Digital,

Glad to hear you are enjoying your new PQ so much. You are a good point of comparison for me since we obviously are sharing the same local sources.

I unfortunately don't have a lot of time during the week to really dig into this subject, but did have a little more insight last evening. Here is a revision of my unscientific findings:

1. SD quality differs channel-by-channel. Now, it did on D* as well, but in that case it was fairly easy to tell that D* was allocating more bandwidth to premium channels and less to such things as HGTV, MTV, etc. In FiOS's case, local SD channels and a few nationals have a grainy or soft look to them. I tried to pass the native 480i picture to my GW and sharpen it up through the set's DRC controls, but still wasn't pleased with the results. Oddly enough, I get the best SD picture by using the "Off" setting for 480i which causes the QIP to upconvert the picture to 1080i and send it to my TV with black bars on the sides. It appears to both brighten and sharpen the picture.

Let me be clear that even given the above the "not as good as it could be" SD pictures are better than what we see on D*, they just aren't pristine NTSC. The majority of SD channels on FiOS are very very good, however, which was unusual on D* except for premium channels.

So, what do I think is going on? My guess is that FiOS may be giving us the best picture that is available from the source. It may be that the signal passed to cable, D*, E*, and F* are already sucked up. Thoughts?

2. I retract most of my findings on my "#3" in my previous post, although I do believe that digital may have had a problem with his OTA previously -- it should have been the best source possible. All national HD channels are outstanding and the local HD channels are likewise fantastic except for CBS, which seems to introduce a darker image and some artifacting/jumpiness that I am not seeing anywhere else. It just happened that the other evening this was the channel I primarily was watching.

The above could be a temporary problem of course. At this point like the rest of us I am giving F*'s performance a highly critical eye.

You may need to remember that the most basic service level on FIOS is analog, channels 2-49 I believe.

You may need to remember that the most basic service level on FIOS is analog, channels 2-49 I believe.


Ah! That could explain the 'soft' or 'grainy' comments.

I think you are likely correct. Why oh why did they decide to do it this way? It would have seemed reasonable to require digital across the board, but I guess they didn't want to shut out the low end of the market....

I believe it is the law.

here is my response from verizon...


Mr Antonio,
Thank you for your interest in FiOS. We have not begun to build our Fiber
Optic Network in Sturbridge. When we get ready to do that we schedule a
meeting with the Town Manager and Selectman. Our build schedule has been
developed for 2006 and Sturbridge is not on that schedule. The 2007
schedule does not get released until late in 06.

Carol Baribeau
Regional Director
Public Affairs
413 731-****

(Embedded image moved to file: pic04860.gif)

I think you are likely correct. Why oh why did they decide to do it this way? It would have seemed reasonable to require digital across the board, but I guess they didn't want to shut out the low end of the market....

Looking at the channel lineup for my area the only stations in the 2 - 49 range are locals that I also get in HD. So, I guess I don't really care about these much anyway.

What he said (from the Official Fact Sheet http://newscenter.verizon.com/kit/fiber/factsheet_fios_tv_services.vtml ):

"Basic - Includes 15-35 local broadcast and public, education and government channels for $12.95 per month. The customer chooses digital or analog service. The digital service, which requires a set-top box, offers access to pay-per-view programming and the video- on-demand library. Customers who choose the analog service will receive only the local channel lineup. "

Not really all that clear with that 'customer chooses digital or analog service' line, but it boils down to:

Have/Get an STB/Digital Tuner, get these channels in Digital.

Otherwise, all televisions will get the channels in Analog.

==

In addition I have noted this change:

"Subscribers who purchase all three services - Verizon Freedom voice service, FiOS Internet Service and FiOS TV -- will receive a cumulative discount of $10. "

Some have posted previously that they could only get a $5 discount when they 'Bundled' Phone and Internet Service with TV.

In addition I have noted this change:

"Subscribers who purchase all three services - Verizon Freedom voice service, FiOS Internet Service and FiOS TV -- will receive a cumulative discount of $10. "

Some have posted previously that they could only get a $5 discount when they 'Bundled' Phone and Internet Service with TV.

Well, I haven't seen the statement yet, but I was quoted the $10 discount for having Fios internet and TV, not voice.

In addition I have noted this change:

"Subscribers who purchase all three services - Verizon Freedom voice service, FiOS Internet Service and FiOS TV -- will receive a cumulative discount of $10. "

Some have posted previously that they could only get a $5 discount when they 'Bundled' Phone and Internet Service with TV.

I already get a $5 discount for the internet and voice combo, so an additional $5 when I add TV will amount to $10.

BTDT -

Concur on SD channels, although, honestly, I didn't expect it to be anything other than what it is, so I'm mildly surprised by how good it actually is. In comparison to D*, the SD's on Fios have less noise and graininess. Even on the one SD set I ran this to with a SD STB, the overall images on all channels are crisper and more saturated and I'm only sending that in as RF over coax, not even as S-Video.

Before I moved to this house, I had a big ugly dish and I ran the video out into a Focus Enhancements Quadscan Pro, then to my projector. Those feeds were, by and large, of much better quality with a lot more information with which to process through the Focus box. When I got D*, the images lacked so much detail that in viewing channels such as ESPN or UPN 21 (Mavs games, for example), there was nothing I could do to bring out the detail. I have a CRT projector in one room, but it does not take in high bandwidth component or HDMI, so I can't test this receiver yet without a component to VGA transcoder, which I don't currently have. (*if anyone has one they'd care to share with me to test this, PM me and we'll work it out).

I'm waiting for the Optoma H72 to come out and then will be purchasing it to replace a projector in my media room. I'm a close friend of the rep from Optoma and he's setting me up with a dealer demo unit deal. Once I have that in place then I can comment on how the images look blown up to a 45" x 80" on 1.3 gain Stewart screen. until then, I'm only seeing everything on a 46" diagonal CRT RPTV.

You wrote, "Oddly enough, I get the best SD picture by using the "Off" setting for 480i which causes the QIP to upconvert the picture to 1080i and send it to my TV with black bars on the sides. It appears to both brighten and sharpen the picture." I'm in the office right now, so I can't check this now, but I will later. I tend to believe that's what my settings are since 4:3 material reacts just as you described.

digital,

Thanks for the complete response. After watching last night I am convinced that my only concern is with the analog SD locals. I wouldn't watch these at all, except that I prefer that daily broadcasts of some of my wife's shows such as Dr. Phil and Oprah don't take up the larger HD space on the drive. I try to watch locals in all other instances on their HD feeds.

I will take some more looks at CBS HD. I noticed the problems when watching recorded episodes of "Two and a Half Men" and something else that was on the same evening. Unfortunately, I have already deleted the parallel OTA recordings on the HD-TiVo so can't check to see if this was just in the network's or stations main feed. I recall that earlier NBC sitcoms used to have a problem with both brightness and sound level over HD, so perhaps this was just a bad night for the local station.

All in all a very good service. Now if I could just eliminate that 3 minutes of extra buffering that the QIP adds to recordings....

All in all a very good service. Now if I could just eliminate that 3 minutes of extra buffering that the QIP adds to recordings....

What's with that? I recorded 24 but got all this foolish dancing garbage (Dancing with Stars? Dancing on Ice? Dances with Wolves? I don't know.) in front of it. If you figure this out... post away!

Does FIOS TV offer both HDNet and HDNet Movies. Can someone with FIOS confirm this because the FIOS site lists them both when you click on programming lineup in Fairfax, VA it only list HDNet Movies.

Thanks!

Does FIOS TV offer both HDNet and HDNet Movies. Can someone with FIOS confirm this because the FIOS site lists them both when you click on programming lineup in Fairfax, VA it only list HDNet Movies.

Other locations get both, but Fairfax only gets HDNet Movies right now. I think there is some problem with needing to black out stuff shown on HDNet (like sports) at certain times. They are apparently working to resolve the issue, though.

Other locations get both, but Fairfax only gets HDNet Movies right now. I think there is some problem with needing to black out stuff shown on HDNet (like sports) at certain times. They are apparently working to resolve the issue, though.

That is correct and its the same in Tampa and I'm hearing that this will be fixed in the Tampa area within the next month or so. I would assume that it would be the same timeframe for your area as well.

Does FIOS TV offer both HDNet and HDNet Movies. Can someone with FIOS confirm this because the FIOS site lists them both when you click on programming lineup in Fairfax, VA it only list HDNet Movies.

Thanks!

Which "FIOS site"? Can you pleae post a link? The verizon website has HDNET and HDNET Movies listed.

Which "FIOS site"? Can you pleae post a link? The verizon website has HDNET and HDNET Movies listed.
Look at the specific (FFX CNTY) channel lineup.

Look at the specific (FFX CNTY) channel lineup.

Right now Verizon has three channel lineup PDFs on their website. They are for North Texas, Fairfax County and Tampa Area. If you look at these three PDF files you will see that both Fairfax County and Tampa Area only list HDNet Movies and not HDNet. If you look at the North Texas PDF you will see this lists both HDNet "and" HDNet Movies. The reason North Texas has HDNet is because this market is a local market that covers the Dallas teams that Mark Cuban owns and broadcasts on HDNet and as such HDNet in North Texas doesn't require blackouts at all while Tampa and Fairfax do require that those Cuban owned games be blacked out in markets outside of those teams coverage areas. The three links are listed below if anyone doesn't know how to find them. Also to tell you how to get to this list you must go to www.verizonfios.com. On the left hand side click on channel lineups. Once you on the page it will have a dropdown box that you use to select your areas channel lineup. By selecting an option it will load a PDF of that areas channel lineup.

I'll provide a direct link to the three channel lineups available on the website today.

http://www22.verizon.com/FiosForHome/Includes/FiOSTV/NorthTexasLineup.pdf

http://www22.verizon.com/FiosForHome/Includes/FiOSTV/FairfaxCoLineup.pdf

http://www22.verizon.com/FiosForHome/Includes/FiOSTV/TampaLineup.pdf

I hope this helps you all out.

The reason North Texas has HDNet is because this market is a local market that covers the Dallas teams that Mark Cuban owns and broadcasts on HDNet and as such HDNet in North Texas doesn't require blackouts at all while Tampa and Fairfax do require that those Cuban owned games be blacked out in markets outside of those teams coverage areas.

Mark Cuban owns only one team in North Texas and that's the Mavericks. Whenever HDNet broadcasts Mavericks games they are shown on a separate channel (on D* and E* at least) in addition to the main HDNet feed. They have also on occasions provided the HDNet basketball coverage via local OTA (channel 21). When the Dallas Stars games have been carried on HDNet's main channel they are blacked out here precisely because HDNet doesn't have local broadcast rights for these games. Those belong to Fox Sports Southwest or local channel 27 for the most part.

Mark Cuban owns only one team in North Texas and that's the Mavericks. Whenever HDNet broadcasts Mavericks games they are shown on a separate channel (on D* and E* at least) in addition to the main HDNet feed. They have also on occasions provided the HDNet basketball coverage via local OTA (channel 21). When the Dallas Stars games have been carried on HDNet's main channel they are blacked out here precisely because HDNet doesn't have local broadcast rights for these games. Those belong to Fox Sports Southwest or local channel 27 for the most part.

Thanks for the info. It does appear there is some inconsistency between the FiOS North Texas market on one hand and Fairfax County and the Tampa markets on the other. It is curious to me that Verizon can implement blackouts appropriately in North Texas but can't currently in Fairfax County and/or Tampa when the Capitals or the Lightning are playing on HDNet.

While LonghornXP does not have the specifics exactly right, I understand where he is coming from. He has given all of us some great inside info on FiOS TV and I hope he keeps it up. Suffice it to say that there is some kind of blackout issue involved that perhaps no one here understands. I am confident that it will be ironed out sooner rather than later and we can all again enjoy HDNet.

Thanks for the info. It does appear there is some inconsistency between the FiOS North Texas market on one hand and Fairfax County and the Tampa markets on the other. It is curious to me that Verizon can implement blackouts appropriately in North Texas but can't currently in Fairfax County and/or Tampa when the Capitals or the Lightning are playing on HDNet.

While LonghornXP does not have the specifics exactly right, I understand where he is coming from. He has given all of us some great inside info on FiOS TV and I hope he keeps it up. Suffice it to say that there is some kind of blackout issue involved that perhaps no one here understands. I am confident that it will be ironed out sooner rather than later and we can all again enjoy HDNet.

Your right about that and as of now I'm not sure what the specifics are on the blackouts but I do know the holdup is because of a blackout issue in the Tampa and Fairfax areas that isn't a problem in the North Texas areas. Why this is so is the question but the blackout is the answer.

I had some time on my hands today from staying in bed with a bad cold, so I put this list together:

http://mysite.verizon.net/ress6c9s/

This shows the Verizon Fios channels vs. D* channels and compares what each service provides. I've deleted all of the duplicates of all the channels. There are 65 duplicate channels. If anybody wants the full, sortable .xls list showing the locals and also those channels that are duplicates just send me a PM and I'll send it to you. You may want to go in and delete these from your channel list just to clean it up.

Not sure why they have so many duplicates of the same channel, although some are English channels in the Spanish Connection package.

Since I don't have D* any longer to verify these are accurate, if you have D* and notice any channels on Fios where I say that D* doesn't have it and the channel is actually available on D*, let me know and I'll update the list.

Thank you, Digital_dilemma for the list.

Well, I finally made the decision to go with FiOS (for both internet and TV). I attempted to sign up for internet online last night (apparently you can't sign up for FiOS TV online, you have to call). As for signing up for FiOS internet online, I got to the point where it asked for the address of the installation. I repeatedly entered my address, and the web page repeatedly gave me an error pop-up that said "enter the full address, make sure you type in street, avenue, etc...", and would not let me go any further. I KNOW FiOS internet/TV is available to me as they have layed the fiber and I have received at least three mailed notices from verizon stating that it is available. Furthermore, the Verizon webpage says that my phone number qualifies for both FiOS internet and TV.

I guess I will call them on Monday and hope I talk to somebody competent.

I am looking forward to dumping D*. I've had them for close to 7 years now and have witnessed them gradually watering down their PQ, which is the original reason I dumped COX for D*!

Thank you, Digital_dilemma for the list.

Well, I finally made the decision to go with FiOS (for both internet and TV). I attempted to sign up for internet online last night (apparently you can't sign up for FiOS TV online, you have to call). As for signing up for FiOS internet online, I got to the point where it asked for the address of the installation. I repeatedly entered my address, and the web page repeatedly gave me an error pop-up that said "enter the full address, make sure you type in street, avenue, etc...", and would not let me go any further. I KNOW FiOS internet/TV is available to me as they have layed the fiber and I have received at least three mailed notices from verizon stating that it is available. Furthermore, the Verizon webpage says that my phone number qualifies for both FiOS internet and TV.

I guess I will call them on Monday and hope I talk to somebody competent.

I am looking forward to dumping D*. I've had them for close to 7 years now and have witnessed them gradually watering down their PQ, which is the original reason I dumped COX for D*!

Be prepared to host lots of people - usually different crews for Internet and TV. Actually they might give you two different install dates - Internet first, TV later.

I called up Verizon two weeks ago to order the Internet, TV and Phone service. They are coming out Feb 10th to install it. The customer rep was knowledgable and polite. The crew already place the Fiber optic to my house. My utilities are pretty difficult to get to since they are buried underneath my driveway and come up in a 2"x2" spot of dirt/gravel. They did a very nice/clean job. So far, so good. If things keep going this way and most customer reps are as knowledgable and polite as the one I dealt with, then I see very good things with Verizon. In the past 5 years, I have dealt with Comcast, E* and D*. At one D*, wasn't quite as bad as the others, but recently it has gone downhill. I hope V* has kept an eye on how and how not to treat its customers. This is my first time in a long time dealing with V*.

Here's the channel list: http://mysite.verizon.net/ress6c9s/

Besides the obvious (every HD channel out there :) ), I'd like to see The Golf Channel, American Movie Classics and as many of the Fox Sports Net channels as I can get added.

Topics merged.

I read in another forum that Real Madrid have been in discussions with at least 70 cable and satellite providers from around 50 countries in trying to sign carriage agreements for Real Madrid Televison. I hope Verizon has interest in picking this channel up as it would certainly separate FIOS from all the other providers out there.

I read in another forum that Real Madrid have been in discussions with at least 70 cable and satellite providers from around 50 countries in trying to sign carriage agreements for Real Madrid Televison. I hope Verizon has interest in picking this channel up as it would certainly separate FIOS from all the other providers out there.
They would probably add it to their "International" offering.

Well one could argue it could be grouped in with the sports channels. It is available in English too, so this would seem to make the most sense.

Well one could argue it could be grouped in with the sports channels. It is available in English too, so this would seem to make the most sense.
Except that the majority of US watchers of sports programming are not that big followers of soccer. The typical "Latin" TV watcher on the other hand...

FWIW, I found this article over at Big Soccer and in it, it does state that U.S. cable and satellite providers have been in talks with memeber of Real Madrid in trying to secure carriage deals to offer Real Madrid Television. Real Madrid has big plans for the U.S. market and along with their in-house cable network, have released their own film, "Real, the Movie" in Europe. Its now planned to be viewed in the U.S. and will eventually be on DVD. The network is in both Spanish and English and the club have signed top notch talent from the BBC, CNBC, and MTV. The channel is meant to have global appeal so they will have to market it correctly and there will have to be compelling content to bring in the average American viewer.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/11/06/yourmoney/madrid07.php

I had some time on my hands today from staying in bed with a bad cold, so I put this list together:

http://mysite.verizon.net/ress6c9s/
In the DirecTV column, VH1 Classic is listed as "NO [it's not on FiOS]", but the FiOS column shows it on 176.

Well, I ordered FiOS Internet/TV today by calling the 866-203-1546 phone number. They said my install date was February 15! I was very surprised they could do it so soon - let's hope they show up.

I am planning on putting a splitter in my attic where my D* multiswitch is. If all goes well, I will cancel D* shortly thereafter.

Can anyone tell me what basic cable channels come with FIOS? I have a lot of TV's to hool up, and do not want to put a box on more than a couple. thanks

Without an STB or DVR you are limited to only the local channels in the 1-49 range. This does not include such staples as CNN, ESPN, Fox SportsNet, etc.

I called up Verizon two weeks ago to order the Internet, TV and Phone service. They are coming out Feb 10th to install it. The customer rep was knowledgable and polite. The crew already place the Fiber optic to my house. My utilities are pretty difficult to get to since they are buried underneath my driveway and come up in a 2"x2" spot of dirt/gravel. They did a very nice/clean job. So far, so good. If things keep going this way and most customer reps are as knowledgable and polite as the one I dealt with, then I see very good things with Verizon. In the past 5 years, I have dealt with Comcast, E* and D*. At one D*, wasn't quite as bad as the others, but recently it has gone downhill. I hope V* has kept an eye on how and how not to treat its customers. This is my first time in a long time dealing with V*.

Please post back after the install and let us know how it went. My install is scheduled for February 15. :)

Well, I ordered FiOS Internet/TV today by calling the 866-203-1546 phone number. They said my install date was February 15! I was very surprised they could do it so soon - let's hope they show up.

I am planning on putting a splitter in my attic where my D* multiswitch is. If all goes well, I will cancel D* shortly thereafter.
Strange that I ordered FIOS TV a week ago (I already have their Internet) but was given a 2/23 install date.

Strange that I ordered FIOS TV a week ago (I already have their Internet) but was given a 2/23 install date.

Not strange. Took me three weeks to get it after calling. Popular. Crews outstripped by demand. Be patient. It's well worth it.

In the DirecTV column, VH1 Classic is listed as "NO [it's not on FiOS]", but the FiOS column shows it on 176.

Thanks. I'll update. Would you guys rather see this list from Fios in alphabetical order or in channel order?

Strange that I ordered FIOS TV a week ago (I already have their Internet) but was given a 2/23 install date.

Verizon emailed me the work order. The work order only mentions FiOS internet, nothing about TV.

The sales rep asked me all the right TV questions (how many tv's, what type of STBs, what programming packages, etc...). She also confirmed I qualified for both the internet and TV. My guess is they will come on Feb 15 but just install the internet, and the TV will come at a later date. Just a guess though.

Verizon emailed me the work order. The work order only mentions FiOS internet, nothing about TV.

The sales rep asked me all the right TV questions (how many tv's, what type of STBs, what programming packages, etc...). She also confirmed I qualified for both the internet and TV. My guess is they will come on Feb 15 but just install the internet, and the TV will come at a later date. Just a guess though.

both were installed at the same call here. took about 6 total hours.

Thanks. I'll update. Would you guys rather see this list from Fios in alphabetical order or in channel order?

Digital, I think in alphabetical order for most who don't have it and don't know the channel numbers.

Not strange. Took me three weeks to get it after calling. Popular. Crews outstripped by demand. Be patient. It's well worth it.

One of the problems (according to my cable guy who was in on a repair), is that often the FIOS guys do only one install per day. According to him, FIOS is union and my particular cable operation isn't. That means the cable guys do several installs per day wheeras many times the FIOS guys don't. Add to that the fact that the average FIOS installation time (again according to this guy) is about 5 hours. He said 'good luck' to that install time saying it will take them years to recoup these labor costs.

How factual these comments were I don't know and how much they were colored by jealousy or genuine concern for the future of cable, I also don't know. ;)

One of the problems (according to my cable guy who was in on a repair), is that often the FIOS guys do only one install per day. According to him, FIOS is union and my particular cable operation isn't. That means the cable guys do several installs per day wheeras many times the FIOS guys don't. Add to that the fact that the average FIOS installation time (again according to this guy) is about 5 hours. He said 'good luck' to that install time saying it will take them years to recoup these labor costs.

How factual these comments were I don't know and how much they were colored by jealousy or genuine concern for the future of cable, I also don't know. ;)

I can tell you that the installer who came out to my place twice (once for Internet/phone, then for TV) was doing multiple installs each day. He also mentioned they were working 60-hours weeks. Neither install took nearly 5 hours.

Sounds like the cable guy was full of it.

Just for a heads up.. there definetly seems to be some confusion over at verizon...

When I called at the end of last month I was given an install date of Feb. 14. I called today to double check the isntall date and they said it's Feb. 9th! Thankfully I won't be working this thursday otherwise that would have been quite irritating. I am 100% sure that the woman originally quoted me the 14th, and I wrote it down. Just a heads up in case maybe they move your install date as well. It might be worth calling and checking ahead of time.

The other strange thing is how the woman I spoke w/ initially seemed sort of new/clueless. She originally quoted me that it would be an 8 hr window, but today the guy I spoke w/ said my install would be a 4 hr window. He said to call the night before the installation to see which time slot I'm scheduled for.

The good news however is that I will be getting fios tv earlier than expected. :p No complaints there.

I second that heads up about the confusion at Verizion. I called at the end of January and was given an install date of Feb 13th. I called back today to confirm and they did not even have my order in the system. They entered it and my new install date is Feb 15th.

I had the same problems with the Internet install. They missed two install dates.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060207/nytu128.html?.v=44

"HULMEVILLE, Pa., Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bucks County borough of Hulmeville Monday night (Feb. 6) launched a new era in cable choice for Pennsylvanians, thanks to a unanimous Borough Council vote authorizing Verizon to offer its fiber-optic-powered FiOS TV."

So much for the Hummelstown/Hershey area being the first in PA.

At least now, I think, the question will be anwered about Comcast SportsNet availability in the Philadelphia area.

both were installed at the same call here. took about 6 total hours.

Ditto here. No reason for two visits.

Ditto here. No reason for two visits.

The main reason I am questioning it is my work order (emailed me) only lists the FiOS internet installation, nothing about the FiOS TV installation.

All seems to be on track for my install - I called Verizon and they still show my TV install for 1-5PM on 2/23.

I don't know about the union issue, but I know during my Internet install they only spent about 1hr on the install itself and about another 1hr out in the street chatting with the rest of the crew in the area - 3 vehicles, 4-5 people. I guess that offsets some of the more difficult installs when they get stuck working longer than expected. They may have scheduled a 1-5 install for TV but if they're not done in an hour something is wrong.

Does anybody here know what Make/Model Verizon is providing for their standard (non-hd) STB?

What I would like to do is connect the standard STB to a standalone (non-D*) Tivo unit, probably a Tivo Series 2 unit.

Bills over TV franchise regulations pass Virginia House, Senate (http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=99185&ran=133250)

Last night Verizon turned on the new MTV music channel.
Its channel 823. Concerts in HD with DD 5.1 sound!

Does anybody here know what Make/Model Verizon is providing for their standard (non-hd) STB?

What I would like to do is connect the standard STB to a standalone (non-D*) Tivo unit, probably a Tivo Series 2 unit.

Motorola QIP2500

Digital, I think in alphabetical order for most who don't have it and don't know the channel numbers.

Done.

Here's the link, for those who don't scroll back:

http://mysite.verizon.net/ress6c9s/

digital_dilemma:

I just took a look at your chart, but I've got a question. On one side you show that WAPA America (D* channel 414) IS available on FIOS but it's not on the other chart. Can you confirm if WAPA America is really available on FIOS? That's one of the channels we watch regularly on D* and one of the reasons I still haven't decided on dropping D* (and the lack of MLB EI, but I know that MIGHT be soon available on FiOS).

Verizon: Bills, Franchise, Launch

By Linda Haugsted, Karen Brown & David Cohen 2/7/2006 7:32:00 PM

Verizon Communications Inc. received good news in three states.

Virginia’s Senate and House of Delegates Monday approved bills to speed market entry into the multichannel-video business by telephone companies there.

The small community of Hulmerville, Pa., became the first in the state to grant the regional Bell operating company a franchise to offer TV service using its FiOS fiber-to-the-home network.

And Verizon FiOS TV debuted in Beaumont, Calif., Tuesday, with the telco saying it will begin taking orders immediately in the city with a population of 21,000.

Finally, Verizon said Tuesday that it applied for video franchises in seven Rhode Island communities: Coventry, East Greenwich, Exeter, North Kingstown, Warwick, West Greenwich and West Warwick.

In Virginia, telephone companies supported a regulatory framework that will compel cities to act on a local franchising request in a timely manner. Unlike in other states, Verizon did not seek statewide operating authority because Virginia’s constitution guarantees franchising rights to local governments.

The bills would force local governments to issue a franchise in 120 days. Franchises would last for 15 years and a telco would pay a fee of 5% of revenue or the lowest franchise fee paid by an incumbent within the area the telco also serves.

Terms under which the telco operates are to be "commensurate" with the terms applied to the incumbent operator.

The bills would also let communities require buildout commitments: They could require new entrants to serve 65% of eligible residents in a franchise area within seven years and 80% in 10 years.

The bills were both approved by resounding majorities: 37-1 in the Senate and 85-12 in the House. The chambers now swap bills for reconciliation before they would head to Gov. Tim Kaine’s desk.

"Instead of the typical six months to two years required to negotiate franchises under current law, this legislation will accelerate to a matter of weeks the period from upgrading the network to offering competitive cable products," Verizon Virginia president Robert Woltz Jr. said in a prepared statement:

As far as Hulmerville, the town’s Borough Council voted unanimously Monday to approve a 15-year TV franchise allowing Verizon to offer its Verizon FiOS TV service to its 885 residents. Hulmerville is located just north of Philadelphia in Comcast Corp.’s cable territory.

Verizon plans to roll out FiOS TV service there later this year.

Initially launched in Keller, Texas, in September, Verizon FiOS TV offers more than 330 channels. Since September, Verizon has expanded the service rollout to areas surrounding Keller, as well as parts of northern Virginia, Florida, Massachusetts, New York and California.

Hulmerville is the first entry point for FiOS TV in Pennsylvania, and Verizon officials said they are negotiating other franchise agreements to expand its rollout in the Keystone State.

Verizon will also sell its FiOS high-speed-Internet service in Hulmerville, offering connection speeds ranging from 5 megabits per second to 30 mbps downstream and as much as 5 mbps upstream. The Internet service is already being offered elsewhere in Buck County, as well as parts of Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6305618.html?display=Breaking+News

They install my FiOS tomorrow afternoon, and I'll be pulling the plug on Comcast. Hope it's worth it. The people here that I asked seemed to think that it is.

They install my FiOS tomorrow afternoon, and I'll be pulling the plug on Comcast. Hope it's worth it. The people here that I asked seemed to think that it is.

Congrats! :)

They install my FiOS tomorrow afternoon, and I'll be pulling the plug on Comcast. Hope it's worth it. The people here that I asked seemed to think that it is.

I thought it was a simple matter of switching the cable feed into the house from Comcast to the Verizon FiOS box, and plugging a NIM (for the channel guide) into my FiOS router, but it's more complex than that. They told me they'll have to run a coax line into the house/attic and then down into the room where my FiOS Internet connection is and connect it to the NIM (which will be plugged into a power source and into an Ethernet jack in my D-Link router), then run the line from the NIM back up into the attic and connect it to the coax line going to my TV. I'm taking off work to be there so I see what they're doing and guide them through the attic and help them with the logistics.

From what I have read this doesn't sound right. The NIM, which is for upstream communication, not the guide, just needs to be connected to a coax and the router, not in any particular location. If you previously had a cable modem this should not be an issue as the lines should be in place.

True. In my case I have a single coax running from the ONT to a structured wiring hub where all of my ethernet, phone, and coax cables come together. The installer simply added the NIM, connected it to the D-Link router, and then plugged it into the splitter that takes the ONT/NIM connections and splits them to the STBs around the house.

I believe there are cases where this installation is much more complicated. If you, for instance, do not have a structured wiring hub then the installer will likely have to run a coax from your router location back to where he ends up putting the splitter.

True. In my case I have a single coax running from the ONT to a structured wiring hub where all of my ethernet, phone, and coax cables come together. The installer simply added the NIM, connected it to the D-Link router, and then plugged it into the splitter that takes the ONT/NIM connections and splits them to the STBs around the house.

I believe there are cases where this installation is much more complicated. If you, for instance, do not have a structured wiring hub then the installer will likely have to run a coax from your router location back to where he ends up putting the splitter.

I have a coax(?) line going from my garage (FiOS box) through my attic, down an outside wall by my office, and then into the house for the FiOS jack, and that is where I connect my D-Link router for my Internet.

I have another coax line going from my garage through the attic and joined to a splitter in the attic, which sends a Comcast cable TV signal to 2 rooms - TV and kitchen. The house is wired for 5 rooms/TVs, but we only have 2 TVs so I switched the 5-way splitter for a 2-signal splitter - also because the HD signal wasn't always stable.

I don't know what a ONT is or what a structured wiring hub is.

Also, a guy at LensCrafters said he has FiOS Internet and TV and they did something so he can use a wireless keyboard and access his Internet from his TV. But when I talked with Verizon, they didn't seem to know what he or I was talking about. Any idea what this is?

I have a coax(?) line going from my garage (FiOS box) through my attic, down an outside wall by my office, and then into the house for the FiOS jack, and that is where I connect my D-Link router for my Internet.

This is CAT5 if is connected to the router, not coax.

I have another coax line going from my garage through the attic and joined to a splitter in the attic, which sends a Comcast cable TV signal to 2 rooms - TV and kitchen. The house is wired for 5 rooms/TVs, but we only have 2 TVs so I switched the 5-way splitter for a 2-signal splitter - also because the HD signal wasn't always stable.

Sounds to me like you will need to have a coax line from the router site to the splitters in the attic.

I don't know what a ONT is or what a structured wiring hub is.

ONT is the FIOS Box you refer to.

Also, a guy at LensCrafters said he has FiOS Internet and TV and they did something so he can use a wireless keyboard and access his Internet from his TV. But when I talked with Verizon, they didn't seem to know what he or I was talking about. Any idea what this is?

There are a couple of ways to do this, but I don't believe VZ has a product.

Also, a guy at LensCrafters said he has FiOS Internet and TV and they did something so he can use a wireless keyboard and access his Internet from his TV. But when I talked with Verizon, they didn't seem to know what he or I was talking about. Any idea what this is?There are a couple of ways to do this, but I don't believe VZ has a product.

The LensCrafters guy has Verizon FiOS - it's the same as what I'm getting.

The LensCrafters guy has Verizon FiOS - it's the same as what I'm getting.


I didn't say it couldn't be done over Verizon lines, I said I don't think it is a Verizon product.

Could someone please explain these devices role in Verizon FiOS and what they are? Is there anything comparable to these on Comcast?

Secondly, those of you leaving Comcast - has Comcast attempted any customer retention programs with you - e.g. lower rates, more channels, up-grade packages etc? I realize some will leave regardless, but I'm just curious if Comcast has a game plan for this. My understanding is it cost them $250 to attract a new customer so you'd think they'd offer something.

Thanks for your thoughts on this.

Could someone please explain these devices role in Verizon FiOS and what they are? Is there anything comparable to these on Comcast?

Secondly, those of you leaving Comcast - has Comcast attempted any customer retention programs with you - e.g. lower rates, more channels, up-grade packages etc? I realize some will leave regardless, but I'm just curious if Comcast has a game plan for this. My understanding is it cost them $250 to attract a new customer so you'd think they'd offer something.

Thanks for your thoughts on this.

Comcast would no doubt offer me something, but I didn't give them the opportunity. Maybe I'm paying extra for marginal improvement; I've never had a problem with Comcast (other than them having to replace 2 HD boxes that went bad - their expense, not mine). I suppose after they hook up FiOS, if I think it may not be worth it, I'll call Comcast and tell them I'm thinking of switching and see what offer they make me to stay with them.

The NIM is a data demodulator. It takes the upstream data from the cable box, which is usually QPSK, demods it to be returned to the box controller via the data stream on the fiber versus the RF stream.

The ONT (Optical Network Termination) is the device that converts the different wavelengths of light on the fiber to the three electrical interfaces, RF, Data and telephony.

I don't know about Comcast retention.

Unlike when they cut my POTS to install FiOS, I assume when they switch me from Comcast to FiOS TV that Verizon won't actually touch my Comcast cable - i.e., they'll just run their own line(s) in, and when the NIM is all installed, I/they will disconnect the end of the Comcast coax from my attic splitter and connect theirs so that I now send FiOS TV to my TVs. I.e., that way I'll be able to swap it back to Comcast and compare before a) deciding that FiOS is better (and cancel Comcast and tell them to come get their box) or b) deciding to stick with Comcast (if they make me a good deal) and tell FiOS that they didn't live up to their promise of a better picture (and they can come take back their box and cancel my subscription).

That will be between Verizon & you. The cable on the inside of the house belongs to you, regardless of who put it there.

I found this while searching on the internet for FiOS, etc... It is a post by an alleged FiOS TV subscriber. Take it for what it is worth. If his bandwidth comments are accurate, all I can say is WOW!

"This is Verizon's own TV service delivered over fiber all the way to my home. Its all fiber from the Central Office to the back of my house so no copper or anything is used. Verizon has way more channels both SD and HD than DirecTV and I know for a fact this is Verizon's TV service as they just got a franchise agreement to offer their TV service in my area. I've started using the firewire cable and I've used a few software programs (cough cough) to extract an HD recording from HDNet and ESPN HD and all I can see is this information below.

Its in 1920x1080i for HDNet at a bitrate of 32Mbps fixed. That is what the file is that was recorded onto my hard drive on the DVR.

ESPN HD was in 1280x720p at a bitrate of 38Mbps fixed on the drive. I can only record about 10 hours on my HD DVR with the same hard drive size as my old Bright House Networks HD DVR which could record about 20 hours. So with the same drive size I'm thinking Verizon offers it in a much higher quality than BHN does as Verizons HD DVR can only store half as many hours as BHN. Also the picture quality looks much better on both HDNet and ESPN HD when compared back and forth between Bright House and Verizon.

Also Scifi is broadcast in 720x480p at a bitrate of 26Mbps and DirecTVs SciFi fee is no much worse than Verizon's and BHN analog Scifi just sucks. This is no run of the mill service and both SD and HD are vastly improved and so much so its obvious to the untrained eye. It is just that much better you can't even believe it until you see it."

Well Verizon is supposed to be coming today as well so I'll let you guys know how it goes (assuming they come).

Since I've previously had cable internet before, there is conveniently a coax line that is sitting next to the router coming down from the attic. I'm assuming I can simply use this for the NIM, and just use a splitter instead of a multiswitch in the attic and that should be about it. Heopfully I won't have the problem w/ defective boxes like some people have had, and they should be all done w/in 2 hrs tops.

My question is.. has anyone gotten another router to work independently w/ the verizon fios tv service? From what it seems, I will be required to daisy chain the netgear router I have w/ the d-link if I want more ports and wireless capabilities. This seems very odd that you can only use their router, although it's not really a big deal. It kind of sucks that they give you a measely 4-port router, and then the NIM takes up one connection.

Mikeoz,

Please post back after the install. I am very curious as to whether or not a coax line needs to be connected to the NIM, and, if so, does the coax line have to come from the one-to-'x' splitter (x being the number of TVs you need to connect) in the attic

-or-

Can the coax line come from an output of a two-way splitter connected to the coax output of the the ONT, with the other output of the two-way splitter going to the attic to the one-to-'x' splitter and then on to the TVs

In other words, can you do a two-way split of the COAX coming out of the ONT and have one of the outputs of the splitter go to the NIM, and the other output of the splitter go to an 'x' output splitter for distribution to your TVs

:confused:

For those that live in the Central PA area, I've finally discovered what has become of the Hummelstown/Hershey FiOS TV Franchise agreement vote -

http://hummelstown.govoffice2.com/vertical/Sites/%7B437B2BC8-0AC7-4EFC-83ED-3C811AD97AEB%7D/uploads/%7BF2BDC492-C09E-42C7-843C-36B6B06B3B29%7D.PDF

"2. Review of proposal to participate in West Shore COG Joint Project to develop a Right-of-Way Ordinance and Cable Franchise Agreement with Verizon.
Mike O’Keefe reviewed this issue with Council. Written information was also provided. The WSCOG will be working with a group of 22 municipalities to negotiate a right-of-way and cable franchise agreement with Verizon. Verizon will be providing telephone, television and internet service in the future. It is estimated that approximately 25% of the current Comcast customers will make the move to Verizon, reducing the cable franchise fees coming to the Borough from Comcast. Entering into an agreement with Verizon will help to offset those losses.
Motion: To participate in the joint project with WSCOG to develop a right of way ordinance and cable franchise agreement with Verizon.
Motion made by Brian Foster, second by Gene Rex Perry. Motion carried."

If I can find out who the other 21 municipalities are I'll update for those interested.

* So much for the great September 2005 vote I was told to expect ! If we must wait till all 22 municipalities to get wired we're screwed for years. I think Verizon is putting up Fiber cables in only 5 or 6 in the area, now.

Mikeoz,

Please post back after the install. I am very curious as to whether or not a coax line needs to be connected to the NIM, and, if so, does the coax line have to come from the one-to-'x' splitter (x being the number of TVs you need to connect) in the attic

-or-

Can the coax line come from an output of a two-way splitter connected to the coax output of the the ONT, with the other output of the two-way splitter going to the attic to the one-to-'x' splitter and then on to the TVs

In other words, can you do a two-way split of the COAX coming out of the ONT and have one of the outputs of the splitter go to the NIM, and the other output of the splitter go to an 'x' output splitter for distribution to your TVs

:confused:

Yes the NIM needs to be connected to coax, anywhere in the coax system.

digital_dilemma:

I just took a look at your chart, but I've got a question. On one side you show that WAPA America (D* channel 414) IS available on FIOS but it's not on the other chart. Can you confirm if WAPA America is really available on FIOS? That's one of the channels we watch regularly on D* and one of the reasons I still haven't decided on dropping D* (and the lack of MLB EI, but I know that MIGHT be soon available on FiOS).

My bad. Sorry.

Will update, soon.

Could someone please explain these devices role in Verizon FiOS and what they are? Is there anything comparable to these on Comcast?

Secondly, those of you leaving Comcast - has Comcast attempted any customer retention programs with you - e.g. lower rates, more channels, up-grade packages etc? I realize some will leave regardless, but I'm just curious if Comcast has a game plan for this. My understanding is it cost them $250 to attract a new customer so you'd think they'd offer something.

Thanks for your thoughts on this.

I was with D*, going to Fios TV, but leaving C* going to Fios Internet. They offered to drop my broadband from $52 a month to $24.95 a month and give me cable for $29.95 a month for year, including HD, HBO and Showtime.

That was a sweet deal, but my mind was already made up.

ESPN HD was in 1280x720p at a bitrate of 38Mbps fixed on the drive. [/I] I can only record about 10 hours on my HD DVR with the same hard drive size as my old Bright House Networks HD DVR which could record about 20 hours. So with the same drive size I'm thinking Verizon offers it in a much higher quality than BHN does as Verizons HD DVR can only store half as many hours as BHN. Also the picture quality looks much better on both HDNet and ESPN HD when compared back and forth between Bright House and Verizon.

Also Scifi is broadcast in 720x480p at a bitrate of 26Mbps and DirecTVs SciFi fee is no much worse than Verizon's and BHN analog Scifi just sucks. This is no run of the mill service and both SD and HD are vastly improved and so much so its obvious to the untrained eye. It is just that much better you can't even believe it until you see it."


It's this kind of quality that will make the small dish guys run for cover! :D

In other words, can you do a two-way split of the COAX coming out of the ONT and have one of the outputs of the splitter go to the NIM, and the other output of the splitter go to an 'x' output splitter for distribution to your TVs

:confused:

I believe the coax from the NIM can be plugged into the coax "network" at any point (so either scenario you mention should work). The NIM uses the MOCA capability of the QIPs to communicate via IP with the NIM (and with each other eventually), so I believe that all is needed is that they be somewhere on the wires to those boxes.

In regard to a previous post on the D-Link router:

The word on the street is that the D-Link router is loaded with specialized firmware for the FiOS internet, and updated again for the FiOS TV service. It is a high bandwidth router, and you may actually find that your netgear or Linksys router is not capable of the 30Mb speeds necessary in the combined internet/TV setup.

One metric I noted in my installation is that the best throughput I could get out of FiOS with my Linksys WRT54GX4 connected directly was < 9Mb/sec. With the DLink in the lead position this jumped to closer to 14 Mb/sec. Definitely something going on there.

I personally like the level of network isolation I get with my current "wishbone" configuration. The DLink sits at the front connected to the FiOS internet connection. Behind this is the WRT54GX4 for the home wireless/wired network, including all machine-to-machine chatter, the WRTP54G for Vonage VoIP (with wireless turned off), and the FiOS NIM. Everything runs absolutely flawlessly and I have noted doing the following in parallel:

1. Two Video-on-Demand broadcasts over the NIM
2. A number of sizable podcast downloads
3. A VoIP phonecall with flawless quality.

No degradation or problems encountered on any of the above. YMMV :)

1. Two Video-on-Demand broadcasts over the NIM
2. A number of sizable podcast downloads
3. A VoIP phonecall with flawless quality.

No degradation or problems encountered on any of the above. YMMV :)
Gotta love fiber. :cool:

The NIM needs a regular 110V outlet right? How big is it?

Biker, who is planning ahead to hopefully make the TV install as quick as possible.

Well I just had fios installed and for the most part everything seems good. :D

I'll write up a full review later on, but so far PQ definetly looks very good. Like it's been mentioned before, 1-60 are the basic analog channels, and the pq is not that good, but that is expected. I only have expanded basic, so I have limited channels, and it's mid-day so there's limited hd programming on now. DiscoveryHD looks phenomenal.

On to the important stuff.. The installation was essentially "done" in less than an hr, but it took another hour of fidgeting w/ the receivers to get them all working. Everything was pretty much all setup from the get-go so it was a quick installation hardware wise. The install tech was pretty cool, and he said there have been some people w/ problems, but I guess it's expected w/ a brand new service. I'm not saying it's acceptable, but it happens. The signal I was receiving over coax was too strong so attenuators were needed at each STB.

It took the installers over 1 hour, sitting around, to get the STB's up and going. Since they're apparently IP based, registering and getting them active takes some extra work/time. The tech said verizon realizes there's a problem now and they're trying to track down the problem why activation takes so long. Most of the time spent on the install they were waiting around for them to be active. With this noted, verizon's tv service certainly looks to have some little bugs based on what the installer told me.

So far so good overall. Personally I'm not super impressed by SD pq, but it's definetly a little better than directv. I'll post a review later on.

The NIM needs a regular 110V outlet right? How big is it?
Yes, the NIM just requires a regular 110V outlet. The box itself is around 5 in X 5 in and maybe about 2 in high.

The word on the street is that in the spring FiOS will be rolling out new ONTs that integrate the function of the NIM. It wasn't clear that these would be proactively rolled out to existing customers, however. I think there is a lot to watch for out of this service. We are only seeing the beginning....

It took the installers over 1 hour, sitting around, to get the STB's up and going. Since they're apparently IP based, registering and getting them active takes some extra work/time. The tech said verizon realizes there's a problem now and they're trying to track down the problem why activation takes so long. Most of the time spent on the install they were waiting around for them to be active. With this noted, verizon's tv service certainly looks to have some little bugs based on what the installer told me.

So far so good overall. Personally I'm not super impressed by SD pq, but it's definetly a little better than directv. I'll post a review later on.
Verizon has been doing this for how many months now and still doesn't know why the activation takes so long. :eek:

Yes, the NIM just requires a regular 110V outlet. The box itself is around 5 in X 5 in and maybe about 2 in high.

The word on the street is that in the spring FiOS will be rolling out new ONTs that integrate the function of the NIM. It wasn't clear that these would be proactively rolled out to existing customers, however. I think there is a lot to watch for out of this service. We are only seeing the beginning....
Yeah, you always have to worry about V1.0 of anything.

Verizon has been doing this for how many months now and still doesn't know why the activation takes so long. :eek:

The space the NIM takes up isn't really a concern to me, taking up one port is sort of annoying since I normally use 4 wired ports. I imagine integrating the NIM into boxes would be very beneficial in terms of costs, simply because a separate product won't be needed, and that's one less device that needs a coax line, so they won't have to run a coax line near your router if you don't have one there already.

Well, the installation guys were laughing about how they've been having problems, but unfortunately I think it's practically unavoidable w/ a huge launch and service like fios tv. There apparently are alot of small problems. It takes ~15 mins alone it seems just to d/l whatever content the receivers need and program them. The guy was telling me about how they were having congestion problems w/ some servers getting congested, they fixed those problems, but little ones pop up. It certainly seems like they're slowly working out all the bugs, so it should just get better.

PQ looks exceptional on HD channels so far. I'm quite impressed. I have a 51" sony crt rptv and 32" lcd both hooked up by component. I'll have to pickup an hdmi->dvi converter to try connecting the lcd using the hdmi output. Anyone that has verizon fios, is there a noticeable difference between the component output and hdmi output pq wise?

It takes ~15 mins alone it seems just to d/l whatever content the receivers need and program them.

All they need to do is stage the boxes. Been happening for years!

They were here all afternoon. It appeared at one point that my PC-Cillin security was possibly preventing some communication - it viewed the set-top boxes and the NIM as unknown computers, so I gave them Trust status.

We got analog only on the regular TV - no extended Basic channels - and the component output didn't work on my HDTV. So they switched Motorola boxes; same problem. It worked through RCA, though. They then hooked up a HDMI-to-DVI input and that now worked. Later I took off and reversed the component cables and now component works. But in the process of all that, they reset/rebooted the system and it's been 2+ hours of downloading (supposedly - there is no "dl" on the Motorola box) now and we don't as of yet have ANY channels on either TV, whether analog or digital or HD. Supposedly it will download and activate in the next couple hours. :(

Doesn't say much for their blazing fast fiber. :-)

They were here all afternoon. It appeared at one point that my PC-Cillin security was possibly preventing some communication - it viewed the set-top boxes and the NIM as unknown computers, so I gave them Trust status.

We got analog only on the regular TV - no extended Basic channels - and the component output didn't work on my HDTV. So they switched Motorola boxes; same problem. It worked through RCA, though. They then hooked up a HDMI-to-DVI input and that now worked. Later I took off and reversed the component cables and now component works. But in the process of all that, they reset/rebooted the system and it's been 2+ hours of downloading (supposedly - there is no "dl" on the Motorola box) now and we don't as of yet have ANY channels on either TV, whether analog or digital or HD. Supposedly it will download and activate in the next couple hours. :(

Okay, it's working. Apparently they forgot to "close" the order. The customer service guy closed the order and in 15 minutes we had all the stations. Plus, they're giving us 1 month free for the inconvenience.

Regular channels like Fox News and TCM look better on FiOS than they did on Comcast, unless it's my imagination. I can rehook the Comcast and test it this weekend.

But ... it didn't let me "zoom" even on regular shows, so I had to get into the STB menu, set the 4:3 override from "Off" to "480P" (my TV is a progressive - Sony LCD RPTV), although 480I would probably work, and then in let me adjust the wide zoom, at least in the component input - maybe the DVI one, too (haven't tried it).

Also ... whereas Comcast had dozens and dozens of free non-premium movies in its On Demand feature, there are NO FREE MOVIES in the FiOS On Demand feature. This may be a deal killer for the wife, even though she, too, sees the picture improvement. :( What's up with THAT? Doesn't FiOS know what they have to compete with?

Okay, it's working. Apparently they forgot to "close" the order. The customer service guy closed the order and in 15 minutes we had all the stations. Plus, they're giving us 1 month free for the inconvenience.

Regular channels like Fox News and TCM look better on FiOS than they did on Comcast, unless it's my imagination. I can rehook the Comcast and test it this weekend.

But ... it didn't let me "zoom" even on regular shows, so I had to get into the STB menu, set the 4:3 override from "Off" to "480P" (my TV is a progressive - Sony LCD RPTV), although 480I would probably work, and then in let me adjust the wide zoom, at least in the component input - maybe the DVI one, too (haven't tried it).

Also ... whereas Comcast had dozens and dozens of free non-premium movies in its On Demand feature, there are NO FREE MOVIES in the FiOS On Demand feature. This may be a deal killer for the wife, even though she, too, sees the picture improvement. :( What's up with THAT? Doesn't FiOS know what they have to compete with?

Do you have any of the premium channels: Showtime, HBO, Cinemax, etc..? If so, then the movies and shows that have played in the previous 30 days are all available FREE and on demand by going to SUBSCRIPTIONS and then selecting the service (HBO, etc..) and select what you want to watch.

Also ... whereas Comcast had dozens and dozens of free non-premium movies in its On Demand feature, there are NO FREE MOVIES in the FiOS On Demand feature. This may be a deal killer for the wife, even though she, too, sees the picture improvement. :( What's up with THAT? Doesn't FiOS know what they have to compete with?

You have to cut them some slack. The service is less than a year old. Although I understand what you mean when you say it's competing w/ cable, you have to remember that the price is substantially lower than cable, at least it would be for me. This and the increased PQ make it worth it for me. Give it some time and I would plan on the # of movies in the on demand library to grow. I just hope more hd channels get added and I'll be very happy.

Just curious, but what is the general consensus regarding subscribing to premium movie channels like hbo/cinemax, etc.? I've always thought it wasn't worth it, but I'm wondering whether it's worth it for the $, or just stick w/ the expanded basic package. I used to rent alot of movies, but it sure would be nice to see hd movies over something like hbo-hd rather than sd-dvds. Anyone have an opinion? Thanks.

HBO and Showtime often zoom their HD movies so you get 2.35:1 movies in 1.78:1 most of the time. But, if that doesn't matter to you, no big deal.

The basic movie package at $12 might be something we'll buy. The PQ does look better than Comcast, but, again, I may have to do an A:B comparison. Actually, on some channels it seems to look startlingly better, but I can't be sure - though others here say it's the truth and not my eyes.

eweiss,

Congrats on the install! The FiOS PQ is definitely better than D*, but I don't personally know how Comcast compares.

It has been noted a few times that FiOS is in the early stages of rolling out their VOD offerings. Hopefully this will improve in the reasonably-near future, including some HD or at least widescreen content. The kids like the Disney stuff, although it would be nice if they updated more often: only a couple of shows had new content after a week while others appear to have been static for almost a year (based on dates on material).

There is a lot of potential here, so hopefully Verizon will keep up the push to improve and expand.

I built my house about 4.5 years ago and had a "structured wiring" package put in from Bell Atlantic - now verizon. There is a central hub where all the coax, phone and supposedly Cat5 comes in. Then there is a run to each room. In the room is a wall plate w/ two coax connections and two phone type jacks. One of the jacks is labeled "phone" the other "data".

Will this type of wiring hinder or help when I go w/ Verizon? It will be available in my area by Summer. I just want to know b/f I go making any plans. I can post pictures of the "hub" and/or "wall plate" if that would be helpful.

Thanks for all the info. you all have been providing.

It will help if you can get a cat 5 and a coax from the ONT to central hub.

I built my house about 4.5 years ago and had a "structured wiring" package put in from Bell Atlantic - now verizon. There is a central hub where all the coax, phone and supposedly Cat5 comes in. Then there is a run to each room. In the room is a wall plate w/ two coax connections and two phone type jacks. One of the jacks is labeled "phone" the other "data".

Will this type of wiring hinder or help when I go w/ Verizon? It will be available in my area by Summer. I just want to know b/f I go making any plans. I can post pictures of the "hub" and/or "wall plate" if that would be helpful.

Thanks for all the info. you all have been providing.I have about the same senario and I had Fios installed in Oct. They mount the ONT on the outside of the house near where your existing Phone lines enter. The ONT has 4 screw posts where your existing phone lines will be transferred from the old copper to the new fiber. There is also a F-Connector for the Coax TV feed. They likely will just disconnect the Cable company's feed from your house and connect theirs.

So far they have only made changes outside of your house, so your existing inside wireing does not change for TV or Phone service. Now the Data is a different story. They have a RJ-45 jack on the ONT for your data service. That somehow needs to be run to your distribution panel (Don't call it a hub, since the name "hub" is used for true network device and may confuse someone). So the installers will need to run a Cat5e cable from the ONT to your panel. Hopefully it will be an easy run. These guys are pros and do this everyday. As far as I know, Verizon is not contracting out this work, so it is being done by their own professional installers.

Once they have the data cable run to the distribution panel, they just connect it to a router/switch/wap so it can feed your "data" jacks in the house. So to answer your question, this Bell Atlantic installation will "help" out considerably, since they do not have to also run TV/Phone/Data to each of your rooms. Imagine what older houses will have to go through.

That will be between Verizon & you. The cable on the inside of the house belongs to you, regardless of who put it there.

Outsite, they disconnected the Comcast Coax line at the connection just below the Verizon ONT, and hooked it instead inside the Verizon ONT so the Verizon FiOS now feeds the signal to the line straight into the attic where my splitter is. I.e., they just used the Comcast line, no alterations needed. They replaced the splitter with a higher-grade one and did the same with my inside connections. To compare FiOS with Comcast, it's thus a simple matter of unscrewing and switching back the outside connection to the Comcast feed and inside replacing the HD box with Comcast's. I may have to disconnect the NIM feed from the splitter, though - don't know.

They mount the ONT on the outside of the house near where your existing Phone lines enter. The ONT has 4 screw posts where your existing phone lines will be transferred from the old copper to the new fiber. There is also a F-Connector for the Coax TV feed. They likely will just disconnect the Cable company's feed from your house and connect theirs.


I had them mount the ONT inside the house - makes working on it much nicer, expecially this time of year. In my case the phone wiring was split up from a block on the inside of the house - not that it mattered - I don't have Verizon telephone service.

The bottom line is to have wiring (data, phone, CATV) from the ONT location to the current service point - if the ONT is near the old wiring hub, you just made the installers' job real easy.

The FiOS Local Channel lineups are now available for:

CA: Southern California
FL: Gulf Coast
MA: North Shore
NY: Massapequa
TX: North Texas
VA: Farifax County

in pdf form on the right side of the web page, blue column.

at http://www22.verizon.com/FiosForHome/Channels/FiosTV/channel.aspx

I have about the same senario and I had Fios installed in Oct. . . . this Bell Atlantic installation will "help" out considerably, since they do not have to also run TV/Phone/Data to each of your rooms. Imagine what older houses will have to go through.


Thank you all, this was extremely helpful. My outside entry point and the "distribution panel" are only about 5 feet apart in a HVAC/utility closet in the basement. Of course the trick will be running the fiber to the house as they'll have to go under the driveway, avoid every utility that runs b/t me and my neighbors house (our house are just 10 ft apart) and my lawn irrigation system. So I'm not going to use the phrase easy and/or slam dunk.

Again many thanks.

Somehow they get that fiber under the driveway. I've never seen it done, so have to just assume it involves magical underground elves....

Hey, the new Fairfax channel line-up shows HDNet on 817. Is it really on in Fairfax now?

Hey, the new Fairfax channel line-up shows HDNet on 817. Is it really on in Fairfax now?

I asked the same question in the Washington DC/Baltimore Forum....

My install is scheduled for Wednesday. I can't wait.

Mine is scheduled for the 22nd.

The FiOS Local Channel lineups are now available for:

CA: Southern California
FL: Gulf Coast
MA: North Shore
NY: Massapequa
TX: North Texas
VA: Farifax County

in pdf form on the right side of the web page, blue column.

at http://www22.verizon.com/FiosForHome/Channels/FiosTV/channel.aspx
I hate to be picky, but that should be Massapequa Park. They're two separate municipalities. Verizon FIOS TV is not available in Massapequa. I know - I have FIOS internet access and I'm pushing for TV.

I hate to be picky, but that should be Massapequa Park. They're two separate municipalities. Verizon FIOS TV is not available in Massapequa. I know - I have FIOS internet access and I'm pushing for TV.
They'll just switch that label to Suffolk County or Long Island soon enough. :cool:

I'm surprised Verizon hasn't made online ordering available yet.

In the FFX Cnty lineup they list the 3 network HD subchannel weather channels (850, 851, 852) in the Basic Plus category. Is there some service between basic and expanded basic?

It also looks like they added a bunch of local community channels.

In the FFX Cnty lineup they list the 3 network HD subchannel weather channels (850, 851, 852) in the Basic Plus category. Is there some service between basic and expanded basic?

It also looks like they added a bunch of local community channels.

I just checked my channel list. As of yet, HDNet has still not been added. Weather Plus and Weather Now (channels 850 and 852) are viewable with the SD STB. They are probably called Basic Plus since they are digital subchannels and in a different channel grouping (the 800 series) than the Basic channels (3-49). Also, the new Basic channels, e.g., George Mason University, have not yet been added. The TV Guide channel, 47, is still dark. WUSA's subchannel is likewise not yet turned on.

We just added the movie package - Starz!, Encore, The Movie Channel, Showtime, Flix and Sundance for $11.95. Now, of course, the Video On Demand selection has expanded considerably!!

The wife says FiOS is noticeably sharper than Comcast on, e.g., HGTV. We glanced at part of Cat Ballou as soon as Starz! came on for us, and it was startlingly clear, even at SD and 4:3.

I just noticed that MTV-HD channel has just been added to the lineup on channel 823.

I've updated the Fios list. The web site also has a link now to the channels that are duplicates of other channels, for those of you who want to clean up your channel surfing.

http://mysite.verizon.net/ress6c9s/

I have been searching on the FIOS website but could not find any info on this. Does FIOS offer on-demand pay-per-view movies in HD? Are there plentiful titles available? For that matter, are any of the free on-demand movies available in Hi-Def? Cox Cable has on-demand videos, but none that I have found that are in Hi-Def. I am making the switch to FIOS on Feb 21.

thx

--croorc
Fairfax County, VA

For those that live in the Central PA area, I've finally discovered what has become of the Hummelstown/Hershey FiOS TV Franchise agreement vote -

http://hummelstown.govoffice2.com/vertical/Sites/%7B437B2BC8-0AC7-4EFC-83ED-3C811AD97AEB%7D/uploads/%7BF2BDC492-C09E-42C7-843C-36B6B06B3B29%7D.PDF

"2. Review of proposal to participate in West Shore COG Joint Project to develop a Right-of-Way Ordinance and Cable Franchise Agreement with Verizon.
Mike O’Keefe reviewed this issue with Council. Written information was also provided. The WSCOG will be working with a group of 22 municipalities to negotiate a right-of-way and cable franchise agreement with Verizon. Verizon will be providing telephone, television and internet service in the future. It is estimated that approximately 25% of the current Comcast customers will make the move to Verizon, reducing the cable franchise fees coming to the Borough from Comcast. Entering into an agreement with Verizon will help to offset those losses.
Motion: To participate in the joint project with WSCOG to develop a right of way ordinance and cable franchise agreement with Verizon.
Motion made by Brian Foster, second by Gene Rex Perry. Motion carried."

If I can find out who the other 21 municipalities are I'll update for those interested.

* So much for the great September 2005 vote I was told to expect ! If we must wait till all 22 municipalities to get wired we're screwed for years. I think Verizon is putting up Fiber cables in only 5 or 6 in the area, now.

WSCOG has doubled in size in the last year and includes East Shore townships and boroughs. It exists to provide bargaining leverage in making supply or services agreements with vendors.

That said, subcontractors on my street in Lemoyne have been installing the FiOS infrastructure!

I have been searching on the FIOS website but could not find any info on this. Does FIOS offer on-demand pay-per-view movies in HD? Are there plentiful titles available? For that matter, are any of the free on-demand movies available in Hi-Def? Cox Cable has on-demand videos, but none that I have found that are in Hi-Def. I am making the switch to FIOS on Feb 21.

thx

--croorc
Fairfax County, VA
It would be nice if Verizon gave a better idea of their VOD offerings no the website, but perhaps they think these will be highly variable (hopefully increasing) in the near future.

As to your questions:

1. Yes, there are PPV and VOD movies on FiOS. Only a single PPV channel, however. There appears to be a reasonably wide choice of titles. Nothing on VOD in HD as of yet, although rumors have said this will change in the future. I don't know if PPV is HD or not, as I haven't paid that much attention to it. Since it is in the 800 range of channels it is possible that they are in HD, however.

2. There are technical no free on-demand movies, although if you have the Movie Package (Showtime, Starz, TMC, Sundance), HBO, or Cinemax you do get VOD offerings from them under "Subscriptions" in the VOD menu. None of these are in HD, and I don't even think I've seen any in widescreen. Hopefully this will also improve in the future. FiOS has the bandwidth, but is holding it closely for now.

FYI

Of Note: Billed from date of actual install a month out. My install date was 1/24. To my fellow Fairfax County soon-to-be installs:
1) Channel 806-WMPT-TV 42. This is, unfortuantely, subchannel .1. In other words, a simulcast of what is on channel 22, albeit upconverted. I have written WMPT requesting them to work with Verizon to give us their HD feed. I will post any response. Perhaps others can voice their views.
2) No HDNet as of yet, channel 817.
3) No WUSA Doppler Radar as of yet, channel 851. A banner comes up saying a subscription is required.

Enjoy your service. I certainly am.

Addendum: I notice I didn't get my $5 discount for bundle billing. I will take care of that Monday. I have heard conflicting information about whether Vz will give a discount for a 1-year commitment over and above what they are currently offering. Makes sense to me since there is no commitment period. Wouldn't hurt to ask. Thanks for the heads up on the account number, biker19.

It would be nice if Verizon gave a better idea of their VOD offerings no the website, but perhaps they think these will be highly variable (hopefully increasing) in the near future.

As to your questions:

1. Yes, there are PPV and VOD movies on FiOS. Only a single PPV channel, however. There appears to be a reasonably wide choice of titles. Nothing on VOD in HD as of yet, although rumors have said this will change in the future. I don't know if PPV is HD or not, as I haven't paid that much attention to it. Since it is in the 800 range of channels it is possible that they are in HD, however.

2. There are technical no free on-demand movies, although if you have the Movie Package (Showtime, Starz, TMC, Sundance), HBO, or Cinemax you do get VOD offerings from them under "Subscriptions" in the VOD menu. None of these are in HD, and I don't even think I've seen any in widescreen. Hopefully this will also improve in the future. FiOS has the bandwidth, but is holding it closely for now.

Some of them are in widescreen - e.g., you have a choice of regular SIN CITY or W/S SIN CITY.

FYI

Of Note: Billed from date of actual install a month out. My install date was 1/24. To my fellow Fairfax County soon-to-be installs:

Enjoy your service. I certainly am.
Is the tax+fee the same regardless of service?

It's been real nice with their Internet service - no fees or taxes at all above the monthly rate.

Bill, you may want to block out your acnt no. ;)

Thanks for the info jsb_hburg !

WSCOG has doubled in size in the last year and includes East Shore townships and boroughs. It exists to provide bargaining leverage in making supply or services agreements with vendors.

That said, subcontractors on my street in Lemoyne have been installing the FiOS infrastructure!

My agitation with Hummelstown/Verizon comes from Verizon's initial statement at a Borough Council meeting, last March, that they were going to make the Hummelstown/Hershey a test bed for Central PA. Three months into building the infrastructure in my area, they suddenly start building all around Harrisburg after the Patriot-News ran a story. I figured that some political (?) pressure made them change their plans. Now, it seems like they're finishing everything except Harrisburg itself. This just means more delays to gets things started with TV, since they finished the infrastructure in Hummelstown in September. If they are waiting for that all this new territory, I'd make a wild guess that we (me, you, and everyone) will not see FiOS TV till next year.

At least this gives me something to else gripe about (along with having the service since September) every time they call my house announcing that FiOS Internet service is 'NOW' available, which occurs about every 2 weeks. The last time I spent a relatively pleasant time explaining everything I knew about FiOS to a woman who claimed to be writing this all down. She even asked for this web site and a few others that I get info from. Hello, if you're out there !

Am I correct in assuming you don't have to be a Verizon landline customer to get FIOS?

Thanks for the info jsb_hburg !



My agitation with Hummelstown/Verizon comes from Verizon's initial statement at a Borough Council meeting, last March, that they were going to make the Hummelstown/Hershey a test bed for Central PA. Three months into building the infrastructure in my area, they suddenly start building all around Harrisburg after the Patriot-News ran a story. I figured that some political (?) pressure made them change their plans. Now, it seems like they're finishing everything except Harrisburg itself. This just means more delays to gets things started with TV, since they finished the infrastructure in Hummelstown in September. If they are waiting for that all this new territory, I'd make a wild guess that we (me, you, and everyone) will not see FiOS TV till next year.

At least this gives me something to else gripe about (along with having the service since September) every time they call my house announcing that FiOS Internet service is 'NOW' available, which occurs about every 2 weeks. The last time I spent a relatively pleasant time explaining everything I knew about FiOS to a woman who claimed to be writing this all down. She even asked for this web site and a few others that I get info from. Hello, if you're out there !

Hummelstown is a new member (news story) (http://64.233.179.104/search?q=cache:H2lwVJYrslQJ:www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf%3F/base/news/1119432174191950.xml%26coll%3D1+%22west+shore+council+of+gov ernments%22&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=8&client=safari).

Verizon typically flexes political pressure in Pennsylvania since it got its version of the state telecom bill passed.

Well, I just told Comcast to end our account and come pick up their box. I didn't even A:B compare FiOS with it, as it seemed pretty clear to both of us that the FiOS PQ is better.

Am I correct in assuming you don't have to be a Verizon landline customer to get FIOS?

In the words of the immortal Ed McMahon, "You are correct, Sir!"

Am I correct in assuming you don't have to be a Verizon landline customer to get FIOS?
Yes, but be prepared to talk to a different set of folks. The phone side of Verizon has nothing to do with the FIOS side. Also, all of Verizon's custumer service is predicated on you having their phone service - having Internet only makes getting to the right person a bit of a challenge. Case in point 1/2 hour ago - service was down for about 5 minutes (first time since I got it 6 months ago) and calling Verizon's regular repair number got me nowhere - gotta call FIOS number - I hung up on them when I realized service came back on. I rely on the Internet service for my phone service (Vonage) so when I lose Internet I lose my phone service - something I might need in the middle of the snow storm outside at the moment. :cool:

Am I correct in assuming you don't have to be a Verizon landline customer to get FIOS?


They do allow you to check for availability by address instead of phone number on their website.

Am I correct in assuming you don't have to be a Verizon landline customer to get FIOS?

Correct. I killed my landline when I had Verizon come out and install their internet service about 4 months ago. I got FIOS HDTV about 2 months ago. So far, so good! Pic quality is great, better than DirecTV on the HD channels.

A couple of times, my HD-PVR started acting buggy when playing back recorded shows.

Just last weekend, there was a small airplane flying over my neighborhood (Carrollton, TX) with a big banner advertising FIOS TV :eek:

If anyone has any questions about FIOS longer term (2+ months heh) experiences I've had, fire away!

That won't be happening in my neighborhood. I'm in the White House no fly zone.

I am scheduled for FIOS installation on Feb 21. I currently subscribe to Cox cable for both TV and internet. I have been very happy with service from Cox--the internet has been solid, and I rarely have problems with cable TV (I have a High Def PVR).

I currently pay about $150/month for Cox internet and cable TV service, and it seems the equivalent plan for FIOS is $100/month, so right there I will be saving $50/month.

Question for Fairfax, VA FIOS subscribers who switched from Cox: are you satisfied with the switch? Are there other benefits or improvements (besides lower price) that have made the switch worth it? I am particularly interested in those who have high def TV's. Do you think that FIOS's Hi Def offerings are better, and do you see any improvement in quality?

What about Cox's analog channels--is FIOS's picture much better?

I realize a $50/month savings is significant, however I have been satisfied with Cox's service, and changing my email address will be a big hassle.

Many thanks in advance!

--croorc

I wonder if my install (scheduled for Wednesday) will get bumped out :( . There's at least 10" of snow and V* hasn't dug the ditch from my house to the street yet.

Correct. I killed my landline when I had Verizon come out and install their internet service about 4 months ago. I got FIOS HDTV about 2 months ago. So far, so good! Pic quality is great, better than DirecTV on the HD channels.

A couple of times, my HD-PVR started acting buggy when playing back recorded shows.

Just last weekend, there was a small airplane flying over my neighborhood (Carrollton, TX) with a big banner advertising FIOS TV :eek:

If anyone has any questions about FIOS longer term (2+ months heh) experiences I've had, fire away!

Yeah, I've been signed up for months for the email alert re: FiOS availability, but last Sunday we saw the same airplane, I called FiOS Monday, and they installed it Thursday. Never an email alert, though.

I am scheduled for FIOS installation on Feb 21. I currently subscribe to Cox cable for both TV and internet. I have been very happy with service from Cox--the internet has been solid, and I rarely have problems with cable TV (I have a High Def PVR).

I currently pay about $150/month for Cox internet and cable TV service, and it seems the equivalent plan for FIOS is $100/month, so right there I will be saving $50/month.

Question for Fairfax, VA FIOS subscribers who switched from Cox: are you satisfied with the switch? Are there other benefits or improvements (besides lower price) that have made the switch worth it? I am particularly interested in those who have high def TV's. Do you think that FIOS's Hi Def offerings are better, and do you see any improvement in quality?

What about Cox's analog channels--is FIOS's picture much better?

I realize a $50/month savings is significant, however I have been satisfied with Cox's service, and changing my email address will be a big hassle.

Many thanks in advance!

--croorc


With all the promotions going on now I bet you could lower your Cox bill down to $100 just by asking. They are losing many folks like yourself to FIOS. The nice thing about Cox and FIOS is that once all the infrastructure is in place for both you could switch between the two at any time (unlike satelite where you have long term contracts and equipment to buy).

Get yourself a web e-mail addy which won't be affected by ISP choice.

I wish I had my FIOS already. Snow has rendered my D* dish useless. It's way up on the top of my roof and there is no way I'm going up there with all the snow. All I can do is wait for the sun to melt it.

At least I have OTA locals.

I wish I had my FIOS already. Snow has rendered my D* dish useless. It's way up on the top of my roof and there is no way I'm going up there with all the snow. All I can do is wait for the sun to melt it.

At least I have OTA locals.
I will be flying out to your location first thing tomorrow. Hopefully they can at least get the snow pushed off of the runway by then :).

I am still waiting for the first big thunderstorm opportunity to point out to my wife that the TV still works. Of course, you should really turn it off during a thunderstorm....

In terms of the conversation above with regard to getting FiOS TV is you aren't a Verizon landline customer: I cancelled my Verizon phone service after getting FiOS internet and switched over to Vonage. It is amazing how reliable a VoIP service can be when you have this much bandwidth. Not perfect, but reasonable given the price. When I called the first time to get FiOS TV service I was told, despite the internet and an express letter telling me I was eligible, the it was not available to my address yet. I found a nice post on dslreports that stated the same situation, and identified a probem Verizon was having with people who has Verizon phone service when they first signed up with FiOS but didn't when they tried to order the TV service. Basically, their system was erroring out for some reason based on this situation, and the workaround is for the rep to define a new account for you to order the TV service under. The FiOS internet and TV accounts may then be merged after the fact.

Just wanted to bring it up in case you run into this.

I checked so. cal. verizon channels list,and was happyto see that they have kcal,ktla, upn, and pbs in there HD section as well as fox cbs abc and nbc. and their movie channel selection is awsome! they need to work on their sports channels selection. if they ever get NBA league pass and show all the celtics games in hd, I'll switch from D* to verizon in a heartbeat.

does the price that they charge you for fios t.v/ include your phone and internet bill also?

Fios TV digital sound problem:::::

Been using FIOS TV for a week or so. I have one problem that others will run into. Verizon is aware of he problem but does not have an idea of when it will be fixed. Problem occurs if you use an HDMI cable to connect the Motorola HD DVR to your TV and try to use an optical or coax attachment for digital sound. What happens is you won't get digital sound. In order to get digital sound, via coax or optical connection, you will need to connect the box and your TV via composite cables and not use the HDMI cable. I disconnected the HDMI, connected using composite video connection and digital sound worked.

FIOS TV Modulator unit:::: wireless connection to internet??

Has anyone used a wireless connection to connect the Modulation unit to the internet vs. the CAT5 cable that the installler used? I was going to just get a wireless access point and eliminate the wire going across my den.

And if so did you use the USB connection or did you need to use the CAT5 connection?

are you sure you didn't mean COMPONENT cables instead of composite cables? that would make a big difference in your hd picture.

Fios TV digital sound problem:::::

Been using FIOS TV for a week or so. I have one problem that others will run into. Verizon is aware of he problem but does not have an idea of when it will be fixed. Problem occurs if you use an HDMI cable to connect the Motorola HD DVR to your TV and try to use an optical or coax attachment for digital sound. What happens is you won't get digital sound. In order to get digital sound, via coax or optical connection, you will need to connect the box and your TV via composite cables and not use the HDMI cable. I disconnected the HDMI, connected using composite video connection and digital sound worked.

I assume you meant to write "component" rather than "composite."

I have both component and HDMI-to-DVI hooked up. Maybe I'll disconnect the HDMI-DVI and see if I now start to get digital (i.e., Dolby 5.1) from my optical connection. But ... since I don't have a HDMI input on my TV, if I'm not getting digital, then the box must be reacting to the fact that HDMI is plugged in, even though no audio signal goes to my TV.

just a thought,too bad verizon didn't use a tivo hd box all those directv hd people that have verizon in their city would probably switch to verizon.

It's not that you don't get "digital sound" out of the DVR with QIP connected, it's just that you don't get DD5.1.

This is apparently based on some bright engineer at Motorola deciding that if you had HDMI plugged in that you must be getting your sound via HDMI as well (apparently DD5.1 is available via this route). For the many of us that don't use our TVs for sound or don't have a receiver with HDMI switching (...yet!) this is a pain.

I opted to go with HDMI for better PQ. Since I have never taken the step to install side or rear speakers my loss of sound quality is lessened, although still noticable. I am hoping this will be fixed via software sometime soon. It is apparently also a problem on Motos DCT boxes.

just a thought,too bad verizon didn't use a tivo hd box all those directv hd people that have verizon in their city would probably switch to verizon.
I am a DirecTV person who is switching to FiOS despite their choice of box. I love TiVo, but the QIP is okay and likely to get better. I would primarily like more space, but after they network these that will be less of a problem. I have gotten used to how the various features on the QIP work, and for the most part you can do everything you can do on the TiVO (at least the HD TiVo). Setting recordings is actually a bit nicer on the QIP. You just hit "record" on a future program, the box immediatley adds a red record symbol to the program, and you go about your business. There is not 1-3 minute wait with the "five after five" symbol while the DVR does who knows what (I'm sure this is related to advanced TiVo features or something like that, but is somewhat annoying).

It's not that you don't get "digital sound" out of the DVR with QIP connected, it's just that you don't get DD5.1.

This is apparently based on some bright engineer at Motorola deciding that if you had HDMI plugged in that you must be getting your sound via HDMI as well (apparently DD5.1 is available via this route). For the many of us that don't use our TVs for sound or don't have a receiver with HDMI switching (...yet!) this is a pain.



Part of me says that there is no way an "engineer" could be this ignorant and not realize that many people use a real audio system and not the set's speakers or that many displays do not have speakers. And the realistic part of me finds it very easy to believe someone actually did think of this while he was awake with a supposedly functioning brain.

does the price that they charge you for fios t.v/ include your phone and internet bill also?
TV service charges are independant of other Verizon charges - the only saving is that if you also get phone or Internet service with them, they give you a $5/mo discount.

Part of me says that there is no way an "engineer" could be this ignorant and not realize that many people use a real audio system and not the set's speakers or that many displays do not have speakers. And the realistic part of me finds it very easy to believe someone actually did think of this while he was awake with a supposedly functioning brain.
Remember that the underlying firmware is controlled by Microsoft - they just might be that ignorant. :rolleyes:

TV service charges are independant of other Verizon charges - the only saving is that if you also get phone or Internet service with them, they give you a $5/mo discount.

I get a $5 discount for having Verizon phone and Internet, but to get another $5 discount for FiOS TV, I have to sign up for 1 year with FiOS TV - otherwise, the month-to-month does not give me a $5 discount.

It's not that you don't get "digital sound" out of the DVR with QIP connected, it's just that you don't get DD5.1.

This is apparently based on some bright engineer at Motorola deciding that if you had HDMI plugged in that you must be getting your sound via HDMI as well (apparently DD5.1 is available via this route). For the many of us that don't use our TVs for sound or don't have a receiver with HDMI switching (...yet!) this is a pain.

I opted to go with HDMI for better PQ. Since I have never taken the step to install side or rear speakers my loss of sound quality is lessened, although still noticable. I am hoping this will be fixed via software sometime soon. It is apparently also a problem on Motos DCT boxes.
This is a perfect excuse for me to get that Denon 3806 I've been eyeing. HDMI switching.

makes sense to me!!LOL

based on a long article in the FiOS Hardware thread in the HD Hardware forum it seems VZ is concerned about providing good hardware & intrastructure as well as good programming. could be these problems(no 5.1 sound with HDMI, chintzy-lookuing remotes) are a consequence of getting the service up & running to as many subs as possible now to start recoupng what must be a massive investment in infrastructure. hopefully it will be refined in the near future.

jim

This is an interesting discussion concerning the problem with the QIP's DD5.1 problems. I'd like to ask that the discussion be moved to the HDTV Reception Hardware forum in the Fios TV sticky. It can be found by clicking here:

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

Thanks! :)

FIOS TV Modulator unit:::: wireless connection to internet??

Has anyone used a wireless connection to connect the Modulation unit to the internet vs. the CAT5 cable that the installler used? I was going to just get a wireless access point and eliminate the wire going across my den.

And if so did you use the USB connection or did you need to use the CAT5 connection?


I called verizon FiOS specifically about this.. They say that this ethernet port is not active. I even argued with them when Motorola released a press release touting the capabilities of Verizon's specific boxes, but they claimed ignorance, and that there was no way they could activate these features for me.

I wonder if my install (scheduled for Wednesday) will get bumped out :( . There's at least 10" of snow and V* hasn't dug the ditch from my house to the street yet.

Well, my wife just called me to say V* is at the house to connect the fiber from the street to the house. There's still at least 5" out there and it is mostly hard, compacted snow (froze overnight). Also, earlier last week, they marked my lawn where Cox, Dominion Power, etc.. had their cables. Those markings are covered in this hard compacted snow. I just hope they don't cut anything... :eek:

Well, my wife just called me to say V* is at the house to connect the fiber from the street to the house. There's still at least 5" out there and it is mostly hard, compacted snow (froze overnight). Also, earlier last week, they marked my lawn where Cox, Dominion Power, etc.. had their cables. Those markings are covered in this hard compacted snow. I just hope they don't cut anything... :eek:
Is it Verizon or a contractor?

I meant component

Is it Verizon or a contractor?

Contractor.

Well they connected the fiber from the street to the house. They cleared the snow and dug the ditch and buried the cable. Ground must have been pretty hard.

So, it looks like they're on schedule for the install on Wednesday. Fingers crossed.

Does anyone have the general 800 # or whatever to contact FIOS?

1-800-293-9139 (Mon - Fri, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) to see if you can order FiOS TV.

Thanks Dave!

Just got off the phone with Verizon and unfortunately it doesn't look there are any immediate plans for FIOS. The Verizon guy who was laying cable a few weeks ago apparently gave me a bum steer when he said this month or next. :(

Has there been any TV service in Southern California yet?
I live in Palm Desert and use FIOS internet now.
Gene

There's a list of channels up on http://www22.verizon.com/FiosForHome/Channels/FiosTV/channel.aspx for Southern CA. Check out the drop down selection in the Blue-ish stripe on the right side of the web page.

I looked at that a few days ago. Problem is I am not aware of anybody actually getting it in SCA.
Did not see any posts either.
Called V today and was told "we don't know when".
Thanks for the reply
Gene

I looked at that a few days ago. Problem is I am not aware of anybody actually getting it in SCA.
Did not see any posts either.
Called V today and was told "we don't know when".


Is Beaumont (http://newscenter.verizon.com/proactive/newsroom/release.vtml?id=93245) not considered SCA?

Yes, Beaumont is in Socal.

I don't know when Palm Desert will get Fios TV. I know a good indicator that it is close is when Yahoo TV listings adds Fios TV to their TV listings. Yahoo added it to the Beaumont area about 3 weeks prior to when installs were started. Yahoo doesn't have listings yet for Palm Desert. Murrieta listings are up so I suspect that it will go live around the first of March.

I don't know when Palm Desert will get Fios TV. I know a good indicator that it is close is when Yahoo TV listings adds Fios TV to their TV listings.The first indicator is Verizon getting a cable franchise. Verizon has cable franchises for the following localities in California:
Beaumont
Murrieta
Apple Valley
Hermosa Beach

Keep an eye on your local government and whether or not Verizon has applied for and / or is negotiating a cable franchise with them. This is your first indicator because no franchise agreement = no TV service.

Here is the story I got from the City of Plano's internal governmental affairs department on the hold up of verizon fios tv in plano. Due to a law suit filed by the cable companies fighting the state franchise granted to verizon in the state of Texas, verizon will not turn on the tv service in areas that they do not have an agreement with the city. So it could be a while before we see fios tv in Plano, Texas.

Here is the story I got from the City of Plano's internal governmental affairs department on the hold up of verizon fios tv in plano. Due to a law suit filed by the cable companies fighting the state franchise granted to verizon in the state of Texas, verizon will not turn on the tv service in areas that they do not have an agreement with the city. So it could be a while before we see fios tv in Plano, Texas.

Don't believe it. Verizon is moving forward as fast as they can to install as many as they can, anticipating that the cable cos. will find a judge willing to issue a restraining order on the new state law, which hasn't happened yet. Now, it may be that the cable cos. have threatened to file suit against Plano and the city attorney is discussing this with the attorney general.

Just because the legislature passed a new law doesn't mean it'll stand up in court. I have some experience with this as I sued the State of Louisiana and the Attorney General over a law passed by the legislature. I was fortunate that the law firm believed in my case so strongly that they pro-bono'd the case. We won at every level and took it all the way to the state Supreme Court, where the court threw out the law as unconstitutional and awarded us with compensatory damages because it created a second class of citizens subject to laws that another class wasn't subjected to. I say this because I just wanted to show that the law usually prevails, because I was just a poor schmuck at the time.

I've read the new law and if I were a cable co. I'd sue, too. I'm awfully glad to have Fios, but I think the law may actually be on the cable cos. side in this matter. As long as the law remains on the books and open, Verizon can install and sign up new clients with impunity. If a judge issues a restraining order, Verizon will HAVE to get franchise agreements while the law is debated, or will be forced into court where it may be directed to pay damages to the cable cos. for all the new business installed without a franchise agreement.

Digital_dilemma,
Wouldn't Verizon be reluctant to sign up new customers in an area where if they lost
the lawsuit they might have to turn off the TV for those customers. Most customers would then blame Verizon, not the cable cos.

It very well could be that the cable cos threatened Plano with a lawsuit. Verizon told me that they are ready to turn on the service in Plano, but they are waiting on the city to give the o.k. So that is when I called the city and got their response saying it was Verizon not willing to turn on the service until the lawsuit is settled.

Here is the story I got from the City of Plano's internal governmental affairs department on the hold up of verizon fios tv in plano. Due to a law suit filed by the cable companies fighting the state franchise granted to verizon in the state of Texas, verizon will not turn on the tv service in areas that they do not have an agreement with the city. So it could be a while before we see fios tv in Plano, Texas.

That sucks. I think Highland Village has such an agreement, though.

Digital_dilemma,
Wouldn't Verizon be reluctant to sign up new customers in an area where if they lost
the lawsuit they might have to turn off the TV for those customers. Most customers would then blame Verizon, not the cable cos.

It very well could be that the cable cos threatened Plano with a lawsuit. Verizon told me that they are ready to turn on the service in Plano, but they are waiting on the city to give the o.k. So that is when I called the city and got their response saying it was Verizon not willing to turn on the service until the lawsuit is settled.


If Verizon was following state law, the cable cos would have no cause to sue the City Of Plano if Verizon chose to install customers.

I had the FiOS internet/TV install today. The installers took about 4.5 hours from start to finish.

I'm glad I did prep work in my attic as the installers told me they were instructed NOT to go into any attics that don't have a floor (mine doesn't :eek: ). I really wanted the attic to be my distribution point as I already have a D* multiswitch up there. The installers gave me the splitter and I installed it in the attic right next to my multiswitch. I then connected the TV feed from the ONT to the input of the splitter. I disconnected three of the outputs from my multiswitch and connected them to the three outputs of the splitter. The last output of the splitter I connected an RG6 cable whose other end was attached to a wallplate in my basement computer room (to connect to the NIM). The installer ran the CAT5 cable from the ONT to the same wallplate in my computer room (to connect to the wireless router).

I am happy to say that my download/upload speeds are at least 5mbs/2mbs respectively. My other two computers (on the top and middle floors) connect wirelessly to the router/internet and they are both working great as well.

Now for the TV - I can honestly say the WOW factor is back with HD. I tuned to Universal HD and watched some Olympic Hockey. The PQ was stunning. Universal HD is not one of D*'s best looking HD channels. Same thing with Discovery HD - looks stunning on FiOS. I also saw a huge difference in HD Net Movies. HD Net Movies actually looked like real HD on V*. Can't wait to see HD Net when it comes online in Fairfax County.

I will be doing more PQ comparisons between D* and V* the next fiew days on my 30" Toshiba HDTV monitor before I dump D*. The comparison may not be completely fair since my D* connection is component (from my HR10-250) and my V* connection is HDMI->DVI.

As for all you D* subscribers - I really wish D* does the right thing and restore their HD channels to true HD. Hopefully the new sats will give them the bandwidth they need to set things right. I, for one, would have been willing to wait it out if D* had just acknowledged they are bandwidth challenged right now and indicated they will make it right when all the new sats are up and running.

So far, overall, V* is a keeper :D

Digital_dilemma,
Wouldn't Verizon be reluctant to sign up new customers in an area where if they lost
the lawsuit they might have to turn off the TV for those customers. Most customers would then blame Verizon, not the cable cos.

It very well could be that the cable cos threatened Plano with a lawsuit. Verizon told me that they are ready to turn on the service in Plano, but they are waiting on the city to give the o.k. So that is when I called the city and got their response saying it was Verizon not willing to turn on the service until the lawsuit is settled.

Verizon is not being sued. The law allowing Verizon a statewide franchise is being challenged as unconstitutional. It doesn't affect anything Verizon does while the law is on the books. All those accounts would be legitimate clients of Verizon's because Verizon acted in good faith. It will all boil down to money no matter how you slice it. It always does. As long as the communities get their precious franchise fees and taxes, they shouldn't give a rip snort what company provides the service.

Thanks, Beaumont is not that far from here.
Keep my fingers crossed.
Thanks for the input
Gene

Great idea to use Yahoo TV guide to check future availability of FIOS service.
Thanks,
Gene

So, has anybody heard anything more about Voom channels on Verizon FiOS? How about National Geographic HD on FiOS?

I haven't heard anything in particular. I would love to see NG HD. I have noted that several programs are showing up in letterbox on the SD channel, which means that are very likely captured in HD.

I was surprised and happy to see MHD show up so quickly. My hope is that the only thing slowing down FiOS adding new channels is carrier agreements rather than bandwidth considerations. Reports are that they have plenty of bandwidth.

Wonder if anyone's tired measuring HDNet's resolution test patterns (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5175424#post5175424) using a true-1080p display-- models such as Sony SXRDs that resolve ~1920 lines? Conventional cable systems and their STBs, unfortunately, seem to limit resolution to <1300 lines, while HDNet's big-dish-linked signals for head ends, reportedly, should approach ~1920 lines. (DirecTV via FIOS may have 'limitations'.) -- John

Wonder if anyone's tired measuring HDNet's resolution test patterns (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5175424#post5175424) using a true-1080p display-- models such as Sony SXRDs that resolve ~1920 lines? Conventional cable systems and their STBs, unfortunately, seem to limit resolution to <1300 lines, while HDNet's big-dish-linked signals for head ends, reportedly, should approach ~1920 lines. (DirecTV via FIOS may have 'limitations'.) -- John

The FIOS set top QIP6416 probably has the same chipset that any other current Motorola set top has. The only difference with this set top is the IP for MoCA. FIOS CATV is just as conventional as any other HFC cable plant, they just put the node a little closer to the TV. ;)

DirecTV via FIOS? No such animal. :)

The FIOS set top QIP6416 probably has the same chipset that any other current Motorola set top has. The only difference with this set top is the IP for MoCA. FIOS CATV is just as conventional as any other HFC cable plant, they just put the node a little closer to the TV. ;)

DirecTV via FIOS? No such animal. :)
Yes, I'd read that FIOS was using mostly standard cable STBs, although I've noted a variety in use. But I mentioned conventional cable systems, plus STBs, because ours at least (NYC's TWC) performs rate shaping (R.S.) on both SD and HD (unless they've dropped it in recent years). R.S., of course, deliberately trims higher-frequency/resolution signals.

Also, at least according to vegggas, who works with cable tech and more often posts elsewhere at AVS, cable STBs might be firmware tweaked within some systems, providing better resolution, versus generic firmware output drivers covering several STB brands. It's also not clear yet how valid earlier posts were saying that FIOS doesn't compress signals, presumably meaning something beyond the R.S. of some cable systems. Sure about no D* via FIOS? Recall a recent thread mentioning that was an option at some locations--at least for a time. -- John

Verizon resells D*, but nothing to do with FIOS.

I wish I had my FIOS already. Snow has rendered my D* dish useless. It's way up on the top of my roof and there is no way I'm going up there with all the snow. All I can do is wait for the sun to melt it.

At least I have OTA locals.

Why not do what I did? I purchased a new antenna with a built in heater. Snow melts as fast as it hits.

This DirecTv stuff keeps coming back. The public needs to know that it's, "DirecTv along with FiOS from Verizon", but not "DirecTv through FiOS with Verizon".

Why not do what I did? I purchased a new antenna with a built in heater. Snow melts as fast as it hits.

Cuz on the 22nd I'll have Fios and the dish will be obsolete.

BTW, I hit is with a stream from the hose for a few minutes and the ice went away.

Wonder if anyone's tired measuring HDNet's resolution test patterns (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5175424#post5175424) using a true-1080p display-- models such as Sony SXRDs that resolve ~1920 lines? Conventional cable systems and their STBs, unfortunately, seem to limit resolution to <1300 lines, while HDNet's big-dish-linked signals for head ends, reportedly, should approach ~1920 lines. (DirecTV via FIOS may have 'limitations'.) -- John


John -

I know you've posted this request many times so here's your answer. I have the Qualia 006. I taped the HDNET test patterns on my HD-TIVO over Directv. My set resolves up to the "7" , meaning that is where the black and white lines just merge together. Using your formula, 7x1.78x100 = 1246. Since it is broadcast at 1280 x 1080i, I conclude that my Qualia is fully resolving the signal. Directv does not broadcast HDNET at 1920 x 1080i, so unfortunately, it's not a perfect test of my set's resolving capability.

Just to clarify for everyone.............

Verizon resells Directv in areas where FIOS is not available. Directv is not resold in areas where FIOS is available.

I am not 100% sure if its true that FIOS does not compress their signal, but I have read user reviews from Keller Texas (where it 1st debuted) that say the PQ is better than any existing video provider.

I for one will be changing over the moment its available.

I am not 100% sure if its true that FIOS does not compress their signal, but I have read user reviews from Keller Texas (where it 1st debuted) that say the PQ is better than any existing video provider.

I for one will be changing over the moment its available.

We had regular SD DirecTV for a few years.

We moved into town and got Comcast Cable + HD. The SD channels on Comcast Cable looked better than how they had looked on DirecTV, as best as we were able to remember.

We moved again and kept Comcast Cable + HD. Then a couple weeks ago we had FiOS TV installed. I was going to A:B compare it with Comcast before a) telling Comcast to cut our service because Verizon was better PQ and worth the money or b) telling Verizon to cut our service because there wasn't improved PQ and it wasn't worth the extra cost.

I didn't do an A:B comparison before telling Comcast to terminate our service, because even my wife, who is not a videophile, but does watch the majority of TV in the house, could clearly see an improved picture on the SD channels with Verizon FiOS.

So, I would second the opinion of the Keller person that based on eyeballing it, Verizon FiOS is better PQ than either DirecTV or Comcast Cable. It's harder to say if the HD is better with Verizon than it was with Comcast, but the local/network HD channels do seem to look better on Verizon FiOS than they did with Comcast Cable.

I posted this on the Comcast Boston thread yesterday, thought people here might be interested.

I am in Reading and FIOS-TV became available yesterday. For $30 less per month, I could get a comparable Internet/TV package with 3 boxes, one being a HDTV/DVR. The programming actually offers a few more movie channels that you have to pay extra for on Comcast, ie Starz, Encore etc.

I called Comcast and asked if they wanted to keep me as a customer, what could they do for me for an incentive. They lowered my Internet from $42.95 down to $29.95 and lowered my Basic/extended cable from $49.40 down to $29.95 indefinitly. This saves me a little more than what I would have received with FIOS-TV.

Keep checking when FIOS-TV is available in your town and take advantage of the discounting from Comcast.

I still may try the FIOS package down the road once I hear from others what the quality and packages are like.

I still may try the FIOS package down the road once I hear from others what the quality and packages are like.

Comcast offered same deal here. Glad I could pull the trigger. You must not have read through this forum since all Comcast subs who've switched have noticed immediate improvement. Enjoy waiting while others enjoy better PQ :D

Seems to me that shopping for some of these services is like buying a car - pitting dealers against each other for the lowest price. If Comcast can afford to lower your bill that much, where was all that extra money going before?

__________________
"A deal's a deal. Wright is right! SW2DFW"

:D :D :D

The install tech said that over each 6mhz channel, the industry norm apparently is that you can fit 12 standard def, digital channels on each one. However, instead of doing that, they are only allocating 5 standard def, digital channels.

Now while he didn't say as such, the only reason I could imagine that they'd do something that drastic, using only 5/12 of the available space on each 6mhz channel is because they are "saving" room for the day when HD channels are the norm. Instead of using every last inch of their available bandwidth and getting as much SD as they can on each 6mhz channel, then doing what some other providers have done and say "Hey, what do we do with all this extra bandwidth?" and being SOL when more and more HD channels arose... They are looking ahead and setting all the extra bandwidth aside so that when every channel is in HD, they won't have to downconvert and over-compress the HD to be able to carry everything.

Hopefully that clarified my previous statement.

So, it's a huge difference from direcTV's HD content in PQ? How does verizon's HD picture quality compare to OTA or direcTV's mpeg 4 stuff?

So, it's a huge difference from direcTV's HD content in PQ? How does verizon's HD picture quality compare to OTA or direcTV's mpeg 4 stuff?

First I have Verizon FIOS internet but I have yet to have my city get a franchise deal yet as about 98% of my city doesn't have fiber layed yet. But I have seen FIOS TV service from a few friends in Temple Terrace and this is what I have to say about it.

I've had Voom, Dish Network, DirecTV and Bright House Networks and the only company that could even touch the picture quality of Verizon FIOS TV was Voom. I think the Verizon SD picture is even better than Vooms SD and Verizon's HDTV is so far the best I've seen from anyone so far and that includes even DirecTV's HD locals via MPEG4. Verizon FIOS TV somehow manages to make our multicasting NBC HD feed look better than OTA and that is saying something. Beyond that CBS, ABC, Fox and WB all look pretty much exactly the same as OTA. To be honest after seeing this I'm not that impressed with DirecTV's MPEG4 HD local quality for the Tampa locals. Don't get me wrong they look better than any of the national HD channels DirecTV offers but still not as good as OTA and/or FIOS TV.

I think the problem is that if your wanting the best picture quality available (without using a BUD) your only choice right now is Verizon FIOS TV as no company can touch it today. Cables HDTV feeds don't quite look as good and most cable companies have an analog lineup. The closest company to compete with Verizon would be a cable company who goes all digital but again they just aren't quite there with picture quality but they aren't far. So beyond that it must boil down to offerings and again most cable companies catch touch Verizon for what you get at the price you pay. Verizon has started to remind me about the days of Voom when a new HD channel came around and more times than not it would be on Voom in less than two months than not. With all other companies we are still saying come on TWC it took almost two years to get ESPN HD and we are sitting at almost 1 year and two months for ESPN2 HD. For me even if we wating six months for a new channel on FIOS TV that is better than waiting for a year or more to get a new HD channel assuming you ever get it at all.

First I have Verizon FIOS internet but I have yet to have my city get a franchise deal yet as about 98% of my city doesn't have fiber layed yet. But I have seen FIOS TV service from a few friends in Temple Terrace and this is what I have to say about it.

I've had Voom, Dish Network, DirecTV and Bright House Networks and the only company that could even touch the picture quality of Verizon FIOS TV was Voom. I think the Verizon SD picture is even better than Vooms SD and Verizon's HDTV is so far the best I've seen from anyone so far and that includes even DirecTV's HD locals via MPEG4. Verizon FIOS TV somehow manages to make our multicasting NBC HD feed look better than OTA and that is saying something. Beyond that CBS, ABC, Fox and WB all look pretty much exactly the same as OTA. To be honest after seeing this I'm not that impressed with DirecTV's MPEG4 HD local quality for the Tampa locals. Don't get me wrong they look better than any of the national HD channels DirecTV offers but still not as good as OTA and/or FIOS TV.

I think the problem is that if your wanting the best picture quality available (without using a BUD) your only choice right now is Verizon FIOS TV as no company can touch it today. Cables HDTV feeds don't quite look as good and most cable companies have an analog lineup. The closest company to compete with Verizon would be a cable company who goes all digital but again they just aren't quite there with picture quality but they aren't far. So beyond that it must boil down to offerings and again most cable companies catch touch Verizon for what you get at the price you pay. Verizon has started to remind me about the days of Voom when a new HD channel came around and more times than not it would be on Voom in less than two months than not. With all other companies we are still saying come on TWC it took almost two years to get ESPN HD and we are sitting at almost 1 year and two months for ESPN2 HD. For me even if we wating six months for a new channel on FIOS TV that is better than waiting for a year or more to get a new HD channel assuming you ever get it at all.

Thanks for confiming my impression that our Verizon FiOS picture is indeed the best (versus DirecTV and Comcast Cable) that our TV has displayed.

With all this talk about the HD picture quality that this service can provide, I went ahead and checked out the HD channels...

810-TNT HDTV
811-ESPN HDTV
812-ESPN 2 HDTV
814-NFL Network HDTV
817-HD Net
818-HD Net Movies
819-Universal HDTV
820-Discovery HDTV
821-Wealth TV HD

They probably even have HBO & Showtime HD, though I did not check that. The sad thing is I called them and the service is not available in my area. I was acually thinking about switching over from DirecTV to this because I'm getting very very tired of HD Lite from DirecTV. I don't think FiOS Video will happen in my area even years from now.

I wonder if there's something that's like Verizon FiOS Video in my area that's not COX?

I cannot tell you where it's going to be available (I have no idea), but one way to check if its even on the horizon is to check your availability for FIOS voice and data. If thats available, then the only thing standing in the way of FIOS TV is most likely franchise agreements with your local municipality. I would begin calling your local cable commision and demanding that they allow competition in your area.

Competition should not be impeded. Look at the wonders competition did for the telecommunications world when they brok up AT&T (cell phones, Internet, high speed data) Imagine what true competition will do for the Video world. HDTV will only go mainstream when incumbent providers are forced to compete for your hard earned dollars. Competition drives innovation.

With all this talk about the HD picture quality that this service can provide, I went ahead and checked out the HD channels...

810-TNT HDTV
811-ESPN HDTV
812-ESPN 2 HDTV
814-NFL Network HDTV
817-HD Net
818-HD Net Movies
819-Universal HDTV
820-Discovery HDTV
821-Wealth TV HD

They probably even have HBO & Showtime HD, though I did not check that. The sad thing is I called them and the service is not available in my area. I was acually thinking about switching over from DirecTV to this because I'm getting very very tired of HD Lite from DirecTV. I don't think FiOS Video will happen in my area even years from now.

I wonder if there's something that's like Verizon FiOS Video in my area that's not COX?

Yeah, add to that HBO, SHO, TMC, MAX and Starz HD's, plus all your locals including PBS, WB and UPD and it's a great package. I think they've already added the new MTV HD channel too.

Yeah, add to that HBO, SHO, TMC, MAX and Starz HD's, plus all your locals including PBS, WB and UPD and it's a great package. I think they've already added the new MTV HD channel too.

Yes, they have that MTV HD channel.

But connect with component cables if you want digital sound. I had both analog and HDMI-to-DVI hooked up, and when I was alerted to this problem with the Verizon Motorola HD box, I removed the HDMI cable, and my receiver then began playing in Dolby Digital when a movie or show broadcast it. I'm still 3.1 sound, as I can't hook up my rear speakers in our current arrangement, but with the HDMI plugged in, I was getting the various analog sound modes in my receiver, and not Dolby Digital.

Well, tomorrow Verizon comes to install my TV service. I'm keeping my D* for a month to do some comparisons. I'll have my HD TiVo and 8316 DVR so I can record the same shows and get a good look at the difference.

Good luck. My install (last week) was scheduled for "between 8:00AM and 5:00PM", and they showed up at about 8:30AM.

I am very pleased so far with V*. HD quality is outstanding. SD (IMHO) is also better than D*s SD.

Thanks for the heads-up. Usually when they say 8 - 5 they never show up in the morning.

Did you get a reminder call from Verizon? My install is tomorrow 1-5. I hope their morning install goes well so it doesn't affect mine.

No reminder. Be ready.

Thanks for the heads-up. Usually when they say 8 - 5 they never show up in the morning.

Always call to verify. They're usually good, but it never hurts to reconfirm.

And ... after some initial issues, the installers FORGOT to close out the install when they left, so my service never activated - and we waited 3 hours for the TV to begin displaying programming. So I called Verizon, and they quickly realized what happened, so they closed the install, and within 15 minutes we had all the channels/info downloaded - and they gave us a credit of 1 month of the $39.95 extended basic charge for the inconvenience.

If you have FiOS Internet, make sure your anti-virus software isn't blocking the IP addresses of your settop boxes when the NIM is plugged into your router. That may not have been the issue, but they and the installer's laptop did show up as untrusted addresses with Trend Micro's PC-Cillin, so I "trusted" them and everything went well.

They installed my service but can't get the movie package working. I have been on the phone with their support people for 2 hours.

Is it just the movie package that isn't working? Has the guide downloaded? Are you getting both the analog (1-49) and digital channels, other than STARZ, SHO, etc...?

How about the HD channels?

Verizon really needs to start getting this right. My install took a couple extra hours just to "get everything activated/turned on".

Yeah, everything else works fine. It's very strange. So now they're sending the tech back out. Since neither STB gets the movie package and yet get everything else I don't see how the problem could be here.

Yeah, everything else works fine. It's very strange. So now they're sending the tech back out. Since neither STB gets the movie package and yet get everything else I don't see how the problem could be here.

What's your impression of the PQ so far?

I've still got my HD TiVo hooked up for comparison. On SD even my wife immediately noticed the difference. I had to show her that HGTV was indeed on the new service and when I first went to it she was amazed at the PQ.

Gardens of Stone was playing on HDNetMovies and I did a few back and forth shots to see if there was a difference. I could definitely see more detail in the V* than the D*

I've still got my HD TiVo hooked up for comparison. On SD even my wife immediately noticed the difference. I had to show her that HGTV was indeed on the new service and when I first went to it she was amazed at the PQ.

Gardens of Stone was playing on HDNetMovies and I did a few back and forth shots to see if there was a difference. I could definitely see more detail in the V* than the D*

My wife is an HGTV fan, and she, too, noticed the extra detail on VFiOS. I hope you get all your movie channels working soon.

They sent 2 techs out to see if they could fix it and they ended up calling the same center I was on the phone with for 2 hours. After doing the same things over again they connected me to another person who told me it was a system problem and wouldn't be fixed until tomorrow. About 5 minutes after I hung up from that conversation it started working. The techs and I had a good laugh over that one.

They sent 2 techs out to see if they could fix it and they ended up calling the same center I was on the phone with for 2 hours. After doing the same things over again they connected me to another person who told me it was a system problem and wouldn't be fixed until tomorrow. About 5 minutes after I hung up from that conversation it started working. The techs and I had a good laugh over that one.

Enjoy! Some of the Starz! SD channels/movies look nearly as good as DVDs.

They sent 2 techs out to see if they could fix it and they ended up calling the same center I was on the phone with for 2 hours. After doing the same things over again they connected me to another person who told me it was a system problem and wouldn't be fixed until tomorrow. About 5 minutes after I hung up from that conversation it started working. The techs and I had a good laugh over that one.

Glad everything is now working for you. I hope V* gets the blackout issue with HDNet worked out soon. HDNet is one of my favorite channels.

I also sent an email to WMPT-DT engineering requesting they contact their counterparts at V* to tell them their HD broadcast is on the ".2" sub-channel instead of the ".1" sub-channel. Let's hope somebody who cares reads the email.

I've been reading posts for a while but this is my first reply.....finally something I actually know something about.

FiOS tv sounds incredible. Unfortunately the only place its available in New England is Woburn, MA.

I happen to work for Verizon and have been waiting for FiOS tv for a while. We started building wire centers in September of 2004 and offered FiOs internet 3rd qrtr of '05. The mini-video head for Eastern MA & Southern NH is located in Burlington, MA and the network is ready...just need the franchises. There is talk of building another mini-head closer to Providence.

For those of you in Southern NH. We're in the process of building Nashua, Pelham, and Merrimack. Salem, Bedford, Derry, and a bunch of towns on the seacoast are already up. Now we just need the franchises to offer the video service.

I know Verizon is lobbying hard at the federal, state, and local levels....hopefully things will come together soon.

FiOS tv sounds incredible.

It looks even better :D.

I was just surfing around and saw the movie Selena on HBO-HD. For some reason it is just upconverted 4:3. I switched over to the SD version to do an A-B comparison. The movie actually looks better, more crisp on the HBO-SD feed than it does on the HBO-HD feed. That would NEVER happen on D*. I know this is an HD thread but SD on FiOS from a halfway decent source looks fantastic on my HDMI-connected DLP. With quality like this, one can forgive some of their current programming/DVR shortcomings.
I know Verizon is lobbying hard at the federal, state, and local levels....hopefully things will come together soon.
These efforts are beginning to pay off. Look for the Feds to come around later this year.

Glad everything is now working for you. I hope V* gets the blackout issue with HDNet worked out soon. HDNet is one of my favorite channels.

I also sent an email to WMPT-DT engineering requesting they contact their counterparts at V* to tell them their HD broadcast is on the ".2" sub-channel instead of the ".1" sub-channel. Let's hope somebody who cares reads the email.

I actually received a response for WMPT-DT Engineering today:

"We are aware of the problem and have contacted Verizon.
Thanks for the information.

Kirby Storms
Director of Engineering
Maryland Public Television"

Hopefully, Verizon will correct this sooner than later. :)

When I checked this morning, channel 806 in the V* guide on my HD STB shows "WMPT-DT". Previously, it had shown "PBS-WMP", or something like that. It also shows the channel is "off-air" after 8AM this morning.

I think they fixed it! We'll see tonight.

I was watching something late last night/early this morning on 806 that was HD. It was the same thing that was on WETA at that time. They must have fixed it sometime after midnight.

I happen to work for Verizon and have been waiting for FiOS tv for a while. We started building wire centers in September of 2004 and offered FiOs internet 3rd qrtr of '05. The mini-video head for Eastern MA & Southern NH is located in Burlington, MA and the network is ready...just need the franchises. There is talk of building another mini-head closer to Providence.



It is strange that the video headend is located in Burlington and yet Burlington does have FIOS tv. Any idea when Burlington will start offering FIOS TV.

When I checked this morning, channel 806 in the V* guide on my HD STB shows "WMPT-DT". Previously, it had shown "PBS-WMP", or something like that. It also shows the channel is "off-air" after 8AM this morning.

I think they fixed it! We'll see tonight.

Just wanted to let you know that I posted about this development over in our Local thread as well. Thanks for your efforts. I think Dave has provided us the confirmation we need. We should see Piano Guy at 4 pm today according to the guide. The channel info is now showing "WMPT-HD."

It is strange that the video headend is located in Burlington and yet Burlington does have FIOS tv. Any idea when Burlington will start offering FIOS TV.
They chose Burlington because of its central location. From what I understand there are two video mega-heads in the country who in turn feed mini-heads scattered all over. Right now Burlington is the only mini-head in New England.

As far as when video will be offered, thats up to the municipality to grant Verizon a cable franchise. I believe Fios Internet is already up and running in Burlington.

The good news is that Woburn is right next door and video is up and running there. Its just a matter of time. Once the town gives them the go ahead, its a matter of just flipping a switch.

Does Verizon have some sort of online account info for FIOS TV? They have it for the phone service and Internet but the installers didn't know anything on the TV side. Anyone?

Did you want to see your info or just see if you are eligible?

Did you want to see your info or just see if you are eligible?
See my info - I already have the service.

Yeah, I figured that out after a while. I have looked everywhere for FiOS TV stuff on the Verizon websites. Nothing when I log into my regular phone account or going to Verizon Central where all the FiOS internet info is. I was hoping for something like D*TV has where you can see what packages you have and add and remove programming. Oh well, maybe in the future.

I just got a mailing for FIOS Internet Service (the cable was laid in November). I spoke with a rep about the possibility of FIOS TV in this area; he said that, assuming everything goes smoothly, it could be in the range of six months away. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

I just got a mailing for FIOS Internet Service (the cable was laid in November). I spoke with a rep about the possibility of FIOS TV in this area; he said that, assuming everything goes smoothly, it could be in the range of six months away. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
I think that's been about average: FIOS Internet+6mo=FIOS TV

I just got a mailing for FIOS Internet Service (the cable was laid in November). I spoke with a rep about the possibility of FIOS TV in this area; he said that, assuming everything goes smoothly, it could be in the range of six months away. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
I think that's been about average: FIOS Internet+6mo=FIOS TV

I have attached a PDF that someone posted over at broadbandreports.com that is a publicity brochure for FiOS dated 2/1/06. It has a listing of all communities where FiOS TV is currently available. Obviously this is going to change frequently. One thing to bear in mind is that there is no formula for when the TV component of FiOS will become available. An excellent case in point in our area is Montgomery County, Maryland. It is all about whether Verizon can land a video franchise with the local government authority. Hopefully this process can be streamlined as time goes on. Perhaps you should check with your local governing authority as to whether they are open to granting Verizon a video franchise.

Maybe, getting FiOS TV depends on the Official start date. Around here, FiOS became available in September, but the Offical announcement was on November 9th.

No FiOS TV in sight, yet !

We have another complication here. The communities that have the internet service now have jointed together with a larger number of communities that have yet to get the Fiber cables fully installed. The combined group will negotiate Franchise agreement(s). To me, I'm afraid that this sounds like everyone must be ready before any Franchise agreement(s) begin to take shape. I truly doubt that any other area of the Country would be so stupid.

I am really enjoying this new MHD channel. It's a combination of MTV, VH1 and CMT all in HD. So far I've seen;

Storytellers - Springsteen, Dave Mathews, Green Day

Unplugged - Alicia Keys

Crossroads - Lionel Richie & Kenny Rogers, Ronnie Milsap & Los Lonely Boys

Plus they have a show called "Uncompressed" that shows all HD videos.

The PQ on this channel is up with the best I've ever seen. That CDNow show on D*tv looks really bad compared to this.

I have attached a PDF that someone posted over at broadbandreports.com that is a publicity brochure for FiOS dated 2/1/06. It has a listing of all communities where FiOS TV is currently available. Obviously this is going to change frequently. One thing to bear in mind is that there is no formula for when the TV component of FiOS will become available. An excellent case in point in our area is Montgomery County, Maryland. It is all about whether Verizon can land a video franchise with the local government authority. Hopefully this process can be streamlined as time goes on. Perhaps you should check with your local governing authority as to whether they are open to granting Verizon a video franchise.

That PDF lists Manhattan as a current market...is this true? I had no idea it was available here yet. How do I get more information or sign up?

Here is the link to see if you can can FiOS service:

http://www22.verizon.com/FiosForHome/Channels/FiosTV/canigetfiosTV.aspx

Here is the link to see if you can can FiOS service:

http://www22.verizon.com/FiosForHome/Channels/FiosTV/canigetfiosTV.aspx

Thanks for the link...unfortunately it tells me it doesn't recognize my address. That's quite odd since i had verizon for my telephone company for several years before switching to VOIP.

On a lark, I thought I'd give it a try by using my address instead of my phone number.

Result:

It came back with two choices

- my address but with my townships name instead of my towns name (they are not the same) or
- none.

Weird ! Perhaps their database is screwed ?

I am really enjoying this new MHD channel. It's a combination of MTV, VH1 and CMT all in HD. So far I've seen;

Storytellers - Springsteen, Dave Mathews, Green Day

Unplugged - Alicia Keys

Crossroads - Lionel Richie & Kenny Rogers, Ronnie Milsap & Los Lonely Boys

Plus they have a show called "Uncompressed" that shows all HD videos.

The PQ on this channel is up with the best I've ever seen. That CDNow show on D*tv looks really bad compared to this.

I am thinking about FIOS but I don't want to give up Comcast sports (Orioles,Wizards in 1080i) and I like INHD.
Is their any provision for getting local sports with FIOS?
With a HDDVR,HBO,CIN,SHO,STARZ,digital+ taxes my Comcast cable bill is around $120. What does FIOS cost for everything in English?

Don't know about the sports because I don't watch baseball or basketball. My bill with everything they offer (in English), 1 DVR and 1 SD STB comes to $96 a month.

I'm dieing for FIOS TV!.

The line runs up to my house but they haven't hooked up the main trunks(?).

Does anyone know when South Riding, VA will get service?

All,

It is impossible for anyone to tell you when you can get FIOS TV. The way you need to handle this is to determine if you qualify for FIOS Voice and data. If thats true, then you need to start calling your local cable commision (or relative governing body) and ask them if they are in Video franchise negotiations with Verizon. Only through local pressure will these politicians feel the need to move rapidly. They are elected officials and would not want to be perceived to their community as stifling competition.


Verizon is presently lobbying for statewide franchises to speed up competition, but the Cable Co's are agressively fighting this. Verizon has said all along that they are not looking to get out of paying similar franchise fees to the local communities, but rather are looking for a universal approval to speed up competition while maintaining the revenue streams for the local municipalities. Until this happens, it will be a door to door, community by community negotiation effort.

There is plenty of information on this that has been published in the past 12 mos.

DesigntechnicaNewsConnected Home

http://news.designtechnica.com/article9631.html

Verizon, Disney Unveil Broadband Services

Friday, February 24th 2006 @ 6:05 AM PST

By Nino Marchetti
Staff Writer, Designtechnica News

Customers of Verizon's broadband and fiber-optic television services will gain access to a wide array of Disney and ESPN related video and interactive programming.

Verizon and The Walt Disney Company yesterday said they would begin making available to Verizon broadband and FiOS fiber-optic television service customers a wide array of Disney and ESPN programming. These new offerings stem out of an announcement made last September regarding wide-ranging video and broadband content agreements between the two companies.

The new content to be made available to Verizon customers, the two companies said, includes ABC News Now, a 24/7 news channel, Disney Connection, an interactive environment for kids, ESPN360, a multi-dimensional, sports focused broadband service and Moves.com Max, a service of movie-related information and entertainment. These offerings will be joined later this year by SOAPNETIC, a broadband service from SOAPnet.

Verizon FiOS TV customers will also gain access to more than 80 hours a month of free on-demand titles and programming from across a range of Disney and ESPN channels as well as new release and library pay per view titles such as “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” and “Kill Bill: Vol. 1”.

"The addition of rich content from Disney and ESPN Networks to our consumer broadband and FiOS TV services is another way we are continuously enhancing the value of broadband and our new fiber-optic network for Verizon customers," said Bob Ingalls, president of Verizon's Retail Markets Group, in a statement. "We're dedicated to providing video experiences like no other, using the very latest technologies and fastest networks to deliver the entertainment and information that every member of today's digital households wants, on their PCs, their TVs and ultimately other devices. We're bringing our customers video and entertainment on their own schedules, with unmatched quality, convenience and service."

Not sure where to post this question...

FiOS TV VOD - I haven't used this feature too much up to now, but when I do, more often than not, the picture sometimes freezes and sometimes even stops entirely and I get a screen that says "VOD is temporarily unavailable".

Has anybody else seen this? I figured it was still early days with FiOS TV and this was just one of the growing pains...

Not sure where to post this question...

FiOS TV VOD - I haven't used this feature too much up to now, but when I do, more often than not, the picture sometimes freezes and sometimes even stops entirely and I get a screen that says "VOD is temporarily unavailable".

Has anybody else seen this? I figured it was still early days with FiOS TV and this was just one of the growing pains...

Never.

The only problem we've had is a couple times we got NO SOUND from the Motorola box (HD + PVR). To fix it, I powered off the box, then hit the MENU key to bring up the setbox menu, Reset it to the Defaults (bottom item on menu), and then powered off, and then powered on again. That seemed to fix it.

Either at the same time, or immediately afterwards, I went to the MENU again and changed the 4:3 default to 480P from 480I (default reset), since we have an LCD RPTV.

If this problem persists, I'll ask for a new box.

Not sure where to post this question...

FiOS TV VOD - I haven't used this feature too much up to now, but when I do, more often than not, the picture sometimes freezes and sometimes even stops entirely and I get a screen that says "VOD is temporarily unavailable".

Has anybody else seen this? I figured it was still early days with FiOS TV and this was just one of the growing pains...
I think your last statement summerizes it. The NoVA head end has some kinks that Verizon needs to work out.

My mother lives in Delaware and is having Verizon Fiber Optic line run in her home today. Does this mean that she will be able to get there TV service sometime in the future or are they running this line for some other reason. Verizon actually called her up and offered to run the Fiber Optic cable in her house for free. They said it will be like a 6 hour job. Just wondering what there intentions are.

I think your last statement summerizes it. The NoVA head end has some kinks that Verizon needs to work out.

So you are seeing this too?

I'm still waiting patiently for HDNet to become active in our area. I also read somewhere else that the Voom channels and National Geographic HD are both destined for FiOS TV. It's just a question of when... ;)

So you are seeing this too?

I'm still waiting patiently for HDNet to become active in our area. I also read somewhere else that the Voom channels and National Geographic HD are both destined for FiOS TV. It's just a question of when... ;)

HURRAY!!

We love our FiOS TV.

You guys getting FiOS are very lucky. With HD-Lite on almost every provider (even OTA!!!) FiOS cannot come here soon enough. Even though FiOS wants to be available everywhere, I'm afraid that it's going to be years and maybe even never before I'm able to choose FiOS over something else.

I hope that ViOS is able to keep providing full bandwidth HD no matter how many channels they provide.

Consumers in Murrieta Can Experience Better Television Technology;
New Service Offering Provides More Competitive Choice and Greater Value

MURRIETA, Calif., Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Some 80,000 additional Southern
California customers here can now get the superior picture quality and program
choice of Verizon's FiOS TV, as Murrieta today joined Beaumont as the first
markets in California for the new fiber-optic television service.
Verizon is the only company to offer, on a mass scale, all-digital fiber-
optic communications all the way to the customer. FiOS TV, delivered on this
superior network, was first offered in California three weeks ago. It is also
available in Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, New York and Virginia.
"FiOS TV gives Murrieta consumers an outstanding, superior alternative for
their video entertainment," said Tim McCallion, Pacific region president.
"Customers who liked what FiOS did for their Internet connection will love
what it does for their TV. We've harnessed the speed and capacity of fiber-
based broadband with the power of broadcast to create a revolutionary, new
entertainment experience."

Service highlights include:

- A broad collection of all-digital programming and compelling consumer
choice -- with more than 350 total channels and more on the way.
- A lead offer with more than 180 digital video and music channels, for
$34.95 a month with Verizon FiOS Internet Service or a qualifying voice
plan or $39.95 as a stand-alone service.
- More than 20 high-definition channels, with extraordinary clarity and
theater-quality sound.
- Over 2,200 On Demand titles available to customers now, increasing to
over 3,500 titles in the next several months.
- Channels grouped by genres such as entertainment, sports, news,
shopping, movies and family, making it easy for audiences to find their
favorite programming.
- An easy-to-use interactive programming guide that integrates HD
programming, On Demand content and the digital video recorder along with
broadcast television into a seamless user experience.
- A dual-tuner, HD-capable DVR that gives customers the freedom to pause
and rewind live TV, record one show while watching another, and fast
forward to their favorite part of the program - all without a VCR, tapes
or DVDs.

Information on packages and prices is available at http://www.verizon.net/fiostv.
Murrieta- and Beaumont-area customers also can call 1-800-880-2943 to see if
they're able to order FiOS TV.
Verizon obtained a local video franchise in Murrieta in September and is
currently in negotiations with more than 15 other communities in California to
obtain additional franchises. Under current state law, potential competitors
to the incumbent cable-TV operators must obtain video franchises in each
community they seek to serve.
Delivered over Verizon's fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network, FiOS TV is
designed to be a formidable competitor to cable and satellite. The Verizon
FTTP network, the largest of its kind in the country, is currently under
construction in more than half the states where the company offers landline
communications services, including more than 30 California communities. The
network brings the power and capacity of fiber optics directly into people's
homes and has industry-leading quality and reliability. Fiber delivers
amazingly sharp pictures and sound, and has the capacity to transmit a wide
array of high-definition programming that is so clear and intense it seems to
leap from the TV screen. It also delivers Internet download speeds of up to
30 Mbps (megabits per second) and upload speeds of up to 5 Mbps as well as
high-quality voice services.
Programming choices for Latino, African-American, Asian, Russian and other
multicultural audiences are available in every market. Because FiOS TV has so
much capacity, it is an outlet for emerging and independent networks to
showcase their diverse programming.
(More information about FiOS TV and fiber optics is available in Verizon's
online News Center at http://www.verizon.com/news.)

Service and Package Details

FiOS TV subscribers can choose from three simple-to-understand service
offerings, each with built-in choice and value. They can then choose from
packages and premium channels with programming that meets their special
interests. Verizon offers three set-top boxes: standard definition for $3.95
per month; high definition, which includes HD channels, for $9.95 per month;
and a dual-tuner, HD-capable digital video recorder for $12.95 per month.

The services include:

- Basic, with access to 15-35 local broadcast weather and community
channels for $12.95 per month. The service is digital with a set-top
box, which also provides access to On Demand programming. Basic is also
available as an analog service that does not require a set-top box for
viewing.
- Expanded Basic, Verizon's lead offer, delivers more than 180 video and
music channels for $34.95 a month with Verizon FiOS Internet Service or
a qualifying voice plan. This tier includes access to On Demand content
and requires a set-top box. High-definition channels are included in
this tier at no extra charge, and customers must have an HD set-top box
and an HD-ready TV to view them.
- La Conexion, an alternative to Expanded Basic service designed for
bilingual consumers who enjoy TV programs in English and Spanish, for
$27.95 per month with Verizon FiOS Internet Service or a qualifying
voice plan. La Conexion is also available as a stand-alone service for
$32.95 per month. The package includes nearly 140 channels with English
and Spanish-language programming and access to On Demand programming.
This service requires a set-top box. HD channels are included in this
tier at no extra charge, and customers must have an HD set-top box and
an HD-ready TV to view them.

Verizon FiOS TV customers who sign up for 12 months of Expanded Basic or
La Conexion will receive additional discounts through a newly instituted
annual savings agreement. FiOS TV customers will have the choice of receiving
$5 off the monthly Movie Package price for an annual savings of $60. Or,
customers can waive the monthly standard set-top box fee of $3.95 -- an annual
savings of $47.40.
Consumers with a passion for movies can add the movie package with 44
channels of Starz, Encore, Showtime, The Movie Channel, Sundance and Flix, as
well as 255 titles of On Demand programming, for a regular price of $11.95 a
month. Sports enthusiasts can add a 15-channel sports package for $5.95 a
month. Or, both packages can be purchased for $14.95 a month. In addition to
the movie package, customers with a set-top box can order new, On Demand movie
releases for $3.95 each or choose from a selection of movie library titles for
$2.95 each.
For wrestling fans, Verizon offers World Wrestling Entertainment's WWE
24/7, a subscription On Demand service, for $7.95 a month. Karaoke fans can
sing along at home with a subscription to the Karaoke package for $7.95 a
month.
Verizon also offers 14 HBO channels and 12 Cinemax channels as premium
services, with each set of channels available for $14.95. The price includes
access to each channel's subscription On Demand library. Subscribers who want
both HBO and Cinemax will pay $24.95 per month.
The value of FiOS TV extends to the installation and customer support.
Specially trained Verizon technicians will install the service and acquaint
subscribers with FiOS TV features and services. Verizon is waiving the
installation fee for up to three existing TV outlets, and there is no charge
to install a needed optical network terminal at the subscriber's home.
Charges for other installation services, such as additional outlets, may
apply. Verizon provides 24x7 technical assistance by phone from its Fiber
Solutions Centers in Oxnard and other cities.

From http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060227/nym213.html?.v=32

Virginia General Assembly Passes Cable Choice Bill
Monday February 27, 5:06 pm ET

Compromise Legislation Will Hasten Consumer Choice, Competition for Cable Service; Moves to Governor for Signature into Law

RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The Virginia General Assembly Senate and House of Delegates have passed legislation that will hasten competition for cable television services in the state. The bill now moves to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine for his signature into law. If signed by Gov. Kaine, the new law will take effect July 1. The following statement should be attributed to Robert W. Woltz Jr., president of Verizon Virginia.

"Virginians today are another major step closer to having more competitive choices for their cable television services. In July, Virginia will join Texas as a pioneer in bringing cable choice to consumers more quickly.

"Everyone wins when companies compete, and now Virginians will see greater innovation, better value and real choice for subscription TV.

"With this compromise legislation, Verizon will be able to accelerate investment in our fiber-optic network in Virginia, more quickly adding an awesome FiOS TV component to our reliable voice phone service and blazing-fast FiOS Internet Service.

"No party got all it wanted in the legislation, but the end result is one Verizon believes will stimulate competition, increase consumer choice and provide localities with continued control over their rights of way, consistent with the legal requirements in Virginia.

"We will have more to say about our investment plans in Virginia in coming days, but it's safe to say that -- as this legislation becomes law -- those plans will reflect the progressive business environment in the Commonwealth.

"Our hats are off to the members of the General Assembly who have approved this legislation -- particularly Dels. Terry Kilgore and Morgan Griffith and Sens. Walter Stosch and Kenneth Stolle, who along with Mark Rubin -- senior advisor to Gov. Kaine -- forged this compromise."



- Now if they can just get FiOS into Condos, or as they call them "stacked housing", I'll be right as rain.

So you are seeing this too?

I'm still waiting patiently for HDNet to become active in our area. I also read somewhere else that the Voom channels and National Geographic HD are both destined for FiOS TV. It's just a question of when... ;)
I think this is a typical ocurrence for now. We have 3 DVR boxes and have seen this behavior on all three of them. My kids use VOD *a lot* and I have seen the same symptoms on a lesser basis:

1. If you pause a VOD broadcast after several minutes (talking over 5) it will fall back to a screen stating that an error has occurred. The broadcast can be easily restarted from the point it was paused.

2. Sometimes when you are paused and then play or are fast-forwarding and then play the show will fall back to the error screen.

3. Sometimes (much less often) when you are playing a show for awhile and then fast forward it the show may fall back to an error screen, and in some cases it displays a blank gray screen for a bit. This is followed by either falling back to a "resume/exit" screen *or* by resetting the DVR. I have only seen the latter action once, but my older son has seen it on his DVR several times. He apparently watches a lot of VOD.

I think these are just symptoms of where V* is in their roll-out of this capability. One of the reasons they are using IPTV only for VOD is to work out these kinds of kinks, I believe. They are not really showstoppers and I do not think they are indications of bad hardware, especially since we are seeing it on 3 out of 3 boxes.

Maybe, getting FiOS TV depends on the Official start date. Around here, FiOS became available in September, but the Offical announcement was on November 9th.

No FiOS TV in sight, yet !

We have another complication here. The communities that have the internet service now have jointed together with a larger number of communities that have yet to get the Fiber cables fully installed. The combined group will negotiate Franchise agreement(s). To me, I'm afraid that this sounds like everyone must be ready before any Franchise agreement(s) begin to take shape. I truly doubt that any other area of the Country would be so stupid.


Obviously spoken by someone who has never lived in South East Texas. :)