Verizon FiOS HDTV [Text View] - Page 21

jeepmon

11-09-07, 11:12 AM

Seems the Verizon FIOS TV website has yanked the channel lineup (its been up and down for awhile - no doubt due to all the rapid changes) - does anyone know where I can find the current PDF for DC Area? I'm getting it installed on Monday and the wife will want/need this or I'll be paying the consequences:)

Hey billdva,

I was able to pull up the Loudoun County (should be the same all over the DC area) line up this way seconds ago - http://www22.verizon.com/Content/FiOSTV/Channel+Lineup/Channel+Lineup.htm?displaytype=bynumeric&zipCode=20175&region=LOUDOUN%20COUNTY

Either it's back on line , however, I believe it's just a different way of viewing -not a PDF and not as friendly looking.

You'll note that newly added CSNMA-HD (829) and Discovery DH (846) are not yet listed.

Also, the installer should leave you with a channel line-up.

jeepmon

11-09-07, 11:16 AM

So folks ... did a quick search and didn't find it anything

What does "Bumped by Deletion" with the little Yellow Warning triangle mean? Seems that I set up programs to record and then half the time they end up with that.

Seems to occur when recorded to consecutive programs or 2 programs simultaneously.

Oh and how do I fix/avoid it?

Thanks.

It's a "pain in the %*$#" - don't know how to avoid it, however, to fix it click on it and hit "schedule again" (I believe that's the phrase). I have to go into the schedule on a daily basis and fix one or two of these, if you don't fix them it won't record it.

I "love" this new IMG!!

bvader

11-09-07, 11:30 AM

Ok...just glad it wasn't just me!
Thx!

billdva

11-09-07, 11:32 AM

Jeepmon,
Thanks for the link, but it still doesn't work from their homepage (or at least what I call their homepage):

http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv

Click on Channel Lineup and you'll get an error trying to get to this link:

http://www22.verizon.com/Content/FiOSTV/Channel+Lineup/Channel+Lineup.htm

The link you provided has the zipcode at the end of the link, which for some reason works - very strange indeed.....

http://www22.verizon.com/Content/FiOSTV/Channel+Lineup/Channel+Lineup.htm?zipCode=22153

jeepmon

11-09-07, 12:09 PM

bfdtv

11-09-07, 12:18 PM

Same here. Looks like Tivo hasn't updated their system. Didn't see either of the new channels on their online listings either. sent them an email.

channels show up after going into channel list, but still no programming infoIf you have a TiVo, be sure to inform them of the lineup change here:

http://tivosupport2.instancy.com/LineUpForm.aspx

You can add the channel to your guide under Settings -> Channels -> Channel List, but it won't have program information until Tivo has added it, which may take several days.

billdva

11-09-07, 12:41 PM

Jeepmon,
I got it, its ugly, but I got it. I still get an error when clicking on channel lineup though - I cleared my cache and everything. Oh well - at least I know how to bypass the home page now and get directly to the channel lineup....:)

bdraw

11-09-07, 01:33 PM

I've never seen that with my Tivo S3 on FIOS. Maybe I just don't watch the channels you do that manifest this issue.

I've never seen it either, but it seems that most who have the issue, see it on the SD channels, which I never watch. So it makes sense that I never noticed it.

jimrimback

11-09-07, 01:57 PM

Verizon's installers will read a signal of +6 to +10 dB on their meter and report that the signal is fine. And that range is fine for the Motorola STBs and DVRs, but it will cause signal fluctuations and intermittent pixelization with the TiVo. Have the installer add an attenuator to reduce the signal strength to -6 dB to -12 dB.

+6 to +10 digital is a bit too hot, even for the STB's (in my opinion). As installers we are supposed to be between -6db and +5db digital and analog about 5db higher. I would be careful taking the reading down below -6db.

IMO, the optimal is to have the digital readings right around zero.

bfdtv

11-09-07, 02:11 PM

IMO, the optimal is to have the digital readings right around zero.For the Motorola boxes, sure. Not for the Tivos.

My TivoHD displays pixelization on some channels with any signal greater than -6 dB. Probably 90% of my channels are fine at +0 dB, but -6dB is required to eliminate pixelization on the remainder.

HILLTOP SAILOR

11-09-07, 04:33 PM

I've never seen it either, but it seems that most who have the issue, see it on the SD channels, which I never watch. So it makes sense that I never noticed it.

Concur with the problem showing on the SD channels. Usually on CNBC, SPEED and HIST. But then, the problem is not the channel.

bfdtv

11-09-07, 06:34 PM

TiVo added guide information for DSCHD and CSNDCHD this afternoon. Force a connection to the TiVo service under Settings -> Phone & Network and you will have guide information on those channels shortly thereafter.

jimrimback

11-10-07, 08:42 AM

For the Motorola boxes, sure. Not for the Tivos.

My TivoHD displays pixelization on some channels with any signal greater than -6 dB. Probably 90% of my channels are fine at +0 dB, but -6dB is required to eliminate pixelization on the remainder.

I'll check to see if the FSC has issued any bulletins as to why this may be happening with the TivoHD.

Just a question for you. Is the leg that feeds your TivoHD new? In my experience, I've come across pix. on certain channels even with readings that are dead on perfect, but it wound up being the coax.

bfdtv

11-10-07, 01:39 PM

I'll check to see if the FSC has issued any bulletins as to why this may be happening with the TivoHD.

Just a question for you. Is the leg that feeds your TivoHD new? In my experience, I've come across pix. on certain channels even with readings that are dead on perfect, but it wound up being the coax.I haven't used a signal meter, but just looking at the Motorola diagnostics screen, non-linear output looks like it could be the culprit. With a target of 0dB, the Motorola might report 0dB to +2dB for 90% of channels, but some minority is +4dB or +5dB, and it is those which exhibit pixelization on the TiVo.

I still think configuration at the CO might be an issue. We had this non-linear signal problem in my area until January or so, and then Verizon "fixed" it in January. It started again several weeks ago, so I had to add an attenuator to fix it.

jeepmatt

11-11-07, 10:50 AM

I still think configuration at the CO might be an issue. We had this non-linear signal problem in my area until January or so, and then Verizon "fixed" it in January. It started again several weeks ago, so I had to add an attenuator to fix it.

Believe me, it's a FIOS issue. I had the same problems. I switched to Comcast - my signal is just as 'hot' as VZ's was (yes, it may be hard to believe) - and I have no issues whatsoever now with the Tivo. Don't go blaming the Tivo too quickly boys.

TWD

11-11-07, 12:37 PM

kes601

11-11-07, 01:44 PM

How many programs can you record at the same time? I have the IMG. Today I tried to record two programs at the same time. When I tried to look at my favorites guide, my box locked up and I had to remove power to unlock it.

You can record 2 at a time, you can't watch another channel while 2 are recording though. While recording 2, you can either watch another recorded program or watch one of the 2 channels you are currently recording.

bigmacmark

11-11-07, 02:54 PM

This morning I was channel surfing and CSNMA-HD was there. They since removed it but it is a good sign that it is coming soon!!

kes601

11-11-07, 03:38 PM

This morning I was channel surfing and CSNMA-HD was there. They since removed it but it is a good sign that it is coming soon!!

Where are you located? It has been on in D.C. and MD for a few days. Not yet on in Richmond or Hampton Roads.

C64

11-11-07, 11:20 PM

Jeepmatt,Don't you ever stop trolling.

URFloorMatt

11-12-07, 12:33 AM

I switched to Comcast - my signal is just as 'hot' as VZ's was (yes, it may be hard to believe)

Sure, Comcast's signal can be hot depending on how many TVs you have (i.e. how many times you're splitting the line). The tech told me that with broadband, two TVs is optimal. Without broadband, up to four TVs can make it just fine.

The thing is, with Verizon I've got 7 TVs going (two HD) plus FiOS Internet, and my signal is still coming in hot at all of them. With Comcast (at the time just one HDTV), I was struggling to pull down the HD signals because I was strapping the system immensely.

C64

11-12-07, 12:46 AM

Believe me, it's a FIOS issue. I had the same problems. I switched to Comcast - my signal is just as 'hot' as VZ's was (yes, it may be hard to believe) - and I have no issues whatsoever now with the Tivo. Don't go blaming the Tivo too quickly boys.

Its hard to take a persons advice seriously when they can actually think comcast has a superior product and base there whole opinion on who has the most hd channels.

jeepmatt

11-12-07, 08:11 AM

Its hard to take a persons advice seriously when they can actually think comcast has a superior product and base there whole opinion on who has the most hd channels.

Man C64, do you follow me everywhere? You're too much.

Dmon4u

11-12-07, 12:01 PM

bronowyn

11-12-07, 02:55 PM

Came across this new Web Site:

http://www.whereishd.com

It will show you all available local HD Programming sources (Cable/DBS/OTA/Telco) and how much HD programming actually is on each channel provided.

It doesn't have all the channels we have in my area.. so I wonder how updated this site gets. Doesn't show Discovery HD at all. That was a recent addition.

bonzy

11-12-07, 07:01 PM

Dunno if I am late to this, but channel 111 has info on the new IMG. The videos linked on the page below make it look no different than the current IMG.. maybe outdated vids?

"Enjoy great graphics and simpler navigation"

http://netservices.verizon.net/portal/link/help/item?linkflag=verizon_fios&problem=fiostv&linkflag=guestonly_noregion

Verizon is upgrading your FiOS TV Interactive Media Guide

Verizon is currently upgrading the FiOS TV Interactive Media Guide (IMG) nationwide. Depending on where you live, you may have already noticed changes to your guide. To learn more about the new and improved IMG, download the Interactive Media Guide Driver's Manual. (5.60 MB) Download PDF document

Have questions about the new Interactive Media Guide?

* Get Quick Tips (256 KB) Download PDF document about the new IMG.
* Watch the How-To videos to learn how to navigate the new IMG.
* Q&A on the new Interactive Media Guide. This page includes FAQs as well as updated information about the new IMG as it becomes available.
* For more information or if you need help with your Interactive Media Guide settings please call (888) 811-1371 for assistance.

Dmon4u

11-12-07, 07:50 PM

WhereIsHd

It doesn't have all the channels we have in my area.. so I wonder how updated this site gets. Doesn't show Discovery HD at all. That was a recent addition.

I found out the site is run by SkyReport and is still in Beta. According to them, it should improve in looks/design/info by the time it's officially launched.

Joe Q

11-12-07, 08:00 PM

Believe me, it's a FIOS issue. I had the same problems. I switched to Comcast - my signal is just as 'hot' as VZ's was (yes, it may be hard to believe) - and I have no issues whatsoever now with the Tivo. Don't go blaming the Tivo too quickly boys.'

Tomorrow I will get a good education on SNR/signal strength /etc. since I am having Verizon out to find out why I am getting bad pixelation on the video and droputs on the audio.

It is repeatable as it is on the recordings on disk.

Do you want me to ask anything for you in regards to a TIVO's signal strength?

I have had a Dual Tuner Cable Card PC for almost 2 months now and until recently, no complaints.
About 3 weeks ago, I started getting some pixelation on some channels.

Then it slowly kept getting worse.

It has gotten so bad that I get a SNR reading of 0 on my weakest station which is the Baltimore feed of FOX.
I ended up putting an amp right after the ONT and it helped a lot but not enough.
The locals seem to be affected the most and the premiums like UHD/HBOHD/... are affected the least

The last straw was the other day when a key sentence In "Heroes" was broken up so I missed the point of one of the subplot's.

BTW, when I say weakest station, I am getting that info from the signal strength program that runs with the Hauppage HVR-1600 which is in another PC and obviously I am only getting the locals from my cable with that card

jeepmatt

11-13-07, 06:41 AM

Joe,
Oddly, I found it to almost be a variable issue in the way VZ sends the signal from the CO's. One day i'd see it on a certain handful of channels (same signs you are seeing) - then a few days later, on a different group. Almost like they were changing things at a frequency level. My bet is there may be something up at your CO.

GeekGirl

11-13-07, 07:45 PM

JoeQ - Ask them about demod/decoding errors, like MER (modulation error rate) and BER (bit error rate). I think they use analyzers from Sunrise Telecom, which can measure that sort of thing. The SNR is a good indicator, but it's the actual errors that count. Frequency sweep looking for intermods and possible ingress (yes it's optic, but you never know...) wouldn't hurt either.

This probably isn't the model, but it will get you to the web site: http://www.sunrisetelecom.com/broadband/cm500.shtml

DCFan

11-13-07, 08:14 PM

Free movie preview on 11/15 thru 11/18 on channels 340-385.

aaronwt

11-13-07, 10:57 PM

What's on those channels? 95% of my viewing is from channels in the 800's.

HDntheCity

11-14-07, 03:15 AM

What's on those channels? 95% of my viewing is from channels in the 800's.

the Movie package-SHO, TMC, Starz/Encore, Sundance.

bronowyn

11-14-07, 10:50 AM

No IMG update... so the person who said the 13th we (in philly) would get an update, do you have an updated date?

antneye

11-14-07, 12:07 PM

No IMG update... so the person who said the 13th we (in philly) would get an update, do you have an updated date?

It has been widely reported that all additional rollouts of the IMG are on hold until the patch is released and reviewed in December. It is expected that the rollouts will re-commence in Jan.

mikelets456

11-14-07, 12:24 PM

What's on those channels? 95% of my viewing is from channels in the 800's.

Nothing...a waste of money. I told Verizon (twice) to cancel my free trial and I still have it!!! I hope I ain't being billed for it. I'll find out next bill.

I am still very impressed with the PQ of FIOS. However, freeze ups on ESPN and some of the other HD stations is new to me. I NEVER had any of these problems with D*.

Oh well, I still have about 5 months to decide what to do.

bfdtv

11-14-07, 12:34 PM

Nothing...a waste of money. I told Verizon (twice) to cancel my free trial and I still have it!!! I hope I ain't being billed for it. I'll find out next bill.There is nothing to cancel. They did not touch anyone's account. They simply disabled the authorization requirement for those channels.

Feel free to record as much as you want from STARZ-HD, SHO-HD, and TMC-HD this week.

FredB

11-14-07, 01:45 PM

The subscribers with analog TVs who were getting the locals with their analog tuner on their kitchen or bedroom TV will have to get the new minimal DCT700 SD STB.
Yesterday I called Verizon to order one of those mini STB's for our kitchen TV. They quoted 4 dollars per month plus 25 dollars service charge for the technician to install it. I backed out because of the high cost. Does anyone know how to get it without paying for a service charge (like, mail or pick up from a local store)? Customer service rep whom I talked to didn’t know how to get it without a field technician’s involvement.

Rich L

11-14-07, 02:12 PM

Nothing...a waste of money. I told Verizon (twice) to cancel my free trial and I still have it!!! I hope I ain't being billed for it. I'll find out next bill.

I disagree. The Showtime originals "Dexter","Californication, "Brotherhood" and "Weeds" are generally considered to be some of the best original series on cable. Many feel they have surpassed HBO.

MeatChicken

11-14-07, 02:44 PM

Nothing...a waste of money. I told Verizon (twice) to cancel my free trial and I still have it!!! I hope I ain't being billed for it...."
How can anyone be "billed" for a FREE trial??

On another note, does anyone know exactly when the free trial ends.. for example do we get all of Sunday 11/18 thru midnite , & what about movies ending, say, 1:15AM Monday morning (or whatever)..??

DavidSee

11-14-07, 02:53 PM

antneye

11-14-07, 04:03 PM

hernanu

11-14-07, 04:26 PM

bfdtv

11-14-07, 06:34 PM

How can anyone be "billed" for a FREE trial??

On another note, does anyone know exactly when the free trial ends.. for example do we get all of Sunday 11/18 thru midnite , & what about movies ending, say, 1:15AM Monday morning (or whatever)..??Yes, you do.

The last preview (which was also scheduled to run through Sunday) was available until Monday morning.

dtv757

11-14-07, 06:46 PM

do you guys think hbo or the movie package is the better deal?
i've been with fios for a while but have recently added a new HD TV and want to get some more programming.
theres a few series i like from hbo and a few i like from showtime so its a toss up.
which one gets better movies?

thanks

THE MOVIE PACK is give you 3x more bang for you buck. and if you like just movies and not the HBO series like (the sopranos, etc..) than MOVE PACK is where its at

the movie pack include
about 45 movie channels (STARZ, ENCORE, TMC, AND SHOWTIME)
access TO
SHO ON-DEMAND
STARZ ON-DEMAND
AND TMC ON-DEMAND

AND 3 HD CHANNELS
SHO HD (EAST)
STARZ (EAST) HD
TMC HD

---
HBO includes
14 hbo channels
HBO (east) hd
and Hbo VOD

i would say movie pack, as Starz advertises "adds a new movie every sat night.. "

DCFan

11-14-07, 08:13 PM

I only stumbled across this free preview by going to channel 49 which I only do once in a blue moon. Another poster here mentioned it as their source of info when Fios added A&E HD and the Fox Business Channel.

My Q is, why is this free preview info so secretive or should I be reading thru the bill a little closer?

HILLTOP SAILOR

11-14-07, 10:41 PM

Yesterday I called Verizon to order one of those mini STB's for our kitchen TV. They quoted 4 dollars per month plus 25 dollars service charge for the technician to install it. I backed out because of the high cost. Does anyone know how to get it without paying for a service charge (like, mail or pick up from a local store)? Customer service rep whom I talked to didn’t know how to get it without a field technician’s involvement.

Here in SE Virginia, we have no Verizon/FiOS stores except for their wireless products. Everything goes via a service call. They were supposed to build a modern storefront for opening in 2007, but that idea just disappeared without any explanation.

jimrimback

11-14-07, 10:54 PM

No IMG update... so the person who said the 13th we (in philly) would get an update, do you have an updated date?

Last week we were told the 16th from management, but that was before I came across the posts here about the newest delayed rollout.:confused:

RobR7

11-14-07, 11:16 PM

Free movie preview on 11/15 thru 11/18 on channels 340-385.

Im in N. NJ and I got nothing, says I dont sub. Big Bummer.

afiggatt

11-14-07, 11:28 PM

Im in N. NJ and I got nothing, says I dont sub. Big Bummer.
Well, it is November 14. The free preview runs from November 15 to 18. So they probably will turn off the subscription requirement in the early AM hours.

aaronwt

11-15-07, 12:25 AM

the Movie package-SHO, TMC, Starz/Encore, Sundance.

I only look at the HD versions of those channels.

fab65

11-15-07, 07:53 AM

No IMG update... so the person who said the 13th we (in philly) would get an update, do you have an updated date?

I'm a courier in the NYC area. Yesterday, I had a delivery to a vz call center out on Long Island. I asked someone in management about the IMG rollout and after sending a few im's to the dept. that was working on the project, I was told that it would be out in early Janurary. At least on Long Island anyway.

CHolleman

11-15-07, 08:22 AM

when did we get the CW in HD? i was crusing through the guide last night and saw it in there. I havent' read any reports about it in this thread unless i missed it. this is in hampton roads, btw.

mikelets456

11-15-07, 09:15 AM

How can anyone be "billed" for a FREE trial??

On another note, does anyone know exactly when the free trial ends.. for example do we get all of Sunday 11/18 thru midnite , & what about movies ending, say, 1:15AM Monday morning (or whatever)..??

When I signed up for FIOS they gave me one free month of the movie pack. Before the month ended I told them I did not want it so it was canceled. A few weeks later my son said "Dad, we still get Showtime..." I called again and he said it has been canceled....one week later, I still had it. This was a few weeks ago.
I ain't calling them again and spending 15 minutes (or more) going through that "horrid" automated system then spending 20 minutes explaining the problem then going through dropped channels because they flicked the wrong switch, then calling them back them back again. Vicious cycle...unless I'm being billed for it.

flipit

11-15-07, 09:50 AM

I only look at the HD versions of those channels.

As of this morning, the free preview included the HD versions of Showtime (853), TMC (854) and Starz (855).

RobR7

11-15-07, 12:21 PM

Well, it is November 14. The free preview runs from November 15 to 18. So they probably will turn off the subscription requirement in the early AM hours.

LOL I guess I was more tired than I thought last night! :D

eq_shadimar

11-15-07, 12:31 PM

As someone who does not have a Verizon phone number let me tell you that I have found out that the easiest way to talk to someone is to simply say "agent" as soon as the automated lady starts to talk to you. Don't even bother putting in your phone number. It does help if you at least wait until after the first menu option of billing, service, etc.

Laters,
Jeff

bfdtv

11-15-07, 02:08 PM

CHolleman

11-15-07, 02:25 PM

I think those 5 would make 29 unless I miscounted, the CW is supposed to be on there sometime in the not too distant future, they have been running fiber and hooking up equipment, but I can't find anybody w/a timetable. That would put us at 30.

Time table is now. CW/WGNT channel 807 in Hampton Roads.

starrin

11-15-07, 02:46 PM

Here in SE Virginia, we have no Verizon/FiOS stores except for their wireless products. Everything goes via a service call. They were supposed to build a modern storefront for opening in 2007, but that idea just disappeared without any explanation.

I sent this quote to my P.R. contact at VZ. Here is what I got in return:

The fact is, the poster must not know that we have a kiosk set up for customers to order items such landline phone, High Speed Internet (DSL) and FiOS Internet and TV services at a Verizon Wireless store in Virginia Beach, and we're opening two more kiosks in area Verizon Wireless stores within the next week. We also are looking to open additional kiosks next year.

Here are the details:

Verizon Hilltop Location
729 First Colonial Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
opened on 7/18/07

Verizon Virginia Beach Blvd Location
4001 Virginia Beach Blvd
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Opens 11/16/07

Verizon Newport News Location
12227 Jefferson Ave
Newport News, VA 23602
Opens 11/21/08

=====================================
Now you know what I know. First one into a store can tell us what they can and cannot do there.:D

mikelets456

11-15-07, 02:49 PM

We compared the size of last night's two-hour Mythbusters (DSCHD) on FiOS and Comcast. Thanks bicker.

The recording sizes were virtually identical, which indicates that Discovery itself is responsible for the overcompression on DSCHD. We suspected that before, but it's nice to have confirmation.

Funny story...well kind of. I would always get on my kids case for watching "Mythbusters" over and over...I would say "come on, how many times can you see them bust the same myth, turn this off".

Now that it's in HD, my son wittingly said "come on Dad, how many times can you watch the same myth over and over?" Of course I answered "as long as it's in HD, I'll keep watching it"...:)

VARTV

11-15-07, 03:11 PM

URFloorMatt

11-15-07, 03:23 PM

CHolleman

11-15-07, 05:10 PM

bfdtv

11-15-07, 06:09 PM

Does bicker get CSN-MA and Nat Geo HD to check those?He doesn't have our CSN, but I'll ask about NGC-HD.

HILLTOP SAILOR

11-15-07, 06:39 PM

HILLTOP SAILOR

11-15-07, 06:48 PM

hopefully they can resolve my f'ing billing issues. how hard is it to bundle everything on one bill without having to be transferred back and forth between billing and the e-center. and the e-center is a joke. it's an easy 30 minute wait everytime i've called (currently on hold)

If I remember right, the "kiosk" may be nothing more than a stand-alone computer terminal in the front of the store. In other words: no different than a telephone call! I will check on this tomorrow and report back.

afiggatt

11-15-07, 06:58 PM

For the free preview of the movie package from Thursday to Sunday, I can confirm that the movie channels are also in the clear on the QAM channels. So anyone with a TV or STB with a QAM tuner hooked up to get the locals can also watch the Starz, TMC, Show time, Encore channels for the next 4 days.

Show time-HD and TMC-HD are on QAM 118. Starz-HD on QAM 110. I did a limited search for the SD channels, but there are a bunch of them on QAM 88, 89, 90, 94. Sundance is on QAM 89, IFC on QAM 119 for a couple of channels I looked up at random.

bjems

11-15-07, 08:28 PM

This may not be the case for everyone (I'm in Northern Virginia), but I was doing a key word search for the movie "Click" tonight and one of the results that came up was "Click--HD Version" in VOD. I selected it and indeed, it was VOD in HD, the first time I've seen that here. Strangely enough, if you go into VOD/Browse/Subscriptions/Starz/All Movies, "Click--HD" does not show up as a choice; it seems you can only access it through a key word search. The other strange thing was that once I started the movie I couldn't get out of it--I had to fast forward through the whole damn thing because the Last, Exit, and the big Fios buttons didn't do anything, nor did keying in a new channel. I didn't search for any other movies, but I wouldn't be surprised if there are others available in VOD HD.

kes601

11-15-07, 08:37 PM

bjems

11-15-07, 09:01 PM

kes601

11-15-07, 09:17 PM

The Night Listener also comes up in VOD HD through a key word search. The others you mentioned just show up in SD.

I definitely don't have the Starz HD Trial folder. Do you have HD Trial folders for any other subscriptions?

I've got 2 shows recording right now, so I can't check, but I know there is one for HBO. The other movies I listed actually had their names typed in oddly, there was no space in ScaryMovie4, and Talladega Nights Was just Talladega N.

Can't recall how the other 2 showed up.

afiggatt

11-15-07, 09:47 PM

It's in a folder here under Starz called "Starz HD Trial". Interesting you can get to it via search but no other way. The other movies in there are Night Listener, Open Season, Scary Movie 4, Stomp the Yard, and Talladega Nights
Wow, this is an interesting find. This is buried deep. I don't see the Starz HD Trial folder, but I can find Click HD and Night Listener HD with a search here in Northern VA/Washington Metro area. Night Listener HD is indeed starting up in HD. I bet that the Starz HD folder will show up in the folder hierarchy soon. Verizon is likely adding the HD material, but has not added it to folder list yet or announced it. Now we need to search to see if any HD movies or series from Showtime, HBO or the broadcast majors is buried in there.

If anyone finds more HD VOD material or don't find it, please state where you are. This might be only showing up in some areas and not others.

CHolleman

11-15-07, 09:53 PM

If I remember right, the "kiosk" may be nothing more than a stand-alone computer terminal in the front of the store. In other words: no different than a telephone call! I will check on this tomorrow and report back.

Meh, I've been to the one in Lynnhaven Mall. It's no different I'm sure. VZ probably decided that they could stick a desk in a corner of a VZW store to catch customers on the way out instead of having a dedicated store front.

bjems

11-15-07, 10:15 PM

Doing a key word search of "HD Version" comes up with Click, The Night Listener, and "... - HD Version" which turns out to be Talladega Nights - The Unrated Version. So it looks like we've only got those three in HD VOD in Northern Virginia (unless some others are titled differently).

afiggatt

11-15-07, 10:27 PM

This is getting even more interesting. Starting off entering HD into the VOD search, I see a HDTV folder. The first entry "Because I Said So" which has been playing on HBO is in HD, but the guide text is in spanish! Movie audio is English. Other entries are The Condemned HD, The Who's: Who's Back (confirmed as HD), Delta Farce HD, Happy Feet, Eragon, other music concerts, Click HD, and others.

Anyone outside of the central & SE VA test areas which have had HD VOD and Washington Metro area seeing these in their search?

CHolleman

11-15-07, 10:34 PM

VOD HD search results:

Delta Farce, The Invisible, Redacted, Species 4, The Condemned, The Flying Scotsman, and quite a bit more.

rickypicky

11-15-07, 10:49 PM

Not surprisingly, I'm seeing Click-HD and Talledega Nights, etc... when I do a search on HD too! Hot Damn! They're starting to roll HD VOD out to other areas. This is great! If they come up with some good HD VOD offerings I will be quite happy to wait till spring for more HD channels.

TCAS

11-15-07, 11:00 PM

afiggatt

11-15-07, 11:25 PM

VOD HD search results:

Delta Farce, The Invisible, Redacted, Species 4, The Condemned, The Flying Scotsman, and quite a bit more.
And you are where?

HILLTOP SAILOR

11-15-07, 11:33 PM

I can't believe it! :eek: I just went to the FiOS website and the first thing that appeared was a survey to ask my views on FiOS TV. It was great. It really asked meaningful questions and had space where I could write my ideas and opinions. Maybe there is hope for FiOS customer relations after all!:D

HDntheCity

11-16-07, 04:12 AM

Depends how much they charge per viewing?. If the fee is highier than Video rental stores one then is not worth.

if you sub to HBO or Starz it's free.

new release VOD HD movies are $5.99. but that's for 24 hrs.

HDntheCity

11-16-07, 04:18 AM

VOD HD search results:

Delta Farce, The Invisible, Redacted, Species 4, The Condemned, The Flying Scotsman, and quite a bit more.

afiggatt CHolleman & I are in Hampton Roads. we've had HD VOD in testing for over a month, & more programming is being added almost weekly.

actually I meant to check the VOD folders tonite & forgot. so now we seem to have Starz HD VOD.

encouraging that it looks like you're getting HD VOD in NOVA/DC.

maybe we'll get CSN-MA HD about the same time:).

AEC

11-16-07, 08:22 AM

I was out of town early in the week and last night watched CSI and during a commercial I scrolled the guide to see if anything was on NFLnet, and I found CSNMA in HD showing the Caps game (I live in Montgomery County, Md). That is a great addition (IMO). Looking forward to HD VOD.

johnalex

11-16-07, 11:22 AM

The HD VOD movies are also starting to show up here in Baltimore County, MD. If you search for HD, then a whole list of movies and even a few music specials come up.

joeinma

11-16-07, 12:17 PM

It's been almost a month here in Braintree, MA since Verizon was approved for a license. However, they have yet to mail anything out to residents about FIOS TV. Since I have FIOS Internet, I would assume they would start pressuring me right away. As I mentioned in previous post, I have DTV with HD from local town cable....trying to decide whether to go with FIOS TV or stay with DTV and add HD through them...well I am going to hold off a while longer because of this email from a friend in Norwood, MA who just made the switch:

first impression is the picture is amazing...HD channels are stunning and SD is better than what i had prior
- fox soccer channel in particular looks better than cable
- GolTV looks out standing, even though it's SD
now for ALL of the problems...and there are a f#cking TON!!!!

- apparently the "interactive media guide" (IMG) is brand new software and it's filled with bugs
- cant set reminders
- several shows we tried to record did not record
- i recorded the unit, it was listed in my recorded programs list, but it wouldn't play
- oftentimes the remote is very slow
- one day the tv with the dvr box would not work! i put on the tv and every channel would freeze after five seconds and the screen would go black and would read "currently unavailable" ; internet research found this to be another bug in the IMG/DVR. i solved it by rebooting the dvd set top box (unplug from wall, wait 30 seconds, and plug back in)
- the IMG only goes two days in advance whereas the NLB guide went about a week in advance
- DVR space is "slotted" - X hours of hd and X hours of SD, so if i want to only record in HD and don't want to record anything in SD, for example, i can only utilize that percentage of the hard drive allocated for HD while the other 50% or so of space is unused
- when you ad a channel to favorites the IMG automatically ads the spanish equivalent if available
- ofterntimes CANNOT record two shows at once, even when watching one of the shows you're recording - IMG says "schedule conflict"
- can no longer hit info on remote, see what you're watching, then scroll through listings for what's coming up on that channel. you have to go to the IMG for that now and you can't see what you're watching
- standard box has rebooted randomly TWICE while i was watching something
- just about every time you change to a new channel the image is slightly pixelated for a moment, then comes into full focus
- my wife hates it, wants NLB back! (it didn't record desparate housewives last night even though it was "recording" that channel)
- ever since fios tv was installed, our internet is much slower - not sure if the two are related issues
- from reading the boards, TONS of people are having the same problems. Verizon is supposedly downloading patches for some of the issues and is aiming for a full update in december
- tried recording sopranos on a&e hd and it stopped midway through recording

all of the developer/tech geeks on the boards say that verzizon never should have rolled out this new guide because, in essence, it's not past a beta stage. my advice to you would be WAIT until the IMG update is rolled out because this f#cking thing sucks....again picture quality is outstanding, but what good is an amazing looking episode of the Sopranos if the DVR f#cked it up?

rickypicky

11-16-07, 12:45 PM

- cant set reminders
- DVR space is "slotted" - X hours of hd and X hours of SD, so if i want to only record in HD and don't want to record anything in SD, for example, i can only utilize that percentage of the hard drive allocated for HD while the other 50% or so of space is unused
- just about every time you change to a new channel the image is slightly pixelated for a moment, then comes into full focus
- ever since fios tv was installed, our internet is much slower - not sure if the two are related issues

Can't set reminders - I don't think this is true, but I could be wrong.
DVR space is "slotted" - pretty sure this is not true.
Pixelization on channel change - well, yeah, maybe, for about 1-2 seconds. Is this really a big deal? IMHO, it is not.
Internet is slower because of TV - absurd. I don't believe this for one second.

I've had the random reboots, random lockups, and random missed recordings. I'd probably be more pissed off if it failed to record some of my programs like 24 and Lost. Fortunately, those programs are in hiatus till at least January/February. By that time, I hope, most of the problems will be fixed. ;)

bfdtv

11-16-07, 12:47 PM

Does bicker get CSN-MA and Nat Geo HD to check those?Bicker and I compared the same program on NGCHD. The recording sizes were essentially identical (within 0.3%).

So it looks like NGCHD lowered their bitrate from 16.8Mbps to 13.36Mbps for everyone in the past month. They probably did so at the request of other cable providers who want to fit three HD channels per QAM (38.8 Mbps).

With DSCHD at 12.5Mbps ABR and NGCHD at 13.36Mbps ABR, that leaves a lot of wasted bandwidth on that QAM channel.

jeepmatt

11-16-07, 01:04 PM

HILLTOP SAILOR

11-16-07, 01:10 PM

I sent this quote to my P.R. contact at VZ. Here is what I got in return:

The fact is, the poster must not know that we have a kiosk set up for customers to order items such landline phone, High Speed Internet (DSL) and FiOS Internet and TV services at a Verizon Wireless store in Virginia Beach, and we're opening two more kiosks in area Verizon Wireless stores within the next week. We also are looking to open additional kiosks next year.

Here are the details:

Verizon Hilltop Location
729 First Colonial Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
opened on 7/18/07

Verizon Virginia Beach Blvd Location
4001 Virginia Beach Blvd
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Opens 11/16/07

Verizon Newport News Location
12227 Jefferson Ave
Newport News, VA 23602
Opens 11/21/08

=====================================
Now you know what I know. First one into a store can tell us what they can and cannot do there.:D
I knew there was something fishy about this story and I was right. This morning, I went to my local VZ Wireless store at Hilltop. By chance, the woman supervising the opening of the new FiOS kiosks in this area was there so the following info is the latest. She will be visiting all of the new locations today. She was very nice and answered all my questions. Here is my report:
1. This location is still not hooked-up to FiOS and there is no set date for it to happen. Very strange to have a specialty kiosk without the capability to demonstrate that specialty.
2. The "kiosk" is a stand alone computer terminal in the front of the store with lots of FiOS advertising around it. It is designed to catch the eye of the wireless customers visiting the store and get them to become FiOS customers. There were sales reps there this morning to help sign-up new customers.
3. The kiosk does nothing that cannot be done at home on your computer. It is not designed for existing customers although they can use it if they want.
4. Traditional customer services are not available at the kiosk: no STB drop-off's or pick'ups, no fixing customer problems, etc.
5. She knew about the proposed area FiOS storefront, but doesn't know what happened to it or if it will ever come to pass.

Bottom line: This "kiosk" idea is all smoke and mirrors as far as actually demonstrating FiOS capabilities and helping existing customers is concerned. :(

bfdtv

11-16-07, 01:20 PM

BF-
I did a test with KenAF over on DSL Reports last night taping a show off of NGC-HD on Tivo. Comcast (which I have) reported 14.459Mbps. So definitely lower than the 16.8 you're listing, but higher than 13.3 - but then again, this was on Comcast.How are you calculating bitrate?

If you're using the TiVo INFO screen, the correct equation is:

Bitrate = {(Size in GB on INFO screen * 8) / (Total seconds)} * 1000

That's because TiVo reports sizes based on one billion bytes per gigabyte, not 1,073,741,824.

Jay_Davis

11-16-07, 01:31 PM

flipit

11-16-07, 01:31 PM

...well I am going to hold off a while longer because of this email from a friend in Norwood, MA who just made the switch:
...
- apparently the "interactive media guide" (IMG) is brand new software and it's filled with bugs...[/I]

Not to be a shill for TiVo, but it seems all of the problems you describe relate to the FiOS DVR. For me, TiVo with 2 cablecards per unit has been a great solution, and appears to solve all the problems you're concerned about. FWIW, I do keep a non-DVR FiOS HD box to allow VOD, but haven't really used it that much. Obviously, the downside is the up front cost for the hardware and the monthly TiVo subscription fee. Also, some have had pixelation issues with FiOS and TiVo. YMMV.

jeepmon

11-16-07, 02:10 PM

Bottom line: This "kiosk" idea is all smoke and mirrors as far as actually demonstrating FiOS capabilities and helping existing customers is concerned. :(

Yep, the kiosk is just there to give FiOS more visibility.

BTW, one of the VZ agents I spoke with said they do not allow pick up of stb's anywhere, they must be installed (for $25) by a tech - of course you get a different story by each VZ agent. Anybody here ever been able to pick up a stb from a VZ center?

CHolleman

11-16-07, 03:04 PM

I knew there was something fishy about this story and I was right. This morning, I went to my local VZ Wireless store at Hilltop. By chance, the woman supervising the opening of the new FiOS kiosks in this area was there so the following info is the latest. She will be visiting all of the new locations today. She was very nice and answered all my questions. Here is my report:
1. This location is still not hooked-up to FiOS and there is no set date for it to happen. Very strange to have a specialty kiosk without the capability to demonstrate that specialty.
2. The "kiosk" is a stand alone computer terminal in the front of the store with lots of FiOS advertising around it. It is designed to catch the eye of the wireless customers visiting the store and get them to become FiOS customers. There were sales reps there this morning to help sign-up new customers.
3. The kiosk does nothing that cannot be done at home on your computer. It is not designed for existing customers although they can use it if they want.
4. Traditional customer services are not available at the kiosk: no STB drop-off's or pick'ups, no fixing customer problems, etc.
5. She knew about the proposed area FiOS storefront, but doesn't know what happened to it or if it will ever come to pass.

Bottom line: This "kiosk" idea is all smoke and mirrors as far as actually demonstrating FiOS capabilities and helping existing customers is concerned. :(

as i suspected. wonder if the psychic hotline is hiring??

Ken Ross

11-16-07, 03:43 PM

The HD VOD movies are also starting to show up here in Baltimore County, MD. If you search for HD, then a whole list of movies and even a few music specials come up.

Not here in Verizon's 3rd world area of N.Y. We've got nada.

HDntheCity

11-16-07, 04:12 PM

that's frustrating alright but you guys have a few things we don't.

like at least half your HD RSN's. here we have zip.

even worse, the Northern VA/DC/MD area DOES have it. we're still waiting due to blackout issues. same thing that delayed HDNet being added to the DC ch lineup about 18 mos. ago.

Ken Ross

11-16-07, 07:39 PM

Bicker and I compared the same program on NGCHD. The recording sizes were essentially identical (within 0.3%).

So it looks like NGCHD lowered their bitrate from 16.8Mbps to 13.36Mbps for everyone in the past month. They probably did so at the request of other cable providers who want to fit three HD channels per QAM (38.8 Mbps).

With DSCHD at 12.5Mbps ABR and NGCHD at 13.36Mbps ABR, that leaves a lot of wasted bandwidth on that QAM channel.

I keep thinking of what I said a couple of years ago "the glory days of HD are behind us". With PQ now apparently dropping at the source, the best HD is behind us. :(

TCAS

11-17-07, 01:50 AM

if you sub to HBO or Starz it's free.

new release VOD HD movies are $5.99. but that's for 24 hrs.

The $5.99/viewing is out of question and is %300 more than the fee any local Mom & Pop video rental store that is charging $2/night for new release movie.

URFloorMatt

11-17-07, 04:39 AM

They're charging $2/night for Blu Ray/HD-DVD? The mom and pop video store even has HD discs? Blockbuster is the biggest and it only offers a limited Blu Ray selection (plus HD-DVD in those select areas where it was piloted before they went Blu Ray exclusive).

The only other place you can get HD movie downloads (aside from switching television providers) is probably Xbox Live. I'm not sure how their pricing matches up.

starrin

11-17-07, 07:55 AM

Friendly PR-type (aren't they all) at VZ advised me of this. I can't use it, but you might be able to:
http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2007/verizon-delivers.html

afiggatt

11-17-07, 11:47 AM

More HD VOD programs in the HDTV folder in Northern VA and MD

Verizon has added more HD programs to the HDTV folder in the northern VA and MD areas. This morning there are now some 35+ entries including more movies such as Cars, Redacted, and miscellaneous stuff such as GolfWeekMagazine (yep, no spaces. I guess whoever is entering this stuff is not big on hitting the space bar). The HDTV folder and the HD programs can only be found via search. Enter HD in the VOD search (after taking a nap while the IMG gets to the VOD search page) and scroll right to the HDTV folder to find this stuff.

From the posts at dslreports.com, the HDTV folder only has HD programs in the VA and MD areas. Other states with the IMG have found the HDTV folder, but it is empty - so far. I assume some time soon in Northern VA and MD, they will make the HD programs visible in the top down folder lists. The good news is that Verizon is beginning to expand HD VOD beyond the Richmond and Hampton Roads, VA test area.

jimwig

11-17-07, 01:30 PM

Re: +10 signal strength
When they installed my FIOS, I received signal attenuators for my VCR's and Tivo. My complaint is, without renting another STB I only get up to Channel 49 into the VCR's and TIVO.
BTW, my Moto 6416 has been great. I forgot to give Comcast back the remote when I canceled service and I use that most of the time because it has the page up and down. Comcast never asked me for it and didn't bill me for it. I do miss being able to swap between the two tuners.

SD pictures here (Montclair, NJ) are so much better than Comcast that I find myself hitting the info button on my TV remote to check what resolution I'm looking at. The HD seems better than it was when it was originally installed. Of course that may be improvements in equipment in the headend.
Biggest complaint is huge variation in volume levels between channels and, even worse, between program and commercials. The auto level control in my set is a joke.

Ken Ross

11-17-07, 01:33 PM

HILLTOP SAILOR

11-17-07, 05:02 PM

bfdtv

11-17-07, 06:21 PM

Do you have 2 cable cards in your TiVo? You can get all channels if they are in it.He probably has an older Series2 Tivo, not the TivoHD or Series3 with full support for FiOS service.

You know I'm happy for you guys that have these, but I honestly think it's very unfair that Verizon treats people in certain areas such as N.Y., as 2nd class citizens. I just don't get this selective methodology of dolling out the goodies. :(I'll trade you my HD VOD for your 20/20 Internet service. :D

The "2nd class citizens" in NY get 10/2, 20/5, and 20/20 for the same price that VA customers pay for 5/2, 15/2, and 15/15 service.

afiggatt

11-17-07, 06:53 PM

You know I'm happy for you guys that have these, but I honestly think it's very unfair that Verizon treats people in certain areas such as N.Y., as 2nd class citizens. I just don't get this selective methodology of dolling out the goodies. :(

Boy, you people in NY are sooooo sensitive. :D You complain about not getting the IMG. Listen, the IMG upgrade has been the software equivalent of when you are at the doctors undergoing a physical. He/she asks you to drop the pants, bend over and cough as you hear the doctor snap on the rubber gloves. That is the IMG upgrade. :p

If you guys in NY, NJ, PA are lucky, you will get the IMG after the bug patch is release. I seriously doubt if the patch will fix everything and restore all the missing features, but hopefully it will fix the worse bugs.

Besides, you have 2 HD RSNs in the NY market, right? Fios TV subscribers in No VA and MD did not even have a HD RSN until Fios added CSN Mid-Atlantic HD last week. No, we are the 2nd class citizens! ;)

URFloorMatt

11-17-07, 07:15 PM

You know I'm happy for you guys that have these, but I honestly think it's very unfair that Verizon treats people in certain areas such as N.Y., as 2nd class citizens. I just don't get this selective methodology of dolling out the goodies. :(

You could always go back to Comcast/TWC/your local cable provider. Cable companies always treat everyone equally and roll out services evenly and nationwide all the time. :rolleyes:

kes601

11-17-07, 09:56 PM

Boy, you people in NY are sooooo sensitive. :D You complain about not getting the IMG. Listen, the IMG upgrade has been the software equivalent of when you are the doctors undergoing a physical. He/she asks you to drop the pants, bend over and cough as you hear the doctor snap on the rubber gloves. That is the IMG upgrade. :p

If you guys in NY, NJ, PA are lucky, you will get the IMG after the bug patch is release. I seriously doubt if the patch will fix everything and restore all the missing features, but hopefully it will fix the worse bugs.

Besides, you have 2 HD RSNs in the NY market, right? Fios TV subscribers in No VA and MD did not even have a HD RSN until Fios added CSN Mid-Atlantic HD last week. No, we are the 2nd class citizens! ;)

And those of us in Richmond and Hampton Roads have no HD RSNs......

Ken Ross

11-17-07, 11:01 PM

He probably has an older Series2 Tivo, not the TivoHD or Series3 with full support for FiOS service.

I'll trade you my HD VOD for your 20/20 Internet service. :D

The "2nd class citizens" in NY get 10/2, 20/5, and 20/20 for the same price that VA customers pay for 5/2, 15/2, and 15/15 service.

To be honest, I've found that in most cases you reach a point of diminishing returns with higher and higher internet speeds. More often than not you're waiting on the server which turns out to be the limiting factor. When they bumped up my speed, most sites showed no difference in speed at all.

HILLTOP SAILOR

11-18-07, 12:34 AM

Boy, you people in NY are sooooo sensitive. :D You complain about not getting the IMG. Listen, the IMG upgrade has been the software equivalent of when you are at the doctors undergoing a physical. He/she asks you to drop the pants, bend over and cough as you hear the doctor snap on the rubber gloves. That is the IMG upgrade. :p

If you guys in NY, NJ, PA are lucky, you will get the IMG after the bug patch is release. I seriously doubt if the patch will fix everything and restore all the missing features, but hopefully it will fix the worse bugs.

Besides, you have 2 HD RSNs in the NY market, right? Fios TV subscribers in No VA and MD did not even have a HD RSN until Fios added CSN Mid-Atlantic HD last week. No, we are the 2nd class citizens! ;)

Believe it or not: A VZ person recently told me that a remote control upgrade is coming out before the IMG fix. :eek:

LambentMaterial

11-18-07, 01:51 AM

Boy, you people in NY are sooooo sensitive. :D You complain about not getting the IMG. Listen, the IMG upgrade has been the software equivalent of when you are at the doctors undergoing a physical. He/she asks you to drop the pants, bend over and cough as you hear the doctor snap on the rubber gloves. That is the IMG upgrade. :p

If you guys in NY, NJ, PA are lucky, you will get the IMG after the bug patch is release. I seriously doubt if the patch will fix everything and restore all the missing features, but hopefully it will fix the worse bugs.

Besides, you have 2 HD RSNs in the NY market, right? Fios TV subscribers in No VA and MD did not even have a HD RSN until Fios added CSN Mid-Atlantic HD last week. No, we are the 2nd class citizens! ;)

How about some love for us over here in CA? Hehe...aww, we never get anything :(

JohnGZ28

11-18-07, 05:49 AM

The $5.99/viewing is out of question and is %300 more than the fee any local Mom & Pop video rental store that is charging $2/night for new release movie.

They're charging $2/night for Blu Ray/HD-DVD? The mom and pop video store even has HD discs? Blockbuster is the biggest and it only offers a limited Blu Ray selection (plus HD-DVD in those select areas where it was piloted before they went Blu Ray exclusive).

Jeopardy music continues to play as we await TCAS's reply. I also want to know where you can rent Blu Ray/HD DVDs for $2 per night.

StevenJB

11-18-07, 11:52 AM

You know I'm happy for you guys that have these, but I honestly think it's very unfair that Verizon treats people in certain areas such as N.Y., as 2nd class citizens. I just don't get this selective methodology of dolling out the goodies. :(

The selective methodology is probably and unfortunately based upon the economic clout of the target market. The richer and more affluent areas get the goodies first while the others have to wait. Doesn't seem fair but nobody ever said that life was fair. Idealy, those markets whose subs have had FiOS TV the longest should get the latest goodies first.

Joe Q

11-18-07, 11:54 AM

Jeopardy music continues to play as we await TCAS's reply. I also want to know where you can rent Blu Ray/HD DVDs for $2 per night.

Sorry but you left yourself wide open on this one:)
How about Netflix at $2.25/disc

Take their "1 DVD at a time" with unlimited rentals per month at $8.99/month
Assuming you live in Canada where mail takes a week, you could get 4 movies in one month which comes out to $2.25/month

Following your Jeopardy Game theme, "BUT wait, There's More"
I have their 2 at a time for $13.99 and since I live about 1/2 hour from one of their distribution center's (They have one in Gaithersburg,MD) , my turn around time is 48 hours.

So depending upon how nutty I want to be about it, I can easily get 6 discs a week.
That comes out to $0.58 per disc.
Course that assumes you have no life or job and all you do is watch TV all day:rolleyes:

As a test to satisfy my curiosity, I have been able to get a 24 hour turn around.
I mailed one on Tesday morning at the 8:15 AM pickup Box which is right at my Post Office and I had a new disc in my mailbox on Wednesday.

fab65

11-18-07, 01:18 PM

If you guys in NY, NJ, PA are lucky, you will get the IMG after the bug patch is release. I seriously doubt if the patch will fix everything and restore all the missing features, but hopefully it will fix the worse bugs

according to a vz manager I spoke to at a vz call center on long island (i had a delivery there) we're (and I assume the nyc area) getting the new img in early jan.

bvader

11-18-07, 03:08 PM

Question: So I start are recording in the middle of a football game by just pressing record....how do I extend the scheduled end time by 15 mins of time? Looked couldn't figure it out

JohnGZ28

11-18-07, 03:32 PM

Sorry but you left yourself wide open on this one:)
How about Netflix at $2.25/disc

Take their "1 DVD at a time" with unlimited rentals per month at $8.99/month
Assuming you live in Canada where mail takes a week, you could get 4 movies in one month which comes out to $2.25/month

Following your Jeopardy Game theme, "BUT wait, There's More"
I have their 2 at a time for $13.99 and since I live about 1/2 hour from one of their distribution center's (They have one in Gaithersburg,MD) , my turn around time is 48 hours.

So depending upon how nutty I want to be about it, I can easily get 6 discs a week.
That comes out to $0.58 per disc.
Course that assumes you have no life or job and all you do is watch TV all day:rolleyes:

As a test to satisfy my curiosity, I have been able to get a 24 hour turn around.
I mailed one on Tuesday morning at the 8:15 AM pickup Box which is right at my Post Office and I had a new disc in my mailbox on Wednesday.

Almost, but you forgot the "throttle factor". Netflix would quickly catch on to your plan and throttle you down to one Blu Ray every other month. :D:D

Also Netflix is not a local Mom and Pop that charges $2. ;)

You must travel by helicopter if Gaithersburg is only a 1/2 hour from Annapolis. :)

I agree with you completely on the 24 hour turn around. But, I have to catch the 5:30 AM pick up at my post office.

HDntheCity

11-18-07, 04:15 PM

The selective methodology is probably and unfortunately based upon the economic clout of the target market. The richer and more affluent areas get the goodies first while the others have to wait. Doesn't seem fair but nobody ever said that life was fair. Idealy, those markets whose subs have had FiOS TV the longest should get the latest goodies first.

If that's true why did Hampton Roads(#41 DMA) get HD VOD on a trial basis 1st? we were, I think, the last market on the east coast to go live.

I think it has more to do with the effect HD VOD has on FiOS internet speeds. I believe it's significant that our basic internet is 5/2 while in NY it's 10/2.

kes601

11-18-07, 04:47 PM

Question: So I start are recording in the middle of a football game by just pressing record....how do I extend the scheduled end time by 15 mins of time? Looked couldn't figure it out

Once you have started recording, you can't add a pad to the end, the best thing to do is to just set the next program to record as well.

AbMagFab

11-18-07, 05:22 PM

Once you have started recording, you can't add a pad to the end, the best thing to do is to just set the next program to record as well.

I don't think that's true. If you go to the "To Do" list, then pick the thing currently recording, you can extend it. I know this works for season-pass or one-time items (when they are actively recording), and I'm pretty sure it works for "live" things too.

Edit: Oops, this is for Tivo. Got my AVS/TCF boards confused there for a minute...

bvader

11-18-07, 05:28 PM

Once you have started recording, you can't add a pad to the end, the best thing to do is to just set the next program to record as well.
Thanks... thats a good idea..

I don't think that's true. If you go to the "To Do" list, then pick the thing currently recording, you can extend it. I know this works for season-pass or one-time items (when they are actively recording), and I'm pretty sure it works for "live" things too.

whats the "To Do" list...do you mean scheduled recordings? The current recording doesnt show up.

Thanks folks...

mr b

11-18-07, 05:32 PM

I don't think that's true. If you go to the "To Do" list, then pick the thing currently recording, you can extend it. I know this works for season-pass or one-time items (when they are actively recording), and I'm pretty sure it works for "live" things too.

Are you referring to the TIVO maybe? Not being able to extend current recording on the Motorola is a sore spot for me as well. No problem w/ the Tivo though.

Tony

kes601

11-18-07, 06:27 PM

I don't think that's true. If you go to the "To Do" list, then pick the thing currently recording, you can extend it. I know this works for season-pass or one-time items (when they are actively recording), and I'm pretty sure it works for "live" things too.

Huh? None of those items are part of the IPG or IMG.

NetworkTV

11-18-07, 06:58 PM

As a test to satisfy my curiosity, I have been able to get a 24 hour turn around.
I mailed one on Tesday morning at the 8:15 AM pickup Box which is right at my Post Office and I had a new disc in my mailbox on Wednesday.
I can't quite do that, but since I work weekends, that gives me two weekdays off. That means I can get a new disc at 11AM, watch it that afternoon and send it back out that evening. That knocks an entire day off the process.

Also Netflix is not a local Mom and Pop that charges $2. ;)

In my home town, there is an indy chain that has nearly put blockbuster out of business. Not only do they have a better selection, but they have $1.99 weekday rentals on HD titles. Regular DVDs are $1. Weekends add $1 to each of those, but if you return a movie before 9PM the same night, they knock off $.50.

Joe Q

11-18-07, 07:11 PM

Almost, but you forgot the "throttle factor". Netflix would quickly catch on to your plan and throttle you down to one Blu Ray every other month. :D:D

Also Netflix is not a local Mom and Pop that charges $2. ;)

You must travel by helicopter if Gaithersburg is only a 1/2 hour from Annapolis. :)

I agree with you completely on the 24 hour turn around. But, I have to catch the 5:30 AM pick up at my post office.

You are correct - Maybe I was thinking of Beltsville? I just did a Mapquest to Gaithersburg and with no traffic, it is an hour away from me.

I have heard stories that if someone does a lot of quick turn arounds that Netflix will put you on a 'list' where they take their time filling your orders.

URFloorMatt

11-18-07, 07:31 PM

Actually those Netflix stories were confirmed and there was an AP piece about it.

After checking on Xbox Live, it seems like the going rate for an HD movie download is 480 points. At $1.25 per 100 points, that's $6.00, so it looks like Verizon is charging the going rate for HD-VOD. XBL downloads last for 14 days, or 24 hours after the first play, so roughly the same as Verizon (since Verizon downloads should be near instantaneous but XBL downloads are decidedly not).

aaronwt

11-19-07, 12:39 AM

You can get the XBL points much cheaper if you get them when they are on sale. I usually don't pay more than $12 for every 1600 points. Which makes everything you purchase that much cheaper.

jjd

11-19-07, 12:23 PM

Not to be a shill for TiVo, but it seems all of the problems you describe relate to the FiOS DVR. For me, TiVo with 2 cablecards per unit has been a great solution, and appears to solve all the problems you're concerned about. ... Also, some have had pixelation issues with FiOS and TiVo. YMMV.Just so this gets recorded here, many of us on tivocommunity who have had this pixelization problem with FIOS have been able to solve it with simple inline attenuators that reduce the FIOS signal strength before entering the tivo. I haven't heard of any documented case where the pixelization couldn't be solved with simple (and cheap) attenuation of 6-18db. If you want more information, search tivocommunity's Series 3 forum for the topic entitled "New S3 / Verizon FiOS HD pixelation problem".

--Jim--

DCFan

11-19-07, 07:05 PM

bfdtv

11-19-07, 07:14 PM

Time to pay the piper for our new HD offerings. Got a notice from Verizon today advising of the price hikes for '08. TV service will be $47.99 and an HD/DVR will be $15.99. A "service repair visit" is $79.99. And there are others. :eek:I assume you got the same letter I did.

It said I would be hit with the increase from $39.99/mo to $42.99/mo in January, but I would not pay $47.99/mo until 2009. I can avoid the hike to $47.99/mo in January, 2009 by adding triple play with a two-year contract; that would keep my rate on TV Premiere at the same price through November 20, 2009.

aaronwt

11-19-07, 07:14 PM

Time to pay the piper for our new HD offerings. Got a notice from Verizon today advising of the price hikes for '08. TV service will be $47.99 and an HD/DVR will be $15.99. A "service repair visit" is $79.99. And there are others. :eek:

I got the same thing, but it also says I won't be affected with the new prices since I'm on a 2 year agreement. If you order the service prior to the date in 2008 you will get the old price. My concern is my 30/5 Interent tier for $55. I don
t see it offered anymore, only a 30/10 tier for around $90. So I don't know what will happen when my year is up, I'll probably have to drop to the 20/5 tier.

DCFan

11-19-07, 07:20 PM

I got the same thing, but it also says I won't be affected with the new prices since I'm on a 2 year agreement. If you order the service prior to the date in 2008 you will get the old price.
Correct, it says if you're a double or triple play customer your TV Premier rates won't raise for the remainder of your contract. But your other services will go up.

YesJim

11-19-07, 07:25 PM

Correct, it says if you're a double or triple play customer your TV Premier rates won't raise for the remainder of your contract. But your other services will go up.

Wait, so if you're "locked in" to a 2 year agreement they can still jack up your prices? I thought a 2 year agreement keeps things stable for the duration since they have you on the hook for an ETF.

bfdtv

11-19-07, 07:37 PM

Wait, so if you're "locked in" to a 2 year agreement they can still jack up your prices? I thought a 2 year agreement keeps things stable for the duration since they have you on the hook for an ETF.If you are an existing customer, you will not pay more than $42.99/mo until January, 2009.

Triple play only guarantees your pricing for phone service, Internet service, and the FiOS TV Premiere package. It does not guarantee your price on HBO or the DVR. That said, the only price increase that will hit current customers paying $42.99/mo in the next year is the DVR increase from $12.99 to $15.99/mo. If you have a TiVo, you avoid that.

Come January 2009, customers still under contract will pay an extra $2/mo for the Movie package bundle (SHO/STARZ/ENCORE), an extra $1/mo for the Playboy channel, an extra $1/mo for any SD STBs, and an extra $1/mo for each CableCard. Other rates remain the same.

DCFan

11-19-07, 07:55 PM

Wait, so if you're "locked in" to a 2 year agreement they can still jack up your prices? I thought a 2 year agreement keeps things stable for the duration since they have you on the hook for an ETF.

This notice only addresses Fios TV rates not phone or internet. That said, your TV contract only covers the price for TV Premier service and that rate won't go up if you're in a double or triple play contract ($39.95 a month). But the rates for everything else are going up - HBO, sports and movie packages, STB's, and service calls.

jimrimback

11-19-07, 10:18 PM

This notice only addresses Fios TV rates not phone or internet. That said, your TV contract only covers the price for TV Premier service and that rate won't go up if you're in a double or triple play contract ($39.95 a month). But the rates for everything else are going up - HBO, sports and movie packages, STB's, and service calls.

Gee, I wonder what comcast's rates will be by then.

aaronwt

11-19-07, 11:49 PM

Higher like everyone else.

Dmon4u

11-20-07, 11:44 AM

Gee, I wonder what comcast's rates will be by then.

Probably something like Comcast in my area:

A 6% increase in March and another 6% this month. Knowing Comcast this will become a standard for rate increases. Thankfully, they've protected all their subscribers from the NFL Network so that their rates increases can maintain this minimal level of growth.

HILLTOP SAILOR

11-20-07, 12:31 PM

Probably something like Comcast in my area:

A 6% increase in March and another 6% this month. Knowing Comcast this will become a standard for rate increases. Thankfully, they've protected all their subscribers from the NFL Network so that their rates increases can maintain this minimal level of growth.

According to the letter I got, I am not going to be paying any more than now for monthly charges. Only newbies will get hit.

bfdtv

11-20-07, 01:01 PM

According to the letter I got, I am not going to be paying any more than now for monthly charges. Only newbies will get hit.You will be hit, just not until January, 2009.

(Or January, 2010 if you commit to two years of service.)

dtv757

11-20-07, 04:45 PM

this is a little off topic because its data related, but did anyone see this...

http://newscenter.verizon.com/images/headerfooter/verizonlogo.gif
Verizon Continues to Dramatically Raise Broadband Upload Speeds in FiOS Internet Service Areas
http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2007/verizon-continues-to.html
Starting today, Verizon is offering its high-speed symmetrical FiOS Internet services to consumers in 16 states served by its advanced, all-fiber-optic network. The symmetrical services make possible equally fast downstream and upstream connections of up to 15 megabits per second (Mbps) or up to 20 Mbps depending on the state where the service is sold.

At the same time, Verizon also has dramatically increased the upload speed of its fastest FiOS Internet services across its FiOS Internet service areas. These new services offer consumers downstream/upstream connections of either up to 50 Mbps/20 Mbps or up to 30 Mbps/15 Mbps depending on the state where the service is sold.

5w30

11-20-07, 05:35 PM

Just remember, FiOS is just another capital-intensive cable service. With a lot of tax surcharges and extras ... just like cable ... but usually a bit more on the taxes, especially in NY. And less local programming choices, like local cable news, too.

Read this for the full skinny on the price increases, charges for service visits etc.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6504425.html

Verizon to Boost FiOS TV Rates for New Subscribers
Monthly Price of Primary Video Package to Increase 12%, to $47.99 After Jan. 20
By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 11/20/2007 12:00:00 PM
Verizon will kick up the price of its primary FiOS TV programming package by 12% for subscribers who sign up after Jan. 20, 2008.

FiOS TV Premier, which includes more than 200 channels, will cost $47.99 per month for new customers after that date, compared with $42.99 for customers who signed up this year, according to notices Verizon has begun mailing to subscribers in several states. The price increase will be effective for all markets, Verizon director of media relations Sharon Cohen-Hagar said.

Verizon’s price increase signals its “confidence in the strength of their product offering and their ability to gain share even without aggressive discounting,” wrote Sanford Bernstein analyst Craig Moffett, in a research note Tuesday.

The rate hike also “suggests that the risk of a price war in the pay TV market is likely lower than investors expect,” Moffett added.

The telco a year ago raised the price of the FiOS TV Premiere package, from $39.95 to $42.99, for new customers as of Jan. 8, 2007.

In addition to higher rates for new FiOS Premier subscribers next January, subscribers who signed up for the service in 2005 and 2006 will see their rates increased to this year’s price level of $42.99, Cohen-Hagar said. Those who subscribed in 2007 will not see their rates change.

The price increases, Cohen-Hagar noted, are “not across the board for every single service, nor for every single customer.”

Among the fees going up are prices for some programming tiers. The La Conexion bundle of 140 Spanish-language channels will be $37.99, compared with $32.99 currently. Verizon’s movie package of 45 channels, which includes Starz, Showtime, Encore, TMC, Flix and Sundance Channel, will increase from $12.99 to $14.99.

Verizon is also adding a new $79.99 fee for “service repair visits” and “set-top box installation/retrieval,” according to the letters to FiOS TV subscribers.

« Back | Print

shawn12341234

11-21-07, 11:04 AM

what's the deal with the $79.99 fee?

does that mean if a stb breaks it will cost me 79.99 to fix it?

BTW, noticed a couple HD VOD offerings in tampa today.

antneye

11-21-07, 01:00 PM

what's the deal with the $79.99 fee?

does that mean if a stb breaks it will cost me 79.99 to fix it?

BTW, noticed a couple HD VOD offerings in tampa today.

I doubt it has anything to do with their equipment being defective. It is probably pertaining to inside wire repairs, but I am not sure.

bfdtv

11-21-07, 02:09 PM

I was told the charge does not apply to defective equipment.

AbMagFab

11-21-07, 02:10 PM

What about a regular truck roll for something like a new cable card? That used to be $25 (a rip off), is it now going to be $75???

shawn12341234

11-21-07, 04:51 PM

i'm seeing several more hd vod offerings currently in tampa...search for hd to find the hidden hd folder.

TWD

11-21-07, 06:31 PM

Here in Garland TX they are showing several VOD HD selections - Children of Men, Apocalypto (sp) and Redacted. It shows Redacted listed at $9.95.

BTW - I heard that the charge for a HD movie will be $5.99. Why would anyone want to pay that when there is Netflix?

ridgefamus

11-21-07, 08:29 PM

TWD

11-21-07, 09:18 PM

Just a guess but maybe some folks don't have an HD disc player yet want to watch an HD movie?

Good guess.

shawn12341234

11-21-07, 10:08 PM

noticed that some of the hd vod descriptions are in spanish in tampa

afiggatt

11-21-07, 10:24 PM

What about a regular truck roll for something like a new cable card? That used to be $25 (a rip off), is it now going to be $75???
That is what I would like to know as well. There is a line in the new price sheet referring to no charge for turning in or picking up STB or DVRs - jeez, nice of them not to charge for this :rolleyes:. Maybe Verizon is prepared to allow people to pick up cable cards as well? That would be nice and even at $80 for a service call would probably save them money on providing cable cards.

But where will the local offices be for picking up and dropping off Fios TV and internet equipment? Verizon Wireless offices?

HILLTOP SAILOR

11-21-07, 11:32 PM

That is what I would like to know as well. There is a line in the new price sheet referring to no charge for turning in or picking up STB or DVRs - jeez, nice of them not to charge for this :rolleyes:. Maybe Verizon is prepared to allow people to pick up cable cards as well? That would be nice and even at $80 for a service call would probably save them money on providing cable cards.

But where will the local offices be for picking up and dropping off Fios TV and internet equipment? Verizon Wireless offices?

Around here, the wireless offices have FiOS kiosks that are basically for sales only ... no pickups or dropoffs of anything. We were supposed to get a real FiOS building to serve this area, but no one is saying when or if it will arrive. :confused:

starrin

11-22-07, 08:33 AM

Around here, the wireless offices have FiOS kiosks that are basically for sales only ... no pickups or dropoffs of anything. We were supposed to get a real FiOS building to serve this area, but no one is saying when or if it will arrive. :confused:

Dear Confused-
VZ will provide an office to this end when they have 13000 subscribers in Virginia Beach. It is in the agreement signed by VZ and the City. However, no one at VZ will tell you how many subscribers they have. We need to find out who at the City is supposed to be monitoring the contract and what VZ is telling them. My guess is the City doesn't have a clue.

/s/ Dear Abby

mrvegas1

11-22-07, 10:36 AM

NFL Network .... so is tonight's Colts game not available in HD to us FIOS people????

afiggatt

11-22-07, 11:11 AM

NFL Network .... so is tonight's Colts game not available in HD to us FIOS people????
Why wouldn't the NFL Network game not be available in HD on Fios? The NFL Network HD channel is part of the national HD channel set.

As a side note, with the impending rate increases, I hope Verizon moves the NFL Network to the sports tier next year with a matching HD sports tier when they set one up. Carrying the NFL Network on the "premier" (really the basic) tier only pushes the monthly costs up. With only 8 NFL games a year, it should be on the sports tier for people who want to subscribe to it. I may sign up for the sport tier myself, but I think it is only fair to let non-NFL fans opt out of paying for a specialized single sports channel.

aaronwt

11-22-07, 11:51 AM

Why wouldn't the NFL Network game not be available in HD on Fios? The NFL Network HD channel is part of the national HD channel set.

As a side note, with the impending rate increases, I hope Verizon moves the NFL Network to the sports tier next year with a matching HD sports tier when they set one up. Carrying the NFL Network on the "premier" (really the basic) tier only pushes the monthly costs up. With only 8 NFL games a year, it should be on the sports tier for people who want to subscribe to it. I may sign up for the sport tier myself, but I think it is only fair to let non-NFL fans opt out of paying for a specialized single sports channel.

With as much as the NFL is fighting with Comcast for them putting the network on their sports tier. I don't expect FIOS to do the same. Especially since it's an excellent selling point.
Personally I will watch the NFL network as part of the basic plan. But I'm not going to pay extra money for a sports tier that I will rarely watch.

mrvegas1

11-22-07, 01:30 PM

Why wouldn't the NFL Network game not be available in HD on Fios? The NFL Network HD channel is part of the national HD channel set.

What channel is it? I don't see it.

GeekGirl

11-22-07, 02:44 PM

Channel 828 in Philly. Works fine

hernanu

11-23-07, 02:17 PM

Ok - I finally see HD VOD movies (watched "Stomp the Yard", now watching penguins sing and dance) here in Mass. I searched for the HDTV folder, then looked through the offerings. Looks good so far, Borat, Ricky Bobby... etc.

I've gotta say - this bodes well for IP based TV for future FIOS implementation. The quality is very good, seeing no pixelation, artefacts, anything so far. Looks good for two movies with a lot of stuff going on.

aaronwt

11-23-07, 02:31 PM

RockStrongo

11-23-07, 05:27 PM

bfdtv

11-23-07, 05:37 PM

Do you have a coax run upstairs? If so, you can use a Motorola NIM100 (sold on ebay) to get a 100Mbps ethernet connection.

RockStrongo

11-23-07, 05:39 PM

Do you have a coax run upstairs? If so, you can use a Motorola NIM100 (sold on ebay) to get a 100Mbps ethernet connection.

I have coax upstairs but not in that bedroom...I was hoping to do this wirelessly for this computer. Its a guest room and isnt used much, but I do want a steady connection.

bfdtv

11-23-07, 06:02 PM

What wireless router are you using in the study? The wireless range on the FiOS-supplied Actiontec tends to be pretty limited.

aaronwt

11-23-07, 06:48 PM

You can get a wireless extender.
Or does the actiontec have several levels of signal strength to choose from ? My wireless routers and access points all have several settings for signal strength. If the Actiontec does set it on the highest strength to increase the wireless range.

hernanu

11-23-07, 07:41 PM

Except for the loss in bandwidth. My internet connection drops from 30mbs to 17mbs when an HD VOD is being watched. If you have two HD VOD streams being watched that would drop the bandwidth down to almost nothing.

Hmmm.... I'm not seeing that. I'm playing an HD VOD movie (Click) and get 17.5 Mbit / 1.68 up (on the 20/5 plan) on my wireless laptop. I stopped the movie (went to regular TV), and got 15.3 Mbit / 1.548 up. Given the vagaries of networks (my daughter and a friend are watching another SD VOD movies on their tube), I can't see much difference.

hernanu

11-23-07, 07:55 PM

Ok guys, I need a quick bit of help with my Verizon FIOS network (Triple Freedom TV/Internet/Phone)...

My wireless router is in the study along with my HT(Tivo HD, 360 and HD-DVD connected to it). Works great wirelessly with my laptop for the internet. But, my upstairs desktop doesnt get a good signal. What do I need to buy to increase the range/signal?? Suggestions??

My desktop upstairs has a Dlink rangebooster USB network adapter that gets a signal, but very low and drops occasionally. Any help is appreciated!

I would recommend a more powerful router. I use a Belkin N1 router (a draft-N) and get about four times the power. It would require you using a draft-N adapter as well, but I have no trouble with speed. Since it's a desktop, get a PCI based interface, the USB connector may have enough oomph.

A wireless connection requires power from both directions. If one is less powerful, the other end has to make up for it. Remember too, that other than 'a' connections, all other wireless connections use the 2.4 Ghz wavelength and can be interfered with by other 2.4 G devices, like wireless phones (not cell), some clustered electronics and (amazingly enough) microwave ovens. I've put a separate wireless router away from other elecronics devices, and my connection is usually clean.

aaronwt

11-23-07, 07:59 PM

Hmmm.... I'm not seeing that. I'm playing an HD VOD movie (Click) and get 17.5 Mbit / 1.68 up (on the 20/5 plan) on my wireless laptop. I stopped the movie (went to regular TV), and got 15.3 Mbit / 1.548 up. Given the vagaries of networks (my daughter and a friend are watching another SD VOD movies on their tube), I can't see much difference.

It is consistent for me. I use this file, ftp://ftp1.optonline.net/test512, for a test download. It is 512MB and will max out my 30mbs connection. The ONT is capped at 30mbs and the HD VOD takes ups 13mbs so I always get 17mbs on the file download or the speed tests. SD VOD takes around 5mbs away from my bandwidth. It is consistent for me and nvever varies. Without HD VOD I get 30mbs, with HD VOD running I always get 17mbs download. Until the increase the speed to each ONT it won't be fixed.
My upload speed is less consistent. I've never seen higher then 4.6mbs up, but it seems to vary between 2.5mbs and 4.6 mbs but part of that could also be the number of components on my network. I have 24 devices on it so some of them are probably affecting the test.

RockStrongo

11-23-07, 11:28 PM

Thanks guys....I dont know much about this Verizon router, how do you get into the settings?

If I get another router, do I just plug it up to the current one?

jwheeler

11-23-07, 11:30 PM

192.168.1.1

username: admin
Password: password or password1

bfdtv

11-23-07, 11:53 PM

Thanks guys....I dont know much about this Verizon router, how do you get into the settings?

If I get another router, do I just plug it up to the current one?If you are looking to extend your wireless range, you would login to the Actiontec using the information in the previous post and disable its wireless function.

You would then connect another router to your Actiontec and use its wireless. If you're looking for the best possible wireless range, I would suggest two of these (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Buffalo-Technology-Wireless-G-MIMO-Performance-Router-Access-Point-WHRHPG54/sem/rpsm/oid/162405/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) or two of these (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Buffalo-Technology-Wireless-G-High-Speed-Router-WHR-G125/sem/rpsm/oid/184832/catOid/-12980/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do). Connect one to the Actiontec downstairs and the other to your computer upstairs. This would eliminate the need for the USB wireless card. To do this, you must have a 100Mbps ethernet connection on your [upstairs] desktop PC.

RockStrongo

11-24-07, 12:03 AM

Thanks for the advice guys! It was alot of help!

ZenithPete

11-24-07, 08:44 PM

So is fios going to be available in these parts of rhode island by the end of the year? Doesn't seem like it.

October 2, 2007

And Verizon is awaiting state approval to offer FiOS TV in service areas 2, 3, and 8, which include approximately 158,000 more households in Charlestown, Cranston, Foster, Hopkinton, Johnston, Narragansett, North Providence, Providence, Richmond, Scituate, South Kingstown and Westerly. The company expects to make FiOS TV available in these three service areas by the end of this year.

vd0

11-26-07, 12:39 AM

SureWest has more of the channels (http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/AQTU25923102007-1.htm) members here want and are adding more later this year. It's, just like FiOS, a FTTH and doing it the right way, I think.

Does anyone know if SureWest uses a larger amount of bandwidth for its HD channels like FiOS does? I also read that FiOS has more vertical resolution in its SD channels - does anyone know if SureWest does that as well?

I see FiOS advertising their higher quality a lot, but SureWest does not seem to do that. In the one press release (http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/071023/aqtu259.html?.v=1), they mention being able to add additional HD channels without sacrificing picture quality, but it is hard to tell if that means their quality is as good as FiOS.

Since SureWest serves different markets than FiOS, I doubt there is anyone who has been able to compare between the two, but is there anyone who has been able to compare between SureWest and DirecTV to know if SureWest has noticeably better PQ than DirecTV?

EDIT: OK, I had to did a little to find it, but apparently there is a thread (http://avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=595552) on this forum for SureWest so I can see if anyone compares it to DirecTV there. Would still be interested if anyone knows if it is as good as FiOS, though.
There is not a lot about SureWest on this forum, with it serving a smaller area, but I am hoping there is someone who has had experience with it that could reply.

joeinma

11-26-07, 02:52 PM

If the only thing holding you back is the DVR, you can always buy a Tivo. If I switched there's no doubt that's exactly what I would do since the only thing worse that the SA8300HD I have now is the one Verizon offers. The only thing holding me back from switching now is the lack of HD channels being added by Verizon. If they start adding them as promised, there's no doubt I'll switch unless they start upping their prices.

Are the FIOS problems only with the DVR? I need 5 boxes if we switch, an HD DVR, 2 HD non-DVR's, a regular DVR and a standard receiver. Wouldn't want to have to buy 5 Tivo's! If it's just the DVR's that are having issues, that may not be a bad idea. I have DirecTivo's now with DirecTV and it would be a bummer losing Tivo's great software.

hernanu

11-26-07, 05:06 PM

Are the FIOS problems only with the DVR? I need 5 boxes if we switch, an HD DVR, 2 HD non-DVR's, a regular DVR and a standard receiver. Wouldn't want to have to buy 5 Tivo's! If it's just the DVR's that are having issues, that may not be a bad idea. I have DirecTivo's now with DirecTV and it would be a bummer losing Tivo's great software.

As far as I can see, that and the slower rollout of HD channels as compared to D*. That is somewhat of a smokescreen, though, since Verizon plans a much bigger rollout of new channels next year, and from what I've heard, many of the D* channels don't have much HD.

I also came from a D* house (5 years, 3 DirecTivos, 1 set top box) and converted all of those to (1 media HD DVR, 2 regular HD DVR's, 1 set top box). There have been issues, including one premature upgrade of the DVR interface that should have been held off until now (I got it in August). The DVR's new IMG has teething pains that are being addressed and should be much better soon (hopefully). Despite these, I have had issues maybe one or two days out of the last year or so. I remember more of those from D*.

The comparison of interfaces is another issue entirely. Some people much prefer the Tivo interface to the FIOS IMG; this is based on it being a much more mature product, and comfortable to those used to it. In that case, you can use FIOS by using cable cards and a new Tivo unit. You won't be able to use your DirecTivos. I've been fine with both the old and new FIOS interfaces.

A second issue is capacity. The Tivo units can be much larger, and can be set up to add drives for storage. I had gotten used to not having a huge amount of space (early DirecTivo) so the current space is more than enough for me for now. Hopefully the FIOS DVR's will have expanded storage in the near future.

Other than those issues with the DVR, I have had no problem with service stoppages like I had with both COMCAST and D* for different reasons, and the service people have been excellent when I've deal with them. The TV, Internet and phone services themselves are excellent.

aaronwt

11-26-07, 08:17 PM

Getting five HDTiVos is the better deal. I have three Series 3 TiVos and one TiVoHD on Fios, and on TiVoHD just with OTA.
The TiVos are worth it compared to all the other DVR offerings.

afiggatt

11-28-07, 10:12 AM

A maintenance update to the IMG software, Release 1.0.4, was released this morning in FL, Western PA, and IN. On the Fios forum at dslreports.com in the Fios 2.0 Maintenance Update thread, there is a rather long list of issues addressed. The reports are that is if the update looks stable, it will be rolled out over the next several weeks to the other IMG states. The early word however is that some of the DVRs are locking up, but these are second or third hand reports, not so far from anyone who got the new release 1.0.4. Presumably sometime after that Eastern PA, NJ, and NY will finally get the IMG (for better or for worse).

Ken Ross

11-28-07, 12:19 PM

Presumably sometime after that Eastern PA, NJ, and NY will finally get the IMG (for better or for worse).

I would expect sometime in 2009 N.Y. just might get the new IMG...but I wouldn't bet on it. ;)

I'm sure we're done for 2007.

eddiscus

11-28-07, 06:45 PM

I would expect sometime in 2009 N.Y. just might get the new IMG...but I wouldn't bet on it. ;)

I'm sure we're done for 2007.

Fine by me. At least the old IPG is dependable (for the most part) and function navigation makes more sense than the new IMG.

JohnGZ28

11-28-07, 09:12 PM

mpark

11-29-07, 01:39 AM

I have my PCs set to lock out NC-17, TV MA, and X. Every time I turn on the TV I have to enter the code to unlock the channel regardless of what channel it's on.

Is anyone else experiencing this with the new IMG?
Occassionally I have this on one of my boxes. I don't have any parental controls turned on and I have to manually turn them off.

bonzy

11-29-07, 09:13 AM

HILLTOP SAILOR

11-29-07, 09:23 AM

I just got the IMG maintenance update in Fort Wayne.

Was working great with some welcome fixes, but I discovered that if I tuned to a non-HD channel, the picture flickers off and says "searching for signals" as if the res is wrong.

I called VZ, and the tech reset the box remotely. Dead. I unplugged it, plugged back in, turned on... just displays a "0".. no picture/sound.

Luckily I had scheduled a service visit for Saturday before the new update came out (I was getting frequent reboots/crashes).

The IMG is still not ready for the big time. As some would say: It definitely needs to return to New Haven for a major rewrite.

mrothgeb

11-29-07, 11:00 AM

Wanted to know if anyone else has found that the HD-VOD is now empty. Did a search and it does not come back with any available HDVOD. Verizons killing me.
Thanks

Ken Ross

11-29-07, 11:47 AM

Fine by me. At least the old IPG is dependable (for the most part) and function navigation makes more sense than the new IMG.

Not so fine when you can't access PPV HD without the new IMG.

Ken Ross

11-29-07, 11:49 AM

I just got the IMG maintenance update in Fort Wayne.

Was working great with some welcome fixes, but I discovered that if I tuned to a non-HD channel, the picture flickers off and says "searching for signals" as if the res is wrong.

I called VZ, and the tech reset the box remotely. Dead. I unplugged it, plugged back in, turned on... just displays a "0".. no picture/sound.

Luckily I had scheduled a service visit for Saturday before the new update came out (I was getting frequent reboots/crashes).

I have a somwhat similar issue with the old IMG/box. Although i don't lose the picture, the box seems to like to set itself to native 480i on SD channels. I prefer upscaling everything to 1080i, but it never seems to 'stick'. After I make the change it behaves OK for a few days and then goes back to native SD on SD channels.

jeepmon

11-29-07, 12:31 PM

Not so fine when you can't access PPV HD without the new IMG.

It seems we no longer have any HD VOD (nor PPV) even with the new IMG. The folder is blank since yesterday (or maybe before - I haven't looked since the weekend).

I would love to still have the old IMG, wasn't very attractive, however, was reliable. The new IMG is simply a disaster. If I miss yet another recording I just may go postal (or fiosal)!!

jeepmon

11-29-07, 12:32 PM

Wanted to know if anyone else has found that the HD-VOD is now empty. Did a search and it does not come back with any available HDVOD. Verizons killing me.
Thanks

Yep - empty!!

URFloorMatt

11-29-07, 12:50 PM

It seems we no longer have any HD VOD (nor PPV) even with the new IMG. The folder is blank since yesterday (or maybe before - I haven't looked since the weekend).

According to DSL Reports, the folks with the IMG maintenance update have about 50 HD-VOD.

jeepmon

11-29-07, 01:11 PM

According to DSL Reports, the folks with the IMG maintenance update have about 50 HD-VOD.

That's cool!! Maybe they're just clearing them all before the maintenance update.

Hopefully this will fix at least most the issues - if it doesn't clear at least 50% I think I would still rather have the old IMG with no HD VOD than the new IMG with 50 HD-VOD's. Yes - it's that bad!!

billodom

11-29-07, 01:38 PM

According to DSL Reports, the folks with the IMG maintenance update have about 50 HD-VOD.According to the last post in that thread, their HD-VOD is empty as well--for now.
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19524788-50-HDVOD-titles-today

hernanu

11-30-07, 01:20 PM

Went in to check on the folder and it is now empty. Seems kinda cruel after seeing 50+ titles there, but there were some great samples. I viewed several things from History HD, would be great to get this as one of the new HD channels.

As others said, can't wait until the upgrade to see HD VOD again - worked great at my house.

siersema

12-02-07, 11:16 PM

I see from some posts that the new image is rolling out. What are the revision and update numbers? I also noticed no one posted on this thread for two days!!!

joegarrett

12-03-07, 10:14 AM

I see from some posts that the new image is rolling out. What are the revision and update numbers? I also noticed no one posted on this thread for two days!!!

Release: 1.0.4
Build Number: 05.68

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19523400-FIOS-20-Maintenance-Patch-Released

HILLTOP SAILOR

12-03-07, 12:08 PM

Release: 1.0.4
Build Number: 05.68

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19523400-FIOS-20-Maintenance-Patch-Released

Has the problem of adding the Spanish language channel equivalents when you add the English ones been fixed?

DCFan

12-04-07, 06:27 AM

Verizon is running TV ads for a free 19" HD LCD TV if you sign up for the 3-some of TV, internet and telephone service. Nice. :)

jeepmon

12-04-07, 08:49 AM

Verizon is running TV ads for a free 19" HD LCD TV if you sign up for the 3-some of TV, internet and telephone service. Nice. :)

Not so nice, my in-laws called to get FiOS TV and Internet (currently have D* and DSL), they were advised that because they already have Verizon Home Phone they were not eligible for the TV:mad:.

It seems it's directed toward getting people with Comcast (etc.) Triple Play.

joegarrett

12-04-07, 09:32 AM

Has the problem of adding the Spanish language channel equivalents when you add the English ones been fixed?

Sorry, I don't have an answer for you on this one.

Bluemoon70

12-04-07, 09:33 AM

Verizon is running TV ads for a free 19" HD LCD TV if you sign up for the 3-some of TV, internet and telephone service. Nice. :)
I had fios installed last week they asked me if i wanted the 19" HD LCD TV or a 200 gift certificate towards bb

GeekGirl

12-04-07, 08:16 PM

It's back!:) NASA space shuttle launch on HDNet. In the program guide, ready to go.

Thu, Dec 6 - 3:30 PM ET 12:30 PM PT NASA on HDNet - LIVE!
Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Launch - The seven astronauts aboard Atlantis will begin a planned 11-day mission to install the European-built 'Columbus' laboratory. Live from the Kennedy Space Center's launch pad 39a on Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Replay on Saturday: http://hd.net/program_search_results.html?keyword=nasa&whattosearch=both&ws=1

Let's hope they use the NASA Channel audio this time and not the announcer.

afiggatt

12-04-07, 09:56 PM

There was a post at dslreports that claimed the HD VOD was formally rolled out this morning to FL, IN, and western PA. It has been confirmed by someone in FL that they have some HD VOD programs in the folders. Anyone on this thread in IN or western PA who can check their VOD line-up and see if there are any HD programs? However, it looks as if the long awaited roll-out of HD VOD beyond the central and SE VA area has finally begun.

If the posts from claimed insiders are correct, the IMG patch may get rolled out to VA and MD later this week. We'll have to check the release number to see if it changes.

eric.exe

12-04-07, 10:49 PM

^Do I get HD VOD even though Verizon hasn't blessed me with the IMG yet?

JohnGZ28

12-05-07, 05:31 AM

afiggatt

12-05-07, 11:43 AM

^Do I get HD VOD even though Verizon hasn't blessed me with the IMG yet?
If you are in NJ, not until early 2008. Not sure when NJ, NY, and eastern PA will get the new IMG software, presumably with the release 1.0.4 fixes, but it may not be until January. Then the HD VOD would probably follow.

We now have an answer as to who will will HD VOD in December, as Verizon put out a press release today announcing the HD VOD roll-out to FL, IN, Pittsburgh: http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2007/hd-video-on-demand-now.html. The key paragraph is:

"HD VOD is now available over the FiOS TV systems in Richmond and Virginia Beach, Va.; Tampa, Fla.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; and Pittsburgh. It is coming soon to the FiOS systems in the Washington, D.C., metro area, Massachusetts and Rhode Island; and to Verizon's remaining FiOS TV markets next year."

So some of us are getting HD VOD for the holidays, the rest are getting coal in their stockings. :p

Ken Ross

12-05-07, 06:30 PM

If you are in NJ, not until early 2008. Not sure when NJ, NY, and eastern PA will get the new IMG software, presumably with the release 1.0.4 fixes, but it may not be until January. Then the HD VOD would probably follow.

The not so funny part of this is that N.Y. was sent out the mailings as well as the phone calls regarding the new IMG...only that was about 2 months ago! Do they think anyone will remember when they actually decide to release the new IMG in this area...if they ever do? :rolleyes:

dtv757

12-05-07, 07:03 PM

...
http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2007/hd-video-on-demand-now.html. The key paragraph is:

"HD VOD is now available over the FiOS TV systems in Richmond and Virginia Beach, Va.; Tampa, Fla.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; and Pittsburgh. It is coming soon to the FiOS systems in the Washington, D.C., metro area, Massachusetts and Rhode Island; and to Verizon's remaining FiOS TV markets next year."

So some of us are getting HD VOD for the holidays, the rest are getting coal in their stockings. :p

some of us are getting coal ha thats funny, but hopefully HD VOD will be available to all before the new channels launch. (in spring)

euryd

12-05-07, 09:54 PM

bfdtv

12-05-07, 11:37 PM

Could someone please summarize the typical HD video quality from FIOS versus D* or E* or cable? I am trying to decide if it is worth switching over when it is available for me.

This thread has gotten so long I cannot find what the latest consensus is on HD video quality. I understand that cable quality will be different depending on location. Thanks.Verizon FiOS still has the best quality HD available.

FiOS is the only U.S. provider to pass through the original, unaltered HD feeds from content providers on all of their systems. Comcast does this on some systems and not others. Most Cablevision, Charter, Cox, and TWC systems -- as well as Dish and DirecTV -- recompress their feeds and degrade quality (the level of degradation varies by system).

You've got to balance quality vs. selection. At the moment, Verizon FiOS only has ~30 HD channels -- half as many as DirecTV -- but they've announced plans to add 30 more next spring, with 150 total by the end of 2008. You've got to subscribe by January 18 if you want to lock in the $42.99/mo rate for those channels until 2009. If you subscribe after January 18, then you get hit with the increase to $47.99/mo. Unlike DirecTV and some other cable providers, there is no extra fee for HD channels. It's all included in the $42.99/mo rate.

You should be aware that the FiOS' Motorola DVR still has a number of bugs and is limited to ~20 hours of HD storage; external storage is not supported. DirecTV and Dish Network both offer better DVRs. If you want a high-quality DVR on FiOS with support for external expansion, you have to pony up $250 for the TivoHD. Dish Network offers one HDTV DVR for free per account, although most DirecTV customers have to pay $199 - $299 for their DVR.

aaronwt

12-06-07, 12:06 AM

And with DirecTV after paying the $199 to $299 you still don't own the box. It remains the property of DirecTV.

RAJay

12-06-07, 10:53 AM

HILLTOP SAILOR

12-06-07, 11:21 AM

Quick Questions for people who have had FIOS already installed in your area.

How long was the construction process? Were you notified when they started and also when it became available?

I recently got a doorhanger that said they were installing FIOS in my area and that they might be digging, etc... I called the Verizon sales office to see when the service might be available and they quoted me a "Tenative Date of June '08"

Unfortunately, I'm anxious to get FIOS. Thanks for anyone who might reply to these questions.

-Jason

With VZ, one has to be patient since they almost never say when they are going to do something to their system in any general district. When it comes to the individual home, they are very good about meeting their promised arrival time for an install.

As for the physical installation:
- The trench digging for the neighborhood will take several weeks and is a mess. They are very good about fixing what they break. If you have someone at home during the day, make sure that person touches base with the supervisor in the pickup truck. He will usually order a fix on the spot if you tell him about a concern.
- It may be a month or more after the cable is laid before the home installations actually begin.
- Depending on the legal issues in your community, you may or may not have the TV portion available at first. You may just have access to the internet and phone parts. Once your local government and the company come to an agreement on the rules for the TV then you can get it. That TV bargaining with the city can take a long time.
- The actual home installation is in two parts. First, a sub-contractor will dig another small trench from the distribution box to the side of your house. A few days later, the team will come out and install your system inside the house. The actual install takes about half a day. Fiber-optic cable is run to the FiOS box they install on the side of your house. The wiring inside the home is copper and not fiber-optic. After testing the signal strength of that in-home wiring, they then connect your existing TV wiring to that box on the side of the house. They only install new in-home wiring if the existing stuff is inadequate. No cost for the install in most homes. There is an additional charge for some complicated installs with lots of outlets. When the company comes out for the home survey you can discuss this possible cost issue with him.
- When ordering, it pays to get the combination packages. They have some good deals.

euryd

12-06-07, 12:34 PM

Verizon FiOS still has the best quality HD available.

FiOS is the only U.S. provider to pass through the original, unaltered HD feeds from content providers on all of their systems. Comcast does this on some systems and not others. Most Cablevision, Charter, Cox, and TWC systems -- as well as Dish and DirecTV -- recompress their feeds and degrade quality (the level of degradation varies by system).

You've got to balance quality vs. selection. At the moment, Verizon FiOS only has ~30 HD channels -- half as many as DirecTV -- but they've announced plans to add 30 more next spring, with 150 total by the end of 2008. You've got to subscribe by January 18 if you want to lock in the $42.99/mo rate for those channels until 2009. If you subscribe after January 18, then you get hit with the increase to $47.99/mo. Unlike DirecTV and some other cable providers, there is no extra fee for HD channels. It's all included in the $42.99/mo rate.

You should be aware that the FiOS' Motorola DVR still has a number of bugs and is limited to ~20 hours of HD storage; external storage is not supported. DirecTV and Dish Network both offer better DVRs. If you want a high-quality DVR on FiOS with support for external expansion, you have to pony up $250 for the TivoHD. Dish Network offers one HDTV DVR for free per account, although most DirecTV customers have to pay $199 - $299 for their DVR.

Thanks for the information. The service price seems really impressive. It is quite a bit less than what I am paying for E*.

How do you know FIOS is passing the unaltered original HD stream? E* has been down sampling their streams to 1440x1080. It used to be 1920x1080. Do you happen to know what the FIOS resolution is? Thanks.

VARTV

12-06-07, 12:34 PM

With VZ, one has to be patient since they almost never say when they are going to do something to their system in any general district. When it comes to the individual home, they are very good about meeting their promised arrival time for an install.

As for the physical installation:
- The trench digging for the neighborhood will take several weeks and is a mess. They are very good about fixing what they break. If you have someone at home during the day, make sure that person touches base with the supervisor in the pickup truck. He will usually order a fix on the spot if you tell him about a concern.
- It may be a month or more after the cable is laid before the home installations actually begin.
- Depending on the legal issues in your community, you may or may not have the TV portion available at first. You may just have access to the internet and phone parts. Once your local government and the company come to an agreement on the rules for the TV then you can get it. That TV bargaining with the city can take a long time.
- The actual home installation is in two parts. First, a sub-contractor will dig another small trench from the distribution box to the side of your house. A few days later, the team will come out and install your system inside the house. The actual install takes about half a day. Fiber-optic cable is run to the FiOS box they install on the side of your house. The wiring inside the home is copper and not fiber-optic. After testing the signal strength of that in-home wiring, they then connect your existing TV wiring to that box on the side of the house. They only install new in-home wiring if the existing stuff is inadequate. No cost for the install in most homes. There is an additional charge for some complicated installs with lots of outlets. When the company comes out for the home survey you can discuss this possible cost issue with him.
- When ordering, it pays to get the combination packages. They have some good deals.Right after the door hang (a couple of days), utilities were marked (gas, electric, cable, phone, sewer, etc). A few days after that, they started digging. They are finishing laying conduit on the last two houses in here. Fiber has NOT been pulled yet.

Overall, they did a pretty good job here. One neighbor actually called the police. I think he was a little shocked at the piles of dirt in his yard when he came home in the late afternoon. He spent some good money to maintain his yard and was upset that it was dug up in several places. They have been no accidental cuts in this neighborhood (16 homes). After they laid the grass back over the digging, we'll see how it looks in March/April when it starts growing again. If its not to my satisfaction, I'll just pull it up in places and seed myself. Really not worried about. And I take much pride in my yard... We'll see...

HILLTOP SAILOR

12-06-07, 01:41 PM

Right after the door hang (a couple of days), utilities were marked (gas, electric, cable, phone, sewer, etc). A few days after that, they started digging. They are finishing laying conduit on the last two houses in here. Fiber has NOT been pulled yet.

Overall, they did a pretty good job here. One neighbor actually called the police. I think he was a little shocked at the piles of dirt in his yard when he came home in the late afternoon. He spent some good money to maintain his yard and was upset that it was dug up in several places. They have been no accidental cuts in this neighborhood (16 homes). After they laid the grass back over the digging, we'll see how it looks in March/April when it starts growing again. If its not to my satisfaction, I'll just pull it up in places and seed myself. Really not worried about. And I take much pride in my yard... We'll see...
If VZ handseeded the digging afterwards, they probably used really cheap seed like they did on my lot. I had to use Roundup and start over, but they were not large areas so not that big a deal.

HILLTOP SAILOR

12-06-07, 01:44 PM

One neighbor actually called the police. I think he was a little shocked at the piles of dirt in his yard when he came home in the late afternoon. He spent some good money to maintain his yard and was upset that it was dug up in several places.
How did he think they were going to get the fiber under the ground? Call CAPT Kirk and have it "transported" under there? :rolleyes:

Tyzerman

12-06-07, 01:45 PM

I just called Verizon to see if I could be grandfathered into the TV offering (just got the ultimate bundle in MD a month ago), and was given a $50 credit as a consolation prize. Has anyone else tried this?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Verizon is running TV ads for a free 19" HD LCD TV if you sign up for the 3-some of TV, internet and telephone service. Nice.

VARTV

12-06-07, 02:13 PM

If VZ handseeded the digging afterwards, they probably used really cheap seed like they did on my lot. I had to use Roundup and start over, but they were not large areas so not that big a deal.My neighbor brought this up to me Tuesday, using cheap seed and concerned about crabgrass next Spring. Yesterday, they were out here early seeding. I just missed them.

I decided to cut my yard and most of it got sucked up, about 15 minutes after they put it down... Hahaha...

I'm glad the yard wasn't mowed for over two weeks. All the foot traffic, etc trampled the grass. I got out my blower to lift some of the trampled grass then I mowed. Honestly, the yard doesn't look bad at all. I feared worse. As I said above, we'll see when Spring comes around to what happens...

VARTV

12-06-07, 02:14 PM

How did he think they were going to get the fiber under the ground? Call CAPT Kirk and have it "transported" under there? :rolleyes:It sounds like to me if he had a choose, he would pick Verizon to skip his house... :D

bfdtv

12-06-07, 03:39 PM

Thanks for the information. The service price seems really impressive. It is quite a bit less than what I am paying for E*.

How do you know FIOS is passing the unaltered original HD stream? E* has been down sampling their streams to 1440x1080. It used to be 1920x1080. Do you happen to know what the FIOS resolution is? Thanks.
Verizon advertises as much.

But we don't have to take Verizon's word for it -- we can check ourselves. With a $250 TiVoHD, you can directly download all FiOS HD recordings to your computer, as seen below.

http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/tivoweb_small.gif (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/tivoweb.png)
Click for larger.

All 1080i channels on FiOS are full 1920x1080i. Most SD channels are 704x480 compared to 480x480 on Dish Network and DirecTV.

flipit

12-06-07, 04:23 PM

...But we don't have to take Verizon's word for it -- we can check ourselves. With a $250 TiVoHD, you can directly download all FiOS HD recordings to your computer, as seen below.

BFDTV:

Very interesting. Of what is this a screenshot? You get direct access to your TiVo HD NPL by entering it's IP address? The only way I've traditionally viewed this type of information (for S3) is through TiVo Desktop.

URFloorMatt

12-06-07, 04:49 PM

Frankly, Verizon needs a little more clout in the TV business. NatGeo HD and Discovery HD look like crap by comparison to all the other channels on FiOS because they've been so bit-starved at the source.

ridgefamus

12-06-07, 04:51 PM

My neighbor brought this up to me Tuesday, using cheap seed and concerned about crabgrass next Spring. Yesterday, they were out here early seeding. I just missed them.

I decided to cut my yard and most of it got sucked up, about 15 minutes after they put it down... Hahaha...

I'm glad the yard wasn't mowed for over two weeks. All the foot traffic, etc trampled the grass. I got out my blower to lift some of the trampled grass then I mowed. Honestly, the yard doesn't look bad at all. I feared worse. As I said above, we'll see when Spring comes around to what happens...

In our neighborhood Verizon's contractor burrowed under the front yards and driveways (~90 ft.) to lay the main fiber feed. All our utilities are underground. The only digging was at every other house corner where the connection pedestal was installed and that's where the entry point for the burrower was. (I forget the trade name of the equipment; it was done 2 1/2 yrs. ago and we're just now getting the TV service.:rolleyes:) The only above-ground trenching that was done was to connect the main line to the house and that was handled very nicely. No complaints.

euryd

12-06-07, 05:34 PM

Verizon advertises as much.

But we don't have to take Verizon's word for it -- we can check ourselves. With a $250 TiVoHD, you can directly download all FiOS HD recordings to your computer, as seen below.

http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/tivoweb_small.gif (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/tivoweb.png)
Click for larger.

All 1080i channels on FiOS are full 1920x1080i. Most SD channels are 704x480 compared to 480x480 on Dish Network and DirecTV.

Once the streams are downloaded onto your PC, can you play these streams directly from the PC (to display) without the HD Tivo? Thanks.

bfdtv

12-06-07, 05:55 PM

Once the streams are downloaded onto your PC, can you play these streams directly from the PC (to display) without the HD Tivo? Thanks.Of course. You can also burn them to DVD, and even create HD-DVD and Blu-ray compatible disks using standard DVD media.

With a program like VideoRedo TVSuite and the free AutoProcessor add-on (http://www.videoredo.net/msgBoard/showthread.php?t=4712), commercials are removed automatically as the high-definition recordings are downloaded to your PC. Then you can transfer those recordings back to the TiVo, commercial free, or burn them to DVD or Blu-ray disk. Note the "Create DVD" button in VideoRedo.

Screenshot of VideoRedo (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/videoredo/videoredo3.png)
Screenshot of AutoProcessor add-on for VideoRedo (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/videoredo/autoprocessor.png) (ugly, but it works great)

Creating HD-DVDs from TiVo recordings using DVD media #1 (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/author/import.png)
Creating HD-DVDs from TiVo recordings using DVD media #2 (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/author/menu.png)

Very interesting. Of what is this a screenshot? You get direct access to your TiVo HD NPL by entering it's IP address? The only way I've traditionally viewed this type of information (for S3) is through TiVo Desktop.That's just Firefox. You just type in the TiVo's IP address -- the login is tivo and the password is your TiVo's media access key.

With some fancy port forwarding, you can access your TiVo's recordings over the Internet from any remote computer. The 15/15 and 20/20 Internet plans help with that. :)

GeekGirl

12-06-07, 08:29 PM

For those looking to record the Space Shuttle launch- scrubbed until Saturday. http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/

Liftoff of mission STS-122 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center is now scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 8 at 3:43 p.m. EST according to LeRoy Cain, Mission Management Team chairman.
Weather officer Captain Chris Lovett said the weather conditions are slightly less favorable for Saturday's launch with a 40 percent chance of weather prohibiting launch.

The IMG hasn't been updated. Then again, neither has the HDNet web site. http://hd.net/program_search_results.html?keyword=nasa&whattosearch=both&ws=1

fmsjr

12-06-07, 09:28 PM

How did he think they were going to get the fiber under the ground? Call CAPT Kirk and have it "transported" under there? :rolleyes:

Most places in our neighborhood they ran the conduit in the common area (the 3' section between the sidewalk and street.) But for one stretch of several houses, they went on the homeowner's side of the walk... not sure why, unless there were too many power, phone & Cable Co. cables in the common area. I just wonder where the right-of-ways end and my property begins. The power co. transformers are about 8-10' up on our lawns.

euryd

12-07-07, 01:00 AM

Of course. You can also burn them to DVD, and even create HD-DVD and Blu-ray compatible disks using standard DVD media.

With a program like VideoRedo TVSuite and the free AutoProcessor add-on (http://www.videoredo.net/msgBoard/showthread.php?t=4712), commercials are removed automatically as the high-definition recordings are downloaded to your PC. Then you can transfer those recordings back to the TiVo, commercial free, or burn them to DVD or Blu-ray disk. Note the "Create DVD" button in VideoRedo.

Screenshot of VideoRedo (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/videoredo/videoredo3.png)
Screenshot of AutoProcessor add-on for VideoRedo (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/videoredo/autoprocessor.png) (ugly, but it works great)

Creating HD-DVDs from TiVo recordings using DVD media #1 (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/author/import.png)
Creating HD-DVDs from TiVo recordings using DVD media #2 (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/author/menu.png)

That's just Firefox. You just type in the TiVo's IP address -- the login is tivo and the password is your TiVo's media access key.

With some fancy port forwarding, you can access your TiVo's recordings over the Internet from any remote computer. The 15/15 and 20/20 Internet plans help with that. :)

That's really impressive. This is probably the best way to archive programming. Thanks, I just wished I could get Fios in my neighborhood.

Backdoc7

12-07-07, 07:53 PM

I had fios installed last week they asked me if i wanted the 19" HD LCD TV or a 200 gift certificate towards bb

i had fios installed last week too. i know have the triple play thing. anyway. nobody asked me if i wanted the tv or BB giftcertificate. is this an east coast thing or nationwide? im in so. cal. thanks. Bill.

jwheeler

12-07-07, 08:58 PM

Hey bfdtv, what about the rumor of new version of Tivo that will enable VOD? Is it worth waiting for or would the current HDTivo be able to do it with firmware upgrade?

bfdtv

12-07-07, 09:41 PM

Hey bfdtv, what about the rumor of new version of Tivo that will enable VOD? Is it worth waiting for or would the current HDTivo be able to do it with firmware upgrade?Tivo said they had reached an agreement with cable companies (i.e. Cable Labs) on a next-generation TiVo with built-in support for SDV and OCAP for VOD/PPV. Some sites like Arstechnica (http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20071130-tivo-reveals-comcast-pricing-plans-for-two-way-series-4-dvr.html) are referring to this as the "Tivo Series4." It is not expected soon -- TiVo said it would ship by October, 2008.

Everything should be the same as current TiVos -- or the current TiVo software at the time, since it continues to improve with software updates -- except the hardware will likely be newer/faster and the box will have a separate VOD menu. When you select that VOD menu, you'll get the same interface for VOD that you get with the cable company's own boxes.

These improvements won't do anything for FiOS customers because Verizon -- unlike other cable companies -- doesn't use OCAP to provide VOD, nor do they use SDV. FiOS uses their own proprietary implementation of VOD over IP, so unless CableCard standards are amended to add IP support, you'll always be stuck with the Verizon box for VOD.

Bluemoon70

12-08-07, 07:52 AM

i had fios installed last week too. i know have the triple play thing. anyway. nobody asked me if i wanted the tv or BB giftcertificate. is this an east coast thing or nationwide? im in so. cal. thanks. Bill.i dont know but i am out of nj.i would call to see if they have any specials going on.funny thing happened when i called to cancel my cable comp they dropped some $ off my monthly bill so i decided to stay with them i called fios back to cancel they said what would it take to get us to install fios i said if u take some $ off the monthly bill i would probably go with u guys well i kept going back and forth until they dropped 35 bucks off my monthly bill for up to a year.:D

GeekGirl

12-08-07, 09:12 AM

For those looking to record the Space Shuttle launch- scrubbed until Sunday. http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/

Dec. 7 - 10:15 p.m. EST
NASA is targeting the launch of space shuttle Atlantis no earlier than Sunday, Dec. 9, at 3:21 p.m. EST from the Kennedy Space Center, Fla. Shuttle program managers made the decision after a meeting Friday to review data on a problem with a fuel cutoff sensor system inside the shuttle and its external fuel tank.

GeekGirl

12-09-07, 10:08 AM

For those looking to record the Space Shuttle launch on HDNet, NASA has pushed back the launch until January http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html

Dec. 9 -9:30 a.m. EST
The launch of space shuttle Atlantis has been rescheduled for no earlier than Jan. 2, 2008. The postponement will give engineers time to evaluate false readings from the engine cutoff sensor system that measures liquid hydrogen in the external tank.

afiggatt

12-11-07, 09:31 AM

IMG patch Release 1.0.4 released in VA and MD
This thread has gotten rather quiet. I guess we are all happy with Verizon's HD line-up, eh? ;) I'm surprised that no one has posted here that the IMG patch release 1.0.4 (build 05.68 for the 6416 DVR) was rolled out this morning in VA and MD. Have not heard whether any other states got the patch today or not. I found 1 problem which is that the update wiped the closed caption display settings for font, size, background. I fixed the settings in the Motorola setup menu, but now the DVR is losing the user settings every time I turn the box off after I set them. I may just have to leave the DVR "on" all the time (until I get a TivoHD).

So it looks like northern VA and MD are indeed on the reported schedule to get HD VOD next week since we got the IMG patch this week.

rickypicky

12-11-07, 10:01 AM

I'll check when I get home. Damn! It seems every time I DON'T check in the morning, something happens.

mpark

12-11-07, 10:07 AM

Got it in Central Virginia over night last night. I haven't had time to explore the menus or fixes. My box woke me up at 5a - turning itself on & off several times and displaying weird messages while the upgrade was going on.

zebras23

12-11-07, 10:15 AM

I was up at 5AM to catch a flight out of DCA, all of my STBs were rebooting between 5 and 5:30. I didn't get a chance to turn on a set and check anything but that seems to be about the time the push occured.

hernanu

12-11-07, 10:38 AM