ReplayTV RTV5040 40-Hour Digital Video Recorder
Amazing, and it just keeps getting better
I've been using ReplayTV units since their beginning, and I can truly say that they have totally changed how I watch TV.  It's rare that I watch live TV anymore, since I can watch the same shows in less time without the commercials.  Having the Commercial Advance feature really makes this unit far superior than the Tivos.<br />The customer service people are superb, both via e-mail and live.  I think the previous reviewer was way off-base with his bashing.  What other company has personnel on an internet forum taking suggestions, giving solutions to concerns, and just listening.<br />The units have been very reliable, and every few months you get surprised by software enhancements that make it better yet.  Again, what consumer device do you buy that is routinely upgraded for free with new, improved software?<br />The photo album screen saver always stops people in their tracks when they come over the house.  And there is nothing like forgetting to record a show and being able to log onto the internet at work or on vacation and arrange for it's recording.<br />The audio and video quality are great -- I watch everything through them these days.  And the first time I forgot to record the season finale of one of my favorite shows, and was able to log onto Planet Replay and found someone who sent it to me, the unit paid for itself.<br />I have friends using the unit with VGA outputs to their computer screens to get progressive output, and I modulate mine throughout the house so I can watch it anywhere in the house.  With the network capabilities built into the unit, all this and more is possible.<br />Basically, I'm thrilled with both the ReplayTV unit, and SonicBlue's dedication to listening to their customers needs.<br />Two huge thumbs up for ReplayTV.