ReplayTV 4040 40-Hour Personal Video Recorder
Converted Tivo Owner
I have owned a DirecTivo and a standard Tivo before owning a 4000 series ReplayTV.  There is nothing wrong with Tivo, but I have found some things that I like much more in my ReplayTv.  I won't go into all of the features of the ReplayTV, just the ones that I have found the most valuable since switching to ReplayTv.<br />1.  Commercial Advance - I had not even conisdered this as something I would like about ReplayTv, but boy was I mistaken.  I absolutely LOVE it.  Doesn't work 100% of the time, but darn close.<br />2.  Recording from different Inputs - That's right.  I rent a DVD and the first thing I do is record it to my ReplayTv so I don't have to rush to watch the movie before returning it.  There are three inputs in the back of the ReplayTv.  You can easily switch between the three inputs with the remote control.<br />3.  Storing show in Categories - You can create categories like Golf or Fishing and store your favorite golf or fishing shows to that category.  This allows easy browsing of your recorded shows.<br />4.  Networking - I bought two 4040's for my house and the networking works great.  I had an initial problem with my Linksys router that I have since resolved thanks to the ReplayTv forums.  It is great to be able to play shows I recorded on the Living Room unit from my Bed Room unit.  Awesome.<br />5.  Time Remaining - ReplayTv shows you the amount of time you have left for recording.  Unbelievably, Tivo doesn't do this.<br />6.  SwapDV - This amazing third party software runs on your PC and allows you to import shows from your ReplayTv unit.  So you can archive shows from your Replay unit to your PC.  Your PC then acts like another ReplayTv on your network.<br />Replay 4000 series is not for everyone because it requires that you have a broadband connection and the unit does cost a little more than a Tivo (after factoring in a Tivo lifetime subscription...).  I doubt many people will be disappionted with a ReplayTv or Tivo.