ReplayTV RTV5516 160-Hour Digital Video Recorder
Very Disappointed in Activation
I purchased two RePlays on December 14 at $450 for each machine.  I gave one as a Christmas gift and kept the other for myself.  I was very embarrassed when I received a call from the recipient asking if the Replay had included activation and if I only spent $150 on it. Apparently, Replay had communication issues with retailers and had sold machines with three year subscriptions for only $150.  These were sold for one week starting December 17.<br />Now to be able to activate my Replay I must fax them proof of purchase to show that I spent $450 for it and then wait 2-3 days.  Luckily, there is a ten day grace period on the machine that allows it to operate in the meantime but it is much more of a hassle then I expected.  I also resent the fact that I have to reveal how much I paid to the recipient of the other Replay in order for him to get his activated.<br />In my opinion they should honor the three year subscription of all the customers who had paid $150.  I am sure that many of these were given as Christmas gifts and the three year subscription was advertised right on the box.  Now these customers must  choose between paying a monthly or lifetime subscription fee.  The Replay website does not even offer a discount to them.  Their solution is for dissatisfied consumers to return the Replays to where they purchased them. Most of the customers do not learn about the problem until after they open the box and many retailers will not return opened electronics.  In addition, if the Replay was ordered online the buyers will lose any money spent on shipping.