ReplayTV 3030 Digital Video Recorder
Amazing - and only $249!
Every now and then you get something that makes you say &quot;wow.&quot;  This is one of those things.  From the moment I got my system set up, I had difficulty understanding how I had lived without it.  The ability to pause live tv and to search tv listings for actors, shows, topics, etc., is incredible.  I can't opine on the relative benefits of Replay vs. TiVo, other than to note that the lower cost offered by the TiVo (subject to the monthly fees) was not an issue in my case, as discussed below.<br />Setup is a breeze (although integrating it into my existing system was more complicated, simply figuring out which component should plug into which, and using what cable -- excellent customer support helped that).  My only gripe so far (after 3 days with it) is that the universal remote can only handle 3 components in addition to the ReplayTV, and one of those is *not* my stereo receiver.  I would much prefer to give up control of my VCR, which I will use rarely, in favor of my receiver.  Although the remote can be programmed to handle a DVD instead of a VCR, receiver codes are not available.  (This is especially annoying given that my current remote, which is very similar in style to the Replay remote and is probably manufactured by the same company, controls 4 units -- but won't control the Replay.)<br />At the moment, I have a digital cable box, Replay, DVD, VCR, Receiver, and TV in my system.  One immediate benefit to my current setup is a vastly improved picture, due to the fact that the cable now goes directly into the ReplayTV and then via S-video into the TV, rather than through the VCR to the TV via coaxial cable.  It is amazing the difference that makes.<br />Remember, you can only watch one program (on regular tv) while recording another if you either have a cable system that doesn't require a cable box (allowing you to split the signal), or you spring for an extra cable box.  This is a problem with the cable systems, though, not with ReplayTV-- it is nodifferent if you have only a VCR.  (It also renders picture-in-picture useless, but that's another question.)<br />Oh, and one of the best parts is that I bought the ReplayTV 3030 for only ..., through ...!  This offer is available only to AT&amp;T Broadband digital cable customers (... ), so if you have AT&amp;T Broadband cable in your area, it's worth getting just for the huge discount.