Manhattan T2-R 500 supports on-demand services like BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub, expanding your entertainment options. You can also enjoy catch-up TV, ensuring you never miss any shows you wanted to watch.