Gadget Inspector

Brian Lowry may be a self-styled “technophobe,” but surely he must know that 90% of what TiVo and ReplayTV do can be replicated very simply by proper use of one’s cable remote control and VCR settings (“Television, as You Like It,” Feb. 13).

All cable providers allow users to set commands that will switch stations at preset times. Once this is done, one only has to set the VCR, which is really very simple. So what do TiVo and ReplayTV offer? Only the ability to go to the bathroom during a program and come back not having missed a moment. I thought that was what commercials were for. Further, I doubt that people want to pay $10 per month for this privilege. Videotapes are now available with eight hours of recorded time.

TiVo and ReplayTV prove again that just because something can be done does not mean it should be done.

FRANK MAY

Playa del Rey