I know the TiVO series 3 can support FiOS with 2 cable cards.

Wow, You guys are easily impressed. Thats what the FIOS marketing guys are after.

It is easy to be impressed depending on who you switched from. Cablevision had limited HD VOD that wasrarely if ever changed or added to. I never watched anything in the 3 years I had it. FIOS does so many things better than my CV service. The only shortcoming that affects me to any significant degree is the smallish hd in the DVR.

Here is the kicker:
If I pull a recording that I made on the JVC from the 6416 off of the tape onto the PC, the JVC follows the 5C 'copy once' rules and I get one big encrypted file.
Even the TS header's are encryprted so all the analysis tools can not tell me the most basic things like resolution.

Sorry, couldn't follow this. This implies your 6416 can't record this Saturday's 6:30 am ET HDNet test pattern for direct playback (YPbPr or HDMI) to any display. But if it can the effective resolution can be read from the display screen, as discussed earlier in this thread; that is, where the converging vertical wedges 'gray out' (if at all).

Detailed analysis of a stored signal can be interesting, but isn't necessary to measure maximum delivered resolution. Comparing live image resolution versus captured confirms nothing is being lost from recording/playback. Confirming HDNet (and FIOS) are actually delivering a true 1920X1080 signal seems useful for a rigorous analysis and full confirmation of the signal. But initially discovering you can measure ~1920 lines of effective resolution (10--11 wedge-line 'gray out' readings) versus only ~1300 (just over 7) is a good starting point. -- John

Wow, You guys are easily impressed. Thats what the FIOS marketing guys are after.

Actually, if you saw FIOS, you'd be impressed too. ;)

Actually, if you saw FIOS, you'd be impressed too. ;)
Indeed!

It is possible to hook-up your Tivo unit to FiOS-TV. The hookup was offered to me when I connected, but I declined.

Yes, I have been doing it since I signed up for FiOS in December 06. I have a TiVO with no cable card support, SD only.

The output from FiOS STB goes to the input on the TiVO and then to the TV. Follow the setup menu's on the TiVO box and you are set. Setup takes about 30 mins, but is real simple and accurrate.

You will also need an IR blaster to control the FiOS STB while using the TiVO interace.

Works fine for me. Good Luck

Sorry, couldn't follow this. This implies your 6416 can't record this Saturday's 6:30 am ET HDNet test pattern for direct playback (YPbPr or HDMI) to any display. But if it can the effective resolution can be read from the display screen, as discussed earlier in this thread; that is, where the converging vertical wedges 'gray out' (if at all).

Detailed analysis of a stored signal can be interesting, but isn't necessary to measure maximum delivered resolution. Comparing live image resolution versus captured confirms nothing is being lost from recording/playback. Confirming HDNet (and FIOS) are actually delivering a true 1920X1080 signal seems useful for a rigorous analysis and full confirmation of the signal. But initially discovering you can measure ~1920 lines of effective resolution (10--11 wedge-line 'gray out' readings) versus only ~1300 (just over 7) is a good starting point. -- John


John,
Sorry about that. I had you confused with another person who wanted me to tell them the bit rate and resolution of a few specific HD channels.


I had completely forgotten that you wanted me to record the HDNET test pattern on D-VHS so I could play it back on my TV.


I do have the HDNET test pattern in TS format from Directv (it is NOT encrypted) that I 'pulled' a year ago from my Directv HDTIVO recording of it.

I used that as a starting point to calibrate my Sharp LCD TV when I bought the TV in March of this year.
Since then I have gotten the High Def Version of Video Essentials on HDDVD and used that to calibrate my TV.
So you can see that the notion of using HDNET's test pattern for calibration has dispeared from my 'Radar Screen'

I will make sure that I record the HDNET test pattern and send you a PM when I have done it so you can tell me what you specifically are looking for on Playback

When is it on?

<p>
Here is a thought that I wanted to pass on to readers of this thread to think about:

Not sure about the High Def NON DVR that Verizon offers but the 6416 is one of the few DVR's in existence with a working 1394 connection that adheres to all the standards.

That means that one has choices for buying a device for recording High Def Material.

One such device are the JVC and MITS D-VHS recorders.
The JVC model 30K and 40K D-VHS recorders were in the low $1000 range when they first came out in 2003. Today there are quite a number of them on Ebay and the price is amazingly low.

Since the PQ on FIOS is so close to that which you would find on an HDDVD (My opinion is that it would take a TV at least as big as 50" to be able to tell any doiffference) and Verizon has satisfied the MPAA with their overzealous use of 5C, a D-VHS recorder is a great way to legally build a libray of High Def Movies.

You can do it on the 'cheap' since you can use S-VHS tapes so for a few bucks, you can have a TRUE High def movie.

Something to think about and obviously a route that I had already done but stopped when Diretv's PQ went south.

Joe

I feel I may have made a huge mistake. I just signed up for FIOS at my new house, because Comcast was seriously jerking me around about transferring my service. I just discovered that Verizon doesn't offer MOJO HD, which is pretty much the only non-sports HD programming that I watch.

I've done my share of Google searching as well as searching here... it seems like the chances of ever seeing MOJO HD on Verizon are slim to none... is this indeed the case? Just looking for a definitive answer so I know whether or not to be sad.

No CCx, I have it from good sources that Mojo will be added by Verizon by the fall.

Really? That would be awesome - I hope your sources are truly "good", that's great news. Thanks! (Time to hit up friends to DVR programs for me in the meantime, lol)

Do your sources tell you if DC is getting csn in hd?

No CCx, I have it from good sources that Mojo will be added by Verizon by the fall.

I just want the new Guide by the Fall. :D

Anybody out there who was expecting to record Studio 60 on the DVR should double check. The DVR screwed up again. I checked earlier today and it was in the schedule, but at 10 PM, it was not in the schedule. Did the same thing last week, even with the series options set to record new & rerun.

Fios guide also has a problem with multi-part episodes. The guide tonight lists tonight episode as Part 1 of 3 for the 3rd week in a row. The CSI episode tonight was the 2nd part of a two parter and the guide showed it as 1 of 2 with the description from last week. The glitches in the Guide data appear to be getting worse, not better.

No CCx, I have it from good sources that Mojo will be added by Verizon by the fall.


If this is true then this is going to be a no brainer as far as me going to Verizon once I move :)....... My Fiance and I are religious watchers of Three Sheets.......

My parents have dropped FiOS and kept Comcast. They may get it again once the guide improves.

And after all that digging Verizon did...

I provided a list for my TWC thread, just wanted to do one for u Verizon folks.

Known Deals Done For Verizon

HBO-HD
Cinemax-HD
Showtime-HD
The Movie Channel-HD
Starz-HD
ESPN-HD
ESPN2-HD
HDNet
HDNet Movies
Universal-HD
TNT-HD
DHD
MHD
Food Network-HD
HGTV-HD
Lifetime Movie Network-HD
NFL Network-HD
WealthTV-HD
National Geographic-HD


Negotiations Unknown For Verizon

MOJO
A&E-HD
Golf/Versus-HD
Outdoor Channel 2-HD
Big Ten Network-HD (Launching in August)
HBO2-HD (Launching in September)
HBO Family-HD (Launching in September)
HBO Latino-HD (Launching in September)
HBO Signature-HD (Launching in September)
MoreMax-HD (Launching in September)
The History Channel-HD (Launching in September)
TBS-HD (Launching in September)
CNN-HD (Launching in September)
Cartoon Network-HD (Launching in September)
The Weather Channel-HD (Launching in September)
Starz Comedy-HD (Launching in September)
Starz Edge-HD (Launching in September)
Starz Kids & Family-HD (Launching in September)
Animal Planet-HD (Launching in September)
TLC-HD (Launching in September)
The Science Channel-HD (Launching in September)
Discovery Channel-HD (Launching in September)
Sci-Fi-HD (Launching in September)
USA-HD (Launching in September)
Bravo-HD (Launching in September)
MGM-HD (Launching Fall 2007)
Smithsonian-HD (Launching Fall 2007)
The Tennis Channel-HD (Launching in December)
TBN-HD (Launching in Q4 2007)
RFD-HD (Launching in Q4 2007)
ESPN News-HD (Launching in Q1 2008)
Disney Channel-HD (Launching in Q1 2008)
ABC Family-HD (Launching in Q1 2008)
Toon Disney-HD (Launching in Q1 2008)
HBO Comedy-HD (Launching in Q2 2008)
HBO Zone-HD (Launching in Q2 2008)
ActionMAX-HD (Launching in Q2 2008)
ThrillerMAX-HD (Launching in Q2 2008)
WMAX-HD (Launching in Q2 2008)
@MAX-HD (Launching in Q2 2008)
5StarMAX-HD (Launching in Q2 2008)
OuterMAX-HD (Launching in Q2 2008)
2 Unknown Discovery Channels (Launching in 2008)
Chiller-HD (Launching in 2008)
CNBC-HD (Launching in January)
SI TV-HD (Launching in 2008)
Sleuth-HD (TBA)
MSNBC-HD (TBA)
FX-HD
Speed-HD
Vatican-HD
BBC-HD
Al Jazeera-HD
IFC-HD
NHL Network-HD

VOOM Channels
Rave HD
Equator HD
Gallery HD
Animania HD
Rush HD
Ultra HD
Monsters HD
HD News
Film Fest HD
Kung Fu HD
WorldSport HD
World Cinema HD
Gameplay HD
Family Room HD
Treasure HD

I had completely forgotten that you wanted me to record the HDNET test pattern on D-VHS so I could play it back on my TV.
Thanks for the reply, Joe. But I've never requested this above. My last post puzzled whether you could DVR HDNet's Saturday, June 23, 6:30 am ET test pattern on your 6416 for playback on your 1080p Sharp.

Discussion earlier above showed Geekgirl had measured ~1333 lines of effective resolution after DVRing HDNet's pattern via Verizon's FIOS. Questions arose about the maximum resolution capability of the wobulation-type DLP display used, plus whether HDNet's resolution wedges originate at (and reach viewers) at a full 1920 lines effective resolution; HDNet, I assume, has a 1920X1080 format resolution.

...I have gotten the High Def Version of Video Essentials on HDDVD and used that to calibrate my TV.
So you can see that the notion of using HDNET's test pattern for calibration has dispeared from my 'Radar Screen'
Great news! Outstanding! Presumably then you know whether your Sharp displays 1920 lines from your HD DVE test disc. Assuming it does, that means you could compare HDNet's resolution wedges, using this technique (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5175424#post5175424), and confirm HDNet test pattern resolution via FIOS is also ~1920 lines, or something else. You'd be the 2nd person reporting this informative figure on AVS AFAIK ! Seems useful to know the resolution limits of one's display. Some might reason the limits of signal sources feeding displays is important, too. -- John

No CCx, I have it from good sources that Mojo will be added by Verizon by the fall.

I second JWhip's source. :cool:

No CCx, I have it from good sources that Mojo will be added by Verizon by the fall.

Does that source also mention that Vz will add the in DEMAND sports packages this fall??

DTV-
I had no further information other than that.

I provided a list for my TWC thread, just wanted to do one for u Verizon folks.

Really long list of channels

I think ESPN announced that "ESPN Classic" would go HD too.

Only thing I saw missing from your list

The sports pacakes are being discussed. No final word yet. For FiOS to be truly competitive, they will need to be added.

I provided a list for my TWC thread, just wanted to do one for u Verizon folks.

Known Deals Done For Verizon

...

Negotiations Unknown For Verizon

...

VOOM Channels
...

Thats quite a line up....

Any word on any regional Sports Networks for Central VA?

CSN-HD (mid-atlantic)
MASN-HD - not currently in HD.

My parents have dropped FiOS and kept Comcast. They may get it again once the guide improves.

And after all that digging Verizon did...They dropped FiOS because of the guide... seriously???

They dropped FiOS because of the guide... seriously???

Yeah. I think they tried it out more for the cheaper price than the HD lineup.

I provided a list for my TWC thread, just wanted to do one for u Verizon folks.




Negotiations Unknown For Verizon


Big list




Maybe I am the only dummy here but I would appreciate a few clarifcations to
your post.

1) When you say "Negotiation Unknown" and then list launch dates, are we asumming correctly that the launch date is for TWC customers and that the channels listed are simply possible candidates that Verizon COULD negotiate for?

ie. is this THE list of HD channels available and that a company could Negotiiate to carry??


2) Do you have any source for and could make a list called 'Negotiations Underway" ?
I do remember seeing a website a few weeks ago that talked about Negotiations being underway for Verizon to carry "The Learning Channel in HD"

3) You listed this item:
Discovery Channel-HD (Launching in September)

Since Discovery Channell is already being carried by Verizon,you can see why I am a little confused about your post.


Thank You

1) When you say "Negotiation Unknown" and then list launch dates, are we asumming correctly that the launch date is for TWC customers and that the channels listed are simply possible candidates that Verizon COULD negotiate for?
The launch dates are the supposed start up dates for the HD channel going live. But most of those that he posted have, AFAIK, not stated specific start-up months for their new HD channels. DirecTV is supposed to start up their new HD satellite in September, but I doubt if most of those alleged September start-ups will be ready by then. OTOH, maybe we will be pleasantly surprised. Don't expect TWC to add these new HD channels very quickly based on the past history.

3) You listed this item:
Discovery Channel-HD (Launching in September)
Since Discovery Channell is already being carried by Verizon,you can see why I am a little confused about your post.
The Discovery HD channel is the Discovery HD Theater channel which has it's own schedule. Discovery has announced that they will be providing HD simulcast of a number of their existing SD channels. This is presumably the HD simulcast of the primary Discovery channel.

The bottom line is that Verizon has said little, if anything, that I can recall about adding the new HD channels. The most recent news articles were on the number of new customers and their plan to add HD VOD.

I just caught HDNet's NASA Space Shuttle landing coverage. Hit "Record" live, so it's on my DVR. Since it was from Edward's Air Force Base, they just re-piped the NASA channel feed. Got to see it twice - there was over a minute delay between the NASA Channel internet and HDNet feeds (delayed). At least HDNet was better PQ.

They have no clue on coverage. They've got to replace that announcer with the NASA channel audio (NASA audio was messed up for a minute or so before the landing). He actually mentioned that he was waiting for the sonic boom over Florida...the shuttle's over California. :)

They dropped FiOS because of the guide... seriously???

That doesn't surprise me. I have had many times when I felt like throwing the remote and the STB out the door and returning to D*. It is unbelievable how many ways (and how many times it happens) there are to freeze-up the whole FiOS-TV system. If I am not careful about how fast I hit buttons to try to do something it will freeze-up for 3-4 minutes --- usually when I really want to watch something good. Very frustrating! What really torques my jaws is the fact that Vz has the fix and is installing it in cities across the nation, but at such an unbelievably slow rate! Why does it take so long? They never say. All I get is: Soon. :mad:

That doesn't surprise me. I have had many times when I felt like throwing the remote and the STB out the door and returning to D*. It is unbelievable how many ways (and how many times it happens) there are to freeze-up the whole FiOS-TV system. If I am not careful about how fast I hit buttons to try to do something it will freeze-up for 3-4 minutes --- usually when I really want to watch something good. Very frustrating! What really torques my jaws is the fact that Vz has the fix and is installing it in cities across the nation, but at such an unbelievably slow rate! Why does it take so long? They never say. All I get is: Soon. :mad:

This is very strange. I've had V* since Dec, and both DVR boxes are extremely responsive - you can really fly going through the guide and menus. I don't think it's a subjective thing - I can literally go about as fast as I can push the buttons and the box can pretty much keep up. I have experienced no freeze ups in those 6 months.
I had the same Motorola box (different software) with Comcast, and it wasn't nearly as responsive and was prone to freezing up every so often.
I wonder if you have a defective box?

This is very strange. I've had V* since Dec, and both DVR boxes are extremely responsive - you can really fly going through the guide and menus. I don't think it's a subjective thing - I can literally go about as fast as I can push the buttons and the box can pretty much keep up. I have experienced no freeze ups in those 6 months.
I had the same Motorola box (different software) with Comcast, and it wasn't nearly as responsive and was prone to freezing up every so often.
I wonder if you have a defective box?

This is a wide-spread problem. The new IPG fixes it. The problem is the slowness of the change-over to the new IPG. It is taking forever!

This is a wide-spread problem. The new IPG fixes it. The problem is the slowness of the change-over to the new IPG. It is taking forever!

I just had FIOS TV installed yesterday and greateful that the new IMG is installed. I find the response much faster than what I had with Cox. I am glad I made the change!! The backlit remote and interface of the guide are real pluses

I just had FIOS TV installed yesterday and greateful that the new IMG is installed. I find the response much faster than what I had with Cox. I am glad I made the change!! The backlit remote and interface of the guide are real pluses

So new customers are getting the new IMG? Gotta love that. Maybe if I cancel and resubscribe I can get it too.

So new customers are getting the new IMG? Gotta love that. Maybe if I cancel and resubscribe I can get it too.

Hes in RI though and most likely since RI just started up they are using the new IMG to start off with and not the old one that everyone else started with...but this is jsut speculation by me.......

Are they really going to offer fios in southern rhode island later this year? Find it hard to believe since verzion has not yet offered broadband internet there yet. Any have any more details on this?

Are they really going to offer fios in southern rhode island later this year? Find it hard to believe since verzion has not yet offered broadband internet there yet. Any have any more details on this?
Yep, news release last week...
http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2007/rhode-island-consumers-meet.html

Hes in RI though and most likely since RI just started up they are using the new IMG to start off with and not the old one that everyone else started with...but this is jsut speculation by me.......

Ph-
You are correct. The new IMG is being released in all NEW markets (IN and RI).

They're still ironing out the conversion process for all of us existing customers.

They don't want 1000 calls when the new IMG comes out and people lose their DVR'd copy of The Sopranos by accident.

Yep, news release last week...
http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2007/rhode-island-consumers-meet.html

Yah, I know, that's where I first heard about it :D

Ph-
You are correct. The new IMG is being released in all NEW markets (IN and RI).

They're still ironing out the conversion process for all of us existing customers.

They don't want 1000 calls when the new IMG comes out and people lose their DVR'd copy of The Sopranos by accident.

I need some education: When did the IPG become known as the IMG? The FiOS website still refers to it as the IPG. :confused:

Edit: From what I read directly below: Is the difference due to the old version being called the IPG and the new version IMG?

Ph-
You are correct. The new IMG is being released in all NEW markets (IN and RI).

They're still ironing out the conversion process for all of us existing customers.

They don't want 1000 calls when the new IMG comes out and people lose their DVR'd copy of The Sopranos by accident.


My apologies if I missed it, but has anyone who has used both the old and the new guide posted a summary of their first impressions?

I saw a few posts that mentioned that the back skip function was changed to 30 sec (who thought that was a good idea?) and that the new IMG did not implement the tuner swap function that Moto offers on their dual tuner DVR's but that is about all. Neither of these is would be considered a positive change.

From the online demo, V* claims the new IMG is more responsive, it looks nicer, and the search functions are more flexible. I'd be interested to hear from someone who's used both whether the new guide feels and functions all that differently from the old one or whether this is mainly a cosmetic update.

Thanks

My apologies if I missed it, but has anyone who has used both the old and the new guide posted a summary of their first impressions?

I saw a few posts that mentioned that the back skip function was changed to 30 sec (who thought that was a good idea?) and that the new IMG did not implement the tuner swap function that Moto offers on their dual tuner DVR's but that is about all. Neither of these is would be considered a positive change.

From the online demo, V* claims the new IMG is more responsive, it looks nicer, and the search functions are more flexible. I'd be interested to hear from someone who's used both whether the new guide feels and functions all that differently from the old one or whether this is mainly a cosmetic update.

Thanks

I was told by a company person that one of the main goals was to reach as many functions as possible on a maximum of 2 keystrokes.

I need some education: When did the IPG become known as the IMG? The FiOS website still refers to it as the IPG. :confused:

Edit: From what I read directly below: Is the difference due to the old version being called the IPG and the new version IMG?


Yep, I think the 'P' in 'IPG' was for programming and now that they are bringing in the media center functions, the online demo calls the new version the 'Interactive Media Guide'. If you haven't seen it, the demo is available at:

http://verizonfios.com/img/

Yep, I think the 'P' in 'IPG' was for programming and now that they are bringing in the media center functions, the online demo calls the new version the 'Interactive Media Guide'. If you haven't seen it, the demo is available at:

http://verizonfios.com/img/

Thanks for the info. Since I am an existing customer, who knows when I will see the new IMG. It looks like a race between seeing my grave or the IMG first. :D

I live in Massachusetts and I think that Fios Tv is "inching" it's way into the state. I read somewhere that V has to get approval from each and every town--how demented is that!!! Anyway, for those of you who have switched to Fios TV from satellite (or cable), is it pretty much unanimous that the PQ is better? I've been with Dtv since '95, and now have 2 HD10-250's that are working fine, so it'll take a real improvement to get me to switch, but if it's better, I'll jump ship. Just looking for opinions from those with experience. I only found one other poll that had 3 replys. There have to be more users than that.........

Thanks for the info. Since I am an existing customer, who knows when I will see the new IMG. It looks like a race between seeing my grave or the IMG first. :D

September 23 is quite a ways off yet, so I wouldn't hold my breath.

My apologies if I missed it, but has anyone who has used both the old and the new guide posted a summary of their first impressions? I had the old and now have the new.

You can read some feedback in a thread on DSL Reports starting in a thread at http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17597243

Start reading the posts at or after 2007-06-14 11:00:46 which is a few pages back from the end of the current thread.

Thanks for the info. Since I am an existing customer, who knows when I will see the new IMG. :D

SOON, I keep tellin ya - SOON!!! :p

September 23 is quite a ways off yet, so I wouldn't hold my breath.

OK. You got me on this one. What does 23 Sept have to do with anything? :confused:

I live in Massachusetts and I think that Fios Tv is "inching" it's way into the state. I read somewhere that V has to get approval from each and every town--how demented is that!!! Anyway, for those of you who have switched to Fios TV from satellite (or cable), is it pretty much unanimous that the PQ is better? I've been with Dtv since '95, and now have 2 HD10-250's that are working fine, so it'll take a real improvement to get me to switch, but if it's better, I'll jump ship. Just looking for opinions from those with experience. I only found one other poll that had 3 replys. There have to be more users than that.........

After many years with D*, I switched from the HR10-250 about 6 months ago and have not looked back.

The good:
- no more weather interference
- much better PQ; no more compression issue; just as good as OTA: especially SD (MSNBC and CNBC changed the most)
- cheaper
- great onsite and phone CSR service. I had a great installation team (phone, TV, internet).
- lots of channels

The bad:
- The current IPG (which I have) is terrible. The replacement IMG (supposedly received by some new subs and later to existing subs) is much better. I have not received the IMG yet so I cannot comment from experience --- only what all other reviewers have said.
- damage to yard during installation (some contractors are better than others on clean-up. Luckily, I had a good one, but others have not.)
- no notification of when you are going to get a system-wide change installed at your home such as new channels or the new IMG. It just magically happens one night.

City Approval: It varies state-by-state. Some states pass approval for the entire state and others city-by-city. It depends on how politically powerful the current providers are in each state.

Actually, if you saw FIOS, you'd be impressed too. ;)

I have FIOS TV since the last six months. :D

Anyone have any clue when the new guide is to be rolled out in N.Y.?

Anyone have any clue when the new guide is to be rolled out in N.Y.?

I assume you mean NYC.
S.I. island is ready.
Queens is at 60%
Manhattan is in the early stages
Bronx & Brooklyn are unknown to me.

WOOHOO.
Installation is Friday.

Some of you know I have issues with Dish. :rolleyes:

Well, I've turned the corner. Verizon comes in Friday afternoon to install FIOS TV. I'm still obligated to finish my contract with Dish, but fook them. Dish is planning to send out a guy to check my installation on Saturday morning. Won't he be surprised when I tell him to remove the dishes from my roof! LOL :p

So, let's look at the numbers:
Current monthy communication costs
Dish.....................................105.00 incl HBO/SHO/VOOM/622 lease
Verizon Home phone .............. 38.00 Basic
Verizon FIOS Internet ............ 49.95 15GB transfer
Verizon Wireless ................... 39.95 Basic
Total .................................. 232.90 (with Taxes around $250)

Starting Friday
Verizon FIOS TV (Premiere 200/Movies (StarZ/SHO/TMC/etc)/HBO/2 HD PRVs
Verizon Home Phone America Plan (no long distant chg/VM/etc)
Verizon FIOS Internet 15GB transfer
Verizon Wireless Basic
Total for above items includes taxes: 155.96 (The Verizon Triple Play package)
YES ----> $155.96
AGAIN ---> $155.96

So, I get added value/ better quality/2 HD PVRs, and $100 to put away for a rainy day.

Anyone have any clue when the new guide is to be rolled out in N.Y.?
I assume you mean NYC.
S.I. island is ready.
Queens is at 60%
Manhattan is in the early stages
Bronx & Brooklyn are unknown to me.
What exactly does "Queens is "60%" ready for the new guide, & Manhattan is in the "early stages" of being ready for the new guide actually mean ..?? .. What makes the other 40% of Fios subscribers "not ready" for the new guide .. Is there some sort of hardware that needs to be in place before the guide can be changed to the new version ??

I assume you mean NYC.
S.I. island is ready.
Queens is at 60%
Manhattan is in the early stages
Bronx & Brooklyn are unknown to me.

Wrong. There is no TV in NYC until video franchise agreement is signed. I am not sure what you are trying to say here.

I am assuming you are referring to the buildout of the FIOS network.

OK. You got me on this one. What does 23 Sept have to do with anything? :confused:

The IMG is to be rolled out during Summer 2007. Summer doesn't end until late September. It's still June, and summer just started last week. Given Verizon's previous track record at launching something in a time frame that they've actually declared, at best they get it done just under the wire.

In other words, I wouldn't expect the guide to be deployed on a wide basis until September. If they are concerned about DVR hiccups/losses during the transition, then pre-fall season would be the ideal time to rollout the new IMG anyway.

I joined D* in 1996 and was an improvement over cable. I had V* installed in April and haven't even looked back. I have a couple of R10-250 and compared, split screen the D* SD to V* SD and the PQ difference was big enough to shutdown D*.

I assume you mean NYC.
S.I. island is ready.
Queens is at 60%
Manhattan is in the early stages
Bronx & Brooklyn are unknown to me.

Actually I meant L.I. Andy. I think you may be confused with FIOS rollout as opposed to the implementation of the new FIOS Guide.

The IMG is to be rolled out during Summer 2007. Summer doesn't end until late September. It's still June, and summer just started last week. Given Verizon's previous track record at launching something in a time frame that they've actually declared, at best they get it done just under the wire.

In other words, I wouldn't expect the guide to be deployed on a wide basis until September. If they are concerned about DVR hiccups/losses during the transition, then pre-fall season would be the ideal time to rollout the new IMG anyway.

OK. Thanks! :)

I joined D* in 1996 and was an improvement over cable. I had V* installed in April and haven't even looked back. I have a couple of R10-250 and compared, split screen the D* SD to V* SD and the PQ difference was big enough to shutdown D*.

Nice you were able to to a split screen comparison on SD. How about HD channels and network HD, were you able to copare them side by side before you tossed the dish?

Actually I meant L.I. Andy. I think you may be confused with FIOS rollout as opposed to the implementation of the new FIOS Guide.

my mistake

I have FIOS TV since the last six months. :D


Wow!! Fios in Boston for 6 months, this town by town approval thing is slower than I thought. So what did you have before? Comcast? How does the PQ , etc, compare?

Hey Hilltop Sailor, Thanks for the details. You mentioned the PQ upgrade, is that true for all types of channels--SD,HD, and network HD? If so, V is sounding better and better. I'll also finally be able to bundle all 3 services(phone,internet &TV) and save some $$.

Starting Friday
Verizon FIOS TV (Premiere 200/Movies (StarZ/SHO/TMC/etc)/HBO/2 HD PRVs
Verizon Home Phone America Plan (no long distant chg/VM/etc)
Verizon FIOS Internet 15GB transfer
Verizon Wireless Basic
Total for above items includes taxes: 155.96 (The Verizon Triple Play package)
YES ----> $155.96
AGAIN ---> $155.96

So, I get added value/ better quality/2 HD PVRs, and $100 to put away for a rainy day.

I'm getting shafted in CA! My bill is $170 for FiosTV (no premiums) 1 HDDVR, 1 SD STB. 5mbps internet, verizon freedom phone. No wireless.

I'm getting shafted in CA! My bill is $170 for FiosTV (no premiums) 1 HDDVR, 1 SD STB. 5mbps internet, verizon freedom phone. No wireless.

They've lowered their prices twice in the last 90 days. Just call their billing department and ask them for the latest package and movie discounts and they will adjust your bill. The first time I called I went from $180 to $155 per month.

I called yesterday and got another $14 per month off for 12 months for their latest "movie package discount." Now I'm at $141 per month.

If you don't ask, you don't get.....

Fios triple play is hands down the BEST value on the planet!!!

Nice you were able to to a split screen comparison on SD. How about HD channels and network HD, were you able to copare them side by side before you tossed the dish?


If you get FiOS tv you'll be amazed. I went from D* to C* to F*. HD and network hd on C* were 100% better than D* and I didn't think C* could be beat.

I was wrong.

HD pq with fios is on another level. True hd and you won't need an a-b comparison to see it.

If you can get fios tv, sign up today. You won't regret it. And BTW you'll actually pay LESS per month with verizon than with any other HDTV provider.

It just doesn't get any better than fios.

Nice you were able to to a split screen comparison on SD. How about HD channels and network HD, were you able to copare them side by side before you tossed the dish?
I did not want to fork out the $600 to upgrade D* but I did have OTA and you could not tell the difference between the OTA HD and FIOS HD. I suspect if I a test pattern you could notice the subtle difference, but the hockey game I used to compare, looking at the crowds in the background, you had just as much detail in each. I was using a 65" DLP WD65831 for the comparison.

Hey Hilltop Sailor, Thanks for the details. You mentioned the PQ upgrade, is that true for all types of channels--SD,HD, and network HD? If so, V is sounding better and better. I'll also finally be able to bundle all 3 services(phone,internet &TV) and save some $$.

It is true for all types of channels.

As far as FiOS internet goes: Ask them for their price on the highest speed FiOS connection (30/5) which I have. You will be amazed at how low it is compared to the advertised price. It is worth the extra money when it comes time to download video or a major software upgrade. WOW!

Just a side note...i have watched a few movies on HD Net Movies over the last week or so... and I must say the PQ is tremendous... On Meet Joe Black...it was beyond clean...I have the sharpness all the way down on my Panel...which is awesome...no introduced artifacts and the picture was extremely clear, detailed and rich....and yes ladies...Brad Pitt actually does have a few flaws ;)

HDNet is playing some kinda cool range of movies too...Escape from New York...and Raise The Red Lantern...an interesting drama...that you can't get on DVD...

I'm getting shafted in CA! My bill is $170 for FiosTV (no premiums) 1 HDDVR, 1 SD STB. 5mbps internet, verizon freedom phone. No wireless.


Call them and have them give you the bundle deal!!
I have:
FIOS TV with 2 HD DVR's, 1 cable card, movie package (SHO/TMC/Starz) and HBO / Cinemax
Verizon Freedom home phone (free long distance)
FIOS Internet (15mbps) with security (much less intrusive than Norton and McAfee)
Wireless Family Package with 3 phones and 1500 minutes (this alone is $102 mo)
All for $268 (including all taxes)

If you don't ask, you don't get.....
A-men ;)

Wow!! Fios in Boston for 6 months, this town by town approval thing is slower than I thought. So what did you have before? Comcast? How does the PQ , etc, compare?

I had Comcast before I switched to FIOS TV. The SD quality is much better than Comcast. THE HD quality is 5-10% better than Comcast. I liked the Comcast guide better than FIOS. Comcast's VOD beats FIOS's hands down. The plus side is the FIOS guide is much more responsive than Comcast's guide.

WOOHOO.
Installation is Friday.

Some of you know I have issues with Dish. :rolleyes:

Well, I've turned the corner. Verizon comes in Friday afternoon to install FIOS TV. I'm still obligated to finish my contract with Dish, but fook them. Dish is planning to send out a guy to check my installation on Saturday morning. Won't he be surprised when I tell him to remove the dishes from my roof! LOL :p

So, let's look at the numbers:
Current monthy communication costs
Dish.....................................105.00 incl HBO/SHO/VOOM/622 lease
Verizon Home phone .............. 38.00 Basic
Verizon FIOS Internet ............ 49.95 15GB transfer
Verizon Wireless ................... 39.95 Basic
Total .................................. 232.90 (with Taxes around $250)

Starting Friday
Verizon FIOS TV (Premiere 200/Movies (StarZ/SHO/TMC/etc)/HBO/2 HD PRVs
Verizon Home Phone America Plan (no long distant chg/VM/etc)
Verizon FIOS Internet 15GB transfer
Verizon Wireless Basic
Total for above items includes taxes: 155.96 (The Verizon Triple Play package)
YES ----> $155.96
AGAIN ---> $155.96

So, I get added value/ better quality/2 HD PVRs, and $100 to put away for a rainy day.
How long is that price good for?

I am paying more than that here in SPringfield VA. I have premier with 2 HD DVRs, 1 regular cable box and Fios 30/5 and I pay a total of $135/mo. I have my wireless through verizon at $40/mo. and my phone through L3 Com VOIP for $30/mo. I have been meaning to down grade my internet since I think it is overkill for what I need. All of my current services total over $200/mo. I wonder if I can get the deal you got as an existing customer??? I should call them.

WOOHOO.
Installation is Friday.

Some of you know I have issues with Dish. :rolleyes:

Well, I've turned the corner. Verizon comes in Friday afternoon to install FIOS TV. I'm still obligated to finish my contract with Dish, but fook them. Dish is planning to send out a guy to check my installation on Saturday morning. Won't he be surprised when I tell him to remove the dishes from my roof! LOL :p

So, let's look at the numbers:
Current monthy communication costs
Dish.....................................105.00 incl HBO/SHO/VOOM/622 lease
Verizon Home phone .............. 38.00 Basic
Verizon FIOS Internet ............ 49.95 15GB transfer
Verizon Wireless ................... 39.95 Basic
Total .................................. 232.90 (with Taxes around $250)

Starting Friday
Verizon FIOS TV (Premiere 200/Movies (StarZ/SHO/TMC/etc)/HBO/2 HD PRVs
Verizon Home Phone America Plan (no long distant chg/VM/etc)
Verizon FIOS Internet 15GB transfer
Verizon Wireless Basic
Total for above items includes taxes: 155.96 (The Verizon Triple Play package)
YES ----> $155.96
AGAIN ---> $155.96

So, I get added value/ better quality/2 HD PVRs, and $100 to put away for a rainy day.I think you did good, my friend! :D

They've lowered their prices twice in the last 90 days. Just call their billing department and ask them for the latest package and movie discounts and they will adjust your bill. The first time I called I went from $180 to $155 per month.

I called yesterday and got another $14 per month off for 12 months for their latest "movie package discount." Now I'm at $141 per month.

If you don't ask, you don't get.....

Fios triple play is hands down the BEST value on the planet!!!


What is the latest "movie package discount"?

What is the latest "movie package discount"?

If you have the movies package and HBO you get $5 off each. If you have the Sports+Movie you get that combo discount and then if you have HBO you get $5 off of HBO.

Any thoughts on when FIOS TV will be available in Manhattan? I already have FIOS in my apartment and their router has a coax out so it seems that it's just a question of them flipping a switch somewhere.

ok, I'm going to call verizon. Could someone from SoCal chime in with what pkg/deal they have? I need more ammo :)

If you have the movies package and HBO you get $5 off each. If you have the Sports+Movie you get that combo discount and then if you have HBO you get $5 off of HBO.

Is that published anywhere?

On the Vz website, I see:
Movie & Sports for 15.99/mo
HBO or Max for 15.99/mo
HBO & Max for 25.99/mo

Any thoughts on when FIOS TV will be available in Manhattan? I already have FIOS in my apartment and their router has a coax out so it seems that it's just a question of them flipping a switch somewhere.
Lot more than that. Verizon, like any other company transmitting television to the public over cable, has to get a franchise to transmit television in the five boroughs of New York. That process is ongoing with NYC government. The city wants its cut in franchise fees, and guaranteed carriage of city-run channels, channels for public access programming and so forth.

ok, I'm going to call verizon. Could someone from SoCal chime in with what pkg/deal they have? I need more ammo :)

Basically you can get the Triple Play for $99/month
5/2 Internet
All you can eat Phone
Hi Def Receiver No DVR...
FiOS TV Premier Package

So I added
The HD DVR QIP6416 (A Must Have!) They call it the "Multi-Room DVR" model for 19.99 More
And currently HBO for 15.99 - 5.00 = 10.00...although will be canceled soon.

Plus I added a phone goodie or two..
But Basically you should be able to pay ~$120 Month for Triple Pay + QIP6416 DVR for 2 years...if you want to price protect yourself...

Plus you other add ons..

I think I got that all correct....

You in HB?

BTW the phone, internet and TV have and service have been solid..

And most important the PQ and Sound is excellent....
(TWC SA8300 had audio & HDMI issues...long story)

Quote:
Originally Posted by J.Mike Ferrara

Starting Friday
Verizon FIOS TV (Premiere 200/Movies (StarZ/SHO/TMC/etc)/HBO/2 HD PRVs
Verizon Home Phone America Plan (no long distant chg/VM/etc)
Verizon FIOS Internet 15GB transfer
Verizon Wireless Basic
Total for above items includes taxes: 155.96 (The Verizon Triple Play package)
YES ----> $155.96
AGAIN ---> $155.96

So, I get added value/ better quality/2 HD PVRs, and $100 to put away for a rainy day.

That is an amazing deal... are you saying that includes Cell Phone as well? Versizon Wireless Basic or is that just the Router?

I'm getting shafted in CA! My bill is $170 for FiosTV (no premiums) 1 HDDVR, 1 SD STB. 5mbps internet, verizon freedom phone. No wireless.

Hmmm even with talking to I am at ~141 for my set up, which is about on track I have less movies... but not if that includes Cell Phone... she did try to sell me on cell phone but I am under contract with T-Mobile right now

Lot more than that. Verizon, like any other company transmitting television to the public over cable, has to get a franchise to transmit television in the five boroughs of New York. That process is ongoing with NYC government. The city wants its cut in franchise fees, and guaranteed carriage of city-run channels, channels for public access programming and so forth.

Sure. My point was just that fo rme it's really just a political issue at this point. Is each borough separate? I thought I read that Staten Island had TV but maybe it was just the internet.
Amazing how long these "talks" can take. Has there been any indication as to when an agreement might be completed?

On a separate note. Is it possible to expand the FIOS DVR disk size as with the 8300?

How long is that price good for?

I am paying more than that here in SPringfield VA. I have premier with 2 HD DVRs, 1 regular cable box and Fios 30/5 and I pay a total of $135/mo. I have my wireless through verizon at $40/mo. and my phone through L3 Com VOIP for $30/mo. I have been meaning to down grade my internet since I think it is overkill for what I need. All of my current services total over $200/mo. I wonder if I can get the deal you got as an existing customer??? I should call them.

taeboguy - yes, you can get the deal as an exiting cust - in leesburg, I changed to a bundle package (TV, internet & phone) after after having the TV service for 7 months.

For $99 (or $99.99) you get the TV, internet and home phone with free long distance (could cancel L# Com VOIP). From the $99 you add on the price of your DVRs & regular box ($31??) and of course taxes. This should get you the same TV, 15/2 internet (you mentioned the 30/5 is overkill) and home phone for around the same price you're paying for the TV.

I pay $166 for these three services with 2 HD DVR's, I cable card, movie package (SHO/TMC/Starz) and HBO / Cinemax and the internet security as extras.

This price is only good for a year and I beleive you have agree to 2 years of the Internet.

Hi fellows,
I am thinking of getting the triple play package ($99) that I see from the commercial. I currently have verizon phone and internet services, which amount to approximately $75 per month. I also have OTA reception to my samsung 46 inch 1080p tv, which can get some good shows in HD from fox, abc, nbc, cbs, and cw.

My question is what exactly do you get from the fiostv that is HD and really worth it? I need some advice and persuasion before I make the jump. I know that $25 more is not a lot, but I am a college student (so I dont make a lot atm).

Thks in advance.

P.S. Also, if I decide to upgrade, should I get HD DVR? I never have one before so..

DVR is probably the best thing to come out since color TV. No scratch that. I'd give up color before my DVR!!! It's pretty much everything that you wanted your VCR to be but it wasn't. It allows you to record shows through the guide. Not once but each time the show is on regardless of wether the time it's on changes. It also allows you to pause and rewind live TV. And most importantly skip commercials on the things you've recorded. Even if you can't wait to watch a show you can set it to record and then start watching the show 20min later than you otherwise would and by skipping through commercials finish the show at the same time as you otherwise would. You can also record 2 different things at once while watching a third recorded one. Totally changes the way you watch TV.

Hi fellows,
I am thinking of getting the triple play package ($99) that I see from the commercial. I currently have verizon phone and internet services, which amount to approximately $75 per month. I also have OTA reception to my samsung 46 inch 1080p tv, which can get some good shows in HD from fox, abc, nbc, cbs, and cw.

My question is what exactly do you get from the fiostv that is HD and really worth it? I need some advice and persuasion before I make the jump. I know that $25 more is not a lot, but I am a college student (so I dont make a lot atm).

Thks in advance.

P.S. Also, if I decide to upgrade, should I get HD DVR? I never have one before so..
]
Hey jack99999 - check out this link and input your location for your local HD's you'll get (most likely about the same you're already getting OTA) - http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/channel+lineup.htm#HD

One thing to think about as you are short of atm, the 99 package doesn't include the HD box - curently $9.99 and $12.99 for the DVR (to go up $3 or $4 in mid july).

The National HD channels FIOS has are:
TNT HD
ESPN HD
ESPN2 HD
NFL Network HD
HDNet
HDNet Movies
Universal HD
Discovery HD
Wealth TV HD
National Geographic HD
Music HD
Food Network HD
HGTV HD
Lifetime Movies HD

And hopefully more in the fall (fingers and toes crossed)!!

The premiums are HBO HD, MAX HD, SHO HD, TMC HD & Starz HD, of course these would be more moolah.

If you do go for it I would say go with the DVR - currently it's only $3 more (less than a 6 pack), this is the first one I've had and I love it - no more commercials and can pick my own schedule.

Thks for the helpful comments, bak_phy and jeepmon!
I am wondering if the picture quality is better than OTA. Is fios tv signal 1080p or at least 1080i?

Also, from
"The National HD channels FIOS has are:
TNT HD
ESPN HD
ESPN2 HD
NFL Network HD
HDNet
HDNet Movies
Universal HD
Discovery HD
Wealth TV HD
National Geographic HD
Music HD
Food Network HD
HGTV HD
Lifetime Movies HD"

I think I would be watching just music HD and not much of the other channels; I dont really watch sports that much. So, are there any good shows like TV series from these lineups (you know like 'Prison Break' from fox).

Thks again for the advices.

Thks for the helpful comments, bak_phy and jeepmon!
I am wondering if the picture quality is better than OTA. Is fios tv signal 1080p or at least 1080i?

I think I would be watching just music HD and not much of the other channels; I dont really watch sports that much. So, are there any good shows like TV series from these lineups (you know like 'Prison Break' from fox).
Fios TV for the HD channels is 720p or 1080i, depending on the network, just like everybody else. ABC, Fox, My Network, ESPN-HD, National Geo HD will be 720p; everybody else will be 1080i. Fios has very good HD picture quality because they have lots of bandwidth and do not have to re-compress as many other service providers do. No one is sending 1080p to the consumer, although in theory they could with the 1080/24p format. But no one is going to use 1080/24p for broadcast.

There are a lot of pretty good HD TV shows from the broadcast nets and some on the national HD cable channels (depending on what you consider to be pretty good). Of the current national channel non-premium channel set, only TNT-HD has new HD series programming. HDNet and Universal HD have reruns of current and older TV series in HD (check www.hd.net and www.universalhd.com for their current series). Once Sci-Fi HD, USA-HD, FX-HD get going, which may actually happen by the end of this year, the original scripted series on those channels should be in HD (provided Verizon adds the new startups in a timely fashion). HBO and Showtime have a number of original series, but those cost extra of course.

Thks for the helpful comments, bak_phy and jeepmon!
I am wondering if the picture quality is better than OTA. Is fios tv signal 1080p or at least 1080i?

Also, from
"The National HD channels FIOS has are:

snip
HDNet
snip"

I think I would be watching just music HD and not much of the other channels; I dont really watch sports that much. So, are there any good shows like TV series from these lineups (you know like 'Prison Break' from fox).

Thks again for the advices.

jack99999

The FIOS QIP6416 generates up to a 1080i signal with settings for lower resolutions as well.

HDNet is re-running a lot of series television in HD or upconverted to HD depending on when the series was made. You can see the lineup at www.hd.net. Today, for example, they are showing Star Trek Enterprise, Hogan's Heroes, Smallville, and Wiseguy. I've also seen The Equalizer and Joan of Arcadia in the listings. They also show a wide variety of concert videos. Another good reason to consider the DVR... TNTHD also runs shows like Law & Order and Charmed.

If you want to see what's on all the FIOS channels, including HD, rather than just what channels they carry, go to www.udigtv.com, plug in your zip code and pick the Verizon FIOS TV listing for your area. The site can be a bit touchy on zips, so if you need an example zip, use 20170 and you'll see what's on the Washington, DC lineup.

Good Luck.

Thks for the helpful comments, bak_phy and jeepmon!
I am wondering if the picture quality is better than OTA. Is fios tv signal 1080p or at least 1080i?

Also, from
"The National HD channels FIOS has are:
TNT HD
ESPN HD
ESPN2 HD
NFL Network HD
HDNet
HDNet Movies
Universal HD
Discovery HD
Wealth TV HD
National Geographic HD
Music HD
Food Network HD
HGTV HD
Lifetime Movies HD"

I think I would be watching just music HD and not much of the other channels; I dont really watch sports that much. So, are there any good shows like TV series from these lineups (you know like 'Prison Break' from fox).

Thks again for the advices.

They have the major networks in HD as well.

ok, I'm going to call verizon. Could someone from SoCal chime in with what pkg/deal they have? I need more ammo :)
FIOS TV Premier
Movies and Sports
HBO/Cinemax
Standard STB (cost $0)
DVR Rental
Home Media DVr
Cable Card
Total $120.94 with taxes = $130.30

Thks for the helpful comments, bak_phy and jeepmon!
I am wondering if the picture quality is better than OTA. Is fios tv signal 1080p or at least 1080i?

Thks again for the advices.
Picture is 1080i or 720p dependent upon broadcast and settings. I split screened the OTA to FIOS and can see very little difference.

Ahhh decision decision decision. I really like the idea of skipping commercials! Anyways, thks for the inputs everyone.

One last question. Does HD DVR have a 'subtitle' option available for news and tv shows? My samsung tv itself can add English subtitle, but they are often too slow and inaccurate. If the DVR or the fios feed does the subtitle, it would greatly help my parents and persuade them to get it. (their english hearing is impaired).

Thks in advance

You mean Closed Captioning. Yes, it's on the QIP64616 DVR, but for only the analog outputs (not HDMI). The best choice is to use the TV's closed captioning feature as it's a real pain to change at the STB. Not supported via the STB remote control.

The TV is reproducing what's transmitted. Changing to the STB's Closed Captioning function (via setup menu) won't help, but you can experiment. It won't change the accuracy.

You mean Closed Captioning. Yes, it's on the QIP64616 DVR, but for only the analog outputs (not HDMI). The best choice is to use the TV's closed captioning feature as it's a real pain to change at the STB. Not supported via the STB remote control.

The TV is reproducing what's transmitted. Changing to the STB's Closed Captioning function (via setup menu) won't help, but you can experiment. It won't change the accuracy.
I'm pretty sure CC is available via HDMI, although I have not used HDMI from the 6416 in a while. In the digital TV system, the captions are generated at the tuner/encoder, not in the TV. Caption data is sent in separate data packets that have to be generated for display by the cable STB in this case. Look up EIA-708 caption standard. Except for 480i signals where the CC data may still be embedded in the line 21 data in which case a TV with CC decoder can still display.

One of the weaknesses of the Motorola 6416 is that you have to turn the box off and press Menu on the remote to access the caption settings. You can not turn them on or off while the STB is on or recording. In the User Settings menu, you enable closed captions there along with their display settings: font size, color, style, background color & opacity. I have mine set to small fonts with a transparent background. The tricky part is that to display captions for SD channels from the STB, I have to see "4:3 override" to 480p, not 480i. This is explained at http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Setup.

Don't expect captions for all the HD channels. The broadcast networks are pretty good about captions. HDNet & HDNet Movies which used to have no CC, have added them to almost all movies and most programming in the past year. Universal HD shows captions very sporadically, but mostly no captions at all. This is one thing that drives me crazy about Univ-HD. I don't think the Wealth HD channel has CC either, but I don't watch it very much.

I'm pretty sure CC is available via HDMI, although I have not used HDMI from the 6416 in a while. In the digital TV system, the captions are generated at the tuner/encoder, not in the TV. Caption data is sent in separate data packets that have to be generated for display by the cable STB in this case. Look up EIA-708 caption standard. Except for 480i signals where the CC data may still be embedded in the line 21 data in which case a TV with CC decoder can still display.

One of the weaknesses of the Motorola 6416 is that you have to turn the box off and press Menu on the remote to access the caption settings. You can not turn them on or off while the STB is on or recording. In the User Settings menu, you enable closed captions there along with their display settings: font size, color, style, background color & opacity. I have mine set to small fonts with a transparent background. The tricky part is that to display captions for SD channels from the STB, I have to see "4:3 override" to 480p, not 480i. This is explained at http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Setup.

Don't expect captions for all the HD channels. The broadcast networks are pretty good about captions. HDNet & HDNet Movies which used to have no CC, have added them to almost all movies and most programming in the past year. Universal HD shows captions very sporadically, but mostly no captions at all. This is one thing that drives me crazy about Univ-HD. I don't think the Wealth HD channel has CC either, but I don't watch it very much.

Quick correction, the 6416 itself has the capability of changing CC settings while on, it's Verizon's software that lacks this feature. I was able to change the settings via the settings menu(with the box still on and showing live tv) when I was with Cox, they also had the 6416. Hopefully this will be corrected when/if the new software is released.

Ahhh decision decision decision. I really like the idea of skipping commercials! Anyways, thks for the inputs everyone.

Jack...Jack...Jack....its so much more....

If you like to watch TV and your a person that values your time...get the DVR...it is a great modern tool akin to the wheel, fire and micro-wave...it will pay for itself with convenience and time saved...plus if you don't like it....exchange it for just a receiver...

e.g. HD Net Movies has some really good movies...set the DVR record em any time...watch em anytime...or if the phone rings...just pause it

or...Say I want to watch an 1 hour TV show...say the Deadliest Catch...each hour of TV has nearly 20 minutes of commercials...I can watch the whole show in ~40 minutes(2 shows in less that 1-1/2 hours) ...and I often just let the recording start...do some chores for 20 min or so...then start it from the beginning and I catch up "time" while watching and end at the same basic time...so in the hour I get stuff done AND watch my show...its truly a modern miracle ;)

Here's my SoCal bill. Am I paying too much?

Phone Charges $36.92
Full Month Charges from May 25 thru Jun 24 $24.25
Calls billed $2.70
Total Services $26.95
Total Tax & Fees $9.97
Total New Charges for Verizon $36.92

Verizon Online Charges $34.95
Verizon Fios Internet Service (5Mbit/s) $34.95

Verizon Long Distance $10.54
Worldwide Saver International Plan $6.19
e-Values Plan $3.50
Total Services $9.69
Total Tax & Fees $0.85
Total New Charges for Verizon Long Distance $10.54


FiOS TV Charges $108.36
FiOS TV Premier $39.95
Sports $5.95
HBO/Cinemax $24.95
Standard STB Rental $3.95
Free Standard STB Rental -$3.95
High Definition STB Rental $9.95
Home Media DVR $19.95
Total $100.75
Total Tax & Fees $7.61
Total New Charges for FiOS TV $108.36

Total Due $190.77

Here's my SoCal bill. Am I paying too much?

Verizon Charges $36.92
Full Month Charges from May 25 thru Jun 24 $24.25
Calls billed $2.70
Total Services $26.95
Total Tax & Fees $9.97
Total New Charges for Verizon $36.92

Verizon Online Charges $34.95
Verizon Fios Internet Service (5Mbit/s) $34.95

Verizon Long Distance $10.54 Worldwide Saver International Plan $6.19
e-Values Plan $3.50
Total Services $9.69
Total Tax & Fees $0.85
Total New Charges for Verizon Long Distance $10.54


FiOS TV Charges $108.36
FiOS TV Premier $39.95
Sports $5.95
HBO/Cinemax $24.95
Standard STB Rental $3.95
Free Standard STB Rental -$3.95
High Definition STB Rental $9.95
Home Media DVR $19.95
Total $100.75
Total Tax & Fees $7.61
Total New Charges for FiOS TV $108.36

Total Due $190.77

Are you on the triple Play package, if not look into it as there are discounts for having all 3. Also I am not sure what these charges are for:

Verizon Charges $36.92
Full Month Charges from May 25 thru Jun 24 $24.25
Calls billed $2.70
Total Services $26.95
Total Tax & Fees $9.97

those almost look like the charges added up from the 3 different services that you use.
Total New Charges for Verizon $36.92

The $36.92 is for the phone service (POTS style although fed from the fiber ONT) and the charges under it are the detailed items that add up to it.

Does triple play require VoIP phone service or do they offer it with the old POTS style? Verizon does not mention triple play around here.

The $36.92 is for the phone service (POTS style although fed from the fiber ONT) and the charges under it are the detailed items that add up to it.

Does triple play require VoIP phone service or do they offer it with the old POTS style? Verizon does not mention triple play around here.
Where is SoCal are you...I'm in HB... and I was flooded with Triple Play mailers...but they have gone away...just call them and use that term. The phone is not a true VoIP, it It does come in through the ONT and Router, but as I understand it (danger) is a switched phone. It does rely on the router so you loose power you are on a battery backup...I also understand you can get a POTS setup but you may have to pay more...me I thought if power is out longer that say 6 hours... I have a cell for a while...if power is not up by those 3 days...I have more important things to worry about than making calls... :eek:

Overall .... very satisfied

Free Standard STB Rental -$3.95

Gotta love the "free" rental for only $3.95!

Where is SoCal are you...I'm in HB... and I was flooded with Triple Play mailers...but they have gone away...just call them and use that term. The phone is not a true VoIP, it It does come in through the ONT and Router, but as I understand it (danger) is a switched phone. It does rely on the router so you loose power you are on a battery backup...I also understand you can get a POTS setup but you may have to pay more...me I thought if power is out longer that say 6 hours... I have a cell for a while...if power is not up by those 3 days...I have more important things to worry about than making calls... :eek:

Overall .... very satisfied


FYI - I have the triple play (only I believe it's just called bundle here in NOVA) and my home phone still works when the power is out - I had to dig out a corded phone only yesterday during a power outage - I lost my cell and had to call it in order to locate it (you think it would be easier to find a cell phone only missing for a few moments than a corded phone that was put in storage years ago!!)

Gotta love the "free" rental for only $3.95!

I have the same thing on my bill. This line item is actually a "credit", that reverses the $3.95 charge for standard STB. Result is that standard STB ends up actually being free. Don't know about SoCal, but this was offered to me if I signed up for a year or more.

HERE ARE THE DETAILS ON THE FIOS TRIPEL PLAY FOR THE FOLLOWING STATES:
PA, DE, MD, VA, [MA], CA, & TX. **NY, FL, RI, IN & OR HAVE DIFFERENT PRICING PLANS AVAILABLE.

TRIPLE PLAYS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
FiOS TV PREMIER
FREEDOM ESSENTIALS (UNL LOCAL AND LONG DISTANCE WITH 3 FEATURES)
FIOS INTERNET (LOW-TIER 5/2 [10/2 IN MA] OR MID-TIER 15/2 [20/5 IN MA])
**THE BUNDLE DEALS DO NOT INCLUDE: SET TOP BOXES, TAXES, OR PREMIUMS.

LOW-TIER 5/2 [10/2] BUNDLES
12 MO AGREEMENT $109.99
24 MO AGREEMENT $99.99

MID-TIER 15/2 [20/5]BUNDLES
12 MO AGREEMENT $119.99
24 MO AGREEMENT $109.99

*PLEASE NOTE THE DISCOUNTS WILL APPEAR IN DIFFERENT SECTIONS OF YOUR VZ BILL. THE TOTAL DISCOUNT FOR A 24 MO AGREEMENT IN CA IS $32.98.

I have the same thing on my bill. This line item is actually a "credit", that reverses the $3.95 charge for standard STB. Result is that standard STB ends up actually being free. Don't know about SoCal, but this was offered to me if I signed up for a year or more.

1 FREE BOX FOR 12 MONTHS IS USUALLY A D2D "DOOR 2 DOOR" DEAL. IF YOU SIGN UP FOR SERVICE WITH A D2D REP YOU ARE USUALLY OFFERED THAT DEAL, I DONT BELEVE THIS OFFER IS AVAILABLE WITH THE NEW BUNDLE PLANS BUT I COULD BE MISTAKEN.

Quick correction, the 6416 itself has the capability of changing CC settings while on, it's Verizon's software that lacks this feature. I was able to change the settings via the settings menu(with the box still on and showing live tv) when I was with Cox, they also had the 6416. Hopefully this will be corrected when/if the new software is released.I asked the Verizon Direct forum over on Broadband Reports about using CC. Closed Captioning will be available in the next IMG release (Interactive Media Guide) in the menu screen.

I wanted the 15/2 Internet along with the TV and in Maryland they would not offer me a Package Price.

It is kind of dumb as to why they do not offer packages above the 5 Mbit speed but I b**d enough that I did get them to permanently give me the 15/2 for the price of the 5/2.

That satisfied me but it still makes no sense.

FWIW,The installer has been with them for about 1 year and a half and he said that they get very few requests from residential customers for the 15/2 Internet.

He said that I was the first one he has done in the past 3 months. Meaning that he had done one 3 months before me.

FYI - I have the triple play (only I believe it's just called bundle here in NOVA) and my home phone still works when the power is out - I had to dig out a corded phone only yesterday during a power outage - I lost my cell and had to call it in order to locate it (you think it would be easier to find a cell phone only missing for a few moments than a corded phone that was put in storage years ago!!)

It will work for a while...the router is on a battery backup..(which is where the conversion from fiber/coax to phone occurs and then is wired into the phone outlets) .after that goes out I don't think it will work...unless your setup is different than mine... but you got me curious...

It will work for a while...the router is on a battery backup..(which is where the conversion from fiber/coax to phone occurs and then is wired into the phone outlets) .after that goes out I don't think it will work...unless your setup is different than mine... but you got me curious...

I dont' know the specifics with FIOS, but Verizon has always prided themselves with 'staying on when the power is out'. I would think your phone should work during a power outage. If not, that's not good for Verizon.

^^^ Gosh all you guys got me second guessing myself...

Someone please feel free to definitively correct me... I can check in another thread as well but...From Wikipedia...and from my installer...(not that it always correct...)

While FiOS phone service offers digital audio quality compared to standard copper phone lines, power outages may affect service availability. Unlike standard phone lines, the FiOS service depends on power at the customer premises. The FiOS backup battery will power the phone lines for 4 to 8 hours of call time (reports vary). This may be an issue for sites that experience extended power outages that depend on analog phone lines for remote monitoring, alarm systems, and/or emergency calls.

and here is straight from the FiOS Horses Mouth...
https://www22.verizon.com/foryourhome/fttprepair/nr/common/SupportDetail.aspx?case=c29583

I think you can get an analog phone...but thats not the FIOS basic install...

and I guess its a simple as Fiber caries photons...not electrons... :D

^^^ Gosh all you guys got me second guessing myself...

Someone please feel free to definitively correct me... I can check in another thread as well but...From Wikipedia...and from my installer...(not that it always correct...)

While FiOS phone service offers digital audio quality compared to standard copper phone lines, power outages may affect service availability. Unlike standard phone lines, the FiOS service depends on power at the customer premises. The FiOS backup battery will power the phone lines for 4 to 8 hours of call time (reports vary). This may be an issue for sites that experience extended power outages that depend on analog phone lines for remote monitoring, alarm systems, and/or emergency calls.

and here is straight from the FiOS Horses Mouth...
https://www22.verizon.com/foryourhome/fttprepair/nr/common/SupportDetail.aspx?case=c29583

I think you can get an analog phone...but thats not the FIOS basic install...

and I guess its a simple as Fiber caries photons...not electrons... :D

I'm not exactly sure what your question is, but Verizon provides a battery backup that will keep your phone service on for a few hours. If you have a cordless phone that needs to be plugged into an outlet, this wont help you. You'll need a corded phone that only plugs into the phone jack.

I'm not exactly sure what your question is, but Verizon provides a battery backup that will keep your phone service on for a few hours. If you have a cordless phone that needs to be plugged into an outlet, this wont help you. You'll need a corded phone that only plugs into the phone jack.
Hi Ken...it wasn't really my question... (I was trying to be nice...cause I actually know the answer) I was answering the fact (from the previous pages) that people are surprised to learn that you only have a limited time of phone service during a power outage whether you have a corded phone or not...

Straight from Verizon...

If your Optical Network Terminal (ONT) is accidentally unplugged - or if there is a power failure - your BBU provides power for your phone service for up to 8 hours.
(now there is a little confusion whether that is 8 hours talk time or elapsed time...that I am not sure about.)

Thats it! ... when the battery (BBU) is done so is your phone...the confusion lies in that if you have a wireless phone that requires power that phone will not work anyways... just like it wouldn't today if the power went out and you were on copper...you would have to drag out your old corded phone...

but to be sure.... if the power goes out...no matter what kind of phone your have... you only have a limited amount time of phone service...when the BBU dies...thats it!

I don't have any issues with that...I don't live in a hurricane prone area...for me if a fire or earthquake has the power down for that long.... I got other troubles than my phone not working....

This may concern others though...

And I apologize for dragging us Off Topic... to long winded and helpful...
Back to your regularly scheduled FiOS Programming ;)

I just got FiOS installed today, but the aspect on my TV is AWFUL. I have to stretch the picture via the TV and thus my picture quality is terrible. It's blurry and not crisp at all. I cannot find a menu to change the resolution that the box is outputting at.

I looked at a couple previous posts on this subject but nothing seems to be as my problem is. It is not that I have small borders, but rather, well, look:

down one post

There is no option to change anything in the menu. When I called up Verizon, they said it was a problem with my TV. But my Xbox runs perfect natively 1:1. The FiOS is being run through composite cables from the box.

5 message limit until I can post a URL/IMG to show you my problem:

http://i16.tinypic.com/6f7fngl.jpg

I read about the powering off then hitting menu trick to change from 4:3 to 16:9 but I think my problem is different. Plus the menu trick doesn't bring up anything for me.

I The FiOS is being run through composite cables from the box.
Component or the yellow composite cable? If you want to watch HD channels or get decent SD picture quality, you should be using component or HDMI. Composite is 480i only.

5 message limit until I can post a URL/IMG to show you my problem:

http://i16.tinypic.com/6f7fngl.jpg

I read about the powering off then hitting menu trick to change from 4:3 to 16:9 but I think my problem is different. Plus the menu trick doesn't bring up anything for me.

Definitely need to use composite cables (the 3 cables) and use the setup menu.

Probably better for this thread...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=617635

But here is the manual....

http://www.fiberopticsfaq.com/admin/attachments/motorola_qip6416_stb_manual.pdf

What kind of tv is that? What types of signal resolutions does it accept.

dependping on those answer... you need to set
TV TYPE 16x9
HDMI/YPbPr OUTPUT 1080i, 720p
4:3 OVERRIDE - Depends on your TV

You may also need to use the aspect features of your TV...

Hope that helps...

There are no component outs on my box. Just composite. This box model is (I am taking this from the front bottom left) QIP2500-3.

Did they give me a cheap box? This is for another TV (not the main one) in the house and it does not have the DVR feature. It is a different box than the DVR one (model QIP 6416-2).

This is an Olevia 332H, I believe.

I am sorry I am not familiar with th QIP2500 box, I believe they are SD only boxes.. you may want to check the FIOS Installation & HW Thread...there are some pretty sharp folks, over there

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=621323

I will post my plight there. Thanks.

Where is SoCal are you...

Temecula, I'll mention triple when I call.

If your Optical Network Terminal (ONT) is accidentally unplugged - or if there is a power failure - your BBU provides power for your phone service for up to 8 hours.
(now there is a little confusion whether that is 8 hours talk time or elapsed time...that I am not sure about.)

Thats it! ... when the battery (BBU) is done so is your phone...the confusion lies in that if you have a wireless phone that requires power that phone will not work anyways... just like it wouldn't today if the power went out and you were on copper...you would have to drag out your old corded phone...

but to be sure.... if the power goes out...no matter what kind of phone your have... you only have a limited amount time of phone service...when the BBU dies...thats it!

I don't have any issues with that...I don't live in a hurricane prone area...for me if a fire or earthquake has the power down for that long.... I got other troubles than my phone not working....

This may concern others though...

I don't know. That always seemed like a complete non-issue to me. If you have a cell phone and a car you have a phone until the gas station dries up.

I don't know. That always seemed like a complete non-issue to me. If you have a cell phone and a car you have a phone until the gas station dries up.

I agree if power is out for more then 8 hours I think most people have bigger issues then not having phone service. I dont think I have ever been through more then 8 hours without power...... With cell phones though it extends my phone service life if I needed to use the phone....I think this might be a bigger issue for those in the hurricane "alley" section of the US (SE) as a hurricane might take out power for extended periods of time. If it were us I think the biggest thing we would have to worry about is snow and if power is out for more then 8 hours I would worry about freezing to death more then calling someone......but this is JMHO....I cant wait until I can make the full switch :)

A little OT does anyone know of a site that I cn check to see which CO serves which area in my state. I know there used to be a section on dslreports for it, but for some reason I cant seem to find it.

A little OT does anyone know of a site that I cn check to see which CO serves which area in my state. I know there used to be a section on dslreports for it, but for some reason I cant seem to find it.http://www.dslreports.com/coinfo

There are no component outs on my box. Just composite. This box model is (I am taking this from the front bottom left) QIP2500-3.

Did they give me a cheap box? This is for another TV (not the main one) in the house and it does not have the DVR feature. It is a different box than the DVR one (model QIP 6416-2).

This is an Olevia 332H, I believe.The QIP2500-3 is the standard def STB, Olevia 332H is 16:9 high def set. It is no wonder that this combination is not pleasing. Get the high def STB (or DVR) and you will be all set.

I asked the Verizon Direct forum over on Broadband Reports about using CC. Closed Captioning will be available in the next IMG release (Interactive Media Guide) in the menu screen.
Yes, there's an option in the settings for turning Closed Captions on. I don't see a way to turn it off and on via the remote though there is a CC button on the remote.

Also, and I don't know if this is normal, but it's displayed high up on the page. Seems to show 3 scrolling lines but on my HD set watching a HD channel, the top of the 1st row is closer to the center of the screen. It looks like there's almost enough room to move it down 3 rows. Since I'm not a CC user I don't know if it normal so it wouldn't cover things like scrolling tickers on news channels.

On a SD channel, it is at the bottom. Seems they might have some work to do on it when showing on a HD channel. Also, when I turned it off, it continued to show the last 3 lines on the screen until you change the channel and then it clears it.

I would show some screen shots but my Slingbox doesn't seem to pull over the CC info.

I dont' know the specifics with FIOS, but Verizon has always prided themselves with 'staying on when the power is out'. I would think your phone should work during a power outage. If not, that's not good for Verizon.If you think about it, there is no way for them to power the phone on your end via fiber like they can with copper (you cant push electricity over fiber AFAIK)

The only way the could do it is if they ran copper in parallel with the fiber with the sole purpose of powering the stuff on your end (the ONT). Doing so would not only be very expensive but would also defeat one of the major benefits of shifting to fiber for VZ - the cost savings of not having to maintain a copper plant.

The BBU provides some level of backup. Those people who want more can plug the power supply into their own UPS of a size of their choosing to get even more backup time (and keep the internet service up during a power failure). Those who want even more backup time should invest in a generator.

The phone is not a true VoIP, it It does come in through the ONT and Router, but as I understand it (danger) is a switched phone. It does rely on the router so you loose power you are on a battery backup...


The Voice service is not dependent on the router. The router is for Data and Video (Program Guide and VOD) only.

I wanted the 15/2 Internet along with the TV and in Maryland they would not offer me a Package Price.

It is kind of dumb as to why they do not offer packages above the 5 Mbit speed but I b**d enough that I did get them to permanently give me the 15/2 for the price of the 5/2...

When did you sign up or upgrade to the bundle the Mid-tier bundles started late last month. AVS member kes601 was able to change his plan to the mid-tier bundle.

When did you sign up or upgrade to the bundle the Mid-tier bundles started late last month. AVS member kes601 was able to change his plan to the mid-tier bundle.

This is true. I have yet to see a correct bill, as the first one indicated I only did a 1 year commitment, whereas I did a 2 year, that is supposed to show up next month. The one thing I did have to do was upgrade my phone package to one of the unlimited plans, as I did not have it before.

Update: FIOS in in the house. :D
Since I've been a FIOS Internet/phone customer for two years, my router was replaced. This required the running of coax to my loft where my office/computer is, because that's where the CAT5 run from the OT box ends. Other than that, the install was fairly smooth although it seems to me that it takes a loooooong time for all channels/program guide to load into the receivers.

(I find it interesting that the program guide is sent via CAT5, processed in the router, and then sent out via coax to the receivers. What advantage does this provide?)

Bottom line: My expectations as to picture quality have been surpassed WOOHOO.
SD: What a difference from the washed out blur provided by Dish! HD: equal to OTA quality. I did side-by-side comparisons with a local HD news broadcast. On both my 34" HD direct view Sony CRT and the 8' 1080p 004 in the theater, I simply could not tell a difference between the FIOS rebroadcast and OTA. And I'm picky (DUH!)

The interface is different, and will take some getting use to. The program grid is weaker than Dish's and the Favorites implementation is poor. But the remote is well laid out, and bright and colorful. In due time, Dish's very slight advantage in this area will be forgotten as I watch one of the best pictures available today.

BTW, the tech from Dish (sub) today removed my two dishes from my roof, removed all connected coax, and hauled it away. He smiled when I told him I have FIOS installed. "Everyone wants it," he said with a wink. Dish is sending me a box to return my 622. I'll try to sell the 501 (real cheap), and the one dish with the dual horns.

Update: FIOS in in the house. :D
Since I've been a FIOS Internet/phone customer for two years, my router was replaced. This required the running of coax to my loft where my office/computer is, because that's where the CAT5 run from the OT box ends. Other than that, the install was fairly smooth although it seems to me that it takes a loooooong time for all channels/program guide to load into the receivers.

(I find it interesting that the program guide is sent via CAT5, processed in the router, and then sent out via coax to the receivers. What advantage does this provide?)

Bottom line: My expectations as to picture quality have been surpassed WOOHOO.
SD: What a difference from the washed out blur provided by Dish! HD: equal to OTA quality. I did side-by-side comparisons with a local HD news broadcast. On both my 34" HD direct view Sony CRT and the 8' 1080p 004 in the theater, I simply could not tell a difference between the FIOS rebroadcast and OTA. And I'm picky (DUH!)

The interface is different, and will take some getting use to. The program grid is weaker than Dish's and the Favorites implementation is poor. But the remote is well laid out, and bright and colorful. In due time, Dish's very slight advantage in this area will be forgotten as I watch one of the best pictures available today.

BTW, the tech from Dish (sub) today removed my two dishes from my roof, removed all connected coax, and hauled it away. He smiled when I told him I have FIOS installed. "Everyone wants it," he said with a wink. Dish is sending me a box to return my 622. I'll try to sell the 501 (real cheap), and the one dish with the dual horns.

Congrats! :)
I agree it is great and I think I will be even happier with my own FiOS-TV when I receive the new IMG and additional HD channels before the Fall season begins. :D

The Voice service is not dependent on the router. The router is for Data and Video (Program Guide and VOD) only.

Right...your correct sorry ....was answering two questions in one ...and did a poor job of both...

meant to say ...(a)not VoIP...switched phone...(b)dependent on power/BBU.....came out jumbled...

Just to clarify. Your Battery backup lasts for 8 hours of "TALK TIME", not total time. Therefore in a blackout you should save your telephone for critical use only. This should not be a big deal.

Also, the replacement batteries are available through outlets like Radio Shack so you should never have any probs replacing them.

When did you sign up or upgrade to the bundle the Mid-tier bundles started late last month. AVS member kes601 was able to change his plan to the mid-tier bundle.

I am a brand new customer coming from 10 years with Directv.
I placed the order in early May sometime and on May 22, they did the install.

I got their internet and their TV. I argued and argued that I wanted that 2 year commitment deal for the TV/INternet package BUT I wanted the higher speed internet.

This ended up going up the ladder and I talked to someone who had more 'clout'.
He said that he agreed that it made no sense NOT to offer a 1 or 2 year commitment package for TV/INternet that allowed for a higher internet speed.

He told me that they were working on some new promotional plans based upon lessons learned.
He told me that they never expected to get the number of requests from the Consumer side of their business for the 15/2 internet speed so they had not setup a package deal for that.

There will be one but he could not say when.


Of course we all want to get the best deal we can get but I am still happy that I got my $10 off my bill every month.
I was paying around $25 more with my Comcast Internet and Directv TV and that was with a 3 times slower download speed and a cruddy,overcompressed picture.



One thing to warn AT&T Callvantage folks about.
I have that and was assured that it would work just fine with the Verizon system.
It did NOT work at all.

The afternoon of the install, and after 5 really frustrating calls back and forth over my poor reception cell phone, I ended up getting each company blaming the other companies equipment.
The last phone call was when AT&T told me that I had to have Verizon come back with a different router because AT&T's router expected to be the first router in the chain.
Screw that - I drove over to CC and bought the little box from Vonage that plugs into the Verizon AactionTec router and was back on like in 15 minutes.

AT&T lost a 3 year long customer and I am convinced that Verizon designed their system to make other 'things' not work so you have to go through them.

If you saw the way they 'disconnected' my Comcast cable coming into my house and the fact that the installer used one of my 2 coaxes from the Directv's LNB's on the dish on the roof for the Verizon Coax, you would think so as well.

But at least I now have fast Internet and High Def DVD quality tv.


Joe

I am a brand new customer coming from 10 years with Directv.
I placed the order in early May sometime and on May 22, they did the install.

I got their internet and their TV. I argued and argued that I wanted that 2 year commitment deal for the TV/INternet package BUT I wanted the higher speed internet.

This ended up going up the ladder and I talked to someone who had more 'clout'.
He said that he agreed that it made no sense NOT to offer a 1 or 2 year commitment package for TV/INternet that allowed for a higher internet speed.

He told me that they were working on some new promotional plans based upon lessons learned.
He told me that they never expected to get the number of requests from the Consumer side of their business for the 15/2 internet speed so they had not setup a package deal for that.

There will be one but he could not say when.


Of course we all want to get the best deal we can get but I am still happy that I got my $10 off my bill every month.
I was paying around $25 more with my Comcast Internet and Directv TV and that was with a 3 times slower download speed and a cruddy,overcompressed picture.



One thing to warn AT&T Callvantage folks about.
I have that and was assured that it would work just fine with the Verizon system.
It did NOT work at all.

The afternoon of the install, and after 5 really frustrating calls back and forth over my poor reception cell phone, I ended up getting each company blaming the other companies equipment.
The last phone call was when AT&T told me that I had to have Verizon come back with a different router because AT&T's router expected to be the first router in the chain.
Screw that - I drove over to CC and bought the little box from Vonage that plugs into the Verizon AactionTec router and was back on like in 15 minutes.

AT&T lost a 3 year long customer and I am convinced that Verizon designed their system to make other 'things' not work so you have to go through them.

If you saw the way they 'disconnected' my Comcast cable coming into my house and the fact that the installer used one of my 2 coaxes from the Directv's LNB's on the dish on the roof for the Verizon Coax, you would think so as well.

But at least I now have fast Internet and High Def DVD quality tv.


Joe

Nothing unusual about V* reusing the cables left from the disconnected service. They are quite open about that when you talk to them. Makes business sense to me and it makes for a faster and cleaner install for the customer since they do not have to make new wiring runs. They only put in new cable if the existing one does not meet specs. They tested my old cables during the beginning of my install, found them OK, and proceeded without any problem. I'm happy with the end result and with the fast and clean install.

Nothing unusual about V* reusing the cables left from the disconnected service. .


It is when you tell them that you want to keep both of my services active for at least another month.

Verizon does not have a 30 day satisfaction gurantee but they did tell me it would cost me $150 if I backed out before a year was over. For a major change like this, $150 seems worth it if I did not like the service.

So far I am Extremely pleased but still it is the principle of the thing.

The installer told me that he would have to charge extra if he needed to run a new set of coax.
I told him to re-use the RG59 cable that was going to my roof antenna and the RG6 spare one that I had run a few years back when we used to use another dish to get DISH's 61.5 bird.

I was home during the install but I am recovering from ankle surgery so I was unable to go downstarirs and see which cable he actually used.
It was the next day when I found that my Comcast Cable did not work and my HDTIVO complaining about only having 1 connection that I knew what he had done.

BTW, he did NOT have to cut out the the section of the Comcast cable 15' up the wall before it enters the house because there is a coupler that joins the 2 cables where they enter the house. It does not take a rocket scientist to see what that was all about.

I have a friend where same thing happened. I am using callvantage with the actiontec router BUT from what I'm told the issue is if they use coax into the actiontec vs CAT5. I was one of the first people in the Tampa area to get FIOS. When the installers were here they ran CAT5 to my home office where as with my friend they used Coax to the router. From what I'm told the callvantage VoIP box will only work if CAT5/ethernet is used into the router.

Doesn't quite make sense to me when you think about tcp/ip protocal and such but that's what I'm told.

Verizon does not have a 30 day satisfaction gurantee...

WHAT THE??? YOU MUST HAVE GOT SOME UNTRAINED SALES REPS ON THE PHONE OR SOMETHING. THERE IS A "30-day money-back-guarantee" ON ALL ASA (ANUAL SALES AGREEMENT) FIOS DATA ORDERS. IS IS CLEARLY STATED ON VZ.COM, ON ALL VZ D2D SALES SHEETS AND ALL VZ EVENT (INCLUDING MALLS) SALES SHEETS. . "If service is cancelled between months 2 and 12, $99 early termination fee may apply, and router provided at no charge must be returned or $99.99 equipment fee applies.... $99 early termination fee for one year plan and $149 for two year plan." THERE IS NO AGREEMENT ON THE VOICE OR THE TV, IF YOU (THE CUSTOMER) DISCONTINUE THE VOICE OR THE TV YOU WILL NO LONGER RECEIVE ANY TRIPLE PLAY OR DOUBLE PLAY DISCOUNTS. AND ALL TV & DATA EQUIPMENT MUST BE RETURNED TO VZ.

Just to clarify. Your Battery backup lasts for 8 hours of "TALK TIME", not total time. Therefore in a blackout you should save your telephone for critical use only. This should not be a big deal.I don't think you are correct. I think it is 8 hours of power, not 8 hours of talk time.

I don't think you are correct. I think it is 8 hours of power, not 8 hours of talk time.

Trust me. It is talk time.

There is also a light on the backup that will tell you when you are getting to emergency levels.

WHAT THE??? YOU MUST HAVE GOT SOME UNTRAINED SALES REPS ON THE PHONE OR SOMETHING. THERE IS A "30-day money-back-guarantee" ON ALL ASA (ANUAL SALES AGREEMENT) FIOS DATA ORDERS. IS IS CLEARLY STATED ON VZ.COM, ON ALL VZ D2D SALES SHEETS AND ALL VZ EVENT (INCLUDING MALLS) SALES SHEETS. . "If service is cancelled between months 2 and 12, $99 early termination fee may apply, and router provided at no charge must be returned or $99.99 equipment fee applies.... $99 early termination fee for one year plan and $149 for two year plan." THERE IS NO AGREEMENT ON THE VOICE OR THE TV, IF YOU (THE CUSTOMER) DISCONTINUE THE VOICE OR THE TV YOU WILL NO LONGER RECEIVE ANY TRIPLE PLAY OR DOUBLE PLAY DISCOUNTS. AND ALL TV & DATA EQUIPMENT MUST BE RETURNED TO VZ.

Okay, rub it in:)

I think you have stumbled upon why I did not know this.

Verizon has some obvious growing pains and you have to bounce all over their various websites (unique ones at that, not just links inside one site) to get info on their various offererings.

Example:
When I first got word earlier in late Winter that my neighborhood was finshed getting wired, I used Google to search on "Verizon TV"

It came back with lots of hits from distinct Verizon websites (not just pages in a main website) .
The very first hit that I loked at was one where Verizon was showing the pricing structure for using Directv :eek:
Talk about confusing me and the fact that I am alreadty with Directv!

That was early spring(March) and I stopped checking into Verizon because the way their info was organized was a pita and a time waster.

It was not not until mid May when I was home recuperating from surgery and had the time so I decided to talk to a live person about this.


I spent quite a bit of time on the phone talking to a Verizon Customer Service Rep. Very knowledgeable and I ultimately placed the order.
I also found out why the references to Directv were on a Verizon website and it was NOT for comparing Picture Quaility.

One thing to warn AT&T Callvantage folks about.
I have that and was assured that it would work just fine with the Verizon system.
It did NOT work at all.
...
Screw that - I drove over to CC and bought the little box from Vonage that plugs into the Verizon AactionTec router and was back on like in 15 minutes.

Joe

Verizon offers VoIP as well, its called VoiceWing, and has a boatload of features.
www.verizon.com/voicewing

I'm looking to switch from Comcast (all 3) to Verizon, but haven't yet.

Trust me. It is talk time.

There is also a light on the backup that will tell you when you are getting to emergency levels.In order to provide incoming and outgoing phone service, the BBU has to keep the ONT powered up. That power is being drawn regardless of whether or not the phone is off hook. When you do make a call the power draw is slightly more then if you aren't using the phone but it isnt anything like a cell phone in terms of power draw in standby mode vs talking. This has been measured with a power meter.

If you think that by not using the phone during a power outage your ONT will still be ready to provide hours of phone service 24 hours into an outage you are going to be sadly disappointed.

The newer BBU's have an emergency reserve that you can activate by pushing a button for some additional time to make an outgoing call.

Trust me. It is talk time.I don't trust you. Sorry. It's 8 hours of service, not 8 hours of talk time. I guess if you started talking for 8 hours once the BBU kicked in, then I guess it could be close to 8 hours. Of course, if you didn't talk at all once the BBU kicked in, it would be 8 hours too.

I now have FIOS in my area. I have about 18 months left on my 2 year contract (sore subject, but that's for another post). Anyway, is FIOS better than D* as far as PQ and equipment. Is it reall worth the switch for me? (see below)

Reasons for staying with D*...The "promise" of 70 HD channels by Sept/Oct..we'll see.
Also, there is a ETF...anyone know a "work around". I was kind of "snookered" into a 2-year deal.

Reasons to go with FIOS:
CSN...get to see local sports and some additional HD channels and other channels.

However, it's $105 for FIOS internet/TV with 2 receivers. Right now I am paying $75 for comparable D*/DSL.

Any suggestions or recommendations?

Does anyone know when the PQ is going to be activated here in Hampton Roads Virginia. I believe I heard Verizon is testing it in Texas.

I now have FIOS in my area. I have about 18 months left on my 2 year contract (sore subject, but that's for another post). Anyway, is FIOS better than D* as far as PQ and equipment. Is it reall worth the switch for me? (see below)

Reasons for staying with D*...The "promise" of 70 HD channels by Sept/Oct..we'll see.
Also, there is a ETF...anyone know a "work around". I was kind of "snookered" into a 2-year deal.

Reasons to go with FIOS:
CSN...get to see local sports and some additional HD channels and other channels.

However, it's $105 for FIOS internet/TV with 2 receivers. Right now I am paying $75 for comparable D*/DSL.

Any suggestions or recommendations?

Do you watch any HD OTA? Thats how all HD is on FOiS (from whats been said, its not in my area.) Compare D*'s ESPN or DiscoveryHD to one of your locals OTA (with no subchannels) and you'll see your difference

Do you watch any HD OTA? Thats how all HD is on FOiS (from whats been said, its not in my area.) Compare D*'s ESPN or DiscoveryHD to one of your locals OTA (with no subchannels) and you'll see your difference

Just switched to FIOS on May 22 and your description is a very good and concise one.

It is also dead on accurate.

We all have been complaining about PQ for years from most of the cable companies and the Satellite companies but the complaints never left places like avsforum.

I am now seeing all sorts of ads on prime time TV for how great company X's PQ is over the rest - Finally!

I have been with Directv for 10 years, a few with DISH and now I finally have,as you put it, OTA quality PQ with Verizon FIOS.

I get a laugh out of the one that Directv runs whith the great looking lifeguard.
It comes right out and says that Directv has the best PQ of anyone,flashes some seal up on th sreen that when paused reveals no info and does not even bother to make up any quotes from places like JD Powers.

I get a laugh out of the one that Directv runs whith the great looking lifeguard.
It comes right out and says that Directv has the best PQ of anyone,flashes some seal up on th sreen that when paused reveals no info and does not even bother to make up any quotes from places like JD Powers.

I also had to laugh with those Jessica Simpson ads for Direct TV where she says "It's broadcast in 1080i". Are you telling me that Direct takes ESPN-HD and the other 720p locals and upconverts them to 1080i :p

Anyone have an "out" on the 2-year contract? I heard someone mention "suspending the account"?

Does anyone know when the PQ is going to be activated here in Hampton Roads Virginia. I believe I heard Verizon is testing it in Texas.

I have no idea what your question means? PQ of what? :confused: Can you try again?

Anyone have an "out" on the 2-year contract? I heard someone mention "suspending the account"?

just argue with customer retention, bitch about how poor the quality and service is. Don't take no for an answer. Keep asking for supervisors. One of two things will happen, they will let you out of your contract, or you will get all kinds of free ****.

I heard someone mention "suspending the account"?

D* let's you suspend your account up to I believe 6 months. During that time you don't get charged. I have it at my place in VT and suspend it usually from November to April.

YES for Florida Gulf Coast??

Anyone hear if FL will get YES programming anytime soon? Lots of Yankees fans in Tampa you know......

_______________________________
Tim

I agree fios quality is AWESOME yet i still stayed with directv because verizon doesn't carry NBA league pass. if they had carried it i would had stayed with verizon. has anybody heard if verizon will carry the nba league pass this upcoming 2007-2008 nba season?

I have no idea what your question means? PQ of what? :confused: Can you try again?
Program Guide is what I meant.

Program Guide is what I meant.

OK.

I understand you have started a local FiOS site. Could you post the address please?

OK.

I understand you have started a local FiOS site. Could you post the address please?

I am newport news, va

I am newport news, va

I think he meant the web address to the Hampton Roads Fios thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=869878

I think he meant the web address to the Hampton Roads Fios thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=869878

Right you are kes601. Thanks! :)

Right now I have been using a D* box for about 7-years. I am used to 480I/P sources automatically filling the screen (stretch) and HD sources automatically filling the screen as well (obviously). However, my friend's Comcast box will show ALL SD sources [pillar box] then you have to manually toggle through to get it to stretch. Are the Verizon boxes the same as D* or Comcast since they are Motorola?

Also, no OTA RF input on the Moto boxes?

Right now I have been using a D* box for about 7-years. I am used to 480I/P sources automatically filling the screen (stretch) and HD sources automatically filling the screen as well (obviously). However, my friend's Comcast box will show ALL SD sources [pillar box] then you have to manually toggle through to get it to stretch. Are the Verizon boxes the same as D* or Comcast since they are Motorola?

Also, no OTA RF input on the Moto boxes?

Vz's Moto boxes are pretty much like the ones Cox(our area's main provider) or Comcast use-main difference is they're MoCa(Multimedia over Coax) & IP enabled since FiOS VOD & guide info & some other features are IP-based.

and like any other cable box I've heard of there's no OTA antenna input.

you can set aspect ratios et. al. pretty much like any STB. a bit tricky with the Moto as you have to leave the TV on, turn box off, hit MENU on the remote to access the setup menu.

there is a feature called 4:3 OVERRIDE which apparently lets you set res. for HD programming(i.e. 720p or 1080i) but passes SD signals in either 480i or 480p. this is supposed to markedly improve SD PQ.

I'm getting FiOS TV installed(at last!!!) on 7/12-can give more details then. above info is a recap based on the many posts in this thread.

and like you mike I'm an 8 yr.-plus D*sub so I can give you my impressions of the transition to FiOS.

Verizon Gave FCC Last-Minute Digital-Video Pledge

Telco Committed to All-Digital on the Day the Agency Granted It a Waiver

By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 7/5/2007 1:44:00 PM

Verizon Communications on June 29 informed the Federal Communications Commission that it would eventually move to all-digital video distribution, hours before the agency issued an order exempting the phone company from the integrated set-top ban based on that commitment.

Late last Friday, the FCC’s Media Bureau granted waivers of the July 1 ban to Verizon and about 120 other video providers that currently have all-digital networks or have promised to convert to all-digital transmission by Feb. 17, 2009. Meanwhile, the agency denied requests by the National Cable & Telecommunications Association and 10 cable operators.

The FCC said all-digital video providers will support the agency’s mandate requiring TV broadcasters to provide digital-only transmission by February 2009. All-digital cable and telco TV networks also will “enable expanded service offerings, promote efficient use of the spectrum, deliver broadband services, spur competitive entry and expand universal service,” the FCC said.

In a June 29 letter to the FCC, Verizon documented a conversation on Friday between the telco’s regulatory affairs personnel and FCC chairman Kevin Martin’s legal advisor, Michelle Carey. Verizon vice president of federal regulatory affairs Dee May wrote that Carey was informed that “if [the telco] is granted a waiver of the integration ban for all its set-top boxes, Verizon will commit to transitioning to a strictly digital network and video service by February 17, 2009.” The FCC cited the letter in its order granting Verizon a waiver.

Verizon said its FiOS TV service currently provides a “small subset of channels” in analog format, intended as a “convenience” to customers who want to watch programming on second or third TV sets without needing an extra set-top.

In a July 3 letter to the FCC, Comcast attorney Jonathan Friedman said the agency’s treatment of the Verizon waiver request “raises serious questions about the integrity of the waiver process.” He noted that Verizon, in its original petition or filings prior to last week, had not committed to go all-digital by Feb. 17, 2009. “Curiously, Verizon finally made that commitment in an ex parte filed with the commission on June 29, 2007 -- the very same day it received its waiver request,” Friedman wrote.

In response, Verizon director of external communications Brian Blevins said the company has had an “ongoing dialog” with the agency since early May about moving FiOS TV service to all-digital transmission. “The FCC’s interest in granting waivers based on commitments to going all digital has been obvious since the first such waiver was granted on Jan. 10,” he said.

A spokeswoman for the FCC’s Media Bureau similarly said the commission had “emphasized the importance of going all-digital going back to January” for operators seeking waivers.

The FCC had previously granted waivers to three small cable operators -- Oregon’s BendBroadband in January, and Alaska’s GCI and Texas’ OneSource Communications in May -- that committed to eliminating analog-video transmission by the beginning of 2009. However, it wasn’t until June 29 that the agency explicitly granted exemptions to all multichannel-video programming distributors that offered the same guarantee.

Verizon would have been unable to meet the July 1 ban using its existing hybrid set-top boxes from Motorola, which use traditional coaxial cable for linear video channels and Internet Protocol for interactive services.

Comcast attorney Friedman called Verizon’s claim that it could not technically comply with the separable-security mandate “preposterous.”

“Verizon is an enormous competitor … [it] knew full well what its obligations were under the commission’s rules and has proven itself perfectly capable of controlling the design and development of equipment used in its FiOS TV network,” Friedman wrote in the July 3 letter.

http://multichannel.com/article/CA6457745.html

why does the FCC care that some V* channels are analog? I have a couple of small SD sets and like having those analogs w/o having to pay an extra $10/month for 2 SD STBs.

My bet is that as part of going all-digital (by 2009), Verizon will reduce or perhaps even eliminate the per-settop charge for simple SD settops. There are settop designs available and underway that are as small as the size of a couple of decks of cards that provide a (simple) all-digital STB.

why does the FCC care that some V* channels are analog?The FCC cares about a successful retail market for cable navigation devices (ie, CableCard equipment) and the integration ban is seen as a neccesary way of ensuring that. However, they were also instructed by Congress to waive any regulations for retail availability of navigation devices "when doing so is necessary to assist the development or introduction of new or improved services". But, while the FCC wants to (and is willing to) grant waivers to cable companies that truly need one for new / innovative services ... they certainly don't want a waiver broad enough for Comcast / Time Warner / Cox / etc. to wiggle in to for their same ole / standrd service. They want the big guys ordering CableCard equipment because, quite frankly, once they do that's what the manufacturers will be making and supplying to all customers. Then again, they don't want to give anyone ground to sue, take this thing to court, and drag out even further. And finally, the FCC also cares about having a (relatively) smooth (as possible) OTA analog cutoff ...

Put that all together and ...

Lots of cable companies asked for a waiver of the integration ban in order to go all-digital. They argued this was a "new / improved service" and a waiver was required because to go all-digital they would need the absolutely rock-bottom cheapest boxes possible for those previous analog-basic subscribers that had been using no box ... just hooked cable straight to analog TV ... and would now need a box.

The FCC determined that "transitioning to an all-digital system by February 2009" was justification for a waiver (of the integration ban) for the low-end / limited capability boxes that would be needed for those customers that had been subscribing to basic analog service ... and granted (conditional) waivers accordingly. Note, this also ties into the analog cut-off because it gets less people analog-dependant ... more people able to get digital channels ... before February 2009.

FCC Order:
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-2921A1.pdf

Verizon comments committing to going all-digital by Feb 2009 if granted a waiver for all boxes:
http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6519538146

Notes: To get the waiver, Verizon must commit to going all-digital by Feb. 2009. The waiver for HD and DVR boxes is only through July 1, 2008. Verizon will have to either 1) figure out a non-integrated solution for their HD / DVR boxes by then or ... 2) try to get another extension.

Finally ...

The 'integration ban' has been on the books since 1998. Not exactly a 'surprise' to anyone (including Verizon). If Verizon had designed their boxes to use seperable security in the first place ... they wouldn't need waivers ... wouldn't need to committ to going all-digital ... etc. Heck, they wouldn't even have to use CableCard. The FCC determined that any 'seperable' security measure (including a downloadable / software conditional access system that cable and Verizon are trying to move towards) would meet the integration ban requirements. Ultimately, Verizon chose to go with boxes with integrated security and try to get a waiver. For understandable reasons (cost) ... but still, their choice. The FCC has conditioned the waiver on going all-digital. Verizon could have avoided any need for a waiver in the first place by using seperable security from the start. If they'd done that ... they wouldn't need a waiver ... they could choose digital / analog / whatever as they wished ...

They've lowered their prices twice in the last 90 days. Just call their billing department and ask them for the latest package and movie discounts and they will adjust your bill. The first time I called I went from $180 to $155 per month.

I called yesterday and got another $14 per month off for 12 months for their latest "movie package discount." Now I'm at $141 per month.

If you don't ask, you don't get.....

Fios triple play is hands down the BEST value on the planet!!!

Thanks for the post - I got FIOS TV in March, internet and phone in December of last year. After seeing this, I thought, why not give it a shot?

I had:

Internet - 15 / 2
Phone
TV - 2 DVR's, 1 Media Center, 1 set top box, all packages but Cinemax, no languages (spanish, etc... ) and no karaoke. Everything else, though.

Price: ~ 265 / month for all.

After the call:


Internet - 20 / 5 (they no longer offered the 15/2 in eastern Mass)
Phone (Same deal)
TV - 2 DVR's, 1 Media Center, 1 set top box, all packages including Cinemax, no languages (spanish, etc... ) and no karaoke.

Price: ~ 200 / month.

I just saved about $60 per month once all of the packages were taken into account, got a faster internet connection and added the Cinemax channels. I committed to a 2 year plan, but feel good about it, since I have had only positive experiences so far. The Verizon person who walked me through this did a lot of digging and was great through the whole process. Time waiting to talk to her: probably about 3 minutes, the whole thing took maybe 15 to 20 minutes.

Thanks for the post - I got FIOS TV in March, internet and phone in December of last year. After seeing this, I thought, why not give it a shot?

I had:

Internet - 15 / 2
Phone
TV - 2 DVR's, 1 Media Center, 1 set top box, all packages but Cinemax, no languages (spanish, etc... ) and no karaoke. Everything else, though.

Price: ~ 265 / month for all.

After the call:


Internet - 20 / 5 (they no longer offered the 15/2 in eastern Mass)
Phone (Same deal)
TV - 2 DVR's, 1 Media Center, 1 set top box, all packages including Cinemax, no languages (spanish, etc... ) and no karaoke.

Price: ~ 200 / month.

I just saved about $60 per month once all of the packages were taken into account, got a faster internet connection and added the Cinemax channels. I committed to a 2 year plan, but feel good about it, since I have had only positive experiences so far. The Verizon person who walked me through this did a lot of digging and was great through the whole process. Time waiting to talk to her: probably about 3 minutes, the whole thing took maybe 15 to 20 minutes.


20 minutes to save $500 per year - not bad!

I took my own advice and called Verizon Wireless and got my family cell phone bill reduced by $40 per month for basically the same amount of minutes!

It's nice that when Verizon offers new discount packages to drum up business - they will extend those prices to existing customers, something the other tv providers NEVER do!

Way to go Verizon!!!!!

BTW, do you think Verizon will ever sell natural gas and electric? We could definitely use the competition in MD!!!

I just looked at the info on Boeing webpage (http://www.boeing.com/commercial/787family/787premiere.html) and didn't see that Verizon was on board with this. Is this an exhaustive list? I'm using Verizon FiOS TV in Arlington. One would think that the AAAE's television operation on News Channel 8, ANTN (the Aviation News and Training Network), would be broadcasting this, especially considering all of the aerospace/aviation stuff that we get on public access TV in this area...

Any info would be helpful here, as time is short and I have a bad feeling about the reliability of the webcast... Thanks!

So I get the impression the new guide rollout has stopped dead in the water. I wonder if they're having issues with it?

Ken-
Nope - still on schedule. Look for it in the next 2 months.

Ken-
Nope - still on schedule. Look for it in the next 2 months.

What is the schedule? All I ever get out of the CSR's is "soon".

News Release

Verizon to Bring Its Revolutionary All-Fiber-Optic Network and FiOS Internet, TV Services to Manassas and Manassas Park in Virginia

Communities to Join Much of Northern Virginia in Getting Verizon's Industry-Leading Fiber-to-the-Premises Network

June 28, 2007

Media Contact:
Christy Reap, 202-392-1021




MANASSAS, Va. - For residents of Manassas and Manassas Park who want the fastest Internet speeds on the market or who want to kiss their cable company goodbye, help is on the way.

Verizon, the company that is building the nation's most advanced digital all-fiber-optic network straight to customers' homes, is beginning its all-fiber construction in these communities.

"FiOS Internet and TV services have been an extraordinary hit with consumers in Northern Virginia, and we're eager for Manassas and Manassas Park residents to join the growing number of FiOS fans," said Robert W. Woltz Jr., president of Verizon Virginia. "Verizon is offering consumers a superior choice by providing the best network available at a competitive price for voice, data and video services."

The network uses hair-thin strands of fiber and optical electronics to directly link homes and businesses to Verizon's network and replaces the traditional copper-wire connections for voice, high-speed Internet and TV.

Verizon must obtain cable franchises from the city councils in Manassas and Manassas Park in order to offer video service. Verizon currently has franchises with neighboring Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties, as well as other municipalities in Virginia.

so how soon before Manassas and Manassas Park residents can signup?

...

so how soon before Manassas and Manassas Park residents can signup?
They don't even have the franchise yet ....

Took almost a year from the "we're coming to Baltimore County" announcement until my neighborhood has gone live. That represented like 6 months of negotiations between the County Council and Verizon.

Florida Approves Verizon Statewide Franchise
FiOS TV Also Approved in Fredericksburg, Va.
By Todd Spangler & David Cohen Multichannel News 7/11/2007

The Florida Department of State approved Verizon Communications’ application for a state-issued cable franchise, opening the way for the telco to offer FiOS TV service in the Tampa, Fla., area.

The telco filed a franchise application with the state July 2 to be able to offer FiOS TV service to 77,000 more households in the cities of Tarpon Springs and Sarasota, as well as portions of Pinellas County. Verizon now has franchises for 19 communities in Florida.

In the Tampa area, Verizon will compete with Bright House Networks in Tarpon Springs, with Comcast in Sarasota and with Bright House and Knology in parts of Pinellas County.

Verizon’s application was made under the state’s franchise-reform law allowing new competitors to apply for statewide franchising. The law includes a provision allowing providers to expand video service into other calling areas by filing an amendment within five days of providing initial service in the area.

"In just nine days, we were able to gain the legal status to open up competition and choice to 77,000 households -- a process that would have taken one year or more otherwise,” Verizon Southeast region president Alan Ciamporcero said in a prepared statement. "We are both encouraged and excited by today's decision and look forward to expanding our fiber services to more customers in even more of our region in the months and years ahead."

In other FiOS TV news, the City Council of Fredericksburg, Va., approved a franchise for the telco’s video service in a Tuesday-night vote. Verizon will take on Comcast in the franchise area, which covers approximately 9,000 households in the city.

http://www.multichannel.com/index.asp?layout=articlePrint&articleID=CA6459193

Has anyone seen this article?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070708/ap_on_bi_ge/verizon_cutting_copper;_ylt=AtXTqYWIrBc7oWp1vxwIGj7MWM0F

Has anyone seen this article?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070708/ap_on_bi_ge/verizon_cutting_copper;_ylt=AtXTqYWIrBc7oWp1vxwIGj7MWM0F

It doesn't bother me. I don't think many people wanted to go back to horses after they bought their first car.

Has anyone seen this article?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070708/ap_on_bi_ge/verizon_cutting_copper;_ylt=AtXTqYWIrBc7oWp1vxwIGj7MWM0F
My copper telephone line is still there. It wouldn't take 5 minutes to reconnect it to the house phone if I wanted them to do so. For most houses, why would they remove the copper line?

OTOH, the long term technology trend is clearly going to be a move away from copper phone & co-axial cable lines to fiber optics. In a few years, I expect to see new housing developments going in with no copper phone or co-axial cable lines. Verizon is pushing towards that day. Either Verizon will have to share the fiber optics line with other service providers or they should run 2 or more fiber optics line to every house for competition.

They don't even have the franchise yet ....

Took almost a year from the "we're coming to Baltimore County" announcement until my neighborhood has gone live. That represented like 6 months of negotiations between the County Council and Verizon.

good info, thanks

Has anyone seen this article?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070708/ap_on_bi_ge/verizon_cutting_copper;_ylt=AtXTqYWIrBc7oWp1vxwIGj7MWM0F


Better Business Bureaus around the country are reporting increased complaints against Natural Gas companies as they remove coal chutes from homes after installing gas heaters. I. Cnt Seethefuture of Scranton, PA was quoted as saying "they just took the chute out without telling me. How am I going to get coal in my basement now when the gas line pressure drops and I need heat?". Coal companies are prediciting the end of civilization as we know it because of this change.

Written by Ima Headlineseeking Writer Trying to create an issue in 1880.

It doesn't bother me. I don't think many people wanted to go back to horses after they bought their first car.

Tell that to my daughter!! :p

TV Choice and Competition Near for Residents of Scarsdale, N.Y.

Village Approves Video Franchise for Verizon

July 11, 2007

Media Contact:
Heather Wilner, 212-321-8333

SCARSDALE, N.Y. - Residents of this Westchester County community are a major step closer to having a real choice for their cable television services, thanks to a newly approved agreement authorizing Verizon to offer its FiOS TV service, delivered over the most advanced fiber-optic network straight to customers' homes.

The Board of Trustees for Scarsdale granted a video franchise to Verizon Tuesday night (July 10), paving the way for video choice in the community. The board's vote brings to 46 the total number of New York communities that have approved video franchises for Verizon.

"This is great news for residents of Scarsdale, who now will have a new choice for their video entertainment," said Monica Azare, Verizon senior vice president for New York and Connecticut. "As a result of this franchise, consumers here will be able to choose their cable provider as easily as they choose their phone company. Competition like this drives innovation and value, and puts the consumer in control."

Scarsdale joins a growing list of New York communities that are paving the way for competition and choice in the television market. In addition to Scarsdale, Verizon has been granted video franchises in the Rockland County communities of Spring Valley, Chestnut Ridge, Airmont, Piermont, Orangetown, Clarkstown, Nyack, South Nyack, Upper Nyack, Grandview-on-Hudson, West Haverstraw and the Town of Haverstraw. Verizon also has video franchises in the Westchester County communities of Mount Pleasant, North Castle, White Plains, Rye Brook, Irvington, Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Tarrytown, Eastchester, Mount Kisco, Elmsford, Port Chester, Tuckahoe and the Town of Greenburgh; and on Long Island in the villages of Massapequa Park, Cedarhurst, Laurel Hollow, Lynbrook, Mineola, East Rockaway, Farmingdale, Valley Stream, Freeport, Williston Park, New Hyde Park, Sands Point, Bayville and Old Field, and in the towns of North Hempstead, Huntington, Smithtown, Hempstead and Oyster Bay.

As with all local franchise approvals in New York, the agreement between Verizon and Scarsdale is subject to review by the New York State Public Service Commission.

Verizon's FiOS TV is a formidable competitor to cable and satellite, offering a broad collection of all-digital programming, 28 high-definition (HD) channels in the New York market and access to more than 8,600 on-demand titles, 60 percent of which are free.

Verizon's fiber network delivers amazingly sharp pictures and sound, and has the capacity to transmit a wide array of high-definition programming that is so clear and intense it seems to leap from the TV screen. In addition to FiOS TV, Verizon's fiber network also delivers Internet download speeds of up to 50 Mbps (megabits per second) and upload speeds of up to 5 Mbps, as well as high-quality voice service.*

Better Business Bureaus around the country are reporting increased complaints against Natural Gas companies as they remove coal chutes from homes after installing gas heaters. I. Cnt Seethefuture of Scranton, PA was quoted as saying "they just took the chute out without telling me. How am I going to get coal in my basement now when the gas line pressure drops and I need heat?". Coal companies are prediciting the end of civilization as we know it because of this change.

Written by Ima Headlineseeking Writer Trying to create an issue in 1880.

That's a keeper. Thanks for the laugh. :D

Better Business Bureaus around the country are reporting increased complaints against Natural Gas companies as they remove coal chutes from homes.....

And in a few years when Verizon once again has a monopoly what effect do you think will have?

And in a few years when Verizon once again has a monopoly what effect do you think will have?

The same rising cable prices and poor customer service that competition brought. :D :D

And in a few years when Verizon once again has a monopoly what effect do you think will have?

Vz will only have a monopoly if the others are too dumb to change. There is no mercy in the world of business. It is "eat or be eaten". :D

Has anyone seen this article?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070708/ap_on_bi_ge/verizon_cutting_copper;_ylt=AtXTqYWIrBc7oWp1vxwIGj7MWM0F


This is silly - and I smell a rat. The copper wire is still on the outside of my house, it's just not hooked up. It could be reconnected easily if someone wanted to do that.

Here's "clarification" story from AP:
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/newstex/AFX-0013-18039023.htm

Here's another story with a comment from Verizon about the topic:
http://www.star-telegram.com/business/story/163962.html

It looks to me like the orignal story was generated by someone at a Verizon competitor. I'd like to know why AP is doing PR work for the cable companies.

You have given me an excellent posting to read. Thanks!

This is silly - and I smell a rat. The copper wire is still on the outside of my house, it's just not hooked up. It could be reconnected easily if someone wanted to do that.

Here's "clarification" story from AP:
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/newstex/AFX-0013-18039023.htm

Here's another story with a comment from Verizon about the topic:
http://www.star-telegram.com/business/story/163962.html

It looks to me like the orignal story was generated by someone at a Verizon competitor. I'd like to know why AP is doing PR work for the cable companies.

Tonight, I had my first major lightening storm since my FiOS-TV installation last winter. The power flickered several times in my house, but never totally went out; however, I did lose my FiOS-TV signal for several minutes and shifted over to OTA. I just had nothing or 4 dashes across the STB front.

A few days earlier, worried about FiOS availability during hurricanes, I had called a FiOS CSR who told me that the FiOS system would work during major storms (Note: when I had Cox, the signal would sometimes be lost for hours after a major lightening storm so this loss for only a few minutes is a big improvement, but not as good as expected --- no signal loss at all was expected) and all I needed to do was provide power to my in-home FiOS equipment for it to work which I can do with my generator. After the STB signal returned, I had to manual start it up again with a single button push which was easy.

This event does not make for 'warm and fuzzies' when I think about the meat of hurricane season which we are about to enter here on the East Coast. I am glad I still have my attic antenna for OTA in case the CSR is wrong about the robustness of the FiOS signal during big storms. I hope he is right.

Tonight, I had my first major lightening storm since my FiOS-TV installation last winter. The power flickered several times in my house, but never totally went out; however, I did lose my FiOS-TV signal for several minutes and shifted over to OTA. I just had nothing or 4 dashes across the STB front. That sounds to me like the box lost power and rebooted, not that you lost the signal.

You have to provide power to the ONT as well. Its backup battery is only supposed to power the phone, not Internet or TV. Other than that, yes, it should continue working.

That sounds to me like the box lost power and rebooted, not that you lost the signal.

You have to provide power to the ONT as well. Its backup battery is only supposed to power the phone, not Internet or TV. Other than that, yes, it should continue working.

1. Maybe. If it did reboot, then it is a lot more sensitive to power fluctuations than my plasma TV or A/V RCVR which never went off-line.
2. I know. That's why I said it.
3. It will take a hurricane to truly test the system here. We shall see. I am thinking positive.

I've had no signal loss during thunderstorms thus far. The first time a storm came up, I too was curious how FiOS would fare, but Adelphia was so awfully pathetic when it came to outages (especially for Internet) that just about anything would be an improvement.

I'm trying to think if I've ever had an Internet outage. I'm not recalling any, so there haven't been any extensive ones (as were common with Adelphia in my experience); I have had a few issues with the router though.

[QUOTE=arnoldevns]This is silly - and I smell a rat. The copper wire is still on the outside of my house, it's just not hooked up. It could be reconnected easily if someone wanted to do that. QUOTE]

I just had FIOS TV insltlled 2 weeks ago. The copper wire is still attached to the old Cox terminal which remains on the side of my house. But after only 2 weeks, I can't imagine ever wanting to switch back!

And in a few years when Verizon once again has a monopoly what effect do you think will have?

Archologist who completed a dig two years ago in the year 2098 remain puzzled by all this thin, round material buried in areas where dwellings were located. Some of it contained metal while other had glass. Some speculate it was used in relgious services as much of it ran to an "alter" type struture in homes where people spent many hours "worshiping" large boxes. Others believe this is from the early days of data transmition before wireless that is beamed directly into implanted devices in your head.

I've had no signal loss during thunderstorms thus far. The first time a storm came up, I too was curious how FiOS would fare, but Adelphia was so awfully pathetic when it came to outages (especially for Internet) that just about anything would be an improvement.

I'm trying to think if I've ever had an Internet outage. I'm not recalling any, so there haven't been any extensive ones (as were common with Adelphia in my experience); I have had a few issues with the router though.
I have a UPS hooked up to my ONT and my Motorola HD-DVR so shows that are being recorded don't get interupted during short power outages (few minutes) or if my TV resets, I can just rewind what I missed. I highly recommend it.

Tonight, I had my first major lightening storm since my FiOS-TV installation last winter. The power flickered several times in my house, but never totally went out; however, I did lose my FiOS-TV signal for several minutes and shifted over to OTA. I just had nothing or 4 dashes across the STB front.


The 4 dashes happen when your box resets. While you may not have had a total power loss in your home, it was enough to cut power for a moment to your box.
The signal from Verizon was still there, you just couldn't see it since your box reset. The same thing would have happened if you had been hooked up to cable. The difference is that with cable their signal might have been gone as well.

The 4 dashes happen when your box resets. While you may not have had a total power loss in your home, it was enough to cut power for a moment to your box.
The signal from Verizon was still there, you just couldn't see it since your box reset. The same thing would have happened if you had been hooked up to cable. The difference is that with cable their signal might have been gone as well.
If the box reset, there's a good chance that the ONT was also affected by the power hit. Although the optical signal from the CO to the ONT wasn't affected, the signal from the ONT to the STB would have been as well (except the STB takes much longer to reboot and reload than the ONT, which recovers in a few seconds.) I second the motioni to use UPSs on both the ONT and STB. (We have two 1100w. UPSs for the entire setup.. one for the TV, one for everything else.)

I have a UPS hooked up to my ONT and my Motorola HD-DVR so shows that are being recorded don't get interupted during short power outages (few minutes) or if my TV resets, I can just rewind what I missed. I highly recommend it.I have a UPS connected to my home theater. A great buy for me!!

Tonight, I had my first major lightening storm since my FiOS-TV installation last winter. The power flickered several times in my house, but never totally went out; however, I did lose my FiOS-TV signal for several minutes and shifted over to OTA. I just had nothing or 4 dashes across the STB front.

.

wow you must live REALLY close to me. i experienced the same flicker at about 7:30 Wed. night. only thing is, i have D*. my signal went out for longer than a few seconds, so count yourself lucky ;)

I woke up in Boston today and had Fox Sports New England in Hi-Def...very excited. Unfortunately I can't get programming, just a 3D FSNE logo spinning. Does anyone have actual programming on 830?

I woke up in Boston today and... I have to ask - are you supposed to wake up in Boston or was this different then usual? :cool:

I woke up in Boston today and had Fox Sports New England in Hi-Def...very excited. Unfortunately I can't get programming, just a 3D FSNE logo spinning. Does anyone have actual programming on 830?

No progrzamming as yet although the schedule shows up in the guide. The rotating logo is back this morning and what I thought was static in the audio appears to be the sound of the logo moving.

No progrzamming as yet although the schedule shows up in the guide. The rotating logo is back this morning and what I thought was static in the audio appears to be the sound of the logo moving.


Dude this is how Fox sport net HD works. They do not show all of the programming that is on standard def FSN. They will for the most part only show certain sporting events and when they are not it will show that FSN rotating image. So you are seeing what you are suppose to see.

Unbelievable as it may sound: Today, Vz FiOS actually sent me an advance notice of a future change! By snail mail, I received a nice pamphlet about IMG soon coming to my area. Anything is possible!

Note to FiOS: You get a Gold Star for this action and you may pin this "Happy Sub" message to the wall of your cubicle. :)

Unbelievable as it may sound: Today, Vz FiOS actually sent me an advance notice of a future change! By snail mail, I received a nice pamphlet about IMG soon coming to my area. Anything is possible!

Note to FiOS: You get a Gold Star for this action and you may pin this "Happy Sub" message to the wall of your cubicle. :)
I'll look forward to getting the mailing. But based on the reports posted on the IMG V2.0 thread in the Fios TV forum at dslreports.com, I am NOT getting a warm fuzzy feeling about the impending upgrade. The default appears to be that the new firmware will upconvert all the SD channels to whichever HD format - 720p or 1080i - you select. Someone has found a hidden work-around to force the box to output 480i or 480p for the SD channels, but it is not something that is accessible through the IMG 2.0 settings. I do not want the damn 6416 to upconvert all the SD channels to HD as that will almost certainly make for poorer picture quality for the SD channels and takes away the 16:9 zoom & stretch options for the SD channels as my Panasonic plasma does not have zoom or stretch options for HD signals.

If this is true, if I knew exactly which night they are doing the upgrade, I might unplug the DVR to skip it for a while. Closed captions are also reportedly flaky with the new IMG for the HD channels.

I seem to notice an increase in downloads/updates to my DRV right in the middle of prime time viewing rather than late at night or early morning. Has anyone else noticed this?

Just had one in the middle of the 6:00 news.

Dude this is how Fox sport net HD works. They do not show all of the programming that is on standard def FSN. They will for the most part only show certain sporting events and when they are not it will show that FSN rotating image. So you are seeing what you are suppose to see.

Then why does the program guide show programming that is on FSNNE?

Dude?????

I seem to notice an increase in downloads/updates to my DRV right in the middle of prime time viewing rather than late at night or early morning. Has anyone else noticed this?

Just had one in the middle of the 6:00 news.

I have had my FiOS-TV system for about 7 months now and have never noticed receiving any downloads/updates. They have been transparent. Never had any interruptions from them either. What are the indications that are bothering you? :confused:

I have had my FiOS-TV system for about 7 months now and have never noticed receiving any downloads/updates. They have been transparent. Never had any interruptions from them either. What are the indications that are bothering you? :confused:

My DVR pretty much becomes unresponsive when it downloads guide information(at least I assume that is what it is doing). It may take several seconds just to change channels.

I have had my FiOS-TV system for about 7 months now and have never noticed receiving any downloads/updates. They have been transparent. Never had any interruptions from them either. What are the indications that are bothering you? :confused:

In the middle of a program the screen will go blank, the DVR will show "DL" with a spinning circle. It can last a minute or 5 minutes. After its done all is well except I can't get the guide for a while, just get a message that the guide is being updated.

It can be very annoying.

In the middle of a program the screen will go blank, the DVR will show "DL" with a spinning circle. It can last a minute or 5 minutes. After its done all is well except I can't get the guide for a while, just get a message that the guide is being updated.

It can be very annoying.

I've had FIOS since Dec and this has never once happened to me. Bad box, maybe?

I've had FIOS since Dec and this has never once happened to me. Bad box, maybe?

Nope. Never happened to me either.

My DVR pretty much becomes unresponsive when it downloads guide information(at least I assume that is what it is doing). It may take several seconds just to change channels.

1. The only time my DVR freezes like that is when I hit the buttons too quickly.
2. I have never seen any kind of visible sign that my STB is downloading or updating.

In the middle of a program the screen will go blank, the DVR will show "DL" with a spinning circle. It can last a minute or 5 minutes. After its done all is well except I can't get the guide for a while, just get a message that the guide is being updated.

It can be very annoying.

Have never seen this, I'd get the box replaced.

Have never seen this, I'd get the box replaced.

Yup, I'll make a call in the morning. It did it three times today so far.

Verizon FiOS TV Customers Have a Powerful New Way to Find and Enjoy Home Entertainment



Verizon's New Interactive Media Guide Makes It Easy to Search and Manage Multimedia Content Throughout the Home





NEW YORK, July 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing to transform home entertainment, Verizon is introducing Verizon FiOS TV's interactive media guide that helps customers quickly and easily find and enjoy content from TV listings, video-on-demand catalogs and digital video recorders as well as personal music and photos from the home network. Future versions of the guide will add Internet radio, videos, podcasts and games to the FiOS TV multimedia platform.

FiOS TV's interactive media guide is currently deployed to customers in Indiana, Rhode Island and parts of New Jersey, and Verizon now is rolling out the new guide to other markets.

"Our new interactive media guide is the latest exciting development from FiOS TV," said Shawn Strickland, Verizon vice president of video solutions. "We've capitalized on our investment in an ultra-fast, highly responsive fiber-optic network to deliver a customer experience that marries the best interactivity of the Web with the highest-quality programming experience in the marketplace. The interactive media guide erases the lines between TV, Internet and personal media and makes it easy for customers to personalize and enjoy media throughout their homes."

Through a network download, FiOS TV customers will be upgraded to the new guide automatically at no additional cost, and they will continue to use their existing set-top boxes and universal remote controls. In the days leading up to the launch in each market, customers will receive a "driver's manual" and other communications about the guide's cool new features.

"When customers turn on the TV after the overnight upgrade, it will be a brand-new day in home entertainment," Strickland said.

Guide Capitalizes on the Power of the Network

The first release of Verizon's new interactive media guide pulls together content from a variety of sources -- broadcast TV, Verizon's more than 8,600 -- title video-on-demand library and the subscriber's own DVR recordings -- into one media management system. Customers who have FiOS TV's Media Manager, part of its innovative Home Media DVR service, can also search, organize and enjoy their digital photos and music with a few clicks of the remote control. Over the next year, subscribers will be able to manage additional content like games, podcasts and Internet video through the same guide, from the comfort of their own living rooms.

Verizon provides FiOS services over the nation's most advanced, all-digital fiber-optic network that reaches all the way to customers' homes, and the interactive media guide is one example of how Verizon is making life better on the FiOS network.

When customers use the interactive media guide to search for content, such as video-on-demand titles or broadcast schedules, they instantly get relevant results, thanks to the network's high bandwidth and fast response times. And, because Verizon combines powerful search servers in the network with innovative search routines, the search results will even reflect current news topics. For example, if two actors have the same initials, but one of them has recently been in the news, the results of a search on those initials will treat the "newsworthy" actor as more relevant to the search than results describing the other actor.

Verizon is extending the network-based capabilities when customers are not at home. Within the next year, FiOS customers will be able to use cell phones and the Internet to manage their home entertainment -- including scheduling recordings on their Home Media DVR.

Verizon's world-class software-development team built the new guide software, working round-the-clock and around the world and using technology licensed by a variety of cutting-edge providers. Before rolling out the interactive media guide to customers in Indiana and Rhode Island, Verizon refined and tested the application's design and usability over 18 months with more than 2,000 consumers in Boston and Dallas and performed field trials with customers in New Jersey this spring.

Transforming the User Experience

"We listened to our customers and created a next-generation guide that is attractive, amazingly responsive and easy to use," Strickland said. "No other experience on the market can match the innovation we're delivering to customers with the interactive media guide."

Verizon designed the on-screen guide with the vibrant colors, graphics and easy-to-use interfaces that customers have come to expect from the best in consumer electronics. Strickland said a key design principle was to help customers reach content with the fewest clicks of the remote control, including video-on-demand and DVR programs. Navigation is intuitive and can be done with the remote control's arrows and "OK" button or by using the remote's shortcut keys.

Another key design principle was to give customers choice in how they interact with FiOS TV. Customers can search for content using cell phone- style text entry, a virtual keyboard or a simple scroll wheel, all onscreen. As the customer enters each text character in the search, the guide responds with corresponding actor names, TV shows, on-demand titles and more. Adding characters refines the search rapidly.

Subscribers can customize their search by choosing to see all channels, HDTV channels only or a list of their favorite channels. They also can select the size of the guide's screen with a choice of full-screen view, half-screen view or mini-screen.

The search for on-demand content comes to life with a colorful on-screen movie posters for featured titles, another innovative experience powered by the FiOS network. Even with the more than 8,600 on-demand programs available today on FiOS TV, finding movies and shows is fast and simple, with current titles included in all keyword searches. Users can also browse by newest release, stars and special interests such as children's comedies.

Verizon began offering FiOS TV service in September 2005, and quickly established a reputation for the highest-quality entertainment experience in the market. The service is now available to more than 3.1 million households in parts of 12 states: California, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Virginia. The company expects 15 million households to be video-ready by 2010.

More information about FiOS TV, fiber optics and other broadband services and applications is available at www.verizonfios.com.

Blah blah blah! Enough on how great it is now lets get it out already!

Bergen County, NJ here, are we getting upgrade?


Verizon FiOS TV Customers Have a Powerful New Way to Find and Enjoy Home Entertainment



Verizon's New Interactive Media Guide Makes It Easy to Search and Manage Multimedia Content Throughout the Home





NEW YORK, July 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing to transform home entertainment, Verizon is introducing Verizon FiOS TV's interactive media guide that helps customers quickly and easily find and enjoy content from TV listings, video-on-demand catalogs and digital video recorders as well as personal music and photos from the home network. Future versions of the guide will add Internet radio, videos, podcasts and games to the FiOS TV multimedia platform.

FiOS TV's interactive media guide is currently deployed to customers in Indiana, Rhode Island and parts of New Jersey, and Verizon now is rolling out the new guide to other markets.

"Our new interactive media guide is the latest exciting development from FiOS TV," said Shawn Strickland, Verizon vice president of video solutions. "We've capitalized on our investment in an ultra-fast, highly responsive fiber-optic network to deliver a customer experience that marries the best interactivity of the Web with the highest-quality programming experience in the marketplace. The interactive media guide erases the lines between TV, Internet and personal media and makes it easy for customers to personalize and enjoy media throughout their homes."

Through a network download, FiOS TV customers will be upgraded to the new guide automatically at no additional cost, and they will continue to use their existing set-top boxes and universal remote controls. In the days leading up to the launch in each market, customers will receive a "driver's manual" and other communications about the guide's cool new features.

"When customers turn on the TV after the overnight upgrade, it will be a brand-new day in home entertainment," Strickland said.

Guide Capitalizes on the Power of the Network

The first release of Verizon's new interactive media guide pulls together content from a variety of sources -- broadcast TV, Verizon's more than 8,600 -- title video-on-demand library and the subscriber's own DVR recordings -- into one media management system. Customers who have FiOS TV's Media Manager, part of its innovative Home Media DVR service, can also search, organize and enjoy their digital photos and music with a few clicks of the remote control. Over the next year, subscribers will be able to manage additional content like games, podcasts and Internet video through the same guide, from the comfort of their own living rooms.

Verizon provides FiOS services over the nation's most advanced, all-digital fiber-optic network that reaches all the way to customers' homes, and the interactive media guide is one example of how Verizon is making life better on the FiOS network.

When customers use the interactive media guide to search for content, such as video-on-demand titles or broadcast schedules, they instantly get relevant results, thanks to the network's high bandwidth and fast response times. And, because Verizon combines powerful search servers in the network with innovative search routines, the search results will even reflect current news topics. For example, if two actors have the same initials, but one of them has recently been in the news, the results of a search on those initials will treat the "newsworthy" actor as more relevant to the search than results describing the other actor.

Verizon is extending the network-based capabilities when customers are not at home. Within the next year, FiOS customers will be able to use cell phones and the Internet to manage their home entertainment -- including scheduling recordings on their Home Media DVR.

Verizon's world-class software-development team built the new guide software, working round-the-clock and around the world and using technology licensed by a variety of cutting-edge providers. Before rolling out the interactive media guide to customers in Indiana and Rhode Island, Verizon refined and tested the application's design and usability over 18 months with more than 2,000 consumers in Boston and Dallas and performed field trials with customers in New Jersey this spring.

Transforming the User Experience

"We listened to our customers and created a next-generation guide that is attractive, amazingly responsive and easy to use," Strickland said. "No other experience on the market can match the innovation we're delivering to customers with the interactive media guide."

Verizon designed the on-screen guide with the vibrant colors, graphics and easy-to-use interfaces that customers have come to expect from the best in consumer electronics. Strickland said a key design principle was to help customers reach content with the fewest clicks of the remote control, including video-on-demand and DVR programs. Navigation is intuitive and can be done with the remote control's arrows and "OK" button or by using the remote's shortcut keys.

Another key design principle was to give customers choice in how they interact with FiOS TV. Customers can search for content using cell phone- style text entry, a virtual keyboard or a simple scroll wheel, all onscreen. As the customer enters each text character in the search, the guide responds with corresponding actor names, TV shows, on-demand titles and more. Adding characters refines the search rapidly.

Subscribers can customize their search by choosing to see all channels, HDTV channels only or a list of their favorite channels. They also can select the size of the guide's screen with a choice of full-screen view, half-screen view or mini-screen.

The search for on-demand content comes to life with a colorful on-screen movie posters for featured titles, another innovative experience powered by the FiOS network. Even with the more than 8,600 on-demand programs available today on FiOS TV, finding movies and shows is fast and simple, with current titles included in all keyword searches. Users can also browse by newest release, stars and special interests such as children's comedies.

Verizon began offering FiOS TV service in September 2005, and quickly established a reputation for the highest-quality entertainment experience in the market. The service is now available to more than 3.1 million households in parts of 12 states: California, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Virginia. The company expects 15 million households to be video-ready by 2010.

More information about FiOS TV, fiber optics and other broadband services and applications is available at www.verizonfios.com.

Eventually all VZ subs will get the upgrade.

How many press releases can they put out about this? how about they deploy it already.

Eventually all VZ subs will get the upgrade.

How many press releases can they put out about this? how about they deploy it already.

I hope the new guide actually has, like, program info, instead of generic stuff like "60 minutes: the granddaddy of news magazines. now in its third decade..." just in case you've been in a coma last 30 yrs.

I hope the new guide actually has, like, program info, instead of generic stuff like "60 minutes: the granddaddy of news magazines. now in its third decade..." just in case you've been in a coma last 30 yrs.
Yea, unless they fix the often inaccurate or incomplete program info, the new IMG is still going to miss recordings if a new broadcast is labeled as a repeat. I don't get why the program info is so often wrong or just a generic statement for the program. Ok, I can see mistakes for the more obscure cable nets who might change their schedule on a few days notice. But the program info is often screwed up for the major broadcast nets which have the largest share of the viewers. You would think they would make an effort to get the info correct for the broadcast nets and the more watched cable nets. But I guess not.

Blah blah blah! Enough on how great it is now lets get it out already!

Agreed. How long have they been talking about this. Why does this need to be rolled out in drips & drabs? I held off buying a 2nd Tivo S3 because of this guide, but that might have been a bad decision.

Looking forward to the upgrade.
Sorry if this has been discussed before, but does anyone know if the new guide will have a widescreen option? You can fit a lot more info into 16x9.

A couple of links, hopefully not posted before:

http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2007-07/hands-on-with-verizon-fios-tv-20/

http://www.electronista.com/articles/07/07/17/verizon.fios.tv.2/

Finally, a little action for those from Pittsburgh:

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/NYTU046A17072007-1.htm

I hope the new guide actually has, like, program info, instead of generic stuff like "60 minutes: the granddaddy of news magazines. now in its third decade..." just in case you've been in a coma last 30 yrs. No difference in the guide data. That is sourced from a provider which is independent of the guide presentation. There's a long thread on it at DSL Reports and I've posted lots of screen shots and answered lots of questions on it since I've had it for a couple months now as a trial user in NJ.

If you are interested, the thread is at http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r17597243-Verizon-FIOS-TV-V20 and has about 740 posts as of this morning. Starting around June 14th is when I was told the trial was ending and I could discuss the guide, so starting around that date in the thread are most of the screen shots and answers to other subscribers questions, including the guide data.

I held off buying a 2nd Tivo S3 because of this guide, but that might have been a bad decision.Nah, because it saved you from paying $800 for the S3, when soon you'll be able to pay $300 for the S3 Lite. :D

Does anyone know why only new Subs initially get the IMG when it begins in a new area and existing Subs gradually get it later? :confused:

Hilltop-
They did it this way because at the time, they were still perfecting the "conversion" process. They had to work out some bugs so that when existing subs got the new software, we didn't lose all of our saved DVR programs, settings, etc.
(This was confirmed to me).

Since the IN and RI customers were brand new, they obviously had nothing to lose.

I'm guessing now they have worked out those "bugs".

Matt, if that's the case, then where is our new software. By now they know it works, so isn't it time to roll this thing out already?

I think what Hilltop is referring to is that we received word last night that the new IMG would be available in our area to new customers next week and then they would roll out to the existing customers within 2 weeks. This is unlike the IN and RI areas since they all got it as new customers.

Hilltop-
They did it this way because at the time, they were still perfecting the "conversion" process. They had to work out some bugs so that when existing subs got the new software, we didn't lose all of our saved DVR programs, settings, etc.
(This was confirmed to me).

Since the IN and RI customers were brand new, they obviously had nothing to lose.

I'm guessing now they have worked out those "bugs".

Vz seems to take its sweet time with everything. I have a feeling we'll be all very frustrated watching new HD channels roll out on D* this fall while Vz twiddles its thumb. Vz won't be the last to add a channel; unfortunately, they'll be far from first.

I think what Hilltop is referring to is that we received word last night that the new IMG would be available in our area to new customers next week and then they would roll out to the existing customers within 2 weeks. This is unlike the IN and RI areas since they all got it as new customers.

That's right.

We've heard absolutely nothing here in N.Y. about the new software. CSRs I've spoken to have no clue either.

For those who have been using the new software, is the Media Manager any better? Can it sort by genre / artist / Album using ID3 tags instead of the lame flat lists we currently have?

For those who have been using the new software, is the Media Manager any better? Can it sort by genre / artist / Album using ID3 tags instead of the lame flat lists we currently have?

What are 'Habs"?

What are 'Habs"?
"Habs" if pertaining to NHL hockey is a nickname for the Montreal Canadiens, aka
"Les Habitants" ... the name for the original French farmer immigrants to what is now Quebec.

"Habs" if pertaining to NHL hockey is a nickname for the Montreal Canadiens, aka
"Les Habitants" ... the name for the original French farmer immigrants to what is now Quebec.

Thanks for the info. :)

We got the IMG here in Virginia Beach today. All is not well. I have 3 different STB's: HD-DVR, HD, Regular. The HD is having problems with the IMG. On that particular set, I only have a blank screen with my TV saying there is no signal in. The other STB's are working fine with the IMG. I have contacted the FiOS Help Line and they are trying to find out what is wrong. They have started a 'Group Ticket' and putting all customers with the problem under this ticket. Now I know why VZ didn't roll out the IMG to everyone at once.

sorry to hear that Hilltop. played with the new guide for about 15 or 20 mins. setting things to my liking. no problems so far(tho I haven't checked the SD box yet come to think of it!!!!)

As was noted by the VA beach folks today, the new IMG conversion has started. It will begin today - and finish up with the Philadelphia region (of course!!!) on 8/28. All other VHO's will be converted during that period, barring any issues.

Hilltop - thanks for the headsup on that potential "bug". Let us know how it turns out.

As was noted by the VA beach folks today, the new IMG conversion has started. It will begin today - and finish up with the Philadelphia region (of course!!!) on 8/28. All other VHO's will be converted during that period, barring any issues.

Hilltop - thanks for the headsup on that potential "bug". Let us know how it turns out.

Still no signal on that one STB. I just got off the phone with a CSR who told me that my C/O will be making an update at 11 PM tonight. They are waiting until after Prime Time in case it affects lots of sets (good thinking). Looks like a local problem at my C/O from what they are telling me. We shall see.

As was noted by the VA beach folks today, the new IMG conversion has started. It will begin today - and finish up with the Philadelphia region (of course!!!) on 8/28. All other VHO's will be converted during that period, barring any issues.

Hilltop - thanks for the headsup on that potential "bug". Let us know how it turns out.
JeepMatt, at least by the end of August we should know everything there is to know about it. :) But this is really going to put my somewhat limited patience to the test.

Still no signal on that one STB. I just got off the phone with a CSR who told me that my C/O will be making an update at 11 PM tonight. They are waiting until after Prime Time in case it affects lots of sets (good thinking). Looks like a local problem at my C/O from what they are telling me. We shall see.

ARRGGH!! Now my big HD-DVR STB is not working properly! Sluggish to all commands and will not record a 'series' (it only accepts individual recording commands). It does work properly with other things. 2 out 3 STB's not working correctly. I am not a Happy Camper right now.

ARRGGH!! Now my big HD-DVR STB is not working properly! Sluggish to all commands and will not record a 'series' (it only accepts individual recording commands). It does work properly with other things. 2 out 3 STB's not working correctly. I am not a Happy Camper right now.


Bad news: The HD-only STB is still not working at all (no signal out). 2 days and counting.
Good news:
1. The HD-DVR STB has been fixed. I don't know how. All I know is that the box would go off-line and reboot at times last night. I watched OTA instead. I am sure glad that I kept my OTA line.
2. The SD box is still OK (knock on wood).

did HD VOD launch yet???

i saw an article stating that some disney program would be available via FiOS HDVOD, but i wanted to know it it was currently available in any markets??

Verizon FiOS TV Video-on-Demand Customers Will Be Among First to See Disney's 'High School Musical 2'
Verizon FiOS TV Video on Demand customers will get a first look at the summer's hottest television movie phenomenon -- the premiere of Disney Channel's "High School Musical 2." The highly anticipated sequel to the Disney Channel Original Movie "High School Musical" will be available on FiOS TV's Video on Demand library prior to the movie's worldwide premiere on Aug. 17 on Disney Channel...
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/NYTH10426072007-1.htm

Scanning the article I don't see anything about it being shown in HD VOD, just regular VOD.

did HD VOD launch yet???

i saw an article stating that some disney program would be available via FiOS HDVOD, but i wanted to know it it was currently available in any markets??

Verizon FiOS TV Video-on-Demand Customers Will Be Among First to See Disney's 'High School Musical 2'

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/NYTH10426072007-1.htm

HD Version of Disney's High School Musical 2 to Air Exclusively On DIRECTV

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=P4310090