[jchef]

I'd be interested in any constructive observations about my "problem":


I ordered a 4504 and received a 5040 from SB...


During the SB clearance sale last month, I ordered a 4504 for $179 with $50 rebate, net $129. Received order confirmation and printed invoice showing model number and order info. I already had a 4504 and thought if I bought a 2nd unit, it would be simpler to have the same model. (My current 4504 is now a 4516.)


Then came the chpt 11, etc. The order stayed in "processing" status for several weeks and today my unit was delivered. It is a 5040 with a revised invoice showing the 5040 model number and the $179 price.


If I keep the unit, I will send in either the original 4504 rebate or the new 5040 rebate. Netting me to $129 assuming I get a rebate check.


If I keep the 5040, I believe my biggest issue is not being able to stream between my existing 4504 and the 5040. In addition, DVArchive can handle both models, but not interchangeably. Also, if the much anticipated software upgrade doesn't happen, these conditions won't change.


Assuming the service continues to exist, I realize this might be a pretty good deal for me from SB, but I'd still appreciate any considerations I might have missed.


Thanks! ...and I'll worry about monthly vs life-time later...

 

[sfhub]

Not related to your question, but out of curiosity, did you also receive

a page saying 30-day trial period. On another thread someone mentioned

they received such a page and when they call CS they admitted a few

folks had called in with the same paper. This led to conjecture that SB

had changed to trial period for 10 (or 3-4 days for 5xxx) to 30 days.

The model in question there was a 4532 while yours is 5xxx series.

 

[jchef]

re: trial period question. Nope, just have the 3 day grace period. Didn't receive any extension to 30 days.

 

[mburkhart]

I took advantage of the same sale and added a second 4504 just prior to the bankruptcy news. I am quite happy that I didn't get the 5040 because I don't have to worry about the interoperability issues which may or may not get resolved any time soon.


So, I'd try to get the 4504 if I were you.

 

[ReplayLyndon]

The trial period has not been changed to 30 days...


Lyndon

 

[Krynsky]

I'm currently at work and the 4504 I ordered on 3/19 got delivered today. I'm wondering if I also may be getting a 5040 when I open my box but I'm curious as to what this interoperability problem is. I don't have another unit and think this problem relates to multiple units in one house. If that's the case I should be ok. Other than that is getting the 5040 over the 4504 a blessing?


Thanks,


Mark

 

[JustTrio]

Krynsky - by cost, probably, by stability, *shrug*


The main reason I went for the 4504 instead of the 5040 (besides price) was that I don't like to have equipment that demands a remote for the simplest of functions.


Having said that (for the benefit of any designers reading out there), in the short time I've been reading in this particular forum, it seems there are some on-going stability issues, but not as bad as it was when the 5000 series first came out. The other good news about it being a 5000 series is that if you choose to get another one, you shouldn't have any problem finding one without worrying about the interoperability (streaming shows from one to the other) issue.


You're ahead on cost if it is a 5040, you're ahead on probable future sharing 5040, you don't have an existing 4500 to worry about. You probably won't be able to get a 4504 replacement if it is a 5040.


Enjoy it if it is a 5040 or the 4504 you ordered

 

[Krynsky]

Not that surprised since I had read this thread prior to going home and had a similar situation to Jchef. The only question now is whether I can still get my $50 rebate. At $130 the doorstop gamble is ok, at $180 it becomes a bit more sour...oh well I hope good news is around the corner.


Mark

 

[GadgetGuy]

I have a 4000 and a 4500 and I love streaming between the two. The value this feature adds in my opinion is huge.

 

[genearch]

IMHO (and just that) the 4xxx is the better machine.


Pro:

No Obnoxious blue light

status lights (new content/messages)

Front panel controls

Much quieter


Con:

No USB

worse remote *


Pickup a 3000 series remote from ebay for $30 and be happy..

 

[jchef]

Thanks for the input on my question. I did go ahead and hook the 5040 up, at least to do some comparisons...software updated to 320 version (going to check for previous posts to see if this is a good thing).


BTW, SB's website now has a $50 rebate posted for a 5040 purchase for any who find themselves in a situation similar to mine. IMHO, they should honor one or the other: the original 4504 as ordered or the 5040 as delivered.


For me, the jury is still out as to whether I will even try to exchange this. Kind of leaning towards keeping it. At this point, may be my imagination but the imaging seems sharper than the 45xx?

 

[asinshesq]

Quote:

Originally posted by jchef ...At this point, may be my imagination but the imaging seems sharper than the 45xx?

Not your imagination. The 5xxx has a superior mpeg encoder cihp. I've got a 4xxx and a 5xxx, and I'd say teh real tradeoffs are:


Better picture quality with the 5xxx


versus


More stable and snappier o/s with the 4xxx.

 

[genearch]

Quote:

Originally posted by asinshesq Not your imagination. The 5xxx has a superior mpeg encoder cihp. I've got a 4xxx and a 5xxx, and I'd say teh real tradeoffs are: Better picture quality with the 5xxx versus More stable and snappier o/s with the 4xxx.

True.. the 5000 is a bit better, I neglected to mention that...


But...I'd still go with the 4k series.. look at the failure rate of the 5000, especially around Christmas time. (I had three 5040's DOA in my "circle")

 

[TMOSteel]

Quote:

Originally posted by genearch Pickup a 3000 series remote from ebay for $30 and be happy..

...or better yet a 5000 series remote for $30 from SONIC|blue which works fantastic with the 4500 series (+ looks better, feels better, etc.).

 

[BaysideBas]

$30? I bought one a few weeks ago and it was only $20, delivered.

 

[doppler]

So you got a 5040 instead of a 4504.


I considered the 5K series and decided against it.

For the following reasons.


1. Reboot of death. Sorry IOMEGA I stole your Click of death.

2. Green tint problems.

3. OOBD (out of box dead) AKA D.O.A.

4. Less status lights. YA, I like to know whats happening.

5. Software problems.

 

[jchef]

FYI update from customer service: No 4504's available to fulfill orders. 5040 was sent instead at 4504 price. He also gave me the coice of returning the unit for a refund. Kinda expected that this would be the answer from them...


BTW, no complaint about cust serv; nice guy, wanted to help, seemed to have access to info he needed to help me.


Going to keep the 5040 for now and see about stability for next 29 days.


Thanks to all for the input. It's appreciated.

 

[TMOSteel]

Quote:

Originally posted by BaysideBas $30? I bought one a few weeks ago and it was only $20, delivered.

Yeah, I know, I should have bought it for $20 when I saw it, but who knew the $$$ was gonna get jacked up?

 

[BaysideBas]

So it's no mistake? They really jacked it up 50%? How about the activation fee?