terry,

I'm glad someone else noticed the reps' lack of....knowledge.

.

When I was there, someone asked a Verizon rep to tune to a High Def channel. She switched to one of the local channels, which was showing the local news broadcast at the time. She then pointed to the screen and raved about how good "High Defintion" looks. The picture was streched to wide-screen so most on-lookers probably thought they were seeing high def.

The same rep also erroneously claimed that the high-def tuner box contains three tuners so you can record three channels at once.

In an earlier post in this thread Seplant called and asked which high def channels will be available. Among others, they told him/her The Food Channel and HGTV. At the Killer Apps show they had a list of channels (one copy - none to hand out) and it did not list those two HD channels (although as pointed out earlier, they did list WFFT-Fox). I hope the list was wrong and the info given to Seplant was correct.

I would have thought Verizon would have gotten their act together better for the show. Some of the visitors knew more about FIOS TV than the Verizon reps.

When I was there, someone asked a Verizon rep to tune to a High Def channel. She switched to one of the local channels, which was showing the local news broadcast at the time. She then pointed to the screen and raved about how good "High Defintion" looks. The picture was streched to wide-screen so most on-lookers probably thought they were seeing high def.

The same rep also erroneously claimed that the high-def tuner box contains three tuners so you can record three channels at once.

In an earlier post in this thread Seplant called and asked which high def channels will be available. Among others, they told him/her The Food Channel and HGTV. At the Killer Apps show they had a list of channels (one copy - none to hand out) and it did not list those two HD channels (although as pointed out earlier, they did list WFFT-Fox). I hope the list was wrong and the info given to Seplant was correct.

I would have thought Verizon would have gotten their act together better for the show. Some of the visitors knew more about FIOS TV than the Verizon reps.


I think we could agree that some of us board members could have ran that booth...

In an earlier post in this thread Seplant called and asked which high def channels will be available. Among others, they told him/her The Food Channel and HGTV. At the Killer Apps show they had a list of channels (one copy - none to hand out) and it did not list those two HD channels (although as pointed out earlier, they did list WFFT-Fox). I hope the list was wrong and the info given to Seplant was correct.


Most of Verizon's other markets just got Food Network HD, HGTV HD, and Lifetime movie HD in the last month, although most of their promo material and web pages do not yet reflect this. They appear to be national carriage deals, so we can reasonably expect that Fort Wayne will probably have those channels upon launch, or shortly thereafter.

I think we could agree that some of us board members could have ran that booth...No we couldn't. Everyone here would be over qualified.

I heard whispers of 55 getting HD before the Super Bowl.

...then my LSD wore off.


Seriously, though, that's what I heard...

I heard whispers of 55 getting HD before the Super Bowl.

...then my LSD wore off.


Seriously, though, that's what I heard...

Seems to me I heard something about that as well, FOX was going to put the hammer down to insure HD coast-to-coast for the Superbowl.

Seems to me I heard something about that as well, FOX was going to put the hammer down to insure HD coast-to-coast for the Superbowl.

That'd be nice, but better if they got their sh*t together before all the new shows start in the fall...

I heard whispers of 55 getting HD before the Super Bowl.

...then my LSD wore off.


Seriously, though, that's what I heard...


I'll only believe it when I see it. Even if they do get "HD", you'll probably have to be able to see the tower out your back window to be able to get the signal to lock on.

Would be great though if they got it taken care of. Tired of watching races, baseball, and football in SD on FOX.

I'll only believe it when I see it. Even if they do get "HD", you'll probably have to be able to see the tower out your back window to be able to get the signal to lock on.

Would be great though if they got it taken care of. Tired of watching races, baseball, and football in SD on FOX.


...and House, and 24, and American Idol...

That'd be nice, but better if they got their sh*t together before all the new shows start in the fall...

Yeah, but there's little evidence that they care, let alone are capable of getting it together.

I really think if it's going to happen, it will be for the Superbowl. That only puts them a year out from the analog shutdown, and will be the last shot in the coverage rotation for awhile.

YMMV.

Yeah, but there's little evidence that they care, let alone are capable of getting it together.

I really think if it's going to happen, it will be for the Superbowl. That only puts them a year out from the analog shutdown, and will be the last shot in the coverage rotation for awhile.

YMMV.


Makes sense. If they ever want to sell their station, they won't if it's locked into just digital by the FCC.


Well, they could see it to another Nexstar-type company....



Anyone hear anything else about FIOS TV? We need to start a Pool.

Anyone hear anything else about FIOS TV? We need to start a Pool.

A post by someone claiming to be an installer over at dslreports or a similar site claimed they have been doing installations for other Verizon employees to work the bugs out of the system before launching to the general public. I also spoke with a BB employee the other day who said Verizon just bought a bunch of 1080p LCDs for display demos, probably in their stores.

I live near North Webster, and keep my antenna pointed at SB until the leaves come on, then I must point towards FW because of a line af trees directly west of the antenna. Last summer, I puilled 21, 33, and 15 just fine, now I can only get 21 and 33. Is something going on with 15, or do I just need to keep tweaking the antenna? Thanks.

I posted this over on the Grand Rapids thread, but it was too good to not share with you guys here in the Fort:

Thought you guys might get a kick out of the following transcript from Comcast's Live Chat customer service web page. BTW - I'm just trying to get service switched over from Fort Wayne to Grand Rapids. This was on 5/8/07 @ 5:15p


chat id : sales14_SQ_25cf8bf2-7feb-4ef7-9f4c-9e7472db2ff6
Problem : no problem given
Keisha > Good Evening My name is Keisha, Thank you for choosing Comcast! and I will be processing your order. This will take a few minutes so feel free to ask questions while I process your order.
Keisha > I do apologize, our systems are currently in an upgrade and I am unable to complete your order as requested. I have been informed that this should be completed shortly. Please contact us back at www.comcast.com in a few hours and we will be able to complete your order at that time. I do apologize for the inconvenience.
comcast_guest > So, am I going to get the service I requested, when I requested it?
Keisha > I cannot process your order at the moment because our system is currently in an upgrade.
comcast_guest > Perhaps you can send me an email when your comapany is ready to do business?
Keisha > We do not send e-mails or do call backs.
comcast_guest > Perhaps I should see if the satillite people do?
Keisha > Okay.
Keisha > Is there anything else I can help you with today?
comcast_guest > Well, I don't know that you have helped me... Is there someone available that can assist?
Keisha > our systems are currently in an upgrade and I am unable to complete your order as requested. I have been informed that this should be completed shortly. Please contact us back at www.comcast.com in a few hours and we will be able to complete your order at that time. I do apologize for the inconvenience.
Keisha > Analyst has closed chat and left the room
comcast_guest > So do I resubmit all the information I've already spend time doing in order for this to be processed?

Excuse the French, but these ****ers aren't even pretending to care these days....

[BTW - I'm going to miss you guys... well everyone except the WFFT weasels! I'll still check in, take care of yourselves, keep being nice to the WANE/WISE engineering staff, they are a tremedious asset the the board and the Fort.

I'm still in for $20 you won't see FiOS TV until the end of the year...]

I posted this over on the Grand Rapids thread, but it was too good to not share with you guys here in the Fort:

Thought you guys might get a kick out of the following transcript from Comcast's Live Chat customer service web page. BTW - I'm just trying to get service switched over from Fort Wayne to Grand Rapids. This was on 5/8/07 @ 5:15p


chat id : sales14_SQ_25cf8bf2-7feb-4ef7-9f4c-9e7472db2ff6
Problem : no problem given
Keisha > Good Evening My name is Keisha, Thank you for choosing Comcast! and I will be processing your order. This will take a few minutes so feel free to ask questions while I process your order.
Keisha > I do apologize, our systems are currently in an upgrade and I am unable to complete your order as requested. I have been informed that this should be completed shortly. Please contact us back at www.comcast.com in a few hours and we will be able to complete your order at that time. I do apologize for the inconvenience.
comcast_guest > So, am I going to get the service I requested, when I requested it?
Keisha > I cannot process your order at the moment because our system is currently in an upgrade.
comcast_guest > Perhaps you can send me an email when your comapany is ready to do business?
Keisha > We do not send e-mails or do call backs.
comcast_guest > Perhaps I should see if the satillite people do?
Keisha > Okay.
Keisha > Is there anything else I can help you with today?
comcast_guest > Well, I don't know that you have helped me... Is there someone available that can assist?
Keisha > our systems are currently in an upgrade and I am unable to complete your order as requested. I have been informed that this should be completed shortly. Please contact us back at www.comcast.com in a few hours and we will be able to complete your order at that time. I do apologize for the inconvenience.
Keisha > Analyst has closed chat and left the room
comcast_guest > So do I resubmit all the information I've already spend time doing in order for this to be processed?

Excuse the French, but these ****ers aren't even pretending to care these days....

[BTW - I'm going to miss you guys... well everyone except the WFFT weasels! I'll still check in, take care of yourselves, keep being nice to the WANE/WISE engineering staff, they are a tremedious asset the the board and the Fort.

I'm still in for $20 you won't see FiOS TV until the end of the year...]



Yay Comcast!

Good luck! Keep checking in!


...and this should stir up the thread.


I just got a call from my brother-in-law. Verizon just called him, and he is now in the FIOSTV BETA. They are installing it May 15.

I am in the same pre-notification list he is in, so I am waiting for a call like it's a hot girl!



So Kib, i'll take that bet.

Good luck! [Kib] Keep checking in!




Kib,

Let me second that. You comments (and humor) have always been a great addition to this board.

Does Comcast have the local Fort Wayne HD channels available via clear QAM? If they do what channels are they. Also should I set my tuner to STD, HRC, or IRC? Should I be able to got it with just basic cable? When we first got it hooked up a few months ago I could get ESPN 1 & 2, and TNT in HD for a while. I could also get some movies that looked like they were someone elses on-demand channels, but I never found the local channels.

Does Comcast have the local Fort Wayne HD channels available via clear QAM? If they do what channels are they. Also should I set my tuner to STD, HRC, or IRC? Should I be able to got it with just basic cable? When we first got it hooked up a few months ago I could get ESPN 1 & 2, and TNT in HD for a while. I could also get some movies that looked like they were someone elses on-demand channels, but I never found the local channels.

From what I have heard, the channels, except for local, are now scrambled over QAM.


You will be able to get local HD channels over QAM. I believe WISE33 is 76. I forget the others... (I use OTA)

Does Comcast have the local Fort Wayne HD channels available via clear QAM? If they do what channels are they. Also should I set my tuner to STD, HRC, or IRC? Should I be able to got it with just basic cable? When we first got it hooked up a few months ago I could get ESPN 1 & 2, and TNT in HD for a while. I could also get some movies that looked like they were someone elses on-demand channels, but I never found the local channels.
When Comcast scrambled all the premium HD channels , it also screwed up my local HD stations, but it various from TV to TV. I have 3 TVs w QAM. The JVC still gets CBS, ABC, and NBC. but one Panny now gets only NBC, and the other Panny now gets none.

When Comcast scrambled all the premium HD channels , it also screwed up my local HD stations, but it various from TV to TV. I have 3 TVs w QAM. The JVC still gets CBS, ABC, and NBC. buy one Panny now gets only NBC, and the other Panny now gets none.

It's Comcastic!

HD Locals ITC via QAM via Craptastic:

76-3 ABC
76-4 CBS
77-3 NBC

Does Comcast have the local Fort Wayne HD channels available via clear QAM? If they do what channels are they. Also should I set my tuner to STD, HRC, or IRC? Should I be able to got it with just basic cable? When we first got it hooked up a few months ago I could get ESPN 1 & 2, and TNT in HD for a while. I could also get some movies that looked like they were someone elses on-demand channels, but I never found the local channels.

When I set up my HD capture card a few months ago, the local broadcasts were on STD channels 76 and 77. ESPN, TNT and DISC HD have all been scrambled since then.

It's Comcastic!


You mean "It's Comcraptic!"

Just got a call from Verizon! They indicated Verizon FIOS TV is now available in my area (south west FT Wayne). :D :D :D

They will be calling back with bundle prices and installation dates.

Any one else been contacted??

If the bundle price is decent I will be saying goodbye to Comcast.

I just signed up for FIOS at my house (just moved) and the guy said that he heard TV was going to be available on the south side of town and make it's way north! Can't wait! The channel lineup is on their Verizon Fios Website and it looks worth the change!

Whoops...he said it was going to be available tomorrow (5/15)!!!

Got a call back form Verizon. Next available installation date 5/26.
Between 105 an 110 dollars for bundle (Phone,Internet TV) + 5$ per box.

Will be rolling out south west first and expanding from there.

I see on the Verizon website they have a downloadable (http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/channel+lineup.htm) channel guide for Fort Wayne. They list WFFT as one of the HD channels. ;)

Got a message today from Comcast that the NFL Network is now a part of their sports package. Verizon's tv lineup looks to have it as a part of their basic package PLUS they actually have the HD version on their list.

I am having FiOS tv installed right now.

be sure to let us know how WFFT looks in HD! lol :)

be sure to let us know how WFFT looks in HD! lol :)


I....how....HD....now? WTF



CALL ME, VERIZON!

All signed up for FIOS triple play. Installation is set for next Thursday. :D :D :D

This will be a Comcastaclysmic event - at least for Comcast.

All signed up for FIOS triple play. Installation is set for next Thursday. :D :D :D

This will be a Comcastaclysmic event - at least for Comcast.


nice.

I can't wait for the call....

All signed up for FIOS triple play. Installation is set for next Thursday. :D :D :D

This will be a Comcastaclysmic event - at least for Comcast.

Did you get HD with a DVR? Just wondering what the package deal would be that includes HD.

It's finally starting to roll out here?

Now I need a good way to get out of my Dish contract, still have like 6 months left on it.

What's the deal? People are claiming they are getting it installed, abs5124 said he was getting it installed at that time, yet no one is posting any experience with it. Is it so good that people can't tear themselves away from it to post any feedback?

Verizon's channel lineup on their website states CSN Chicago 2....I'm hoping this is the channel that will give us the Cubs games that are not on WGN or the regular Comcast Sports Net. Does anyone that has it installed have any feedback on this? Thanks!

Verizon's channel lineup on their website states CSN Chicago 2....I'm hoping this is the channel that will give us the Cubs games that are not on WGN or the regular Comcast Sports Net. Does anyone that has it installed have any feedback on this? Thanks!

I believe that it is CSN+. They put the Cubs on CSN+ when the White Sox or Bulls are on CSN. It does NOT include the games that are on WCIU. They are not scheduled to be on CSN+ again until July 6th.

Originally Posted by seplant
Did you get HD with a DVR? Just wondering what the package deal would be that includes HD.

I did not get the DVR but did get an HD box.
The High Definition (HD) Box Rents for $9.99/month
The Digital Video Recorder (DVR) rents for 12.99/month and can record 85 hours SD or 20 hours of HD

There is no additional cost for the HD channels once you rent the box. With the movie packakge 12.99/month you get Stars,TMC and Showtime premium HD channels as well as about 45 SD movie channels of Starz, Encore,Showtime,The Movie Channel, Flix, Sundance and Independent Film Channel.

The HD Line up according to their web posting is as follows:

http://www22.verizon.com/NROneRetail/NR/rdonlyres/8894B4E5-58A1-46BC-A920-9FCE6DA37BC7/0/IN_FtWayne.pdf

HDTV Broadcast
802 CBS — WANE HD
804 NBC — WISE HD
805 FOX — WFFT HD
807 ABC — WPTA HD

HDTV National
825 TNT HD
826 ESPN HD
827 ESPN 2 HD
828 NFL Network HD
833 HD Net
834 HD Net Movies
835 Universal HD
835 Discovery HD
836 Wealth TV HD
838 National Geographic Channel HD
839 MTV HD

HDTV Premium
851 HBO HDTV
852 Cinemax HDTV
853 Showtime HDTV
854 TMC HDTV
855 Starz HDTV

I have it installed but it is not completed. I have the basic channels but signed up for the movie package and the HD channels. The last two are not showing up I have gone 3 days now without them and unsure what is going on. They have told me that it will be finised within 23 hours. I am having a little worry run through my head at this point. The DVR box looks like the HD box and they have different model numbers. The Verizon techs said the HD bo has a DVR built in. I will update when I know ore information. Sorry for the delay I have been in Cleveland since the day after the install.

The techs were out here on Tuesday until 8:45pm and they were unable to resolve my problem with the HD & movies and since yesterday I was in Cleveland nothing was done with it so when I arrived home tonight I called and was informed of the 23 hours timeline.

Can anyone confirm that WFFT-55 is in HD like it's listed in their program guide?

Verizon's channel lineup on their website states CSN Chicago 2....I'm hoping this is the channel that will give us the Cubs games that are not on WGN or the regular Comcast Sports Net. Does anyone that has it installed have any feedback on this? Thanks!


Anyone else find it ironic that Comcast can't give us Comcast Sports Net+, but Verizon can? Does it cost Comcast money to show its own channel?

Also, my brother-in-law lives in suburban Chicago and gets Comcast Sports Net HD. Wonder if they'll ever roll that out around here?

Can anyone confirm that WFFT-55 is in HD like it's listed in their program guide?


It is listed as HD in there programming guide. It is channel 805 WFFT HD. If its in HD I dont know because of my problem.

Updated with my problem called today when I got home they reactivcated my boxes again and still no signal coming through with it. I dont know if anyone else is having that problem or not. My problem has been escalated up to there video specialist and now waiting on a phone call again from them. They did return my call last time so there is some hope but I am going to try if they do not call by 5.

The Verizon techs said the HD bo has a DVR built in.Flip that around. The DVR box has HD built in, but the HD box isn't necessarily a DVR. There is no standard def DVR.

Flip that around. The DVR box has HD built in, but the HD box isn't necessarily a DVR. There is no standard def DVR.


Yup thats what I figured still no update on my tv being fixed yet.

Anyone else find it ironic that Comcast can't give us Comcast Sports Net+, but Verizon can? Does it cost Comcast money to show its own channel?

Also, my brother-in-law lives in suburban Chicago and gets Comcast Sports Net HD. Wonder if they'll ever roll that out around here?


Hopefully, once they get installation for everyone that has already signed up and get the service stable they will start adding CSN HD and WGN HD. They offer the Fox Sports Nets and Comcast Sports Nets in HD to other markets. Those are the only two other HD channels that I want right now.

Most of Verizon's other markets added Food Network HD, Lifetime movies HD, and one other in the last month, although they are not yet included on the Fort Wayne channel list. Can any of you new installees tell us whether they are actually providing them yet?

Most of Verizon's other markets added Food Network HD, Lifetime movies HD, and one other in the last month, although they are not yet included on the Fort Wayne channel list. Can any of you new installees tell us whether they are actually providing them yet?


It is on the programming guide list. With my service still being all messed up I cannot verify it for you but since it is on there I assume it is available in HD.

I have a trick that I will try and see if it will work. I was able to record House last night even though the channel does not come in. Its bizarre but this whole process has been since Tuesday and they said that my service could be fixed by Monday. I like the word could sounds better than will be.

I finally have a solution to my problem. Some idiot at Verizon ordering did not put through the request for HD & movie channels so now I have to wait until 8am on Monday morning to get this resolved. It will have been 7 days this Tuesday if they did not get it resolved. I would make sure that they get your order correct or you could have the same problem I did.

I finally have a solution to my problem. Some idiot at Verizon ordering did not put through the request for HD & movie channels so now I have to wait until 8am on Monday morning to get this resolved. It will have been 7 days this Tuesday if they did not get it resolved. I would make sure that they get your order correct or you could have the same problem I did.

If Fox is HD we are watching the House season finale at your house

Most of Verizon's other markets added Food Network HD, Lifetime movies HD, and one other in the last month, although they are not yet included on the Fort Wayne channel list. Can any of you new installees tell us whether they are actually providing them yet?


The Website changed the list. They added:

Food Network HD
HGTV HD
Lifetime Movie Network HD

However, they removed Comcast Sports Network Chicago.


For those that have it installed, do you have Comcast Sports Network Chicago?

Hello. Hope that this is ok to post here with admin? We have a used 80 foot TV tower that we would like to sell if anyone is interested in it. We just took it down for a friend and we already have a 64 foot so we do not need it.

Thanks,
Steve in Huntington

I've been checking with Verizon for the past 3 months on when FIOS TV will be available. Each time they state 4-6 weeks. I got a letter in the mail today indicating to Sign Up Today to Receive Priority Installation. I called and waited on hold for about 15 min only to find out that it's going to be another 4-6 weeks for my street - north of Union Chappel. That said, I can't wait for the day when I finally get to call Comcrap with the news.

I'll be anxiously watching the posts here to see what everyone thinks.

I've been checking with Verizon for the past 3 months on when FIOS TV will be available. Each time they state 4-6 weeks. I got a letter in the mail today indicating to Sign Up Today to Receive Priority Installation. I called and waited on hold for about 15 min only to find out that it's going to be another 4-6 weeks for my street - north of Union Chappel. That said, I can't wait for the day when I finally get to call Comcrap with the news.

I'll be anxiously watching the posts here to see what everyone thinks.


That letter is good news I received mine and about two weeks later I received another call asking when I would like my install date.

If Fox is HD we are watching the House season finale at your house


Agreed I will know Monday night for sure.

That letter is good news I received mine and about two weeks later I received another call asking when I would like my install date.


S-w-e-e-t ! I was hoping that's what others experienced. Now if the WFFT HD is true and the FIOS service is as good as it sounds, I'll be one happy camper.

I've been checking with Verizon for the past 3 months on when FIOS TV will be available. Each time they state 4-6 weeks. I got a letter in the mail today indicating to Sign Up Today to Receive Priority Installation. I called and waited on hold for about 15 min only to find out that it's going to be another 4-6 weeks for my street - north of Union Chappel. That said, I can't wait for the day when I finally get to call Comcrap with the news.

I'll be anxiously watching the posts here to see what everyone thinks.

I got the letter, too. Waited about 10 minutes. Another 15 minutes to setup my order . . . I thought I was about to get FiOS TV installed, Finally! The phone rep said that I will receive a call in 3-6 weeks to schedule an installation time. I guess I'll have to stick with Comcast a little bit longer!

Anyone else having problems with 21? Yesterday and today my HR20 is not able to get a signal on 21-1 or 21-2.

Anyone else having problems with 21? Yesterday and today my HR20 is not able to get a signal on 21-1 or 21-2.

Here in Huntington too, with Dish 211. Usually the most reliable digital signal we get so, something is wrong.

I got the letter, too. Waited about 10 minutes. Another 15 minutes to setup my order . . . I thought I was about to get FiOS TV installed, Finally! The phone rep said that I will receive a call in 3-6 weeks to schedule an installation time. I guess I'll have to stick with Comcast a little bit longer!


I received the priority installation letter yesterday and called as well. I was told that I would be contacted in 2-3 DAYS to set up installation date. (online it still says it is unavailable at my address?)

I live in 46805...I hear they are starting Southwest and moving north, might be a chance that I will be getting it soon.

WPTA's Digital transmitter failed on Saturday afternoon, Parts should be in sometime on Sunday afternoon. Hopefully the transmitter will back on-line by 8:00pm on Sunday.

WPTA's Digital transmitter failed on Saturday afternoon, Parts should be in sometime on Sunday afternoon. Hopefully the transmitter will back on-line by 8:00pm on Sunday.

Thanks for the info. I bet the Indy Time Trails aren't HD, anyways...

Thanks for the info. I bet the Indy Time Trails aren't HD, anyways...

The race is going to be this year, so, hopefully all will go well next weekend.

The race is going to be this year, so, hopefully all will go well next weekend.

I heard : ) 21 isn't 5.1 yet, is it?

I am southwest in 46804 and Verizon is coming tomorrow, Monday 5/21, to install FIOS TV (I already have FIOS internet). I am getting one DVR for an high def TV in the living room and one standard def set top box for a non-highdef TV in the bedroom. I'll report back tomorrow on the installation, and the quality of the signal compared to Comcast.

Although they say they have Fox in HD, it is my understanding from reading this forum that the local Fox affiliate does not have HD equipment. I'll find out for sure tomorrow.

I am southwest in 46804 and Verizon is coming tomorrow, Monday 5/21, to install FIOS TV (I already have FIOS internet). I am getting one DVR for an high def TV in the living room and one standard def set top box for a non-highdef TV in the bedroom. I'll report back tomorrow on the installation, and the quality of the signal compared to Comcast.

Although they say they have Fox in HD, it is my understanding from reading this forum that the local Fox affiliate does not have HD equipment. I'll find out for sure tomorrow.


Make sure they have your order entered properly. My problem was that and they realized Friday after 5. That was only 3 days after my install was suppose to be done.

Fox is not in HD.

Verizon installed FIOS TV at my house today. They were scheduled to arrive sometime between 1 and 5. They actually arrived at 1:30. Two installers were here for 3 hours. I already had FIOS internet so they didn't have to install the ONT, etc.

They supplied all cables: HDMI to DVI from the DVR to my hi-def TV. Optical out from the DVR to my audio receiver. For a bedroom standard-def TV they supplied
s-video and the audio RCA's from a standard set top box to the TV.

They tested the signal strength at all outlets and made a change in the attic (removed an unneccessry Comcast spliter) to get one outlet up to spec for signal stength.

I had Comcast before this. Comparing the two, I would say they are equivalent in picture quality for both hi-def and standard def digital. Analog stations are also similar but Verizon has far fewer analog stations. But it's hard to do a valid comparison since I can't do an A/B comparison because they had to disconnect Comcast to install FIOS. But I don't see a significant change from Comcast in any of the signals. However, I am pleased that it costs around $20/mo less than Comcast for similar service. Plus there are a couple more HD channels with Verizon.

And as mentioned in the post above, Fox is not high-definition, even though several Verizon sales people told me otherwise.

Verizon installed FIOS TV at my house today. They were scheduled to arrive sometime between 1 and 5. They actually arrived at 1:30. Two installers were here for 3 hours. I already had FIOS internet so they didn't have to install the ONT, etc.

They supplied all cables: HDMI to DVI from the DVR to my hi-def TV. Optical out from the DVR to my audio receiver. For a bedroom standard-def TV they supplied
s-video and the audio RCA's from a standard set top box to the TV.

They tested the signal strength at all outlets and made a change in the attic (removed an unneccessry Comcast spliter) to get one outlet up to spec for signal stength.

I had Comcast before this. Comparing the two, I would say they are equivalent in picture quality for both hi-def and standard def digital. Analog stations are also similar but Verizon has far fewer analog stations. But it's hard to do a valid comparison since I can't do an A/B comparison because they had to disconnect Comcast to install FIOS. But I don't see a significant change from Comcast in any of the signals. However, I am pleased that it costs around $20/mo less than Comcast for similar service. Plus there are a couple more HD channels with Verizon.

And as mentioned in the post above, Fox is not high-definition, even though several Verizon sales people told me otherwise.

Do you get Comcast Sports Network Chicago?
It should be 65 or 66.

Do you get Comcast Sports Network Chicago?
It should be 65 or 66.

No. In the on-screen guide, channel 65 is labeled "CSN Chi" and 66 is labeled "FSX MW". But when I select them, it says the selected channel is not available.

I'm guessing they may be part of the extra-cost sports package, which I did not get.

------------------------

Edit: according to the .pdf channel guide from Verizon's website, channel 66, Fox Sports, is listed as being part of the basic package even though it said it wasn't available when I tried to select it.
I don't see Comcast Sports Network listed in the pdf, even in the extra-cost sports package. Of course, this pdf could be wrong or out-of-date.

shabadabadoo

From the News-Sentinel, bold emphasis mine
CBS WANE, Channel 15, and WFFT, Fox, Channel 55, could be put up for sale.

WANE owner LIN TV Corp. has retained J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., and Nexstar Broadcasting Group, owner of Fox Channel 55, has hired Goldman, Sachs & Co. to explore strategic alternatives, including a possible sale of the companies.

LIN TV Corp. owns television, digital media and online news operations through 29 owned and/or operated TV stations and Web sites in 17 cities.

Nexstar owns, operates, programs, or provides sales and other services to 49 TV stations in 29 markets. Nexstar’s TV station group includes affiliates of NBC, CBS, ABC and Fox.
LINK (http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/17263088.htm)

Fingers crossed for 55.

From the News-Sentinel, bold emphasis mine

LINK (http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/17263088.htm)

Fingers crossed for 55.


Interesting.

If anyone reading this has FIOS TV yet, are your analog stations (2-49) all decent picture quality?

On mine, they are decent except channels 4 (NBC-WISE) and 5 (FOX-WFFT) which both have ghosting. It's most noticible with text on the screen, where it's like seeing double, but it also degrades the picture overall as if I were watching a set with a rabbit ears antenna that isn't quite pointed in the right direction. The ghosting is present with all my TV's, some of which have a set top box, and some of which have coax directly connected.

I know analog can't be expected to be as good as digital, but I didn't get this ghosting with Comcast's analog, and don't get it with Verizon except on these two channels.

No. In the on-screen guide, channel 65 is labeled "CSN Chi" and 66 is labeled "FSX MW". But when I select them, it says the selected channel is not available.

I'm guessing they may be part of the extra-cost sports package, which I did not get.

------------------------

Edit: according to the .pdf channel guide from Verizon's website, channel 66, Fox Sports, is listed as being part of the basic package even though it said it wasn't available when I tried to select it.
I don't see Comcast Sports Network listed in the pdf, even in the extra-cost sports package. Of course, this pdf could be wrong or out-of-date.


There are two different pdf files that have the channels on. One has both CSNC and Fox Sports Midwest. The other only has Fox Sports Midwest.


Since it lists it in the on-screen guide that leads me to believe that they will have it ,but that they are just having problems with the channel right now. At least that is what I hope. I won't switch if they don't have CSNC.

If anyone reading this has FIOS TV yet, are your analog stations (2-49) all decent picture quality?

On mine, they are decent except channels 4 (NBC-WISE) and 5 (FOX-WFFT) which both have ghosting. It's most noticible with text on the screen, where it's like seeing double, but it also degrades the picture overall as if I were watching a set with a rabbit ears antenna that isn't quite pointed in the right direction. The ghosting is present with all my TV's, some of which have a set top box, and some of which have coax directly connected.

I know analog can't be expected to be as good as digital, but I didn't get this ghosting with Comcast's analog, and don't get it with Verizon except on these two channels.
This is due to Verizon picking up the locals via OFF-AIR. We are sending Verizon all channels directly using fiber and Verizon is still working on getting all the locals directly fed to them.
Comcast currently is recieving all the locals via fiber.

This is due to Verizon picking up the locals via OFF-AIR. We are sending Verizon all channels directly using fiber and Verizon is still working on getting all the locals directly fed to them.
Comcast currently is recieving all the locals via fiber.

Thanks! I am glad to know this is probably a temporary start-up issue while they work to get direct feeds.

So guys, I've been following this thread for awhile now. I decided it was time to create an account and join in! I've bought a house, and will be moving in in two weeks. I have FIOS internet scheduled to be installed...but in 46825, FIOS TV is not yet available. I'm most interested in hearing from those who have FIOS TV fully working on nice HDTV's. If you switched from Comcast, that's even better, as I'd like to hear what you think about the picture quality. From what I'm being told, the picture is completely uncompressed...even in HD! I can only imagine what that might look like on my 52" DLP 1080P set. I've been pretty disappointed with the amount of compression on Comcast's HD channels...and the audio / video glitches that happen often enough to remind me what I think of Comcast. Also, there is a new GUI for the boxes called the "Interactive Media Guide." If you all don't know about it... message me and I'll give you the URL's to Verizon's site and Engadget's story... I haven't posted 5 times, so I can't paste the URL's, as much as I tried to.

This is apparently being used on the Fort Wayne system first in the entire country! Give me your reactions of that too! Thanks everyone. I look forward to getting it and letting ya'll know my reactions as well.

Kenny, welcome to the forum from a fellow 46825'er!

All HD is compressed substantially as compared to a series of still images, even Verizon's. I recall reading that typical broadcast 1080i MPEG2 HD is compressed by a factor of 40 or 50 although I do not have the reference handy to cite. Verizon's claim is that they don't do any additional compression, which is to say that they are passing along whatever they receive from the content providers. In contrast to that, most of their competitors apply some additional bit-rate compression to fit more content into their distribution systems. As a practical matter, we can probably expect most of Verizon's HD content to look similar to broadcast HD, which is respectable but it still won't have the bitrate to rival a decent HD DVD or Blu-ray movie.

The 500 looks great in HD.


...but I am very disappointed in the sound mix thus far. The commentators' mics are way too loud compared to the roar of the engines.

Kenny, welcome to the forum from a fellow 46825'er!

All HD is compressed substantially as compared to a series of still images, even Verizon's. I recall reading that typical broadcast 1080i MPEG2 HD is compressed by a factor of 40 or 50 although I do not have the reference handy to cite. Verizon's claim is that they don't do any additional compression, which is to say that they are passing along whatever they receive from the content providers. In contrast to that, most of their competitors apply some additional bit-rate compression to fit more content into their distribution systems. As a practical matter, we can probably expect most of Verizon's HD content to look similar to broadcast HD, which is respectable but it still won't have the bitrate to rival a decent HD DVD or Blu-ray movie.

Hey, Assayer! Thanks for the info... it makes total sense. I don't know about you, but I have ZERO interest in paying for HD-DVD or Blu-Ray until there is either one standard, or a GOOD AFFORDABLE dual-format player. I'll use my 1080P Upconverting player until then. Can't they all just get along? hehe

The 500 looks great in HD.


...but I am very disappointed in the sound mix thus far. The commentators' mics are way too loud compared to the roar of the engines.

I was really happy with the sound mix I got... I could barely hear the announcers! Oh wait... I was at the race... LOL I'm a bit wet, but it was a fun one.

New to the list but was wondering whether anyone on the forums in the Fort Wayne area is using MythTV?

New to the list but was wondering whether anyone on the forums in the Fort Wayne area is using MythTV?
Been using it and loving it for more than 2 years now! I'm awaiting my DVI-HDMI cable for my new Sharp 42" LCD so I can timeshift HD! (wow, what a goal...)

As a side note, since receiving aforementioned 42" LCD TV I've noticed that 39-2 looks terrible. I'm pulling all my digital channels over the air. The other three look fine so far as I can tell...

Is it me or is anyone else seeing this?

New to the list but was wondering whether anyone on the forums in the Fort Wayne area is using MythTV?

I've been using MythTV for about a year and half now. Specifically the KnoppMyth (http://mysettopbox.tv/knoppmyth.html) distro. I have an old Dell sitting in the basement with a couple of tuners and my frontend is a Via epia m1000. I'm currently working on connecting to my 26" Samsung with a VGA cable.

For those using MythTV and anyone else getting HD/DTV Off Air through an ATSC Tuner are you successfully using the EIT data for your MythTV/TV/Receivers EPG (Electronic Programming Guide)? Anyone else with Comments on EIT data?

Everyone Thanks for the Quick Responses. Great to find other Linux/MythTV Users.

My antenna doesn't get a strong enough signal for me to record OTA yet. I need to trim some branches and switch to a better antenna. For now I use comcasts local feeds with my QAM tuner.

As far as the EIT data. I've noticed some issues with the times and shows being listed on my Samsung HDTV via OTA. They're not always correct. It's hard to say if they would be more accurate than what zap2it provides.

I've actually not been able to use the EIT data. I messed around with it back in my earlier days of mythTV, but now I just rely on pulling all of my data from zap2it.
I think it was grabbing incorrect data or the same data for all the channels so I canned that idea in favor of updating nightly from the Internet.

Sorry, I guess I'm not much help aside from recommending a different solution :)

I finally have a solution to my problem. Some idiot at Verizon ordering did not put through the request for HD & movie channels so now I have to wait until 8am on Monday morning to get this resolved. It will have been 7 days this Tuesday if they did not get it resolved. I would make sure that they get your order correct or you could have the same problem I did.

Other than hearing from you that Fox was NOT in HD (no surprise there)... we never heard from you in regards to your experience with FIOS TV. Give us your impressions! I'm guessing all your issues were resolved? Also, did you get the HD-DVR box? How about your impressions of that...including the new interface that Verizon is bragging about being rolled out in Fort Wayne first?

Thanks!

Used to enjoy the Saturday Today Show in HD. This is the I don't recall how many in a row Saturday it hasn't been on 33. Any inside info on this from anyone?

Well, its HD today, thanks!

Had Fios internet installed yesterday at the house. According to the techs...it's coming next in the Northwest side of town because of the outcry of people wanting it. Let's all keep our fingers crossed!

For those with it installed.... what type of package deals do they give for what prices (HDTV,DVR, & Internet)

"Had Fios internet installed yesterday at the house. According to the techs...it's coming next in the Northwest side of town because of the outcry of people wanting it. Let's all keep our fingers crossed!"

Are you actually referring to Fios TV, because internet has been on the northwest side for quite sometime now, had my internet installed in March. We had a Verizon guy canvassing our neighborhood (Lima Valley) on 6-1-07. I ask him of his business...he led on to say the NW should be getting TV mid-June. Anybody have confirmation or info relating to this. The wait is soon to be over.

Anyone have issues with WISE tonight? My signal has been rock solid for months and now I'm seeing frequent drop-outs (every 5 minutes or so?). I suppose it could be weather related, but wondered if others are seeing the same thing.

Anyone have issues with WISE tonight? My signal has been rock solid for months and now I'm seeing frequent drop-outs (every 5 minutes or so?). I suppose it could be weather related, but wondered if others are seeing the same thing.


Mine has been fine, except...

I have been meaning to ask what is up with the pixelation? I notice it more on NBC33 than any other OTA station. From anything fast moving to any camera transition to any 5 seconds after a commercial break. Is this our local station or the national feed?

Mine has been fine, except...

I have been meaning to ask what is up with the pixelation? I notice it more on NBC33 than any other OTA station. From anything fast moving to any camera transition to any 5 seconds after a commercial break. Is this our local station or the national feed?
I noticed that last night as well watching the hockey game. A co-worker has an 8ft dish and was pulling in the main feed (from the game) and he said it was significantly better. (I guess that doesn't answer your question other than to say that I see it too)

I noticed that last night as well watching the hockey game. A co-worker has an 8ft dish and was pulling in the main feed (from the game) and he said it was significantly better. (I guess that doesn't answer your question other than to say that I see it too)


What do you mean by main feed?

If you are experiencing the same thing OTA, I suspect it's WISE33's equipment?

So I don't mis-inform, I e-mailed him and this is his response...

First off, let's get one thing perfectly clear, it's a 10 foot dish. (Size matters...). :) It was on Ku, so only needed about a 33" dish.

But seriously, it was the NBC feed (backhaul) from the truck. I'm not familiar with how their distribution system operates, but presumably this is the feed that is sent to the local stations because there were no commercials. The announcer's voices were in Dolby-E (presumably) because they were not audible. Only live sounds from the game and any other artificial sounds that the production truck introduced (music when going out to a commercial, etc.). I watched almost the entire game and didn't experience any dropouts. I didn't see any macroblocking/pixelization. When watching from the local NBC 33.1 station, it was definitely worse. Macroblocking/pixelization was evident and the colors were not as vibrant. The audio was not as good either in my opinion. Sounded more "narrow".

I'm posting now on (another) forum to see if I can find out what the data rate of the video stream was. Perhaps we can do some comparisons.

The data rate for the transport was about 26Mbps...maybe somewhere around 15 of that was for video (I'm speculating).
Maybe ENGjas could shed some more light on this...

Hope that helps!

So I don't mis-inform, I e-mailed him and this is his response...


Maybe ENGjas could shed some more light on this...

Hope that helps!


Very interesting!

"Had Fios internet installed yesterday at the house. According to the techs...it's coming next in the Northwest side of town because of the outcry of people wanting it. Let's all keep our fingers crossed!"

Are you actually referring to Fios TV, because internet has been on the northwest side for quite sometime now, had my internet installed in March. We had a Verizon guy canvassing our neighborhood (Lima Valley) on 6-1-07. I ask him of his business...he led on to say the NW should be getting TV mid-June. Anybody have confirmation or info relating to this. The wait is soon to be over.It makes sense. Below is a list of the COs for Fort Wayne. The format is their general geographical position relative to the city, the address of the CO, a well known point nearby, a phone number serviced out of that CO, and whether FiOS TV is available. TV is becoming available by CO, and the Southwest, West, Downtown, inner-city North and South are live. Going clockwise around the city Northwest would be next followed by the two Northeast locations. After that I think New Haven and Waynedale get picked up with the Southwest picked up last. Based on what I would expect adoption rates to be, this is pretty much how I would have expected things to go.

Northeast 5910 SAINT JOE CENTER RD (West of the Maplecrest intersection) 260-747-5700 - Not Available
Northwest 7521 LIMA RD (North of Cook Road) - 260-489-3543 - Not Available
Northeast 2827 RUPP DR (In Triangle Park) - 260-484-6527 Not Available
Far East - 625 HARTZELL RD (New Haven) 260-748-6795 - Not Available
Southeast - 7033 HESSEN CASSEL RD (North of the Tillman Intersection) - 260-447-6026 - Not Available
South - 6205 OLD TRAIL RD (Waynedale ) - 260-747-5788 - Not available

Inner-city/North 4011 N CLINTON ST (Just Southwest of the Scotts near the Coliseum) 260-484-4891 - Available
Downtown 303 E BERRY ST (Downtown) 260-422-5727 - Available
Inner-city/South 3102 PIQUA AVE (A little north of South Side HS) 260-744-6222 - Available
Southwest/West 5612 WILKIE DR (Time Corners) 260-432-0098 - Available

It makes sense. Below is a list of the COs for Fort Wayne. The format is their general geographical position relative to the city, the address of the CO, a well known point nearby, a phone number serviced out of that CO, and whether FiOS TV is available. TV is becoming available by CO, and the Southwest, West, Downtown, inner-city North and South are live. Going clockwise around the city Northwest would be next followed by the two Northeast locations. After that I think New Haven and Waynedale get picked up with the Southwest picked up last. Based on what I would expect adoption rates to be, this is pretty much how I would have expected things to go.

Northeast 5910 SAINT JOE CENTER RD (West of the Maplecrest intersection) 260-747-5700 - Not Available
Northwest 7521 LIMA RD (North of Cook Road) - 260-489-3543 - Not Available
Northeast 2827 RUPP DR (In Triangle Park) - 260-484-6527 Not Available
Far East - 625 HARTZELL RD (New Haven) 260-748-6795 - Not Available
Southeast - 7033 HESSEN CASSEL RD (North of the Tillman Intersection) - 260-447-6026 - Not Available
South - 6205 OLD TRAIL RD (Waynedale ) - 260-747-5788 - Not available

Inner-city/North 4011 N CLINTON ST (Just Southwest of the Scotts near the Coliseum) 260-484-4891 - Available
Downtown 303 E BERRY ST (Downtown) 260-422-5727 - Available
Inner-city/South 3102 PIQUA AVE (A little north of South Side HS) 260-744-6222 - Available
Southwest/West 5612 WILKIE DR (Time Corners) 260-432-0098 - Available

Just to let everybody know, my neighbor had FIOS TV installed yesterday (Tuesday, June 5th). I am scheduled for install on the 11th (Monday). We are in the 46845 area by Dupont and Tonkel.

Just to let everybody know, my neighbor had FIOS TV installed yesterday (Tuesday, June 5th). I am scheduled for install on the 11th (Monday). We are in the 46845 area by Dupont and Tonkel.


I am in Wallen/Auburn 46825 area and have received nothing... I am also on the advance phone list...

My mother in law is in the Wheelock area and she is getting hers installed in a couple weeks. What gives?

So I don't mis-inform, I e-mailed him and this is his response...


Maybe ENGjas could shed some more light on this...

Hope that helps!
I was not watching, but nothing has changed at this end. So my guess is that it may have been NBC.

"Had Fios internet installed yesterday at the house. According to the techs...it's coming next in the Northwest side of town because of the outcry of people wanting it. Let's all keep our fingers crossed!"

Are you actually referring to Fios TV, because internet has been on the northwest side for quite sometime now, had my internet installed in March. We had a Verizon guy canvassing our neighborhood (Lima Valley) on 6-1-07. I ask him of his business...he led on to say the NW should be getting TV mid-June. Anybody have confirmation or info relating to this. The wait is soon to be over.


I apologize...I was referring to TV...thanks for clarifying.

Just to let everybody know, my neighbor had FIOS TV installed yesterday (Tuesday, June 5th). I am scheduled for install on the 11th (Monday). We are in the 46845 area by Dupont and Tonkel.Even though there are COs that are closer to you then the one on Clinton, you are still serviced out of that CO. You probably actually have a RT much closer if you were on copper at one point in time.


I am in Wallen/Auburn 46825 area and have received nothing... I am also on the advance phone list...

My mother in law is in the Wheelock area and she is getting hers installed in a couple weeks. What gives?You however are serviced out of the Lima CO which isn't available yet.

However your MIL is different. Does she have an actual confirmed appointment date? Or just a install that will be scheduled in the future? Wheelock is serviced out of the St Joe CO or Leo, the latter not a part of the FiOS roll out. I'm also in the St Joe CO. I have a install date yet to be scheduled where they will contact me once it becomes available too. Your MIL would be the first person I know of in this area that has a actual date if indeed she does have one.

Even though there are COs that are closer to you then the one on Clinton, you are still serviced out of that CO. You probably actually have a RT much closer if you were on copper at one point in time.


You however are serviced out of the Lima CO which isn't available yet.

However your MIL is different. Does she have an actual confirmed appointment date? Or just a install that will be scheduled in the future? Wheelock is serviced out of the St Joe CO or Leo, the latter not a part of the FiOS roll out. I'm also in the St Joe CO. I have a install date yet to be scheduled where they will contact me once it becomes available too. Your MIL would be the first person I know of in this area that has a actual date if indeed she does have one.


Hmm..this is interesting now.

I called and they scheduled me for 2 weeks from Friday.. and I will get a call within 3 days to confirm it. Too good to be true?

Hmm..this is interesting now.

I called and they scheduled me for 2 weeks from Friday.. and I will get a call within 3 days to confirm it. Too good to be true?That sounds reasonable. I was told my area (near Maplecrest and 469) would be available late June. If you figure a CO every other week and the clockwise progression, everything fits.

I have a buddy that lives near Forest Park elementary. He said Verizon dropped off a box of coax and Cat5, each 2000' and told them that if they wanted to rewire their house prior that they could use that cable. They only asked that they leave the left over cable outside when they got the final install.

That sounds reasonable. I was told my area (near Maplecrest and 469) would be available late June. If you figure a CO every other week and the clockwise progression, everything fits.

I have a buddy that lives near Forest Park elementary. He said Verizon dropped off a box of coax and Cat5, each 2000' and told them that if they wanted to rewire their house prior that they could use that cable. They only asked that they leave the left over cable outside when they got the final install.


What the????

No issues with dropouts on WISE tonight. I'm guessing my issues the other night weather related.

What the????I don't know about his neighbor, but my friend has some old coax that was ran for the CATV on the side of the house. It's been painted so it's hard to tell, but it looks like it's RG59. He's redoing a bunch of wiring already for a new garage and we were planning on running all new wiring, but it saves having to purchase the wire. I know I would happily run the wire the way I want as oppose to they most convenient way the installer wants if they supply the wire. Heck, I was actually going to purchase the wire and run the cable the way I want. Now I'll just swing by his house and borrow some wire. :)

I don't know about his neighbor, but my friend has some old coax that was ran for the CATV on the side of the house. It's been painted so it's hard to tell, but it looks like it's RG59. He's redoing a bunch of wiring already for a new garage and we were planning on running all new wiring, but it saves having to purchase the wire. I know I would happily run the wire the way I want as oppose to they most convenient way the installer wants if they supply the wire. Heck, I was actually going to purchase the wire and run the cable the way I want. Now I'll just swing by his house and borrow some wire. :)


I can see the Ebay posting now...

1000 feet of coax. New! NO RESERVE!

Although last Sunday's Today show was presented in HD by 33, as usual lately the saturday version is not. And, it should be.

Well, I'm signed up with Verizon for FIOS TV/Phone/Internet install on the 20th. I'll be saving over $50 per month over what I have right now with Comcast, and I'll be getting more hi-def channels plus a movie package. Comcast couldn't come within $25 per month when I asked them if they could match the Verizon deal. Maybe they will wake up one of these days when they realize everyone is switching to FIOS.

seplant,

Welcome to the world of FIOS TV. To me it seems like both SD and HD have a clearer picture on FIOS. Plus, as you point out you save close to $600 a year with the bundle. The ON Demand channel is still the "one moment please" channel. I don't know why it takes so long to access the on demand feature on both Comcast and Verizon.

The installer at my house indicated Verizon already had 10,000 customer lined up. They will be holding off a formal announcement and advertising until they can catch up on the installations.

Comcast should have started reducing their prices well before FIOS launched, instead they increase them.

P.S. Did you ever get your HD-A20 HD DVD player?

Turns out my FIOS tv availability WAS too good to be true. Apparently, those at the FIOS tv sign up office need more training.


Guess I'll be watching my inbox and snailmail for the letter : (

seplant,

P.S. Did you ever get your HD-A20 HD DVD player?

Yep, got it a couple of months ago. Been watching rented HD-DVDs from Netflix. Truly awesome picture!

My mother-in-law on the northeast side had her installation canceled, as well. No TV available in her area.

Thanks Verizon!

I was just called today letting me know that FiosTV is available here by St Joe and Rothman. I checked the website this morning and it wasn't available, but when they called me this evening, it was available online. I'm setup for install on 6-28. Wish me luck!

I was just called today letting me know that FiosTV is available here by St Joe and Rothman. I checked the website this morning and it wasn't available, but when they called me this evening, it was available online. I'm setup for install on 6-28. Wish me luck!


My mother-in-law got a call, too.

The clockwise around Fort Wayne theory must not be totally true...

I was just called today letting me know that FiosTV is available here by St Joe and Rothman. I checked the website this morning and it wasn't available, but when they called me this evening, it was available online. I'm setup for install on 6-28. Wish me luck!I'll have to give them a call as I just live down the road at Rothman and Maplecrest (Concord Hills subdivision).

Edited: Just signed up online. Install date of July 2nd. Woohoo. Now I guess I need to run my cables soon. BTW, Verizon just left the two boxes of cables at my buddy's house that I mentioned above.

OK, folks....My Fios TV was installed today (two HD-DVRs, three standard boxes, Showtime/Starz/Encore movie channels - I'm on the Southwest side of town). Here are my initial impressions (mostly comparisons to Comcast, which I had for over ten years):

Picture quality (HD) - Comparable to Comcast, maybe just a bit less sharp. Movie channels (Showtime, Starz, HDnet Movies) appear very sharp and clean.

Picture qualiy (SD) - Overall, I'd have to say WORSE than Comcast! This really surprised me. I expected since all of Verizon's stations were digital, that they would be clean and sharp. Not so! Compression artifacts everywhere! I do have to admit that some of the stations that were available only as analog on Comcast are better on Verizon, but if you compared a digital SD channel on Comcast with one on Verizon, I think that Comcast would look more clean and more free of artifacts. Since I watch mostly HD content, and my wife and kids don't really care about picture quality, this isn't much of an issue for me.

Available Channels - Bunches! Many more with greater variety than Comcast. Plus, the channels are arranged in logical groupings for a change.

Menu format/setup options - Nice. Much more pleasing to look at and navigate than Comcast's. Looks more like a PC with folder structures clearly visible when navigating down into a menu. One gripe, though. With Comcast, we could set up Favorite Channels for different family members. I could have my own list, my wife could have hers, and we could have a list for the kids. Looks like Verizon allows only one Favorites list per box.

On Demand - No free movies and no HD content available, free or otherwise! This is disappointing. I would think with all the bandwidth available that Verizon would be able to offer more here. Plus charging $2.99 for SD versions of old movies (Braveheart, Bourne Identity - I didn't look past the B's) is a rip off, at least after having Comcast where they were offered for free!

Remotes - Very nice. Much better than those offered by Comcast.

One more thing....I'm not a fan of Comcast. I'm just giving my honest impressions after spending a few hours with Verizon after initial setup. I plan to spend more time viewing material on my primary HD set tomorrow. I really can't complain much since between the Fios TV, internet, and phone I'm saving about $50 a month over Comcast plus I'm getting more channels, including HD and movies.

OK, folks....My Fios TV was installed today (two HD-DVRs, three standard boxes, Showtime/Starz/Encore movie channels - I'm on the Southwest side of town). Here are my initial impressions (mostly comparisons to Comcast, which I had for over ten years):

Picture quality (HD) - Comparable to Comcast, maybe just a bit less sharp. Movie channels (Showtime, Starz, HDnet Movies) appear very sharp and clean.

Picture qualiy (SD) - Overall, I'd have to say WORSE than Comcast! This really surprised me. I expected since all of Verizon's stations were digital, that they would be clean and sharp. Not so! Compression artifacts everywhere! I do have to admit that some of the stations that were available only as analog on Comcast are better on Verizon, but if you compared a digital SD channel on Comcast with one on Verizon, I think that Comcast would look more clean and more free of artifacts. Since I watch mostly HD content, and my wife and kids don't really care about picture quality, this isn't much of an issue for me.

Available Channels - Bunches! Many more with greater variety than Comcast. Plus, the channels are arranged in logical groupings for a change.

Menu format/setup options - Nice. Much more pleasing to look at and navigate than Comcast's. Looks more like a PC with folder structures clearly visible when navigating down into a menu. One gripe, though. With Comcast, we could set up Favorite Channels for different family members. I could have my own list, my wife could have hers, and we could have a list for the kids. Looks like Verizon allows only one Favorites list per box.

On Demand - No free movies and no HD content available, free or otherwise! This is disappointing. I would think with all the bandwidth available that Verizon would be able to offer more here. Plus charging $2.99 for SD versions of old movies (Braveheart, Bourne Identity - I didn't look past the B's) is a rip off, at least after having Comcast where they were offered for free!

Remotes - Very nice. Much better than those offered by Comcast.

One more thing....I'm not a fan of Comcast. I'm just giving my honest impressions after spending a few hours with Verizon after initial setup. I plan to spend more time viewing material on my primary HD set tomorrow. I really can't complain much since between the Fios TV, internet, and phone I'm saving about $50 a month over Comcast plus I'm getting more channels, including HD and movies.


According to my brother-in-law there are a few free movies (hopefully that will improve!).

I am curious to hear how you like it after you have spent more than a few hours with it.

...My Fios TV was installed today..... Here are my initial impressions .....
Thanks much for the detailed review. I had been expecting that Verizon's overall picture quality would be superior to Comcast, but according to the few initial reviews I have seen, that doesn't seem to be the case so far. :(

Also, I have a question for anyone. My understanding is that if you run a FIOS line directly into a TV without a Verizon box, you can at least get their analog channels. If you have a QAM tuner , can you also get the local broadcast HD channels that way?

I ask because I have a number of HD TVs in the house, and w Comcast I can at least pick up WANE, WPTA, and WISE in HD w just their regular analog feed. (I have been told that there are federal rules prohibiting cable companies from scrambling them.) I would get a Verizon box for my main TV, but it would get a bit pricy if I have to rent one for each TV just to get the broadcast networks in HD. Thanks for any help.

Also, I have a question for anyone. My understanding is that if you run a FIOS line directly into a TV without a Verizon box, you can at least get their analog channels. If you have a QAM tuner , can you also get the local broadcast HD channels that way?

I ask because I have a number of HD TVs in the house, and w Comcast I can at least pick up WANE, WPTA, and WISE in HD w just their regular analog feed. (I have been told that there are federal rules prohibiting cable companies from scrambling them.) I would get a Verizon box for my main TV, but it would get a bit pricy if I have to rent one for each TV just to get the broadcast networks in HD. Thanks for any help.

This is my understanding as well from some extensive reading, but I don't have it installed yet, so I can not confirm first hand.

I was checking my OTA program info and noticed that half of my HD channels have the program listings off by one hour. I tried using the auto clock settings, but that set the clock about 1:05 fast. I set the time manually, but still have WPTA, WISE, and wfft listing programs for the next hour. Any ideas on what could cause this? My tv is a Samsung LN-S2651 26" LCD.

Longtime tv addict, first time poster.

Anyway, I also live in the Fort Wayne area and am on the verge of going with fios (I live southwest). The problem for me is that I don't see much savings above my existing Comcast. Granted, I only use one HD/DVR box now and will need multiple boxes with Fios which likely will account for the lesser savings.

I am sure this question has been asked and responded to many times, but is it worth buying a compatible motorola unit on a site like ebay instead of leasing from Verizon? Does Verizon require some form of "set-up" or activation, or do they send signals to disrupt such non-leased devices? Sorry for the basic nature of such a question.

Also, with two small children, the free kid programming on Comcast is considerably valuable to me. Is it my understanding from the Fort Wayne posts that the free VOD programming is limited at this time? If so, is it going to be expanded soon?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

Seplant - Thank you for the review. Are you seeing pixelation issues on your SD sets as well as your HD sets? I ask because I have DirecTV and am considering switching to FiOS. For me, the satellite signal looks pretty decent on SD sets but looks like a pixelated mess on my HD set. If FiOS is worse then there's no point in me switching (well, it might be a little cheaper.....).

I was checking my OTA program info and noticed that half of my HD channels have the program listings off by one hour. I tried using the auto clock settings, but that set the clock about 1:05 fast. I set the time manually, but still have WPTA, WISE, and wfft listing programs for the next hour. Any ideas on what could cause this? My tv is a Samsung LN-S2651 26" LCD.


I have an LST-4200A receiver and recently noticed the same thing. Some days it's wrong other days correct, but mostly wrong. I'm wondering if one of the local channels is sending the wrong PSIP information. I cannot set the time on the 4200A, only the time zone.

Also, with two small children, the free kid programming on Comcast is considerably valuable to me. Is it my understanding from the Fort Wayne posts that the free VOD programming is limited at this time? If so, is it going to be expanded soon?

There is quite a bit of VOD for the kids. I believe it is comparable to what Comcast had. If there are some kid programs you would like to to check on to see if they are on VOD, I would be happy to. I just wish there were some VOD free movies and VOD HD.

I saved a lot of money by switching from Comcast and am very happy with Verizon so far. Although I was unaware that I would need multiple cable boxes to get more than a few channels. Right now I just have the HD/DVR, and will probably just get one more standard cable box to use on one of my other 2 tvs.

I am sure this question has been asked and responded to many times, but is it worth buying a compatible motorola unit on a site like ebay instead of leasing from Verizon? Does Verizon require some form of "set-up" or activation, or do they send signals to disrupt such non-leased devices? Sorry for the basic nature of such a question.IF you get one that is cable card compatible, you can rent a card from Verizon for I believe 2.99. I don't believe you can purchase the exact same model of receiver that is not cable-card compatible and expect it to work. You also need to be careful as many times those receivers sold on eBay are really stolen from some cable company.

cameraready,

I did more testing with my 4200A receiver. You're right about WPTA and WISE sending the wrong time information. If I display program information or the guide while on WPTA or WISE the time and guide information are an hour ahead. When I'm on WPTA everything is correct. Probably something in their PSIP information.

Maybe ENGjas can look into this.

I am sure this question has been asked and responded to many times, but is it worth buying a compatible motorola unit on a site like ebay instead of leasing from Verizon? Does Verizon require some form of "set-up" or activation, or do they send signals to disrupt such non-leased devices? Sorry for the basic nature of such a question.



I doubt if any cable boxes you purchase from anyone else will work unless Verizon sends them a signal to activate them. The technician who installed mine used a laptop to have the system send a signal to each box to activate them.

Seplant - Thank you for the review. Are you seeing pixelation issues on your SD sets as well as your HD sets? I ask because I have DirecTV and am considering switching to FiOS. For me, the satellite signal looks pretty decent on SD sets but looks like a pixelated mess on my HD set. If FiOS is worse then there's no point in me switching (well, it might be a little cheaper.....).

The Verizon picture looks softer than Comcast on both SD and HD. When I look up close, there looks to be a graininess that might be pixelation. I talked to Verizon tech support today, and they thought something might be wrong because they said the picture should look better than Comcast. I will call them back next week to look into this, but I don't have time to deal with them right now.

Has anyone here in the Fort Wayne area had any luck getting the $19.99 Movie+HBO package (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r18550563-HBO-Movie-Package-Combo-Deal-) with FiOS TV?

Still no FIOS tv available in Wallen/Auburn area. Anyone have any luck on the North/Northwest side?

Still no FIOS tv available in Wallen/Auburn area. Anyone have any luck on the North/Northwest side?I had a date for 7/2 but apparently it was lost somewhere in the system as I called back to make a modification to my order and they couldn't find it. It's now moved to 7/9. I also know of several people that qualify for it out in the Dupont/Lima and Wallen/Lima. I don't know about Wallen/Auburn though.

Has anyone here in the Fort Wayne area had any luck getting the $19.99 Movie+HBO package (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r18550563-HBO-Movie-Package-Combo-Deal-) with FiOS TV?I found out my own answer. Keep calling and you will eventually get someone who knows about it. The deal is the HBO and movie package (but no Skinamax) for $20. This is the "regular" price for the package so it's not for a limited time, but the promo is only going through the end of the month unless they extend it.

Any idea when they will get to apartment complexes..... I live in Canterbury Green and it is available in all the residential areas around me but not here yet.....

Any idea when they will get to apartment complexes..... I live in Canterbury Green and it is available in all the residential areas around me but not here yet.....There are several issues that have to be overcome with MDUs. The apartment complex typically has the ability to sign into exclusive agreements or otherwise dictate to a provider if their service will or won't be available. If Canterbury Green says that they only want to provide Comcast and not let Verizon in the door, then Verizon can't do much about it.

The other issue, which is probably more likely the reason, is how the existing physical plant is laid out and how it might be able to be retrofitted for FiOS. If each apartment unit had it's own demarc location then they can be treated like a single dwelling home. But if everything runs back to a single location, it might require a MDU ONT. Verizon has only recently started installing them out on the east coast. They will eventually come, but it's anyone's guess as to how soon.

There are several issues that have to be overcome with MDUs. The apartment complex typically has the ability to sign into exclusive agreements or otherwise dictate to a provider if their service will or won't be available. If Canterbury Green says that they only want to provide Comcast and not let Verizon in the door, then Verizon can't do much about it.

The other issue, which is probably more likely the reason, is how the existing physical plant is laid out and how it might be able to be retrofitted for FiOS. If each apartment unit had it's own demarc location then they can be treated like a single dwelling home. But if everything runs back to a single location, it might require a MDU ONT. Verizon has only recently started installing them out on the east coast. They will eventually come, but it's anyone's guess as to how soon.

Thanks for the reply..... its probably the second issue b/c I recall the Canterbury Green telling me that I could get Comcast and that FIOS was coming, but they didn't know when..... Guess I will just keep my fingers crossed...

COMCAST MOVES NFL NETWORK TO $4.95/MONTH SPORTS PACKAGE

There is a small article about this on the front page of Sec E in this morning's Journal Gazette. NFL Network was formally free as part of Comcast's digital package. I guess that's one additional advantage for Verizon.

COMCAST MOVES NFL NETWORK TO $4.95/MONTH SPORTS PACKAGE

There is a small article about this on the front page of Sec E in this morning's Journal Gazette. NFL Network was formally free as part of Comcast's digital package. I guess that's one additional advantage for Verizon.

it's comcraptic!

Just wish that Verizon had the Comcast Sports Net out of Chicago....then it would be perfect!

I posted this over at dslreports, but wanted to share it here as well.

Well, I had my FiosTV installed yesterday and wanted to share some of my thoughts on it.

The ordering online was easy, but when I called to confirm, they had trouble finding my order, but when they did the gentleman said it was in an error section saying there was something wrong with it. He placed me on hold to find out why and after a few minutes on hold, a woman picked up who had no idea I was talking to someone else and then said she could not find my order at all. She said we had to rebuild my order and she told me I could keep my install date and the 60 days of the movie package for free.

Install went smooth. My ONT was right by my cable splitter so the tech just replaced the incoming Comcast line with the cable from the ONT. I had a cable outlet where my router was, so there was no problem there. They had messed up my order a little by saying I didn't have HBO on the order even though I did order it. The tech got on the phone and I had it activated within a couple of hours.

I did get a call today asking if I was ready for my install, so something got messed up in the order processing, so we'll have to see how everything turns out when I get my first bill.

My thoughts on the service itself are this. Picture is much better than Comcast. I heard some people complain that the picture quality is worse than Comcast, and I did think the video was worse at first, then I messed with the settings on my HDTV and by messing with the settings, specifically turning down my anti-noise filter, it made the picture much better. The media manager software needs some help. It has some occasional problems with Vista and you have to create playlists for anything you want to stream. When you have several gigs of music, this makes it a real pain. I cancelled my media manager subscription since I only have one tv box at this time. I can still get the analog stations on my other tvs without a box until they finally have to turn that off.

I do think their DVR is tons better than Comcast. Very easy to use and it has a great interface.

One thing for people switching from Comcrap: They are going to lie to you and try and tell you if you switch to Verizon, they will mess with your system so you can't ever switch back to anyone else. THIS IS A COMPLETE AND UTTER LIE!!!! If I wanted to hook up my old Comcrap I would just have to unhook the incoming Verizon line from my splitter and rehook the incoming Comcast line. This is just one more way of Comcast screwing with you.

All in all, I'm very happy with the product so far.

^^^^^ Golfextreme, thanks for the review. Glad to hear of some more installs where Verizon's picture quality turned out to be equal or superior to Comcast's.

Seplant, after Verizon has had a chance to try to upgrade your picture quality, I will be very interested to know the results. Thanks in advance.

Thanks for the review, golf.

I posted this over at dslreports, but wanted to share it here as well.

Well, I had my FiosTV installed yesterday and wanted to share some of my thoughts on it.

The ordering online was easy, but when I called to confirm, they had trouble finding my order, but when they did the gentleman said it was in an error section saying there was something wrong with it. He placed me on hold to find out why and after a few minutes on hold, a woman picked up who had no idea I was talking to someone else and then said she could not find my order at all. She said we had to rebuild my order and she told me I could keep my install date and the 60 days of the movie package for free.

Install went smooth. My ONT was right by my cable splitter so the tech just replaced the incoming Comcast line with the cable from the ONT. I had a cable outlet where my router was, so there was no problem there. They had messed up my order a little by saying I didn't have HBO on the order even though I did order it. The tech got on the phone and I had it activated within a couple of hours.

I did get a call today asking if I was ready for my install, so something got messed up in the order processing, so we'll have to see how everything turns out when I get my first bill.

My thoughts on the service itself are this. Picture is much better than Comcast. I heard some people complain that the picture quality is worse than Comcast, and I did think the video was worse at first, then I messed with the settings on my HDTV and by messing with the settings, specifically turning down my anti-noise filter, it made the picture much better. The media manager software needs some help. It has some occasional problems with Vista and you have to create playlists for anything you want to stream. When you have several gigs of music, this makes it a real pain. I cancelled my media manager subscription since I only have one tv box at this time. I can still get the analog stations on my other tvs without a box until they finally have to turn that off.

I do think their DVR is tons better than Comcast. Very easy to use and it has a great interface.

One thing for people switching from Comcrap: They are going to lie to you and try and tell you if you switch to Verizon, they will mess with your system so you can't ever switch back to anyone else. THIS IS A COMPLETE AND UTTER LIE!!!! If I wanted to hook up my old Comcrap I would just have to unhook the incoming Verizon line from my splitter and rehook the incoming Comcast line. This is just one more way of Comcast screwing with you.

All in all, I'm very happy with the product so far.

I still haven't had time to follow-up with Verizon on picture quality. I also turned off the noise filter on my TV, but I still think the HD picture is a tad softer than Comcast's, most noticeably on Discovery HD and Universal HD. The HDNet Movies channel has visible compression artifacts and the picture appears lighter than the other HD channels. I have to assume this is a problem with the source, not Verizon. I am getting my set calibrated in a couple of weeks, so I will probably wait until after that to decide if I will take this any further with Verizon.

I also like the DVR interface of Verizon much better than Comcast. My only complaint on the box is that there appears to be no option for multiple Favorites lists, which was really convenient for having separate favorites for the kids.

Anybody know whats up with 33 tonight? The SD version on Dish has a slide up saying don't call, we know its off and we'll get it back when we can and digital is not on either OTA.

Anybody know whats up with 33 tonight? The SD version on Dish has a slide up saying don't call, we know its off and we'll get it back when we can and digital is not on either OTA.


I've got nothin' OTA 33-1, 2, or 3.

WISE has a antenna issue that needs to be repaired. The tower crew connected a standby antenna and things did not go well, there was a problem with a transmission line. The ariginal antenna was put back on-line around 11:30pm. Once the transmision line issue is resolved, the standby antenna will be put to air so that work can begin on the main antenna. Durring the time with the standby, power will only be at around 60% and less to the east. The work should take 2-3 days.

Just wish that Verizon had the Comcast Sports Net out of Chicago....then it would be perfect!

I was scrolling thru the FIOS on-screen channel guide tonight and noticed they put channel 65, Comcast Sports Network - Chicago, back in the guide. (It had been in the guide when I first got FIOS several weeks ago, but the channel wasn't actually available. A couple days later they removed it from the guide).

I selected the channel and it is now active!

I was scrolling thru the FIOS on-screen channel guide tonight and noticed they put channel 65, Comcast Sports Network - Chicago, back in the guide. (It had been in the guide when I first got FIOS several weeks ago, but the channel wasn't actually available. A couple days later they removed it from the guide).

I selected the channel and it is now active!


Perfect timing. I am moving next month and was going to keep Comcast until it was added. Now I won't have to wait.

Now we just need the Big Ten Network.

Thank You.

Just to spread the love - I'm scheduled to have my FIOS TV installed in New Haven on July 7. YAAAAY!

I was scrolling thru the FIOS on-screen channel guide tonight and noticed they put channel 65, Comcast Sports Network - Chicago, back in the guide. (It had been in the guide when I first got FIOS several weeks ago, but the channel wasn't actually available. A couple days later they removed it from the guide).

I selected the channel and it is now active!


GREAT! Glad to hear it!

Just checked my address (near dupont and lima road) on-line for fios tv and sent in my order...install date is July 24th!!!! Can't wait to get rid of comcast, also!

Just to spread the love - I'm scheduled to have my FIOS TV installed in New Haven on July 7. YAAAAY!

After your install, please post your review (especially picture quality). I am scheduled for installation on July 21 (Cherry Hill), and I would sure feel a lot better about my 1 year commitment, if I saw a few more positive reviews about Verizon's picture quality between now and then. Thanks in advance.

WISE has a antenna issue that needs to be repaired. The tower crew connected a standby antenna and things did not go well, there was a problem with a transmission line. The ariginal antenna was put back on-line around 11:30pm. Once the transmision line issue is resolved, the standby antenna will be put to air so that work can begin on the main antenna. Durring the time with the standby, power will only be at around 60% and less to the east. The work should take 2-3 days.

How's this going?

With a little morning tropo enhancement, WISE-DT and WPTA-DT were both making it to the north side of Indy (94 miles) around 8:30 a.m.

Steve

How's this going?
Was due to be completed today, but I am on vacation this week and am not totaly sure if it was completed or not.

Was due to be completed today, but I am on vacation this week and am not totaly sure if it was completed or not.

Well, as I'm sure you'll do anyway, if it is done, please check it out as I'm seeing some weirdness here in Huntington. Mainly lower signal than before and out of the ordinary picture breakup at signal levels that used to keep me locked on.

I have FIOS TV scheduled for July 28 (via online).

Wallen/Auburn roads.

I have FIOS TV scheduled for July 28 (via online).



You may want to check w their call center in a week. I had seen some prior posts here and elsewhere where initial orders got screwed up. I ordered mine online and got a confirmation number and install date. One week later I called in just to check, and they had absolutely no record of my order. The CSR didn't seem too surprised that my online order was screwed up.

Also, for those of you that are thinking of placing an order, I had seen in the main FIOS TV thread that the monthly rental for their DVRs was going up to $17 in mid July. The CSR confirmed that, but said that you will be locked in at the current rate if you sign up before then.

You may want to check w their call center in a week. I had seen some prior posts here and elsewhere where initial orders got screwed up. I ordered mine online and got a confirmation number and install date. One week later I called in just to check, and they had absolutely no record of my order. The CSR didn't seem too surprised that my online order was screwed up.

Also, for those of you that are thinking of placing an order, I had seen in the main FIOS TV thread that the monthly rental for their DVRs was going up to $17 in mid July. The CSR confirmed that, but said that you will be locked in at the current rate if you sign up before then.

Thanks for the info...called this morning and was able to double check my appointment. They did have me marked down. Tried to get a sooner date than the 24th, but he said they are completely booked.

Well, my FIOS TV is installed and after a couple of days of watching, I think I'm ready for a quick review. My install went fairly easily, since I was already a FIOS internet customer, my ONT was already installed. The first thing the tech did was connect the COAX from the ONT to a splitter and run it into the house. Then he replaced my Verizon provided D-Link router with an Actiontec router with LAN over both ethernet and Coax and built in wireless. That part of the install went smoothly and the internet was back up and running in no time. The only problems with my install came with the activation process of the boxes. My install included one HD DVR box and one SD set top box. The SD box downloaded, authorized, and activated without problems (a little slow to download, but that is to be expected the first time a box is installed). The HD box seemed to install without any problems also until we started scrolling through the guide - some of the higher number stations had corrupted programming descriptions. The corruption was so bad that while scrolling thru the corrupt listings, the box would actually crash and reboot itself. The VZ tech wasn't able to contact his support people, so he finally swapped out my HD box for another one he installed in his truck. After it was installed and finally downloaded all of it's stuff, it worked great. The tech had to reset my SD box since it seemed to unauthorize itself as part of fixing the HD box.
I've got to give credit to the Verizon Tech who installed my stuff - Scott - he was great to work with and managed to work around the problems he ran into without assistance from his support people. He was at my home for about 4-5 hours (thanks to the problems with the boxes) and somehow managed to stay pleasant the entire time. A big thanks goes out to him for the work he put in for us!
As far as the FIOS TV service, I am more than pleased. After being a Comcast DVR user since back in the single tuner DVR days, I'm gonna have fun adjusting to the Verizon way of doing things - most of the functionality of the Comcast DVRs seems to be there - you just have to go about things a different way.
The picture quality of SD stations seems to be better than the same stations on Comcast. The selection of HD stations in FIOS are great also - watching Food Network in HD brings a whole new level of appreciation to the "art" of cooking. The HD programming seems to be as good of quality if not better than Comcast HD also. I have no complaints on the quality of any of the broadcast programming that Verizon provides.
The On Demand library for Verizon seems to be significantly smaller that the Comcast library. I'm sure that it will grow over time, but for now I have to say that Comcast wins in the On Demand arena. I am also having some problems with tiling and skipping audio in the On Demand stuff that I am working with. The Verizon tech put an attenuator on my cable box saying it would help - I think I am going to take it off to see if it made any difference or not. I don't have the tiling/audio problem in the broadcast TV - just on demand, so it isn't a big deal right now.
The interface for the service is generations ahead of Comcast in terms of appearance and features. Everything is handled in a "tabbed" interface that makes everything easy to access and fairly intuitive. My only complaints with the interface is that sometimes the tabs will take up a majority of the screen, leaving less than half of the screen width for programming information and that sometimes the DVR won't let you set a series recording from a search - requiring you to find the program in the guide to set up the series recording. The widgets are a nice addition to the television experience, allowing you to check the weather, messages, and traffic info (not finctioning in Fort Wayne yet) without stopping the show you are watching.
I would give the FIOS tv service a 9/10 at this point, and I'm sure the service is only going to improve over time. The best thing I can recommend to you is to visit the Verizon Phone Mart at Coldwater Crossing and play around with it yourself before ordering. They have the HD DVR set up on a big plasma/LCD TV and you can mess with it all you want. If you like what you see, the people in the store would be happy to place your order for you. Hopefully I touched on everything here - if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Aaron

Great work! Love the review...can't wait for it at my place now!

Let me second that and many thanks to PurNrG and all the others that have taken the time to post detailed reviews of FIOS TV.

I had FiOS TV installed yesterday so here's my initial review after kicking the tires some yesterday afternoon and last night. Unfortunately I was roofing most of the evening until the storms started coming through the area so I haven't played around with it as much as I will after a week.

I'll start from the beginning of the ordering process.

More then several months ago Verizon came out to my company and was accepting "advanced sign up" notification cards from people who presumably be the first to get FiOS TV once it was available. I filed one out and anxiously awaited some type of contact. A few months ago I finally got a letter saying that FiOS TV was becoming available, but it actually wasn't available quite yet in my area. So a few more weeks of waiting. I got impatient so I decided to call in and play stupid consumer with the FSC to see if I could get an install date. I couldn't, but I was able to put in a "pre-order" that could later be turned into an order once service was available. Someone would call me back to schedule an appointment once it was available (I'm still waiting on that call BTW).

Finally I saw it was available checking daily on the website. Around June 20th I put an order in online for the Premier package, a HD DVR, and the Movie Package. It was a pretty painless process and was straight forward. I was expecting some issues as I'm a data only customer and don't have POTS through Verizon, but it didn't seem to be an issue. I printed out the order page saying that my order went through. My install date was July 2nd. I was excited because I was already taking that day off for a 5-day holiday weekend.

On the 25th, I found a thread over at DSL Reports that said you could get HBO for only a few bucks (well, actually $7) but getting both for $20 was a good deal. So I called the FSC to change my movie package to the HBO+Movie Package deal. The lady I talked to couldn't find my order and said it was lost in the system and I'd have to setup my appointment again. So I had to re-setup my appointment but couldn't get the 2nd...the earliest available was July 9th, a week later then I originally had. The rep also did not no anything about the movie package deal and said it wasn't in the system. Going back to my days dealing with Dish, I know that if first you don't succeed, hang up and call back in for a different Rep. After 3 or 4 reps, I finally got one that knew what I was talking about and easily changed my order. So now I had everything that I wanted except for the July 2nd install date, but oh well.

Flash forward in time to yesterday. I was going to take off work at 11:30 for a 1/2 day to deal with the install as my wife isn't really technically inclined. At 11:00 my wife called and said that they installer had been there for 20 minutes (I was in a meeting up to that point and didn't get an earlier message that the installer was coming early). I wasn't real happy that I had an appointment for 1-5 but he was there at 10:40, but I guess it's a little better to be there early then late. So I ran home to meet with him. Prior to leaving, I spoke with the installer to give him a general run down of what I wanted and he got to work with some preliminary things.

I didn't want the installer running the cables on the outside of my siding just tacked into place, so I had already pre-ran a line from inside the garage near the ONT to the TV. Unfortunately I apparently nicked the line somewhere as the signal quality was quite a bit lower then expected. The installer said it probably would be best to run a new line. He did not have a problem just running the cable along the ground around the perimeter of the house leaving an extra 20 feet or so on each end for me to re fish the cable (doing it myself was my decision, not his BTW). After running the cable he got things hooked up and working pretty smoothly.

He was kind enough to leave a new wall plate and jacks for me to finish off the outlet once I got the cable reran. I also asked about back feeding the output back onto the coax so that a TV upstairs could also get the receiver's output. He said that the best option was to run it's own cable, but also gave me a RCA RF modulator if I needed it. I also told him not to worry much about programming the FIOS remote for all my devices as I already have a Harmony remote that I would be using instead. In the garage he installed the new ActionTec router, not that boxy monstrosity of a thing they had been using.

Activation of my account was pretty straight forward and didn't have much troubles. He did ask if I was to have HD programming. Well, I did order a HD DVR and it was hooked up via HDMI to a LCD TV, so I said it was a pretty safe bet that I would have wanted them, but as to if they were on the actual order I didn't know because I didn't know they had to be ordered explicitly. A quick call to someone got those setup easily.

Total time the installer was there was probably around 2 hours. I thought he went above what a normal person would do with the "freebies" to help me out. It probably didn't cost much, and it saves him time (and time=money) by me doing some of the work how I wanted it done, but it wasn't necessary. Keeping customers happy I guess is a good thing though.

The only issue that I've had so far was that my subscription VOD was not working. I spent about 20 minutes on the phone with the FSC to get things going. Apparently my order didn't process on the video server like it was suppose to.

As to the quality of service...

SD TV channels are as good as if not significantly better then what I had with Dish Network and my 522 receiver. I didn't look through everything, but I have quite a few more channels then what I had with just the AT100 package. I haven't watched enough to say if there are issues with picture quality anywhere specifically, but all in all, SD programming was good.

I did not have HD with Dish, so I can't do a comparison. I did channel surf some between the HD channels and now kick myself for not going HD a long time ago. Picture quality was amazing but when your baseline is SD, any improvement will be amazing. :) I turned on the home run derby competition on ESPN and flipped back and forth between the SD and HD feeds to show the Mrs the difference. The clarity of being able to see faces in the crowd or a sign clear out in center field makes me wish football season was closer then it is. I didn't experience any issues with HD such as blockiness, pixelation, etc. But again, I haven't used it long enough to give a definitive report.

After we solved the little VOD problem mentioned above, we didn't have any issues with the VOD system. We watched a few shows from HBO last night as well as Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and had no issues as well. Picture quality was excellent too although only in SD.

All praises aside, I do have a few gripes that I need to share. Most aren't related to technical things, but rather user interface design. Some may be resolved after I explore the menus some, and others probably are more just adjusting to a different menu style. But I still think that I should mention some.

1. No on-screen caller id. Verizon's a telecommunications company. You can't tell me that with all the state of the art features that the entire FiOS system offers that you can't display a caller id overlay?

2. I have a wide screen TV. Why can't the program guide take up the entire screen showing me either more shows, or more details per show?

3. I can't seem to find a way to stretch a non 16:9 video to fit my TV. This is probably more my TV then Verizon's fault.

4. Many shows don't show up in the guide with complete names. There just isn't enough space to fit them. For instance, The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron might just show up as The Adventures of J or sometimes even less.

5. Similar to #4, some of the VOD movies and Shows descriptions aren't very useful with just the limited number of characters that are shown in the summary. You have to go into the show/movie's detail to get a more useful description. For instance, we watched Penn & Teller's Showtime show Bull$#it and the description it showed was something like "Penn & Teller explore American's infatuation with". OK...that tells you nothing and actually describes every single episode.

6. Limited HD space. I haven't hit the DVR features yet, but my Dish DVR had more space then this thing has, and it's several years older.

7. VOD programming can't be skipped ahead/repeated behind. You can ff/rew, but not skip.

I'll update this as I solve issues or find other things that might be wrong. Overall I have been very happy with the switch but I have to qualify that I've only used it less then a day so this is subject to change.

Thank you for your review cdru... hope you don't think we didn't appreciate it! People are being quiet on here lately I guess.

I agree...great review....t-minus 1 week until my install!

My install is still scheduled for July 28, as far as I can tell. I called Verizon, and the automated message mentioned my recently placed order. I inquired, and it confirmed it was July 28th.


I may call next week to confirm again..



Also, I ordered online when the free movies for 2 months ad was up. I did not select the movie package, as I was worried about charges. Should I call and mention this, or just mention this to my installer?

OK, I'll quit being quiet and even head things back towards the forum topic with an old question and a new one.

1. What is the current status of WANE-DT going to full power? I can't really think of any legitimate reason this should be top secret. The original circumstances are known, what is going on NOW?

2. If I understand correctly, and I'm sure someone will let me know if I don't, 21 and 33 digital antennas are on the same tower. Why is there a 10-15 difference in signal level, 21 being higher?

OK, I'll quit being quiet and even head things back towards the forum topic with an old question and a new one.

1. What is the current status of WANE-DT going to full power? I can't really think of any legitimate reason this should be top secret. The original circumstances are known, what is going on NOW?

2. If I understand correctly, and I'm sure someone will let me know if I don't, 21 and 33 digital antennas are on the same tower. Why is there a 10-15 difference in signal level, 21 being higher?


What do you mean by full power?


I'll add to your questions:

3. What is the status of 21/33 going 5.1?

If I understand correctly, and I'm sure someone will let me know if I don't, 21 and 33 digital antennas are on the same tower. Why is there a 10-15 difference in signal level, 21 being higher?
From the Journal Gazette, June 28, in a story about a radio repair company buying the old WISE facility on State:

WISE needs to continue using the studio’s 800-foot antenna until the country shifts to broadcasting only digital signals in 2009, commercial real estate agent Carolyn Spake-Leeper has said.

Emergency Radio Service plans to install transmission equipment on the former studio’s broadcasting tower, but it will not interfere with WISE’s signal, [ERS co-owner Brian] Hull said.

LINK (http://www.jg.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070628/BIZ/706280371&SearchID=73287421006079)

Makes sense enough, because, unless I myself am mistaken, WISE would need to go off the air and move their transmitter to Butler Road alongside WPTA's, then it would be hooked up to the WPTA antenna; it's more convenient to do it when the analog transmitter is being shut down and removed in '09, then the WISE digital trans. can take its place without much hassle. (Unless they have a ton of space I don't know about, :D )

I'll add to the questions too, even though this is a HUGE longshot:

4. How far is either 15 or 21/33 away from HD newscasts?

I'll add to the questions too, even though this is a HUGE longshot:

4. How far is either 15 or 21/33 away from HD newscasts?


Linda Jackson + blue screen in HD. Mmmmm

I am trying to past a link and get this: Your Post contains one or more URLs or image calls, please remove them before submitting your message again.

What gives?

......Also, I ordered online when the free movies for 2 months ad was up. I did not select the movie package, as I was worried about charges. Should I call and mention this, or just mention this to my installer?

The first CSR I spoke w specifically told me that you could still get the free 60 day movie package even after the cut off date, but you would have to wait until after your installation to order it.

I called in a week later to change the number of DVRs I was getting, and I mentioned this to the new CSR I was dealing with. I asked if there wasn't an easier and quicker way to do this, and she said what she could do is order the movie package for me, but then also give me a credit on my bill for the charge for the first 60 days of the movie package. You may want to try that.

I am trying to past a link and get this: Your Post contains one or more URLs or image calls, please remove them before submitting your message again.

What gives?
To help keep out the trolls you have to have a certain number of posts (not sure how many but it should be stated in the AVS rules or FAQ ) in order to post a link.
Welcome aboard!

I am trying to past a link and get this: Your Post contains one or more URLs or image calls, please remove them before submitting your message again.

What gives?

Just take out a few parts and replace with * ....... for instance www*avsforum*com ....... replace * with .

Thanks Magic and Terry. The wasn't any problem over at dslreports. The story in this morning's Journal Gazette in the business section is titled: Verizon is adding TV to lineup. I thought to myself, kinda late with this story aren't we? How many home in Fort Wayne already have FiosTV.

Yeah, what's up w that ? This morning on WOWO, they said that Verizon was having a "major" press conference this afternoon to make a big announcement about FIOS TV in Ft Wayne.

Heck, I was just hoping that the big announcement was that Verizon was going to finally make good on its earlier statement that the FIOS channel lineup would include FOX WFFT in HD. :D

Verizon did a soft launch. Now that they have proven out their system in large chunks of the city and worked through any kinks in their system, it is time to announce the 'official launch'. It is a non-event for most of us, but it gives them a chance to win some free publicity.

Im still waiting for it to be available where I live so maybe this is good news for me at least....

I had FiOS TV installed on the 12th of July, I live in Lake Forest (Georgetown). The installer said that my area is also part of the New Haven area Rollout for their TV service. Overall, I'm am very satisfied with Verizon and all FiOS has to offer.

Here are my likes and dislikes:

Likes:


Implementation - I've seen the way Comcast does their phone service, utilizing a box/modem unit, too much hassle. Except for the TV units, you can't even tell what services I have in the house. With everthing running through the ONT, I really cosider FiOS to be a service like Aep or Nipsco, not just an add on.
IMG - I like the tabbed interface, the way it manages files, and how the channels are grouped.
The Digital and HD channels are the best I've seen from a service provider. I have a/b OTA (rooftop) and Verizon HD - I think OTA is the defacto way of viewing HD, but my wife can't tell the difference (good enough!)
Home Media DVR - I already have a unit that transmits my movies, pics, and music, so I really didn't need these features, but it does a better job at it than what I expected. I'm sure that more features will be added later that will make the Home Media DVR an even greater value.
DVR - It has all standard features, series recording, pause live tv, commercial jump (via remote), recording time availablity status, etc. Nothing to complain about (i'm not a dvr maniac, but it serves my needs perfectly).
On Demand - Though content is limited (see Dislikes), I prefer Verizon's over Comcast. Two things that standout are 1) being able to watch the trailer of a movie before you decide to watch it. I don't know how many times I've wasted my time watching a movie just to find out it really sucks!. 2) The ability to still scan through the IMG while you're still in "On Demand" mode. With Comcast you have to go in and out of On Demand, I like the ability to see what else is on without stopping the movie I'm watching.


Dislikes:



Some type of box is needed to receive stations. I have 3 TVs, a HDTV, HD Ready, and Standard. On the SD & HD Ready, I was only able to tune in about 15 Channels. With my HDTV I was able to tune in a few more, but I expected to be able to at least pickup what Comcast offers without a box. I asked the Installer about Cable Card, he said he has never installed one and, from what he's heard from other installers who maybe have had the opportunity, there have been more failures than successes. For me, having boxes at each tv isn't a big deal, but thinking about my grandparents, they would hate to have to add another piece of electricity to the TV, especially just to watch TV.
On Demand Content - as far as free movies - not too many. There are some movies that you have to pay for that are free with Comcast. I would hate to pay $3.99 for a 2 year old movie. If you like adult entertainment, that will cost you $14.99. No freaky nights for me and my wife (just the free kind!!!).



Overall, I'm very satisfied and I would highly recommend the Triple Play from Verizon to anyone. BTW, I just found out that I get a 20% discount through my job for Verizon Wireless, so soon I will be completely Verizon. Can Comcrap do that?

Does anyone here understand the blackout rules for ESPN's primetime baseball game of the week? I'd seen baseball games blacked out on ESPN before (I have DirecTV, don't know if it's the same for cable?) but I always thought it was Chicago teams. Last night, I had some friends over and we wanted to watch the Tigers game, but it was blacked out. I searched the listings up and down for another outlet to watch the game and of course there was none (and shouldn't be, as it was ESPN's game of the week). I really don't get it. I haven't seen this occur in any other sport (then again I don't play really close attention except for NFL/college football).

Can anyone explain the philosophy of blacking out games in not just the city, but the region of most interest? Does blacking out a game in Fort Wayne because it might be an incentive for me to drive 3 hours to watch it live make any sense at all? Is this a satellite thing or does it not matter who the provider is? Most importantly, do I have any recourse?

Some type of box is needed to receive stations. I have 3 TVs, a HDTV, HD Ready, and Standard. On the SD & HD Ready, I was only able to tune in about 15 Channels. With my HDTV I was able to tune in a few more, but I expected to be able to at least pickup what Comcast offers without a box. I asked the Installer about Cable Card, he said he has never installed one and, from what he's heard from other installers who maybe have had the opportunity, there have been more failures than successes. For me, having boxes at each tv isn't a big deal, but thinking about my grandparents, they would hate to have to add another piece of electricity to the TV, especially just to watch TV. As to having to have a box, get use to it if you want digital programming, at least with most existing TVs. Once cable cards become a little more standard there should be less issues. But Verizon has chosen to only have their most basic tier available as analog. Eventually that probably will go away. In some markets, other cable providers have already gone that route (Chicago comes to mind IIRC). With digital programming they can transmit multiple channels in the space that a single analog channel occupies. The picture and sound also is normally better.

As we are on the analog/digital topic...which channel numbers on Verizon are analog???

I think Fort Wayne is blacked out for Cubs, White Sox, Tigers and Reds. As to why? We know media controls everything, but it's a free country...

As noted in numerous threads. The same applies to Fox HD. If the local affiliate does not want to broadcast HD, we should have the right to get Fox HD from somewhere else until a local broadcast is available. World peace will occur before that happens.

Just had FIOS TV installed this afternoon. It was about 2 weeks after I ordered it but so far well worth the wait.

Hre's what I had installed: 3 standard set top boxes and DVR with HD. I previously had FIOS internet (which in my opinion is the greatest thing since sliced bread) and my wiring was such that the install only took 2 hours. Of course having 3 great guys doing the install helped a bit.

So far, the program guide is marvelous. Being able to search for a movie, see who's in it and then serach for other movies they're in is very cool. On a scale of 1-10, here's a summary of what I think:

Standard video - I'd rate FIOS a 9 where Comcast would have been a 7. The FIOS signal was so strong they had to drop it down another 3db before the splitter.

HD video - Haven't watched much HD content so far today, but so far I'd rate FIOS an 8 and Comcast a 7.

Program Guide - No contest. FIOS 9, Comcast 5

More to come after I play with the DVR.

Okay, so we all know that Fox doesn't broadcast locally in HD... but supposedly they have a digital channel? I haven't been able to find it... it's not 55-1, and 36-1 doesn't have any signal for me either. Does Fox broadcast digitally or not? Thanks!

The local Fox affiliate (55) does broadcast in 480p digital, but the signal is very weak. Someone told me it was 250 Watts, but that may be dated info. They are the butt of many jokes around here. I receive it intermittently myself. If you can get decent analog reception, you aren't missing anything.

WFFT-DT 36 (55.1) is currently operating with an ERP of 970 watts @ approximately 211 ft. (HAAT). But according to the FCC info, the only place you can actually receive that much signal is if you are located 230 degrees southwest of their tower. The FCC is requiring the station to use a directional antenna, thus reducing that 'powerful' 970 watts in all other directions.
http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=25040

Steve

The FCC is requiring the station to use a directional antenna,
http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=25040

SteveIs that really true or is using the directional antenna WFFT's option??

But according to the FCC info, the only place you can actually receive that much signal is if you are located 230 degrees southwest of their tower.I wonder who lives out in Aboite that got that antenna installed...

When my FiOS TV was installed I asked the installer if he had heard anything about if/when 55 was suppose to be available in HD and he said that the fiber has been ran to the station and they were just waiting on the station to make it available.

WFFT-DT 36 (55.1) is currently operating with an ERP of 970 watts @ approximately 211 ft. (HAAT).
= if you can see the tower, you might be able to get Fox 55 digital... Otherwise, forget about it. :(

= if you can see the tower, you might be able to get Fox 55 digital... Otherwise, forget about it. :(

I live on the border of the Chicago and Rockford, IL's market and it's interesting to see what is going on with your FOX here. Our FOX in Rockford was in the same boat---same owner (Nexstar). Our station went full power last summer, and went HD one year before that. They also were at low power, but at least they put their broadcast antenna way up on the tower. So instead of 900 watts ERP on channel 42, they had 2,300 watts. I know, you say "so what?". But at 2,300 watts ERP at 600', we were able to get the signal 40+ miles out! Now that they're at 900 kw, they go out 60 miles plus, depending on direction (it's a side-mounted antenna and we have hills out here that block the signal in some directions).

If they can go up to 600' on that tower with their current setup, and then get the HD splicer, most of you would be good to go.

And of course, I'm dreaming again, aren't I? :(

Thanks for the quick input guys. Glad to know it's not just me.

New question... I get 4 crystal-clear digital channels with PBS... but I've yet to see their main channel broadcast anything in HD. I was looking forward to NOVA in HD, among other shows... what gives?

Just found this which seems to confirm earlier comments:

==========================================
Nexstar and Verizon in retransmission deal
Jun 18, 2007 10:00 AM

Nexstar Broadcasting and Verizon’s FiOS TV have signed a multiyear retransmission agreement.

Under the agreement, Verizon has the nonexclusive right to distribute Nexstar’s locally produced programming and to carry both the analog and digital signals of all Nexstar stations located within FiOS TV markets.

The deal means that Verizon will carry WFFT-TV, a Fox affiliate in Ft. Wayne, IN, when FiOS TV launches there later this summer.
====================================


Nothing against Rockford, IL but a few years ago the local GM at WFFT was whining that WFFT is part of a larger company and converting to HD was expensive. Odd when Rockford which is listed on Nexstar's web site as 133rd in DMA market size is behind the Fort at #106.

Thanks for the quick input guys. Glad to know it's not just me.

New question... I get 4 crystal-clear digital channels with PBS... but I've yet to see their main channel broadcast anything in HD. I was looking forward to NOVA in HD, among other shows... what gives?

When PBS originally went digital they broadcast HD programming. Later on they said there was not enough HD programming so they switched to four worthless (to me) channels. At one time I thought they said it was too expensive for them to broadcast the HD programming.

I won't support them until they switch back the HD programming.

Nothing against Rockford, IL but a few years ago the local GM at WFFT was whining that WFFT is part of a larger company and converting to HD was expensive. Odd when Rockford which is listed on Nexstar's web site as 133rd in DMA market size is behind the Fort at #106.

Unfortunately, the GM is right. That guy had the same issue as the GM in Champaign with the CBS affiliate there. In small markets, it's tough just to make a profit these days with a network affil. Two of our stations have gone bankrupt in the last few years (the CBS and FOX affils). The people who owned ABC in our market entered a marketing agreement with the FOX station. I think they now own both.

You do touch on a great point, though. Why Rockford and not Fort Wayne? The answer is easy: it was a business decision within the company. The rest of this year's Nexstar capital budget for major upgrades will go to their stations in Amarillo and Lubbock, TX...getting them to full power and HD. Yep, they're smaller than the Fort as well.

It can be said that the CBS GM in Champaign pushed pretty hard to get bumped up on the list of stations to upgrade and go full power/HD. But he had a darn good case: Illini football (no longer true since the Big Ten network swallows that up). In Rockford, all the others were HD...the CBS affiliate was HD back in 2002, if I recall correctly...for quite some time. I'm not saying WFFT's GM isn't pushing, but somebody has to be last on the company's long list of stations to upgrade to full power and HD. WFFT is close to it. :(

21's debuting a new radar system on Monday. They call it... Pinpoint VIPIR HD. Very funny, guys.

When PBS originally went digital they broadcast HD programming. Later on they said there was not enough HD programming so they switched to four worthless (to me) channels. ....... I won't support them until they switch back the HD programming. Amen ! I have written and called the station about this. There is plenty of HD programming available to them, but they believe its in the public's best interest to have quantity over quality of channels. That's their call but on Sunday evening I have a lot of channels to chose from, and if NOVA is not in HD, I am at least 75% less likely to watch it, and 100% less likely to call in on a PBS pledge drive.

I'm just hoping that when eventually WFFT goes full power digital they don't follow this business model and give us 4 digital channels and no HD. :rolleyes:

What do you mean by full power?


I'll add to your questions:

3. What is the status of 21/33 going 5.1?

By full power for 15 I mean the same power 21 and 33 are broadcasting at. They are not.

Does anyone here understand the blackout rules for ESPN's primetime baseball game of the week? I'd seen baseball games blacked out on ESPN before (I have DirecTV, don't know if it's the same for cable?) but I always thought it was Chicago teams. Last night, I had some friends over and we wanted to watch the Tigers game, but it was blacked out. I searched the listings up and down for another outlet to watch the game and of course there was none (and shouldn't be, as it was ESPN's game of the week). I really don't get it. I haven't seen this occur in any other sport (then again I don't play really close attention except for NFL/college football).

Can anyone explain the philosophy of blacking out games in not just the city, but the region of most interest? Does blacking out a game in Fort Wayne because it might be an incentive for me to drive 3 hours to watch it live make any sense at all? Is this a satellite thing or does it not matter who the provider is? Most importantly, do I have any recourse?

Well, the Tigers and Reds "local" broadcasts are available this year on Dish Network IF you have the Sports package for $5.99. Most of that is relatively useless as its all the Regional Sports Networks and the ones you do not qualify for have the games blacked out.

I'm getting ready to install my new antennas near Celina OH 45822.
The VHF Winegard HD 5030 & the UHF Winegard HD 9032.
The preamp is a Channel Master 7777.
I'm using a 40 foot tower with a rotor & no nearby trees or obstructions.

If anyone has any experience with the above items, or criticism please let me know.

I'm also wondering what to expect from the broadcasters in the area including Fort Wayne, Lima, Dayton & possibly Columbus.
Will any of the stations be switching from VHF to UHF (I hope not)!
Will any of the stations be switching their channel numbers?

I know some of the stations remap their signal on other channels, though I have not been informed why they do this.

Any information would be appreciated!
Thanks

Amen ! I have written and called the station about this. There is plenty of HD programming available to them, but they believe its in the public's best interest to have quantity over quality of channels. That's their call but on Sunday evening I have a lot of channels to chose from, and if NOVA is not in HD, I am at least 75% less likely to watch it, and 100% less likely to call in on a PBS pledge drive.

I'm just hoping that when eventually WFFT goes full power digital they don't follow this business model and give us 4 digital channels and no HD. :rolleyes:

Terry, et al,

I know PBS raised the rates on the HD channel considerably to affiliates. In fact, it may be on the order of tens of thousands of dollars per month. Some stations have opted out of the feed because they can't afford it. Oklahoma PBS stations dropped it altogether except on Cable. Wisconsin Public TV stations only carry a few primetime programs. I have a thread going on the HDTV programming side of stations that kept and dropped PBS HD.

Finally, check this out, re: PBS:

http://hd.broadcastnewsroom.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=160813

^^^^ Thanks for the info. I was not aware that it was a problem all over the country. I am now more sympathetic w the situation that our local affiliate faces, but I'm still less likely to be a viewer/supporter until they bring back HD. Puts the affiliates in a tough spot. They need more $$ for HD, but w out HD they are losing HDTV owners, who presumably on average had previously been some of their better supporters.

I'm getting ready to install my new antennas near Celina OH 45822.
The VHF Winegard HD 5030 & the UHF Winegard HD 9032.
The preamp is a Channel Master 7777.
I'm using a 40 foot tower with a rotor & no nearby trees or obstructions.

If anyone has any experience with the above items, or criticism please let me know.

I'm also wondering what to expect from the broadcasters in the area including Fort Wayne, Lima, Dayton & possibly Columbus.
Will any of the stations be switching from VHF to UHF (I hope not)!
Will any of the stations be switching their channel numbers?

I know some of the stations remap their signal on other channels, though I have not been informed why they do this.

Any information would be appreciated!
Thanks
[

I personally have not had any experience with the Winegard antennas you've selected, but it appears that they should work well in your area. I have used the CM 7777 and really like the way it performs. Between your antenna height and good antennas, you should receive good reception from some of the markets you mentioned.

According the latest info available from the FCC, it appears that there are a few stations, say within 100 miles of Celina, that will be switching DTV channels Feb. 17, 2009. The ones I've been able to come up with include:

WPTD-DT-58, Dayton, will switch to its analog channel (16).
WTVG-DT-19, Toledo, will switch to its analog channel (13).
WTOL-DT-17, Toledo, will switch to its analog channel (11).
WBGU-DT-56, Bowling Green, will switch to its analog channel (27).

After years and years of channel branding by stations, they will continue to be known by their analog channel number, regardless of whether they continue to use it after Feb. 17, 2009 or not. This is why the receiver remaps from the true DTV RF channel to the virtual channel, or analog channel number.

Good luck with your antenna project.

Steve

Thanks for the info, but I have heard from others that WHIO Dayton channel 7 will be switching to channel 41 which is UHF, and possibly not receivable this far north.

Can anyone confirm this ?

I wonder who lives out in Aboite that got that antenna installed...

When my FiOS TV was installed I asked the installer if he had heard anything about if/when 55 was suppose to be available in HD and he said that the fiber has been ran to the station and they were just waiting on the station to make it available.


My sources say "Before the Super Bowl"

21's debuting a new radar system on Monday. They call it... Pinpoint VIPIR HD. Very funny, guys.


I almost spit out my pop when they played that commercial.



All that was missing was the voice of the "Trailer guy."

My sources say "Before the Super Bowl"Don't be messing with us! :p

My sources say "Before the Super Bowl" Hopefully the FOX 55 HD pig will fly before Jan. 6 , because other than one wild card game, Fox also has all the NFC wild card, playoff, and championship games this year.

Well, I've spent the weekend watching HD on Verizon FIOS. I'm definitely impressed. The Food Network is as some have described amazing - Giada, Giada, Giada. For those of you who have reported that it appears "softer" than Comcast HD, have you checked your TV video settings? I found that I had Sharpness set at 50% and with Verizon I pulled it down to 0% and it looks even better. I tried that with Comcast with less than desirable results. ESPN and the HD Net channels look great. Haven't found an HD channel that looks worse than Comcast. With Comcast, I frequently had some pixelation in HD expecially on live sports broadcasts. So far, FIOS has been crystal clear.

The DVR seems OK. I really like the ability to record two programs at once. I have noticed some minor pixelation on playback. And, the SD broadcasts are so clear that I plan to record in SD to gain more capacity. I also wish I could connect the DVR to my home network and download programs. But, the good news is, I'll soon be eBaying my old ReplayTV.

I will give Comcast one last kudo. When I called to cancel, I didn't have to wait long and all they asked was if there was anything they could do to keep me. Then when I returned their HD box there was no line and I was in/out in no time. I do think Verizon ought to offer a service to drop off new customers hardware at Comcast. That would be fun to watch!

Only drawback (other than wet top boxes) is I do miss Comcast channel 31 whatever it called. Now I'll only see half as many Cubs games. But, maybe I'll thank Verizon come October.

All in all I think Verizon is off to a GREAT start. Their installers seem focused on customer service and even when I called for the installation it just seemed like a different and better experience than calling Comcast. I know I won't hesitate to recommend FIOS TV.

What I'd like to see: One of the installers mentioned that Verizon plans to display the ringing phone number on screen. As long as there is an option to not show it, I'm fine. I would prefer more and more HD content and beefing up the DVR a bit more. I already miss MOJO Network.

^^^ Thanks for the review Alan. I am getting mine installed next weekend, and I will take your suggestion and play around w the sharpness setting, as well as turning off the video filter as suggested by previous posters.

Hopefully the FOX 55 HD pig will fly before Jan. 6 , because other than one wild card game, Fox also has all the NFC wild card, playoff, and championship games this year.

My sources indicate that FOX HQ has thrown down the gauntlet for the SB to its affiliates: Be in HD or you will face wrath. CBS told the same thing to their affiliates this year. In fact, IIRC, the Lubbock, TX CBS affiliate, also broadcasting on UHF and at 950 or so watts, had to RENT their HD equipment until they got their own. I also recall WMBD in Peoria also got yelled at because I don't think they were ready or going to have it. Turns out both stations made it in time. I suspect in December you'll have FOX HD...FIOS will carry it...and for everyone else (since Comcast is normally slow), get the biggest antenna you can find and point it at WFFT's tower, maybe with a preamp...and hope for the best.

Interestingly, this could be also bad for Comcast. If WFFT is in HD and they don't have them for the SB, come Monday morning there could be a lot of calls for FIOS and a number of cancels to Comcast.

I wouldn't worry about WFFT being in HD for the Super Bowl. I'd be VERY concerned if you can only get Fox via Comcast or over-the-air. I don't know if they have yelled at affiliates for the playoffs, but the SB, most definitely. So, before October, make sure that you either have FIOS or an antenna that can get FOX. And if you have Comcast, ask them and bug them between now and December if they wil have fox in HD the day it happens.

Finally, expect up to 5 days for the HD to work properly, once installed, with a glitch or three thereafter. The FOX HD Splicer is very good, but NOT very engineer friendly to set up.

Sounds like reason to be cautiously optimistic. :) Thanks for your insight!

Any new FiOS converts move over from DirecTV and their HDTivo (HR-250)? That's what I currently have and am interested in hearing what the differences are in the FiOS HD DVR. The HDTivo has an interface that's slow as molasses, but I like that it has dual buffers so that I don't have to record on 1 (or both) tuners to watch two programs at once. (Hopefully that makes sense).

I'm also interested in thoughts on picture quality between DirecTV and FiOS on non-HD channels. DirecTV's SD stations looks fine on SD sets but look like crap on my HD set. It's practically unwatchable with sports premium channels looking the worst. (Cancelled my ESPN Gameplan for that reason, among others.)

Any comparisons would be appreciated and welcome. My 2 years with DirecTV are up in September and I'm weighing my options.

I almost spit out my pop when they played that commercial.



All that was missing was the voice of the "Trailer guy."
"In a world where our basement studio was completely under water...."

Assuming that it's the VIPIR HD system by Baron, then it actually is capable of 720p and 1080i. (Wonder how that will factor into the ABC/NBC dichotomy of HD formats.) In fact, when they played that commercial tonight, I thought I saw a 16:9 demonstration of it within the letterboxed image, because it had the INC logo and labels within a 4:3 safe area. Baron also says that an entire weather report can be run off of that one system. I guess we'll see just hours from now what they have in store for us.

Well, I've spent the weekend watching HD on Verizon FIOS. I'm definitely impressed. The Food Network is as some have described amazing - Giada, Giada, Giada. For those of you who have reported that it appears "softer" than Comcast HD, have you checked your TV video settings? I found that I had Sharpness set at 50% and with Verizon I pulled it down to 0% and it looks even better. I tried that with Comcast with less than desirable results. ESPN and the HD Net channels look great. Haven't found an HD channel that looks worse than Comcast. With Comcast, I frequently had some pixelation in HD expecially on live sports broadcasts. So far, FIOS has been crystal clear.

The DVR seems OK. I really like the ability to record two programs at once. I have noticed some minor pixelation on playback. And, the SD broadcasts are so clear that I plan to record in SD to gain more capacity. I also wish I could connect the DVR to my home network and download programs. But, the good news is, I'll soon be eBaying my old ReplayTV.

I will give Comcast one last kudo. When I called to cancel, I didn't have to wait long and all they asked was if there was anything they could do to keep me. Then when I returned their HD box there was no line and I was in/out in no time. I do think Verizon ought to offer a service to drop off new customers hardware at Comcast. That would be fun to watch!

Only drawback (other than wet top boxes) is I do miss Comcast channel 31 whatever it called. Now I'll only see half as many Cubs games. But, maybe I'll thank Verizon come October.

All in all I think Verizon is off to a GREAT start. Their installers seem focused on customer service and even when I called for the installation it just seemed like a different and better experience than calling Comcast. I know I won't hesitate to recommend FIOS TV.

What I'd like to see: One of the installers mentioned that Verizon plans to display the ringing phone number on screen. As long as there is an option to not show it, I'm fine. I would prefer more and more HD content and beefing up the DVR a bit more. I already miss MOJO Network.

Go to Channel 65 to watch the Cubs on Comcast Sports Net Chicago.

I'm just hoping that when eventually WFFT goes full power digital they don't follow this business model and give us 4 digital channels and no HD. :rolleyes:Does WFFT/Fox have enough compelling content for 1 channel, let alone 4?

VIPIR is, as expected, not HD. And the only things 16:9 about it so far are the PC monitors in the studio. I guess they're only using NEXRAD data right now, the old radar hasn't been retired yet. Indeed, the whole weather report looks to be done off of that one system, but they could have at least switched the graphics up a bit.

Excellent on channel 65 for the Cubs.

Also I noticed that during the install the tech reset the Actiontec router. Would have been nice to know he did that since I now need to re-enter in my wireless device MAC addresses and SID - a minor inconvenience. And, of course that wiped out my login and password and the default one didn't work. Before resetting on my own, I found a post that mentioned that the techs are typically changing the default password to 'password1'. I tried that and it worked.

Also I noticed that during the install the tech reset the Actiontec router. Would have been nice to know he did that since I now need to re-enter in my wireless device MAC addresses and SID - a minor inconvenience.Hopefully you also setup WPA or WPA2 encryption as oppose to WEP. Also, adding the MAC filtering will do very little for security other then keep the casual snoopers out. It's not all that difficult to clone a MAC address.

OK...here's my quick review of my install and look into my Verizon Fios TV hook-up. First off, twice now the installers have shown up at least 30 minutes early. I had it scheduled from 1-5 p.m. and he called me at 12:15 and was at the house by 12:30 p.m. Comcast would NEVER have been that early. It's also nice to have an official truck (without a magnet stuck on the side) and an installer with an official uniform doing the install. The entire install took 2 hours (which he said has been his average lately). Everything went smoothly and there were no problems at all. I found it amazing that they hook everything up via a laptop computer. After he left, I started to take a look at the channels and the program guide. The program guide is very nice. Great graphics. I think it's going to take some time to get used to using...mainly because of the newness. I'm too used to using Comcast's. Picture quality after you get past channel 49 is AMAZING. The installer said that the difference in picture quality is really going to depend on how far down the line you are on Comcast's lines. If you are close to where they split and send their fiber...you may not see a difference. I must have been quite a bit down the line, because the Cubbies have never looked better!!!! They are on channel 65 and it was great seeing them in digital form (can't wait until they add CSN HD!!!). I flipped through the On Demand stuff and was disappointed that I didn't find any HD content (which I may have missed). I also didn't see a section where the CBS shows were listed. I kind of liked being able to watch CSI in HD if I wasn't at home on Thursday night. I was pleasantly surprised to see an ESPN section in the Free On Demand. It listed daily PTI's and Around the Horn's. That's a nice change. Overall, after looking around I was very happy with my change. I'm going to enjoy taking the boxes down to Comcast today to turn in.

"In a world where our basement studio was completely under water...."

Assuming that it's the VIPIR HD system by Baron, then it actually is capable of 720p and 1080i. (Wonder how that will factor into the ABC/NBC dichotomy of HD formats.) In fact, when they played that commercial tonight, I thought I saw a 16:9 demonstration of it within the letterboxed image, because it had the INC logo and labels within a 4:3 safe area. Baron also says that an entire weather report can be run off of that one system. I guess we'll see just hours from now what they have in store for us.
Can I trade that for some HD PBS or HD FOX? I think I've looked at my radar channel twice ever and only cared about looking at it once. :rolleyes:

OK...here's my quick review of my install and look into my Verizon Fios TV hook-up. First off, twice now the installers have shown up at least 30 minutes early. I had it scheduled from 1-5 p.m. and he called me at 12:15 and was at the house by 12:30 p.m. Comcast would NEVER have been that early. It's also nice to have an official truck (without a magnet stuck on the side) and an installer with an official uniform doing the install. The entire install took 2 hours (which he said has been his average lately). Everything went smoothly and there were no problems at all. I found it amazing that they hook everything up via a laptop computer. After he left, I started to take a look at the channels and the program guide. The program guide is very nice. Great graphics. I think it's going to take some time to get used to using...mainly because of the newness. I'm too used to using Comcast's. Picture quality after you get past channel 49 is AMAZING. The installer said that the difference in picture quality is really going to depend on how far down the line you are on Comcast's lines. If you are close to where they split and send their fiber...you may not see a difference. I must have been quite a bit down the line, because the Cubbies have never looked better!!!! They are on channel 65 and it was great seeing them in digital form (can't wait until they add CSN HD!!!). I flipped through the On Demand stuff and was disappointed that I didn't find any HD content (which I may have missed). I also didn't see a section where the CBS shows were listed. I kind of liked being able to watch CSI in HD if I wasn't at home on Thursday night. I was pleasantly surprised to see an ESPN section in the Free On Demand. It listed daily PTI's and Around the Horn's. That's a nice change. Overall, after looking around I was very happy with my change. I'm going to enjoy taking the boxes down to Comcast today to turn in.

The other install I am referring to is my internet install...they were early then, also.

VIPIR is, as expected, not HD. And the only things 16:9 about it so far are the PC monitors in the studio. I guess they're only using NEXRAD data right now, the old radar hasn't been retired yet. Indeed, the whole weather report looks to be done off of that one system, but they could have at least switched the graphics up a bit.

Actually, from someone in the weather biz, I can tell you it's in HD if it's true 16:9 in the studio. But as you note, they don't tell you that they can't pass along the output to you as HD directly. And they wonder why the public doesn't believe the media... :mad:

......... The installer said that the difference in picture quality is really going to depend on how far down the line you are on Comcast's lines. If you are close to where they split and send their fiber...you may not see a difference............
You raise a good point which probably helps explain some of the varying results different posters have noted as to whether or not FIOS picture quality is superior to Comcast. My understanding is that the FIOS signal delivered to your door is always going to be strong and sometimes even has to be "stepped down" before bringing it into the house.

Actually, from someone in the weather biz, I can tell you it's in HD if it's true 16:9 in the studio. But as you note, they don't tell you that they can't pass along the output to you as HD directly. And they wonder why the public doesn't believe the media... :mad:

I swear the weatherman pulse quickens everytime it rains with his new "Viper" HD Radar. He gets way to excited with his new toy.

Wheres the beef? I don't see any HD. It is HD in studio however. Its a shame they can't be honest about it...

He'd better be careful when he stands in front of the greenscreen...


FYI I got my FIOS TV installed Yesterday. I will post impressions as soon as I get my HD (and free movie) channels turned on, hopefully tomorrow. :mad:

:D He'd better be careful when he stands in front of the greenscreen...


FYI I got my FIOS TV installed Yesterday. I will post impressions as soon as I get my HD (and free movie) channels turned on, hopefully tomorrow. :mad:
^^^ Bonzy, that's what you get for giving them a post dated check!! :D

Seriously, my order was screwed up a bit also when it was installed yesterday, ( they had it for phone and internet only so they brought no STBs, but they did have somebody eventually run out the boxes) . Hope you are up and running tomorrow.

Next weekend when I've had a chance to play w it, I will post also.

You raise a good point which probably helps explain some of the varying results different posters have noted as to whether or not FIOS picture quality is superior to Comcast. My understanding is that the FIOS signal delivered to your door is always going to be strong and sometimes even has to be "stepped down" before bringing it into the house.For analog, that makes sense. But isn't all of the "analog"stations with Comcast also available digital? There should be no picture difference if you are 100 feet or 100 miles from the head-end. As long as you can get a strong enough signal that you don't get pixelation, the image on the screen should be identical.

With Fios, it often gets attenuated down because in essence your ONT is the head end. It's better to have too strong of a feed that can be lowered then not strong enough.

^^^ My level of technical expertise is ziltch, so you are probably correct.

I would say that my initial impression is that VZ overall picture quality is about the same as Comcast, although I admittedly don't have the most critical eye. Comcast's HD was already pretty darn good, so I wasn't expecting any improvement there, but I had been hoping (perhaps unrealistically) that the VZ digital channels would be noticeably improved over Comcast. As a big plus to me for VZ, I do much prefer the programming of HD NET to Comcast's MOJO.

Does anyone have any information as to the availability of the Big Ten Network on Fios and Comcast? Have any deals been struck?

Does anyone have any information as to the availability of the Big Ten Network on Fios and Comcast? Have any deals been struck?


I will second that question!


My HD and movie channels were activated yesterday. I will post impressions in a few days.

Does anyone have any information as to the availability of the Big Ten Network on Fios and Comcast? Have any deals been struck?

I am not aware that any deals have been struck yet, but the the Big Ten Network is reportedly seeking monthly, per-subscriber license fees of $1.10 in Big Ten markets and 10 cents in markets outside of the Big Ten. My understanding (admittedly very limited) is that this $1.10 fee is relatively high as far as cable license fees go, and therefor cost may be an issue, whether its part of your basic cable package (which is what the Big Ten Network is pushing for hard) or as an add on.

I am not aware that any deals have been struck yet, but the the Big Ten Network is reportedly seeking monthly, per-subscriber license fees of $1.10 in Big Ten markets and 10 cents in markets outside of the Big Ten. My understanding (admittedly very limited) is that this $1.10 fee is relatively high as far as cable license fees go, and therefor cost may be an issue, whether its part of your basic cable package (which is what the Big Ten Network is pushing for hard) or as an add on.This is purely a guess on my part, but I don't see the B10N being part of any basic tier. If indeed they want $1.10/subscriber in Big 10 markets, I think it gets put into the Sports tier as a RSN.

There is an article in the J-G this a.m. about the Big Ten Network. It will be interesting to see who flinches first.

Is anyone experiencing problems with 21 and 33 OTA? I'm using an HR20 and there is random artifacting. HD is really bad, almost becoming unwatchable with audio drop outs and random garbage appearing every few seconds. SD exhibits minor corruption but not nearly as bad.

I have very good signal strength. Ch. 15 doesn't have this problem.

Anyone having HBOHD on Comcast freeze up every so often? Happened on Sunday night during Entourage quite a bit. This is at least the 2nd time this has happened since I switched from DTV in june.

Is anyone experiencing problems with 21 and 33 OTA? I'm using an HR20 and there is random artifacting. HD is really bad, almost becoming unwatchable with audio drop outs and random garbage appearing every few seconds. SD exhibits minor corruption but not nearly as bad.

I have very good signal strength. Ch. 15 doesn't have this problem.

I have been seeing the same thing. Great signal, just alot of pixelizing and drop outs.

diehard

I have been seeing the same thing. Great signal, just alot of pixelizing and drop outs.

diehard

I've been having the same problem down here in Mercer County Ohio.
I don't even bother tuning to channel 33 WISE anymore.

There have also been times when the signal on channel 33 drops from 90% to zero...I'm assuming they're having transmitter problems.

I know it's not my antenna since I receive stations from Toledo, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Indianapolis & other Fort Wayne stations without a problem.

Saw this and thought of you guys...

Nexstar, LIN Take Companies Off Sales Market

by David Goetzl, Monday, Aug 6, 2007 8:15 AM ET

WITH ITS STOCK IN FREEFALL, mid-size station operator Nexstar has pulled itself off the block--forgoing, for now, the potential to benefit from the heightened interest among private-equity groups in the local station business.

Separately, an influential Wall Street analyst, Bear Stearns' Victor Miller, wrote Friday that another mid-size station operator--LIN TV--has also opted to hold back on its possible sale. LIN, with 29 stations, said it was considering a sale, a day after Nexstar made a similar announcement in May. A call to LIN was not immediately returned.

The 49-station Nexstar said it had hired Goldman Sachs to help it explore a potential sale, sending its stock price up. But since then, given the overall market slowdown, the price--based on midday trading Friday--has fallen by some 32% to the $9 range.

The company said, "in light of the difficult conditions in the financing markets," that it "has decided to suspend discussions with prospective acquirers." Nexstar said it would have no further comment.

LIN's stock has also been falling; it dropped some 9% Friday. The company operates stations in several top-50 markets, including a triopoly in DMA 25, Indianapolis. Nexstar--which is mainly in mid-size markets ranging from Scranton, Pa., where it has a triopoly, to the ABC affiliate in market 201, St. Joseph, Mo.--reports second-quarter results next week. In the first quarter on a like-for-like basis, revenue was down slightly to $59.5 million, while EBITA nudged upward. LIN reported a slight 3% uptick in revenues to $93.1 million; income was also up.

Last month, the Sinclair group sold the ABC affiliate in the 109th-largest market, Springfield, Mass., to another media entrepreneur for $21.2 million, not a private-equity operation.



So it would appear WFFT isn't likley to be doing much in the way of CapEx any time soon. That said, I still think you'll be getting the Super Bowl in HD (with a great deal of pressure from FOX)

Happy to learn the FiOS thing is working out !!!

So it would appear WFFT isn't likley to be doing much in the way of CapEx any time soon. That said, I still think you'll be getting the Super Bowl in HD (with a great deal of pressure from FOX)

I'm trying to get caught up on all of this, so sorry if it's been answered already...
Is WFFT supposed to be doing a low power OTA HD transmission soon?
Has WFFT or Nexstar commented on the possibility?

If you would like to contact the station to 'encourage' them to go HD before the superbowl this year you can check http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9809621&&#post9809621 for some contact info

I'm trying to get caught up on all of this, so sorry if it's been answered already...
Is WFFT supposed to be doing a low power OTA HD transmission soon?
Has WFFT or Nexstar commented on the possibility?

If you would like to contact the station to 'encourage' them to go HD before the superbowl this year you can check http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9809621&&#post9809621 for some contact info

Don't forget this:
http://www.nexstar.tv/corporate-officers.html

Their email is firstinitiallastname@nexstar.tv

Saw this and thought of you guys...

So it would appear WFFT isn't likely to be doing much in the way of CapEx any time soon. That said, I still think you'll be getting the Super Bowl in HD (with a great deal of pressure from FOX)


Let's all hope this is true.

I've been having the same problem down here in Mercer County Ohio.
I don't even bother tuning to channel 33 WISE anymore.

There have also been times when the signal on channel 33 drops from 90% to zero...I'm assuming they're having transmitter problems.

I know it's not my antenna since I receive stations from Toledo, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Indianapolis & other Fort Wayne stations without a problem.

Seeing some of this in Huntington with my admittedly cheap indoor antenna on both 21 & 33 that used to do 21 & 33 just fine. Maybe someone like enjas(sp?) could check in on us. Hoping its an anomaly and not some result of a cheap set up due to the "situation".