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ReplayTV 4500: No Hacking, or Else

Posted by michael on from the stuff-to-avoid dept.

mcglk writes "I was happy to see that SonicBlue had released its new generation of ReplayTV, the 4500. And it was $250 cheaper than the 4000. Except for that $250 one-time service activation fee. Worse is the agreement that goes along with it. Term1A basically says, No more hacking. Term1G says that they can enable or disable anything they want without notice. And Term2C says that if someone even alleges you are infringing on copyright, you can be shut down with no notice, no recourse, and there's nothing you can do about itthe agreement indemnifies them completely. I was really looking forward to getting one of these, too." Under that agreement, SonicBlue claims the right to destroy your device when you connect for updates.

4 of 355 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Is that legal - in the Land of the Free? by ScottKin · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    I'm sure that the legal advisors for ReplayTV researched the indemnification limitations mentioned very thoroughly.

    So what if they have, for all intents and purposes provded a legal challenge to hardware/software hacks of their products? The kinds of hacks that are done to ReplayTV and similar devices are usually only those to allow the ILLEGAL RECEPTION of content that the end-customer hasn't PAID for (i.e. "Free" as in "Shoplifting" and "Theft"); but this seems to be nothing new to /. zealots - warez, hacking and other ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES are great bedfellows.

    Enjoy the ride!

    ScottKin

    --
    I don't give a rat's behind about "karma" here or anywhere else. Don't like what I have to say here? Deal with it!
  2. Re:just in case the server becomes unavailable... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Flamebait

    Do it anon karma whore!

  3. Re:Bring on the whining! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Flamebait

    Oh cripes...

    Let's see, I buy a piece of hardware...
    I hack piece of hardware to accept MY data stream for Guide information.

    Idiots like you call it stealing..

    Go away.... please? just go away.

  4. No.. YOU are wrong by sjlutz · · Score: -1, Flamebait

    Read the agreement before you tell someone that they are wrong: (emphasis by me)

    C. Termination of Service; Your Indemnity
    Obligations. Notwithstanding any term of this
    Agreement, ReplayTV has the absolute right
    to immediately suspend or terminate your
    account, and terminate this Agreement, if
    you (a) breach any provision of this
    Agreement (including but not limited to
    altering the ReplayTV 4500 unit or related
    software)...