Good Idea when it works

The unit is only as good as it's channel Line-up

I purchased this unit on recommendation from several Stores. The "Biggest" attraction was "No monthly programming fee's" - like the TiVo unit.

I have had my system from Dec 23rd. I have placed over 18 documented calls to Panasonic. I have been sent two replacement units.

The average hold time to speak to a tech support rep. is 20 minutes. The consumer is supposed to call when the downloadable channel line-up isn't correct. With this unit, it is not possible to record a channel that is not found in the line-up. In my area, I use ATT Broadband Digital cable. 7 out of 14 Premium Channels are not listed in the channel lineup (which Replay T.V. gets from a listing company named TRIBUNE). If you want to record a movie from Cinemax, and it's not listed in the channel guide, you are out of luck.

In calling the company, you can report the problem with the incompatible channel listing, and you are told it should be taken care of in 48 - 72 hours. It is 4 months later, and still they haven't been able to make the correction. When pressed, they finally admit that the "Line-up" portion of the service is out of their hands, and they are at the mercy of REplay TV.

Upon contacting RePlay TV, they are very prompt to respond by email, however, 1 month later, only 2 channels have changed. I have written to both tech support managers, and the president of the company. It now has been passed off as "Tribune's" fault, and they must rely upon them to fix the inaccuracies.

Besides the channel line-up issue, I have had multiple connection problems, (which resulted in them sending the replacement units). Although I paid for a new unit, both replacement units (one DOA, the other working), have been remanufactured. The DOA unit came in scratched all over.

Most frustrating, is trying to work with Panasonic "Consumer relations". In calling, I was told that there was nothing they could do. I asked to speak to a supervisor, and was told that the supervisors where out, and would be back sometime on Sunday. I was promised a call, and three weeks later...still no word.

Although the concept of Digital recording seems promising, please don't waste your time with the "ShowStopper" unit. If I could send this back to where I bought it, even for 1/2 price refund, I would do it in a heartbeat!

Similar Products Used:

NONE

A great unit

Some trouble consistently connecting to the Replay Server at night

This is really a response to "James Kirk's" review below. One has to wonder what motivates a person to take the time to make a valid point regarding price differences between the TiVo and Replay services, but then gives a fine product like Replay one star. Captain Kirk, if TiVo and Replay are basically the same and cost the same, do you rate Tivo one star too? If so, I guess you have never used either product and have no business posting reviews here until you do. I will note that ReplayTV had a 60 hour recorder on the market well before TiVo, and therefore I was able to get a 60 hour Replay recorder for $100 less than a TiVo 30 hour recorder plus a lifetime subscription. So why not do some research before you slam a product?

Don't know. Don't own one.

Don't know. Don't own one.

I love these people who brag about the fact that they don't have to pay subscription fees when they buy one of these Replays. If you pay $600.00 for a Replay and get free subscription, or you buy a TIVO for $400.00 and get a liftime subscription for $200.00, what's the difference?
Can anybody tell me? Is there a difference? I don't think so.

Similar Products Used:

TIVO

Incomparably better than a VCR, great picture quality, ease of use -- Trust me, this is one purchase every vidiot must make!

None

This is actually a review of the Panasonic 3000. I beleive that Panasonic made all of ReplayTV's equipment anyway. The 3000 has 60 hrs recording time at its lowest quality (slightly better than VCR). I use medium, which give me about 30 hours -- more than enough, at great picture quality. This is simple to set up, even simpler to use. Gotta love that 30 second "Quick Skip" button! All I can say is, if you're into TV or, like me, have a few favorite shows, this is the only way to go, period!

Similar Products Used:

Panasonic VCRs

Sharp picture, controls DSS box, super easy programing

The remote is sporatic.

The fast speed gives great picture, can't tell it from broadcast on a rear projection 48" TV. Medium speed is ok, much like a VCR. Slow speed breaks up into pixels during fast action like sports and the sound is shrill.

The programming capability is slick. If you have DSS, it will control your box through a cable or IR. Replay just added more local phone numbers for the night time program listing download..it has been taking many trys to get through (automatically at 3am). Eventually the unit gives up, but it does not affect the next day programs.

The first unit I bought would not respond to the remote and froze like a 1980s home computer. That got old fast so back it went to the store. The salesman said that they would all be like that and gave my money back. I bought another one (cause I can't believe Panasonic would release a product that operated that poorly). It is nearly as bad. Press the remote and either nothing happens, or several screens go past or your screen comes up but won't stay up. It is unacceptable. So why isn't any other reviewer mentioning this major defect? The remote operates all my other equipment perfectly, so it is not the remote but the Replay unit.

I'm hooked on the the benefits of this unit. Hope they are not all defective!

If it weren't so expensive, I'd go for the 30 hour Replay. I would give it a higher rating if they did not have operational glitches.

Similar Products Used:

VCRs

Nice menus (version 3), excellent quality even at the lowest resolution (Standard), very quiet operation. Free guide updates - no extra fees. No problem connecting to DirecTV.

Remote isn't the greatest, but acceptable. Buttons are not in the best places. Unit gets rather hot. Set up takes a while, specially if you have to download the new updated software.

Well, this is my first personal video recorder, and its great. This model (2020) has 20 hours which is plenty enough for me. This gives you about 6 hours at high quality. I was amazed at the quality even at standard resolution. I record all sitcoms and 1/2 hour shows at standard, anything worth keeping is better at medium or high. I've got no problems with this recorder at all!