Still...I'd much rather use something like FreeVo or MythTV and actually burn my shows to cd, stream whatever I want, etc, etc."
For some reason, this tends to be the mantra on/., but both TiVo and ReplayTV have 30 day money-back satisfaction guarantees, so why not try 'em out in your home and see if you like the quality and function? If you don't like one or the other, just return 'em.
I haven't owned one, don't own one, and don't plan to own one. I like not being accessible 24/7. I'll stick with my WiFi-connected Sony Clie NX70V, thank you very much.
As a long-time ReplayTV owner (have a model 2001, 2020, and a 5040) for me, this really is no big deal at all.
First off, it only affects the 5000 or newer series. So, two of my three ReplayTV boxes will be unaffected.
Second, some have had great success with Commercial Advance, but I never had much luck, so I never use it.
And third, the Internet File Sharing for me is another non-issue. Given the upstream cap on my Internet connection, show sharing is just plain prohibitive.
Dinally, let's not confuse "Internet File Sharing" with in-house program streaming between ReplayTV boxes on the same LAN. This feature is NOT being removed. This is the one feature for me that makes the 5040 worth it--it lets me seamlessly offload shows using the DVArchive app to my PC where storage is cheap and either stream them back to the ReplayTV box or burn them to DVD.
Can't prove you wrong, because you are definatly on the right track.
I hope this isn't too off topic, but a number of years ago, Geoworks (formerly Berkely Softworks) created a "GUI" for the Commodore 64 and later, the PC platform called "GEOS" (Geaphic Environment Operating System). It was an attempt to get a Windows-like environment onto less-than-robust platforms. I think we all know GEOS' ultimate fate, but this is what I found interesting about their design:
One of the very cool features about GEOS was that it had a "scaled" user interface. You selected "Beginner", Intermediate", or "Advanced". "Beginner" presented you with a "launcher" screen that presented you with "generic" labels like "Word Processor" and "Spreadsheet". Everything opened full-screen eliminating confusion over multiple windows.
On the other end of the spectrum was the "Advanced" mode UI which is what we are all familiar with: Multiple windows, full application functionality, a "desktop" with launchable icons, even Pinnable menus (the UI was modeled after Motif).
The "Intermediate" mode was somewhere in between.
The innovative feature was that the "Mode" that you chose to use carried through to the apps level. For example, if you selected the "Beginner" mode and opened the Word Processor app, the menu choices and the screen buttons were pared back to allow minimum but effective word processing. The user wasn't bombarded with endless choices.
Opening the Word Processor app in the "Advanced" mode gave you all of the available functions.
(The only down side was that the options available to this mode were limited to what the GEOS develoers decided to include. There was no way to customze further, but then again, that was the point. Don't overwhelm beginning users with stuff they don't need. When they are ready, they can change modes.)
The important thing was that the user didn't have to worry about how each app was set, it just worked for them.
My point is that if Linux was presented in such a way that users could easily specify their preferred mode of operation, then it might be more accepted. Have an "I'm new to computers" mode. Have a "I'm a Windows user" mode. Have a "don't hold my hand, I'll do it myself" mode. The possibilities are huge.
The Razor Model is very applicable here, but how would you react if you purchased some razor blades several years ago and you try to use them today and you discover that they are suddenly dull out of the package? They would be useless, right? Same concept, just a different product.
While I agree that too much government involvement in our lives is not a good thing, what do you, the/. community think is a good solution to provide the government with tools to be able to combat terrorists? Obviously, we can't have it both ways, or can we? What do you think?
By all means, get a second phone line or use your Cell phone exclusivly for work. I know HR will require your home phone number, but your work number is all they should have to contact you for work. It is important that you make that clear up front. If you are on call 24x7, then they should contact you using a work line. Of course, the responsibility also falls on your shoulders to be responsible ablut answering and handling the calls. I know that this may be "pie-in-the-sky" thinking, but you are in the driver's seat and can set some boundries early on. What you do with the boundries after that is up to you.
...this is very disturbing and disappointing. I own a modified model 2001, a stock 2020, and a new 5040, and these have been indespensible.
Problem is that there is no way to set the clock or do manual recordings without Guide Data (unless you bought a Lifetime subscription on the 5000 series.) If the dial-up and Internet connections get shut down, these become bricks.
I guess I could always get TiVo units, but ReplayTV has always been my system of choice.
To answer your question specifically, NO. The current version of the ReplayTV software requires service connection. If there is no guide information, you CANNOT record anything. For newer boxes, if you paid for the lifetime service, you can use it to manually record, but if you are paying month-to-month, then you are outa luck. As for older models, you need the guide information to record.
Also, and this is critical, service connection is required to set the clock.
I have three ReplayTV boxes ("upgraded" 2001, stock 2020, and new 5040), and if the service gets cut, I am screwed.
Don't forget that any technology that you put into the ring will probably become obsolete within a few years, so unless you are specifically planning on either upgrading the ring or upgrading your wife, I recommend going the traditional route.
What may seem novel or cool today will probably not seem so novel or cool 20 years from now. Remember that the ring is a symbol of your marriage. What ring you select should reflect what you value in your marriage and your spouse.
I personally like "hard copy" manuals. To cut costs, many companies are providing documentation in the form of online electronic files. For those of us who actually like reading "hard copy" manuals, this type of software distribution might be a problem.
Of course, that might just be the "price" you pay for access to the specific software that you want.
The problem with this thinking, no matter how "pro-Slashdot" it might be, is that many companies require Microsoft products for day-to-day operations, and students could be at a huge disadvantage when trying to find job placement.
Like it or not, I wouldn't have a job at the company at which I am VERY happily employed if I didn't have experience with Microsoft products.
Slashdot Mirror
...a freakin' story!
(or is that Orc moderation)
Looks like I and the other person who loves REO Speedwagon can breath easy now!
Yup...Someone strapped a Sony Clie to the bottom of an RC plain to film the "experience"! Check it out here
...for the International Star Registry to sell!
I haven't owned one, don't own one, and don't plan to own one. I like not being accessible 24/7. I'll stick with my WiFi-connected Sony Clie NX70V, thank you very much.
As a long-time ReplayTV owner (have a model 2001, 2020, and a 5040) for me, this really is no big deal at all.
First off, it only affects the 5000 or newer series. So, two of my three ReplayTV boxes will be unaffected.
Second, some have had great success with Commercial Advance, but I never had much luck, so I never use it.
And third, the Internet File Sharing for me is another non-issue. Given the upstream cap on my Internet connection, show sharing is just plain prohibitive.
Dinally, let's not confuse "Internet File Sharing" with in-house program streaming between ReplayTV boxes on the same LAN. This feature is NOT being removed. This is the one feature for me that makes the 5040 worth it--it lets me seamlessly offload shows using the DVArchive app to my PC where storage is cheap and either stream them back to the ReplayTV box or burn them to DVD.
Can't prove you wrong, because you are definatly on the right track.
I hope this isn't too off topic, but a number of years ago, Geoworks (formerly Berkely Softworks) created a "GUI" for the Commodore 64 and later, the PC platform called "GEOS" (Geaphic Environment Operating System). It was an attempt to get a Windows-like environment onto less-than-robust platforms. I think we all know GEOS' ultimate fate, but this is what I found interesting about their design:
One of the very cool features about GEOS was that it had a "scaled" user interface. You selected "Beginner", Intermediate", or "Advanced". "Beginner" presented you with a "launcher" screen that presented you with "generic" labels like "Word Processor" and "Spreadsheet". Everything opened full-screen eliminating confusion over multiple windows.
On the other end of the spectrum was the "Advanced" mode UI which is what we are all familiar with: Multiple windows, full application functionality, a "desktop" with launchable icons, even Pinnable menus (the UI was modeled after Motif).
The "Intermediate" mode was somewhere in between.
The innovative feature was that the "Mode" that you chose to use carried through to the apps level. For example, if you selected the "Beginner" mode and opened the Word Processor app, the menu choices and the screen buttons were pared back to allow minimum but effective word processing. The user wasn't bombarded with endless choices.
Opening the Word Processor app in the "Advanced" mode gave you all of the available functions.
(The only down side was that the options available to this mode were limited to what the GEOS develoers decided to include. There was no way to customze further, but then again, that was the point. Don't overwhelm beginning users with stuff they don't need. When they are ready, they can change modes.)
The important thing was that the user didn't have to worry about how each app was set, it just worked for them.
My point is that if Linux was presented in such a way that users could easily specify their preferred mode of operation, then it might be more accepted. Have an "I'm new to computers" mode. Have a "I'm a Windows user" mode. Have a "don't hold my hand, I'll do it myself" mode. The possibilities are huge.
...I guess that's the only way to make any money.
Oh, did I say that out loud?
I prefer Neelix's portrayal of the Grand Proxy in "False Profits"!
The Razor Model is very applicable here, but how would you react if you purchased some razor blades several years ago and you try to use them today and you discover that they are suddenly dull out of the package? They would be useless, right? Same concept, just a different product.
...could this enable the RIAA and MPAA to more easily go after individuals?
The $36.2 million was for BOTH ReplayTV AND Rio. Not sure how it splits out, but for BOTH divisions, it seems like a steal.
...I don't want to have ANYTHING to do with it!!!
While I agree that too much government involvement in our lives is not a good thing, what do you, the /. community think is a good solution to provide the government with tools to be able to combat terrorists? Obviously, we can't have it both ways, or can we? What do you think?
By all means, get a second phone line or use your Cell phone exclusivly for work. I know HR will require your home phone number, but your work number is all they should have to contact you for work. It is important that you make that clear up front. If you are on call 24x7, then they should contact you using a work line. Of course, the responsibility also falls on your shoulders to be responsible ablut answering and handling the calls. I know that this may be "pie-in-the-sky" thinking, but you are in the driver's seat and can set some boundries early on. What you do with the boundries after that is up to you.
...that this kind of thing has been going on at premier news sources like the Weekly World News? Ahhrgh!
...this is very disturbing and disappointing. I own a modified model 2001, a stock 2020, and a new 5040, and these have been indespensible.
Problem is that there is no way to set the clock or do manual recordings without Guide Data (unless you bought a Lifetime subscription on the 5000 series.) If the dial-up and Internet connections get shut down, these become bricks.
I guess I could always get TiVo units, but ReplayTV has always been my system of choice.
To answer your question specifically, NO. The current version of the ReplayTV software requires service connection. If there is no guide information, you CANNOT record anything. For newer boxes, if you paid for the lifetime service, you can use it to manually record, but if you are paying month-to-month, then you are outa luck. As for older models, you need the guide information to record.
Also, and this is critical, service connection is required to set the clock.
I have three ReplayTV boxes ("upgraded" 2001, stock 2020, and new 5040), and if the service gets cut, I am screwed.
Don't forget that any technology that you put into the ring will probably become obsolete within a few years, so unless you are specifically planning on either upgrading the ring or upgrading your wife, I recommend going the traditional route.
What may seem novel or cool today will probably not seem so novel or cool 20 years from now. Remember that the ring is a symbol of your marriage. What ring you select should reflect what you value in your marriage and your spouse.
I personally like "hard copy" manuals. To cut costs, many companies are providing documentation in the form of online electronic files. For those of us who actually like reading "hard copy" manuals, this type of software distribution might be a problem.
Of course, that might just be the "price" you pay for access to the specific software that you want.
The problem with this thinking, no matter how "pro-Slashdot" it might be, is that many companies require Microsoft products for day-to-day operations, and students could be at a huge disadvantage when trying to find job placement.
Like it or not, I wouldn't have a job at the company at which I am VERY happily employed if I didn't have experience with Microsoft products.
is it a Darwin Award?
Wait...been there, done that...or have we?