Digital Networks Sonicblue ReplayTV RTV4504 review

We hooked up the 4504 to a number of display devices--including a PC monitor, a Samsung Tantus HD-ready set, and an analog 27-inch TV--and were generally impressed with what we saw, even at the lowest-quality, or standard, setting. Sonicblue says that you can record up to 40 hours of programming at the standard setting and 14 hours at the highest quality setting. It's worth noting that in our tests, we found the video quality of the 4504 at its lowest setting to be the equivalent of the medium setting on TiVo's 60-hour Series2 box. That competing DVR offers 60 hours of recording at its lowest setting, which most people will find lacking. In short, when you factor picture quality into the equation, the 40-hour 4504 is comparable to the 60-hour TiVo, which runs $299, plus $250 service.

TiVo-like pricing
As noted, Sonicblue has gone to a TiVo-like pricing system to help even the playing field and make things less confusing for the consumer. The 4504 carries a $450 list price, but, as with TiVo, you'll have to pay a separate fee for service--in this case, a one-time activation charge of $250. Compare that to TiVo's $250 lifetime (of the unit) subscription fee, and you're looking at two comparably priced units, neither one of which is a particularly attractive bargain.

So which is the better bet, the 40-hour 4504 or the rival 60-hour TiVo Series2? Well, it basically depends on whether you'll use the extra features that the Replay offers--namely, whether you have a broadband connection and plan to share files with other Replay users. If not, we'd recommend the TiVo thanks to its user-friendly interface and bigger storage capacity. As it stands, though, this is still a versatile DVR that will appeal to both current broadband users and those with analog connections who may eventually decide to upgrade.