ReplayTV

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ReplayTV Shutdown FAQ

Digital Networks North America has decided to stop sending guide updates to ReplayTV devices, including "lifetime" subscribed units on 7/31. The items below are the current consensus answers from the forums. No one has all the answers at this time.


What will happen on 7/31/11

DNNA says the units will be able to "Manually Record" tv shows after the 7/31 shutdown. ReplayTV support has told some community members that all servers will be shut down on 7/31, preventing setting the system clock. In this case, "Manual Record" probably just means pressing the "Record" button to record for a period of time, not a manually scheduled recording.

If you wish to continue full functionality of your Replay you can use WiRNS to keep your ReplayTV alive. In addition, a new service is being developed so you don't need a local WiRNS server. Keep an eye out for more info.

Using WiRNS to provide Guide Data

WiRNS is a free (as in beer) application that can feed guide data to ReplayTV devices and offers other features. WiRNS can obtain data from any XMLTV source or Schedules Direct.

A 3k unit has been tested in a WiRNS only environment and works fine. It has a problem replicating "initial setup", but that is being addressed. (2k,3k, Showstoppers are the same)

A lot of progress has been made on 4k/5k units and we're close to a WiRNS only solution.

The complexity of a WiRNS solution varies with your ReplayTV unit and configuration. See other sections of this FAQ for details.

Using the LaHo server provide Guide Data

Some community members are getting together to offer a replacement ReplayTV guide service. (Tentitive name "LAst HOpe RNS" (LaHo)). We hope to even offer dialup support so a FreeSCO install won't be needed. While we're still working things out, we have a survey to help judge interest. Please let your wishes be known HERE.

What about a Scheduled Manual Record

DNNA has only said a "Manual Recoding" will be possible. Scheduling a recording requires setting the clock, which requires a WiRNS solution or Replay's servers to be up.

How will I set the clock?

2k/3k/Showstoppers

There is a hack available here to add a time set page to your Replay. Doing so involves removing the hard disk and adding programs using a PC.

Once connected to a network (see dialup section), 2k/3k units can also use NTP to set the time. WiRNS can provide the NTP proxy functionality.

4k/5k Units

The NTP time is cryptographically signed.

We now have the key and can sign the registry and clock. Software to do this will be released shortly. 4k/5k units should have full functionality!

What about Dialup Users

A solution exists where a PC (physical or virtual) is configured as a FreeSCO router. The ReplayTV can then dial into the FreeSCO router using a phone line, phone line simulator, or even a direct connection. Once connected to the FreeSCO router, WiRNS can be used to update the ReplayTV box.

Such a solution is currently complicated, but eventually step by step directions will be provided. A rough draft of a FREESCO soultion is HERE.

What about Activation

All units require registry changes to "undo" things DNNA set in some recent updates. A future version of WiRNS will apply these changes for you. We should even be able to activate a new unit.


Did ReplayTV go out of business?

ReplayTV was purchased from a bankrupt SonicBLUE by Digital Networks North America (DNNA)in 2005. DNNA also owns the RIO and Escent brands. D&M, DNNA's Parent adds the Denon, Marantz, and other brands. In 2007 DNNA sold many of the ReplayTV assets to DirectTV, but DNNA continued to sell subscriptions and serve ReplayTV owners.

There is no evidence that anyone is going out of business, but DNNA has just decided to shut down the ReplayTV service.

It is not clear who has the legal responsibility for lifetime service. Possible companies are DNNA, D&M, DirectTV and for Showstopper products, Panasonic.

Where can i get more information

Discussion and work on solutions are quite active in the following Forums:

WiRNS Planet Replay Forum
ReplayTV AVS Forum

How can I help

  • If you see anything wrong with this FAQ, please update it. (it is a Wiki after all)
  • If you have the technical ability, monitor the forums and help!
  • Create step by step solution instructions. (start in the forum, can move to a wiki later)
  • Create step by step instruction videos.
  • File a complaint with your state attorney general! Complaints can be filed on-line.