Amazon.com Product Description

Early Adopters Pick: July 2003. This is the world's first consumer electronics component featuring advanced DVD functionality that enables users to stream audio, images, and video from the PC to the TV at the touch of a button on the remote control.

Finally, there's a home-entertainment device that integrates PC entertainment with traditional audio/video sources. GoVideo's slim and stylish D2730 is not only compatible with a wide range of physical media, but it comes with a rear-panel PCMCIA slot for either wired or wireless networking with a desktop or laptop PC--it even comes with wired networking card. Now you can easily stream audio, images, and video files from the PC through to the TV at the touch of a button. The unit streams JPEG images, MP3 and WMA audio formats, and MPEG1 and MPEG2 video formats. Compatible physical media includes DVD-R/DVD-RW, video CD, Kodak Picture CD, and MP3 and WMA CDs.

The D2730 comes equipped with a network card for wired home networks, allowing instant out-of-the-box set-up and use. Just open the box, install the D2730's server software, hook it up to the TV and an Ethernet-capable PC or networked PCs, and start enjoying its innovative capabilities. If your home isn't networked yet, the unit still operates as a full-function DVD player. And the player operates wirelessly, too, using an optional wireless 802.11b (16-bit) network card.

An intuitive graphical user interface simplifies operation, ideal for novice and technically proficient users of both DVD players and computers. User-upgradeable onscreen "skins" give operation a personalized look and feel, and the unit's upgradeable firmware ensures that you'll be ready for future DVD formats, too. A headphone output with a dedicated volume control facilitates private listening--perfect for tuning into Internet radio in the living room while the rest of the family reads or sleeps.

Top-of-the-line component-video outputs (switchable between progressive-scan and interlaced) help minimize digital and line-scan artifacts on compatible advanced televisions, while composite- and S-video outputs bring compatibility with nearly any television. Whether your living room is currently home to an HDTV or you're merely thinking of "someday," the D2730 stands ready to deliver the full potential ofDVDs. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts.

A set of left/right analog-audio outputs channel audio to Dolby Pro Logic receivers and stereo televisions. Both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals can be routed through the player's digital-audio outputs (one each of RCA coaxial and Toslink optical) for direct connection to a full-featured audio/video receiver, and--in case your existing receiver is merely "Dolby Digital ready" (with multichannel RCA analog inputs), the D2730 decodes Dolby Digital 5.1 to six discrete analog signals (left, center, right, left/right surround, and subwoofer).

What's in the Box
DVD player, full-function remote control, 2 AAA batteries, wired Ethernet adapter (PCMCIA), installation CD-ROM (PC system software), onscreen user interface skin, stereo analog/composite-video interconnect (3 feet), user's manual, warranty information. ... Read more

Features

• Full-featured DVD player with built-in PCMCIA network slot for instant access to streaming media from your PC or home network
• Compatible with DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD-RW, and MP3/WMA music CDs
• Dolby Digital and DTS digital outputs; Dolby Digital 5.1-channel decoding for wider compatibility
• Progressive-scan component-video outputs for seamless, flicker-free images on high-definition and HD-ready TVs
• Upgradeable onscreen "skins" and internal firmware; dedicated headphone jack fosters private listening

Reviews (12)

Takes some work to get configured, but is well worth it
I initally tried to get it to work with my wireless lan (802.11b). Everything played, but the video was a little "blocky". I didn't have the funds to buy a new 802.11g router, so instead I hardwired the dvd player on a 100 mbit network. Everything now plays flawlessly, including mpeg1, mpeg2, and mpeg4/divx.

Its able to play Shoutcast radio streams using software called "twonkyvision" (search for it on google). That was a big plus for me.

As for the dvd functions, its a great dvd player for the price. Its got progressive scan and all of the outputs you would need.

Oh yeah, someone else mentioned this, but make sure you update the firmware on both the client and server or else things won't work right. That firmware can be downloaded from govideo's website.

I'm very satisfied with my purchase.

For people who built their home-networking by themselves ...
... this is certainly a great product and at a very good price. I bought this for $130 in Feb 2004. I needed a new DVD player that can do progressive scan but finally got this with more features for little more money.
Setup is not straight-forward as mentioned in previous reviews, but learning to manage the setup issues is not necessarily a bad experience.
I'm giving 4 stars because the D2730 didn't support the wireless card (Belkin) that the manual specifies as being supported. But I got it to work with netgear wireless card (recommended by the customer support).
Finally, for me this is not a high-tech junk. (For some reason, the picture quality seems better when I view from the PC (using D2730 client-server setup) rather than burning the pictures in CD and viewing the CD from any DVD player, including D2730)).

One star for non-geeks; 4 stars for geeks.
I bought this the minute I saw it, thinking $110 was not much to lose. It took me over a week to get it fully working, but even so, I'm giving it 4 stars (if you're a computer geek). One star if you don't know what a router is (too hard for non geeks to get working).

While I have read about the many problems people have had with the wireless adapters, I am using this in wired mode.

The unit has two pieces of software:
1) The Client software is what is programmed into the unit itself. It is burned onto a flash memory inside the box. GoVideo has released three versions (mine came with version 1). You can upgrade or downgrade the Client by creating a CD-ROM (the online tech support walks you through it - very simple).
2) The Server software is what you put on your computer. It is the interface that locates and marks all of your video/MP3 files to be shared on the player. The Server itself is not a media player. There are two versions of Server.

So, the first thing I recommend is that you go to the website (even before your unit arrives) and make a V2 and V3 CD-ROM. I don't think V1 is even available over the net anymore, nor does it come on a CD-ROM when you get the device, so once you upgrade to V2, you can NOT downgrade to V1 again. This shouldn't be a problem, since V1 is really quite bad.

Even with a wired connection, I had A LOT of trouble getting the player to connect to my PC when Client V1 was installed. I had to force a fixed IP address, because the unit just couldn't figure out mine.

WORD OF WARNING: For some reason, GoVideo requires you to initially connect this device to a TV via a Coax cable. If you initially connect it to a S-Video or component video, the screen will simply not work. The menu is technically still there, but you can't see to navigate it. You need to connect via Coax to select the output mode you want. Of course, once you do, the screen goes blank until you connect to the TV differently. This operation alone demonstrates why the average person will hate this product. BTW - once you upgrade to V2, there is a button on the remote that cycles through the different output selects. Infinitely better, but hardly intuitive.

Once you have Client V3 and Server V2 installed, the box should be able to easily connect to the network.

Mine auto-connected at this point, but , the problems began here...

I have a Router between me and the Internet, and a hub connected to that. My PCs and the DVD Player were all connected to the Hub.

In this configuration, my videos were ALL playing very poorly (pixelated, no sound sync, skipping). I called tech support at least 6 times. They have very flexible hours, and each person I spoke to was different (but all in the USA). Unfortunately, no one was able to even come close to diagnosing my problem.

They were more than willing to send me a new unit, but I had a feeling it was something in my network itself. Well, someone at my work got the problem right away. It was my Hub. Even though it was a 10/100 hub, it was operating at half-duplex, so all of my media was getting killed.

The instant I removed the hub from my system, and replaced it with a switch, my video worked GREAT. BTW, this explains why you can't even BUY a hub at Best Buy these days. Switches are all full duplex, and cost under $10 per port.

So, if you're looking to buy one of these, here is what I learned:
1) Upgrade to the latest Client and Server
2) If you change the Server version, or the method the player uses to connect (auto IP, fixed IP, etc), cycle power on your PC and the DVD player.
3) DON'T connect to a hub - use a switch
4) If you're still having problems, Google on "D2730 forum" and you'll get much more useful information than tech support has.

Plays MPEG4 + MP3's + Streaming Media!!
Just got this. I also bought an extended warranty for it.

I like it because #1 it's cheap
#2 it's got all the connections on the back that I need
#3 it works like a charm. I upgraded the firmware on the thing and now it plays everything.

I highly recommend this. But get an extended warranty since some people say that it might fail.

Poor Wireless Support
Maybe it works with some of the wireless cards out there, but who can justify purchasing one model after another from their "supported" list until you find one that really works? I purchased a Belkin F5D6020 after seeing it on their "supported" list, only to find out that not all versions of the F5D6020 are supported. Did they bother to indicated that though? No! So I'm stuck with a "supported" card which doesn't work. I'm not about to continue to purchase "supported" cards in the hope that I might just get lucky and get one that really works. They really missed the boat with their documentation and tech support on this product... ... Read more

Features

• DVD, VCD, SVCD, audio CD, CD-R and CD-RW, and MP3 CD playback
• Dolby Digital or DTS decoders provide surround sound
• Compact, one-piece receiver includes DVD/CD player, AM/FM digital tuner
• 260 watts of output power for dynamic sound
• Includes full-function remote control

Reviews (2)

Very good for the buck
I have used it for a week works fine good sound (for the money)
Great looks exeeded my expectations. Te volume is not really loud but for a medium room will work grat. If you are lloking for a budget all in one not needing real power speakers this is it.

Great stuff!
I finally broke down and bought a DVD player. The Go Video system is great, it plays all sorts of DVD formats, cds, mp3s and it has an am/fm reciever. This is a fantastic home theatre and a kickin stereo! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Do you have a lot of home movies on cassette that need to be edited and copied? Do you have a lot of shows that you tape regularly? Make your life easier with this dual-deck, 4-head VCR from GoVideo. With the DDV3110, you get all of the advantages of having two VCRs without the connection headaches, all in a component that isn't much bigger than a regular VCR. Each deck features 4-head recording to ensure superior picture and sound.

With two decks in one unit, you can now record up to 12 hours of programs at a time. You can schedule up to 16 shows in advance with the recording timer. You'll never be left hanging by a recording that cuts off too early--the DDV3110 offers a feature that automatically adjusts the tape speed while recording in timer mode, fitting the entire program onto the tape.

Skipping unwanted material is easier than ever with the DDV3110. The Commercial Advance feature automatically marks commercials while recording. When you play back the tape, the VCR will fast forward past the commercials. You can even opt to have a blue screen appear during the commercial skip, so you never have to see another ad. Although the DDV3110 can handle the process automatically, you retain the option to control the recording and playback yourself.

When dubbing tapes recorded with the Commercial Advance feature, the commercials will not be copied onto your edited tape. When using the commercial-free copy mode, you can record a show in deck one, and have the DDV3110 automatically create a cleaned-up dub copy in deck two.

When you are watching a prerecorded videocassette, you can jump straight to the movie with GoVideo's Movie Advance feature. The DDV3110 will prompt you to skip each or every preview at the beginning of the tape. The remote features a jog/shuttle dial that gives you even greater control over what you watch. Along with the automatic skip features, you can fast-forward and reverse with great precision at high speed or even frame by frame.

Home-movie makers will find a number of features on the DDV3110 that are perfect for creating an impressive final cut. The VCR allows you to create onscreen titles for your movies that can vary in length and onscreen time. With the automatic editing function, you can flag up to eight scenes that you want to use on your final copy. The DDV3110 will do all the work for you in the dubbing process. You can add new music or narration to your movie as well. Simply connect your audio source to the front or back audio/video inputs.

Setup is simple. Your available channels will automatically be set as soon as you turn on the DDV3110 for the first time. Composite-video outputs provide a quick connection from VCR to TV or to your home theater receiver. Front inputs allow for easy connections of camcorders and audio sources when you are editing tapes. An easy-to-use, onscreen menu lets you customize your setup by identifying the components plugged into the DDV3110.

What's in the Box
Dual deck VCR, coaxial cable, remote control, two AA batteries, owner's manual. ... Read more

Features

• Dual-deck VCR offers 12 hours of recording
• Sophisticated commercial-skip features for viewing and dubbing
• Front and back composite audio/video inputs
• Editing and dubbing tools for home movies
• Measures 21 x 4 x 12.75 inches (W x H x D)

Reviews (10)

A Cool VCR
I love that vcr, got as a present about 5 months ago and really happy with it. It easy to use. Great copymaker. You can record from TV on one deck and at the same time watch video on another. The remote control controls everything. I locked all the buttons on VCR so my toddler cannot play with them and cotrol remote becomes really handy. The quality of copys are very good, but if you have a bad original tape - you cannot expext a good copy....

A cool VCR
I love that vcr, got as a present about 5 months ago and really happy with it. It easy to use. Great copymaker. You can record from TV on one deck and at the same time watch video on another. The remote control controls everything. I locked all the buttons on VCR so my toddler cannot play with them and cotrol remote becomes really handy. The quality of copys are very good, but if you have a bad original tape - you cannot expext a good copy....

I must be charmed
I have had this GoVideo DDV3110 VCR for close to a year now, and, frankly, I'm surprised at the number of negative reviews here. So far I have had no complaints. This unit has performed flawlessly and is very easy to use for my purposes.

the greatest vcr i ever owned
i love my go video my last one lasted 11 years so it was an easy choice as to what kind i was gonna gettting

Not usable
This machine has only one tuner, wouldn't copy home videos (and company admitted knowing there was a flaw in the copyright protection preventing rental tapes from being copied that also prevented copying from certain camcorder manufacturers), was a bear to work with in trying to find a replacement. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

GoVideo's DVR4200 brings the convenience of VHS recording with the simplicity and quality of DVD, from front-panel AV inputs to high-resolution component-video outputs and even MP3-CD playback. The DVR4200 allows you to conveniently record TV programs while watching a DVD or listening to a CD. If it's the DVD you want to record, the unit offers one-touch copy. The hi-fi VCR's four-head design gives the player superior slow motion and stop-action control, while Complete Program Record actually adjusts the VCR's speed to make sure it records programmed recordings in their entirety. Its component-video output is ideal for use with the latest high-resolution televisions, and standard composite-video and S-video outputs work with most older TVs.

The DVR4200 is compatible with standard CDs, audio CD-Rs and CD-RWs, and discs encoded with MP3 audio files. Using its coaxial digital-audio output, Dolby Digital 5.1-channel signals are rerouted to a Dolby-decoding AV receiver to enjoy stunning surround sound from movies. When used with a compatible receiver and a six-channel speaker system (left, center, right, left/right surround, and subwoofer), the player puts you in the middle of the action. The unit's Virtual 3D surround sound can also simulate surround effects through an existing pair of speakers.

The DVD player offers standard composite-video outputs (two), S-video (one), and premium component-video outputs (one set, three RCA jacks). The VCR section offers two sets of composite-video inputs, one composite-video output, and one RF (cable-type) input and output. For audio, two sets of stereo, analog-audio RCA outputs are for the DVD player (one of which doubles as a VCR output), while the VCR accepts two stereo analog-audio inputs. A coaxial digital-audio output routes DVD audio signals to an AV receiver. A convenient child lock protects the front panel from fingers, toast, and other nonmedia, while the included remote control operates both the DVD and VCR features. Auto clock set and channel search simplify VCR setup (no more flashing 12:00!). The DVR4200 comes with two AAA batteries, a user's manual, and a stereo analog-audio interconnect. ... Read more

Features

• Plays DVDs, audio CDs, VHS tapes, and MP3s on CD-R and CD-RW
• Watch a DVD while recording a television program
• Dolby Digital output for easy connection to surround sound systems
• Complete Program Record automatically adjusts tape speed to ensure you record a complete program no matter what tape you use
• Convenient child lock protects the front panel from fingers, toast, and other non-media

Reviews (22)

Decent space saver but limited features
The DVD player in this dual deck is OK, on a par with
lower-end budget players. The VCR in this deck is OK, on
a par with lower-end budget VCRs. So far, so fair.

BUT the recorder won't record any DVD that is Macrovision
encoded (which is most of them), so don't expect to use this
as a one stop way to record your DVDs. The DVD player also
doesn't play VCDs or SVCDs. So it has basic functionality,
but little more.

Overall, this is useful for those who want both a DVD
player and a VCR, and who want to save a bit of space. But at
the price you could purchase a better DVD player and a better
VCR separately. So this only makes sense for those who need
to save the space.

David

60 second set up!
My daughter is the *very happy* recipient of this dual deck. She is not exactly an electronics wizard, but she called to say thanks and just bubbled over about how "simple" it was to connect ("really, Dad, I just plugged it in and connected 1 wire and my roommates and I said 'it can't be that simple' but we turned it on and it was like working great"!). She said the remote was "smooth" and the picture quality was "awesome". She also raved about the audio volume the CD player was able to produce and she was "wowed" by its ability to produce this volume cleanly while playing MP3s, ergo becoming, I am informed, the new music center for her dorm room. Anyway, she should remain happy, as GoVideo (& now SONICblue) has been around for quite a while, producing the first dual VCR decks (mostly for copying tapes that were [of course] not copyrighted, such as personal videos) more than a decade ago and since then having greatly expanded their product line, all the while maintaining a pretty good reputation for quality and service and an excellent track record for high value electronics.

GoVideo DVD/VCR player
We have had this player for a year now, and are very satisfied with it's performance. it's is VERY easy to use and we especially like the "lock" feature to keep the kids from messing with it.

I'd buy another one as a gift.

No go video
I just recently bought this DVD/VCR player. It was very easy to set up and play, but right from the get-go I noticed that the dvd picture looked a bit stretched(elongated). I'm a huge fan of widescreen dvds and didn't like the look of the picture. The reason I noticed it was that I also have a SONY dvd player and compared the pictures. The bars of the GV player are thinner than the bars of the SONY showing that the picture is indeed elongated. The picture and people just looked more natural with the SONY player, but those without comparison might not notice the difference. It depends on what you are used to.

Also another thing I REALLY, REALLY don't like about the machine is the remote control. The search and skip button are the exact same button!! So if I want to fast forward/scan a little bit I accidentally skip to the next scene instead. It's very frustrating.

And for those that are planning to record DVDs to VHS, don't hold your breath. You can only record DVDs that don't have Macrovision(some type of anti-recording protection) and most original DVDs will have it. I've also tried a CD-R and it didn't recognize it even though GV says it will play CD-Rs.

I have no complaints about the VCR. It works great.

Basically, you get what you pay for. This is a low price machine and you can't expect it to be exceptional. If you just want to watch a movie and don't care about the look or anything else and want to save space, go ahead and buy it. Otherwise, I would recommend just buying separate players.

p.s. I am not endorsing the SONY player. DO NOT buy SONY DVD players. They have different sets of problems all their own plus a court case against them. Check the web for those reviews
if you don't believe me. Just don't do it.

Works like a charm
It plays DVDs and VHS tapes, just what I was looking for. I definitely got my money's worth. ... Read more

Features

• DVD/CD player with 4-head, hi-fi stereo VCR
• Component-video, composite-video, and S-video outputs offer optimal connection with compatible DVD player
• Plays DVD-Video, Video CD, SVCD, and audio CDs
• Dolby Digital and DTS digital-audio output for 5.1-channel surround sound (with compatible AV receiver)
• One-touch copying from DVD to VCR for non-Macrovision-encoded DVDs

Reviews (26)

Gotta love it
I bought this a while back and I love it. I can play cd's, dvd's or tape a movie. Its great to have a combo, I'm glad this company thought of it. However because of the type of satellite that I receive I am not able to record a movie and watch another channel at the same time. But that's a minor complication for me and not big of a deal. Though it might be to some other people.

Overall the quality is great! Its easy to use, and what could be better than a combo? Its great I would highly reccomend it to anyone. However before you go use it, like anything else read the directions, if you're a movie junkie you'll come to appreciate this beauty.

Sound problems too - but still good
I've really enjoyed my DVR4000, but just wanted to let you know that I also noticed a difference in the sound between this unit vs my satelite receiver. Volume has to be turned way up on surround system. Warning - don't forget to turn it down before changing input LOL. Been there done that. However, I have to be honest in saying that there may well be an adjustment to the unit itself that I have overlooked in the manual.

I've also had problems with some DVD's getting stuck/pausing. Most of the time it is a smudge on the disc. Sometimes it's not and I don't really know if that's typical of DVD players or not. I still don't know what's more irritating: watching a VHS tape with bad resolution or a DVD that sticks. Being that this is my first DVD player, I have nothing to compare it to.

The VCR is good. It has the VCR+ ability for ease in recording. It is a 4 head, Hi Fi VCR, so I'm pleased since the unit replaced my old 2 head VCR. Love the tape speed adjustment feature that allows enough tape when running low. Tapes recorded on 2 head VCR's have pretty bad sound quality i.e. a lot of "wind" sound, but it's tolerable.

A Perfect Transition Piece
I bought the DVR4000 about 4 months ago and I have to say it's a sturdy, reliable system. The VCR player is 4 heads and chock full of recording and playback features. The DVD player is easy to use and has presented no major problems so far. I noticed that some scenes skipped on the DVD player and the sound went in and out, but I think it's the result of a faulty DVD rather than the player itself. This happened on a total of 2 DVDs out of a dozen or so that I've played in the interim.
Overall, this is a good system to have if you're not quite ready to ditch your entire VHS library, but at the same time build your DVD collection.

Had for over a YEAR works great even after move to Italy!!!
I bought this one almost a year and a half ago in maine. I was thrilled to get a machine that didn't take up much space and is a cinch to connect. I am a military wife and we moved to Italy. We now connect it through a transformer due to the electricity and a satalite box. I am able to connect my surround sound speakers to it with ease. Very simple hookup I have not had any problems. I love this machine! Thank you GO VIDEO!

Ugh
I was really excited to finally get a DVD player. But I'd only had it about a month when it started to skip scenes and freeze periodically. It wouldn't even play some DVDs that I found played perfectly on my cousin's player. While playing one DVD, it froze every few seconds. This is a horrible player, and it's obviously cheap for a reason. ... Read more

Features

• Play DVDs, audio CDs, MP3-encoded CD-ROMs, or VHS tapes
• Watch a DVD while recording a TV show to the VCR
• Joystick remote with glow-in-the-dark keys controls both DVD and VCR decks as well as your cable box
• Dolby Digital decoding, DTS output, and choice of optical or coaxial digital audio outputs
• Will copy only non-Macrovision-protected DVDs to VHS

Reviews (13)

A combo with no compromises, both units are great
The DVR5000 is a great idea that is also well executed. At first I was skeptical that the idea of a combination DVD/VCR would result in a good product. Not so with this system, both units are very nice. First, the DVD supports just about everything you'd want in a decent quality player (Dolby Digital output/decoding, S-Video outputs, etc) as well as some nice "extra" features such as the MP3 CD support. The VCR side of the box also supports everything you'd expect out of a VCR these days.

Hooking up the unit is pretty simple and the instruction book does a good job of guiding you through just about any configuration.

Using the unit is also pretty easy. Controls for both units share the same remote, and in many cases the same set of buttons on the remote. Usage of the remote is generally intuitive. The only downside is in the on screen menus. While they are pretty easy to navigate, some menus aren't accessible at certain times (for example, the DVD setup menu is not accessible while a DVD is playing). Neither the menus nor the instruction book give any explanation behind this -- you kind of get the hang of it as you use the machine. Finally, if you are using the S-Video output for the DVD player you'll find that the on screen menus are not viewable via this output. To see the menus you'll have to switch your TV to the VCR input. The documentation is actually very clear about this, but it is annoying nonetheless.

My only other concern is about Go-Video's customer service. I sent them an email via their website and never received a response. It wasn't a major issue so I haven't pursued it any further, but it makes me worry about the overall quality of their support.

Overall I recommend this box. It combines two great units into one space saving, high quality device.

SUPER SWEET UNIT..............A MUST HAVE !!!
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOUR OLD VHS VCR FINALLY DIES, BUT YOU WANT TO START A DVD COLLECTION TOO? THIS IS THE ANSWER TO YOUR PRAYER. I LOVE THIS ALL-IN-ONE UNIT. I CAN RECORD A TV PROGRAM USING THE VCR, WHILE WATCHING A DVD MOVIE AT THE SAME TIME!!! HOW COOL IS THAT? THEY SAY YOU CAN RECORD A "NON-PROTECTED" DVD ONTO A VHS TAPE... WHAT I LIKE IS HAVING ONE UNIT WITH ONE SET OF CABLES TO DEAL WITH & IT SUPPORTS SURROUND SOUND SYSTEMS & HAS VIDEO INPUT & OUTPUT PORTS. NO EXTRA SPACE FOR BOTH A DVD & VCR UNIT? WELL THIS COMBO IS ONLY 4" HIGH BY 17" WIDE AND 14" DEEP, IS NICE LOOKING & HAS CONTROLS ON THE FRONT OF THE UNIT TOO, JUST IN CASE YOU MISPLACE YOUR REMOTE. "GO VIDEO" IS NOW KNOWN "SENSORY SCIENCE", AND THEY HAVE A WEB SITE FOR MORE INFO. NOW IF THEY WOULD DEVELOP A COMBO 13" COLOR TV/DVD/VCR, I WOULD BE A HAPPY CAMPER. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS PURCHASE.

VCR going bad after a year or so
My GoVideo DVR5000 DVD/VCR combo worked well for quite a while, but now the VCR half is starting to go bad. I'm not sure how long I've had it - at least a year, maybe closer to two. Recently, when I play back videos recorded with this unit, the tint is frequently (but not always) off for the top third of the screen. At first I thought I was imagining it, but then I started noticing backgrounds that should be a solid color changed color towards the top of the screen. For example, I was watching an interview that was conducted against an all-blue background, but towards the top of the picture the background turned more and more green. Things that should be red near the top of the screen are usually purple.

After a lot of playing around with various tapes, and then playing around with the connections in the back of the player, I think I've narrowed the problem down to the composite video output jack. When I switched from using that to using the coaxial video output, the problem went away. But that's not really a solution, so I bought a new player and moved the Go Video to another room where the TV uses coaxial.

Oddly, the composite video problem only seemed to affect the VCR half of the unit, and not the DVD half.

I haven't had many problems with the DVD half of the unit. It will occasionally freeze up, or refuse to read a DVD when I first put it in the player, but after a few tries it eventually reads them.

I'm really bummed that the VCR is going bad, because other than that problem I really like this unit. I've been reading reviews to decide what to get as a replacement, and it doesn't seem like anyone makes a reliable DVD/VCR combination anymore.

Built to last a very long time - needed a fan installed.
I work on DVD players.. actually I diagnose the problem, inform the owner and then dispose of them. Virtually every DVD player under $1000 has a disposable brush type spindle motor which will often fail after about 1500-2000 hours disk spin time. These motors are not replaceable. The machines are designed to last typically 2-3 years before replacement.

The DVR5000 has a digital brushless spindle motor. A motor not found in DVD players unless you purchase a Pioneer DVD-V7400 $1400 Industrial rack mount machine. What gives the DVD-V7400 reliability is the brushless motor... the near identical motor found in the DVR5000.

The DVD spindle mechanism...the most critical part of any DVD player... contained within the DVR5000 will probably outlast the DVD format altogether. Meanwhile, you will go through 4-6 Toshiba or Pioneer machines in the same timespan.

Unfortunately, the DVR5000 has too much stuff crammed into too small of a space. The power supply is almost three times the size of a standard DVD player.. and likewise generates 3 times as much heat. The VHS deck takes it share of power as does the high torque DVD brushless motor.

Go-Video made a mistake of not allowing sufficient ventilation of the chassis AND the inclusion of a forced air cooling system (a fan). They also placed the DVD decoder board directly above the power supply. When things heat up, electrical alignments of the decoder board drift, laser output diminishes and then the DVD stutters.

I installed a cooling fan tapped off of the power supply. The fan turns on automatically when the unit is on.

Since the fan installation, all skipping problems have gone away. The machine runs cool inside, the laser now tracks properly. FYI, DVD lasers are very senstive to heat; their output drops significantly with rise in temperature.

It is very unfortunate that this overheating issue was overlooked by the engineers. Otherwise this could have been a flawless and easily the most successful and reliable machines on the market.

I give the machine a 5 rating despite the temperature problem due to the exceptional quality and longevity incorporated into the DVD mechanism. Truely independent thought from an independent company from the disposable thought of this day and age.

The DVR5000 WAS NOT designed to have a 2 year lifespan like the "quality name brand" consumer grade equipment. Looking at the componentry and exceptional construction of the DVR5000 machine, it was designed to have a trouble free 10 year lifespan.

Don't buy anywhere!!
This is the worst product I have ever bought. The DVD player did not work since day one it keeps on freezing up. So I took it to get repaired since it was under warranty. That did not help matters. I took it to be repaired twice. They kept it for months at a time and when I did get it back I had more problems then when I started with. Call customer service? What a joke their idea of customer service is hysterical. The number that they give you to call you can't get through. I waited on the phone forever and still never got through. I e-mailed them at least 100 times. Their response was,"If I had any other problems to go to their website." To do what? I still don't know. My advice is to stick with the major name brands. GoVideo is generic and they don't know what the hell they are doing. The only reason I gave 1-star was because the VCR works. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

With Go-Video's DDV9755 S-VHS hi-fi Dual-Deck VCR, a number of recording and playback options are at your disposal. You can watch a video while recording a favorite TV program, record from two sources simultaneously, and play two tapes consecutively with video-sequencing playback and record. Expand your home video library or make multiple copies of a single tape with EZ Copy one-touch duplicating, a process in which both decks communicate with one another. Tapes are cued, copied, rewound, and then ejected automatically without accidental reuse. Date/time stamping documents your recorded movies and programs. VCR Plus+ C3 simplifies conventional cable and television recording. The event timer can handle 16 different programs over a 365-day period. Quasi S-VHS allows you to record and play back S-VHS tapes.

With Q Sound, hi-fi audio is rapidly processed into a special signal that can be experienced over a standard pair of stereo speakers. Separation and depth are increased without compromising the original audio. The Go-Video DDV9755 also features audio dubbing, which records your own music on tape using the front microphone input. The Go-Video DDV9755 also copies surround sound and can record from four different sources.

New Duraheads facilitate longer life and greater reliability than ordinary video heads. The flying erase heads on the second deck remove noise bars between recorded segments and enhance visual effects such as slow and fast scan. Digital auto tracking also helps eliminate video imperfections. There is a jog shuttle on the illuminated multibrand remote for frame-accurate control and trick play. You can create your own home movies with eight-scene automatic editing. Front and rear audio-video inputs let you hook up a camcorder, video game system, or Web browser for added entertainment. V-chip technology lets parents monitor what their children watch.

Go-Video offers a warranty of a year on parts, 90 days on labor. ... Read more

Features

• Dual-Deck 4-head VCR with Q Sound technology and quasi S-VHS playback
• Patented EZ Copy duplication allows for 1-touch recording and communication between both decks
• VCR Plus+ C3 programs your VCR and cable box in 1 easy step
• Create high-quality home movies with 8-scene automatic editing
• V-chip technology lets parents monitor what their children watch

Reviews (6)

Overpriced, functionally challenged
...It has never operated well. Deck one broke a few weeks ago (out of warranty). The audio has always been muddy, and has needed at least a 50% boost above other connections. It did OK recording on SP, but only on new or re-blanked tapes. Otherwise it's usually worse than any other VCR I've ever owned. It doesn't provide "frame-by-frame" control for recording as promised -- it has the same one to two second lags as any other VCR. There is also at least the same amount of signal loss between decks as between any two machines, again contrary to ads. It has horrible problems making tapes that track well on other machines, and ditto for playing tapes made on other machines. Sometimes it can't even track on tapes it made itself. I had a ten year old Panasonic and a ten year old JVC that did better recording and playing. It also doesn't have an S-video out, so even if you can record with it, you can't output with the same quality. The remote isn't bad for features (slow reverse on the jog/shuttle, but not on a button, so the speed varies), but the buttons and placements aren't all that well designed. Convinced yet? Buy two machines from somebody else.

Perfect for archiving
Everything about this deck is driven by the on screen menu, which comes with comprehensive documentation. As with any new toy, you'll need a little patience, but within a week you should have all the necessary tricks memorized. There are special settings that control tape quality - such as if your master tape is recorded in SP or EP and if audio is hi-fi or mono. S-Video is available with the purchase of an S- Video cable (not included) and only needs to be enabled, like everything else, through the on screen menu.

If you have a digital cable box, this until comes with a special infrared "mouse" for lack of a better word that plugs into the unit and can change channels on the cable box when you are not home. (It does not work with every brand of cable box.)

This unit has both front and back A/V connections. The recordings made by this deck usually result in a crystal clear freeze frame - excellent!

Some of the things this unit is perfect for:

Continuous recording with both decks - I recently recorded a 48 hour TV marathon with ease, only having to swap tapes every 12 hours.

Copying favorite movies or home videos for friends and family - the quality of picture produced with the go deck is far superior to hooking 2 VCR's together. Visually, the copy is often identical to the master tape.

Less tape swapping - if you're away from home, you can easily record different programs onto different tapes, by enabling each deck to record from the TV through the onscreen menu.

S-VHS - You can use both VHS and Super VHS (very high resolution) tapes with this deck.

Con: this particular unit is long and may not fit into every entertainment center. You should measure before purchasing it to avoid disappointment, if space is a concern. Go Video does offer stacked decks.

Macrovision -- these units no longer disable the macrovision signal (by law), so you can no longer make back up copies of your store purchased videos if they are macrovision coded.

This is an excellent product with tons of features that I'll probably never be curious enough to use, such as commercial editing through the programming of tape position numbers (e.g. edit out everything between 1h 12m 24sec - 1h 14m 07 sec), simultaneous recording, and recording from the tv while watching a seperate videotape. (sounds handy, don't it!)

Arrrrrrrrrrrgh!
This electronic equiptment is not the thing for me! Being a man's man, i have trouble with anything that does not require a chainsaw. However, i used my chainsaw to RUIN this equiptment!! i strongly advise you NOT to purchase this machine as it has ruined my life since i got it. my wife moved out. my dog was struck by lightnening. thanks Go-Video.

No prob, Bob

Go-Video dual deck delivers!
After purchasing the Go-Video dual deck DDV9755 VCR(s) I'm happy to report that it's been worth every penny and will be very useful to anyone who would like to organize a video library. I have many S-VHS tapes, so the S-VHS feature is very helpful. The audio/video dub with flying erase head allows me to do professional looking edits. Also since I have written time locations on our home videos to mark where different scenes begin, I am able to use the time search and it will stop itself at the exact place I want - no hit or miss search or forgetting to stop at the right place manually. I have looked high and low for all of these features and it is very difficult to get them all in one place with one tape deck deck let alone two. I have just gone over basic information here - there's much more it's capable of and with extra equipment such as a video mixer and/or sound effects or titler, the possibilities are endless. (I have a mixer and can't wait to get started on the more technical stuff like wipes, fades and artificial backgrounds). This is also the best price you'll find anywhere - I did a fairly thorough search.

The best thing I've ever spent my money on!!!
My favorite feature of this vcr is the ability to edit videos. I made a project for school that had alot of screw-ups in it. I just used my Go-Video vcr to edit them. It makes the cuts in the video look seamless. You can video tape little Johnny's birthday party, and then later edit out the part when he starts to cry or those oh-so embarrassing moments... you know what I am talking about. I recorded a marathon of my favorite show wich was not available on video, and then later I cut out all of the commercials. As you can see this is my personal favorite feature of this vcr, this is an absolute must buy!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

With Go-Video's DDV9556 hi-fi dual-deck VCR, a number of recording and playback options are at your disposal. You can watch a video while recording a favorite TV program, record from two sources simultaneously, and play two tapes consecutively with video-sequencing playback and record. (The unit contains only one TV tuner, however, so you cannot record one channel while watching another.) Expand your home video library or make multiple copies of a single tape with EZ Copy one-touch duplicating, a process in which both decks communicate with one another. Tapes are cued, copied, rewound, then ejected automatically without accidental reuse. Date/time stamping documents your recorded movies and programs. VCR Plus+ simplifies conventional cable and TV recording. The event timer can handle 16 different programs over a 365-day period.

With Q Sound, hi-fi audio is rapidly processed into a special signal that can be experienced over a standard pair of stereo speakers. Separation and depth are increased without compromising the original audio. The Go-Video DDV9556 also copies surround sound and can record from four different sources.

Digital auto tracking also helps eliminate video imperfections. You can create your own home movies with eight-scene automatic editing. Front and rear audio-video inputs let you hook up a camcorder, video game system, or Web browser for added entertainment. V-chip technology lets parents monitor what their children watch.

Go-Video offers a one-year warranty on parts, 90 days on labor. ... Read more

Features

• Dual-Deck 4-head VCR with Q Sound technology and surround sound dubbing
• Patented EZ Copy duplication allows for 1-touch recording and communication between both decks
• VCR Plus+ programs your VCR and cable box in 1 easy step
• Create high-quality home movies with 8-scene automatic editing
• V-chip technology lets parents monitor what their children watch

Reviews (10)

Great product!
This dual VCR is one of the best video purchases we've ever made. So easy to use and set up and it makes copying tapes a breeze. The picture quality and sound is very good too. The only negative I can think of is the auto eject on the remote; when you push stop twice the tape ejects. Although that's easy enough to live with.

We've had ours about two years and had no tracking or picture problems at all. Still works like the first day. The reviewer with the tracking problem must have gotten a lemon; there're out in all products.

Go.Video is Fantastic!
I recently purchased the Go-Video DDV9556 Dual Deck VCR for home use. I was looking for the ability to quickly and easily splice scenes from one video to another without additional expensive editing equipment. This unit does it all and with great ease. I am very impressed! The "sync" editing (on the fly) works great, as does the 8 scene automatic editing. With the on-screen titler, you can even label scenes. It is very easy to switch between decks for viewing. You can even watch video from one deck while recording TV on the other. The controls are very intuitive on both the console as well as the remote. I can't say enough about how pleased I am with this unit. The only complaint I have is that there are only RCA OUT (audio/video) jacks on the rear of the unit (in addition to coax (cable) in/out) - the RCA IN jacks are located only on the front of the unit. Aside from this one engineering deficiency (the only reason for 4 instead of 5 star rating), the unit is sensational!

I could have done worse
This really isn't the worst product I've ever gotten, but it has it's annoyances. My primary VCR tapes in LP, which I use frequently. However, trying to dub a tape in LP is horrible. If you put it in SP, it has this horrid red tint across the entire picture. If you put it in SLP (like the manuel suggests), it's almost unwatchable. And it also does not do well with SLP programs that either came from another VCR or are rather old. SP to SP is perfect though. I've also cut the ends of programs I'm dubbing off after pausing the tape to edit out commercials because the tape goes back 3-5 seconds. But it has come in quite handy and is easier than trying to hook up two VCRs together.

BUYER BEWARE!
From the amount of money I spent on this thing I was extremly disappointed. First of all, it won't let you copy any real movies-it will eject the tape and say "tape is copy protected".
This is the main reason I bought the thing. Second of all, the #2 tape deck became contaminated and just showed wavy lines. I tried a head-cleaner tape but it didn't help one bit. No matter how I ajusted the tracking it wouldn't work. This occured just 3 months after purchase. BUYER BEWARE!

Go Video Dual Deck Hi-Fi VCR DDV9550
I have had this VCR for a few years now without any problems. In response to the previous review, The reason you cannot watch recordings clearly on other VCR's is that you have to make sure that the "other" VCR has the same SP/SLP modes. If you are trying to watch a video that you taped in SLP on another vcr that only plays and records in SP then you are going to have trouble viewing it clearly on anything other than a VCR that can handle various play and record modes. ... Read more

Features

• Dual VCR lets you watch one video while recording another
• Loop mode for twice the playback or recording time
• Camcorder footage editing to customize home movies
• Americhrome circuitry for high-quality VHS reproduction
• Parental lock

Amazon.com Product Description

A step up in broadband and home network-ready DVRs, ReplayTV's 5000 series digital video recorders let you distribute recorded programs within your home and share personal recordings of nonprotected video content with 15 friends and family members who also own 5000 series DVRs.

The ReplayTV 5080 stores 80 hours of programming while letting you pause, replay, and slow down live television--all with no tapes, no timers, and no trouble. The handy Commercial Advance feature plays recordings without advertising. This allows you to watch television on your own schedule, free from the constraints of network scheduling, which often pits multiple cool programs head-to-head.

With a cable modem or DSL, the 5080 hooks up for fast and easy broadband video transfers with other broadband-connected 5000 series users. It also lets you share video throughout the house using a built-in Ethernet port and existing home-networking equipment, and it stores digital photos and home movies, letting you see your favorite digital photos on TV. This ReplayTV provides iChannels (which lets you download video content from the Internet) and the Reply Channel Guide, downloaded daily through the broadband connection, which offers a convenient, grid-based list of shows that can be recorded at the touch of a button. It comes with an easy-to-use remote control. ReplayTV subscribers can pay $12.95 per month or a one-time product service activation fee of $299. ... Read more

Features

• 80-hour digital video recorder
• Pause live-action TV shows
• High-quality slow-motion and fast forward effects
• Networking ability lets you send programs to other 5000 Series users
• Skip past annoying ads with Commercial Advance feature

Reviews (36)

Cool Box!
I am using just about every function on the box and have been VERY happy with the product. The versatility of the audio/video connectivity is great. I use the ethernet port primarily for viewing digital photos and downloading program information. Some day if I get another replay box or if my cable company integrates the technology, I hope to be able send programs to another TV in my house. I use a wireless hub to connect to my wireless router which connects to my WiFi equipped notebook as well as to my cable modem. The network configuration is quite simple.

Contrary to what a lot of people have dinged replay for, the user interface is intuitive and given the Ethernet capability highlighted above and the automated commercial skip feature, IMHO this box is superior to TiVo. You won't be disappointed!

Five stars with held breath
I brought the box home, unpacked it and was happy to see the simplified directions for hooking the machine up. Unlike TiVo, the ReplayTV 5000 series has both a phone hookup as well as broadband ethernet. I have read many reviews that criticize the modems in the machines so if you have an ethernet connection that is the route that you want to take. Connections to the cable box, TV and audio system were easy. Once the ethernet cable was set I turned on the machine and watched it go through initial set-ups which included downloading new software (guess it could see through the router!). After choosing the correct cable box I was set to go.

The ReplayTV has worked flawlessly since I started using it. Two of the features that set it apart from TiVo are Commerical Advance and Internet sharing. I have not used Internet Sharing yet and really don't know if I will but I have used Commerical Advance while watching replays of various shows I've recorded. I would agree that this feature works correctly about 80% of the time, but even when it's not right on the money it's close enough so it's not a pain.

The ReplayTV is easy to program. Searching for your favorite shows or movies can be done from your TV as well as the internet site... The system connects with the servers nightly to update channel listings as well as downloading software updates and receive programming ...

This unit has been a joy. But that said I've read horror stories where the unit has stopped working after a few weeks or months. I think that's a risk you take with any electronic/computer equipment. As for the future of the ReplayTV I think it looks bright with Denon & Marantz. Buy it, plug it in and watch TV like you never have before.

I'll stick with my older ReplayTV and ShowStopper
Frankly this is a lousy upgrade to what could be a great machine. I have a couple of the older Replays, a ReplayTV 3000 and a ShowStopper. It was because of these machines that I took the plunge to upgrade to a pair of 5060's. Boy was I shocked by their performance. Granted they have amazing features like commercial advance, home networking, and the ability to share shows with your friends, they are lacking in the most important feature... the picture quality.
In a side by side comparison, my old replay/showstopper's are superior in color quality, contrast, and clarity, and for the life of me I didn't know why. I would have figured that the same or better components would have been used for the tuner, but alas no. Maybe it's because I'm trying to watch on a 64" television that I can see more imperfection, but I simply cannot complain with my old machines. And 480p output, my backside... the progressive out flickered like you wouldn't believe - completely unwatchable.

Anyhow, rather than send them back I sold them to a couple of people who were new to Replay's, and who were just happy to get a chance to have one. They were happy to have the machines and I was happy to be rid of them.

I may sound like a Replay hater, but I'm really not. I surely hope DNNA (the new owners of Replay) gets it together and improves the hardware in these little beauties, otherwise I'll have to keep buying old Replays. This unit does get three stars for it's original features that Tivo wished it had, and for the amazing Replay community that has sprouted up.

Good Idea, In Theory
My wife and I chose Replay over Tivo for basically one reason: the commercial advance feature. The online record requesting is also a great feature. We loved it. Then the box stopped working for some unknown reason. Luckily it was still under the store's warranty (purchased at Good Guys) and they replaced it in store, no problem. The new boxed worked as great as the old one, unfortunately, as this replacment has mysteriously stopped working as well. Now I am having to deal with customer service at SonicBlue which, while being kind, has no idea what they are doing. It has been two months as of today and I still have not been able to get a replacement sent out dispite being told it was on its way multiple times.

When things go wrong, Support is HORRIBLE!
I purchased a ReplayTV 5060 and within 2 weeks it broke. The product was absolutely amazing... When is was working. I spent 2 1/2 weeks on the phone trying to get the product returned to ReplayTV (because I purchased it directly from them) and they gave me a run-around that was absolutely insulting. When I finally did get it shipped back to them (with my own money), they sent a BROKEN UNIT in its place back. My opinion is to NOT get one of the older models, no matter how cheap the deal is because ReplayTV is awful at keeping customers with broken units happy. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The DDV3120 is packed with all the convenience features you've come to expect from GoVideo, like commercial-free viewing of recorded shows, and the ability to watch one video while recording another or to duplicate home movies without the hassle of hooking up a second VCR. In addition, the DDV3120 offers high-end video and audio editing features and quality. In addition to the space-saving design and dual-deck convenience, the hi-fi stereo DDV3120 also delivers flying erase heads for seamless editing, an S-video input (with S-VHS quasi playback) for high-quality video signal transfer, eight-scene automatic assembly editor/titler, and audio/video dubbing for customizing home movies.

Features like one-touch commercial-free copying let you easily record a show on one deck and copy to the other deck without commercials. Commercial Advance/Movie Advance skips ads and movie trailers on recorded programs at the touch of a button. Sequence Mode switches from deck one to deck two automatically during recording, providing twice the record and playback time. Loop Mode lets the unit play indefinitely, and Complete Program Record adjusts recording speed to fit the length of tape being used to ensure that the end of any recorded show arrives.

Other features include child lock to disable the front-panel buttons; auto setup, which automatically sets the clock and searches for channels when you hook up to a TV; and Timer Record, which lets you set as many as 16 timed events up to one year in advance--twice as many as most VCRs allow. The DDV3120 also includes a multibrand, jog/shuttle remote with glow keys, a multimedia Go-Port for PC interface and control, and an auto head cleaner on both decks to keep playback and copies looking sharp. ... Read more

Features

• Two 4-head hi-fi VCRs in one
• One-touch commercial-free copying for ad-free viewing
• Commercial Advance®/Movie Advance skips commercials and movie trailers
• Flying erase heads ensure seamless edits like the pros
• Complete Program Record automatically adjusts tape speed

Reviews (4)

***** Best Product out there Will Reccomend *****
This Is the Best Product I Ever Bought, all the funtions work and The easy it was to use, even if the Guys that say the clock does not work. They should learn how to read first.
I even used it to copy many diffrent tapes and it was as easy as saying Done,,,,
I will Reccomend it any time.
There is no Product like this anywhere.
If so let me know

Defective product, no support
Defective product - The DDV3120 cannot keep time unless a tape is in the second deck, but it is not mentioned in the owner's manual, you have to check the web site. This is a documented (online only) problem with no solution. I have tried for five months to register online or talk with tech support to register. The online registration page has changed, but still does not work. The phone tech support people are polite, but only refer you to the web site. Site surveys don't generate a response.

Super handy product
For our school, teachers need clips of videos to demonstrate cultural items to students, or to show small episodes of full length videos that we own. This machine simplifies their presentation struggle, by allowing them to place those clips of no more than one or two minutes in sequence and to present smoothly within the fast paced class time of less than a full hour.

Also, while making copies of student made video projects, student performances, teacher presentations, this unit allows copies to be made that are crisp and clean and ready to distribute with a minimum of extra effort.

For home use, it is also a wonderful way to duplicate family videos to share with other family members. And it is nice to duplicate these items in an edited fashion that is less boring to the receiving family.

I highly recommend this unit to folks still using VCRs.

Don't Buy It - The Product is Defective
I picked this product since it seemed to have good features.
I could not find any online review on this particular model, so I took a risk.

The bottom line is, this model is defective.
The defect may not affect you if you don't/don't know how to tape using the timer, but it's been aggrevating to me since I timer record to death.

I set up DDV-3120 by using its automatic set-up, but the day after, I noticed that the clock was indicating completely the wrong time (say, when it really was 8:30AM, it was showing 11:52AM). I reset the whole thing, and set up all over; same thing happened the day after. I called the Customer Service, and was told it was a known issue, that I'd have to leave a tape in Deck 2 all the time so the clock won't be messed up, and they'd contact me when they FIND a solution (DDV-3120 is a dual-deck VCR). Besides, either you chose to manually or automatically (and if automatic, change a station from which you receive the waves) set the clock, after a while, it always goes two to four minutes behind no matter how often you fixt it.

OK, I left a tape in Deck 2 and tried to live with it until the day they'll find the solution.

However, on October 27, 2002 - the day the Daylight Saving Time ended - I noticed that the VCR was not taping shows that I had programmed.

I checked the programs, and to my amazement, all the shows that I had programmed and had been taping until the day before had been changed by itself to start in December 2002 all of a sudden!!!

I somehow managed to correct the starting date after so much struggle because it just wouldn't give me October 2002, it kept jumping to October 2003 instead.

I called the Customer Service, explained what happened, and was told that it wasn't a known issue like the other issue; but the bottom line was that I was able to fix it therefore it should not be a big deal.

I was furious to their response because I didn't believe that I should have to go through this every 6 month even though I COULD FIX IT MANUALLY when that mess occurs.

I asked if I could return the product to them because the store I purchased from had a 7-day return policy (and this was the only store that carried this particular model in New York City) and it had been already 14 days. They said no and it was a problem between me and the store (maybe, but!!!!) I told them that the product was clearly defective, and at least they should provide better customer service to save this defective product. Even if I bring my VCR to a service center for the second problem, I won't know if it was fixed or not until 6 month later, and by that time, their 90 day labor warranty will have been expired.

I may be incorrect, but I have a strong feeling that the second problem has a LOT to do with the fact that the clock does not function properly (even if you leave a tape in the deck 2 - but why should I have to do such a thing to begin with??) Maybe other people hadn't figured that out yet, maybe?

I am so sorry that the Daylihgt Saving Time didn't come within 7 days after I purchased the product so I missed the opportunity to return to the store. GoVideo should recall this particular model and fix the clock issue at least. ... Read more

Features

• DVD player with Dolby Digital and DTS surround-sound audio and component-video, composite-video, and S-video outputs
• 4-head hi-fi stereo VCR with 19-micron heads for optimum quality when recording in EP mode
• 1-touch record from non-copy-protected DVDs to VHS tape
• Complete Program Record automatically adjusts tape speed to ensure the recording of a complete program
• CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3-CD playback

Reviews (27)

A nice unit, buy this if you can afford the 5100
This unit has performed great since day 1. I really like the combined output for DVD and VCR -- so you can set the TV to channel 3 or 4 and then play either DVD or VCR without any input changing. You can opt for seperate outputs if you want as well. The DVD player works great and the remote seems better than average also (and is partially backlit). The VCR works great and I like seeing the television while fast-forwarding or rewinding -- especially the progress meter which is shown on screen. The display is very easy to read from a long distance and has adjustable brightness. The clock has an auto-set capability which seems to be working for me using my satellite signal. The unit is very quite, despite what one of the previous reviewers indicated (the reviewer was talking about the 4400 and not the 4300 as well). I can hardly tell if its rewinding because its totally quiet. This unit also can simulate surround sound with 2 speakers and that works great. I also like the way it looks -- very cool looking silver case and the lower section with glass is very stylish. I really am impressed with this product in most ways. The menus are pretty spartan looking but they get the job done just fine and are easy to use. The product does lack commercial skip and progressive output -- but if your on a budget there are no big compromises here. If your into all the features in the world and/or progressive output then spend a little more and get the GoVideo DVR5100 instead.

Did you hear that?
The VHS player sound was perfect, but I could hardly hear the movie when I played a DVD. I bought this unit to go with my new Sony WEGA TV, but the sound output on the DVD side was low even when the TV volume was cranked up to maximum. I called GoVideo to see if this was a known problem and they were not aware of it. I checked all connections, bought new cables, and nothing improved the sound. Unable to resolve the problem, I returned the unit and am still shopping around. The DVD output volume was my only problem, otherwise I thought it was a great machine, so I can only give it an average rating.

Go Video Products
My GoVideo product was a christmas gift and I am glad that I spent no money of my own to purchase it. It just long enough not to be covered by the warranty. Buyer Beware!

LOVE IT
I'm a girl and don't understand anything techinical. I bought this unit primarily because it was the first combo unit I had seen and I had enough money on my J.C. Penney card to cover the then cost of $250.00 plus tax and shipping. My husband and I have now had this unit over a year and it has been wonderful. No noise from the machine as other reviewers have stated, the picture quality is great and so easy to use even I can handle it. I was wary of the Go Video name, as we had never heard of the company before, but we would not hestitate to buy from them again. Good quality unit in my opinion.

I'm getting a new one!
This product has had problems from the start...when the DVD plays, it makes a VERY loud whirring sound. When I tried to get it fixed under the warranty, they claimed there was no problem at all, and refused to allow me to return it. Now ten months later the whirring sound is so loud, you can't even hear some of the dialog. We're buying a new one, definitely a different model, and giving this trash away. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Early Adopters Pick: December 2002. The highest-capacity digital video recorder available, with 160 hours of hard drive recording time.

A step up in broadband and home network-ready DVRs, ReplayTV's 5000 series digital video recorders let you distribute recorded programs within your home and share personal recordings of nonprotected video content with 15 friends and family members who also own 5000 series DVRs.

The ReplayTV 5160 stores 160 hours of programming while letting you pause, replay, and slow down live television--all with no tapes, no timers, and no trouble. The handy Commercial Advance feature plays recordings without advertising. This allows you to watch television on your own schedule, free from the constraints of network scheduling, which often pits multiple cool programs head-to-head.

With a cable modem or DSL, the 5160 hooks up for fast and easy broadband video transfers with other broadband-connected 5000 series users. It also lets you share video throughout the house using a built-in Ethernet port and existing home-networking equipment, and it stores digital photos and home movies, letting you see your favorite digital photos on TV. This ReplayTV provides iChannels (which lets you download video content from the Internet) and the Reply Channel Guide, downloaded daily through the broadband connection, which offers a convenient, grid-based list of shows that can be recorded at the touch of a button. It comes with an easy-to-use remote control. ReplayTV subscribers can pay $12.95 per month or a one-time product service activation fee of $299. ... Read more

Features

• 160-hour digital video recorder
• Pause live-action TV shows
• High-quality slow-motion and fast forward effects
• Networking ability lets you send programs to other 5000 Series users
• Skip past annoying ads with Commercial Advance feature

Reviews (36)

Cool Box!
I am using just about every function on the box and have been VERY happy with the product. The versatility of the audio/video connectivity is great. I use the ethernet port primarily for viewing digital photos and downloading program information. Some day if I get another replay box or if my cable company integrates the technology, I hope to be able send programs to another TV in my house. I use a wireless hub to connect to my wireless router which connects to my WiFi equipped notebook as well as to my cable modem. The network configuration is quite simple.

Contrary to what a lot of people have dinged replay for, the user interface is intuitive and given the Ethernet capability highlighted above and the automated commercial skip feature, IMHO this box is superior to TiVo. You won't be disappointed!

Five stars with held breath
I brought the box home, unpacked it and was happy to see the simplified directions for hooking the machine up. Unlike TiVo, the ReplayTV 5000 series has both a phone hookup as well as broadband ethernet. I have read many reviews that criticize the modems in the machines so if you have an ethernet connection that is the route that you want to take. Connections to the cable box, TV and audio system were easy. Once the ethernet cable was set I turned on the machine and watched it go through initial set-ups which included downloading new software (guess it could see through the router!). After choosing the correct cable box I was set to go.

The ReplayTV has worked flawlessly since I started using it. Two of the features that set it apart from TiVo are Commerical Advance and Internet sharing. I have not used Internet Sharing yet and really don't know if I will but I have used Commerical Advance while watching replays of various shows I've recorded. I would agree that this feature works correctly about 80% of the time, but even when it's not right on the money it's close enough so it's not a pain.

The ReplayTV is easy to program. Searching for your favorite shows or movies can be done from your TV as well as the internet site... The system connects with the servers nightly to update channel listings as well as downloading software updates and receive programming ...

This unit has been a joy. But that said I've read horror stories where the unit has stopped working after a few weeks or months. I think that's a risk you take with any electronic/computer equipment. As for the future of the ReplayTV I think it looks bright with Denon & Marantz. Buy it, plug it in and watch TV like you never have before.

I'll stick with my older ReplayTV and ShowStopper
Frankly this is a lousy upgrade to what could be a great machine. I have a couple of the older Replays, a ReplayTV 3000 and a ShowStopper. It was because of these machines that I took the plunge to upgrade to a pair of 5060's. Boy was I shocked by their performance. Granted they have amazing features like commercial advance, home networking, and the ability to share shows with your friends, they are lacking in the most important feature... the picture quality.
In a side by side comparison, my old replay/showstopper's are superior in color quality, contrast, and clarity, and for the life of me I didn't know why. I would have figured that the same or better components would have been used for the tuner, but alas no. Maybe it's because I'm trying to watch on a 64" television that I can see more imperfection, but I simply cannot complain with my old machines. And 480p output, my backside... the progressive out flickered like you wouldn't believe - completely unwatchable.

Anyhow, rather than send them back I sold them to a couple of people who were new to Replay's, and who were just happy to get a chance to have one. They were happy to have the machines and I was happy to be rid of them.

I may sound like a Replay hater, but I'm really not. I surely hope DNNA (the new owners of Replay) gets it together and improves the hardware in these little beauties, otherwise I'll have to keep buying old Replays. This unit does get three stars for it's original features that Tivo wished it had, and for the amazing Replay community that has sprouted up.

Good Idea, In Theory
My wife and I chose Replay over Tivo for basically one reason: the commercial advance feature. The online record requesting is also a great feature. We loved it. Then the box stopped working for some unknown reason. Luckily it was still under the store's warranty (purchased at Good Guys) and they replaced it in store, no problem. The new boxed worked as great as the old one, unfortunately, as this replacment has mysteriously stopped working as well. Now I am having to deal with customer service at SonicBlue which, while being kind, has no idea what they are doing. It has been two months as of today and I still have not been able to get a replacement sent out dispite being told it was on its way multiple times.

When things go wrong, Support is HORRIBLE!
I purchased a ReplayTV 5060 and within 2 weeks it broke. The product was absolutely amazing... When is was working. I spent 2 1/2 weeks on the phone trying to get the product returned to ReplayTV (because I purchased it directly from them) and they gave me a run-around that was absolutely insulting. When I finally did get it shipped back to them (with my own money), they sent a BROKEN UNIT in its place back. My opinion is to NOT get one of the older models, no matter how cheap the deal is because ReplayTV is awful at keeping customers with broken units happy. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

A step up in broadband and home network-ready DVRs, ReplayTV's 5000 series digital video recorders let you distribute recorded programs within your home and share personal recordings of nonprotected video content with 15 friends and family members who also own 5000 series DVRs.

The ReplayTV 5040 stores 40 hours of programming while letting you pause, replay, and slow down live television--all with no tapes, no timers, and no trouble. The handy Commercial Advance feature plays recordings without advertising. This allows you to watch television on your own schedule, free from the constraints of network scheduling, which often pits multiple cool programs head-to-head.

With a cable modem or DSL, the 5040 hooks up for fast and easy broadband video transfers with other broadband-connected 5000 series users. It also lets you share video throughout the house using a built-in Ethernet port and existing home-networking equipment, and it stores digital photos and home movies, letting you see your favorite digital photos on TV. This ReplayTV provides iChannels (which lets you download video content from the Internet) and the Reply Channel Guide, downloaded daily through the broadband connection, which offers a convenient, grid-based list of shows that can be recorded at the touch of a button. It comes with an easy-to-use remote control. ReplayTV subscribers can pay $12.95 pe r month or a one-time product service activation fee of $299. ... Read more

Features

• 40-hour digital video recorder
• Pause live-action TV shows
• High-quality slow-motion and fast forward effects
• Networking ability lets you send programs to other 5000 Series users
• Skip past annoying ads with Commercial Advance feature

Reviews (102)

Excellent Device!
I've been thinking about getting a Tivo or ReplayTV for about a year and finally got a ReplayTV 5040. Here's my opinion:

Price: With two $50 mail-in rebates my final cost was $199. This is a lot of technology for $199!

Quality: The box is well built and solid. There's a big fan to keep it cool. The choices of inputs and outputs is complete. You can fit this device into any home threater system any way you want. I have a 36" HDTV and have this connected using S-video. I tried composite video and it was slightly worse. I didn't try the component video outputs.

Setup: Setup was easy but did take a while over a cable modem connection. During the setup it seemed to update the operating system which took about 25 minutes. Total setup was about 40 minutes. I don't know how long it would take over the built-in modem.

Recording: The programming guide is easy to use and setting things to record is straight forward. I only record at high quality so I only get about 10 hours of recording time.

Picture Quality: The picture is acceptable but not as good as the direct feed to the TV. When you watch a show throught the ReplayTV you are ALWAYS watching the recorded version. There is about a 1 second delay between the "live" picture throught the ReplayTV and the "live" feed from the cable company. This is what allows you to pause and rewind a live TV show. Because you're watching a recorded version of the show and the recording is digitized and compressed the picture quality is slightly worse than the original. I find the colors to be a little washed out.

Customer Support: EXCELLENT! I was worried about calling tech support when the IR Blaster couldn't change the single digit channels on my cable box but was pleasantly surprised when my hold time was less than 2 minutes both times I had to call. The fix was simple but undocumented in the manual or on their web site. To get to the advanced settings for the IR Blaster you have to press the "Zones" button when the list of codes for your cable box appears on the screen. This lets you set certain properties of the IR Blaster like the minimum number of digits to send to the cable box. It was sending a "2" for channel 2 and I needed it to send an "02". Bumping the minimum digits to 2 fixed the problem. I also got a tip from their tech to put all zeros in the delay boxes to speed up channel changing which is fairly slow. Changing the delays to "0000" helps slightly.

I like this better than Tivo. This thing is light years ahead of an old VCR!

Read the Manual...
To address some of the things people have complained about:

1) Slow response time to channel changes:
This is because the feed is automatically recording. In order to do this, ReplayTV buffers about 5 seconds. If you're using cable or satellite with the box, you can watch it change channels immediately, and then, about five seconds later, your picture will come up.

2) Component out doesn't work, only coaxial:
You need to select which output you are using. All this is set up in the SETUP menu.

There certainly are a few rough spots (no more than Tivo, I'd wager), but the ReplayTV box is by far the best purchase I've made in the last 10 years. ReplayTV has changed my life. If you like TV, you'll love Replay. If you hate TV, Replay will make it better (you'll be able to get the things you want when you want it... that means educational shows, informational programs, or entertainment programs can be at your fingertips whenever you want to watch them.)

Not to mention the sports applications. I can't tell you how much better a football game is with your own instant replay.

The best thing since, well, just about EVER!
We have had our ReplayTV for two years now, never had a problem with it, and at this point, feel that we cannot live without it anymore. Shows that we would prefer our children see (as opposed to those that are on after school, which tend to be pretty violent) we record during the day, and give them their choice when it is their TV time. We are able to skip repeats, find something interesting to watch instantly when programming is switched around or preempted, and for really important shows that we can't wait to see--we start watching 20 minutes late and don't have to wait through commercials to see what will happen. I actually think we watch less TV now than before, but it's all stuff we WANTED to see--a huge difference, and a great one!

Should've gone Tivo
...the first time. Very, very happy with my Tivo. The Tivo functionality, ease of use & tech support have all been great.

Complicated Simplicity
I did a great deal of research when I went to buy a PVR and I decided on the Replay.
• Connecting it to my TV was a breeze but like all technology problems do occur I did not want to use a phone to get the service so I opted to use my home network and after a few glitches it did work, the competitor has network capability but it is sold as an add-on.
• I was impressing with the viewer guide function and the ability to view several days if not weeks ahead in TV programming. I have noticed a few times when the guide was not always up to date but that could be the TV station programming.
• The menus on the Replay do get complicated sometime and they can get rather deep sometime 5 menus deep.
• The quality is excellent even when you use standard recording but I use high recording most of the time (it uses more space but I don't ever have to worry about an issue with a bad picture).
• I have had some problems with it freezing up and I either have to leave it alone for a second or I have to turn it off completely and turn it back on but that has only been once or twice.
I would recommend the Replay to anyone looking for a PVR. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Great Machine
I bought one used and it works great. Better than a new cheap one!

Do Not buy
The operations that do work are extremely slow. Not sure if the remote doesn't work or if so much time passes between pressing a button and the action that I've gone on to something else.

Won't read dvd +R discs even though they are the recommended Verbatim brand. GoVideo customer service insisted I had bad discs and even talked me into swapping the discs out at Office Depot despite the fact that I've purchased hundreds of discs and not yet had a "bad disc" yet. After the unit failed to read the new discs, they told me to swap the unit out and that "yes maybe the constant disc skipping during playback had something to do with the problem".

2nd unit even slower, disc drawer sounded like a rusty screen door when closing, machine audibly hick upped while playing a disk and skipped worse than the first unit... oh, and still won't read DVD+R discs on which it supposed to write thus it's name "DVD Burner"... puzzled how this product got off the development line and into stores.

Do not buy this product. It's almost comical, except it cost $300 +!

this is the second one in a year!
the quality was good when working. i have purchased two in the last year,dummy me.the first one they had me convinced that i had mishandled it and that was the reason that it was locking up.so dummy me bought a second one and it is doing the same thing!imagine that!i called customer support they will repair it for 69.95plus shipping and handling geez i only paid 70.00dollars for it.stay away from this unit!it is a throw-away unit.with zero customer support,will fix it for what you paid for it.take it from somebody who knows,two units 70.00+ 70.00+25.00dollars for a cleaner.so i guess i'm out 165.00 dollars and still no dvd.i guess you learn from your mistakes and i did.please do not buy.maybe they will get this garbage off the shelves.product has a 30 day warranty , the first one lasted 45days.

JUNK!
I bought this DVD player about a year ago and have found I'm having the same problems as everyone else here: I tried playing a new DVD disc today and it wouldn't recognise the disc (the screen kept saying "Disc Loading"). So, I tried another DVD disc and it played ok. Then I tried a regular store-bought music CD and the player froze-up! I couldn't eject the CD unless I turned off the player, turned it back on and then hit eject before it tried to load the disc again. Now, I can't get any music CDs to play (they all lock-up) and only one DVD in my whole collection will play! I got it for a fairly decent price at the time (including a rebate), but now it's a worthless piece of junk. PLEASE DO NOT BUY THIS DVD PLAYER!!!

Complete waste of money
I bought this product about a year and a half ago. I only used it about 10 or so times. Then, one day I pop in a brand new legitimate movie. I shut the thing off to get lunch, and I left the disc in there. When I come back (15 minutes later) I turn it back on, and it can't read the disc I left in it. Simply BS. I have another DVD player, high quality Panasonic one, and I tested the disc in there. To no surprise the disc worked. To make a long story short, I recommend staying away from this product, because it is not even proportional to the price. For around 90 bucks I hoped I would get a decent DVD player. But this is absolute garbage. Buy it if you want it to match your silver TV, but it doesn't account for its main purpose. ... Read more

Features

• Combines a VCR with Progressive Scan DVD/CD player, Cable Ready TV Tuner and AM/FM Stereo Digital Tuner with 30 preset
• 350 Watt 5.1 channel amplifier, 5 2-way Satellite Speakers and a passive subwoofer
• Audio decoders include Dolby Digital, Dolby ProLogic and Dolby ProLogic II
• Provides progressive component outputs, A/V composite and S-video outputs as well as numerous inputs
• Remote Control

Reviews (2)

Rio HT2030 Sonic Blue Home Theater - AWSOME!!!
THis is one of the best electronic devices that I have ever purchased. Increadible ease of setup, Fabulous 5.1 surround sound. I just can't believe how well matched this system is. I have sat in $1,000 systems and not heard as good as sound dynamics and clarity. This is a BEST buy and I highly recommend it.

Value-Priced Integrated System Hits Almost All Marks
This is my first venture into home theatre and I am very pleased. Having purchased a Rio portable music player a few years ago, and being impressed with the quality of that unit, I was hopeful that this system would reflect the same quality of design and construction. So far I have found this to be absolutely true!

I bought this system to replace my own system I had cobbled together over the years. So I was able to replace my stereo receiver, cd player, vhs player, dvd player, and two sets of speakers, all in one suprisingly compact unit.

Setup was easy and fast. I appreciated the l-o-n-g cables provided by the manufacturer. Some units I have seen only came with 10 foot cables. The manual is very well written and easy to follow. Within an hour I had made all of the connections, placed the speakers, and programmed all of my cable stations (auto- search)and fm radio stations.

So far the unit has performed without a hitch. I like the variety of sound setups, including prologic, which is something not found on many lower-priced (and some high-priced) units. It even has a feature to program delays on the speakers to customize it to your exact room configuration (incredible!).

The remote control is not overly cluttered, and is well laid out. It does not however, control the power on/off for my tv set. So I have to keep that remote handy. It doesn't light up either, which would be useful at night. I replaced an Apex dvd player which had horrible search and control features. This dvd player control is much more intuitive and straightforward.

The only shortcoming for some might be the passive subwoofer. It is fine for me, but if you want really booming bass, better to get a powered subwoofer.

Overall, this is a quality unit that was well thought out by the mfgr. It has the most features and power I have seen on a unit in this price range. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Touted as the world's first broadband and home network-ready DVRs, ReplayTV's 4000 series digital video recorders let you distribute recorded programs within your home and share personal recordings of nonprotected video content with up to 15friends and family members who also own 4000 series DVRs. The ReplayTV 4080 stores 80 hours of programming, while letting you pause, replay, and slow down live television--all with no tapes, no timers, and no trouble. A handy Commercial Advance feature even plays your recordings without advertising! The cable/DSL/Ethernet-ready 4000 series DVRs also store digital photos and home movies for television viewing. Now you can watch television on your own schedule, free from the constraints of network scheduling, which often pits multiple cool programs head to head.

If you have a cable modem or DSL, you can hook the 4080 up for fast and easy broadband video transfers with other broadband-connected 4000 series users. You can also share video throughout the house, using a built-in Ethernet port and your existing home-networking equipment. The 4080 can store digital photos and home movies, letting you view your favoritedigital photos on TV. The ReplayTV Channel Guide, downloaded daily through the broadband connection, offers a convenient, grid-based list of shows that can be recorded at the touch of a button.

... Read more

Features

• 80-hour digital video recorder
• Pause live-action TV shows
• High-quality slow-motion and fast forward effects
• First DVR with networking ability
• Skip past annoying ads with Commercial Advance feature

Reviews (13)

The piece of hardware that forever changed my life...
Can you imagine? You're into a really good show, and suddenly your wife starts nagging you about something... the trash, the dog needs to go out, dinner is burning! :D So you hit PAUSE??? Yes! Pause on live TV! Okay, so this is no different than TIVO. What is though is the broadband connection that allows you to send shows over the internet to friends and family, along with the ability to send any type of video you've recorded on the DVR from say your camcorder (forget even trying DVD's... Macrovision won't allow you to do this, as it's enabled on this device: unless of course you buy one of those nice little devices on the net that disables it :D) You can store your own digital photos on this and display them as a slide show screensaver for when your unit is on pause. Going on vacation? Forgot to tell it to record the Drew Carey Show? Hop on the net from anywhere in the world and from www.myreplaytv.com you can program it to record!

Skips commercials (I hate that I pay for TV and have to watch advertising... it's like the networks are getting paid twice for the same thing! I DON'T GET PAID TWICE AT MY JOB!) The major networks are scared to hell of this ability, because it will fundamentally change the market for advertising on television... and they HATE UNPREDICATBILITY AND CHANGE! They want to TELL YOU HOW TO WATCH TV. Then want you to watch what they WANT YOU TO... WHEN THEY WANT YOU TO! Well, now... they can shove primetime right up their rears! Primetime in my house is WHEN I'M READY!

Also, if you buy multiple ReplayTV 4K's, you can network them together and stream shows back and forth from one room to another. www.avsforum.com has a replaytv and showstopper forum which contains a lot of info also on how to pull video files off of your replayTV and then use your CD Burner to write them as VCD's and/or DVD's (if you have a DVD burner) so you can watch them at a later date, without having to use up hard drive space on your computer or replaytv to store it!

If you don't have a TIVO and you were thinking about it... don't even bother. There's no reason you should buy anything other than Sonic Blues' ReplayTV 4K. The only hard decision is WHAT SIZE RECORDING TIME SHOULD I GET?

Nobody tells me what I'm going to do with television services I'm paying to watch. I'll watch them when I choose and commercial free!

Converted Tivo Owner
I have owned a DirecTivo and a standard Tivo before owning a 4000 series ReplayTV. There is nothing wrong with Tivo, but I have found some things that I like much more in my ReplayTv. I won't go into all of the features of the ReplayTV, just the ones that I have found the most valuable since switching to ReplayTv.

1. Commercial Advance - I had not even conisdered this as something I would like about ReplayTv, but boy was I mistaken. I absolutely LOVE it. Doesn't work 100% of the time, but darn close.

2. Recording from different Inputs - That's right. I rent a DVD and the first thing I do is record it to my ReplayTv so I don't have to rush to watch the movie before returning it. There are three inputs in the back of the ReplayTv. You can easily switch between the three inputs with the remote control.

3. Storing show in Categories - You can create categories like Golf or Fishing and store your favorite golf or fishing shows to that category. This allows easy browsing of your recorded shows.

4. Networking - I bought two 4040's for my house and the networking works great. I had an initial problem with my Linksys router that I have since resolved thanks to the ReplayTv forums. It is great to be able to play shows I recorded on the Living Room unit from my Bed Room unit. Awesome.

5. Time Remaining - ReplayTv shows you the amount of time you have left for recording. Unbelievably, Tivo doesn't do this.

6. SwapDV - This amazing third party software runs on your PC and allows you to import shows from your ReplayTv unit. So you can archive shows from your Replay unit to your PC. Your PC then acts like another ReplayTv on your network.

Replay 4000 series is not for everyone because it requires that you have a broadband connection and the unit does cost a little more than a Tivo (after factoring in a Tivo lifetime subscription...). I doubt many people will be disappionted with a ReplayTv or Tivo.

This Thing's Great!
This gizmo has revolutionized my TV watching habits. No more surfing up and down the dial through 200 channels of drivel. Now I return home, even if I have been traveling for weeks at a time, and find a neatly cataloged selection of shows I really like to watch.

My only regret is that I didn't spend the extra $200 or so to get the 80-hour model. Forty hours is a lot, but you do use up a great deal of memory if you record primarily in the "high quality" mode as I do. Spending 30% more for twice the memory is a no-brainer.

Certain reviews I read of earlier versions of this product were a little ambiguous about the need for a Ethernet connection to the Internet. YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST HAVE AN ETHERNET CONNECTION. Without it you will not get halfway though the setup process.

Special network requirements
Before you order this product be sure you have the necessary network configuration on your HOME network. Needs a DSL, cable modem or T1 link to use the REPLAYTV 4000 unit according to their tech support. A 56K modem link will work, but only for 12 days at a time and then you have to go in and change setting in order to get it to work for another 12 days. Also, their tech support states that using their product in this fashion is not technically supported, so any problems are yours.

Replay TV ...
I bought this unit in mid-December. It MUST be networked to your coputer and internet. It would NOT recognize a Windows ME network, and SonicBlue admitted that this was a major problem. I sent it back Fed EX, and it is now April, and I have not received my money back. I would be very cautious about buying anything from a company with this history. ... Read more

Features

• 40-hour digital video recorder
• Pause live-action TV shows
• High-quality slow-motion and fast forward effects
• First DVR with networking ability
• Skip past annoying ads with Commercial Advance feature

Reviews (13)

The piece of hardware that forever changed my life...
Can you imagine? You're into a really good show, and suddenly your wife starts nagging you about something... the trash, the dog needs to go out, dinner is burning! :D So you hit PAUSE??? Yes! Pause on live TV! Okay, so this is no different than TIVO. What is though is the broadband connection that allows you to send shows over the internet to friends and family, along with the ability to send any type of video you've recorded on the DVR from say your camcorder (forget even trying DVD's... Macrovision won't allow you to do this, as it's enabled on this device: unless of course you buy one of those nice little devices on the net that disables it :D) You can store your own digital photos on this and display them as a slide show screensaver for when your unit is on pause. Going on vacation? Forgot to tell it to record the Drew Carey Show? Hop on the net from anywhere in the world and from www.myreplaytv.com you can program it to record!

Skips commercials (I hate that I pay for TV and have to watch advertising... it's like the networks are getting paid twice for the same thing! I DON'T GET PAID TWICE AT MY JOB!) The major networks are scared to hell of this ability, because it will fundamentally change the market for advertising on television... and they HATE UNPREDICATBILITY AND CHANGE! They want to TELL YOU HOW TO WATCH TV. Then want you to watch what they WANT YOU TO... WHEN THEY WANT YOU TO! Well, now... they can shove primetime right up their rears! Primetime in my house is WHEN I'M READY!

Also, if you buy multiple ReplayTV 4K's, you can network them together and stream shows back and forth from one room to another. www.avsforum.com has a replaytv and showstopper forum which contains a lot of info also on how to pull video files off of your replayTV and then use your CD Burner to write them as VCD's and/or DVD's (if you have a DVD burner) so you can watch them at a later date, without having to use up hard drive space on your computer or replaytv to store it!

If you don't have a TIVO and you were thinking about it... don't even bother. There's no reason you should buy anything other than Sonic Blues' ReplayTV 4K. The only hard decision is WHAT SIZE RECORDING TIME SHOULD I GET?

Nobody tells me what I'm going to do with television services I'm paying to watch. I'll watch them when I choose and commercial free!

Converted Tivo Owner
I have owned a DirecTivo and a standard Tivo before owning a 4000 series ReplayTV. There is nothing wrong with Tivo, but I have found some things that I like much more in my ReplayTv. I won't go into all of the features of the ReplayTV, just the ones that I have found the most valuable since switching to ReplayTv.

1. Commercial Advance - I had not even conisdered this as something I would like about ReplayTv, but boy was I mistaken. I absolutely LOVE it. Doesn't work 100% of the time, but darn close.

2. Recording from different Inputs - That's right. I rent a DVD and the first thing I do is record it to my ReplayTv so I don't have to rush to watch the movie before returning it. There are three inputs in the back of the ReplayTv. You can easily switch between the three inputs with the remote control.

3. Storing show in Categories - You can create categories like Golf or Fishing and store your favorite golf or fishing shows to that category. This allows easy browsing of your recorded shows.

4. Networking - I bought two 4040's for my house and the networking works great. I had an initial problem with my Linksys router that I have since resolved thanks to the ReplayTv forums. It is great to be able to play shows I recorded on the Living Room unit from my Bed Room unit. Awesome.

5. Time Remaining - ReplayTv shows you the amount of time you have left for recording. Unbelievably, Tivo doesn't do this.

6. SwapDV - This amazing third party software runs on your PC and allows you to import shows from your ReplayTv unit. So you can archive shows from your Replay unit to your PC. Your PC then acts like another ReplayTv on your network.

Replay 4000 series is not for everyone because it requires that you have a broadband connection and the unit does cost a little more than a Tivo (after factoring in a Tivo lifetime subscription...). I doubt many people will be disappionted with a ReplayTv or Tivo.

This Thing's Great!
This gizmo has revolutionized my TV watching habits. No more surfing up and down the dial through 200 channels of drivel. Now I return home, even if I have been traveling for weeks at a time, and find a neatly cataloged selection of shows I really like to watch.

My only regret is that I didn't spend the extra $200 or so to get the 80-hour model. Forty hours is a lot, but you do use up a great deal of memory if you record primarily in the "high quality" mode as I do. Spending 30% more for twice the memory is a no-brainer.

Certain reviews I read of earlier versions of this product were a little ambiguous about the need for a Ethernet connection to the Internet. YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST HAVE AN ETHERNET CONNECTION. Without it you will not get halfway though the setup process.

Special network requirements
Before you order this product be sure you have the necessary network configuration on your HOME network. Needs a DSL, cable modem or T1 link to use the REPLAYTV 4000 unit according to their tech support. A 56K modem link will work, but only for 12 days at a time and then you have to go in and change setting in order to get it to work for another 12 days. Also, their tech support states that using their product in this fashion is not technically supported, so any problems are yours.

Replay TV ...
I bought this unit in mid-December. It MUST be networked to your coputer and internet. It would NOT recognize a Windows ME network, and SonicBlue admitted that this was a major problem. I sent it back Fed EX, and it is now April, and I have not received my money back. I would be very cautious about buying anything from a company with this history. ... Read more

Features

• 160-hour digital video recorder
• Pause live-action TV shows
• High-quality slow-motion and fast forward effects
• First DVR with networking ability
• Skip past annoying ads with Commercial Advance feature

Reviews (13)

The piece of hardware that forever changed my life...
Can you imagine? You're into a really good show, and suddenly your wife starts nagging you about something... the trash, the dog needs to go out, dinner is burning! :D So you hit PAUSE??? Yes! Pause on live TV! Okay, so this is no different than TIVO. What is though is the broadband connection that allows you to send shows over the internet to friends and family, along with the ability to send any type of video you've recorded on the DVR from say your camcorder (forget even trying DVD's... Macrovision won't allow you to do this, as it's enabled on this device: unless of course you buy one of those nice little devices on the net that disables it :D) You can store your own digital photos on this and display them as a slide show screensaver for when your unit is on pause. Going on vacation? Forgot to tell it to record the Drew Carey Show? Hop on the net from anywhere in the world and from www.myreplaytv.com you can program it to record!

Skips commercials (I hate that I pay for TV and have to watch advertising... it's like the networks are getting paid twice for the same thing! I DON'T GET PAID TWICE AT MY JOB!) The major networks are scared to hell of this ability, because it will fundamentally change the market for advertising on television... and they HATE UNPREDICATBILITY AND CHANGE! They want to TELL YOU HOW TO WATCH TV. Then want you to watch what they WANT YOU TO... WHEN THEY WANT YOU TO! Well, now... they can shove primetime right up their rears! Primetime in my house is WHEN I'M READY!

Also, if you buy multiple ReplayTV 4K's, you can network them together and stream shows back and forth from one room to another. www.avsforum.com has a replaytv and showstopper forum which contains a lot of info also on how to pull video files off of your replayTV and then use your CD Burner to write them as VCD's and/or DVD's (if you have a DVD burner) so you can watch them at a later date, without having to use up hard drive space on your computer or replaytv to store it!

If you don't have a TIVO and you were thinking about it... don't even bother. There's no reason you should buy anything other than Sonic Blues' ReplayTV 4K. The only hard decision is WHAT SIZE RECORDING TIME SHOULD I GET?

Nobody tells me what I'm going to do with television services I'm paying to watch. I'll watch them when I choose and commercial free!

Converted Tivo Owner
I have owned a DirecTivo and a standard Tivo before owning a 4000 series ReplayTV. There is nothing wrong with Tivo, but I have found some things that I like much more in my ReplayTv. I won't go into all of the features of the ReplayTV, just the ones that I have found the most valuable since switching to ReplayTv.

1. Commercial Advance - I had not even conisdered this as something I would like about ReplayTv, but boy was I mistaken. I absolutely LOVE it. Doesn't work 100% of the time, but darn close.

2. Recording from different Inputs - That's right. I rent a DVD and the first thing I do is record it to my ReplayTv so I don't have to rush to watch the movie before returning it. There are three inputs in the back of the ReplayTv. You can easily switch between the three inputs with the remote control.

3. Storing show in Categories - You can create categories like Golf or Fishing and store your favorite golf or fishing shows to that category. This allows easy browsing of your recorded shows.

4. Networking - I bought two 4040's for my house and the networking works great. I had an initial problem with my Linksys router that I have since resolved thanks to the ReplayTv forums. It is great to be able to play shows I recorded on the Living Room unit from my Bed Room unit. Awesome.

5. Time Remaining - ReplayTv shows you the amount of time you have left for recording. Unbelievably, Tivo doesn't do this.

6. SwapDV - This amazing third party software runs on your PC and allows you to import shows from your ReplayTv unit. So you can archive shows from your Replay unit to your PC. Your PC then acts like another ReplayTv on your network.

Replay 4000 series is not for everyone because it requires that you have a broadband connection and the unit does cost a little more than a Tivo (after factoring in a Tivo lifetime subscription...). I doubt many people will be disappionted with a ReplayTv or Tivo.

This Thing's Great!
This gizmo has revolutionized my TV watching habits. No more surfing up and down the dial through 200 channels of drivel. Now I return home, even if I have been traveling for weeks at a time, and find a neatly cataloged selection of shows I really like to watch.

My only regret is that I didn't spend the extra $200 or so to get the 80-hour model. Forty hours is a lot, but you do use up a great deal of memory if you record primarily in the "high quality" mode as I do. Spending 30% more for twice the memory is a no-brainer.

Certain reviews I read of earlier versions of this product were a little ambiguous about the need for a Ethernet connection to the Internet. YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST HAVE AN ETHERNET CONNECTION. Without it you will not get halfway though the setup process.

Special network requirements
Before you order this product be sure you have the necessary network configuration on your HOME network. Needs a DSL, cable modem or T1 link to use the REPLAYTV 4000 unit according to their tech support. A 56K modem link will work, but only for 12 days at a time and then you have to go in and change setting in order to get it to work for another 12 days. Also, their tech support states that using their product in this fashion is not technically supported, so any problems are yours.

Replay TV ...
I bought this unit in mid-December. It MUST be networked to your coputer and internet. It would NOT recognize a Windows ME network, and SonicBlue admitted that this was a major problem. I sent it back Fed EX, and it is now April, and I have not received my money back. I would be very cautious about buying anything from a company with this history. ... Read more