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ReplayTV 3060 Digital Video Recorder

ReplayTV 3060 Digital Video Recorder

List Price: $799.99
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Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Needed - the international version
Review: A really great idea, unfortunately taken only part way. The machine can only work in the USA. This is really frustrating for potential customers elsewhere in the world. Worse yet, an international version for a world market would only take some simple software changes. A simple user programmable function, much like that in existing video recorders, would allow anyone to set up a schedule of favorite TV/cable channels that could be recorded automatically. The stored shows could then digitally managed so that only the last say 10 shows of a program would be kept and new recordings would constantly overwrite older shows. This simple ability alone would make the ReplayTV unit usable anywhere in the world.

Of course to take advantage of the present 60-hour capacity the unit would need to be able to handle at least 60 to 120 program events. A lot to set up to be sure but this would be a one-time effort and based on the user interests. Just imagine when 100 - 1000GB hard drives become available. It may be post to keep every episode of a favorite TV series online and immediately accessible.

If the ReplayTV schedule was desired as well, a few simple changes could take of that too.

1. Allow the unit to be able to dial up the data via the Internet or allow for international long distance dialing with support for 24-30 digit dialing.

2. Allow for a simple channel re-mapping function so that CNN on channel 25 on the ReplayTV schedule could be re-assigned to channel 33 for the users local TV/cable source.

I am very keen to have a unit.. once they become global-ready products. Maybe one day someone will build the Super DVR that would be just like a VCR but without the hassle of tape and with the plus of easy digital control of watching time-shifted shows... and work anywhere in the world.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: It's awesome
Review: Alright, first thing's first: the last two reviews I've read are pretty silly. If it doesn't work, deal with it and take it back. If it does work (which I would suggest is the vast majority of times), it's absolutely fantastic.

My setup worked first time, it found a ton of local numbers for me to use in Dallas, and the modem, while slow, is not really intrusive since it only dials in after 2 or 3 at night for a few minutes.

I don't frequently use the live TV functions, but they are really cool. If you see something cool, just hit instant replay and see it again :) Bathroom breaks are solved too, just hit pause.

I absolutely adore the record functions though. I have a whole schedule of things that record throughout the day, for me to watch whenever I get time. Each show that you choose to record on a daily basis also has the option of how many episodes to keep for you....and then it sorts all of your recordings by show (i.e. I have a block that keeps the 5 most current Alf episodes :), and saves all the descriptions so you can browse and find one you'd like to watch.

All in all, it's really worthwhile if spent any amount of time watching TV. I know some people who wouldn't like this because they really don't care what's on TV, but if you even have one or two favorite shows it'll be the thrill of your life.

Finally, I had one unusual problem (in over a month of use) where the unit locked up when I was browsing the recordings. I called tech support, got through first time, and they kindly explained all I needed to do was unplug the unit for 60 seconds, then power back on. Problem solved in record time. The reviewer who complianed about tech support may not be familiar with the industry standard (read: zero support), but these guys were great.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Almost perfect....
Review: An open letter to the Replay folks....

The unit is almost perfect. In fact it's GREAT.

Here are three changes that would be siginificant:

1) Build in the ability to connect for updates through a lan connection for people with high-speed internet connections. The dial-up method is S-L-O-W.

2) Eliminate or diminsh the three second delay when changing channels. This functionally prevents surfing.

3) Remote control should have backlights for viewability in a dark room (especially considering the myriad of buttons.)

To all: You shouldn't let these points dissuade you from buying. As mentioned, the unit is GREAT and the tech support is one of the best groups I've ever run into. And, I don;t know if the competitors units are any better with respect to the above mentioned points.

Good luck.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Excellent in almost every aspect, works with Digital Cable.
Review: First of, YES this does work with digital cable systems! After looking at this unit and all the competition for the last few months I finally got that question answered. Luckily one of my customer's had a @tivo email address and I found out that both Replay and Tivo are Digital Cable compatible. Shame, Shame, Shame on both of their advertising departments and even Amazon.com for not letting customers know that this is in fact compatible.

Anyways, picked this replay unit on the basis of price and options, as well as reviews in comparision to Tivo.

Wiring Set-up: Set-up was not too difficult. Used to have the tv connected to the cable box, all I had to do was change the connection from the Cable Box to the Replay Box, and then used the included s-video and analog cables to connect the Replay to my TV. Next step was to attach the included telephone 2 way splitter to the wall jack and connect the 50ft phone cord to the replay unit and the splitter. That was it, no further set-up was required in terms of wiring. ***Again shame on Amazon for not stating that this unit has no "coax cable" out, (the cable some people use to connect their cable box to their TV). So if your TV does not have Auido/Video In jacks this will not work for you***

Replay set-up: Once you power on the unit, it asks for your area code and zip code to find a local access # to dial up for tv listings. Next step is to choose what type of tv service you have, (Cable, Sattelite Dish), and then it lists all the Cable providers and services in your area. Select your cable service and you are all set. It will take 20 minutes to dial up and set up everything on its own. You are then ready to go.

The record quality in standard mode is like a low end 2 head VCR, medium quality is similar to a 4head vcr, highest quality is better than SVHS. You do not have to use one setting for all programs, you can set recording quality differently for any recording.

The channel guide is excellent, it is similar to the channel guide option on digital cable and DSS. You can search for a ny movie or show by name of show, or actor appearing in show. You can set it to record the program once, every week, or every time that particular show plays. Playing back your recording is as easy as making your recording. Click on one button and it takes you to a screen showing you titles of all your recording. You can play or delete them from this menu.

Now for the reason why I gave this 4 and not 5 stars. Apparently the 3 second delay experiance by DSS users is also experianced by Digital cable users. This is slightly annoying as it kills channel surfing. Although with the channel guide you can immediatly see what is on at any given time. I am a channel surfer by heart, and this three second delay also affects when I am switching back and forth from shows.

If you are looking for something better than a VCR, this is it. This will be very useful during when I vacation as my VCR only has a 6 hour tape. I can records 36 hours in medium quality mode with this Replay unit. Buy itt, you will be glad you did! By the way, have had this unit for almost half a year and have yet to experiance any problems or malfunctions.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Excellent in almost every aspect, works with Digital Cable.
Review: First of, YES this does work with digital cable systems! After looking at this unit and all the competition for the last few months I finally got that question answered. Luckily one of my customer's had a @tivo email address and I found out that both Replay and Tivo are Digital Cable compatible. Shame, Shame, Shame on both of their advertising departments and even Amazon.com for not letting customers know that this is in fact compatible.

Anyways, picked this replay unit on the basis of price and options, as well as reviews in comparision to Tivo.

Wiring Set-up: Set-up was not too difficult. Used to have the tv connected to the cable box, all I had to do was change the connection from the Cable Box to the Replay Box, and then used the included s-video and analog cables to connect the Replay to my TV. Next step was to attach the included telephone 2 way splitter to the wall jack and connect the 50ft phone cord to the replay unit and the splitter. That was it, no further set-up was required in terms of wiring. ***Again shame on Amazon for not stating that this unit has no "coax cable" out, (the cable some people use to connect their cable box to their TV). So if your TV does not have Auido/Video In jacks this will not work for you***

Replay set-up: Once you power on the unit, it asks for your area code and zip code to find a local access # to dial up for tv listings. Next step is to choose what type of tv service you have, (Cable, Sattelite Dish), and then it lists all the Cable providers and services in your area. Select your cable service and you are all set. It will take 20 minutes to dial up and set up everything on its own. You are then ready to go.

The record quality in standard mode is like a low end 2 head VCR, medium quality is similar to a 4head vcr, highest quality is better than SVHS. You do not have to use one setting for all programs, you can set recording quality differently for any recording.

The channel guide is excellent, it is similar to the channel guide option on digital cable and DSS. You can search for a ny movie or show by name of show, or actor appearing in show. You can set it to record the program once, every week, or every time that particular show plays. Playing back your recording is as easy as making your recording. Click on one button and it takes you to a screen showing you titles of all your recording. You can play or delete them from this menu.

Now for the reason why I gave this 4 and not 5 stars. Apparently the 3 second delay experiance by DSS users is also experianced by Digital cable users. This is slightly annoying as it kills channel surfing. Although with the channel guide you can immediatly see what is on at any given time. I am a channel surfer by heart, and this three second delay also affects when I am switching back and forth from shows.

If you are looking for something better than a VCR, this is it. This will be very useful during when I vacation as my VCR only has a 6 hour tape. I can records 36 hours in medium quality mode with this Replay unit. Buy itt, you will be glad you did! By the way, have had this unit for almost half a year and have yet to experiance any problems or malfunctions.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: For you and me, not the rest of us
Review: First off, I don't own the 3060 yet, but I own a predecessor with a smaller storage capacity. My unit has the same remote control and the same user interface and control software.

There's a little "religous" war going on between ReplayTV and TiVo advocates. I'm sure we all would love to have the other if we couldn't have the one we have. So people try to make big issues out of little things like a still ad image that most users will never notice.

The 3060 shares with the Phillips 60hr TiVo unit the bragging rights to being the highest capacity Digital Video Recorders (DVR's) available over-the-counter. Digital Video Recorders are great! I won't list the common virtues of ReplayTV and TiVo units here, but let me focus on the differentiators I've seen between the two:

The ReplayTV 3060 comes with a lifetime of free (prepaid)service. The TiVo will cost you more for a lifetime of service. If you expect your unit to work beyond 10 months, and I know I do, then the ReplayTV is more cost effective.

The user interface in the ReplayTV is information dense. The program guide shows you alot of programming on one screen. I haven't spent much time with a TiVo but I've read that it requires more paging around to view programs.

Some people love the TiVo remote control. It fits nicely in the hand and seems to be good for one-thumb button pushing. The ReplayTV remote can be used one-thumb but it may help to be double-jointed. The ReplayTV remote has alot of capability and all the buttons to show for it. The TiVo has cute logos and a red "thumbs down" button and a green "thumbs up" button - it lets you vote a show good or bad, and uses that accumulated data to recommend (and automatically record) new shows for you. The remote control is the primary means of controlling both the ReplayTV and the Tivo units, so you want one you'll like.

Soon Internet savvy users will be able to select programming for their ReplayTV units from any web browser. From home, from work, or from another country, they'll be able to capture those shows they don't want to miss.

Remember the old Apple computer ads for the Macintosh, the computer "for the rest of us"? It didn't appeal to me. I don't want an appliance that's dumbed down so I won't have to learn to use it. I am willing to learn powerful new features and new user paradigms. I'm willing to let a new appliance change the way I do things, whether it's writing a letter, heating a sandwich, or watching TV. This is why I prefer the ReplayTV. I covet the new 60hr units!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Awesome product!!
Review: I agree with Kevin Stewardson. I have one of the original 20 hour machines and have had very few problems with performance or functionality. I hooked my unit up the same way using a splitter so I can record one show while watching another. Setup was a breeze and customer support has always been there for me.

I am in the market for a 60 hour machine and see no reason to switch to Tivo. Tivo may have the market share, but no matter how many reviews I read, Replay always comes out on top. One great thing about Replay machines are the software upgrades that are downloaded to the machine with each new release. No matter how old the machine, you will always have the latest software. The few complaints I had about software quirks have been addressed in the software upgrades since I originally purchased the machine. The Replay folks are obviously listening to the users.

You need to make your own decision but I think the choice is clear.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Awesome product!!
Review: I agree with Kevin Stewardson. I have one of the original 20 hour machines and have had very few problems with performance or functionality. I hooked my unit up the same way using a splitter so I can record one show while watching another. Setup was a breeze and customer support has always been there for me.

I am in the market for a 60 hour machine and see no reason to switch to Tivo. Tivo may have the market share, but no matter how many reviews I read, Replay always comes out on top. One great thing about Replay machines are the software upgrades that are downloaded to the machine with each new release. No matter how old the machine, you will always have the latest software. The few complaints I had about software quirks have been addressed in the software upgrades since I originally purchased the machine. The Replay folks are obviously listening to the users.

You need to make your own decision but I think the choice is clear.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Don't buy ReplayTV or you'll be sorry!
Review: I bought the replaytv 60 hr unit and have had nothing but problems for 7 months. The first unit had a problem with the modem. It would connect to the server only once in a great while. The next 4 (that's right 4 replacement units that replayTV sent) all skipped. I should say they skipped and froze up to be acurate. The last unit not only skipped but also rebooted itself every half hour or so. I am currently waiting for the next unit(these were all different units with different serial numbers not my same unit repaired) but I have given up hope of ever having a working unit. The fact that 5 different units have had problems shows the widespread unreliability of the ReplayTV hardware. When replaytv works it is great but this got to be the worst electronics device I have ever had as far as reliability and I have had quite a few. The first unit I had worked great other than the modem problem. It recorded everything and was a joy to use. The only problem is that if the modem does not work then the on screen tv listings are not updated and you eventually can't record the shows you want. The other units they sent have just been horrible and the last unit with the rebooting was the worst. I am very technically oriented and after countless hours with their tech support each time it was determined that it was hardware/software defects. Replaytv has tried to get the problems resolved but 5 replaytv units not working is just too much. What ever you do...don't buy ANY ReplayTV products or you will get to know their tech. support people very well. Remember, if I have had a problem with 5 different units than the likelyhood that you will have a problem is probably pretty good no matter which model you buy. ....

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Hard Drive Failure
Review: I bought this unit in October, 2000. Within three months it began to whine, and finally froze. Hard drive failure. The manufacturer agreed to replace it--but I had to pay the $67. shipping charge.
After two more months, the hard-drive on the replacement unit failed also!!!!!!! Another $67. bill to send it back for replacement.
For three years I've also had a TIVO unit. Never a bit of trouble with it. Wish I'd bought another Tivo--instead of this miserable RePlay unit.

Addendum-9/23/01. Third unit arrived on Thursday. It failed on Saturday. It appears to be a failed unit sent back by someone else, not repaired properly, and sent to me as an "exchange unit." Quality control is not a strong point!!!!!


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