[Mayboy]

Hi all,


I am new to this board and am interested in getting a DVR. I have noticed while reading some messages references to The ShowStopper and Replay.


What are the significant differences between them? Are they functionally different? Is one preffered over another?


Sorry if these are dumb questions.

 

[DrStrange]

They're functionally identical except that the Showstopper blocks anything that it thinks is copy protected. You can't record or even just play such content through a Showstopper. This includes DVDs and most prerecorded videotapes and for a small number of people some broadcast television signals. None actually are copy protected but some apparently have some oddity the Showstoppers mistake for copy protection.


Showstoppers only advantages are that they're available at retail stores, ReplayTV branded are online only. Once it could also be said ReplayTV boxes couldn't be found as cheaply as Showstoppers but with Mercata now carrying ReplayTV boxes as powerbuys thats no longer true.


You may also want to check out Tivo if you haven't already. Visit their forum and peek at my Tivo/Replay comparison .




[This message has been edited by DrStrange (edited 11-09-2000).]

 

[jleavens]

Another difference is that the Replay-branded boxes may have better techinical support and get software updates more quickly than the Panasonic-branded boxes.


I think most people on this board would recommend the Replay brand box, simply because the Panasonic doesn't offer anything that the Replay one doesn't, and the Replay brand has had fewer problems than the Panasonic.


The Replay brand is available from Amazon.com as well from a number of other discounter web sites.


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Remember, it's just television...

 

[Lee Thompson]

I own one of each (ReplayTV and Showstopper) and I haven't had any of the problems that have been reported on this forum. Having said that:



ReplayTV Branded


Pros:


* Faster Software Updates (but more buggy? Showstopper 3.0 is 3 builds higher)


* More relaxed macrovision handling


Cons:


* Their fulfillment center sucks. Outrageous shipping prices. Don't order after Tuesday if you want next day or second day air; they'll take your money and you won't see it until Monday.


* Online and Mail Order Only



Showstopper Branded


Pros:


* Easier to find and buy; often more discounted


* Same as the ReplayTV (except as listed in Cons)


Cons:


* Macrovision handling is more strict (and there is a reported bug concerning it's detection)


* Panasonic reviews updates and must OK beore your unit updates. Note, however, that the recent 3.0 update; the Panasonic build is 3 build numbers higher so this may turn out to be a Pro.


So that's my two cents.

 

[Mayboy]

Thanks everyone so far. You have been very helpful.


I am now leaning toward the Replay 3030, and have gone so far as placing a "bid" at Mercata. The $100 Mercata rebate coupled with the $100 Replay rebate is too enticing to resist.


I was really up in the air between TiVo and Replay- the TiVo advantage (thumbs up or down) not great enough to outweigh the ease of use I have read about with Replay.


Now that I think about it, I am going to open a new topic about the differences of the two. Hopefully those who have used both can provide some insight.


Thanks!

 

[Dr. Zed]

Quote:

Originally posted by Mayboy: Thanks everyone so far. You have been very helpful. I am now leaning toward the Replay 3030, and have gone so far as placing a "bid" at Mercata. The $100 Mercata rebate coupled with the $100 Replay rebate is too enticing to resist. I was really up in the air between TiVo and Replay- the TiVo advantage (thumbs up or down) not great enough to outweigh the ease of use I have read about with Replay. Now that I think about it, I am going to open a new topic about the differences of the two. Hopefully those who have used both can provide some insight. Thanks!

I think someone mentioned ebates as well, so you might be able to save a bit more.... I think you have to go to their site and, from there, follow the links to mercata. I really don't know much about it, but hopefully someone can fill you in.



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"It's like living in the future."


[This message has been edited by an infinite number of monkeys (edited 10-24-2000).]

 

[DrStrange]

Quote:

Originally posted by Mayboy: Now that I think about it, I am going to open a new topic about the differences of the two. Hopefully those who have used both can provide some insight.

Some already have.
http://www.avsforum.com/ubbtivo/Forum1/HTML/002162.html http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/Forum13/HTML/001584.html http://www.avsforum.com/ubbtivo/Forum1/HTML/000844.html

 

[RandyL712]

Markito,


I see your point, bigger is always better (except with women http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/wink.gif ) but I have a 2020 and I watch and tape lots of stuff, and I've never come close to filling it up. As long as I check it out every day or two, delete the reruns and watch a few things, I've never come close to having a problem.


Not arguing, just saying that there ARE people for whom 20-30 hours is more than adequate.

 

[Mayboy]

Well I am relieved by Randy's reply. As desperately as I would like to have the 60 hour player, the additional $250 for the Christmas present for my girlfriend would deal a crushing blow to my Christmas funds! (Even though I can't wait to use it too).


Anybody else feel that the 30 hour player is more than adequate?

 

[Wayno]

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee Thompson: 8< snip >8 * Panasonic reviews updates and must OK beore your unit updates. Note, however, that the recent 3.0 update; the Panasonic build is 3 build numbers higher so this may turn out to be a Pro.

Maybe not. I've got a Replay 2020 and Replay 3030 and the build numbers are different also. Probably just a build difference to address any hardware differences between the machines.



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Wayne Dunham

[email protected]

 

[PRMan]

Quote:

Originally posted by Mayboy: Anybody else feel that the 30 hour player is more than adequate?

I have a 30-hour Panasonic, and I have never had any Macrovision problems whatsoever. I find 30 hours to be enough, even though at watchable quality it's only 10-15. Space has never been my problem. I mean, I can't watch 15 hours of TV in a week, anyway.


All that said, I just bought a Replay 30-hour for my other TV, since it was the same price as the Panasonic on Mercata, just in case. Even though I have never had the problem, I am disgusted with Panasonic's response to those who have. Of course, I am equally disgusted with their endless complaining without sending in an example tape to Replay, but that's another matter.



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PRMan