ReplayTV RTV5040 40-Hour Digital Video Recorder
Replaytv: Don't listen to the nayseryers!
I just installed a brand new Replaytv model 5040 (w/lifetime subscription)which I paid $400(after $50 rebate) and I am truly amazed!!! I really struggled with this purchase because of so many negative posts that I read on the Internet. Many of my coworkers have Tivo and they were really pushing it. I just could not get over the price difference ($250 for base system + $300 lifetime!) This did not event include the broadband option (more $$!) Why spend so much more money when Replay already has all of these features for less money? I went with my gut and boy am I glad I did! It took all of about 20 minutes to setup and configure (I am using a Lynksys wireless bridge model WET11) and could not believe how easy it was. After reading all of the negative posts on the Internet I was a little aprehensive. Replay is working like a charm, and the interface and remote are very easy to learn and use. I read through the manual very quickly and configured all of my settings within minutes. Honestly, if anyone out there is debating over Tivo and Replaytv, there is no option! Do not believe all of the negative posts, I truly believe that 90% of the bad posts out there are from people who did not read the manual or hooked the system up incorrectly. I used S-video and digital optical, and the picture looks wonderful and sounds amazing as well! If you do use component cables, ensure that you use quality cabling (cheap cables = cheap picture and sound). I highly suggest using broadband, and Lynksys and Replay play very well together (I think that many of the negative posts that I read were from people that did not setup their network properly and blamed it on Replay and the support people). If you are struggling like I was over whether to purchase Tivo or Replaytv, please give Replaytv a chance. It has truly changed the way that I watch TV and love the Zone features as well as how easy it is to record first run episodes of my favorite shows (just like Tivo's season pass, and don't getme started about commercial advance, it rocks!). I am going to bring my Tivo friends over and amaze them all!