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+--- Thread: DVR search . . . (/showthread.php?tid=160318)
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DVR search . . . - mspace - 11-13-2013
I love my replaytv 5040, but it seems to be having tuner issues that are beyond my efforts to troubleshoot.
It looks like I will need to replace it.
I have no over the air access and I don't want to do Time Warner DVR. Since I do enjoy a couple of channels that are cable only and don't like to watch TV on the computer, it looks like Tivo is my only option.
While I do have an HD TV, I've been fine with the SD from the replay. Due to budget, I'm considering a Series 2 or Series 3 with lifetime via ebay.
Any recommendations or other possibilities I'm missing?
Thanks!
Re: DVR search . . . - silvarios - 11-13-2013
What about a network cable card tuner? What operating systems do you have access to?
Re: DVR search . . . - WHiiP - 11-13-2013
I have a RePlay (believe it is 5040) that I can no longer use with my system since cable conversion to Digital. It was working when I took it out of service.
It can be yours for the cost of shipping. I had lifetime with it.
PM me.
Re: DVR search . . . - Robert M - 11-13-2013
mspace,
I know you said you didn't want to use the TimeWarner DVR. This intrigues me since I've found the DVRs from Cablevision and Verizon FIOS more than sufficient for the job. One of my issues with TIVO is the cost of admission and then the ongoing costs or the cost of lifetime service. I calculated the costs and it'd take years to recoup the investment if I went for a new TIVO with lifetime. Years. Not just one or two. Four or five if I remember correctly.
Money was one reason. the other reason is longevity of the hardware. lifetime service is tied to the TIVO itself. So, if it breaks out of warranty, you need to fix it yourself (if possible), pay to have it fixed or replace it. All at a cost to you, the owner. The Toshiba TIVO DVD Recorder I had required repairs twice. One under warranty via a double the manufacturer's warranty program, the other out of my pocket. The TIVO HD models I had were garbage. It makes me very hesitant to purchase TIVO hardware.
Admittedly, the models i question are from many years ago but the expense and annoyance factor still comes into play. Hopefully newer TIVO hardware is more reliable. At least with a cable provider DVR, if it breaks, you call them and they give you another one. There is something to be said for that. Funny... I've never had to replace a cable or FIOS DVR.
The Timewarner model my wife had for several years worked perfectly until the day she moved and had to return it. The DVRs from Cablevision I had performed flawlessly. Same goes now for the FIOS DVRs in my apartment (both the old before moving and the new one in my new place) and the DVRs in place at my parent's house.
I used a newer TIVO when visiting my brother The interface and usability may be better than the cable provider DVRs but it isn't so much better that I'd consider switching to one. TIVO would seriously need to up their game before I'd consider giving their hardware another chance.
I guess you could say I'm suggesting that you not dismiss the TimeWarner DVR without first checking it out. The DVRs from cable providers have come a _very_ long way over the years. Just an alternate point of view.
Robert
Re: DVR search . . . - mspace - 11-13-2013
Robert,
My needs are simple and my current income is scary. I can probably get a Series 2 or 3, pay up to 150 -260 for a used device including lifetime subscription and be done with it.
TW dvr will cost a never ending 13/month. One year of that is what I would pay for a Series 2 as described.
I wish handing my money over to TW didn't matter, but it does.
mspace
Re: DVR search . . . - datbeme - 11-13-2013
I'm not as generous as WHiiP, but I have a Series 2 w/ Lifetime that I'd part with for ~$75 plus shipping. Haven't used it in a couple years, but I replaced the hard drive with a larger one just prior to giving it to my parents, and they ended up switching to an HD DVR from the cable company a few weeks later.
Re: DVR search . . . - Gareth - 11-13-2013
Another factor to consider with a TiVo (with lifetime) is resale value. When you're done with it, you can sell it. I've had Series 1, Series 2, Series 3, HD, and now Premiere's. I think my monthly average ends up around $6/mo. Just sold an HD for a whopping $5 profit!
Of course, there will be huge drops when a significantly new platform is released (i.e. Series 2 to Series 3), but if you buy used and sell used you can make out ok.
The only issues I've ever had with TiVo's are related to the hard drives, and those are easy to replace (even easier with the new Roamio's).
Even if you don't need HD, I wouldn't buy a Series 2 at this point, unless it was really cheap (in the $50-$100 range).
Re: DVR search . . . - mspace - 11-13-2013
Many thanks for the input. I will PM you, datbeme.
I was thinking that the Series 3 would be better, but the budget may be 2 right now.
In the meantime, I'm trying some last minute voodoo on the replay via a very kind guru. If it goes beyond my electronics capacity, I think I'll have to change to Tivo.
Any other ideas and offers completely welcome and appreciated.
Re: DVR search . . . - silvarios - 11-13-2013
Do you own any Roku boxes, Apple TVs are other similar devices? I've been much happier with centralized media control that spits out to my set top boxes than requiring fancier devices at each screen (I went through a media PC faze and it was not well regarded by the not Nathan's in the home). That's why I went with a network DVR instead of a stand alone.
Edit To clarify: I don't watch live TV or recordings on a computer (have tested mobile devices some), my intention is still to use a normal display for viewing.
Re: DVR search . . . - mspace - 11-13-2013
silvarios wrote:
Do you own any Roku boxes, Apple TVs are other similar devices? I've been much happier with centralized media control that spits out to my set top boxes than requiring fancier devices at each screen (I went through a media PC faze and it was not well regarded by the not Nathan's in the home).
I've been trying to wrap my brain around some of that stuff, but it seems that if one still wants to have access to some cable channels, those devices are not compatible. Since it's only one room and one TV, I don't have the need for more complex systems.