Manhattan joins growing list of Freetime suppliers

Set-top provider Manhattan is to launch a new line of Freetime connected TV boxes for UK free-to-air satellite service Freesat.

Manhattan, the largest UK-owned manufacturer of set-top boxes, supplies independent retailers via its sister company Eurosat, as well as  major retailers and supermarkets including Dixons, Argos, John Lewis, Amazon and Tesco.

Until now, Freetime boxes have been supplied by Humax. Freesat has also signed deals with Panasonic and Vestel to make Freetime the default option on their smart TV platforms in the UK.

Emma Scott, Freesat’s managing director, said: “We’re delighted to confirm that we are working with another Freetime manufacturing partner, following the recent Freetime announcements with Panasonic and Vestel. Having worked with Manhattan for five years now, they are an important partner for us and it’s great to see our Freetime service proving so popular amongst both industry and consumers alike.”

Abbas Arbab-Zadeh, chairman and CEO at Manhattan Technology Ltd, commented: “Freesat’s Freetime technology provides a world class TV experience, with access to a roll back guide and multitude of On Demand services, so we’re delighted to confirm this news today. Freetime puts Manhattan at the cutting edge of the UK television industry and we look forward to releasing a full range of high-performance Freetime receivers and recorders, all with integrated Wi-Fi.”