Planet Replay

[Eyenovation]

I have had nothing but problems with the ReplayTV. I am very dissatisfied with the unit and contemplating selling it in favor of something else, like TiVo - or just throwing it out the window. Before I do, can someone please clarify this is in fact the nature of the ReplayTV unit, and not just perhaps mine being a bum unit?



The unit is VERY loud. I can't sleep with the thing in my bedroom (or even powered off) as it's constantly churning or doing something. This is very unfortunate and annoying.



Second, the video feed is garbage. I have digital cable and I am constantly getting artifacting in the picture. This is very disappointing, as the ReplayTV seems to worsen the picture. I have gold plated connections and was meticulous in the wiring.



The unit is now STUCK at the Menu, and the remote control seems to be dead. I can't access the Channel guide, I can't access the ReplayTV guide. When the remote control DOES work, it takes a good 3 seconds of latency before any commands I enter are keyed into the machine.



I find this highly annoying and unbecoming of a superior product.

[adone36]

Sounds like a bad hard drive or failed ir receiver, most likely the former considering the video breakup (assuming this is the Replay and not the cable system). Exchange it.



The system fan runs all the time. In late model 50XX and all 55xx, the fan is thermo controlled and quieter than earlier 50xx models. I have 3 earlier 50XX 10 ft away in my bedroom and it doesn't bother me.



Replays have a better picture, more elaborate features, and much better navigation within shows and menus than Tivo. Depending on a given system, the best output can be from composite, component, or svideo, it is best to try them all. In any case, output is better than a VCR, worse than a DVD.

[sfhub]

You got a bum unit. Suggest reevaluating replay after you get a working

unit.

[bajtrax]

I'd send it back. I've never heard my 5040 in my living room, even with the tv muted, nor problems with the remote. However normal operation will take about 3 seconds to change channels because of the ir blaster repeating your commands

[gray]

I just upgraded my 4080 to a 5508, and my 5508 is indeed significantly noisier than my previous. I used to leave my 4080 on all the time, and never noticed any noise -- but now I turn the new unit off at night before I go to sleep, so that it is not constantly streaming to the drive when I am not watching TV. So it may well be current units are nosier than the original poster would like.



What model were you using?



I used to notice on my 4080 that if my default recording quality was set to "Standard" I would see more artifacts when I watch TV normally than if I had the default set to "High". I don't notice any such thing with the 5508... I do not know if that is just because of how much better the MPEG encoder is in the new one, or if the streaming encoder when normally watching is no longer governed by what your default recording quality is set to...



-g

[vodka5040]

I was too. I got a refurb. I didnt go through all the hassle of sending it back just bought a 120maxtor5400rpm drive installed it and no problem now. The 5040 shipped with bunk HD's and the ones that are refurbished all they do is repatch the HD. It doesnt fix the HD since its allready used and abused. 99% of the time your going to incounter problems which will be linked to your HD. Just plan on replacing it once in a while. Example imaging your car always idleing and never turning it off. You wake up in the morning and its still idleing . How long do you think the motor will be able to do that until you need to replace it. Same with the HD in the replay. If your not planning on networking your shows to your tv or other replay units or your not planning on using the internet sharing capabilities then consider getting a tivo. But if you love the replay like myself then consider getting a brand new HD then the crappy one it comes with. Good luck.

[adone36]

Silly theories aside, Replays do not come with "junk" drives. But like everybody else on the planet, they are victimized by the tremendous competition and cost cutting amongst drive mfg. There are even class action suits against some makers. Judging from other forums Tivo must be buying "junk" drives also. At least with Replay, it's a snap to do a drive upgrade. And of course, because of the higher density platters and closer tolerances required in the larger drive sizes, you get a smaller failure rate. But even with these units there are significant numbers of DOA pieces, nevermind failures.

[d2tw4all]

I concur with the other posts, sounds very suspiciously like a bum unit, hard drive failing. IF you record on "Standard" quality the video is def. noticeably worse than standard cable, however on high you shouldn't have ANY problems. I think bad hdd could also cause your latency issues as well, sometimes the replay gets a little weird and hangs up on a menu or something, mine did it a lot more early on than it does now, not sure why time made a dif. I'm planning on upgrading my HDD, I've had the replay just over a year now and LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT. TIVO is fine if you NEVER want to network/showshare and want what is generally considered a technically inferior product (though it is somewhat simpler to use so if you aren't technical at all and I mean AT ALL Tivo might be worth looking into...) Anyway as far as noise I don't hear mine EVER, and that alone makes me think your HDD is having issues... Mine is a 5040 by the way, like I said just over a year old.

Tom

[Beaviss]

if you bought the lifetime activation, i will take the unit off your hands !!

[paddydd]

the other doesn't