at mercata...
ReplayTV 30 Hr Video Recorder, # 3030, $498 - $99 = $399 - $100 MIR = $299
No monthly fees! compared to TiVo!
ReplayTV 30 Hr Video Recorder, # 3030, $498 - $99 = $399 - $100 MIR = $299
No monthly fees! compared to TiVo!
Replay TV $299
- Thread starter DealSpreeDotCom
- Start date
This is a very good deal. I have been extremely happy with my 3030 and since it is the replay branded model it does not have the Macrovision Feature/Bug that the panasonic units have.
Scyber
Scyber
there's some good discusion about each model at www.avsforum.com , each has its benefits and drawbacks..
I have a tivo and its great, their customer support is superb, service is flawless.
I have a tivo and its great, their customer support is superb, service is flawless.
they charge it for accees to their network, that's where they download the program guide...ReplayTv, is a better deal in teh long run!
I analyzed how replay is a better deal in this thread:
TiVo vs. Replay Deals
I own both, but I have not even set up my TiVo yet (I just moved so I decided to wait till after everything is settled). I think one of the main advantages of ReplayTV is the 30 second QuickSkip button. This button allows you to instantly skip 30 seconds ahead. Since commercials are usually in times easily divisible by 30 seconds it makes skipping commercials awesome. It also works great for sporting events, did you know that it is usually 30 seconds between when a football play ends and the next snap. Also the newest software release allows you to hit a number then QuickSkip and you will jump that many minutes ahead (ex. Hit the number 3 then quickskip and you will instantly jump 3 minutes ahead), although this feature doesn't work with the Live TV buffer, only on prerecorded shows.
And all of those commercials are right, This units do change the way you watch TV
ALso the whole hacking advantage of TiVo (you can open it up and add additional hard drives, there are some 108 hour units out there) is not going to be valid much longer. Videodude in the replaytv forum at www.avsforums.com has upgraded his unit (and others have also by following his instructions) and everyone is working on simplifying the process.
Scyber.
TiVo vs. Replay Deals
I own both, but I have not even set up my TiVo yet (I just moved so I decided to wait till after everything is settled). I think one of the main advantages of ReplayTV is the 30 second QuickSkip button. This button allows you to instantly skip 30 seconds ahead. Since commercials are usually in times easily divisible by 30 seconds it makes skipping commercials awesome. It also works great for sporting events, did you know that it is usually 30 seconds between when a football play ends and the next snap. Also the newest software release allows you to hit a number then QuickSkip and you will jump that many minutes ahead (ex. Hit the number 3 then quickskip and you will instantly jump 3 minutes ahead), although this feature doesn't work with the Live TV buffer, only on prerecorded shows.
And all of those commercials are right, This units do change the way you watch TV
ALso the whole hacking advantage of TiVo (you can open it up and add additional hard drives, there are some 108 hour units out there) is not going to be valid much longer. Videodude in the replaytv forum at www.avsforums.com has upgraded his unit (and others have also by following his instructions) and everyone is working on simplifying the process.
Scyber.
yeah i really dont like the fact that you always have to pay the monthly fee with tivo...my replay works great...and probably just as good, minus the 9.95 monthly fee!
I bought a Tivo from Circuit City about 2 months ago. Wound up costing just $99 with the 2 $100 rebates - both of which have arrived in the past week or so.
I learnt that by doing a full factory reset, the Tivo would download the program data despite my paying for the subscription. However, on the 4th attempt, it no longer did this and so I am now left with the 'call 800xxxxxxxx to set up your subscription' whenever I change channel. For an 'optional' subscription, this is pretty disgusting and is why I want to get rid of my Tivo.
The ReplayTV deal is excellent. Not only do they provide the subscription built in, they seem to have a better interface. I found the TiVo to be a bit clunky at times. I think its designed for the mythical person who does not know how to operate the VCR, if such clowns even exist.
Anyway, what I want to draw your attention to is the 2nd rebate available at the ReplayTV website. If you already have a ReplayTV, you can get an additional $100 http://www.replaytv.com/promotions/images/loyaltycoupon105.pdf[/L][L='loyalty'] rebate when you buy the 2nd. This would bring this price down below the $200 level, which makes the ReplayTV a huge bargain.
It may even be worth buying 2 units and selling one on fleabay, simply to take advantage of this 2nd offer? Anybody have any thoughts on that little scam?
I learnt that by doing a full factory reset, the Tivo would download the program data despite my paying for the subscription. However, on the 4th attempt, it no longer did this and so I am now left with the 'call 800xxxxxxxx to set up your subscription' whenever I change channel. For an 'optional' subscription, this is pretty disgusting and is why I want to get rid of my Tivo.
The ReplayTV deal is excellent. Not only do they provide the subscription built in, they seem to have a better interface. I found the TiVo to be a bit clunky at times. I think its designed for the mythical person who does not know how to operate the VCR, if such clowns even exist.
Anyway, what I want to draw your attention to is the 2nd rebate available at the ReplayTV website. If you already have a ReplayTV, you can get an additional $100 http://www.replaytv.com/promotions/images/loyaltycoupon105.pdf[/L][L='loyalty'] rebate when you buy the 2nd. This would bring this price down below the $200 level, which makes the ReplayTV a huge bargain.
It may even be worth buying 2 units and selling one on fleabay, simply to take advantage of this 2nd offer? Anybody have any thoughts on that little scam?
In fairness to Tivo both units are really about the same price in the long run.
Tivo does charge a $9.95 monthly fee but you can opt for a lifetime subscription for $200.
ReplayTV automatically comes with the lifetime subscription but the unit costs about $200 more than a comparable Tivo unit.
So I wouldn't discount either based on the monthly fee. They are pretty much both the same in total cost.
Flagg
Tivo does charge a $9.95 monthly fee but you can opt for a lifetime subscription for $200.
ReplayTV automatically comes with the lifetime subscription but the unit costs about $200 more than a comparable Tivo unit.
So I wouldn't discount either based on the monthly fee. They are pretty much both the same in total cost.
Flagg
I'm an incredibly happy Replay user (I own three). A word of advice - buy the Replay brand model and NOT the Panasonic Showstopper. The Panasonic has a different implementation of Macrovision which prevents you from dumping or even viewing anything with MV encryption. There are also a number of reports of false-positive MV detection signals such that Showstopper (a/k/a doorstopper, showdropper, showstomper) will not allow you to record or view some unecrypted broadcast signals.
Replay, to me, is more intuitive than the Tivo, and is shortly (this month) going to have www.myreplaytv.com available so that you can program your box over the net. There are some nice features for the Tivo as well, including the better hacking ability at this point (though you can toss a new main drive in the replay, you can add a second drive to the tivo). I own both units and find overall the Replay is much better -though if you are a freak about sound, the Tivo seems to have better sound while Replay has a slightly better picture.
HC
Replay, to me, is more intuitive than the Tivo, and is shortly (this month) going to have www.myreplaytv.com available so that you can program your box over the net. There are some nice features for the Tivo as well, including the better hacking ability at this point (though you can toss a new main drive in the replay, you can add a second drive to the tivo). I own both units and find overall the Replay is much better -though if you are a freak about sound, the Tivo seems to have better sound while Replay has a slightly better picture.
HC
I also own one of both the 30 hour Replay (the Panasonic-branded
ShowSnotter) and a Tivo (hacked to 90 hours). Overall, I like
the Replay better. It'd be a no-brainer for Replay for me if
1) they got rid of the Macrovision on the Showdorker version and
2) it was simple to hack it.
What's good about the Replay: 30 second advance button, slightly
better quality at crummiest setting, ability to record a show
only on-or-around a particular time/day each week, can be turned
off (no disc access noises if you have it in your bedroom).
What's bad about Replay: No _easy_, _proven_ hack at this point;
doesn't flag you immediately if you set recorder to record two
shows at the same time; Showcr*pper version has Macrovision
implemented which makes it impossible to record from pre-recorded
videotapes or DVDs (well, unless you have an Apex or the like--ha
ha!).
What's good about Tivo: Can *easily* be hacked (not so--at least yet--
for Reply); menus look nicer, won't let you attempt to record
two shows that occur at the same time; easily accessible list
of shows that are cued to record.
What's bad about Tivo: Record options not easily modifyable once
show is in record cue; can't turn the d*mn thing off--lots of
disc access tics to lull you to sleep
; no Macrovision
problem; slightly worse quality at lowest quality; pain in the
buttinski to delete a lot of shows (each show has to be deleted
individually using a bunch of keystrokes).
A lot of these differences and problems can/may be fixed with
susequent OS upgrades.
Kwad
ShowSnotter) and a Tivo (hacked to 90 hours). Overall, I like
the Replay better. It'd be a no-brainer for Replay for me if
1) they got rid of the Macrovision on the Showdorker version and
2) it was simple to hack it.
What's good about the Replay: 30 second advance button, slightly
better quality at crummiest setting, ability to record a show
only on-or-around a particular time/day each week, can be turned
off (no disc access noises if you have it in your bedroom).
What's bad about Replay: No _easy_, _proven_ hack at this point;
doesn't flag you immediately if you set recorder to record two
shows at the same time; Showcr*pper version has Macrovision
implemented which makes it impossible to record from pre-recorded
videotapes or DVDs (well, unless you have an Apex or the like--ha
ha!).
What's good about Tivo: Can *easily* be hacked (not so--at least yet--
for Reply); menus look nicer, won't let you attempt to record
two shows that occur at the same time; easily accessible list
of shows that are cued to record.
What's bad about Tivo: Record options not easily modifyable once
show is in record cue; can't turn the d*mn thing off--lots of
disc access tics to lull you to sleep
; no Macrovisionproblem; slightly worse quality at lowest quality; pain in the
buttinski to delete a lot of shows (each show has to be deleted
individually using a bunch of keystrokes).
A lot of these differences and problems can/may be fixed with
susequent OS upgrades.
Kwad
The replay TV's are not any better or cheaper than the TIVO's. They come with the free subscription but in reality its included in the price. The replay prices are much higher than the TIVO prices so in the end it works out to about the same. One thing about the TIVO's is it seems they have better support and many available hacks compared to the Replay TV. TIVO hacks have been avilable for a long time were as the Replay ones are just no coming out.
If you read the link from my above post you will learn that yes they are the same price (after lifetime subscription), but you can usually work out a better deal for the ReplayTV. This is because any % off coupons/deals you use will take the % off of the subscription fee which is included in the cost of the player. As far as I know their is no way whatsoever to get discounts on TiVo's subscription fees.
Scyber
Scyber
I've been pretty happy with my 30-hr Panasonic Showblocker Replay unit. So far, Macrovision hasn't been an issue. The worst part about it is my girlfriend figured out how to tape soaps with it and now watches them in the evening, so maybe it wasn't such a good buy after all.
Anyway, there IS a new hack for Replay now, that allows you to replace the hard drive with a bigger one for more recording time. It's still in the early stages of development so the procedure is rather involved at this point, but some people are working on writing a user-friendly program that makes the upgrade easy - it shouldn't take long.
http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/Forum13/HTML/002315.html
Note that the TIVO lifetime subscription fee means for the lifetime of the unit, not YOUR lifetime. So if you want to upgrade a year or two from now you'd have to buy a new subscription, even if you bought th lifetime subscription to begin with.
Anyway, there IS a new hack for Replay now, that allows you to replace the hard drive with a bigger one for more recording time. It's still in the early stages of development so the procedure is rather involved at this point, but some people are working on writing a user-friendly program that makes the upgrade easy - it shouldn't take long.
http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/Forum13/HTML/002315.html
Note that the TIVO lifetime subscription fee means for the lifetime of the unit, not YOUR lifetime. So if you want to upgrade a year or two from now you'd have to buy a new subscription, even if you bought th lifetime subscription to begin with.
Ranger X,
The TiVo hacks allow you to add an additional and/or larger hard drive to the units. With the constantly falling Hard Drive prices (and the deals you can find here) there are plenty of 90 and 108 hour TiVos out there.
No one knows, however, whether the 2.0 software update will support the hacked units. Most people suspect that there won't be a problem, but it is a possibility. Of course if this is the case then, someone would probably just hack the 2.0 software.
Scyber
The TiVo hacks allow you to add an additional and/or larger hard drive to the units. With the constantly falling Hard Drive prices (and the deals you can find here) there are plenty of 90 and 108 hour TiVos out there.
No one knows, however, whether the 2.0 software update will support the hacked units. Most people suspect that there won't be a problem, but it is a possibility. Of course if this is the case then, someone would probably just hack the 2.0 software.
Scyber
How about quality differences? I remembered when they first came out, Replay quality was crap, and TIVO was always superior.... how is it now?
Replay has better quality at the most compressed level. At the
medium and best levels of recording, I'll say it's a toss-up.
Some think the sound quality of the Tivo is a bit better, though
there is not much concensus on this point.
Bottom line: Quality of recording is not a significant factor
in choosing.
Kwad
medium and best levels of recording, I'll say it's a toss-up.
Some think the sound quality of the Tivo is a bit better, though
there is not much concensus on this point.
Bottom line: Quality of recording is not a significant factor
in choosing.
Kwad
Although, unless I am mistaken, the audio quality is different.
I believe TiVo uses high quality audio for all of its recording qualities. While ReplayTV varies is audio depending on the recording quality.
At least I think that is what I read somewhere.
Scyber
I believe TiVo uses high quality audio for all of its recording qualities. While ReplayTV varies is audio depending on the recording quality.
At least I think that is what I read somewhere.
Scyber
Ive decided to wait for the DirectTV/Tivo or DirectTV/ReplayTV units to come out. Supposedly this month or december......crossing my fingers.
NICKel
Golden Member
- May 7, 2000
- 1,774
- 0
- 71
Nobody even mentioned the "season pass" feature? Doesn't that fall on the + side for tivo? I set up my mom's tivo with all her favorite shows in just a few minutes...
I wish either Replay or TIVO would implement a batch offload so that I could dump all these SOUTH PARK episodes in one shot to tape for archiving....
I wish either Replay or TIVO would implement a batch offload so that I could dump all these SOUTH PARK episodes in one shot to tape for archiving....
so does anyone know what you have to do to for the actual loyalty program...send anything in...have something...?
<< so does anyone know what you have to do to for the actual loyalty program...send anything in...have something...? >>
According to the rebate form you must have purchased your first unit prior to 10/15/00. Both units need to be activated. Both units need to be registered. You need to send in the 2nd unit receipt and a copy of the UPC in. However, I'm wondering how they actually check that the original or both units have been activated, or when the first was purchased.
It also says that the 'loyalty' rebate is for those customers purchasing a RTV3030 or RTV3060 unit. The one available at Mercata definately qualifies.
Come on people, if we can get more people to buy the one on mercata, we can all get a better price. With the 20% off and the ReplayTV new customer coupon, we're talking just $300. These have been selling on fleabay for more than that!!
I have two questions for you Tivo/Replay owners out there. Since the Tivo 2.0 software is coming out soon, if I buy a Tivo now with 1.0 do you get a free upgrade to 2.0 or do you have to buy a new unit? Also can you copy the programs in mpeg format to a computer or output to VCR to archive the shows on the tivo/replay? Thanks!
TRENDING THREADS
-
Discussion Zen 5 Speculation (EPYC Turin and Strix Point/Granite Ridge - Ryzen 9000)- Started by DisEnchantment
- Replies: 25K
-
Discussion Intel Meteor, Arrow, Lunar & Panther Lakes Discussion Threads
- Started by Tigerick
- Replies: 21K
-
Discussion Intel current and future Lakes & Rapids thread- Started by TheF34RChannel
- Replies: 23K
-
-
Facebook
Twitter