09/21/98 A SOUPED-UP VCR WITHOUT THE TAPE

A SOUPED-UP VCR WITHOUT THE TAPE

FORGET INTERACTIVE TV. Rather than send E-mail or buy cubic zirconia online, couch potatoes want something simpler: the ability to view their favorite shows whenever they turn on the tube.
That's the rationale behind Replay Networks Inc.'s ReplayTV, a souped-up VCR for the Information Age. A set-top box linked to the Internet via modem, it scans online TV listings and digitally stores programs. Tell it to get shows on cooking or San Diego Padres games, and those programs will be stored in special ''Replay Channels.'' And since the unit stores programs as you watch, viewers can hit the pause button even during live broadcasts, leave the room, and not miss a minute of the show. Due out in November, ReplayTV can store up to 30 hours of programming, although the base unit that can record just seven hours will cost a hefty $995. Too steep? Wait until next year when rival TiVo, another Silicon Valley startup, unveils a similar sub-$500 set-top box and a service for a monthly fee.
By Peter Burrows
EDITED BY IRA SAGER