Something happened around 1:30 or so. I was watching a DVR recording and the box shut off and rebooted.

NY got the patch. It's being reported on DSL reports.

Was hit with the update in North Jersey monday night at prime time and seemed to be finished the next morning all boxes were powered off (normally I leave the HD DVR powered on).
Like Ken Ross said the HD Vod list seems to have increased. The user interface seems to respond better.
The green stripe on the right side of the screen when the display is in Dot by Dot mode is still present when using HDMI connection.
A new non critical bug seems to have been introduced. The message folder shows a new message, you go into the folder and there is a little blurb about how they plan on utilizing the message service ( like we dont know allready).
After viewing the message the message folder on the initial main GUI screen shows empty. The next day it shows a message the same as before and repeats every day.

Something happened around 1:30 or so. I was watching a DVR recording and the box shut off and rebooted.

This seems to happen to me every once in a while. I assume it's a bug that causes the os to panic resulting in a reboot.

So how about the customers in Fort Wayne, IN? How does it feel to have those analogs off your backs? Any news on when they or the rest of FiOS-land will see a trickle of the slated spring HD expansion?


I would love to know... I have been watching the Stanley Cup playoffs on VS in SD :mad:

Has anyone in the N.Y. area experienced what is apparently an overnight shutoff of the receiver? It appears they just added HD VOD (quite a bit of it actually), and I'm wondering if this is somehow related.

I get shutoffs all the time. probably once every 2-3 weeks. it's nice to finally have hd vod. some good choices too. now I just have to decide if I want to pay $5.99 for a a movie in hd, or go to my local waldbaums and rent one from the kiosk/machine thingy for $1.00 per day. it's not in hd, but at 1/6th the cost it's something to consider.

I get shutoffs all the time. probably once every 2-3 weeks. it's nice to finally have hd vod. some good choices too. now I just have to decide if I want to pay $5.99 for a a movie in hd, or go to my local waldbaums and rent one from the kiosk/machine thingy for $1.00 per day. it's not in hd, but at 1/6th the cost it's something to consider.
Strange that a good portion of the hd movies that they're charging for have already played on one or several of the movie channels. (ie free)

Edit : Tried out vod for the first time this morning and HD broadcast shows pixelate and stutter like crazy. SD broadcsat also pixelates/stutters mildly. What's up with that ? (live and dvr hd/sd is just fine)

I was wondering what deal everyone got when they first signed up with FiOS?? I know the free 23" Sharp HDTV promo ended a few months ago.

I signed up for the TV/Internet/Phone bundle last month for $99/month and a free $200 AMEX giftcard.

I just saw a new deal advertising the TV/Internet/Phone bundle for $95/month and a FREE Samsung i85 Multimedia Digital Camera (valued at $299.99)

Strange that a good portion of the hd movies that they're charging for have already played on one or several of the movie channels. (ie free)

Edit : Tried out vod for the first time this morning and HD broadcast shows pixelate and stutter like crazy. SD broadcsat also pixelates/stutters mildly. What's up with that ? (live and dvr hd/sd is just fine)

I wonder if they allocate the same amount of bandwidth for VOD.

I wonder if they allocate the same amount of bandwidth for VOD.

VOD comes in through IPTV, so it is part of the IP bandwidth. Right now the streams in there are probably your internet usage and any VOD subtracted from the total available (I think about 100 Mbits/s?).

As for pixelation of HD content, I had this also when I first started watching HD VOD a few months ago. The first couple of movies had that problem, which was disappointing. Something changed since, though, since I've had no issues even with some demanding HD shows (Rock concerts, action movies, etc.).

Some advice: since the VOD comes in over your IP path and your router, try power down reset of your router. That hopefully gives you a clean slate.

I was wondering what deal everyone got when they first signed up with FiOS?? I know the free 23" Sharp HDTV promo ended a few months ago.

I signed up for the TV/Internet/Phone bundle last month for $99/month and a free $200 AMEX giftcard.

I just saw a new deal advertising the TV/Internet/Phone bundle for $95/month and a FREE Samsung i85 Multimedia Digital Camera (valued at $299.99)
Are you sure that wasn't a Circuit City gift card ? You probably paid $99/mo for a 2 yr commitment. The lower price is for one yr,but then you have an increase. So you'r paying a bit of a premium for the longer price lock.

I wonder if they allocate the same amount of bandwidth for VOD.
Well, supposedly the ONT is capable of 30mb/sec and hd at it's best is 15mbps so streaming hd shouldn't be a problem. But I'm having trouble streaming sd, which is ~4mbps !

Are you sure that wasn't a Circuit City gift card ? You probably paid $99/mo for a 2 yr commitment. The lower price is for one yr,but then you have an increase. So you'r paying a bit of a premium for the longer price lock.

I'm sure it was am AMEX giftcard...

I didn't look at it that way... I think I should be happy with 2 years for $99/month. Who knows what the price would be jacked up to from $95 after one year.. Plus, I'd rather have the freedom to decide how to spend the $200 rather than them deciding on what $300 camera to give me... (not to mention I saw the same camera on Pricegrabber.com (http://www.Pricegrabber.com) for $250...

I asked because I'm also in NY and had install last month. But, when I ordered online the choice was the camera or the CC gift card, no Amex....interesting. Did you also get first mo of internet and premier tv service free ?

I have also been getting some box resets here in Garland TX. It happens every two or three weeks.

Our letter arrived today about the analog conversion. I fully expect to see a number of new HD channels added sometime in June.

VOD comes in through IPTV, so it is part of the IP bandwidth. Right now the streams in there are probably your internet usage and any VOD subtracted from the total available (I think about 100 Mbits/s?).

As for pixelation of HD content, I had this also when I first started watching HD VOD a few months ago. The first couple of movies had that problem, which was disappointing. Something changed since, though, since I've had no issues even with some demanding HD shows (Rock concerts, action movies, etc.).

Some advice: since the VOD comes in over your IP path and your router, try power down reset of your router. That hopefully gives you a clean slate.

The ONTs here are capped at 30mbs. Which unfortunately is also the fastest INternet connection they offer here. Any HD VOD useage drops my connection from 30mbs to 15mbs. I'm hoping they will increase the cap later this year after they upgrade system.

The ONTs here are capped at 30mbs. Which unfortunately is also the fastest INternet connection they offer here. Any HD VOD useage drops my connection from 30mbs to 15mbs. I'm hoping they will increase the cap later this year after they upgrade system.

Interesting, Aaron. Here the top speed is 30/15 now, but I've seen the 50 down plan earlier. I have the 20/20 plan, but I guess my question is what is actually available on the IP connection for IPTV. If the bandwith is capped at 30, then I should see at least some macroblocking and other artifacts on HD VOD, but I don't.

I ran an (admittedly not very scientific test), where I had SD VOD on two TV's, HD VOD on another and downloaded a very large file (~400 Mbytes) on my laptop. I did not see any degradation, so I wonder how that capping is done? (Serious question, not being sarcastic at all).

Interesting, Aaron. Here the top speed is 30/15 now, but I've seen the 50 down plan earlier. I have the 20/20 plan, but I guess my question is what is actually available on the IP connection for IPTV. If the bandwith is capped at 30, then I should see at least some macroblocking and other artifacts on HD VOD, but I don't.

I ran an (admittedly not very scientific test), where I had SD VOD on two TV's, HD VOD on another and downloaded a very large file (~400 Mbytes) on my laptop. I did not see any degradation, so I wonder how that capping is done? (Serious question, not being sarcastic at all).

The top tier here is also 30/15, I have the 30/5. But the upload speed is on a different wavelength than the download speed. When you say you downloaded to your laptop, what speed was it? you shouldn't see any macroblocking. The VOD is given the highest priority so any speed decrease would be noticed on the internet download speed. One HD stream at 15mbs and two SD feeds(under 5mbs) still leave you over 5mbs for the interent download speed if your ONTs are capped at 30mbs. They might be capped higher in your area, but in mine they are 30mbs. I worked with a persson in technical support who was trying to increase my cap. they have the ability in the software to do it but it wouldn't work since there was some other cap somewhere that limited the ONTs to 30mbs down in my area. I'm hoping they will offer a 50/20 tier here like in NY before my year is up. I would have no problem paying $90 a month for that speed, but right now $90 gets me 30/15 which isn't worth it when my 30/5 tier is currently $55.

The top tier here is also 30/15, I have the 30/5. But the upload speed is on a different wavelength than the download speed. When you say you downloaded to your laptop, what speed was it? you shouldn't see any macroblocking. The VOD is given the highest priority so any speed decrease would be noticed on the internet download speed. One HD stream at 15mbs and two SD feeds(under 5mbs) still leave you over 5mbs for the interent download speed if your ONTs are capped at 30mbs. They might be capped higher in your area, but in mine they are 30mbs. I worked with a persson in technical support who was trying to increase my cap. they have the ability in the software to do it but it wouldn't work since there was some other cap somewhere that limited the ONTs to 30mbs down in my area. I'm hoping they will offer a 50/20 tier here like in NY before my year is up. I would have no problem paying $90 a month for that speed, but right now $90 gets me 30/15 which isn't worth it when my 30/5 tier is currently $55.

Same thing here, $64 for 20/20, pops up to $90 for 30/15...

Don't remember the exact download speed, something on the order of 500k to 1Mbyte per second. Again, though, that's different if the routers have been ordered to prioritize video, you would see great throughput for VOD and less for data. I just got another HD TV, so a better test would be two HD VOD streams and two more SD VOD streams. That would push it over the limit and see some issues. May just do this when I get curious enough.

FiOS mentioned prominently and one of the reason IMHO we put up with the DVR issues and still waiting on more HD channels...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080421/ap_on_hi_te/compressed_hd;_ylt=AuYkQ6LWV9gX5IWifFKte.EjtBAF

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24238071/

FiOS mentioned prominently and one of the reason IMHO we put up with the DVR issues and still waiting on more HD channels...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080421/ap_on_hi_te/compressed_hd;_ylt=AuYkQ6LWV9gX5IWifFKte.EjtBAF

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24238071/

same articles ;)

same articles ;)Oops. Sorry. I hadn't read yours. Your summary line did not attract my attention for the same subject. :o

I love how they leave out the fact that the reason why FiOS doesn't compress is because they have the WORST HD lineup of any national provider in the country. Instead it states it's because of all the bandwidth they have, which we all know isn't true.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11798212#post11798212

I love how they leave out the fact that the reason why FiOS doesn't compress is because they have the WORST HD lineup of any national provider in the country. Instead it states it's because of all the bandwidth they have, which we all know isn't true.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11798212#post11798212

I thought the limitation was simply at their head-ends and that if they upgrade those they'll be good to go? In other words Fios is sorta upside down - the "last mile" is ready to roll but the hub distribution points weren't sufficiently built out...

I love how they leave out the fact that the reason why FiOS doesn't compress is because they have the WORST HD lineup of any national provider in the country. Instead it states it's because of all the bandwidth they have, which we all know isn't true.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11798212#post11798212

I'll take 1 HDNet with full bitrate over 30 DirecTV channels with ZERO HD content.

I love how they leave out the fact that the reason why FiOS doesn't compress is because they have the WORST HD lineup of any national provider in the country. Instead it states it's because of all the bandwidth they have, which we all know isn't true.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11798212#post11798212

Catch 22. If Verizon had just added a bunch of channels and crammed them into the existing QAM (rather than doing what they are doing, which is the right thing) you'd be complaining about the horrible PQ.

I thought the limitation was simply at their head-ends and that if they upgrade those they'll be good to go? In other words Fios is sorta upside down - the "last mile" is ready to roll but the hub distribution points weren't sufficiently built out...

Right, but the article pretends there is no bottleneck, when in reality their video hubs needs to be upgraded to support more QAM channels. FiOS could choose to squeeze 3 HD channels on each QAM channel and increase the number of HD channels as much as Comcast does.

It doesn't really matter where the bottleneck is, just that it is preventing them from delivering what we want.

Catch 22. If Verizon had just added a bunch of channels and crammed them into the existing QAM (rather than doing what they are doing, which is the right thing) you'd be complaining about the horrible PQ.

Yep, I didn't mean it that way. I prefer quality over quantity, otherwise I'd switch back to BHN so I could watch The History Channel HD.

Right, but the article pretends there is no bottleneck, when in reality their video hubs needs to be upgraded to support more QAM channels. FiOS could choose to squeeze 3 HD channels on each QAM channel and increase the number of HD channels as much as Comcast does.

It doesn't really matter where the bottleneck is, just that it is preventing them from delivering what we want.

Agreed. I did read like a "press release" conjured up by the FIOS spin doctors...

I'll take 1 HDNet with full bitrate over 30 DirecTV channels with ZERO HD content. I agree with that!

So, did Verizon shut off the analogs in NY as planned today?

I just want to know if/when they do add more HD channels post analog sunset, what will they be and will the Travel Channel HD be in the mix?

Hi All,
Another newbi here, with a Fios audio question. (L.A. area)
On my SD setup I have FiOS coming in through their Moto QIP2500-3 SD STB, with the optical audio out connected to a Denon AVR3802 receiver. The receiver's mode is set to "auto" and the little "digital" input light is on.
When I go through the channel lineup, the receiver's display says "PL II" for ProLogic II for almost all the channels. One exception was CNN, which the receiver decoded as "Dolby Digital", meaning discrete 5.1.
Are the other channels being sent dolby 2.0? Does it vary by content, i.e. do the networks sent 5.1 for sports or primetime shows?
Thanks for any info you can share.

Only the HD channels can carry 5.1 Dolby Digital; the SD channels use ProLogic ("matrix surround"). Since it appears you have an SD box, I'm actually surprised that you see a DD light for CNN.

I just want to know if/when they do add more HD channels post analog sunset, what will they be and will the Travel Channel HD be in the mix?
I don't think anyone here can answer that question. Verizon has the SD Travel Channel, so it is logical to expect them to eventually add the HD simulcast channel. But Verizon has not made any public statements about which channels they will add or when beyond the vague press release of last November about new HD channels being added on a market by market basis starting in the Spring of 2008. There have been a few press releases about agreements on HD channels from various companies, but those don't tell us is when Verizon will add those channels. Those in the know are almost certainly prohibited from publicly posting what channels are coming and when ahead of time. I would expect Travel Channel HD will be added later this year or early next year; they will need to add a lot of HD channels to get to that 150 HD channel number they claim. But whether it would be part of the 1st or 2nd round of HD channel expansions? We don't know.

Oregon market recently asked if/when new HD channels would be added to said market lineup during his video installation and the installer was quoted as August/September. Sounds more like Fall '08, than Spring '08 to me, but hopefully sooner the better.

That isn't to say that I'm not enjoying the HD I'm currently getting through FiOS TV, because I am. It's just that patience thing is not easy when you've got a beautiful HDTV and a Series3 TiVo that you want more HD availability.

Oregon market recently asked if/when new HD channels would be added to said market lineup during his video installation and the installer was quoted as August/September. Sounds more like Fall '08, than Spring '08 to me, but hopefully sooner the better.

My experience is that they keep their reps and installers as much in the dark as the rest of us. We will just have to wait and see.

Hi All,
Another newbi here, with a Fios audio question. (L.A. area)
On my SD setup I have FiOS coming in through their Moto QIP2500-3 SD STB, with the optical audio out connected to a Denon AVR3802 receiver. The receiver's mode is set to "auto" and the little "digital" input light is on.
When I go through the channel lineup, the receiver's display says "PL II" for ProLogic II for almost all the channels. One exception was CNN, which the receiver decoded as "Dolby Digital", meaning discrete 5.1.
Are the other channels being sent dolby 2.0? Does it vary by content, i.e. do the networks sent 5.1 for sports or primetime shows?
Thanks for any info you can share.

All the channels (on FiOS) are usually in 2.0 Dolby Digital, with the exception of HD channels, and I think some movie channels(like HBO, Showtime...). It shouldn't vary by content. I'm surprised you saw "5.1" for CNN, I would think that CNN is 2.0 only. P.S.:Anyone know why the Weather Channel/Weatherscan periodically is only the center channel(i.e. 1.0/LCR) in Dolby Digital?

I just want to know if/when they do add more HD channels post analog sunset, what will they be and will the Travel Channel HD be in the mix?

according to a fios tech I spoke with today, they're planning to add 17 hd channels at the end of june. that's a very specific number of channels, and a relatively specific time frame for it to be speculation. actually, this is according to a memo he had just read.

I don't know which channels and if it's just for the ny/long island area, or nationwide (and anything in between). I guess we'll find out in a little over 2 months.

according to a fios tech I spoke with today, they're planning to add 17 hd channels at the end of june. that's a very specific number of channels, and a relatively specific time frame for it to be speculation. actually, this is according to a memo he had just read.

I don't know which channels and if it's just for the ny/long island area, or nationwide (and anything in between). I guess we'll find out in a little over 2 months.


I was told that the end of June was when they were going to get my bill right.

according to a fios tech I spoke with today, they're planning to add 17 hd channels at the end of june. that's a very specific number of channels, and a relatively specific time frame for it to be speculation. actually, this is according to a memo he had just read.

I don't know which channels and if it's just for the ny/long island area, or nationwide (and anything in between). I guess we'll find out in a little over 2 months.

I'll take what we can get !!

I was told that the end of June was when they were going to get my bill right.

oh, so ur the one holding us up!

according to a fios tech I spoke with today, they're planning to add 17 hd channels at the end of june. that's a very specific number of channels, and a relatively specific time frame for it to be speculation. actually, this is according to a memo he had just read.

I don't know which channels and if it's just for the ny/long island area, or nationwide (and anything in between). I guess we'll find out in a little over 2 months.
Good to hear. Every time I've ever called they never had an answer for me. Good stuff.

Good to hear. Every time I've ever called they never had an answer for me. Good stuff.

hoo hoo, you're ripping me off. similar name (ok, it's just the first 2 letters) and the same town. :eek: howdy neighbor! i'm down by the middle bay golf course.

I just got an email fro Verizon ecenter (Laura) stating that by the end of 08 they will have increased their HD channels by 5X.

hoo hoo, you're ripping me off. similar name (ok, it's just the first 2 letters) and the same town. :eek: howdy neighbor! i'm down by the middle bay golf course.
Even cooler since I understand your reference!!! I'm right by OJC.


Frrrrrrrrunkis.

Even cooler since I understand your reference!!! I'm right by OJC.


Frrrrrrrrunkis.

cool. I pass there everyday. usually twice.

that's terrible, i'm sorry.

according to a fios tech I spoke with today, they're planning to add 17 hd channels at the end of june. that's a very specific number of channels, and a relatively specific time frame for it to be speculation. actually, this is according to a memo he had just read.

I don't know which channels and if it's just for the ny/long island area, or nationwide (and anything in between). I guess we'll find out in a little over 2 months.

To add the 17 channels to the HD "block" (801-859) wont they have to realign some channels?

Whether they do or not, I'd think they would if they're serious about their 150 channels by the end of 2008 claim.

I hope they'll adopt a new scheme, like "HD version of SD channel is at SD channel number + 1000." 8xx could be reserved for HD-only channels (currently only UHD, MHD, HD Theater, HDNet and HDNet Movies, on Fios), and legacy mappings.

June timeframe is in line with what I have been hearing for the NY region (Although I would not be surprised if it slid into July). Then there is a phase II addition in the Fall timeframe (late 3rd. early 4th qrt ish).

I hope they'll adopt a new scheme, like "HD version of SD channel is at SD channel number + 1000." 8xx could be reserved for HD-only channels (currently only UHD, MHD, HD Theater, HDNet and HDNet Movies, on Fios), and legacy mappings.

I agree there could be a better scheme for channel number assignment. I've been following the NBA playoffs on 825, TNTHD, on our HD sets. Last night I went upstairs to the bedroom where I just have the QIP-2500-3 digital converter box hooked into my old analog TV and had a heck of a time finding TNT before I finally gave up and found the printed copy of the channel guide. I guess I could have also used some search function (is that in the 2500?) in the IMG, but having switched from Comcast last Nov., I thought I could intuitively find TNT. Their HD channels are more aligned with the SD versions number-wise. Granted, Verizon has their assigned numbers arranged by genre, but those are a real stretch sometimes, too. Who'd a thunk that TNT would be found under "Entertainment"? Isn't most TV programming entertainment?

cool. I pass there everyday. usually twice.

that's terrible, i'm sorry.

Do you have any Garlic Butter Sau?

Do you have any Garlic Butter Sau?
F'n starvin...

We got any garlic butter sauuu?

Verizon To Cut Off FiOS TV Analog In Massachusetts

Customers Will Get One Free Set-Top Box Per Household To Continue Receiving Service

By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 4/29/2008 10:20:00 AM

Verizon Communications will eliminate analog versions of local broadcast channels for FiOS TV customers in Massachusetts on May 12, continuing its transition to all-digital operation as part of an agreement with the Federal Communications Commission.

Verizon provided the duplicate channels to allow digital subscribers to view local programming in an analog format without using a set-top box. It has already stopped analog TV service in other markets, for example, shutting off analog TV channels in New York on April 21.

The telco pledged to the FCC to eliminate analog channels before the Feb. 17, 2009, digital TV transition in order to receive a temporary waiver to the agency's ban on set-tops with integrated security functions.

FiOS TV customers will need to install a Verizon-supplied set-top box to continue to receive the service on each TV in their home. Only TVs with a built-in digital QAM tuner will not need a set-top box or digital adapter to receive local programming.

Verizon will provide customers one Motorola DCT700 set-top at no charge; each additional box is $3.99 per month. The DCT700s cannot receive the FiOS interactive program guide or video-on-demand services.

Verizon said it has notified Massachusetts customers of the May 12 analog shutoff date with letters, e-mails and phone calls. The company also has set up a dedicated Web site, with information about the change.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6555758.html

DEPUTY MAYOR LIEBER AND COMMISSIONER COSGRAVE ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT WITH VERIZON TO OFFER COMPETITIVE CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE TO EVERY NEW YORK CITY HOUSEHOLD

Historic Deal Provides for Increased Channel Capacity and Rigorous Customer Service Protections; Service to be Available Citywide by 2014

Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Robert C. Lieber and Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT ) Commissioner Paul J. Cosgrave today announced that DoITT has reached an agreement with Verizon on the terms of an historic citywide cable television franchise contract. The proposed agreement still must be approved by the City’s Franchise and Concession Review Committee (FCRC), which is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the matter on Tuesday, May 20. The agreement includes rigorous customer service protections and increased channel capacity and funding for all of the public, educational and governmental (PEG) channels. At the announcement, Deputy Mayor Lieber and Commissioner Cosgrave were joined by Verizon Senior Vice President for New York and Connecticut Monica Azare. The announcement took place at the Downtown Brooklyn studios of NYC TV, which will receive a $10 million capital grant as part of the agreement.

“Our Administration is committed to bringing better service and competitive choices for cable television to the residents of New York City, and the proposed agreement would go a long way toward doing that,” said Deputy Mayor Lieber. “With the introduction of direct competition among cable companies, prices and service levels would reflect real market forces, and New York City customers would be the beneficiaries. I congratulate Commissioner Cosgrave and all of those who worked to get this deal done.”

Today, the overwhelming majority of New York City residents have just one cable television provider available to them. If approved, the agreement would require Verizon to offer cable service to all residences in New York City, establishing a competitive marketplace in an industry that has been dominated by single providers and a lack of competition since its creation.

“This is a seminal moment in the history of cable television service in New York City,” said Commissioner Cosgrave. “Verizon’s unprecedented commitment is an extraordinary vote of confidence in the future of advanced technology infrastructure in New York City. I wish to thank the many dedicated Verizon and City staff members who have worked so diligently on this agreement, and look forward to the FCRC’s review of this proposal.”

Under the proposed agreement, Verizon will install highly advanced fiber-to-the-home technology in the City, which will offer greater capacity and download speeds than existing cable television technologies, such as the hybrid fiber/coaxial systems currently available to most New Yorkers.

“This is great news for residents of New York City, who will now have a new choice for their video news and entertainment,” said Verizon Senior Vice President Azare. “City residents are already clamoring for these services, which will be delivered to households through an all-fiber connection and provide and unparalleled viewing and Internet experience. It’s a ‘must-have.’ Competition like this drives innovation and value, and puts the consumer in control.”

Verizon’s agreement will also pay the City a franchise fee of five percent of the revenues generated in the City from its cable television services, the maximum percentage permitted by federal law. Verizon has also agreed to:

Nearly double the number of PEG channels currently available to 17;


Provide a $10 million grant to NYC TV and increased funding to the community access organizations located in each of the five boroughs;


Enhance the City’s internal telecommunications systems through direct infrastructure improvements to the fiber network, enabling it to handle public safety grade communications; and,


Provide a $4 million Technology Education and Municipal Facilities grant to expand public access to technology.
The agreement also includes an extensive set of customer service obligations and protections that Verizon must abide by, incorporating many of the concepts advocated by Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. in his recently issued “Cable Consumers Bill of Rights.”

Verizon is committing to an accelerated schedule of installing a new fiber system in every street within six years, subject to a maximum of three one-year extensions if certain objective subscription rate goals are not met. The agreement further provides that 30 percent of the City will be built-out by the end of 2008, 50 percent will be passed by the end of 2010, and completion targeted by 2014.

FCRC, which will review this proposed agreement, is comprised of six members – two representing the Mayor’s Office, one representing the Law Department, one representing the Office of Management and Budget, one representing the Comptroller, and one representative from each of the five Borough Presidents, who as a group cast one vote.

http://www.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/menuitem.c0935b9a57bb4ef3daf2f1c701c789a0/index.jsp?pageID=mayor_press_release&catID=1194&doc_name=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nyc.gov%2Fhtml%2Fom%2Fhtml%2F2008a %2Fpr156-08.html&cc=unused1978&rc=1194&ndi=1

Verizon, New York City Agree On Proposed Terms Of TV Service

April 29, 2008: 02:14 PM EST

NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) and New York City agreed to proposed terms that would enable the telephone company to begin offering television service in the city.

While a step in the right direction for the New York telco, it still needs to gain approval from the city's Franchise and Concession Review Committee, which has scheduled a hearing on May 20, before it can offer TV.

Verizon is spending $18 billion to upgrade its network nationwide with faster fiber-optic lines directly to many of its customers' homes. The faster lines allow for the delivery of a faster Internet connection and TV service. In order to provide TV service, however, the carrier needs to get permission from individual cities.

Verizon's entrance would give New Yorkers another TV option beyond cable and satellite TV.

"With the introduction of direct competition among cable companies, prices and service levels would reflect real market forces, and New York City customers would be the beneficiaries," Deputy Mayor Robert C. Lieber said in a statement.

Verizon has said it plans to market its television service, which falls under the FiOS brand, to parts of New York later this year. FiOS Internet is already available in select neighborhoods.

The agreement calls for the installation of a fiber-optic system in every street within six years, although options for an extension are included. The company would be required to cover 30% of the city by the end of the year, and half by the end of 2010.

The presence of another option will pressure Time Warner Cable Inc. (TWC) and Cablevision Systems Corp. (CVC), which are current cable providers in New York.

Shares of Verizon were recently trading at $38.19, up 24 cents, or 0.6%.

-By Roger Cheng, Dow Jones Newswires; 201-938-2020; roger.cheng@dowjones.com

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200804291414DOWJONESDJONLINE000846_FORTUNE5.htm

I hope they'll adopt a new scheme, like "HD version of SD channel is at SD channel number + 1000." 8xx could be reserved for HD-only channels (currently only UHD, MHD, HD Theater, HDNet and HDNet Movies, on Fios), and legacy mappings.

Someone pointed out on another forum that cablecards can't tune above 999 ... so if that's the case, they could possibly move the PPV's & 700's up over 1000, & use 700-999 for HD, but they won't be able to do "ch number + 1000".

Another thing pointed out was that apparently most municipalities require by contract 30-60 days advance customer notice of a channel re-alingnment ...
So, again, if this requirement is indeed true, & since no one has yet reported a postcard outlining the "new channel re-assignments", we have a while to wait for any large group of Hd's, which most people feel will require a major channel re-alingment ... ( The notice wouldn't need to mention new "adds" just the re-alingment details of the existing channels..)

But I imagine the 17 channels reported by other posters could be added sooner, even with this requirement, if they don't disrupt the current lineup ch assignments... I suppose they could add the 6 or so open spots left in the 800's .. & put the rest in the 700's or 900's .....

Someone pointed out on another forum that cablecards can't tune above 999 ... so if that's the case, they could possibly move the PPV's & 700's up over 1000, & use 700-999 for HD, but they won't be able to do "ch number + 1000".

Another thing pointed out was that apparently most municipalities require by contract 60-90 days advance customer notice of a channel re-alingnment ...
So, again, if this requirement is indeed true, & since no one has yet reported a postcard outlining the "new channel re-assignments", we have a while to wait for any large group of Hd's, which most people feel will require a major channel re-alingment ... ( The notice wouldn't need to mention new "adds" just the re-alingment details of the existing channels..)

But I imagine the 17 channels reported by other posters could be added sooner, even with this requirement, if they don't disrupt the current lineup ch assignments... I suppose they could add the 6 or so open spots left in the 800's .. & put the rest in the 700's or 900's .....
They will also need room for sports packages (ie. NHL Center Ice, MLB Extra Innings etc............. *fingers crossed*)

I have been advised by a contact at Verizon to expect a definitive announcement of some new HD channels soon. We will see. I will post info here as soon as I receive it.

Interestingly, although past the cutoff date for analog shutdown in N.Y., it seems the analog is still on. My friend who lives a few blocks away still has analog channels on his kitchen LCD TV. So this may not be moving as quickly as we think in some areas.

Another thing pointed out was that apparently most municipalities require by contract 60-90 days advance customer notice of a channel re-alingnment ...

I'd be shocked if the requirement was more than 30 days, and as along as notice is reasonable and well published, nobody cares. But regardless, the current "rumor" is mid-June. That's still 45+ days out. Plenty of time to meet whatever the notice requirement is.

Another thing pointed out was that apparently most municipalities require by contract 60-90 days advance customer notice of a channel re-alingnment ...
The standard notification time to move or shut down a channel as I understand it is 30 days public notice. Comcast for example will post an ad in the local paper announcing the channel changes to be made in a little more than 30 days. The 30 days advance notice is really a relic of the analog era and VCRs. In an age of digital channels, DVRs and guide data that are automatically revised & updated, 30 day advance notice is really not needed, but that is the rule that many municipalities have on the books for their cable franchises.

Interestingly, although past the cutoff date for analog shutdown in N.Y., it seems the analog is still on. My friend who lives a few blocks away still has analog channels on his kitchen LCD TV. So this may not be moving as quickly as we think in some areas.

I believe this is because the NY analog shutdown is occuring per CO, so everyday a couple COs are shutting down their analogs. dslreports.com has a list of which NY COs are getting shut off, and their dates. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r20347298-Master-Topic-FiosTV-Going-100-DigitalAll-Markets~start=40#end

Verizon Plans Q2 Rate Hike For FiOS

No Details On Price Increase For ‘Certain Products and Bundles’

By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 4/30/2008 11:35:00 AM

Verizon Communications will raise prices on certain FiOS services sometime this quarter—its third such increase within the last 18 months—but the telco isn't yet providing specifics.

“We anticipate increasing prices once again in certain [FiOS] products and bundles in the second quarter this year,” Verizon chief financial officer Doreen Toben said on Monday's earnings call.

A Verizon spokeswoman said the company was providing no additional details about the rate increases at this point.

Verizon just increased the price of the primary FiOS TV programming package for new subscribers, as of Jan. 20. The 200-channel FiOS TV Premier package now costs $47.99 per month for new customers, compared with $42.99 for customers who signed up last year.

And a year before that, it upped the rates for the Premier package from $39.95 to $42.99 for new customers as of Jan. 8, 2007.

In the past Verizon has told the Federal Communications Commission and other regulators that competitive video providers would drive rates down.

In a July 2006 filing with the FCC, Verizon cited a study by Bank of America that said cable companies offered “significant price decreases” on services in response to the telco's entry in Keller, Texas; Herndon, Va.; and Temple Terrace, Fla. Verizon executives said deals offered by incumbent cable operators in those markets were as much as 50% lower than their regular prices.

Verizon now counts 1.2 million subscribers, making it the 11th-largest video service operator in the United States, including cable and satellite providers.

For the first quarter, Toben said the average revenue per FiOS subscriber was about $129 per month—more than double the telco’s overall consumer retail ARPU (average revenue per unit), she pointed out, adding that “since not everyone has all three services, the triple-play ARPU is even higher.”

FiOS TV is now available to 6.5 million households in parts of 13 states. Verizon added 263,000 new FiOS TV customers in the first quarter, a rate of 4,100 per day. The company expects to have at least 4 million FiOS TV customers by 2010, which would be a market penetration of at least 25%.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6556250.html

The standard notification time to move or shut down a channel as I understand it is 30 days public notice.

Couldn't that notice requirement be satisfied by use of the IMG Message Center? We have had new channel announcements and other news appear there. The only problem is Verizon doesn't know how to use the message signal light on the front of the STB. So messages sit there unread until the user wanders into the Message Center accidentally or by reading a forum post. :rolleyes:

Couldn't that notice requirement be satisfied by use of the IMG Message Center? We have had new channel announcements and other news appear there. The only problem is Verizon doesn't know how to use the message signal light on the front of the STB. So messages sit there unread until the user wanders into the Message Center accidentally or by reading a forum post. :rolleyes:
The people that posted in the other forum seemed to indicate it would have to at least be a direct mailer or bill stuffer...
A mailer seems reasonable, & does not require the subscriber to have to "watch TV" or press setting or remote buttons before finding the "semi-hidden" notice.
Many also seemed to indicate a mailer was much quicker to do logistically than getting a bill stuffer insert, which was claimed to take much more time to accomplish.

If I had to guess, it'll be a direct mailer, just like they did with the IMG release. If it's really coming mid-June, I guess the folks in Indiana will see it in another two weeks or so, assuming the channels are added to the markets in the same order that the analogs were removed.

If they were to utilize the 700 series of channels would they still need to send out notifications? Are PPV locations truly channels in the scope of the reporting requirements?

If I had to guess, it'll be a direct mailer, just like they did with the IMG release. If it's really coming mid-June, I guess the folks in Indiana will see it in another two weeks or so, assuming the channels are added to the markets in the same order that the analogs were removed.

Well I'm on paperless OneBill/autopay, or whatever it's called, for all 4 of my Verizon services and never see a lick of paper from them. I believe I chose to get email notifications that would otherwise be snail-mailed when I signed up. I would think using the little bulb for messages on my box would satisfy any required notice.

I just don't understand why folks in IN or TX or anywhere where CO conversions are being made would expect added HD before markets where no analog ever existed. The digital infrastructure has been here in OR from day one and there have been no firm announcements, just the usual speculation (end Q2).

Cablevision is sending out flyers to new fios customers offering $29.95/month for the tripple play for 2 years + 1 year free MLB extra innings. At the Westcheser Mall Verizon has 3 booths setup. Cablevision must be bleading customers.

They have called me 3 times since I switched to FIOS. Each time I've let them know the main reason I switched to Fios was because their deployment of switched digital video (I have 2 series 3 Tivos with cablecards, so that's a no-no for me).

Cablevision is sending out flyers to new fios customers offering $29.95/month for the tripple play for 2 years + 1 year free MLB extra innings. At the Westcheser Mall Verizon has 3 booths setup. Cablevision must be bleading customers.

They have called me 3 times since I switched to FIOS. Each time I've let them know the main reason I switched to Fios was because their deployment of switched digital video (I have 2 series 3 Tivos with cablecards, so that's a no-no for me).
What exactly does that mean and are you saying that an HD Tivo isn't compatible with Cablevision ? Or some other problem?

Neither the Tivo Series 3 nor the Tivo HD can tune any channel once it's been moved to Switched Digital Video. Switched Digital allows the cable companies to oversubscribe channels. Normally each channel is broadcast to everyone whether or not anyone is listening. With Switched Digital it is only sent to the people who are actually tuned to it. This requires two-way communication between the set top box and the head-end at the cable company. Cablevision has just started to roll out this technology in the NY area.

Even though S-Card and M-Card cablecards are capable of two-way communiucation, the tuners that they have built into the Series 3 and Tivo HD cannot. Tivo is working with CableLabs and Cisco/SA & Motorola to provide a workaround. They are developing an external box that the cable companies can provide that will connect to the coax and a USB cable to the TiVo that will allow the Tivo to send a signal back to the head-end to tell them that the customer wants to turn to a channel that is using Switched Digital. Given the reluctance that cable companies have already shown to adopting cablecards and cablecards are mandated by the FCC, I have my doubts about the availability of this new box, but many people feel differently.

I was building a new home theather with a 52" Sony Bravia and decided I didn't want to have to deal with the Switched Digital issue so I switched from Cablevision to FIOS. There was some known issues with pixelation and Tivos with Fios (FIOS generating too "hot" of a signal and too large of a variation of a signal). The latest version of Tivo Software (9.3) has fixed this with most users, myself included.

Cablevision is sending out flyers to new fios customers offering $29.95/month for the tripple play for 2 years + 1 year free MLB extra innings. At the Westcheser Mall Verizon has 3 booths setup. Cablevision must be bleading customers.

They have called me 3 times since I switched to FIOS. Each time I've let them know the main reason I switched to Fios was because their deployment of switched digital video (I have 2 series 3 Tivos with cablecards, so that's a no-no for me).

:eek::eek: $30 a month for all 3 services for two years?:eek::eek: How could they afford to offer that? Even with discounts, that's usually the cheapest you could find for one service, but $30 a month for all three would save you at least $1680 over two years. That would be very enticing for anyone. Heck at that price I would want it just for backup Internet and TV service.

@mbhuff

Thanks, that was a very informative post and was info that I was never aware of, when I chose Fios over Cablevision, last month.
Although I'm currently using the Moto HD DVR, I just bought a Tivo HD and am going to switch over to it shortly.

:eek::eek: $30 a month for all 3 services for two years?:eek::eek: How could they afford to offer that? Even with discounts, that's usually the cheapest you could find for one service, but $30 a month for all three would save you at least $1680 over two years. That would be very enticing for anyone. Heck at that price I would want it just for backup Internet and TV service.
I got that flyer and it's $29.95 per, not all three. It's the MLB add on that's the promo.

Ah, thanks for correcting me. I didn't look at it closely before tossing it into the trash :)

Neither the Tivo Series 3 nor the Tivo HD can tune any channel once it's been moved to Switched Digital Video.

That's simply not true. The Tivo S3/HD can tune to the channels, it just won't know which channel has what feed on it. The issue is entirely around a constantly moving QAM mapping, not tuning.

That's simply not true. The Tivo S3/HD can tune to the channels, it just won't know which channel has what feed on it. The issue is entirely around a constantly moving QAM mapping, not tuning.

In other words, still unusable.

In other words, still unusable.

The point is, it's fixable. All they need is something to resolve, realtime, the channel location. (I.e. the tuning resolver or whatever it's called now.)

If the S3/HD couldn't tune into the channels, it wouldn't be fixable.

It's a pretty important distinction, and it's short-sighted not to communicate that distinction.

The point is that with SDV, you will need an external box for the S3 or TivoHD which doesn't exist yet. Both Motorola and Cisco/SA have a box in testing, but it isn't shipping yet. Given that there is no FCC mandate, and that different SDV technologies existing even within a single cable provider, I have my doubts whether cable companies are really going to embrace the tuning adapter especially since their business plans are based on pushing out a STB to people and having control of the UI. Given how reluctant they are to even deploy cablecards (witness the number of people that have called their cable companies to order Cablecards and are being told they are no longer supported. When people push especially threating to call the FCC, all of a sudden cablecards are available).

I really think this will only be resolved with a series 4 box that has some OCAP, or tru2way support. The only question is which design will prevail. Will it be like Tivo wants where it has a subsystem that allows an OCAP/Tru2way application to run to provide VOD/PPV/SDV. Or will it be like the cable companies want where the TiVO is simply a black box where the cable company will download the entire user interface.

There's a list of channels that has appeared in a DSL forums thread that is "supposed to be" the 1st "wave" of adds in July, 48 SD's & 26 HD's, take it for whatever it's worth .... :

48 SD Channels
Globecast International Programming (23 confirmed)
MLB Extra Innings / NHL center ice (14) GMA Pinoy TV RFD TV
Zee TV Veria TV Current TV
World Championship Sports Network Reelz The Florida Channel (VHO 2 only)
WAPA TV Setanta Sports Big Ten Network

26 HD Channels
Animal Planet HD TBS HD ESPNews HD
Big Ten Network HD The History Channel HD MOJO HD
CNN HD The Learning Channel HD Showtime Too HD East
Cinemax West HD The Science Channel HD Showtime HD West
HBO West HD The Weather Channel HD Starz Edge HD
USA HD Versus / Golf HD Starz Comedy HD
Bravo HD CNBC HD Starz Kids and Family HD
Outdoor Channel HD SCI FI HD Lifetime HD East
Smithsonian HD Pay Per View HD (Events)

I actually like MOJO HD, so that would be really cool (I miss my Three Sheets!). As would USA HD, as this is just about when the new season for Monk starts. :)

thanks for the, well, I have to say it, tasty rumor.

:)

Ack, no WGN HD.... Oh well, us Cubbies know how to live with suffering :D ...wait until next year...

NHL center ice (14)

That would be sweat! I could then completely get rid of D* which I'm keeping just for Center Ice!

There's a list of channels that has appeared in a DSL forums thread that is "supposed to be" the 1st "wave" of adds in July, 48 SD's & 26 HD's, take it for whatever it's worth .... :

48 SD Channels
Globecast International Programming (23 confirmed)
MLB Extra Innings / NHL center ice (14) GMA Pinoy TV RFD TV
Zee TV Veria TV Current TV
World Championship Sports Network Reelz The Florida Channel (VHO 2 only)
WAPA TV Setanta Sports Big Ten Network

26 HD Channels
Animal Planet HD TBS HD ESPNews HD
Big Ten Network HD The History Channel HD MOJO HD
CNN HD The Learning Channel HD Showtime Too HD East
Cinemax West HD The Science Channel HD Showtime HD West
HBO West HD The Weather Channel HD Starz Edge HD
USA HD Versus / Golf HD Starz Comedy HD
Bravo HD CNBC HD Starz Kids and Family HD
Outdoor Channel HD SCI FI HD Lifetime HD East
Smithsonian HD Pay Per View HD (Events)
*Sigh* Even though I wouldn't see these channels until the California analog shut-off I'm still dissapointed not to see SPEED HD on that list regardless if it's official or not.

It seems odd that there will be no MLB Extra Innings or NHL Center Ice in HD. I would totally fork over some cash for this because I've very into baseball this season, oh well there's always next year :)

NHL Center Ice
Versus HD
SETANTA!!!!
Mojo...

Please to everything that is holy, please let this be true.

*Sigh* Even though I wouldn't see these channels until the California analog shut-off I'm still dissapointed not to see SPEED HD on that list regardless if it's official or not.

It seems odd that there will be no MLB Extra Innings or NHL Center Ice in HD. I would totally fork over some cash for this because I've very into baseball this season, oh well there's always next year :)

There won't be any NHL come July, so I'm not surprised. It seems like Verizon has always tried to offer the broadest spectrum of HD programming, rather than merely appeasing one smaller constituency, and for that I am grateful.

There won't be any NHL come July, so I'm not surprised. It seems like Verizon has always tried to offer the broadest spectrum of HD programming, rather than merely appeasing one smaller constituency, and for that I am grateful.

I agree, & I'm surprised there's not at least 1 "kids" channel (Cartoon, Disney ect ..) on that unofficial 1st wave list ....

I agree, & I'm surprised there's not at least 1 "kids" channel (Cartoon, Disney ect ..) on that unofficial 1st wave list ....

If I were to guess I'd say that kids networks will be the last to be HD-ified. Toons look pretty good even on SD and I doubt that much of the live-action content is recorded in HD.

Just a guess though. I've never heard my kids gripe that Spongebob or Drake & Josh aren't in HD. Well at least not so far. :)

If I were to guess I'd say that kids networks will be the last to be HD-ified. Toons look pretty good even on SD and I doubt that much of the live-action content is recorded in HD.

Just a guess though. I've never heard my kids gripe that Spongebob or Drake & Josh aren't in HD. Well at least not so far. :)
The HD kids networks already exist, & yes, like most other "HD" channels, there may be little true HD per day on most of them, but regardless, with all the other stretch-o-vision HD's being added, I am surprised that not 1 "kids" HD was listed in the 1st wave ....

that HD list sounds good

when Vz adds that they will be right behind D* in my book.
they only thing Vz would be missing now would be NFLST of course, HD sports packages aka SUPERFAN, and univision is still not a national channel..

its available in some markets as a local channel but not under there national list of Spanish channels...

but thats a huge upgrade for Vz good job.

Sci-Fi HD is coming???? Finally! Can't wait.

I agree, & I'm surprised there's not at least 1 "kids" channel (Cartoon, Disney ect ..) on that unofficial 1st wave list ....

Agreed. Has anyone added ESPNEWS without ABC Family and Disney HD? That might be a red flag regarding the accuracy of this list.

Then again, the "second" wave might not be that far off from the first anyway, if the "up to 150 HD channels by the end of 2008" claim is serious.

I have a strong suspicion that Verizon is counting VOD/PPV channels as part of that 150 channels. It's something other cable companies have been doing as well to inflate their count.

If they add what's in that list, they'll have at least one new customer.

*Sigh* Even though I wouldn't see these channels until the California analog shut-off I'm still dissapointed not to see SPEED HD on that list regardless if it's official or not.
Does SPEED HD exist?

Does SPEED HD exist?Yep... DirecTV has been carrying it for quite awhile now...

Agreed. Has anyone added ESPNEWS without ABC Family and Disney HD? That might be a red flag regarding the accuracy of this list.

Then again, the "second" wave might not be that far off from the first anyway, if the "up to 150 HD channels by the end of 2008" claim is serious.

DirecTV has ESPNEWS HD but doesn't have ABC Family HD.

DirecTV has ESPNEWS HD but doesn't have ABC Family HD.


ABC Family is "coming soon" according to the D* website. They have added Disney HD. They may be out of bandwidth.

Sci-Fi HD is coming???? Finally! Can't wait.

Yeah, except if it comes in July it will be too late for BSG, which is the only reason I want it. Watching BSG in SD is killing me

Yeah, except if it comes in July it will be too late for BSG, which is the only reason I want it. Watching BSG in SD is killing me

The second half of this season will be post-July, so we can see the series finale in HD.

The second half of this season will be post-July, so we can see the series finale in HD.

Has that been confirmed? I have seen many references to that, but never an actual confirmation

Has that been confirmed? I have seen many references to that, but never an actual confirmation

Has what been confirmed?

The current stretch is only 10 episodes, ending in 2 weeks.

The full season is more than 10 episodes, starting some time after the next two weeks, likely in September/October, possibly as late as January next year.

Has what been confirmed?

The current stretch is only 10 episodes, ending in 2 weeks.

The full season is more than 10 episodes, starting some time after the next two weeks, likely in September/October, possibly as late as January next year.

That is what I am wondering has been confirmed. All along, I have heard the season is going to be split in two, but I have never seen any official confirmation.

IMDB lists 6 more episodes until the split
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0407362/episodes#season-4

Sci-Fi.com says nothing about it, neither does TV Guide. I have done a bunch of google searches and can find nothing but speculation. I am just looking for official confirmation from either the producers or sci-fi and I can't find it.

That is what I am wondering has been confirmed. All along, I have heard the season is going to be split in two, but I have never seen any official confirmation.

IMDB lists 6 more episodes until the split
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0407362/episodes#season-4

Sci-Fi.com says nothing about it, neither does TV Guide. I have done a bunch of google searches and can find nothing but speculation. I am just looking for official confirmation from either the producers or sci-fi and I can't find it.

Well, I'm quoting Entertainment Weekly, after the writer's strike, talking about a bunch of series and what we'll get when. I think the 10-episode thing is pretty official, but maybe they are rushing a few more out before the break?

We'll know when we know. I'll eat my shirt if it's not broken into two parts though.

That would be sweat! I could then completely get rid of D* which I'm keeping just for Center Ice!

If they add what's in that list, they'll have at least one new customer.

Count me in as a definite new customer should that happen.

The only reason why I am hesitating from switching away from Time Warner is Center Ice.

Since TWC in So Cal hasn't released VS-HD it is a wash.

Count me in as a definite new customer should that happen.

The only reason why I am hesitating from switching away from Time Warner is Center Ice.

Since TWC in So Cal hasn't released VS-HD it is a wash.
I've been patient. I dealt with Versus in SD for one season and subscribed to Center Ice Online (which was kinda cool because I was watching 4 games at a time on some nights). But to have it on Fios along with Versus in HD will help me stick around. I don't think I could go through another full season like that.

I'm a Flyers fan. I hope that Versus gets someone who knows hockey. Something. Anything. Those announcers are clueless. For example, they compared one of the Flyers drives up the slot to Eric Dickerson. This is hockey, not football. Notice that the grass is white. I turned on WIP 610 AM for the local play-by-play. Delay was about 2 seconds, which was tolerable.

Why can't they put Bill Clement in for the game? He's one of the best analysts and does the Flyers games when Comcast Sportsnet and Versus don't conflict.

Delay was about 2 seconds, which was tolerable.

I'm assuming the radio is ahead of the picture. If it was the other way, you could use your DVR to delay and get in sync. But don't worry, the anomaly of the Flyers still playing hockey will be taken care of and your play-by-play misery will be ending pretty soon.;)

I'm assuming the radio is ahead of the picture. If it was the other way, you could use your DVR to delay and get in sync.

Actually, in the DFW area Versus is ahead of the radio broadcast. I can and did use the DVR to sync up and it worked great!

I'm a Flyers fan. I hope that Versus gets someone who knows hockey. Something. Anything. Those announcers are clueless. For example, they compared one of the Flyers drives up the slot to Eric Dickerson. This is hockey, not football. Notice that the grass is white. I turned on WIP 610 AM for the local play-by-play. Delay was about 2 seconds, which was tolerable.

Why can't they put Bill Clement in for the game? He's one of the best analysts and does the Flyers games when Comcast Sportsnet and Versus don't conflict.
I was talking about this on another board just the other day, and at the risk of sending this thread a bit off topic I just can't help but comment (So apologies to the non-hockey people in here). Bill Clement actually indirectly spoke about a fall-out with Versus and NBC after last season. Which is why we have to deal with Bill Patrick as the studio host on Versus, and why NBC doesn't even have a host. What makes me laugh is that NBC's studio team was great last year. They looked like they were finally starting to "get it": Bill Clement, Ray Ferraro, and Brett Hull. Obviously Hull has more important things to worry about these days, but you're gonna replace that team with Pierre McGuire and Mike Milbury??? Please.

Just to show how much of a joke Versus is, here is who's covering the Eastern Conference final:
Versus:
Joe Benninati, Darren Eliot, Christine Simpson. And the f'n clowns in studio.

NHL Radio on Westwood One and XM:
Sam Rosen, Bill Clement, Billy Jaffe. Joe Tolleson and EJ Hradek in studio.

This is a prooooooooblem. Hardly anyone is listening on radio but they have the better broadcast team. Once again... proving how much of a joke Versus is.

I'm a Flyers fan.

I always knew there was something special about you, keeping us up to date on the shuttle launches and landings. Now I know why. ;)

This is a prooooooooblem. Hardly anyone is listening on radio but they have the better broadcast team. Once again... proving how much of a joke Versus is.

Pretty much have to listen with the mute button on, then un-mute after a goal or penalty.

Yeah, except if it comes in July it will be too late for BSG, which is the only reason I want it. Watching BSG in SD is killing me
+1

I guess a&e was more imortant to add than scfi. What a waste.
Why doenst verizon try to make moves like add the HD chan with one of the biggest shows in history in time for a new season???
Sucks.

ALL the other providers in my are have it. They dropped the ball with the worls series in HD last year too...other providers added it last min for my area.

The second half of this season will be post-July, so we can see the series finale in HD.


The last I heard they hadn't decided if it will be shown in 4Q 2008 or 1H 2009.
The only thing that is definite is that the final season first half ends June 13th. When the second half will air is anyones guess.

+1

I guess a&e was more imortant to add than scfi. What a waste.
Why doenst verizon try to make moves like add the HD chan with one of the biggest shows in history in time for a new season???
Sucks.

ALL the other providers in my are have it. They dropped the ball with the worls series in HD last year too...other providers added it last min for my area.\


Biggest shows in History?? I really like BSG but what history are we talking about? I assume sci-fi channel history, which in the TV landscape is a small audience.

\


Biggest shows in History?? I really like BSG but what history are we talking about? I assume sci-fi channel history, which in the TV landscape is a small audience.

In sort of an abstract cultural sense, it's the biggest basic cable show in history. but that's not saying much. It just happens to have good recognition factors among people who spend a lot of time on teh intarwebs, rather than those with neilsen boxes. It hardly matches the Sopranos, Lost or The Office, for example.

+1

I guess a&e was more imortant to add than scfi. What a waste.
Why doenst verizon try to make moves like add the HD chan with one of the biggest shows in history in time for a new season???
Sucks.

ALL the other providers in my are have it. They dropped the ball with the worls series in HD last year too...other providers added it last min for my area.

\


Biggest shows in History?? I really like BSG but what history are we talking about? I assume sci-fi channel history, which in the TV landscape is a small audience.


"one of the".

And I would say it is. Its following is huge, its dvds have sold better than most series....

I've had HD VOD for a while now; I also have all of the premium subscriptions (HBO, Cinemax, etc.). One of the reasons I was looking forward to HD VOD was to see movies from those subscription services on demand without being charged.

I understand that I can get pay HD VOD, but I would like to get the benefit of the subscriptions for HD VOD. During the beta movies were available from the subscription services, I'd like some in the regular services. I thinnk HBO has said that they're not doing movie HD VOD, but what about the other services?

Any info would be appreciated.

I received a letter from Verizon today announcing that the analog channels would be shut off in July. I'm in the DC area. The letter was very detailed about the need for a box or card once it occurs. They seemed to be going out of their way to make sure the customer understands the implications. The letter was sent in a large, rigid, Fed-Ex type of envelope and it didn't say Verizon on the outside. I guess they want to make sure we open it instead of thinking it's just another "offer" and recycle it.

Doug

I received a letter from Verizon today announcing that the analog channels would be shut off in July. I'm in the DC area. The letter was very detailed about the need for a box or card once it occurs. They seemed to be going out of their way to make sure the customer understands the implications. The letter was sent in a large, rigid, Fed-Ex type of envelope and it didn't say Verizon on the outside. I guess they want to make sure we open it instead of thinking it's just another "offer" and recycle it.

DougThey seem to deliver news that way a lot. I've have had FiOS Internet and landine for 6 weeks and have gotten about three of those "packages."

The letter was sent in a large, rigid, Fed-Ex type of envelope and it didn't say Verizon on the outside.It does, but only in the relatively small print of the box that says "Presorted First-Class Mail U.S. Postage Paid Verizon".

I got mine yesterday. I'd been eagerly awaiting it so I could order my free STB. :)

got mine yesterday. I'd been eagerly awaiting it so I could order my free STB.

Free STB? Is this through Verizon or just the rebate for an OTA converter box?

Free STB? Is this through Verizon or just the rebate for an OTA converter box?

It's not a free STB, it is a digital adapter(from Vz). It will get all channels you subscribe to, except HD, but has no guide or VOD.

It's not a free STB, it is a digital adapter(from Vz). It will get all channels you subscribe to, except HD, but has no guide or VOD.

I got the letter Saturday, called on Monday and received my digital adapters on Thursday ( whew, that was fast - the letter said to expect a several week delivery time). I hooked up two (one was free, $3.99/mo. for the second one), and activated them, but couldn't get them to work. It took a 45 minute call to tech support to remotely reboot both boxes several times to get them to work. However, I must admit that after only being able to receive local channels without the adapters, it is quite pleasant to now receive all the channels in my subscription (including HBO, Cinemax, etc.) on these analog TVs. No DVR access, and no guide at this time, but it is still an improvement over direct to TV access.

Dazed & Confused...

I got my Triple bundle scheduled to be installed on 6/4/08.(wohoo!)

$114.99 + 5.99 STB + 9.99 HD Box + 15.99 HDDVR = $146.97

$47.99 FIOS Tv
$46.99 Freedom Essential Phone (Landline) I guess
$52.99 FIOS Internet 15/2
$147.97
$-32.98 Bundle Savings
$114.99 + STB Fees

The CSR stated that the Voip phone service was not included with the triple bundle pricing, The package deal was based for the Freedom Essenntial service.

I could not find any info on Voip pricing with FIOS bundles..

I was hoping i could get rid of the freedom plan (charges extra fees FSL $5.99) and use Voip.

Questions:

Will they be using my existing Landline to connect to the ONT or just use ONT for Internet & TV?

Would it be cheaper to get Voip through another company and save on the $46.99 they are charging for my Phone service? ($24.99 Vonnage)

Does any one know what the Triple bundle price is for FIOS TV/Internet/Voip Phone Package?

Sincerely thanks
Charlie

Dazed & Confused...

I got my Triple bundle scheduled to be installed on 6/4/08.(wohoo!)

$114.99 + 5.99 STB + 9.99 HD Box + 15.99 HDDVR = $146.97

$47.99 FIOS Tv
$46.99 Freedom Essential Phone (Landline) I guess
$52.99 FIOS Internet 15/2
$147.97
$-32.98 Bundle Savings
$114.99 + STB Fees

The CSR stated that the Voip phone service was not included with the triple bundle pricing, The package deal was based for the Freedom Essenntial service.

I could not find any info on Voip pricing with FIOS bundles..

I was hoping i could get rid of the freedom plan (charges extra fees FSL $5.99) and use Voip.

Questions:

Will they be using my existing Landline to connect to the ONT or just use ONT for Internet & TV?

Would it be cheaper to get Voip through another company and save on the $46.99 they are charging for my Phone service? ($24.99 Vonnage)

Does any one know what the Triple bundle price is for FIOS TV/Internet/Voip Phone Package?

Sincerely thanks
Charlie

They send voice over the Fiber to the ONT, and break out an RJ11 for voice from the ONT. Definitely better voice service.

I think the math works out better than VOIP - $46.99 - ~$30 bundle = cheaper than most VOIP. And I don't think they have a VOIP bundle discount.

And, some of the other discounts seem to be dependent on the bundle. After 2 years, they went to raise my Internet service by like $10/month. I called, and they said they would keep it at the low rate with the bundle. After some discussion and quick math, I dumped Vonage and went with the bundle.

I got the letter Saturday, called on Monday
What's the phone number?

Anyone having problems with channels 75 and 76, Versus and Fox Soccer? I am in Braintre, MA and both channels are out. This problem has been going on for a while I believe because I remember I could not get Fox Soccer this weekend either. When I tune to that channel I get a black screen and the audio from whatever channel I was previously on. Versus after a minute gives me the channel unavailable message.

Could it just be the cable box lost those channels and needs to be refreshed?

Anyone having problems with channels 75 and 76, Versus and Fox Soccer? I am in Braintre, MA and both channels are out. This problem has been going on for a while I believe because I remember I could not get Fox Soccer this weekend either. When I tune to that channel I get a black screen and the audio from whatever channel I was previously on. Versus after a minute gives me the channel unavailable message.

Could it just be the cable box lost those channels and needs to be refreshed?

No problems in So. Va.

Sounds like the signal for those 2 channels is not making it to you. Could be a VHO problem or a CO problem. My vote is on a CO problem because if it was the entire VHO they would have received many calls.

Looking at going with Fios over Comcast, but I am wondering about two things. I'm sure they are in this humongus thread somewhere, but I know they are limited in thier hd due to thier head ends. what is the timeline on the upgrades? also what is the hd ondemand slecetion like? Does it have as many movies as comcast?

Anyone having problems with channels 75 and 76, Versus and Fox Soccer? I am in Braintre, MA and both channels are out. This problem has been going on for a while I believe because I remember I could not get Fox Soccer this weekend either. When I tune to that channel I get a black screen and the audio from whatever channel I was previously on. Versus after a minute gives me the channel unavailable message.

Could it just be the cable box lost those channels and needs to be refreshed?I'm in Holliston, and I have no problems with either of those channels.

Looking at going with Fios over Comcast, but I am wondering about two things. I'm sure they are in this humongus thread somewhere, but I know they are limited in thier hd due to thier head ends. what is the timeline on the upgrades? also what is the hd ondemand slecetion like? Does it have as many movies as comcast?
The reports/rumors are that the first set of new HD channels will be added starting in July. But the HD channels may be added only to the markets that have had their analog channels shut off. The analog channels are to be shut down in the Philadelphia/South Jersey VHO starting at the beginning of June, so the Philadelphia market may be among the markets that get the first set of new HD channels. But these are all unsubstantiated reports. Verizon has said nothing official in recent months.

The Verizon HD-VOD selection for free movies is much smaller than Comcast. Verizon is now offering a modest number of pay HD movies ($6 for a new title). Verizon added HD-VOD to most markets only several months ago, so the HD selection is still limited.

And still eats 15mbs of my bandwidth. My internet connection drops from 30mbs to 15 mbs anytime HD VOD is in use.

I got the letter Saturday, called on Monday and received my digital adapters on Thursday ( whew, that was fast - the letter said to expect a several week delivery time). I hooked up two (one was free, $3.99/mo. for the second one), and activated them, but couldn't get them to work. They made you pay for the second one?

I've read elsewhere that you can get up to 3 free although they try to tell you that they will only give you one free. When I got the letter and called Monday, they tried that with me, I told them I knew that they were giving other people 3 free and I wanted 2 free - after trying (and failing) to get me to rent an HD set-top box as the second unit the rep put me on hold for a couple of minutes to get authorization (?!?) and then came back and said ok - two free.

Edit: Check out this thread - http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r20439674-Poll-How-many-free-DCT700-did-you-receive

The Verizon HD-VOD selection for free movies is much smaller than Comcast. Verizon is now offering a modest number of pay HD movies ($6 for a new title). Verizon added HD-VOD to most markets only several months ago, so the HD selection is still limited.

I just signed up for FIOS (dropping comcast b/c of PQ). This is the one thing that really has me bothered. I really like Comcast's HD OnDemand library - I have a feeling I will be disappointed with Verizon. I am really bummed the Verizon VOD has zero high def content for the movie channels like Starz, Encore and Showtime. $6 for new movies is a major rip-off too. We rent a lot of those right now.

$5 to $6 is the going rate from all VOD servcies for newer HD movies. Catalog titles are $1 to $2 cheaper.

I pay $4.99 ($5) to Comcast, but on average they also send me at least 1 coupon a month for a free movie. Their price went up not too long ago from $3.99. So yeah, I think another dollar per title to Verizon is an even bigger rip-off. Blu-ray disc rentals are looking better at this rate.

Thanks! I checked a different TV in the house, a regular HD box and the channels came in, but were highly pixlelated. Like watching DirecTV during a thunderstorm. So picture but messed up on HD box, no picture on HD DVR. It has to be a signal problem.

I pay $4.99 ($5) to Comcast, but on average they also send me at least 1 coupon a month for a free movie. Their price went up not too long ago from $3.99. So yeah, I think another dollar per title to Verizon is an even bigger rip-off. Blu-ray disc rentals are looking better at this rate.

Why would you not ALWAYS rent Blu-Ray Movies. The PQ is night and day better on Blu-Ray. The sound is also much better, even if you only decode plain old Dolby Digital. Not Verizons fault, but the limits set by the content provider are much lower than Blu-Ray.. Blockbuster is $5.29 for a Blu-Ray rental. The mail services are also cheap.

I do enjoy VOD but in reality I just DVR new movies on the pay channels and watch them that way. I very rarely watch older movies.

Easy . . . laziness. I don't have to drive anywhere or do anything to watch VOD.

Thanks! I checked a different TV in the house, a regular HD box and the channels came in, but were highly pixlelated. Like watching DirecTV during a thunderstorm. So picture but messed up on HD box, no picture on HD DVR. It has to be a signal problem.


Most likely it's a problem with the coax or splitter in the house. You need to have a tech come out and check the feed from the ONT on that particular QAM channel. If that's ok at the ONT, then he needs to sectionalize (is that even a word? :rolleyes:) your coax network to find the issue.

Hopefully you get a tech that knows how to obtain and test the individual QAMs.

Thanks! I checked a different TV in the house, a regular HD box and the channels came in, but were highly pixlelated. Like watching DirecTV during a thunderstorm. So picture but messed up on HD box, no picture on HD DVR. It has to be a signal problem.

A friend finally got an HD DVR ( he had just the SD versions as placeholders ) over the mail and had all sorts of pixelation when he installed it. He finally called Verizon and had the box replaced, no problems since.

Most likely it's a problem with the coax or splitter in the house. You need to have a tech come out and check the feed from the ONT on that particular QAM channel. If that's ok at the ONT, then he needs to sectionalize (is that even a word? :rolleyes:) your coax network to find the issue.

Hopefully you get a tech that knows how to obtain and test the individual QAMs.


Thanks Jim! I definitely think its a QAM channel that's screwed up for whatever reason because last night I went through most of the channels and besides 75 and 76 that I was having a problem with, its also the following channels that are out:

85
87
105
106
107
122
164
168
171
194
202
212
230
231
232
241

They send voice over the Fiber to the ONT, and break out an RJ11 for voice from the ONT. Definitely better voice service.

Just be warned that they then remove your old copper connection and require that future phone services to this location use FiOS. I haven't compared my copper and FiOS bills to know whether there's any price difference for voice services between the two media. Still once you switch they make it difficult to return to copper.

Just be warned that they then remove your old copper connection and require that future phone services to this location use FiOS. I haven't compared my copper and FiOS bills to know whether there's any price difference for voice services between the two media. Still once you switch they make it difficult to return to copper.There is no price difference from copper to FiOS. I ripped the copper out of the ground when FiOS was installed here. I was told by several higher ups in Verizon that I would never go back to copper if I dropped FiOS Internet...

I don't subscribe to the Sports channels, yet since the French Open started, we are receiving the Tennis channel, # 303. None of the other channels are viewable above and below. Is Vzn running some kind of "free" tennis week that they are keeping secret ?

There is no price difference from copper to FiOS. I ripped the copper out of the ground when FiOS was installed here. I was told by several higher ups in Verizon that I would never go back to copper if I dropped FiOS Internet...

I obviously decided I didn't care since I switched to FiOS. As a tenant, though, I did consider how my decision will control the delivery of telecom services to my successors in this apartment. I would hope PUCs would require that service pricing be identical across fiber vs. copper, but I'm not entirely sure how FiOS voice services are regulated, either Federally or by my home state of MA. Federal regulations may treat FiOS voice as an "enhanced" service not subject to common-carrier regulation. State PUCs are probably not of a single mind about how to regulate FiOS either. I'm glad to hear you believe there is no price discrimination.

By the way, I know that the removal of copper issue is often cited by folks wanting to suggest every decision Verizon makes is anti-competitive. I don't think Vz is a saint by any means, but I can see good reasons for forcing the upgrade to fiber as long as pricing remains unchanged.

FiOS to add all Starz HD channels.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6564185.html?desc=topstory

Verizon Another Step Closer To NYC Franchise

Telco’s FiOS Service Still Needs Blessing From Mayor, State Public Service Commission

By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 5/27/2008 11:03:00 AM

New York City's Franchise and Concession Review Committee (FCRC) voted unanimously Tuesday to approve Verizon Communications’ proposal to provide TV service in all five boroughs of the city.

Before Verizon is allowed to start marketing FiOS TV service, the proposed agreement must be confirmed by the Mayor's Office of the City of New York and the New York State Public Service Commission. The city's Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications accepted the Verizon proposal April 29.

"If we are successful in the last steps of the approval process, we will deliver on our promise to begin offering FiOS TV in parts of each of the five boroughs later this year,” said Monica Azare, Verizon senior vice president for New York and Connecticut, in a statement.

Verizon will chiefly be competing against Time Warner Cable and Cablevision Systems, as well as RCN. Both Time Warner Cable and Cablevision are seeking renewals of their franchises with New York City that expire this September.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6564270.html

the removal of copper issue is often cited by folks wanting to suggest every decision Verizon makes is anti-competitive.

I read this to say that when Verizon installs FIOS, they remove the copper wiring that runs from the street to my house...is that correct?

If so, why? Conduit space?

pj

They are trying to phase out the copper system so they don't have to maintain two networks.

And so they aren't forced to let other providers use their wires -- nevermind the fact that "their" wires run through your yard and public property.

I don't subscribe to the Sports channels, yet since the French Open started, we are receiving the Tennis channel, # 303. None of the other channels are viewable above and below. Is Vzn running some kind of "free" tennis week that they are keeping secret ?

WICKED!

i'm getting it here too in rhode island! my guess is a promo? hopefully they'll continue it for all the majors

And so they aren't forced to let other providers use their wires -- nevermind the fact that "their" wires run through your yard and public property.

It's an easement. They have a right to be there.

Also, Verizon can't remove the copper when there are competitor CLECs in the market. Too bad. Your bill would probably rise at a much slower rate if Verizon could right off some of the cost of building out their fiber network by selling off all that incredibly valuable copper rather than leave it wasted underground. Verizon basically has a network of gold running underneath all its subscribers.

I dropped DirectTV over 2 years ago and switched to FiOS as Verizon promised more HD channels than any other system. A friend of mine stayed with DTV and he's glad he did. He now has almost 3 times the number of HD channels then I do. Why can't Verizon FiOS offer the same number or more HD channels if they have all this "so called" fiber bandwidth? I feel like I was sold a bill of goods.:mad:

FiOS to add all Starz HD channels.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6564185.html?desc=topstory

This should include StarzHD, Encore HD, StarzHD and Encore HD On-Demand, StarzHD Kids and Family, StarzHD Edge and StarzHD Comedy.

Any word on HD-PPV? The only reason I'm keeping Cablevision with Verizon is MSG-HD, MSG+HD and HD-PPV.

I read this to say that when Verizon installs FIOS, they remove the copper wiring that runs from the street to my house...is that correct?

If so, why? Conduit space?

pj

Not at my house they didn't (northern New Jersey). As a matter of fact I still have one active analog line still functioning.

Not at my house they didn't (northern New Jersey). As a matter of fact I still have one active analog line still functioning.

They didn't remove mine either. In fact they burried a brand new copper line up to my house a week prior to my FIOS installation. I called when I got home and saw the copper wire sticking out of the ground. They said OOPS and had the FIOS guys come a few days later to run the fios conduit but left the copper burried.

I dropped DirectTV over 2 years ago and switched to FiOS as Verizon promised more HD channels than any other system. A friend of mine stayed with DTV and he's glad he did. He now has almost 3 times the number of HD channels then I do. Why can't Verizon FiOS offer the same number or more HD channels if they have all this "so called" fiber bandwidth? I feel like I was sold a bill of goods.:mad:

the technicals are more than i can get into, but evidently the fiber has the capability, but the central offices were not designed as such. there's quite the discussion about this, but as is the case with all mega-threads, sifting through the info can be daunting. maybe bfdtv can chime in with the abridged version. i think initial reports are ~july for more HD content.

the technicals are more than i can get into, but evidently the fiber has the capability, but the central offices were not designed as such. there's quite the discussion about this, but as is the case with all mega-threads, sifting through the info can be daunting. maybe bfdtv can chime in with the abridged version. i think initial reports are ~july for more HD content.

yea its not the FIBER itself but the equipment at the C/o's that need to be updated. that what i understand about it..'
i believe late JULY (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13807312#post13807312)there is going to be a huge update to Fios and there HD lineup.

heres a cool new FIOS commercial with Kevin Garnett, telling viewers about the multi room dvr.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1119284117/bctid1568089470

They didn't remove mine either. In fact they burried a brand new copper line up to my house a week prior to my FIOS installation. I called when I got home and saw the copper wire sticking out of the ground. They said OOPS and had the FIOS guys come a few days later to run the fios conduit but left the copper burried.

As I said above, as long as there are CLECs competing in the relevant market, Verizon has an obligation under the Telecomm Act of 1996 to maintain those copper lines whether Verizon is using them or not.

It's that time again. NASA Space Shuttle Launch this Saturday. In the IMG now, locked-n-loaded for recording.

Day and Time (ET/PT) Program Information
Sat, May 31 - 4:30 PM ET 1:30 PM PT NASA on HDNet - LIVE!
Space Shuttle Discovery STS-124 Launch - Live coverage from the Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral of STS-124. It will be the second of three flights that will launch components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. Discovery's 14-day flight carries the heaviest payload to the station and will include three spacewalks.

Sun, Jun 1 - 10:30 AM ET 7:30 AM PT NASA on HDNet
Space Shuttle Discovery STS-124 Launch - Live coverage from the Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral of STS-124. It will be the second of three flights that will launch components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. Discovery's 14-day flight carries the heaviest payload to the station and will include three spacewalks.
Special Encore Presentation

As I said above, as long as there are CLECs competing in the relevant market, Verizon has an obligation under the Telecomm Act of 1996 to maintain those copper lines whether Verizon is using them or not.

Actually, I think all they need to provide is an RJ45 connection in the house, and access in their CO's. If Verizon chooses to offer this via FTTH, they are still compliant.

Actually, I think all they need to provide is an RJ45 connection in the house, and access in their CO's. If Verizon chooses to offer this via FTTH, they are still compliant.

That's true, but I was operating under the assumption that Verizon would never grant the CLEC access to its fiber technology.

That's true, but I was operating under the assumption that Verizon would never grant the CLEC access to its fiber technology.

I have to believe that's the only way they'll ultimately make money on the FTTH. They'll never have 100% penetration, but they need to pass 100% of the homes (in any area they serve).

So - for the homes they don't "own", they can at least rent out their infrastructure and make money on everyone. Just like they did with the copper.

However I expect they will delay offering full access to the fiber for a while, until they have reached some penetration level in each market.

As I said above, as long as there are CLECs competing in the relevant market, Verizon has an obligation under the Telecomm Act of 1996 to maintain those copper lines whether Verizon is using them or not.


Actually, I think all they need to provide is an RJ45 connection in the house, and access in their CO's. If Verizon chooses to offer this via FTTH, they are still compliant.

VZ has an obligation to maintain copper lines? Must provide an RJ45 (!?!) connection in the house? Lots of misinformation here.

I read this to say that when Verizon installs FIOS, they remove the copper wiring that runs from the street to my house...is that correct?

If so, why? Conduit space?

pj

Usually it's dictated by local "policy". Myself, I will usually ask the customer what he wants me to do.

Conduit space is usually not a concern since most new fiber drops are trenched in.

the technicals are more than i can get into, but evidently the fiber has the capability, but the central offices were not designed as such. there's quite the discussion about this, but as is the case with all mega-threads, sifting through the info can be daunting. maybe bfdtv can chime in with the abridged version. i think initial reports are ~july for more HD content.
CHolleman thanks for the info, it's more than Verizon ever informs us about. PCW

Conduit space is usually not a concern since most new fiber drops are trenched in.
When they're trenched in, is there a standard on how deep ? (I don't want to accidentally dig into it some day)

CHolleman thanks for the info, it's more than Verizon ever informs us about. PCW

no worries. ;)

When they're trenched in is there a standard on how deep ? (I don't want to accidentally dig into it some day)

The line in the back of my house to my house is not more than 4"-6" below ground.

The line in the back of my house to my house is not more than 4"-6" below ground.
Got a feeling that's probably about what mine is as well, based on the shovel they were using. Dangerously close to the surface IMO.

Got a feeling that's probably about what mine is as well, based on the shovel they were using. Dangerously close to the surface IMO.

That's about standard for anything run after the trench for power has been filled. Unless you plan on heavy traffic, or have major erosion issues in the area where it is buried, you should be OK. For your knowledge, you may want to sketch the area with distances and whatnot, and squirrel it away somewhere. When in doubt, call for a mark-out before you dig! (the fiber has a copper tracer attached to it.)

For your knowledge, you may want to sketch the area with distances and whatnot, and squirrel it away somewhere. (the fiber has a copper tracer attached to it.)
Actually, while the trench was fresh, I took photos of the entire run from the "flower pot" to the ONT. Interesting re the copper tracer, I didn't know that.

VZ has an obligation to maintain copper lines? Must provide an RJ45 (!?!) connection in the house? Lots of misinformation here.

As an ILEC, Verizon has an obligation under the 1996 Telecomm Act to provide UNE elements (i.e. copper lines to the premises) to competitors. Of course, as Verizon builds out it's FTTP network, it could alternatively grant CLEC access to those fiber elements and remove its copper lines entirely, but I have no idea why they would grant CLEC's access to their proprietary and expensive fiber technology.

What's the big obsession with the wires?

I know everyone wants to talk more about copper wires and ONT's but Verizon has some programming news.http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2008/verizon-fios-tv-customers-can.html
Their newly launched portal "allows customers to use any desktop or laptop computer to review their local TV schedules and information about video-on-demand (VOD) and pay-per-view offerings." In the future customers will also be able to program their DVR from the web.

I like this one:Verizon plans to add features... that will allow customers to control their DVRs...Say someone is watching a program in another room and I don't like it. I login to my account from my PC and change the channel. Is that what they are saying - a true "remote" control? This is gonna be fun...:D

Why is it that FiOS here in the Long Island NYC are can't show MSNBC, I heard something about a contract with Cablevision blocking them? It's funny though that even with that I can still watch MSNBC programming on the FiOS internet service, I guess thank the man upstairs and the lawmakers for net neutrality.

Why is it that FiOS here in the Long Island NYC are can't show MSNBC, I heard something about a contract with Cablevision blocking them?
That's exactly it.

I just got a second letter from verizon saying that my analog shut-off is June 23 and that shortly after we can expect more great, free HD programming. Has anyone else gotten a second letter yet?

Time is flying and I am getting excited for the new channels we should be receiving soon. My most anticipated is History HD and the new HD movie channels.

Why is it that FiOS here in the Long Island NYC are can't show MSNBC, I heard something about a contract with Cablevision blocking them? It's funny though that even with that I can still watch MSNBC programming on the FiOS internet service, I guess thank the man upstairs and the lawmakers for net neutrality.

Yes, exclusive contract beween Cablevision and MSNBC. There have been several posts on that here and at DSLReports. Nobody seems to know when the agreement expires.

Got the letter late last week. Also 6/23 (we're on the same VHO).

I like this one:Say someone is watching a program in another room and I don't like it. I login to my account from my PC and change the channel. Is that what they are saying - a true "remote" control? This is gonna be fun...:D

The web control of the DVR is so you can be at work and learn about a program that you will miss unless you set it to record! DirecTV has this and can also do it from cell phones.

have people in L.A. gotten the letter re analog shut off? did I miss it?

So the whole getting rid of analogs has me a bit confused. If I have a QAM tuner in my TV, do I still need to have a STB to get a limited number of stations? I have a TV in my kitchen and basically only watch the local stations when I'm preparing dinner.
Thanks

Your tuner receives both analog and digital. QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) is the name of the RF format that carries the digital signals for cable TV. The broadcast over-the-air format is called ATSC (Advanced TV Standards Committee).

For completeness, the analog format is called NTSC. (National TV Standards Committee). The NTSC format channels are the ones getting turned off.

If your tuner can get QAM, it can probably get ATSC (broadcast HD digital) as well. You'll need to check your TV manual.

So the whole getting rid of analogs has me a bit confused. If I have a QAM tuner in my TV, do I still need to have a STB to get a limited number of stations? I have a TV in my kitchen and basically only watch the local stations when I'm preparing dinner.
Thanks

short answer-no. if all you want or need is FiOS chs 1-49 & your TV has a QAM tuner just connect the coax wall drop & do the ch scan.

I did this once on my kitchen TV(just to see what would happen) & if memory serves you'll also get the Music Choice & the other set of music chs.

however the ch mapping will be all over the place-you'll have ch #'s like 92-001 & the like so it may take some time to figure out what ch is where.

Thanks!

Will it ever happen? The PPV feature is too much to follow a bunch of games like you can with Sunday ticket.

The cable channels would need to get together when the next Direct TV contract is up and outbid them for the NFL. I don't know how realistic that is. I wouldn't count on it. I would love if they would go that route. When I lived in Orlando I had to go to bars to watch the Eagles. I would rather watch the game through my gear.

I wonder how Congress is going to affect the next process after the MLB fiasco.

When I lived in Orlando I had to go to bars to watch the Eagles.Don't worry, you haven't missed anything. After watching the Eagles games I often want to go to a bar...:D

I'm sure everyone will have the Sunday Ticket after the DTV contract is up. When is it up? After the 2010-2011 season? or 2011-2012?


And I heard MSNBC is coming in July (for NY-NJ), any truth to this?

I'm sure everyone will have the Sunday Ticket after the DTV contract is up. When is it up? After the 2010-2011 season? or 2011-2012?This is a major reason I'm with DirecTV. The TV landscape will be completely different in 2011, 2012. You'd think by that time, the big MSO's (DirecTV/DISH, Verizon FiOS/ATT U-Verse, Comcast/COX) will be offering virtually the same services...

This is a major reason I'm with DirecTV. The TV landscape will be completely different in 2011, 2012. You'd think by that time, the big MSO's (DirecTV/DISH, Verizon FiOS/ATT U-Verse, Comcast/COX) will be offering virtually the same services...But How many will I be able to use a TiVo with? I got DirecTV 6.5 years ago specifically for HD, and then I discovered TiVo(which was only SD then) through them. I used to spend $110 to $120 a month with DIrecTV, but their decision to basically drop TiVo made me leave them. I currently have FIOS and as long as I can use TiVo with them I will keep them. If I can't use TiVo I don't want to use that provider. So far none of the providers DVR offering sthat I have seen can match TiVo yet.

But How many will I be able to use a TiVo with? I got DirecTV 6.5 years ago specifically for HD, and then I discovered TiVo(which was only SD then) through them. I used to spend $110 to $120 a month with DIrecTV, but their decision to basically drop TiVo made me leave them. I currently have FIOS and as long as I can use TiVo with them I will keep them. If I can't use TiVo I don't want to use that provider. So far none of the providers DVR offering sthat I have seen can match TiVo yet.You know... you bring up a good point. I was referring to channels being offered but didn't think about things like TiVo, etc...

You know... you bring up a good point. I was referring to channels being offered but didn't think about things like TiVo, etc...

I figure the providers will have to do something to differentiate themselves from each other. If they all have the same programming they have to offer something to pull people in their direction. Everyone could match prices but they need something to make the people gravitate toward them. Like with FIOS and their fast internet connections. I know that my FIOS INTERNET connection is one thing I won't drop from them in the future. It's possible I could switch my phone and TV service, but not the Internet service. Verizon would have to really butcher it for that to happen.

I figure the providers will have to do something to differentiate themselves from each other. If they all have the same programming they have to offer something to pull people in their direction. Everyone could match prices but they need something to make the people gravitate toward them. Like with FIOS and their fast internet connections. I know that my FIOS INTERNET connection is one thing I won't drop from them in the future. It's possible I could switch my phone and TV service, but not the Internet service. Verizon would have to really butcher it for that to happen.I had COX HSI until April. Dumped them for FiOS Internet. Always had Verizon landline and really haven't thought about switching. Had Sprint wireless until May (spotty coverage near my home). Dumped them for VZW. I now get a bundle discount for DirecTV thru Verizon, FiOS Internet and landline plus VZW is now all on one bill... I think I'm set with Verizon...

I always thought is was odd for Verizon to be pushing FIOS TV and DirecTV in the same market. I've seen Verizon commercials for both in this area.

I always thought is was odd for Verizon to be pushing FIOS TV and DirecTV in the same market. I've seen Verizon commercials for both in this area.Happens in Hampton Roads too. Verizon recently announced a big FiOS push here. I get a very small bundle savings with DirecTV service thru Verizon...

I always thought is was odd for Verizon to be pushing FIOS TV and DirecTV in the same market. I've seen Verizon commercials for both in this area.

In our area it was mostly so the people whose towns had not approved FIOS TV but had approved other services would be able to get a package. I was a DirecTV user (SD) and transitioned over to FIOS internet and phone, then to the TV when it was offered.

I figure the providers will have to do something to differentiate themselves from each other. If they all have the same programming they have to offer something to pull people in their direction. Everyone could match prices but they need something to make the people gravitate toward them. Like with FIOS and their fast internet connections. I know that my FIOS INTERNET connection is one thing I won't drop from them in the future. It's possible I could switch my phone and TV service, but not the Internet service. Verizon would have to really butcher it for that to happen.

The only thing that might affect your Tivo use in the future with FIOS is when FIOS changes over to full IPTV. Right now, the Tivo / cablecard setup can't interface with the IPTV signals, which is why you can't have FIOS VOD on Tivo.

Maybe by the time that happens, there will be a Tivo that can decode the IPTV signals that FIOS generates. It will still be a long time, since the technical progression I've heard about is:

BPON (now) - QAM based.
GPON (being rolled out now) - QAM based, 4X speed.
Multiplexed QAM - future.
IPTV - ????

(Someone please correct me if this is off).

The only thing that might affect your Tivo use in the future with FIOS is when FIOS changes over to full IPTV. Right now, the Tivo / cablecard setup can't interface with the IPTV signals, which is why you can't have FIOS VOD on Tivo.

Maybe by the time that happens, there will be a Tivo that can decode the IPTV signals that FIOS generates. It will still be a long time, since the technical progression I've heard about is:

BPON (now) - QAM based.
GPON (being rolled out now) - QAM based, 4X speed.
Multiplexed QAM - future.
IPTV - ????

(Someone please correct me if this is off).

Sounds about right. I'm not sure they'll ever convert the core stuff to anything other than QAM - they don't have to. They have plenty of bandwidth, and they remain compatible with the QAM standard.

They can have more and more IPTV offerings, but that's not the same as changing the core channel offerings.

But How many will I be able to use a TiVo with? I got DirecTV 6.5 years ago specifically for HD, and then I discovered TiVo(which was only SD then) through them. I used to spend $110 to $120 a month with DIrecTV, but their decision to basically drop TiVo made me leave them. I currently have FIOS and as long as I can use TiVo with them I will keep them. If I can't use TiVo I don't want to use that provider. So far none of the providers DVR offering sthat I have seen can match TiVo yet.

I was in the same exact boat. I switched from DirecTV to BHN -- and eventually FiOS when it came available -- just because of the entire TiVo situation.

Interestedly, I recently switched from two Series3 TiVos to a Dell XPS 420 with CableCARD tuner and not only did it cost me less than my two Series3 (they were still $800 when I bought them) but the UI isn't 10 years old. But as much as I love VMC (Vista media Center), the setup was a major PIA and so far the maintenance has not been set and forget, but I'm confident it will be now that my system is stable.

Ohh, and VMC is expected to get DirecTV support by the end of the year.

I was in the same exact boat. I switched from DirecTV to BHN -- and eventually FiOS when it came available -- just because of the entire TiVo situation.

Interestedly, I recently switched from two Series3 TiVos to a Dell XPS 420 with CableCARD tuner and not only did it cost me less than my two Series3 (they were still $800 when I bought them) but the UI isn't 10 years old. But as much as I love VMC (Vista media Center), the setup was a major PIA and so far the maintenance has not been set and forget, but I'm confident it will be now that my system is stable.

Ohh, and VMC is expected to get DirecTV support by the end of the year.

You can't beat $299 for a Tivo HD. Super reliable and not as clumsy as VMC.

But any issues with Tivo will be the same with a HTPC, in terms of IPTV, etc. CCs work the same on both platforms.

And I'll believe the DTV solution when it's actually here. Not that it matters, by the end of the year DTV will, once again, be playing third fiddle to FiOS and others, in terms of just about everything.

Most likely it's a problem with the coax or splitter in the house. You need to have a tech come out and check the feed from the ONT on that particular QAM channel. If that's ok at the ONT, then he needs to sectionalize (is that even a word? :rolleyes:) your coax network to find the issue.

Hopefully you get a tech that knows how to obtain and test the individual QAMs.

Turns out it was somewhat of a splitter problem as it was split so many times, I was getting signal loss. The old cable company had a four way splitter outside that Verizon hooked into. Three of those lines go directly to cable boxes in old part of the house, where everything was fine. The other one goes all the way around the house into basement of addition where it goes into a structured media panel. In that panel, the original installer put in a 6 way splitter, of which 3 lines were active (others were because I have runs in each room, but not active). Once they installed a booster or amplifier everything was perfect.

What I don't get is that I originally had a 1v6 bi-directional amplifier/splitter hooked up with my old cable. It was 1-2GHZ and those in the know on this forum said that would work with FIOS, but the installer during initial install choose to replace that with a regular splitter.

Even the guy that came to fix this problem was a little iffy. He had to call someone a few times. Asking what "out of focus" was when he did a signal test. Then when person on other end suggested something else (sounded like MOCA) if the amplifier did not work, he had to ask where to put that because he had never done that.

New Channel Realignment (Ft. Wayne - June 30)
http://www22.verizon.com/NROneRetail/NR/rdonlyres/DDF52435-30A8-4F2F-9487-E19F9840DD08/0/Fort_Wayne_IN_effective_6_30.pdf

LOCAL
502 CBS — WANE HD (Local)
504 NBC — WISE HD (Local)
505 FOX — WFFT HD (Local)
506 ABC — WPTA HD (Local)
ENTERTAINMENT
550 USA HD *
551 TNT HD *
552 TBS HD *
567 Universal HD
569 HD Net
SPORTS
570 ESPN HD
572 ESPNews HD *
574 ESPN2 HD
577 Fox Sports Net Indiana HD (Regional)
585 Big Ten Network HD *
588 NFL Network HD
590 VERSUS/Golf Channel HD *
591 Outdoor Channel HD *
NEWS
600 CNN HD *
602 CNBC HD *
603 MSNBC HD *
619 The Weather Channel HD *
INFO & EDUCATION
620 Discovery Channel HD
621 National Geographic Channel HD
622 Science Channel HD *
625 Smithsonian Channel HD *
628 History Channel HD *
630 Animal Planet HD *
631 HD Theater
639 TLC HD *
WOMEN
640 Lifetime HD
641 Lifetime West HD *
642 Lifetime Movie Network West HD *
HOME & LEISURE
664 Food Network HD
665 HGTV HD
669 Wealth TV HD
POP CULTURE
680 Sci-Fi Channel HD *
681 A&E HD
682 MOJO HD *
685 Bravo HD *
MUSIC
711 MHD
MOVIES
746 HD Net Movies
840 Starz HD
841 Starz Kids & Family HD *
842 Starz Comedy HD *
843 Starz Edge HD *
865 Showtime HD
866 Showtime West HD *
867 Showtime 2 HD *
PREMIUMS
900 HBO HD
901 HBO West HD *
920 Cinemax HD
921 Cinemax West HD *

Wow - that's a pretty radical change!

Yep, at long last, some concrete information on what new HD channels will be added and the new channel line-up. Bump the La Conexion set of channels up to 1500, the music channels up to 1800, set aside 500 to 9xx for the HD channels. PDF line-up for Portland: http://www22.verizon.com/NROneRetail/NR/rdonlyres/EC99286E-16BF-4D6C-8400-28DBB398DAE2/0/Portland_OR_effective_7_09.pdf.

Looks like OR and IN will get the new HD channels first, which is no surprise as those markets have been digital only from the start. Web page with new channel line-up (which I would not be surprised to see taken down): http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/channel+lineup.htm.

Amazing news... hopefully it doesn't take too long to reach us in NY!!!!

Yep, at long last, some concrete information on what new HD channels will be added and the new channel line-up. Bump the La Conexion set of channels up to 1500, the music channels up to 1800, set aside 500 to 9xx for the HD channels. PDF line-up for Portland: http://www22.verizon.com/NROneRetail/NR/rdonlyres/EC99286E-16BF-4D6C-8400-28DBB398DAE2/0/Portland_OR_effective_7_09.pdf.

Looks like OR and IN will get the new HD channels first, which is no surprise as those markets have been digital only from the start. Web page with new channel line-up (which I would not be surprised to see taken down): http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/channel+lineup.htm.

I thought cable cards were limited to sub-1000 tuning? Does this mean us CC users will lose all the music channels?

Me neither! We should get those new channels sooner rather than later one would hope.

No update for the Philly area yet (Southeastern PA). Although I'm glad to see Weather Channel HD, Sci-Fi HD, and a bunch of Discovery HD added to OR. Maybe that applies to here.

I would think that N.Y. should be roughly the same time frame given the shut off of the analogs.

Setanta Sports, channel 1009. NHL Center Ice 1040-1053.

I'm really glad I gutted it out for a year!

Even the guy that came to fix this problem was a little iffy. He had to call someone a few times. Asking what "out of focus" was when he did a signal test. Then when person on other end suggested something else (sounded like MOCA) if the amplifier did not work, he had to ask where to put that because he had never done that.

With MoCA, the amplifiers need to be installed in a certain way using a device that allows the MoCA signal to bypass the amplifier. (There are new amps that have a MoCA bypass built into them that some areas carry) It seems he hadn't installed one before, so I can understand his need for help. As far as "out of focus", I haven't a clue what he may have been talking about. I know my meter has never displayed that message. :confused:

No update for the Philly area yet (Southeastern PA). Although I'm glad to see Weather Channel HD, Sci-Fi HD, and a bunch of Discovery HD added to OR. Maybe that applies to here.
The channels have not been added yet! The PDF file has an effect date for Fort Wayne, IN of June 30 and July 9 for Portland, OR. Figure Western PA (Pittsburgh), Central & SE VA would go next as Western PA never had analog channels and Central & SE VA had the analog shutdown in April. Question is whether they will upgrade 1 VHO a week or will they speed it up? The analog shutdown has reportedly started for the Philly COs (Central Offices), so you might get the new line-up by late July or August. We will all have to wait and see.

Amazing news... hopefully it doesn't take too long to reach us in NY!!!!

Biggest disappointment for me ....... no FX HD

Looks like they fall a little short of adding there 30 hd channels for summer with only 22:mad:

Setanta Sports, channel 1009. NHL Center Ice 1040-1053.

I'm really glad I gutted it out for a year!

Ok - just freakin' awesome. Setanta and good hockey access. Now I have to dump Setanta broadband.

Looks like they fall a little short of adding there 30 hd channels for summer with only 22:mad:
My count of the new channel line-up shows 20 new national HD channels and 7 new premium movie channels. 27 is pretty close to 30 and who knows, they may add several more by the time the HD channels actually get added.

That's awesome! I'm happy to see some real progress even if I do have to wait until the fall since I'm in California.

Edit: I noticed there isn't any SPEED HD :(

Moar HD. Finally.

EDIT: 3 Lifetimes? THREE? THREE??!! Epic WTF.

hope is still in sight...

Biggest disappointment for me ....... no FX HD

me too. although mostly for rescue me which adam ferrara announced on opie & anthony that the new season won't start until next march. MARCH??!!? ponderous, ****ing ponderous.

I'd also like to see amc in hd (does it even exist?) for mad men which is shot in hd and the new season's starting on 7/27. great show. so politically incorrect. what a great time to be alive.

3 Lifetimes? THREE? THREE??!! Epic WTF.

Yea, What's Up with that?

There will be plenty for everyone. This is just phase I of a 2 phase HD content add. October has another 50 or 60 HD channels being launched. From what I hear, FX will be part of the October rollout.

Biggest disappointment for me ....... no FX HD

Agreed. That and SPEED HD.

A Preview of Coming Attractions

Posted by Eric Rabe in Video on June 04, 2008, 11:58 AM EST

Tomorrow Verizon will issue a news release about some of the new content coming to your FiOS TV screens this summer. Because PolicyBlog readers have expressed a lot of interest – and frankly frustration – about new content, I’m giving you the heads up today.

What we will announce is that, beginning in July, we’ll start adding new HD and standard-definition channels to the 400-plus channels we already carry. This is the first step in a phased approach to ensure that Verizon FiOS TV leads all comers in providing both HD and SD programming choice. In the coming weeks, we will add a total of about 60 new channels including at least 25 in HD. The number varies by market depending on the number of local HD channels available. By year end, Verizon will carry more HD programming than any of our competitors, and that will include all available major HD programming.

Some of the new content we’ll announce includes HD channels from Lifetime, Animal Planet, TLC, Science Channel and Smithsonian Channel, along with five new premium movie channels from Starz and Showtime. We’ll also add Setanta Sports, a premium channel dedicated to bringing European and International soccer and rugby to U.S.-based fans, plus approximately 15 multicultural channels. Other content we expect to offer includes Big Ten Network, MLB Extra Innings, NBA League Pass and NHL Center Ice, among others.

Obviously, negotiating program content is an ongoing process, and not something we can really do in public. What I’ve tried to do is to give what indications I can on the blog, but I understand the frustration when I can’t say more. Because of the nature of some programming negotiations, it is simply not possible for me to be more specific at this time.

Is this schedule different from the timetable we announced last November? Yes, we’re a month or two later than we’d hoped. The bottom line is that FiOS TV customers have a lot of new channels to look forward to, and we remain committed to being a leader in this category.

http://policyblog.verizon.com/policyblog/blogs/policyblog/ericrabe9/479/a-preview-of-coming-attractions.aspx

There will be plenty for everyone. This is just phase I of a 2 phase HD content add. October has another 50 or 60 HD channels being launched. From what I hear, FX will be part of the October rollout.
That's right .... & VZ already announced plans to carry the new MGM-HD channel this year as well .. so that should be part of the 2nd wave rollout as well ....
I would imagine FX-HD, Speed, MGM-HD, All the "kids & cartoon" HD's, The New Discovery Green channelHD, QVC-HD, & whatever else is left will be in there as well....
I wouldn't be surprised if they turn on additionals Ahead of expectations , once the 1st wave is out ... since if the VHO's and /or CO's are setup with the capacity, it would seem when/adding addtnl channels will then become more of a "corporate decision" rather than a capacity issue ....

Don't cable-cards have a limit of 3-digit (i.e. 000-999) tuning? How will we get the 1000+ channels like the Music Choice stuff?

I'm hoping to see Spike and Vs. in the 2nd wave also.

I'm hoping to see Spike and Vs. in the 2nd wave also.

Versus is in the first wave.

Don't cable-cards have a limit of 3-digit (i.e. 000-999) tuning? How will we get the 1000+ channels like the Music Choice stuff?

I'd like an answer to this as well, I think Media Center doesn't let you use Cable Card for tuning above 999 because they reserve that space for ATSC. Although I bet you could just re-map the channels if you really want.

Wow, the Policy Blog seems like a really positive shift in marketing/PR for Verizon. Nice work.

I have never watched FX before, but the posts here and elsewhere complaining interest me, what is on that channel? Other than the show Rescue Me?

nip/tuck, the riches, damages. those are the ones I watch anyway. which is a lot for a single cable channel.

I mean, what do I watch on CBS? big bang theory, NFL, and well, that's it! Can't think of anything else. Maybe when survivor goes HD, I'll check it out.

I have never watched FX before, but the posts here and elsewhere complaining interest me, what is on that channel? Other than the show Rescue Me?

Nip/Tuck, Damages, Dirt, The Shield, just to name four off the top of my head. It's a great channel with really edgy, interesting dramas. At the level of good HBO dramas (often better).

News Release

The Best TV Gets Even Better - Verizon FiOS TV Adds New Channels

More Than 60 New Channels - Including at Least 25 in HD - to Be Added This Summer

June 5, 2008

NEW YORK - Verizon FiOS TV customers will get even more great programming this summer as Verizon adds more than 60 new channels to the lineup, including high-definition (HD), sports and multicultural content. Verizon plans to expand its lineup to offer by the end of the year up to 150 HD channels, which will include all available major HD programming. Other Verizon HD choices include hundreds of video-on-demand (VOD) titles per month, with 1,000 HD VOD titles by the end of the year.

"The popularity of HD, sports and multicultural content continues to grow, and we're committed to leading the industry in the scope and quality of our programming offerings," said Terry Denson, vice president - FiOS TV content and programming. "We are aggressively acquiring high-quality programming in both standard and high definition that appeals to a broad array of viewers. Because we deliver FiOS TV over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network straight to customers' homes, the quality of our picture and sound is unmatched, giving customers the best possible TV viewing experience."

Verizon will roll out the new content, region by region, to areas where FiOS TV is available, beginning by early July. The new channels will be activated in FiOS systems across the country over the following few months.

Included in the new content will be more than 25 high-definition channels, bringing the total number of HD channels to between 52 and 65, depending on the customer's location.

Customers will see some of their favorite channels in HD, including Lifetime, Animal Planet, TLC, Science Channel and Smithsonian Channel. Those who subscribe to FiOS TV's Movie Package - which already includes more than 40 channels from Showtime, Starz, The Movie Channel, Encore, Sundance Channel and IFC, as well as access to hundreds of free movies on VOD - will see a total of five new HD channels from Starz and Showtime.

Verizon also puts a high priority on providing all major sports programming and offering as much as possible in HD.

"We understand the importance of sports content to our customers, and we continue to work hard to bring the best in sports to FiOS TV," said Denson. "We plan to give our customers a front seat to watch some of their favorite teams this year."

Consumers will see more sports programming on the FiOS TV lineup, as Verizon continues to work with programmers to provide new sports content. One of the many channels that will be added is Setanta Sports, a premium channel dedicated to bringing European and International soccer and rugby to U.S.-based fans. Verizon will be the only cable provider to make Setanta available at the time of launch. Verizon also plans to offer a number of sports channels in HD, including Outdoor Channel, which provides programming that promotes traditional outdoor activities like fishing, hunting and shooting sports.

Verizon will also add approximately 15 multicultural channels to the FiOS TV lineup, including leading channels for Arabic, Portuguese and Russian audiences, among others. These new channels continue to make FiOS TV an outlet for emerging and independent networks to showcase their diverse programming.

Much of the multicultural content comes from WorldTV, a division of content management and delivery company GlobeCast, which previously signed a distribution deal with Verizon for top-tier international channels. The new GlobeCast WorldTV international television channels include MBT (Arabic), RTPI (Portuguese) and RTR Planeta (Russian).

Verizon's FiOS TV service offers a broad collection of all-digital programming, with more than 400 total channels and 10,000 video-on-demand titles, 70 percent of which are free. The VOD library also includes an increasing number of HD titles. FiOS TV is currently available to more than 6.5 million homes in 13 states. In the little more than two years since the service first launched, the company has signed up more than 1.2 million FiOS TV customers who enjoy hundreds of digital video and music channels, high-definition linear and on-demand programming, the nation's largest collection of video-on-demand content, a robust interactive media guide, and other advanced features. For more information on FiOS TV, visit http://www.verizon.com/fiostv.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 67 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employed a diverse workforce of approximately 232,000 as of the end of the first quarter 2008 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2008/the-best-tv-gets-even-better.html

Nip/Tuck, Damages, Dirt, The Shield, just to name four off the top of my head. It's a great channel with really edgy, interesting dramas. At the level of good HBO dramas (often better).

I also enjoy It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Thanks, if we ever get the channel and if those shows are presented in HD, then I'll check them out.

Several comments on the new HD channel line-ups.

Somewhat surprising that they don't have FX-HD or Fox News HD, but they are lacking the Fox channels in the first round. The odds are pretty good that FX-HD will get added in the rumored 2nd round of HD adds which is supposed to happen in October (which will probably slip to November for most markets this being Verizon). If you look at the new SD channel line-up, they have CNN at channel 100 followed by CNN HeadLine News, CNBC, MSNBC (103). Fox News gets bumped to 118, after the C-Span channels and the Fox Business Network. Did CNN and NBC cut a better deal to put their channels at the front of the news channel block? We should check the PDF files as new ones get added or see if the 2 new line-ups get revised. Wouldn't rule out a couple of more HD channels being added to the summer expansion or Fox News HD going in place of MSNBC-HD which is reportedly not going live until the 4th quarter.

Check the HD local channel line-up for Portland. They now have the HD locals at their VHF channel number plus 500: 502, 506, 508, 510, 512. KRCW-DT CW 32 is at 503. So they will get away from packing all the HD locals at 801 to 807 or up as they are doing in most markets and map to the SD channel line-up. I expect we will see the same done for the other markets: the VHF stations (well, using their analog VHF channel number) will map to 502 to 513 and the UHF station get mixed in the open slots in between.

They are adding HBO-HD West, Cinemax HD West, Showtime HD West, and Lifetime West. Ok, they will have the bandwidth to do this for now, but I think this is really a waste in the age of the DVR. Besides, has Verizon noticed just how many times Showtime or HBO repeats their series shows each week? Send the East coast version to the East & Central time zones and the West coast version to CA and OR. Save the room for when there are 160 to 180+ HD channels to carry.

Versus is in the first wave.

I missed that in the first glance. It looks like it'll be split with the Golf channel. :confused:

They are adding HBO-HD West, Cinemax HD West, Showtime HD West, and Lifetime West.

I suspect this is just to inflate the channel count. Content doesn't seem to be much of a consideration when companies add channels.

I missed that in the first glance. It looks like it'll be split with the Golf channel. :confused:

This is currently the only way Comcast provides these channels. I think that once Comcast has enough bandwidth on it's own systems, they will be offered separately.