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To: DiViT who wrote (37021)	11/2/1998 2:13:00 PM
From: .com	Respond to of 50808

Hi David, Actually, I like the concept behind the ReplayTV. I don't disagree that lot of folks use their vcrs for movie rental, but I have seen several studies which indicate that time-shifting is the biggest use. Heck, if it wasn't for the vcr my mother wouldn't be able to get her daily soap opera fix!

To: DiViT who wrote (37021)	11/3/1998 8:48:00 AM
From: .com	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 50808

David, Looks like I am not the only one who likes the concept of this device for time shifting! Berst Alert TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 1998 ReplayTV: VCR Death Sentence? Jesse Berst, Editorial Director ZDNet AnchorDesk Proven strategy for the Next Big Thing: Take something people like to do a lot. Use the power of the computer to improve it a lot. That's the formula used for ReplayTV, which takes television viewing and recording to the next level. It's so intriguing Netscape's Marc Andreesen emailed me to call it "just about the coolest thing I've ever seen." Big praise considering he sees about every new business plan and gadget to come through Silicon Valley. This is another in my occasional series about Natural Born Killers (NBKs) -- products, services or sites with the genetic potential to become a "killer application." An NBK is not a recommendation to buy. ReplayTV won't ship in volume until 1999 anyway. An NBK nomination is a recommendation to study a product for the good ideas it contains. With that said, ReplayTV is a VCR-like box that sits near your TV to record and store your favorite shows. No videotape necessary. ReplayTV digitally stores programs on its hard disk (although you can archive to tape if you wish). Here are a few advantages of this VCR-on-steroids innovation: Time shifting: Like a VCR, ReplayTV records programs in advance but it's much easier and more convenient. Use the on-screen guide to click on a program's name. The system locates the channel, time, etc. If the station changes or pre-empts that show, ReplayTV adjusts automatically. Improved real-time viewing: You can start watching a show while it's being broadcast. Because the show is "buffered" on the hard disk, you can pause or rewind at any time. Now you are in charge of instant replays. Custom programming: Use the on-screen guide to select what you want to watch. Sort by name, category or favorite actor. Create your own all-sports, all-the-time channel. Build your own Pamela Anderson Lee retrospective. And watch it whenever you want. Automatic updating: Each night ReplayTV dials out for updated program listings. (It sets its own clock too, in case it has been 12:00, blink, 12:00, blink, 12:00 at your house for the last three years.) No need to mess around setting times, channels and recording duration. You don't even have to enter VCR+ numbers. Just point at the program you want to watch or record. At $995 for the entry-level setup, is ReplayTV too expensive? Probably. Is the company big enough and financially stable enough to get over the startup hurdles? I don't know. But I do know this is a killer concept. Finally. A VCR done right. Use the TalkBack button below to tell me what you think of this idea. I'll post the best responses beneath this article. Or go to my Berst Alerts forum, where a discussion is underway.