SonicBlue Going w/ReplayTV 4000 Despite Lawsuit

Ughhgu writes "Looks like SonicBlue is going to go ahead and start shipping. The Cnet article even has a quote from SonicBlue. It seems they can't understand why the industry would sue them. Sign me up for one!" I'd dearly love to test one of these.

Comments

ReplayTV 4000 official site

[Black Acid]

For more information on ReplayTV 4000, see the official site. Interestingly, it's the only networked digital video recorder with broadband connectivity.

Re:Where do I go to buy one?

[Coward, Anonymous]

You can buy it directly from ReplayTV.

Re:VCR

[monkeyserver.com]

I don't know why the same argument that worked for BetaMax (Sony) back in '84 won't hold up here, it's just simple precidence (sp?):

...a 1984 Supreme Court case where the movie industry sued Sony, Inc., trying to stop the production of their BetaMax, which was an early version of the VCR.
In that case, the movie industry argued that VCRs would signal the end of the movie industry by allowing VCR owners to copy movies without paying royalties, in violation of copyright laws. The Court in that case ruled that the VCR had "substantial non-infringing uses," which made the new technology legal. What that means is that, while it is true that VCRs can be used to pirate copyrighted work, they also have substantial beneficial uses which have nothing to do with those illegal uses.
VCRs, as the Court pointed out, can be used to play legally purchased or rented movies. They can also be used to record non-copyrighted works including home movies made by the VCR owner. These "non-infringing uses" were substantial enough that the new technology should be released to the public, instead of held back for the protection of copyright owners.

taken from http://www.apca.com/112000.html (no permission :)

But we all know how big money..err..companies owns the legal system now <Insert MS jibe>

Sonic sent emails Tuesday...

[Tide]

From the email they sent me:

Dear SONICblue customer,

Thank you for pre-ordering the ReplayTV 4000. A customer service representative will be contacting you shortly to confirm the specific details of your pre-order. In order to expedite the shipment of your ReplayTV 4000 model DVR, you are encouraged to call us toll-free at 1-877-ReplayTV (1-877-737-5298) to verify your desired shipping method and other details.

Our Sales department can be reached Monday through Friday, 5:00AM to 5:30PM (PST).

Thank you and Happy Holidays!
SONICblue Customer Care

I immediately called and waited about 20 minutes on hold. The main options for shipping ran $22 (ground) $55 (2nd day) and$80 for Next day, though he mentioned that they ship friday so next day would be Mon at the earliest. CA residents need to pay taxes.