This post may sound like the babbling of someone who knows next to nothing about the subject but here goes:

A day or so ago I got a notice from Verizon that they were coming into my development to install FIOS. There was no timeline in the notice but at some point they will be seeking subscribers for this service and I am tempted.

I've been a Mac owner since the days of the 512k 9inch box. Won't say what the current machine is but I'm running OS X.

I am interested in using Apple's TV box in my installation. Can I plug it into FIOS and my mac to use my mac as HDTV recorder? I'm planning on using FIOS as my tv signal provider as well as my internet connection (replacing the current DSL line).

What I hope to be able to do is to have jpeg files from my mac appear on my HDTV along with any downloads I get from iTunes.

Am I thinking correctly that all of this is possible?

Thanks for anyone who can confirm or correct these thoughts.

First of all, I believe that the FIOS architecture may differ slightly from region to region because the build-out happened at different times. In my area, the only difference between FIOS internet/tv and any other internet/cable tv is the use of the MoCA coax standard for distributing internet protocol around the house. I was issued an Actiontec wireless G router which connects both to a cat5 cable from the wall plate and a coax cable from the same wall plate. Unless the Actiontec router is used, I cannot get any program guide from the Moto cable boxes. This is unfortunate because the wireless G performance of the Actiontec is poor. You can however, turn off the Actiontec wireless section and plug in a wireless access point of your choosing. A WRT54G router I had around the house gives my much better wireless performance. The coax out of the wall plate has limited clear QAM channels which include locals, both SD and HD. An HDHomerun device which has two channels of clear QAM or OTA ATSC is controlled by EyeTV DVR software on a Mac Mini, and I am very happy with it.

I think you will be pleased with the speed and reliability of FIOS internet, and the quality of the clear QAM channels. I get the full 15 Mb download speed from my NNTP provider every time I have measured it. When it becomes available to you, just do it.

One last thing: due to poor planning FIOS is behind the curve nationwide in providing HD channels. During 2008, they will be turning off analog in the coax, provisioning more QAM channels at the headend, and adding a lot more HD programing. After this happens, I don't think they will be second to anybody in the quantity or quality of their HD service.

FiOS uses pretty much the same system throughout the US, QAM for all the channels and MoCA for guide data and VOD. So the Actiontec is required for guide data and VOD. I have a TiVo with CableCARD, so I don't need the Actiontec, but I'm really happy with it as a router and the wifi is adequate.

As for working with the Mac. In regards to Internet, it is exactly the same. For TV, you're going to want to pick up either an HDHomeRun or a EyeTV Hybrid. But you will only be able to watch CBS, NBC, PBS, Fox etc. as the rest of the channels are encrypted and no one makes a CableCARD tuner for Mac.

To the OP: You are confused about alot of things. Go here: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/vzfiber