ReplayTV 30xx versus 40xx and 50xx

[Safeway]

Were the 30xx series of ReplayTVs good? Any noteworthy upgrades? I tried looking around for prices on the 30xx series, and found a few $400 and $500 ... and $300 on eBay. So I suppose for a lifetime subscribed 3020 for $135, it's a good deal? I can upgrade later.

 

[Doggiedog]

I've got a 3060 but it just broke recently. I upgraded to a 120Gb HDD from the original 60GB HDD which failed but now the new HDD failed. I tried reinstalling a new HDD but I still can't get it to work. It just gives me a please wait prompt.

I was planning on getting rid of the 3060 bc I want to get rid of my landline and go with a DVR from Time Warner.

I'll give my 3060 a few more shots until I call it a complete loss.

 

[RossMAN]

I also have a ReplayTV 3060 (thank you Mercata!!!) which I'll probably eBay in a few months.

Other than the included lifetime subscription there is nothing special about it. Go for the 5040.

 

[Safeway]

Hmm ... thanks for the info.

 

[RossMAN]

I would keep my ReplayTV 3060 if only I could hook it up via WiFi.

 

[Safeway]

I suppose what I am asking - for a first time user of a PVR (my parents) ... is this going to do what they want? I don't like paying monthly subscriptions, etc. Is this 3020 new enough to contain useful features (and lacking only the expendable)? It only requires a phone line correct?

 

[Doggiedog]

I would replace the 20Gb HDD with a 120 or 160. 20 gigs is way too small. If you are familiar with the workings of a PC, swapping the drives on the RPTV is simple. You just remove the 8 screws for the case then the 5 screws holding the HDD, unplug the power cord and IDE plug, install the original HDD as master and new HDD as slave in your PC, download RPTV patch follow the instructions and you're done. If you know what you are doing, it will take you 5 mins.

Try this site for tips on upgrading.

Edit: BTW, if you do plan on doing the upgrade. Do not format the new HDD. Leave it as is.

 

[PKPunk]

All 3 series are basically the same the only differences is that the 4xxx and 5xxx have automatic commercial advance, which is awesome. Also 4xxx and 5xxx are slightly louder than the 3xxx because the 4xxx and 5xxx have case fans. Oh yea, the 4xxx and 5xxx are broad band capable so you can download the channel guide via the web and there are a bunch or programs out there that will let you connect to your replay and download shows to your pc, there's even one...revue I think...that will let you stream shows to your pc, so some could be watching tv with the replay and you can watch any saved show via your pc at the same time.

If your going to buy one I'd say definitely get a 4xxx or 5xxx series because the ethernet port is a nice upgrade over the 3xxx. Also if your planning on upgrading your replay with a new hard drive go with a 4xxx or 5xxx because the case fan really helps to cool the unit. The old 3xxx units used a 5200rpm hard disk so if you replace that disk with a 7200 rpm disk the replay can get pretty hot.

Either way I'm sure you'll be happy with any of the replay's they are great units. I've bought 3 replays in the last 3 years, I bought a 2020 that I upgraded to 80hours, then I got a 4040, and finally I bought a 5040 that I upgraded to 125hours.

 

[Safeway]

I heard about the upgrading to a 7200rpm drive heat issue. Is there room to mod a case fan to the unit? I am sure there are grilles for passive cooling, maybe I could just attach a fan to the back of the unit.

 

[PKPunk]

Originally posted by: Safeway
I heard about the upgrading to a 7200rpm drive heat issue. Is there room to mod a case fan to the unit? I am sure there are grilles for passive cooling, maybe I could just attach a fan to the back of the unit.

it's not a problem with the 4xxx and 5xxx series since they come with 7200rpm drives anyways and already have case fans. on the 2xxx and 3xxx series you could easily dremel a hole for a small fan. When I upgraded my old 2020 with a western digital 7200rpm 80gig drive I just replaced my old hard disk with the new one without doing any mods...it worked for the most part. It would work as long I didn't have the replay in enclosed enterainment cabinet. And it'd work as long as it was 100+ degrees. When it'd get too hot the video would begin to freeze/skip and the menus wouldn't load up. Since I was too lazy to put in a fan I just took the case off during the hot summer days it was no problem.

Right now I'm running my 5040 with a 120gig drive in it and has zero heat issues, I've been running it in enclosed entertainment system with a dvd player on top of the replay.

 

[Safeway]

I'd have it in a open air environment, on top of a HD box and DVD player.

 

[PKPunk]

Originally posted by: Safeway
I'd have it in a open air environment, on top of a HD box and DVD player.

yea, well then don't worry about you should be fine. If you get a 3xxx there is a alternative to adding a fan which is taking off the "easy bake oven" inside the 3xxx series the hard drive has a foam cover and then a large piece of sheet metal which completely encloses the hard drive. they did this to reduce sound levels. If you just swap hard disks and keep this foam and sheet metal the new hard drive could run too hot. A quick way around is to just not put the foam and sheet metal back on when you swap the hard disk. removing those 2 items should be enough to resolve any heat issues. When I upgraded my 2020 I kept sheet metal and foam because it was a little hard to sleep when you hear a hard drive constantly clicking.

 

[Doggiedog]

I think my upgraded 3060 failed bc of heat.

I guess there is room to put a fan but there is a metal cover over the HDD you need to remove which holds the drive down. If you remove that, you'll need something to hold the HDD down with. You'll need a power splitter for the fan too.