The Bottom Line
Very similar to TiVo, the ReplayTV Digital Video Recorder (DVR) is an excellent, networkable DVR with easy recording, multiple ways to navigate within programs, and progressive scan output. ReplayTV is better for people with cable connections than satellite. The ReplayTV Series 5500 offers a 320GB hard drive, compared to TiVo's 140GB.
Great for people wanting a DVR with a large hard drive, but does not include DVD recording capabilities.
Great for people wanting a DVR with a large hard drive, but does not include DVD recording capabilities.
Pros
- Very good video quality and easy one-button recording
- Offers a 320GB hard drive model, TiVo tops out at 140GB
- Remote great for navigating within TV shows
- Progressive scan recording and digital audio output
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Requires monthly service charge or expensive one-time fee for program guide
- TiVo is easier to use
- Commercial skip from earlier models no longer available
- TiVo has better solutions for satellite hook-ups.
- Network setup is a little difficult
Description
- A Digital Video Recorder and Subscription Service that records to a Hard Drive
- Similar to TiVo, works better with a Cable Box than Satellite
- No DVD recording capability
Guide Review - Review of the ReplayTV 5500 Series Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)
ReplayTV has a solid product line in the new 5500 series, and offer good DVRs that should interest those looking for progressive-scan output. But you'll need to add $299,the cost of the lifetime service fee, to the selling price to get the true cost of the system, which is much less useful without the on-screen program guide.
As with most DVRs, the 5500 series looks like a set top VCR or DVD player with nothing on the front, except a power button and activity lights. The 5500s will take input from cable TV, satellite receivers, or both, and store the info on the hard drive. It outputs video via coaxial, composite, S-Video, or component video. Programming information comes in automatically via broadband (Ethernet) or dial-up modem. The 40-button remote is fairly simple to use.
The 5500 Series includes 40/80/160/320GB hard drive sizes and records in three speeds standard, medium, or high quality. If you have multiple ReplayTVs, you can stream video from one to the other via Ethernet. ReplayTV also has a handy one-button 30-second skip feature (called QuickSkip) and the ability to skip within segments of a program, going beyond TiVo in this area.
Setup takes about 15 minutes, thanks to a set up poster and clear wording on the rear jacks. When using the channel guide, a single press of a button sets a show to record. At lowest (standard) recording quality, images are similar to a VHS recording, medium or high quality is best (but you get less recording space).
As with most DVRs, the 5500 series looks like a set top VCR or DVD player with nothing on the front, except a power button and activity lights. The 5500s will take input from cable TV, satellite receivers, or both, and store the info on the hard drive. It outputs video via coaxial, composite, S-Video, or component video. Programming information comes in automatically via broadband (Ethernet) or dial-up modem. The 40-button remote is fairly simple to use.
The 5500 Series includes 40/80/160/320GB hard drive sizes and records in three speeds standard, medium, or high quality. If you have multiple ReplayTVs, you can stream video from one to the other via Ethernet. ReplayTV also has a handy one-button 30-second skip feature (called QuickSkip) and the ability to skip within segments of a program, going beyond TiVo in this area.
Setup takes about 15 minutes, thanks to a set up poster and clear wording on the rear jacks. When using the channel guide, a single press of a button sets a show to record. At lowest (standard) recording quality, images are similar to a VHS recording, medium or high quality is best (but you get less recording space).