What are the differences between the ShowStopper and the ReplayTV brands?
• The most serious difference between the two units is the implementation of Macrovision copy-protection. The Replay-branded units will allow you to watch a copy-protected signal (like a DVD or a rented videotape) through the Replay as well as let you record it to the Replay. So you could, if you wanted to, rent a DVD and record it to the Replay for viewing later. Note that the Replay will re-insert the copy protection when you play the program back, so you can’t make an illegal copy. The Showstopper unit handles this differently: if Macrovision is detected on the incoming signal, the unit will refuse to record the signal at all. This means that not only can’t you record a copy protected program to the unit, but you can’t even view it through the Showstopper. This isn’t really a problem if your TV has plenty of inputs, but if you are short and want to run the DVD or VCR through the Showstopper, you’re going to be out of luck. However, there have been some recent complaints from Showsto
