Thanks
dolph for being the only one not seeking my home address.
I actually didn't say why the Replay is better but since you ask:
1. They automatically skip commercials.
2. The unit has built-in Napster-like capability that allow TV shows to be shared anonymously with the entire internet.
3. You can record shows on one unit and watch them on any other unit in the house -- including your computer.
4. You can upload digital photos and use the Replay as a photo album.
5. You have the choice of connecting to the service by ethernet or telephone.
6. You can fast forward or rewind by any amount you like (i.e. instantly jump forward 3 minutes or 7 minutes or to the 22 minute mark, etc.)
7. Recordings can be organized into folders and the remaining space on the drive is displayed.
8. 480P Progressive output for HDTV
9. Digital audio out
10. Illuminated remote
11. Parental controls
12. Recordings can be programmed from the internet
Tivo OTOH:
1. Records stuff at all times to fill free space on the drive with stuff it thinks you'll like (based on a more advanced logic than Replay's "favorite channel" function).
2. Supplies you with free spam (movie previews, clips of celebrities talking about Tivo, this week it's a couple of Vanessa Carlton videos, a bio, and tour dates)
3. Is not being sued to the brink of bankruptcy.
4. Is available in a nifty satellite version.
All of Replay's features are on the verge of being taken away from all current and future customers without warning or recourse. They are being sued by every local or national TV station in the country as well as every cable and satellite provider (that's why there's no satellite Replay). They recently had a
California judge order them to remotely and secretly install spyware on every customer's machine and provide all the collected data to the TV and cable companies. Thankfully the ruling was overturned last I heard. Sonic Blue is a renegade company that spits in the face of authority to offer consumers products they deserve. They came out of nowhere and are founded entirely on fire sales. They picked up this Replay thing when Panasonic deemed it too dangerous and tossed it like a hot potato, then they bought whatever MP3 player people were trying to escape liability for, next they'll be selling Firestone tires. Anyway
511PF, I am not anxious. I did the research, found the Replay to be leaps-and-bounds better, and bought a Tivo. I'm disappointed to have such a restrictive and featureless machine when I could have had just about everything current technology has to offer, but I'm confident that I made the correct choice and I wrote this paragraph to encourage others to follow.