My wife called and the Verizon lady told her that we don't need an HDDVR box to replace the current DVR we have been using with our standard def tv. I was of the understanding that now that we have an HDTV we need to get the HD box. Can anyone help me figure out what's going on??

Thanks,
-- C

Perhaps the DVR you already have supports HD, Comcast is similar. Try recording an HD channel and see what you get.

Cox is also the same the only PVR they have had the last 4 years is an HD capable digital PVR which of course can also receive SD analog programs In addition to the local digital stations and the HD services to which the user subscribes.

Perhaps the DVR you already have supports HD, Comcast is similar. Try recording an HD channel and see what you get.
They don't even need to record an HD channel, just tune to one. ;)

Hmmmm, well I just checked and it does indeed tune to the 800's which are the local channels in HD. I'm sad, I wanted a shiny new box!! Not to mention my dog chewed my my current remote when he was a puppy so I've got teeth marks all over it.

Thanks guys,
-- C

I got a second brand new remote from my cable provider for $15 each so may wife and I each have our own.

Believe it or not, Verizon is trying to standardize where every box is the same and simple software commands will activate and deactivate features. This solves A TON of issues, not the least of which is inventory of various models. Think of trucks that only need 1 STB on them instead of 4-5 different kinds. Thus, as you found out, that is the direction they are moving.

Well on that point BeachComber will I need the Fios tech to come activate the HD feed or can I just plug in an HDMI cable when I get home and have HD? I'll mess with the wiring when I'm done staring in awe at my new 52" A650 or course!!

Well on that point BeachComber will I need the Fios tech to come activate the HD feed or can I just plug in an HDMI cable when I get home and have HD? I'll mess with the wiring when I'm done staring in awe at my new 52" A650 or course!!
Everyone has the HD channels already activated, it is just a matter of tuning them. As you reported, you can already tune the HD channels; the A/V cable used to connect the DVR to the TV is transparent to the service provider. Just connect HDMI or Component and audio, and enjoy the HD.

Hmmmm, well I just checked and it does indeed tune to the 800's which are the local channels in HD. I'm sad, I wanted a shiny new box!! Not to mention my dog chewed my my current remote when he was a puppy so I've got teeth marks all over it.
Even if that DVR broke, they won't necessarily bring a new remote with a new DVR anyway, seeing as the latter would be the same or compatible DVR. As another said, they usually will sell you a new one; or you can return the damaged remote, they will probably assess a fee for it, and get a new remote to rent in place of the old one.

Gotcha!! Thanks for the help guys. My wife just called and said that the tv has been delivered and her words were "IT'S HUGE!!". Now I can't wait to get the cables, hook them up, and have a whole new "window" in my house!!

-- C

Everyone has the HD channels already activated, it is just a matter of tuning them.
Not true. Many of us had to get the national HD channels activated after the installer showed up, even if we ordered HD service. The HD locals are there because they are sent in the clear. But if you can't tune to TNT-HD or ESPN-HD, call customer service and have then activate the national HD channels.

PS Look into getting a programmable universal remote. With multiple pieces of equipment to turn on and off, the Logitech harmony remote and similar remotes are very handy.

Not true. Many of us had to get the national HD channels activated after the installer showed up, even if we ordered HD service. The HD locals are there because they are sent in the clear. But if you can't tune to TNT-HD or ESPN-HD, call customer service and have then activate the national HD channels.

PS Look into getting a programmable universal remote. With multiple pieces of equipment to turn on and off, the Logitech harmony remote and similar remotes are very handy.

Interesting. The only HD channels I am getting are the local ones. If I call to activate the national HD channels (ESPN, Dicovery, TNT, etc.) is this an extra charge or are they supposed to be included but just aren't activated? If it matters I get over 100 standard def channels currently. G4, ESPN, Fox Sports, Disney, Disc, HG, etc. And I live in Long Beach (So Cal).

Thanks for all the help guys!!

Well in case anyone is following this thread I just got off the phone with Fios customer service. They are sending a tech out tomorrow free of charge to activate my national HD channels FOR FREE!! Yes thats right, NO extra cost per month for another 20 or so HD channels!!

Well in case anyone is following this thread I just got off the phone with Fios customer service. They are sending a tech out tomorrow free of charge to activate my national HD channels FOR FREE!! Yes thats right, NO extra cost per month for another 20 or so HD channels!!
Uh, that is what all of us Verizon subscribers get. They don't activate the national HD channels unless asked for the HD subscribers, probably because there are number of subscriber based fees for the HD only channels such as HDNet and UniversalHD. If you have a HD capable box, the customer service rep should be able to activate the box for the national HD channels remotely.

Uh, that is what all of us Verizon subscribers get. They don't activate the national HD channels unless asked for the HD subscribers, probably because there are number of subscriber based fees for the HD only channels such as HDNet and UniversalHD. If you have a HD capable box, the customer service rep should be able to activate the box for the national HD channels remotely.


Thanks for the info. As long as I'm not charged more and I get more channels I'm a happy dude!! Can any of you tell me exactly what free HD channels will be activated? I see the list on the Fios website but I can't figure out what grouping is the free tier.

Thanks again, can't wait to get home and watch another 20 or so free HD channels!!