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The ONE SINGLE ReplayTV / $149 Activation Thread - Page 2  

post #31 of 466
1/1/04 at 9:36am
Quote:
Originally posted by joe221
They're not happy in NJ!

Channel 10 in NJ, article.
NBC 10 is a philadelphia (PA) station.

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post #32 of 466
1/1/04 at 9:41am
Quote:
Originally posted by gweempose
... If DNNA ultimately caves, everyone will without a doubt be getting free lifetime service.
If DNNA caved - who would support the service? That's the problem, we're not talking about just flipping a switch in your Replay and you have life time service - we talking about a daily service that has to be updated, and THAT costs money. Someone has to maintain the channel guide, and I don't think anyone is going to jump up and do it for free. If they did, would it be as good? How many times would a person have to miss Love Boat because the channel information is wrong before thay just gave up and got one of a dozen PVRs that are more up to date with the current standards?

Look at Divix players. Sure, they work as regular DVD players now - but the "subscription" part of the players are just wasted now.

Companies kill themselves all the time with bad marketing and bad decision making. It doesn't matter how good your products are - it's whether the consumer likes it or not. Look at Amiga - far superior to PCs at the time, made the mistake of selling them almost exclusively at Toys R Us. No one ever took them seriously again. Look at Syquest vs. Iomega in the early days - Syquest was bigger and faster, but Iomega was blue! and hip! So people bought the cool product. There are countless other examples.

Replay gone forever? Nah, you can still buy an Amiga and a Syquest drive - but the gap has grown much larger between the technology levels. I don't know what the future holds, but I wouldn't count on lifetime service.
post #33 of 466
1/1/04 at 10:23am
Thread Starter 
I'm confused. Are you guys complaining about the conversion to lifetime service?

Look, let's put aside the issue of implementation here, because we all recognize that it was a mess. But aside from that, Replay decided (smartly) to change the price of the hardware on the shelves. Putting ReplayTV on the shelf for $50 less than a TiVo (with the same service pricing) is a great move.

They also decided (smartly again) not to alienate customers who had bought 3-year activations for $499 by giving lifetime service to new owners who would pay $450 all-in ($149+$300 activation). I'm sure it also bought them some benefits by having two service levels instead of three (just monthly and lifetime), but it was also an excellent move as well. If they hadn't, we would be flooded with posts complaining about second-class 3-year citizens.

So, I'm not sure there's a huge difference to Replay right now between 3-year and lifetime activation. If they change their mind or if they're forced to provide service on these $149 units, I believe it's technically possible for them to provide 3-year service plans for them still, but it may also be easier to provide lifetime. I don't have all the facts here. Either way, the decision to drop the price and convert units to lifetime was made before the mess and would stand regardless, I think.

And yeah, I'm aware that a thousand great decisions can be undone by just one bad one. I'm just trying to discuss the whole picture here.
post #34 of 466
1/1/04 at 10:35am
i got 4. Start adding!
post #35 of 466
1/1/04 at 11:16am
Quote:
After NBC 10 contacted the company, they have agreed to activate all three of the units Wilson bought and not charge the fee.
After reading the NBC10 article, it seems to me that by activating all three units, they ultimately admitted fault and have agreed that customers shouldn't be holding the bag.

Wouldn't they have just told the man to return the units (as others here have) if in fact they truly believed it was just a retailer error? Will this require everyone who purchased the units under that impression to get their local "7 on my side" investigative reporting team to call on their behalf?
post #36 of 466
1/1/04 at 11:20am
Quote:
Originally posted by jleavens
I'm confused. Are you guys complaining about the conversion to lifetime service?
No, not at all.
I just felt that those statements/move made things a bit harder for Replay to digest at this time.
This was something that could have been handled internally until this whole mess was sorted out.
I also see your point as to three year or lifetime costs as not a real issue.
post #37 of 466
1/1/04 at 11:31am
Thread Starter 
Okay folks, here's news...

I just got this message from Mike Adell, the VP of Sales at ReplayTV, who asked me to pass it along to the forum:

"We have reactivated all units previously deactivated and will be assessing
the situation over the next few days."

So the issue still appears to be fluid.
post #38 of 466
1/1/04 at 11:57am
Damage control.
This move may make it difficult on Replay later if they deactivate again.
Those that only have a 14 day return policy may lose that.
And the retailers will also say it's to late, just to cut the loses.
So this leaves people sending them back to Replay for a cash back offer within 30 days, this is from within the manual.
These shipping costs would be on replay.
This is a positive move on behalf of Replay.

Edit:
Just the logistics involved if people took it upon them selves to return
product directly to replay as this is an offer given.
Replay would be paying out full retail + tax paid for inventory that had middleman & retailers profits built in.
Just the manpower to sort this out would be a tremedus cost.
post #39 of 466
1/1/04 at 12:03pm
Wow! Good move DNNA
post #40 of 466
1/1/04 at 12:15pm
I have an RTV5504 that I was trying to figure out if it was deactivated. I tried the Menu>Setup and I do not have a menu item that says "Connect to replay" The last time it shows an update is 12/20/03 and the schedule only goes out to 01/11/04.

Note: I called ReplayTV on the 22nd and had it activated for 3 years by the CSR.

Second Note: I also received a Pioneer DVD/TiVo for Christmas and was wondering why people thought that the Replay was better. They both have features I like and dislike and I think they are balanced. If the need arises again, I will probably stay away from ReplayTV because of this debacle.
post #41 of 466
1/1/04 at 12:16pm
OOPs, I mean it was last updated 12/30/03 NOT 12/20/03
post #42 of 466
1/1/04 at 12:27pm
Quote:
Originally posted by wagoss
I have an RTV5504 that I was trying to figure out if it was deactivated. I tried the Menu>Setup and I do not have a menu item that says "Connect to replay" The last time it shows an update is 12/20/03 and the schedule only goes out to 01/11/04.

Note: I called ReplayTV on the 22nd and had it activated for 3 years by the CSR.

Second Note: I also received a Pioneer DVD/TiVo for Christmas and was wondering why people thought that the Replay was better. They both have features I like and dislike and I think they are balanced. If the need arises again, I will probably stay away from ReplayTV because of this debacle.
Streaming and better show navigation are why I think the Replay units are better. As do many people on these forums. In the end it's a matter of taste. I'm a techy and long time Replay user. The Tivo interface drives me nuts.

As for your 5504, it doesn't have the latest software if it's not showing the Connect to ReplayTV Service Now button under Setup. While watching a show, try the following:

1) 243 Zones.

2) Choose option 2 to clear the channel guide.
The unit will erase any channel data then reboot.

3) After reboot, do 243 Zones and choose option 7 to for a net connect.
Hopefully it will download the new software and grab your new
activated status. If it doesn't, then I think the CSR didn't complete your
activation.
post #43 of 466
1/1/04 at 12:36pm
ReplayTV pluses:

1) Streaming (at no extra cost)
2) Show navigation
3) Guide navigation

TiVo pluses:

1) Reliability (of both the unit and the company)
2) To do list
post #44 of 466
1/1/04 at 12:44pm
Quote:
Originally posted by jleavens
Okay folks, here's news...

I just got this message from Mike Adell, the VP of Sales at ReplayTV, who asked me to pass it along to the forum:

"We have reactivated all units previously deactivated and will be assessing
the situation over the next few days."

So the issue still appears to be fluid.
My 5504 was zapped 12/31 after working since 12/17. Called to see why, was told to pay up, it's now back in CC's hands. Between dealing with Dish and now DNNA these companies are driving me crazy with their indecision.
post #45 of 466
1/1/04 at 12:55pm
Quote:
Originally posted by rad
My 5504 was zapped 12/31 after working since 12/17. Called to see why, was told to pay up, it's now back in CC's hands. Between dealing with Dish and now DNNA these companies are driving me crazy with their indecision.
Save your receipt from CC showing the date of your original purchase. Whatever happens in the end will probably affect anyone who bought from 12/17 forward.
post #46 of 466
1/1/04 at 12:55pm
But hasn't this been a wonderful, warm, bonding experience for all of us?
post #47 of 466
1/1/04 at 1:15pm
Quote:
Originally posted by jleavens
Okay folks, here's news...

I just got this message from Mike Adell, the VP of Sales at ReplayTV, who asked me to pass it along to the forum:

"We have reactivated all units previously deactivated and will be assessing
the situation over the next few days."

So the issue still appears to be fluid.
Does this mean that if I go to the activation website right now and enter my serial #, it will come up as activated? Because that's not what I see. Maybe I misinterpreted Mr. Adell's response...

Runny
post #48 of 466
1/1/04 at 1:42pm
Only naive people would return this until the very last day possible. I believe that is Jan 31st if you bought from CC. Replay with 3 yrs for $150??You better believe it!!!
post #49 of 466
1/1/04 at 2:15pm
Thread Starter 
Yeah. I think things are complicated enough... If you return your unit, the chances of getting anything out of Replay are going to be slim.
post #50 of 466
1/1/04 at 2:17pm
Quote:
Originally posted by wagoss
Second Note: I also received a Pioneer DVD/TiVo for Christmas and was wondering why people thought that the Replay was better. They both have features I like and dislike and I think they are balanced. If the need arises again, I will probably stay away from ReplayTV because of this debacle.
Streaming, streaming, streaming...

Also, Commercial Advance (or Show|Nav for you 55xx owners)...
post #51 of 466
1/1/04 at 2:47pm
It's not just streaming in general that's the great feature. The "killer" feature of a Replay is DVArchive, an app that Replay had nothing to do with making.

ReplayTV owes Mr. Duprey and his peers everything for finishing their box for them.

--Fox
post #52 of 466
1/1/04 at 2:52pm
Quote:
Originally posted by Foxtrot-Yankee
It's not just streaming in general that's the great feature. The "killer" feature of a Replay is DVArchive, an app that Replay had nothing to do with making.

ReplayTV owes Mr. Duprey and his peers everything for finishing their box for them.

--Fox
Lets not forget "Record On Network Replay" option.
post #53 of 466
1/1/04 at 3:14pm
OK,
Here is my suggestion to DNNA ReplayTV.
If and when this has been settled, lets just say they do the right thing
and keep those boxes activated that have been deactivated and say welcome to the ReplayTv family.
That would be a class act, in turn they could offer t-shirt sales from their
web site, "2003 ReplayTV Survivor & Family Member"
Even at $20
I'd be good for one or two ;)
This would cover the theme of the past few weeks & the 2003 DNNA acquisition.
It's time to move on and turn this into a positive for the longevity of the company.

With the proper steps this day forward, Replay can repair damages,
they could also offer to activate the USB port at a nominal fee to help generate some additional cash-flow
Just thinking out-loud.
post #54 of 466
1/1/04 at 3:25pm
If my 5504 stays activated I would defintely throw my HT receiver business Denon's way. They're pricey but I'd definitely support the family. Having a 2nd unit sure would be nice even though I have few scheduling conflicts, it sure is nice to have a resolution.
post #55 of 466
1/1/04 at 3:31pm
Quote:
Originally posted by Foxtrot-Yankee
It's not just streaming in general that's the great feature. The "killer" feature of a Replay is DVArchive, an app that Replay had nothing to do with making.

ReplayTV owes Mr. Duprey and his peers everything for finishing their box for them.

--Fox
I'll have to agree. DVArchive makes ReplayTV stand out over TiVo.
post #56 of 466
1/1/04 at 5:24pm
I have to say that it really means something that the coolest part of the ReplayTV software (DVarchive) is software that ReplayTV didn't have anything to do with writing.
post #57 of 466
1/1/04 at 6:05pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally posted by toots
I have to say that it really means something that the coolest part of the ReplayTV software (DVarchive) is software that ReplayTV didn't have anything to do with writing.
Gotta disagree with you, toots. As much a fan I am of DVArchive, and I am a fan, I think that the built-in streaming and remote record-setting capabilities that are in the ReplayTV units are what make ReplayTVs cool.

DVArchive is brilliant in emulating another Replay on the personal computer. But DVArchive is able to do what it does because the Replay is that powerful.

off-topic alert, off-topic alert....
post #58 of 466
1/1/04 at 6:06pm
Two questions:
1. About how many units were sold during the disputed period?
2. If replay is reactivating, what about all those units resold on ebay for $131?
OT:Welcome back Toots! Haven't seen you in a while.
Happy New Year all!
post #59 of 466
1/1/04 at 6:38pm
Quote:
Originally posted by joe221
They're not happy in NJ!

Channel 10 in NJ, article.
[b]Did anyone read this part of the article???

>>After NBC 10 contacted the company, they have agreed to activate all three of the units Wilson bought and not charge the fee.
post #60 of 466
1/1/04 at 6:40pm
Maybe DNNA/ReplayTV could recoup some of the losses from this fiasco by coming up with some new features to implement in a software upgrade, and then charge for it. (A reasonable, ONE TIME fee.) Sorta like how Tivo did with their media option, or whatever it's called. Just make sure it's an OPTIONAL feature, not something you have to buy to continue to use your Replay. And don't remove any current features for those who choose not to buy an upgrade.


I can't think of anything off-hand to add that would be worth paying for, though. Maybe a status bar? :D (Kidding, don't kill me) A to-do list? Would have to be somthing unique, not just copy ideas from tivo.

Of course, if they laid-off the development team, then that could be a problem. :)
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