Just be clear on my question, you may have answer it but I want to be sure as I may make a change to my setup.

I have a HD Home Media DVR, I know you cannot watch a HD recorded program on a remote SD receiver.

I only have the single HD box so I have never attempted to watch and HD recording on another HD receiver. It was my understanding that you could not.

So my question is: if you have a HD Home Media DVR can you watch and HD recording (recorded on the HD Home Media DVR) on a remote HD receiver (non-DVR)? Will it be in HD?

Yes, if you have version 1.6 of the IMG. Since you live in Ashburn I would assume you do now.

Keep going down. It is there. I pulled it up this morning.

Man, I must be blind, or there are few new HD channels for this. For example, what channel with CNNHD be?

I'd guess it's primarily a cost-saving decision, though I can imagine that the content producers and the networks don't want large drives in these boxes either. Hollywood doesn't want you building up large archives of its programs, and networks and advertisers don't want you to have lots of material with skippable commercial breaks.

Given the price of magnetic storage these days, a 500 GB hard drive costs about the same as a 160 GB did a year or two ago. I've heard it suggested that these larger drives, with much more demanding tolerances, may have higher failure rates as well. I'm sure VZ doesn't want to be sending out techs to fix/replace DVRs with failed drives.

I agree on the content producers maybe influencing the disk size (paranoid, I know). The difference in price of storage, while higher, is not significant enough to prevent them from deploying a larger sized drive. Anecdotally, I can buy a 500 G SATA drive at about $50. The 160 G drive is probably about $37. That is without volume discounts, or special arrangements that OEM companies enjoy.

As to the failure rates, they have been found to be fairly uniform, with tolerances settling in around 6-11 years in real life (not computed MTBF). I don't know the metric used by any cable company to swing a decision in one way or another, but it seems that cost and failure rate would IMO not be huge influences... unless (as can surely be) I'm missing something.

for example, what channel with cnnhd be?600.

600.

Yeah, I must be in the wrong channel line up, because when I look at that, 600 is still Showcase (music)

What link is everyone using?

Yeah, I must be in the wrong channel line up, because when I look at that, 600 is still Showcase (music)

What link is everyone using?

http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/channel+lineup.htm

http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/channel+lineup.htm

Unless I'm reading this wrong, for my area code, 20852, this has not been updated as of yet on their site. I'll check tonight to see if the channels are there.

Unless I'm reading this wrong, for my area code, 20852, this has not been updated as of yet on their site. I'll check tonight to see if the channels are there.


Yes it has. I just plugged in your zip code and it says:

CNN HD 600

Unless I'm reading this wrong, for my area code, 20852, this has not been updated as of yet on their site. I'll check tonight to see if the channels are there.
Your zip puts you in the Washington Metro market. It is possible that Verizon did not roll out the new guide and channel line-up to all parts of the metro market today and will finish the job tomorrow. OTOH, your STB/DVR might have missed the update for some reason. If you have the old channel line-up tonight, I suggest you do a cold reset by unplugging your STB or DVR for 30 seconds. That might force a load of the new guide and channel line-up.

Your zip puts you in the Washington Metro market. It is possible that Verizon did not roll out the new guide and channel line-up to all parts of the metro market today and will finish the job tomorrow. OTOH, your STB/DVR might have missed the update for some reason. If you have the old channel line-up tonight, I suggest you do a cold reset by unplugging your STB or DVR for 30 seconds. That might force a load of the new guide and channel line-up.

No, he is saying (if I understand him correctly) that when he pulls up the PDF for his zip code on Verizon, it doesn't show CNNHD as channel 600 and the PDF hasn't been updated yet with the new channel line-up.

You need to scroll down to the bottom right of the page and click on your area for the latest Guide pdf.

You need to scroll down to the bottom right of the page and click on your area for the latest Guide pdf.

Nothing to see here, user error...carry on.

Sorry guys, yup, I was looking in the wrong direction.

got it. Thanks for the patience.

After wanting to switch to FIOS for a long time I finally got it installed yesterday. The experience has been a mixed bag leaning towards negative.

1. First of all, I specifically asked online if it was possible to watch a show recorded on a DVR from another room using an HD box, they said yes. Now they tell me I have to have an SD box. Really, who switches to FIOS to watch SD? After some research, the internet consensus seems to be that this feature will work when a 1.6 software release is installed. Has this actually worked for anyone here? I'd love to hear that.

Verizon is being quite deceptive in their advertising of the multi-room feature when they conveniently forget to mention it only works on SD boxes, which to me it means it does not work at all.

2. Tech support is terrible. It quickly reminds you that Verizon is a good old fashion PHONE COMPANY. The poor agents know nothing about the boxes or features, yesterday one agent argued that the box I had in my hand had a hard drive and could be activated as a DVR, when I was looking at it and saw it did't. They don't know the boxes, the features, the upgrades that are going on across the country, nothing. Oh and it takes several submenus and no less than 10-35 minutes to even get to one of them.

3. The DVR is actually slower than Time Warner Cable's, and it looks older. TMC's was sleek looking. The Fios channel guide is better though.

4. Programming. Fios has only 30 HD channels INCLUDING 8 local broadcast. They don't even have CNN HD, which TMC did. Pretty lousy for what was supposed to be the top of the line TV service.

The only real positive so far is the picture quality, which is slightly better than cable's. There is still occasionally some pixelation is some channels but it's probably 85% gone. Is this worth the extra price of Fios? I would say no. I'm seriously considering a switch back to TMC.

Hopefully the channel realignment and IMG 1.6 software upgrade will make it better but who know when/if this will be available in north texas.

Franke46

So, to some this up:

- The DVR sucks
- Not enough HD channels

Well, we know the DVR sucks. I thought the Cablevision DVR was bad until I used this one.

As far as HD channels go, the selection is actually great once your area gets upgraded. Take a look at the list on this thread to see when your area will get upgraded.

Updated.

Verizon Channel Realignment & HD Expansion

Completed expansions in plain text.
Upcoming expansions in italics.
Full 100HD expansion in bold.

VHO 01
10/08/08 – North Texas (Realign; ~100HD)

VHO 02
10/07/08 – Florida Gulf Coast (Realign; ~100HD) (delayed from 10/02/08)

VHO 03
10/09/08 – Southern California (Realign; ~100HD)

VHO 04
09/18/08 – Anne Arundel/Howard County MD (Realign; ~50HD)
09/22/08 – Washington Metro (Realign; ~50HD)
09/30/08 – Baltimore MD (Realign; ~50HD)

VHO 05
07/28/08 – New York (Launch; ~100HD)

VHO 06
08/20/08 – Massachusetts (Realign; ~80HD)
08/21/08 – Rhode Island (Realign; ~80HD)

VHO 07
07/31/08 – Northern NJ (Realign; ~100HD)

VHO 08
08/29/08 – Central NJ (Realign; ~50HD) >>> 10/08/08 (~80HD**)
09/02/08 – Southern DE (Realign; ~80HD)
09/04/08 – Central DE (Realign; ~50HD) >>> 10/09/08 (~80HD**)
09/08/08 – Southern NJ (Realign; ~80HD)
09/08/08 – Northern DE (Realign; ~80HD) (moved up from 09/15/08)
09/10/08 – Mercer Co. NJ (Realign; ~80HD) (delayed from 08/27/08)
09/11/08 – Southeastern PA (Realign; ~80HD)

VHO 09
08/13/08 – Richmond VA (Realign; ~50HD)
08/14/08 – Hampton Roads VA (Realign; ~50HD)

VHO 10
06/30/08 – Fort Wayne IN (Realign; ~50HD)

VHO 11
08/12/08 – Pittsburgh PA (Realign; ~50HD) (delayed from 08/06/08)

VHO 12
07/21/08 – Portland OR (Realign; ~40HD*)

VHO 13
08/23/08 – Seattle WA (Launch; ~100HD)

VHO 14
09/15/08 – Buffalo NY (Launch; ~100HD)

*Portland PDF lists a severely reduced Movie Package in HD. Accurate?
**Why didn’t Central DE and Central NJ roll up to ~80 initially, especially since Southern DE did?

Next Tuesday is Baltimore. A week later is the big push in VHOs 1, 2, and 3 plus more additions in VHO 8. Verizon seems to update their channel lineups page on Fridays overnight. Hopefully we'll see something this week about rolling up more markets to the full 100.

I agree on the content producers maybe influencing the disk size (paranoid, I know). The difference in price of storage, while higher, is not significant enough to prevent them from deploying a larger sized drive. Anecdotally, I can buy a 500 G SATA drive at about $50. The 160 G drive is probably about $37. That is without volume discounts, or special arrangements that OEM companies enjoy.


As stated previously, if Verizon is planning on using these system wide for ALL STBs, regardless of HD or DVR status (as it looking more and more as is the case, now coming in varoius directions), then they wanted to pay the least amount for all the unused Hard Drives that will be sitting in units doing nothing.

So, to some this up:

- The DVR sucks
- Not enough HD channels

Well, we know the DVR sucks. I thought the Cablevision DVR was bad until I used this one.



I don't think the DVR is that bad. Certainly nothing spectacular. But I previously had Comcast and it is not better or worse then that one. Once they work out the bugs the ability to stream DVR content is awesome.

So, to some this up:

- The DVR sucks
- Not enough HD channels

Well, we know the DVR sucks. I thought the Cablevision DVR was bad until I used this one.

As far as HD channels go, the selection is actually great once your area gets upgraded. Take a look at the list on this thread to see when your area will get upgraded.

Ditch their DVR and get a Vista Cable card PC. I have had one of these for over a year. Just upgraded it (try that on that stupid Moto box) to a 2 TB RAID system becauase of all the great new HD stuff.

With relatively inexpensive Media extenders, we can watch also High Def Material in other rooms.

I finally got SCI FI HD !!

Ditch their DVR and get a Vista Cable card PC. I have had one of these for over a year. Just upgraded it (try that on that stupid Moto box) to a 2 TB RAID system becauase of all the great new HD stuff.

With relatively inexpensive Media extenders, we can watch also High Def Material in other rooms.

I finally got SCI FI HD !!

I'm pretty happy with their DVR (got three right now) probably since I'm not that demanding, basically just want the recording and VOD is very important to my family (we watch a lot). Your setup sounds very interesting, though - what brand do you use? 2TB is a lot of space. What do you use for a guide?

The lesser set. We got 16 new HD channels as of this morning with no sign of the 6 new Starz, Showtime, TMC HD channels shown in the PDF channel list for the Washington Metro market.

I didn't notice those channels were missing this morning, but confirmed it this evening. I see they're still holding the old channel numbers in the guide with text advising where they've moved. I think those missing new channels will go into some of those slots. I'm guessing they'll put them there after they give people a few days' notice where the old channels were moved. At least, I hope that's what they're doing...

Also, I was switching around to see the new channels, and noticed that Sci-Fi HD and some movie channel (don't remember which one) were incorrectly squeezing content to a 4:3 box. It was especially noticeable for Enterprise on Sci-Fi, where the WS image was letterboxed in the 4:3 space.

Doug

Ditch their DVR and get a Vista Cable card PC. I have had one of these for over a year. Just upgraded it (try that on that stupid Moto box) to a 2 TB RAID system becauase of all the great new HD stuff.

With relatively inexpensive Media extenders, we can watch also High Def Material in other rooms.

I finally got SCI FI HD !!

Can you give a link to more info on your HTPC please?

Ditch their DVR and get a Vista Cable card PC. I have had one of these for over a year. Just upgraded it (try that on that stupid Moto box) to a 2 TB RAID system becauase of all the great new HD stuff.

With relatively inexpensive Media extenders, we can watch also High Def Material in other rooms.

I finally got SCI FI HD !!


I wish all this was available seven years ago when I first started recording HD programs with PCs. It's so much easier now compared to how it was in 2001.

I'm not sure if this is exactly where to post this, so if I'm wrong you can move.

I've had FIOS for about 3 months now and it's great. I came from DirecTV and the one thing that I loved there that I can't seem to figure out with FIOS is this:

When I set my favorits in DTV, it filters out all other channels, so if I would to have simple pressed up or down on the channels, only my favorites would show up.

In Fios, I can set my favorits, but only when using the guide will it filter out the other channels. If I were to simply use the up and down button, all channels still show up.

Is there a way to have all other channels hidden that are not my favorites? What am I missing?

So I'm in DC/MD, and we got our first switch yesterday. However it's missing a bunch of the new premium HD's, like all the Starz and Showtime ones.

There are only two reasons for this:
1) They screwed up
2) The CO's aren't built out enough to handle them yet

#2 is consistent with everything we've seen so far. This effected Ann Arundel as well, likely for the same reasons. So the older CO's are going to be harder to upgrade to the full 100+ HD channels.

The PDF guide says we get them all, but the on-line guide doesn't list them, and when I tune to the channels directly, I get nothing.

If they don't have the CO built out enough for this first round of HD adds, it's likely going to be months before it's built out enough for the next big wave. I'm sure we're not the only two CO's in this situation.

If I'm missing something here, please chime in.

YAY! Fairfax County VA here and we just got Sci-Fi Channel and BravoHD last night. I'm so excited! These were the only two channels I was really missing. I don't care about most of the HD channels we're still missing, because they're not very good channels anyways. :) I hope we do get a full upgrade at some point though. Are we only getting half the channels because NoVa is one of the oldest FIOS locations?

I hope we do get a full upgrade at some point though. Are we only getting half the channels because NoVa is one of the oldest FIOS locations?
We don't know all the technical issues that Verizon is dealing with. Go back and look at URFloorMatt's summary list of how many HD channels for each market and what are the publicly released dates for the upgrades. The PDF line-ups for the 3 VHOs older than Washington Metro/MD show them to be getting the full set of ~100 HD channels in about 2 weeks. Based on the interim upgrades in the other markets up to around 80 HD channels, the Washington Metro market might see a upgrade to 80 HD channels in the next few weeks as well. We get them when we get them. Nothing we can do about it except wait - or switch to another provider.

...I see they're still holding the old channel numbers in the guide with text advising where they've moved.
We've had the new lineup for over a week, and the numbers are still being shown in the Guide, and it's somewhat annoying to page through all them.

...Are we only getting half the channels because NoVa is one of the oldest FIOS locations?
My area was one of the first in the country to get FiOS TV, and while we don't have the full complement of the projected 100 channels yet, we do receive 87 by my count. Not sure what the hold up could be for your area.

So I'm in DC/MD, and we got our first switch yesterday. However it's missing a bunch of the new premium HD's, like all the Starz and Showtime ones.

There are only two reasons for this:
1) They screwed up
2) The CO's aren't built out enough to handle them yet

#2 is consistent with everything we've seen so far. This effected Ann Arundel as well, likely for the same reasons. So the older CO's are going to be harder to upgrade to the full 100+ HD channels.

The PDF guide says we get them all, but the on-line guide doesn't list them, and when I tune to the channels directly, I get nothing.

If they don't have the CO built out enough for this first round of HD adds, it's likely going to be months before it's built out enough for the next big wave. I'm sure we're not the only two CO's in this situation.

If I'm missing something here, please chime in.

In VHO 8, some markets initially got 50 channels. Others got 80 channels. And based on the schedule we have, at least one market in VHO 8 got 80 channels prior to another market getting only 50 channels. Additionally, as I recall, in several markets some channels have been slower to come online. So your predictions of doom and gloom for DC/MD/VA may yet be premature.

But I do think we should officially designate you Deputy Downer of the FiOS thread. ;)

In VHO 8, some markets initially got 50 channels. Others got 80 channels. And based on the schedule we have, at least one market in VHO 8 got 80 channels prior to another market getting only 50 channels. Additionally, as I recall, in several markets some channels have been slower to come online. So your predictions of doom and gloom for DC/MD/VA may yet be premature.

But I do think we should officially designate you Deputy Downer of the FiOS thread. ;)

Until we have 100+ HD channels, not sure what you're crowing about. This is only a little more than half the HD additions that the PDF promised (and only a couple of the channels I cared about - I watch movies), so it's pretty disappointing.

Couple that with the painfully slow reaction time from Tivo, and it's a downer, yes. The fact that I can set my area to Howard/Anne Arundel and get a working guide, but it takes Tivo 3+ days to get it right for my actual area is just wacky. There's no excuse for it.

And all this doesn't bode well for the remaining HD rollouts, in my area at least.

I'm not sure if this is exactly where to post this, so if I'm wrong you can move.

I've had FIOS for about 3 months now and it's great. I came from DirecTV and the one thing that I loved there that I can't seem to figure out with FIOS is this:

When I set my favorits in DTV, it filters out all other channels, so if I would to have simple pressed up or down on the channels, only my favorites would show up.

In Fios, I can set my favorits, but only when using the guide will it filter out the other channels. If I were to simply use the up and down button, all channels still show up.

Is there a way to have all other channels hidden that are not my favorites? What am I missing?

Go to MENU\SETTINGS\FAVORITE CHANNELS\FLIP BY CHANNELS. There you can select whether the channel up/down button will flip using your favorites or ALL channels.

Until we have 100+ HD channels, not sure what you're crowing about. This is only a little more than half the HD additions that the PDF promised (and only a couple of the channels I cared about - I watch movies), so it's pretty disappointing.

Couple that with the painfully slow reaction time from Tivo, and it's a downer, yes. The fact that I can set my area to Howard/Anne Arundel and get a working guide, but it takes Tivo 3+ days to get it right for my actual area is just wacky. There's no excuse for it.

And all this doesn't bode well for the remaining HD rollouts, in my area at least.You assumed that the failure to add those channels reflects a delay in the CO build out. I was merely pointing out that this has occurred in other markets in ways that don't necessarily suggest delays in the CO build out are to blame.

After all, several markets have had their roll-up delayed. If the upgrade was behind, why not delay rather than under deliver?

Go to MENU\SETTINGS\FAVORITE CHANNELS\FLIP BY CHANNELS. There you can select whether the channel up/down button will flip using your favorites or ALL channels.

Ah! Awesome thanks!

ct

You assumed that the failure to add those channels reflects a delay in the CO build out. I was merely pointing out that this has occurred in other markets in ways that don't necessarily suggest delays in the CO build out are to blame.

After all, several markets have had their roll-up delayed. If the upgrade was behind, why not delay rather than under deliver?

UR-
I had the same identical rollout here in Northern DE that just happened to AbMag. 1 week later, I got 40 more channels. SO, don't give up hope just yet! :D

UR-
I had the same identical rollout here in Northern DE that just happened to AbMag. 1 week later, I got 40 more channels. SO, don't give up hope just yet! :D

Ya, ya, ya, rub it in :)

1 month later and we are still at the same place.

...Also, I was switching around to see the new channels, and noticed that Sci-Fi HD and some movie channel (don't remember which one) were incorrectly squeezing content to a 4:3 box. It was especially noticeable for Enterprise on Sci-Fi, where the WS image was letterboxed in the 4:3 space.

Doug

I turned on Sci-Fi again after work last evening, and noticed that it was again showing Enterprise as letterbox in a 4:3 window. I know that Enterprise was 16:9 HD during its entire run. However, during primetime, Lost is shown at 16:9. Does Sci-Fi only switch to 16:9 during primetime hours?

Doug

I turned on Sci-Fi again after work last evening, and noticed that it was again showing Enterprise as letterbox in a 4:3 window. I know that Enterprise was 16:9 HD during its entire run. However, during primetime, Lost is shown at 16:9. Does Sci-Fi only switch to 16:9 during primetime hours?

Doug


I suppose it might have something to do with HDNet showing Enterprise in HD, but I haven't heard any official explanation.

I turned on Sci-Fi again after work last evening, and noticed that it was again showing Enterprise as letterbox in a 4:3 window. I know that Enterprise was 16:9 HD during its entire run. However, during primetime, Lost is shown at 16:9. Does Sci-Fi only switch to 16:9 during primetime hours?
No. Sci-Fi is simply showing the upconverted SD version of Enterprise. HDNet was showing Enterprise in HD last year and earlier this year in HD and apparently had gotten exclusive HD rights several years ago. HDNet stopped showing Enterprise back in the spring with ~8 episodes left from the 4th and final season. Sci-Fi may be fighting for HD rights.

There is no "switch" to 16:9 or HD. It is a question of the source - upconverted SD from the tape library or true HD.

No. Sci-Fi is simply showing the upconverted SD version of Enterprise. HDNet was showing Enterprise in HD last year and earlier this year in HD and apparently had gotten exclusive HD rights several years ago. HDNet stopped showing Enterprise back in the spring with ~8 episodes left from the 4th and final season. Sci-Fi may be fighting for HD rights.

There is no "switch" to 16:9 or HD. It is a question of the source - upconverted SD from the tape library or true HD.

A-ha. Thanks for the explanation.

BTW, the new Aspect feature on the FiOS remote does a pretty good job. It cycles through 3 stretch modes, then finally a zoom mode that pretty closely fills the screen w/ a letterboxed 4:3 image without cutting off much of the edges. And, it seems to produce fewer artifacts that the zoom mode on my TV.

Doug

Has anyone in the Washington Metro area received the new channel update yet through Tivo?
I'm currently running the Howard lineup, but don't want to go through guided setup until i know its updated.
Also if you have the update, what zip code are you using?

Al

Has anyone in the Washington Metro area received the new channel update yet through Tivo?
I'm currently running the Howard lineup, but don't want to go through guided setup until i know its updated.
Also if you have the update, what zip code are you using?

Al

I just MRV'd from one of my backup TivoHD's, and it had recorded an NBC show on 504. I didn't actually check the TivoHD directly, but that would indicate the new channel lineup is being used (since NBC used to be 800-something, right?).

I'm still using Howard County on my main Tivo HD/S3's, and don't see any reason to change right now.

My ReplayTV had the new channel listings yesterday (DC metro zip 20152.) Wierd though I had a recording preset on Scifi (SD) and it jumped to I think 973 to record it (vs channel 180 which is the new location of scifi SD.) It seems like there are some channel 'repeats' in the upper 900s? No update on TVGuideonScreen yet but that typically lags...sometimes by a lot. :(

? for those customer in the markets where the new programing has already launched..

what is the major difference between teh Tv essientials and the new EXreme HD package?

i got some very breif information on it but not the information i wanted.
it it similar to D* as to where HD axccess is required for HD.. Is Vz moving to this structure to where Extreme Hd package is required for HD channels???


Thanks.

The programmong grid shows Mojo as not being available on Verizon, yet the individual line-ups show it on 8 different locations including here in Richmond. Does anyone know what's going on with this channel? Is anyone able to get this channel on FIOS?

? for those customer in the markets where the new programing has already launched..

what is the major difference between teh Tv essientials and the new EXreme HD package?

i got some very breif information on it but not the information i wanted.
it it similar to D* as to where HD axccess is required for HD.. Is Vz moving to this structure to where Extreme Hd package is required for HD channels???


Thanks.


I believe its a package for a few premium channels. It includes the sports package, as well as Hallmork Movie Channel HD and MGM HD.

You will still get the bulk of the HD channels with the premier package.

The programmong grid shows Mojo as not being available on Verizon, yet the individual line-ups show it on 8 different locations including here in Richmond. Does anyone know what's going on with this channel? Is anyone able to get this channel on FIOS?

As far as I know, no MOJO has not been added to any FiOS system, despite being on the pdf lineups.

There are lots of rumors swirling about MOJO going off the air soon.
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/18/is-mojo-hd-on-the-verge-of-shutting-down/

see this is what i don't understand the material i have tells me the opposite.
i know exisiting customers will still get the new channels as they launch but as far as new customers..

the material i have says
TV essientials local Hd only
HD extreme for national Hd channles..

but it was not real detailed. so which is why i'm up here trying to figure out what is going on with the acticual ppl who have Fios.

:) Received a promotional mailer from Verizon yesterday. Stated that 10/8/09 was the date when all the new HD channels would go live in North Texas, at least, in my area anyway. Finally!

As far as I know, no MOJO has not been added to any FiOS system, despite being on the pdf lineups.

There are lots of rumors swirling about MOJO going off the air soon.
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/18/is-mojo-hd-on-the-verge-of-shutting-down/As a recent switchee from Comcast to FIOS, believe me when I say you're not missing anything. HDNET and HDNETMV more than makes up for the lack of MOJO (and that's not saying much).

I had Mojo back when I had Comcast as well and I barely ever even peaked at it. HDnet is a lot better channel and Comcast doesn't even carry it.

:) Received a promotional mailer from Verizon yesterday. Stated that 10/8/09 was the date when all the new HD channels would go live in North Texas, at least, in my area anyway. Finally!
Finally. The current lineup is sad.

I find it ironic that for all their advertising about being the latest and greatest using the fiber-what-not etc etc. As of right now, in North Texas, CABLE has the better HD experience.

CABLE is cheaper too, they are the smart choice. I wish someone had told me that. FIOS has poor customer service, a lousy/bad channel lineup and yes there is some pixelation at times. Oh, and their massive movie library they also mention once in a while, ALL IN SD. Only pay per view/on demand recent tittles are on HD, just like cable.

Their internet is blazing fast, but the TV service is just mediocre in my opinion. We'll see after the new channels come in. I may still cancel, I have 30 days I think.

Franke46

I had Mojo back when I had Comcast as well and I barely ever even peaked at it. HDnet is a lot better channel and Comcast doesn't even carry it.

Comcast recently got a carriage agreement with HDNet. (But who knows when they will start adding it.)

CABLE is cheaper too, they are the smart choice. I wish someone had told me that. FIOS has poor customer service, a lousy/bad channel lineup and yes there is some pixelation at times. Oh, and their massive movie library they also mention once in a while, ALL IN SD. Only pay per view/on demand recent tittles are on HD, just like cable.
Huh? Verizon has been offering HD VOD for months. The selection needs to be improved, but they have a number of broadcast and cable net programs in the VOD HD set. There are Starz HD movies on VOD now, AFAIK in all markets. There are some no extra charge HD movies from non-premium channels in there as well.

Pixelation? Pretty rare in my experience and when it does occur, it is usually from the source. But if the you don't mind the poorer HD picture quality on cable when they re-compress 3 HD channels down to ~13 Mbps each so they can squeeze 3 HD channels into one QAM channel, then swap your service to cable.

I wish someone had told me that. FIOS has poor customer service, a lousy/bad channel lineup and yes there is some pixelation at times. Franke46

Hmm, really 'bad' lineup on FIOS with my 101 HD channels. :rolleyes:

Pixellization? Not as a result of FIOS sir, that's the result of the source since FIOS does not recompress.

Poor HD VOD? You might want to actually check your guide, unless you've gotten caught in a black hole.

Poor customer service? Yeah, I really miss the 'great' customer service I got from my cable company.

But I've learned over the years when reading posts like yours that you will be far better off switching to cable since you've already made up your mind and nobody will convince you otherwise. ;)

see this is what i don't understand the material i have tells me the opposite.
i know exisiting customers will still get the new channels as they launch but as far as new customers..

the material i have says
TV essientials local Hd only
HD extreme for national Hd channles..

but it was not real detailed. so which is why i'm up here trying to figure out what is going on with the acticual ppl who have Fios.

What material? Where?

IMO All HD channels should be offered in the same tier as the corresponding SD channel!

CABLE is cheaper too, they are the smart choice.

That might be true if you're only ordering the bare bones triple play. But if that's all you've got, then I question why you bothered switching to Verizon in the first place. Nearly half of the 100 HD rollout is HBO, Cinemax, Starz, Showtime, and TMC channels. All of which can be had for $30.

I'd love for you to show me a cable system that offers such a package for that incredibly low price.

To sum up, if you're just looking at starting price, then cable is probably cheaper. (After all, cable doesn't require an STB for every TV). But from a "bang for your buck" perspective--PQ, channel selection, HD content--Verizon blows the competition away. Verizon's weak rollout of HD in the D.C. market, for instance, still beats the cable competition in about every market but NY. (Comcast in Chicago and Boston also boasts a very impressive lineup.)

Verizon's weak rollout of HD in the D.C. market, for instance,

:(

Finally. The current lineup is sad.

I find it ironic that for all their advertising about being the latest and greatest using the fiber-what-not etc etc. As of right now, in North Texas, CABLE has the better HD experience.

CABLE is cheaper too, they are the smart choice. I wish someone had told me that. FIOS has poor customer service, a lousy/bad channel lineup and yes there is some pixelation at times. Oh, and their massive movie library they also mention once in a while, ALL IN SD. Only pay per view/on demand recent tittles are on HD, just like cable.Although I am not a big fan of the FiOS HD DVR, which is pale in comparison to the Dish Network 622/722, it still provides more functionality than any of the Adelphia/Comcast SA and Motorola boxes we used. As far as your comparison of FiOS TV to Cable, I couldn't disagree more. In fact, that "giant sucking sound" Ross Perot mentioned during his '92 Presidential campaign is actually the sound of North Texas Cable.;)

What material? Where?

IMO All HD channels should be offered in the same tier as the corresponding SD channel!

please read your PM.

I had Mojo back when I had Comcast as well and I barely ever even peaked at it. HDnet is a lot better channel and Comcast doesn't even carry it.

Comcast recently signed a carriage agreement to carry both of the HDNet channels.

:(

The DC rollout is exactly what was expected. No surprises there.
And they are committed to having 100HD channels in the DC area by the end of the year.

The DC rollout is exactly what was expected. No surprises there.
And they are committed to having 100HD channels in the DC area by the end of the year.

Actually, I'm still waiting for the additional Starz and Showtime channels here in Silver Spring in the DC area. They weren't added on the 22nd, so it's about a half dozen short of what they scheduled.

Actually, I'm still waiting for the additional Starz and Showtime channels here in Silver Spring in the DC area. They weren't added on the 22nd, so it's about a half dozen short of what they scheduled.

And this was expected just like other areas.

Has anyone in the Washington Metro area received the new channel update yet through Tivo?Yes.

Also if you have the update, what zip code are you using?20707, but I'm pretty sure the whole area is updated now. Try it with your own zip.

I'm still using Howard County on my main Tivo HD/S3's, and don't see any reason to change right now.How about, because the Howard County lineup is missing DC 20 and 50 (3 and 6 on Fios).

And this was expected just like other areas.

Huh? I certainly didn't expect this. The PDF file stated six movie channels we have not received.

Are you saying all the other areas that have received just the first wave of HD channels ALSO haven't received the additional movie channels we're missing? If so, I was not aware of that.

By "expected" I think he means that the "full" channel lineup of areas such as New York haven't filtered down to other areas such as mine. However, we did get what is now published as a revised PDF channel lineup that added almost 35 additional channels over what we were expecting to get.

How about, because the Howard County lineup is missing DC 20 and 50 (3 and 6 on Fios).

No it's not... That's only an issue if you pick a way-out zipcode. I used my own MoCo zipcode, but picked Howard County FIOS from the list. I get everything.

Originally Posted by Franke46
CABLE is cheaper too, they are the smart choice. I wish someone had told me that. FIOS has poor customer service, a lousy/bad channel lineup and yes there is some pixilation at times. Oh, and their massive movie library they also mention once in a while, ALL IN SD. Only pay per view/on demand recent tittles are on HD, just like cable.
I am in north Texas, had FIOS about two years now, and had none of the problems this poster has experienced. PQ is great, Customer service is great as is my internet speed. I was surprised that the STB used for the “digital conversion” is picking up all the channels that FIOS offers (except the movie channels) without the standard box. Therefore, I am getting a very good picture in my guest bedroom on my old TV without paying for the service.
I was notified that the 100 HD channels would be available 10/8 and looking forward to this rollout. I switched from Direct TV and could not be happier.
I have two HD receivers one w/DVR, 20/5 internet speed and unlimited long distance calling for $146 this includes all taxes and service charges.

I am in north Texas, had FIOS about two years now, and had none of the problems this poster has experienced. PQ is great, Customer service is great as is my internet speed. I was surprised that the STB used for the “digital conversion” is picking up all the channels that FIOS offers (except the movie channels) without the standard box. Therefore, I am getting a very good picture in my guest bedroom on my old TV without paying for the service.
I was notified that the 100 HD channels would be available 10/8 and looking forward to this rollout. I switched from Direct TV and could not be happier.
I have two HD receivers one w/DVR, 20/5 internet speed and unlimited long distance calling for $146 this includes all taxes and service charges.I am paying slightly less since I have one HD DVR and Cablecards, but FiOS provides the best quality, it's reliable (always works), excellent customer service, and the most bang for the buck. Although FiOS is not perfect (HD DVR, billing and order problems) their customer service reps are extremely friendly...and they all speak English too!

Huh? I certainly didn't expect this. The PDF file stated six movie channels we have not received.

Are you saying all the other areas that have received just the first wave of HD channels ALSO haven't received the additional movie channels we're missing? If so, I was not aware of that.

yep-sadly it's true.

the PDF. listings are totally inaccurate &/or outdated & have been from the beginning.

in our area(1st wave upgrade on 8/14) we got about 3 HD chs that were NOT on the printed guide(at least at 1st) & NONE of the expanded Starz!/SHO HD chs. all we got were HBO-HDw & MAX-HDw.

just saw that the above-mentioned Starz!/SHO HD chs are now....Coming Soon in our market.

it's happening slowly..but it's happening.

just saw that the above-mentioned Starz!/SHO HD chs are now....Coming Soon in our market.

it's happening slowly..but it's happening.

They're now "Coming Soon" in the DC area, too.

yep-sadly it's true.

the PDF. listings are totally inaccurate &/or outdated & have been from the beginning.

in our area(1st wave upgrade on 8/14) we got about 3 HD chs that were NOT on the printed guide(at least at 1st) & NONE of the expanded Starz!/SHO HD chs. all we got were HBO-HDw & MAX-HDw.

Did any area get the MPEG4 distributed HD Movie Channels? I wonder if the MPEG4 > MPEG2 conversion is what is holding it up.

No it's not... That's only an issue if you pick a way-out zipcode. I used my own MoCo zipcode, but picked Howard County FIOS from the list. I get everything.I don't think the lineup differs in a given area, except for the PEGs. Please double-check this -- do you actually have guide data on channels 3, 6, 503 and 506, or do they just say "To be announced"? (The channels always show up on an S3/HD, because they're reported by the CableCard, but they don't have guide data unless they're actually in the lineup as it comes from TiVo.)

They're now "Coming Soon" in the DC area, too.

As has been documented in this thread, this happened in several markets.

Of course, Hampton Roads/Richmond have been without them for months. But most markets had about a week delay for whatever reason.

Well, no new roll out additions for this week, but there is some good news: it looks like FiOS won't be making the same error two years in a row with respect to baseball playoffs. From the FiOS channel lineup page:

https://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/channel+lineup.htmAttention Florida and Texas Customers: TBS in High Definition (HD) has been added to your lineup. Please tune to channel 849 just in time for BASEBALL PLAYOFFS! Note: Channel 849 is only a temporary location for TBS in HD. You will be notified within your on-screen guide when TBS HD is moved to its permanent channel location.Although, Southern California is conspicuously left out.

has there been any "news" or "rumors" re: us getting speed tv in hd?

Well, no new roll out additions for this week, but there is some good news: it looks like FiOS won't be making the same error two years in a row with respect to baseball playoffs. From the FiOS channel lineup page:
Although, Southern California is conspicuously left out.
It is odd that Southern CA has not gotten TBS-HD while it has been added to TX and FL at channel 849. Especially with both the Dodgers and the Angels in the playoffs. You would think that they could use the remaining former special Olympics HD channel to pass TBS-HD through. Maybe TBS-HD will be added on Monday or Tuesday. Subscribers in Southern Cal should be contacting Verizon to ask where is TBS-HD?

has there been any "news" or "rumors" re: us getting speed tv in hd?
Not sure what part of Jersey you're in, but we have it here on Long Island. I'm watching it right now, ch. 583.

has there been any "news" or "rumors" re: us getting speed tv in hd?
Which part of NJ is "the toxic waste dumps of new jersey"? Hmm, I guess much of NJ qualifies, so that is not very specific. :D Speed HD is part of 100+ HD channel line-up for Northern NJ and NY as just posted. If you are in Southern NJ, Speed HD will probably show up when Verizon rolls out the 100+ HD channel expansion to southern NJ and the Philadelphia VHO.

I am in north Texas, had FIOS about two years now, and had none of the problems this poster has experienced. PQ is great, Customer service is great as is my internet speed. I was surprised that the STB used for the “digital conversion” is picking up all the channels that FIOS offers (except the movie channels) without the standard box. Therefore, I am getting a very good picture in my guest bedroom on my old TV without paying for the service.
I was notified that the 100 HD channels would be available 10/8 and looking forward to this rollout. I switched from Direct TV and could not be happier.
I have two HD receivers one w/DVR, 20/5 internet speed and unlimited long distance calling for $146 this includes all taxes and service charges.

Hmm. . . That is $40 less than me. I have been with fios for one and a half years. I only have the hd/dvr, I upgraded to 10/2 internet when it first became available, and unlimited long distance. I do have the $30 premium channel package. I think their best plan for me, isn't actually the best plan.

I shouldn't be paying $40 more than you, maybe $10-20. how much is the additional hd receiver?

Any update on the next round of upgrades? Specifically for DC/MD?

Hmm. . . That is $40 less than me. I have been with fios for one and a half years. I only have the hd/dvr, I upgraded to 10/2 internet when it first became available, and unlimited long distance. I do have the $30 premium channel package. I think their best plan for me, isn't actually the best plan.

I shouldn't be paying $40 more than you, maybe $10-20. how much is the additional hd receiver?

It might be worth your while to call them and see if there are new packages that will cut your bill down. I've done this twice with them, and every time they helped me to put in a new package that saved money.

I just called last week, have all of the premiums, the sports package, three HD DVR's and one STB. I called because the one year agreement was coming to an end, and was told that I would be changed to month to month if I didn't switch to another package. Obviously month to month is more expensive, so I asked them for the best thing available. The service rep was very good, she suggested switching over to the new HD Extreme, a lower speed internet connection (20/5) and the usual phone.

I wanted to make sure I still had all of my services, so I asked about the HD Extreme, and it looks like that is basically $10 more, but it bundles in the Sports package I was already getting. I also bundled Cinemax, HBO and Movies into one package (saved some money there). All together, I'd say it dropped my bill by about $50 - $60 / month.

The moral of this I guess is to be on the lookout for when your existing agreement expires, and don't be shy to tell them that you want to save money. They are very helpful with this.

(Comcast in Chicago and Boston also boasts a very impressive lineup.)

Can't speak for Chicago but living near Boston and having just switched from Comcast to Fios I can assure you that Fios blows Comcast away in every conceivable way.And a side note:I went to our condo complex's meeting the other day and the word is,among the board members,that Comcast is wetting their pants due to all the folks who switched to Fios in the 2 weeks-or-so that it's been available here.

When I dropped Comcast(it was at the end of my 6 month promoitional period)last weekend. Half the people in line(around 10 people in line) were canceling their service.
Just in the couple of condo buildings by me, 25% of the people have switched from Comcast to FIOS this month. It seems like there is a Verizon truck out front several time a week for people getting FIOS.

I am having a problem with the new channels. Sometimes i get them in and other times the channel doesn't come in. It also can vary on which HD box those channels come in. Is anyone else having these problems with the new channels?

Huh? Verizon has been offering HD VOD for months. The selection needs to be improved, but they have a number of broadcast and cable net programs in the VOD HD set. There are Starz HD movies on VOD now, AFAIK in all markets. There are some no extra charge HD movies from non-premium channels in there as well.

Pixelation? Pretty rare in my experience and when it does occur, it is usually from the source. But if the you don't mind the poorer HD picture quality on cable when they re-compress 3 HD channels down to ~13 Mbps each so they can squeeze 3 HD channels into one QAM channel, then swap your service to cable.

No need to get defensive. Seems like some people here have an emotional connection to their TV provider choice. I was merely pointing out some issues I've had.

I just called customer service because TBS HD is "temporarily unavailable", it took 20 minutes to get to an agent, and he looked around for another 25 without being able to do anything. I never had temporarily unavailable channels with cable. It has happened several times since I got fios.

Franke46

Which part of NJ is "the toxic waste dumps of new jersey"? Hmm, I guess much of NJ qualifies, so that is not very specific.
Gee, why the vitriol against NJ? You must have gotten picked on by a Jersey kid when you were young.

In fact, that "giant sucking sound" Ross Perot mentioned during his '92 Presidential campaign is actually the sound of North Texas Cable.;)

As it turns out, that giant sucking sound Perot was talking about was the buildup of a large economic toilet preparing to flush. I believe it just flushed last week. Perhaps he should do an "I told you so" commercial.

Gee, why the vitriol against NJ? You must have gotten picked on by a Jersey kid when you were young.
Actually, he was just responding to what ccotenj has under his "location".

Which part of NJ is "the toxic waste dumps of new jersey"? Hmm, I guess much of NJ qualifies, so that is not very specific. :D Speed HD is part of 100+ HD channel line-up for Northern NJ and NY as just posted. If you are in Southern NJ, Speed HD will probably show up when Verizon rolls out the 100+ HD channel expansion to southern NJ and the Philadelphia VHO.

i'm in southern nj... i guess i'll have to be patient...

lol... we like to make people from outside the state THINK bad things about jersey, so they don't move here... ;) why do you think we make it so ugly on the northern portion of the turnpike? :)

as far as comcast vs. fios... there's really no comparison... pq, internet speed, quality of installer/installation, etc.

As it turns out, that giant sucking sound Perot was talking about was the buildup of a large economic toilet preparing to flush. I believe it just flushed last week. Perhaps he should do an "I told you so" commercial.I can't disagree. The "Wal-Mart" mentallity has made us fat, lazy, and void of our dollars...which appear to be in the pockets of those in the middle and far east.

Gee, why the vitriol against NJ? You must have gotten picked on by a Jersey kid when you were young.

Actually, he was just responding to what ccotenj has under his "location".

Let's see how long it takes for the apology post. :)

Hmm. . . That is $40 less than me. I have been with fios for one and a half years. I only have the hd/dvr, I upgraded to 10/2 internet when it first became available, and unlimited long distance. I do have the $30 premium channel package. I think their best plan for me, isn't actually the best plan.
I did the same as thing “Hernana” suggested. I called and inquired why my billings was going up and informed them I was going to cancel my phone service. I filled my time obligation and was not under contract any more.
I previously had 5/2 internet speed and was upgraded to 20/5. I have no idea what else they did to reduce my bill.

It was originally posted that SE PA would get the 1.6 version of the Guide on 25 Sept. As of today, we're still on 1.5. Can anyone tell me if the 1.6 brings back some useful information for the "info" portion of the Guide such as actors names, and other program clues such as "repeat"?

It was originally posted that SE PA would get the 1.6 version of the Guide on 25 Sept. As of today, we're still on 1.5. Can anyone tell me if the 1.6 brings back some useful information for the "info" portion of the Guide such as actors names, and other program clues such as "repeat"?

I can confirm it does that & more! the guide is still far from perfect, but much improved.

you also get expanded Widgets & access to online games(accessible from the STB menu) if you care about such things.

even better-you can access SD Override from the user menu & no longer need go into the STB service menu.

it's been mentioned before but I'll repeat it now: it's possible(if you have the DVR) to pause a live show, switch chs, thne switch back. you'll find the 1st program still paused & you can pick it up where you left it! neat feature, called "Wait For Me". I'm betting you have to be careful not to exceed the buffer time(70 min?).

apparently it's also possible to subscribe to certain chs from the user menu. I was playing around with guide the other night & tried to tune to an international ch I don't sub to-after the usual blank screen with the 'you are not subscribed' message a box appeared with options. one of which was to sub to the ch! with the caution that "you will be responsible for all charges etc.."

this may come in handy with all the questions about the upcoming HD upgrades & Verizon changing program pkgs. if you need to upgrade your service to get certain chs you want(MGM-HD & Hallmark-HD for example) you may be able to avoid calling Encore & suffering thro all the phone queues.

Does anyone know when N.Y. will get version 1.6?

it's been mentioned before but I'll repeat it now: it's possible(if you have the DVR) to pause a live show, switch chs, thne switch back. you'll find the 1st program still paused & you can pick it up where you left it! neat feature, called "Wait For Me". I'm betting you have to be careful not to exceed the buffer time(70 min?).

How in the world did I miss that part! This is great.

just keep in mind(I didn't at 1st) that BOTH tuners have to be free for this to work.

in other words, if you're recording another program the "Wait For Me" trick won't work.

but kes I can confirm it works in the right circumstances.

I also checked Setanta Sports(which I don't sub to) & yep you have the option to start a subscription from the guide using your remote.

you get the "You are not..subscribed.." screen then a pop-up box. press OK & you get a mini-menu with "Subscribe Now" & "More Info" options. also lists monthly cost.

BTW if I read the new rates for Extreme HD & the movies/sports/HBO bundle it looks like no net increase for those of us who have all the major pkgs. already.

Extreme HD-+ $10

movies & sports + HBO/MAX@current rates- $40

new movies/sports/HBO bundle- $30

net change- $0

so I'm hoping I'll get all the new HD chs automatically when the 2nd HD upgrade arrives.

oh I'm also on a new 1 yr. Triple-Play bundle.

BTW if I read the new rates for Extreme HD & the movies/sports/HBO bundle it looks like no net increase for those of us who have all the major pkgs. already.

Extreme HD-+ $10

movies & sports + HBO/MAX@current rates- $40

new movies/sports/HBO bundle- $30

net change- $0


Where did you read about the Extreme package. I have some bits of information from different people, but can't find any info on Vz's site.

I also checked Setanta Sports(which I don't sub to) & yep you have the option to start a subscription from the guide using your remote.
Actually, you don't. Because it says the option is there, but when you go to carry out the process, you are then prompted to call Verizon to order.

But you are wrong.

I ordered Setanta via my STB on Friday afternoon - and had it within 3 minutes.

So, while it may not work for you, it IS working in some FIOS TV areas. :D

Does this ability to purchase services via the STB fall under the parental control umbrella? I can imagine some parents wouldn't want their kids to be able to sign up for HBO just by pushing a couple of buttons.

Does this ability to purchase services via the STB fall under the parental control umbrella? I can imagine some parents wouldn't want their kids to be able to sign up for HBO just by pushing a couple of buttons.

it sure does, tho you have to set it up yourself.

before you access the order menu there is info displayed re: rate + a caution to set up Parental Controls if you want to guard against unauthorized ordering. if fact there are prompts showing the button sequence to use to enter the Parental Controls tab.


edit: I have no very young children(or ambitious teens ;) ) in the house so my parental controls are disabled. could be if parental controls ARE enabled for you subscription ordering might be password-protected already.

what I like is not having to deal with Encore. had to jump thru hoops with them to get my HD nationals turned on back when the video service was installed & I welcome any feature that keeps me off the phone with them!

of course it looks like if you want to CANCEL a subscription it's back to the phone queue. :(

Where did you read about the Extreme package. I have some bits of information from different people, but can't find any info on Vz's site.

I'm SURE I saw it posted in this thread, tho I don't remember by who.

FiOS Essentials- $47.99

Essentials + Extreme HD- $57.99

Movies/Sports/HBO- $40

this is all from memory but I'm certain I saw this posted a week or so ago.

doesn't mean it's ACCURATE, but I saw it! ;)

I'm SURE I saw it posted in this thread, tho I don't remember by who.

FiOS Essentials- $47.99

Essentials + Extreme HD- $57.99

Movies/Sports/HBO- $40

this is all from memory but I'm certain I saw this posted a week or so ago.

doesn't mean it's ACCURATE, but I saw it! ;)

Thanks! I had not seen the movies/sports/hbo combo. From what I have seen on other channel lineups sports is included in Extreme.

Would someone post the link and/or phone number to get in touch with Verizon to get the "free" STB they were offering for the digital conversion?


Never mind... found it...

1-888-463-4448

Apparently the offer is still good for 1 free adapter per household. I just called & they are sending it out. ETA - 5 to 7 days.

The adapter just arrived... must have been sent via slow boat from China :)

So, I had to activate it - no problem. But,then I started thinking.... is this "free adapter" going to be charged a monthly usage fee? Of is it really free?

The adapter just arrived... must have been sent via slow boat from China :)

So, I had to activate it - no problem. But,then I started thinking.... is this "free adapter" going to be charged a monthly usage fee? Of is it really free?

You will be charged for it, but should also have a credit for the same amount on your bill.

Cool... thanks. I'll wait & see how they mess up my bill <sigh>

Thanks! I had not seen the movies/sports/hbo combo. From what I have seen on other channel lineups sports is included in Extreme.

I just switched to the HD Extreme package, and as far as I can see, the only difference is the inclusion of the sports package. All of the HD that is available otherwise is available in the Essentials.

Common channels to both Essentials and Extreme:

SD:

ESPN 70
ESPN Classic Sports 71
ESPNews 72
ESPNU 73
ESPN2 74
New England Sports Network 76
Comcast SportsNet New England 77
Speed Channel 83
Fox Soccer Channel 84
Big Ten Network 85
NFL Network 88
Versus 90

HD:

ESPN HDTV 570
ESPN U HD 573
ESPN2 HDTV 574
New England Sports Network HD 576
Comcast SportsNet New England HD 577
Big Ten Network HD 585
NFL Network HD 588
World Fishing Network HD 597

Channels only in Exteme HD (in my area):

SD channels:

Fox College Sports Atlantic 300
Fox College Sports Central 301
Fox College Sports Pacific 302
Tennis Channel 303
Golf Channel 304
Outdoor Channel 307
Sportsman Channel 308
Fox Sports Español 311
GOL TV 313
TVG [Horse Racing] 315
Horse Racing TV 316
World Fishing Network 317
Mav TV 318
Blackbelt TV 319

HD Sport channels

VS. Golf HD 590
Outdoor Channel HD 591
MAV TV HD 598

For me the reason to have this is the extra soccer channels (Gol, Fox Sports Espanol) and VS. HD as well as the Fox College channels - so mostly the SD channels.

I just switched to the HD Extreme package, and as far as I can see, the only difference is the inclusion of the sports package. All of the HD that is available otherwise is available in the Essentials.
...
For me the reason to have this is the extra soccer channels (Gol, Fox Sports Espanol) and VS. HD as well as the Fox College channels - so mostly the SD channels.

Thanks for taking the time to post all of that, it is much appreciated. Once we get bumped up to the ~100 HD level I will probably switch to Extreme, drop from 20/20 to 20/5 and end up ahead price wise.

Why are SD channels included in the HD Extreme package?

I guess HD doesn't stand for High Definition.

Why are SD channels included in the HD Extreme package?

I guess HD doesn't stand for High Definition.

Its because the Extreme HD package includes the sports package which includes both SD and HD channels....

Anyone know what's up with Southern California not getting TBS HD for tomorrow's games? Or if we'll even be getting it for the LCS or ALDS?

It seems strange that Verizon would neglect such a big market with both of its teams going to the playoffs...

So I guess having the whole season of Sundays and not seeing the Padres in HD on TBS didn''t have you steamed? Thanks for forgetting them.

This is what I'm seeing. Once in a while, for a fraction of a second when there is a lot of detail and/or movement on the screen I get pixelation. This is from the matrix reloaded on Cinemax a few minutes ago.

This is the normal high def:

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm129/gaqugaqu/My%20HT/IMG_4127.jpg

This is when it gets pixelated

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm129/gaqugaqu/My%20HT/IMG_4123.jpg

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm129/gaqugaqu/My%20HT/IMG_4124.jpg

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm129/gaqugaqu/My%20HT/IMG_4126.jpg

So annoying. This is why I moved from cable, and I must admit it happens much less but it's still there. Is anyone else seeing this? Does it improve with the new upgrade/channel realignment?

Thanks

Franke46

Looks like compression artifacts. Nothing that can be done about it since Verizon passes through what they receive for each channel. The same blocking will be present on D*, TWC, etc.

So I guess having the whole season of Sundays and not seeing the Padres in HD on TBS didn''t have you steamed? Thanks for forgetting them.
I don't even think FiOS is available in San Diego...

It wouldn't be so annoying if the other regions without new channels didn't have TBS HD suddenly, I could understand that. But when they give TBS HD to everyone else but us.... Yeah, that hits a nerve.

Looks like compression artifacts. Nothing that can be done about it since Verizon passes through what they receive for each channel. The same blocking will be present on D*, TWC, etc.

I see it occasionally, too, and assume it's from the source, not from FiOS.

Last night, a very intense storm came through the DC area. We were watching the local Fox HD channel, and there was a lot of dropped audio, pixelation, and freezing. Again, I assume the problem was from the source - either the network feed to the channel, or from the channel to FiOS.

Doug

Verizon is installing fiber in downtown Baltimore City. Since there is no video franchise agreement, at least FiOS internet may be on the way.

VERIZON CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE SEPTEMBER 01- 30, 2008

Baltimore City-
Baltimore - DTN
Clement St EXT
E Fort Av
Harper St
Hull St
Pratt St E
Reynolds St
South St
Steuart St

http://www22.verizon.com/about/community/md/files/MDFTTP_sep08.pdf

Why are SD channels included in the HD Extreme package?

I guess HD doesn't stand for High Definition.

No, not really now, probably a marketing group's idea of a catchy name. There are only three HD channels that are exclusive to this package, but the bundle includes quite a bit of sports programming. I don't know what is in the package in areas with the full 100+ HD channels.

I consider it a good thing, it saves money since I was getting the sports package anyways. I do get the Versus HD channel which I like.

On the other hand, the fact that most of the sports HD was left in the basics package is a good thing for people who like mainstream sports and don't want to pay the extra $10 / mo for the ESPN's (for example).

Verizon has added TBS HD to Southern California on channel 849!

Yep another reason I switched to FIOS

Verizon has added TBS HD to Southern California on channel 849!

Yep another reason I switched to FIOS

Why? You like watching 20 minutes of show and 10 minutes of commercials?

And, movies that are so chopped up, the plot sometimes gets lost?

TBS sucks. TBS-HD is the same crap, in High-Def.

If it weren't for the playoff's they'd be unwatchable.

Sorry for the rant :) It just amazes me that folks seem to be more concerned with MORE HD CHANNELS, rather than QUALITY of HD CHANNELS.

Only happy to have it because of the playoffs :)

Only happy to have it because of the playoffs :)

LOL - I just watched our Phils beat the Brewers and now the Cubs just went up 2-0.

Sports *are* better in HD :)

Verizon has added TBS HD to Southern California on channel 849!


Got it in Tampa today too!

LOL - I just watched our Phils beat the Brewers and now the Cubs just went up 2-0.Keep watching. LA 7-2 over the Cubs. The announcers for the Phillies game didn't bug me. IOW I didn't mute the sound and go with WPHT 1210 AM. For our Phils, it's a wash over who to root for.

Got it in Tampa today too!

The PQ is really good too!

they would have had to have been awfully bad for me to force myself to listen to larry anderson... :p

was the game "grainy" on your side of the river too?

Keep watching. LA 7-2 over the Cubs. The announcers for the Phillies game didn't bug me. IOW I didn't mute the sound and go with WPHT 1210 AM. For our Phils, it's a wash over who to root for.

I'd love to see LA & Phil for NL Title. I lived in LA for almost 10 years & spent a lot of time at Dodger Stadium. Back then, Nacho's and Burrito's were just as popular as hot dogs :) Before it became fashionable.

I was going to mute & tune 1210, but I forgot. If anyone did, are there still sync issues?



was the game "grainy" on your side of the river too?

I think it was the weather. The LA/CHI game was fine.

I muted and tuned to KABC 790 for Vin Scully, up until about 5pm radio was about 10 seconds ahead, then something happened, seemed like the tower went dead. Maybe they were switching to directional mode or something? They seem to do it around the same time everyday. Anyway after that the audio was in perfect sync! So it was great to hear Vin call the game with a nice HD picture. I can't stand the play-by-play announcer they got for the Dodgers v. Cubs series, I much prefer whoever they have for the Angels v. Red Sox.

was the game "grainy" on your side of the river too?

I agree with you here. The PQ of the Phils game was a bit grainy, but the LA / Cubs game looked great.

Must have been a combo of the cameras and weather.

So I did a full QAM scan, and my results were as follows:
No Signal (10): 1 2 96 97 98 130-134

Nothing Found (50): 3-7 14 22 24 25 28-55 65 70 71 77 78 79 101 102 103 128 129 135 136

Everything else had channels.

Does the difference between "No Signal" and "Nothing Found" mean that the "Nothing Found" ones are alive, just not brodcasting anything? So that we have 50 open QAM's (= space for 100 HD channels)?

If so, that speaks well to us actually getting the new channels soon.

So I did a full QAM scan, and my results were as follows:
No Signal (10): 1 2 96 97 98 130-134

Nothing Found (50): 3-7 14 22 24 25 28-55 65 70 71 77 78 79 101 102 103 128 129 135 136

Everything else had channels.
Does the difference between "No Signal" and "Nothing Found" mean that the "Nothing Found" ones are alive, just not brodcasting anything? So that we have 50 open QAM's (= space for 100 HD channels)?
If so, that speaks well to us actually getting the new channels soon.
I don't follow the No signal versus Nothing found at all. I think you are in the DC area and many of those Nothing Found QAM channels are in use, but others are not. For the Sterling CO that is. Verizon added a bunch of new QAM channels from 7 to 26 where most of the new HD channels were put. Science Channel HD and Animal Planet HD are at QAM 98 which does not match your QAM list.

What did you use to do a QAM scan with? I was working on putting together a complete QAM summary list for the Washington metro market of what QAM channels are present and where all the HD channels are. But got sidetracked with work and have not gotten back to it. Prior to the re-alignment, the national HD channels were all at the same QAM channels in all markets. AFAIK, that is still true. By my count, there are currently 4 QAM channels (8,9,10,15) that have 2 sub-channels which suggests these are HD sub-channels that don't match any of the HD channels in the guide in the Washington Metro market. These may be the slots for the "Coming Soon" Starz, Showtime, TMC HD channels. I may wait until we get those added to post a breakdown of the QAM assignments. If someone with the full 100+ HD channel line-up were to post a list of all the active QAM channels found with a scan, that would be useful.

Got it in Tampa today too!

I'm in Tampa too, and it's been on at my house since last week.

The quality isn't bad, too bad there isn't much to watch other than Seinfeld reruns in HD.

I don't follow the No signal versus Nothing found at all. I think you are in the DC area and many of those Nothing Found QAM channels are in use, but others are not. For the Sterling CO that is. Verizon added a bunch of new QAM channels from 7 to 26 where most of the new HD channels were put. Science Channel HD and Animal Planet HD are at QAM 98 which does not match your QAM list.

What did you use to do a QAM scan with? I was working on putting together a complete QAM summary list for the Washington metro market of what QAM channels are present and where all the HD channels are. But got sidetracked with work and have not gotten back to it. Prior to the re-alignment, the national HD channels were all at the same QAM channels in all markets. AFAIK, that is still true. By my count, there are currently 4 QAM channels (8,9,10,15) that have 2 sub-channels which suggests these are HD sub-channels that don't match any of the HD channels in the guide in the Washington Metro market. These may be the slots for the "Coming Soon" Starz, Showtime, TMC HD channels. I may wait until we get those added to post a breakdown of the QAM assignments. If someone with the full 100+ HD channel line-up were to post a list of all the active QAM channels found with a scan, that would be useful.

MediaPortal. It seemed to find about the right number of channels. Perhaps the numbering is one off (zero based versus 1 based)?

In any case, I'd be interested to know, in the DC/Metro area, how many QAM's are actually "on" but empty, versus ones that simply aren't there (requiring a build-out).

On another note, any new dates for the expanded HD rollout?

i got verizon fios hooked up to my house. it comes in via fiber but is converted back onto coax from their device in my basement, back to my tv. so how is it truly fiber to my tv? i chose verizon simply because their pricing was better than comcast, who until recently have enjoyed their monopoly in my area. i have no complaints so far though.

MediaPortal. It seemed to find about the right number of channels. Perhaps the numbering is one off (zero based versus 1 based)?

In any case, I'd be interested to know, in the DC/Metro area, how many QAM's are actually "on" but empty, versus ones that simply aren't there (requiring a build-out).

On another note, any new dates for the expanded HD rollout?
I don't know if there are any QAM channels that are "on" but empty. All of those that the Samsung TV QAM tuner findss have sub-channels, although some of them may be test patterns, but because they are encrypted I can't tell.

As for dates for the expanded HD roll-out, I think the markets that have been re-aligned but not gotten the full set, will find out when the channels show up on their TV. Doing periodic QAM channel scans may show channels added before they turn them on with a guide update.

According to the posts at dslreports, MA got a bunch of HD channels added today and now has 102 HD channels. So they join NY, northern & central NJ, Buffalo, and Seattle as having the "full" set. I put quotation marks around "full", because there are national HD channels that Verizon is not carrying anywhere yet that people are going to want to have.

Didn't notice it before, but MGM-HD just showed up in channel 744 on my area (it's not even listed on the MA regional Aug channel list).

Anyone in Baltimore want to confirm channel realignment? They were scheduled for Tuesday.

Some good news: a week from today all the scheduled realignments will be complete. Hopefully on Friday Verizon will update us with the next batch of additions.

Anyone in Baltimore want to confirm channel realignment? They were scheduled for Tuesday.

Some good news: a week from today all the scheduled realignments will be complete. Hopefully on Friday Verizon will update us with the next batch of additions.


nope CA has been pushed back to 10/15 :(

i got verizon fios hooked up to my house. it comes in via fiber but is converted back onto coax from their device in my basement, back to my tv. so how is it truly fiber to my tv? .

it's not. it's AKA FTTH= Fiber To The HOME(or premises)

the benefit is no huge loss of bandwidth over distance. all that bandwidth is how Verizon can deliver all that multimedia goodness.

which reminds me-I wish we'd get a PinkBerry franchise around here!:)

I don't know if there are any QAM channels that are "on" but empty. All of those that the Samsung TV QAM tuner findss have sub-channels, although some of them may be test patterns, but because they are encrypted I can't tell.

As for dates for the expanded HD roll-out, I think the markets that have been re-aligned but not gotten the full set, will find out when the channels show up on their TV. Doing periodic QAM channel scans may show channels added before they turn them on with a guide update.

According to the posts at dslreports, MA got a bunch of HD channels added today and now has 102 HD channels. So they join NY, northern & central NJ, Buffalo, and Seattle as having the "full" set. I put quotation marks around "full", because there are national HD channels that Verizon is not carrying anywhere yet that people are going to want to have.

!!!!!

Really? awesome. Did that also come with an update to 1.6?

Well, the channel list in MA got updated and now MGM-HD, Speed HD, FX HD, Bravo HD and ABC Family HD show up. I haven't counted the total number of HD channels, but sure looks like most of the channels we wanted are there.

Sweet.

Anyone in Baltimore want to confirm channel realignment? They were scheduled for Tuesday.
Yes. It's been done. There are some changes in the premium channels also.

Well, the channel list in MA got updated and now MGM-HD, Speed HD, FX HD, Bravo HD and ABC Family HD show up. I haven't counted the total number of HD channels, but sure looks like most of the channels we wanted are there.

Sweet.

VERY SWEET! Can't wait till these guys get to the DC metro market. FIOS marching along to be king of the hill again in total HD channel availability.

for the Oregon market? Will it be this month or next? I'm missing my VS HD (esp. with the OSU Beavers taking on (15th ranked) Utah) tonight.

Any info greatly appreciated.

Also, I'm wondering on Comcast Sports Net (NW) if they'll add an HD channel or use another less used channel to show Blazer games in HD this season.

According to the posts at dslreports, MA got a bunch of HD channels added today and now has 102 HD channels.
Was this according to schedule or did Verizon sneak this by everyone? :D

I find it odd that here in N.Y. we got all the channels but were not given the new 1.6 guide.

I find it odd that here in N.Y. we got all the channels but were not given the new 1.6 guide.

I guess you can't get everything all of the time.

I guess you can't get everything all of the time.

Now now Squid, do I detect a bit of jealousy here? ;)

Now now Squid, do I detect a bit of jealousy here? ;)

I have 1.6. :D

Did the Massachusetts additions occur in Rhode Island too? Interestingly, both of their PDF files on the website have listed the full 100 HD for some time.

I find it odd that here in N.Y. we got all the channels but were not given the new 1.6 guide.
The IMG 1.6 roll-out has been delayed because of bugs. The IMG upgrade is not tied in with the HD expansion. A new build 6.89 for release 1.6 has been pushed out to Seattle and Portland. One would think that if it works, they will push out the new build to the markets that have 1.6 first. The unconfirmed rumors at dslreports has, if there are no more serious problems, the IMG 1.6 roll-out resuming on Oct 9 for NY, MA, and RI.

Did the Massachusetts additions occur in Rhode Island too? Interestingly, both of their PDF files on the website have listed the full 100 HD for some time.


I just checked and noticed Planet Green HD, so it looks like we got the upgrade in RI

I've been enjoying the Extreme HD and 1.6 a little over a month now just outside the Seattle area. So far 1.6 has had only a few minor problems I've run across, but certainly is better than the Comcast guide I had to deal with before.

btw one bug that is annoying is that when you press pause, if you press stop it will continue play and won't stop even if you hit the stop button again. I have to press play then stop and it works. Can anyone else repro this? Is there anywhere to submit this type of bug to Verizon?

Verizon Channel Realignment & HD Expansion

Completed expansions in plain text.
Upcoming expansions in italics.
Full 100HD expansion in bold.

VHO 01
10/06/08 – North Texas (Realign; ~100HD) (moved up from 10/08/08)

VHO 02
10/07/08 – Florida Gulf Coast (Realign; ~100HD) (delayed from 10/02/08)

VHO 03
10/15/08 – Southern California (Realign; ~100HD) (delayed from 10/9/08)

VHO 04
09/18/08 – Anne Arundel/Howard County MD (Realign; ~50HD)
09/22/08 – Washington Metro (Realign; ~50HD)
09/30/08 – Baltimore MD (Realign; ~50HD)

VHO 05
07/28/08 – New York (Launch; ~100HD)

VHO 06
08/20/08 – Massachusetts (Realign; ~80HD) >>> 10/02/08 (~100 HD)
08/21/08 – Rhode Island (Realign; ~80HD) >>> 10/02/08 (~100 HD)

VHO 07
07/31/08 – Northern NJ (Realign; ~100HD)

VHO 08
08/29/08 – Central NJ (Realign; ~50HD) >>> 10/08/08 (~80HD**)
09/02/08 – Southern DE (Realign; ~80HD)
09/04/08 – Central DE (Realign; ~50HD) >>> 10/09/08 (~80HD**)
09/08/08 – Southern NJ (Realign; ~80HD)
09/08/08 – Northern DE (Realign; ~80HD) (moved up from 09/15/08)
09/10/08 – Mercer Co. NJ (Realign; ~80HD) (delayed from 08/27/08)
09/11/08 – Southeastern PA (Realign; ~80HD)

VHO 09
08/13/08 – Richmond VA (Realign; ~50HD)
08/14/08 – Hampton Roads VA (Realign; ~50HD)

VHO 10
06/30/08 – Fort Wayne IN (Realign; ~50HD)

VHO 11
08/12/08 – Pittsburgh PA (Realign; ~50HD) (delayed from 08/06/08)

VHO 12
07/21/08 – Portland OR (Realign; ~40HD*)

VHO 13
08/23/08 – Seattle WA (Launch; ~100HD)

VHO 14
09/15/08 – Buffalo NY (Launch; ~100HD)

*Portland PDF lists a severely reduced Movie Package in HD. Accurate?
**Why didn’t Central DE and Central NJ roll up to ~80 initially, especially since Southern DE did?

An update of the roll-up. Corrections always welcome.

Quick question that I know was a topic earlier in the thread. But are there any HBO VOD in HD? Was trying to find True Blood in HD last night with no success. Is this something that FIOS is going to be offering in the future?

Quick question that I know was a topic earlier in the thread. But are there any HBO VOD in HD? Was trying to find True Blood in HD last night with no success. Is this something that FIOS is going to be offering in the future?

I'd love to see it too, but I remember (hazily) an earlier post that HBO would not have HD VOD. It's not a Verizon thing, but an HBO thing. If this is wrong, please correct.

The IMG 1.6 roll-out has been delayed because of bugs. The IMG upgrade is not tied in with the HD expansion. A new build 6.89 for release 1.6 has been pushed out to Seattle and Portland. One would think that if it works, they will push out the new build to the markets that have 1.6 first. The unconfirmed rumors at dslreports has, if there are no more serious problems, the IMG 1.6 roll-out resuming on Oct 9 for NY, MA, and RI.

Good info, thanks.

I'd love to see it too, but I remember (hazily) an earlier post that HBO would not have HD VOD. It's not a Verizon thing, but an HBO thing. If this is wrong, please correct.

HBO has HD VOD on comcast.

We are seriously behind here with FIOS on HD VOD content.

HBO has HD VOD on comcast.

We are seriously behind here with FIOS on HD VOD content.

Hmmm... I wonder why the delay, then. I know we're behind, so far only Cinemax and Starz for subscription HD VOD.

HBO has HD VOD on comcast.

We are seriously behind here with FIOS on HD VOD content.

This is incorrect. HBO canned its HD VOD service at the beginning of the year citing piracy concerns.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=975220

This is incorrect. HBO canned its HD VOD service at the beginning of the year citing piracy concerns.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=975220

OK... I stand corrected. I moved from Comcast to FIOS a few weeks ago and I was pretty sure that HBO was still on Comcast, but not on FIOS. I noticed that Showtime on FIOS didn't have the series' in HD, too.

btw one bug that is annoying is that when you press pause, if you press stop it will continue play and won't stop even if you hit the stop button again. I have to press play then stop and it works. Can anyone else repro this? Is there anywhere to submit this type of bug to Verizon?

Yes, it does that in my 1.5 (I think that's it, we aren't up to 1.6 here in Philly, yet) version of the guide, too.

I don't think this is a bug. This is the INTENT. So, it's a feature.

This is incorrect. HBO canned its HD VOD service at the beginning of the year citing piracy concerns.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=975220

Eek, that is weak. Well, hopefully they will change their stance on this. That's a big bummer.

Yes, it does that in my 1.5 (I think that's it, we aren't up to 1.6 here in Philly, yet) version of the guide, too.

I don't think this is a bug. This is the INTENT. So, it's a feature.

Hmmm... this feature seems very unintuitive to me, that's why I thought it was a bug. Is there any useful purpose in having it this way? All my other remotes for other devices will stop when I press the stop button after pause. I guess I'm just not used to it after coming from the Comcast remote... When I hit the stop button on that, it would always stop unless there was some kind of lag, but it would eventually stop. Also my blu-ray player will stop playback if I hit the stop button while I'm paused as well.

This is incorrect. HBO canned its HD VOD service at the beginning of the year citing piracy concerns.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=975220

why? can't non-vod be pirated just as well?

but hey, why please your paying customers when you have a chance to inconvenience the pirates.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6601796.html

"Verizon Goes To Extreme With HD Package

FiOS TV Extreme HD $10 More Than Telco's Previous Flagship Package
By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 10/3/2008 12:32:00 PM
Verizon Communications is widening the rollout of a new flagship TV-programming package that is $10 per month higher than its previous offering in most markets, while simultaneously stuffing in more than two dozen new channels.

The telco plans to offer the FiOS TV Extreme HD programming package across all of its territories, describing it as providing “the most HD programming available” with more than 50 channels included, as well as more than 200 standard-definition channels.

Extreme HD, listed at $57.99, is replacing the $47.99 Premier package, which is no longer being offered in markets where Extreme is available. Those currently include the New York City metropolitan area, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Portland, Ore., and Fort Wayne, Ind. (In the New York City area, the telco is offering Extreme HD at $47.99.)

By emphasizing the HD portion of the package, Verizon is taking aim at cable operators, which generally do not offer more than 50 HDs as part of a baseline package.

And “Verizon is constantly launching new HD content in each region, and offering a lot of this HD content as part of the Extreme HD service tier,” said spokeswoman Heather Wilner.

Meanwhile, the telco is introducing a lower-priced package with an HD lineup limited to local broadcast TV. The FiOS TV Essentials tier, which includes up to nine local HD channels, is listed at $47.99.

40-plus HDs available only with the higher-priced package are cable networks including ESPN HD, TBS HD, FX HD, Food Network HD, HGTV HD, Discovery Channel HD, Disney Channel HD, MGM Channel HD, CNN HD and Fox News HD.

In addition, two SD channels with FiOS TV Extreme HD are not included with Essentials: Current TV and RFD TV.

Verizon is planning to introduce Extreme HD and Essentials soon in other markets, including Southern California, North Texas, the Florida Gulf Coast and Buffalo, N.Y.

While it is increasing the price of the flagship programming package, the company does offer significant bundle discounts, Wilner noted.

For customers in northern New Jersey, for example, the telco knocks about $60 off a triple play that includes Extreme HD and a $5.95 HD set-top fee, the Freedom Essentials calling plan ($49.99) and 10-Mbps downstream Internet service ($42.99) -- to come in at $94.99 per month."

An update of the roll-up. Corrections always welcome.

VHO04 is the only top-10 market with only 50HD's? And no date for 80 or 100? Lame...

I'm still not betting on any change before end of the year for us...

VHO04 is the only top-10 market with only 50HD's? And no date for 80 or 100? Lame...

I'm still not betting on any change before end of the year for us...

I agree. I'll be surprised if we get the full rollout before the end of the year. I feel somewhat bitter that new markets like Buffalo and Seattle are getting the 100 right off the bat and we have to wait God only knows how long. I don't really give a crap about "infrastructure" issues - if Verizon has the resources to add new markets (with full capacity), they should apply those resources in their existing markets (and customers) first.

I'll wager VH04 will be the LAST to get the full rollout.

I agree. I'll be surprised if we get the full rollout before the end of the year. I feel somewhat bitter that new markets like Buffalo and Seattle are getting the 100 right off the bat and we have to wait God only knows how long. I don't really give a crap about "infrastructure" issues - if Verizon has the resources to add new markets (with full capacity), they should apply those resources in their existing markets (and customers) first.

I'll wager VH04 will be the LAST to get the full rollout.

They only care about new business. Once they have you you get put on the backburner for new money.

They only care about new business. Once they have you you get put on the backburner for new money.

That's just silly. There's a ton of new business for them stiill to win in this large top-10 market.

You weren't in the top of your class, were you?

That's just silly. There's a ton of new business for them stiill to win in this large top-10 market.

You weren't in the top of your class, were you?

Very mature.

If they are rolling out the new pricing structure in ALL markets then I would think they'd have all the channels in all the markets before long.

If they are rolling out the new pricing structure in ALL markets then I would think they'd have all the channels in all the markets before long.

"Long" = ?

Even the article listed pretty much everyone but DC/metro.

"Long" = ?

Even the article listed pretty much everyone but DC/metro.

Didn't mention Richmond/Hampton Roads either, but as I've said many times we are on schedule for end of Oct.

We'll get the channels before the end of the year. If not I will be getting a discount out of them since I've received several letters and emails stating that they will have 100HD channels in my area by the end of 2008.

Didn't mention Richmond/Hampton Roads either, but as I've said many times we are on schedule for end of Oct.

I appreciate that, but unless you're the Verizon guy doing the work, it doesn't matter much without some other public schedule.

kes601--- I have searched and been unable to verify an end of October date. Can you tell me where this info is coming from? thanks.

...it comes in via fiber but is converted back onto coax from their device in my basement....
You don't have to worry about that until televisions have a fiber optic cable connector! It's the ability to get a clean signal to your house, and they are doing that.

You don't have to worry about that until televisions have a fiber optic cable connector! It's the ability to get a clean signal to your house, and they are doing that.

And to use a lot more of the coax bandwidth because there's no cable modem going over it.

And to use a lot more of the coax bandwidth because there's no cable modem going over it.

Or VOD.

That's just silly. There's a ton of new business for them stiill to win in this large top-10 market.

You weren't in the top of your class, were you?

Not as much business as potentially exists in states that have granted statewide franchise rights. While I believe Verizon will keep their end of 2008 promise, I think it's abundantly clear that Virginia's and Maryland's refusal to grant a statewide franchise has shifted Verizon's priorities away from the D.C. metro area.

Not as much business as potentially exists in states that have granted statewide franchise rights. While I believe Verizon will keep their end of 2008 promise, I think it's abundantly clear that Virginia's and Maryland's refusal to grant a statewide franchise has shifted Verizon's priorities away from the D.C. metro area.

Maybe, but Massachusetts has not done the statewide franchise and we've gotten the whole suite of services. I'm not sure what the priorities are for getting the 100+ channels, but somehow we fulfilled it despite Verizon needing 300+ municipalities to agree. I'm just glad they hit us, so I wouldn't be too pessimistic about getting them sometime soon. I know the wait is frustrating.

Not as much business as potentially exists in states that have granted statewide franchise rights. While I believe Verizon will keep their end of 2008 promise, I think it's abundantly clear that Virginia's and Maryland's refusal to grant a statewide franchise has shifted Verizon's priorities away from the D.C. metro area.

I guess business common sense isn't so common...

Not as much business as potentially exists in states that have granted statewide franchise rights. While I believe Verizon will keep their end of 2008 promise, I think it's abundantly clear that Virginia's and Maryland's refusal to grant a statewide franchise has shifted Verizon's priorities away from the D.C. metro area.

The state does not have control over these things in our area. It is the localities who have control.
My County, Prince William(VA) , has an agreement for the entire county to be wired within the next four years.
The state does not decide these things around here.

Anybody know if I can simultaneously output component video/digital audio and HDMI from the Verizon Motorola STB's?

Anybody know if I can simultaneously output component video/digital audio and HDMI from the Verizon Motorola STB's?
No, you can only have component video or hdmi but not both at the same time. However, you can use both hdmi and a seperate digital audio cable at the same time.

The state does not have control over these things in our area. It is the localities who have control.
My County, Prince William(VA) , has an agreement for the entire county to be wired within the next four years.
The state does not decide these things around here.

Yes, it does. In fact, it already exercised its power (http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?061+ful+HB881). Unfortunately, it's a half-hearted franchise bill that ultimately means Verizon still has to negotiate everything at the local level eventually, which is probably why Verizon isn't investing as heavily in Virginia as it is in other Verizon territories. Put simply, the cost of negotiating with incompetent local governments raises the initial investment cost that Verizon has to make in each potential subscriber.

I'd wager Verizon initially ventured into Virginia with FiOS largely because a good portion of its territory was originally serviced on the cable end by Adelphia, so they knew there was ample low hanging fruit that they could cherry pick without making a serious investment in the region. The timing was more than convenient, since Adelphia was transitioning to Comcast at the time anyway. Subscriber loyalty to Adelphia/Comcast was just too low to pass up.

Look at how much time Verizon had to invest to get a franchise in D.C., and there's still no ETA on approval. It's a slow and cumbersome process that is surely costing Verizon millions in legal fees.

No, you can only have component video or hdmi but not both at the same time. However, you can use both hdmi and a seperate digital audio cable at the same time.Actually, you can have both outputs active. I have both component video outputs and HDMI, plus coax digital audio.

Thank you for the answer to the component/HDMI question.

John

FYI...New HD channels with new channel alignment has hit Plano TX.

Verizon just updated the channel line-up webpage. Now shows new effective dates of October 20 for North TX and FL Gulf Coast. However, TX did get the channel re-alignment today and the phase one set of HD channels. FL was scheduled for tomorrow and I suspect that is still on. I think the new October 20 dates are when the "full" HD line-up will be added to those 2 markets.

The question still to be answered is when will the 100+ HD channel line-up be added to VA, MD, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne, Portland markets? Despite some here who appear to think never, my guess looking at the pace of the expansion, is that we will all be caught up by early to mid-November.

Our guide here in Florida still lists the channel change date as tomorrow, so we'll see what happens. Leads me to believe they are having technical problems since this is out second delay and we were already at the end of the list. Plus the major cable competition here (Brighthouse) is quickly moving on switched video to expand their HD lineup.

BASIC

Local channels local PEG channels all broadcast multiplex channels Cspan Cspan 2 Cspan 3 FiOS TV Information HSN [Home Shopping Network] Jewelry Pentagon Channel QVC Shop NBC TV Guide Network Weatherscan Local WGN America
HD simucasts of all channels in package

Connection
all channels in "Basic : package

local RSN's SD AND HD regional local news and religious channels A&E ABC Family BET Bravo CNBC CNN CNN Headline News Discovery Channel Disney E! Entertainment Television Encore Movieplex NEW! ESPN ESPN2 EWTN Food Network Fox News FX GSN [Game Show Network] Home and Garden TV INSP Lifetime MSNBC MTV Nickelodeon Sci-Fi Channel SPIKE TV TBN - TRINITY TBS The Weather Channel TNT Toon Disney Travel Channel truTV USA NETWORK VH1
HD simucasts of all channels in package

Essentials
all channels in "Basic" : package
all channels in "Connection" : package

ABC News now AMC [American Movie Classics] AmericanLife TV Animal Planet BBC America BBC world news BET Gospel BET J Big Ten Network Bio [The Biography Channel] Bloomberg TV Boomerang Bridges TV BYU Television Cartoon Network Church Channel CMT CMT Pure Country CNBC World CNN International Comedy Central Crime & Investigation Network Discovery Health Discovery Kids DIY [Do It Yourself] Encore Encore Action Encore Drama Encore Love Encore Mystery Encore Westerns Encore-WAM! ESPN Classic ESPNews ESPNU Family Net FCS - Central FCS - Pacific FCS -Atlantic Fine Living Fit TV Flix Fox Business Network FOX REALITY Fox Soccer Channel Fuel TV FUNimation FUSE G4 Galavision Golf Channel Gospel Music Channel Great American Country Hallmark Channel History Channel History Channel International HITn I-Life Investigation Discovery JCTV Lifetime Movie Network Lifetime Real Women Logo Military History Channel MTV Hits MTV Jams MTV Tr3s MTV2 mtvU Mun2 National Geographic Channel NFL Network Nick Too Nick Toons Noggin Oxygen PBS Kids Sprout Planet Green ReelzChannel Retirement Living Science Channel Sí TV Sleuth Smile of a Child Soapnet Soundtrack Channel Speed Channel Style The Military Channel The N The Word Three Angels Broadcasting TLC TV Land TV One Varsity TV Versus VH1 Classic VH1 Soul WE: Women's Entertainment Wealth TV
HD simucasts of all channels in package

EXTREme
all channels in "Basic" : package
all channels in "Connection" : package
all channels in "Essentials" : package

Blackbelt TV Encore Action West Encore Drama West Encore Indieplex NEW! Encore Love West Encore Mystery West Encore Retroplex NEW! Encore West Encore Westerns West Flix West Fox Movie Channel Fox Sports En Espanol Gol TV Hallmark Movie ch HD Net HD Net Movies HD Theater Horse Racing TV Independent Film Channel MavTV MGM Outdoor Channel Ovation Palladia Smithsonian Channel Sundance Tennis Channel The Sportsman Channel Turner Classic Movies TVG Universal HDTV Veria TV World Fishing Network

All HD channels except HD simucasts of premium channels

The question still to be answered is when will the 100+ HD channel line-up be added to VA, MD, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne, Portland markets? Despite some here who appear to think never, my guess looking at the pace of the expansion, is that we will all be caught up by early to mid-November.

Afigg-
Philly Metro is set for mid-November.

Right now I'm getting everything in the ExtremeHD package except MavTV-HD. When I go to this channel ( ch 598) I get a not subscribed. When I try to subscribe to it to see what the options are, it only gives me a phone number too call. I've had Fios TV since the end of Aug. and it never has worked for me.

Does anyone else get this channel and if so is it a part of the ExtremeHD package or do you have to pay extra? Could this be some kind of error? I'm getting all the other HD channels right now which is close to 100.

Is there a list somewhere of all the current areas that have FIOS TV available to them? And possibly a list of confirmed future markets?

Is there a list somewhere of all the current areas that have FIOS TV available to them? And possibly a list of confirmed future markets?

I know dslreports used to have a list for current\future markets, but I am not sure how accurate it is....If you are wondering about your specific area and know FIOS is coming, I would take a look at your local utility commission (at least in RI thats where cable is handled. On our local PUC site I was able to follow the approval process for FIOS TV in my area.....

Is there a list somewhere of all the current areas that have FIOS TV available to them? And possibly a list of confirmed future markets?
The PDF channel line-ups at http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/channel+lineup.htm show the markets that have Fios. Of course, Fios coverage is spotty in all those markets. You are not going to get a list from Verizon of when Fios TV service will be added to other markets. For the TV service, they have to get franchise agreements in place before Verizon can add it. In general, Verizon is rolling Fios out to all the markets where they provide telephone service, but this is a many year build-out process.

Afigg-
Philly Metro is set for mid-November.

According to what?

I just got the FIOS service near Seattle on Saturday. I had been hoping to see some comparisons of FIOS to DIRECTV for HD after DIRECTV started using MPEG-4 for many national channels, but didn't find much. So, I got FIOS and have been comparing them myself. Each has their advantages IMO, but I took some screenshots of HBO-HD on FIOS vs HBO-HD on DIRECTV with the MPEG-4 version for some boxing last Saturday and posted them here (warning that the files that will be opened are large):

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14807917#post14807917

Those are for the Gamboa fight. As I mentioned there, the visible blocking while watching the boxing on the FIOS version bothers me. The backgrounds may be better at times with the FIOS version, but from what I saw on Saturday the blockiness bothered me the most and I would tend to watch HBO boxing on the DIRECTV MPEG-4 channel instead.

If somebody can post their own screenshots between some FIOS and DIRECTV channels (especially MPEG-4 ones on DIRECTV) I would like to see them. As it is I will probably stick with DIRECTV and cancel FIOS for now (and maybe get them when my DIRECTV contract is up, depending on where things stand then).

--Darin

HBO is distributed MPEG-4 from the source, right? So DirecTV can pass through the source feed uninterrupted?

I'd be curious to see how something that's distributed MPEG-2 from the source compares between the two.

HBO is distributed MPEG-4 from the source, right? So DirecTV can pass through the source feed uninterrupted?

I'd be curious to see how something that's distributed MPEG-2 from the source compares between the two.

HBO-HD East/West Cinemax-HD East/West currently has MPEG2 and MPEG4 Distribution feeds.

I just got the FIOS service near Seattle on Saturday. I had been hoping to see some comparisons of FIOS to DIRECTV for HD after DIRECTV started using MPEG-4 for many national channels, but didn't find much. So, I got FIOS and have been comparing them myself. Each has their advantages IMO, but I took some screenshots of HBO-HD on FIOS vs HBO-HD on DIRECTV with the MPEG-4 version for some boxing last Saturday and posted them here (warning that the files that will be opened are large):

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14807917#post14807917

Those are for the Gamboa fight. As I mentioned there, the visible blocking while watching the boxing on the FIOS version bothers me. The backgrounds may be better at times with the FIOS version, but from what I saw on Saturday the blockiness bothered me the most and I would tend to watch HBO boxing on the DIRECTV MPEG-4 channel instead.

If somebody can post their own screenshots between some FIOS and DIRECTV channels (especially MPEG-4 ones on DIRECTV) I would like to see them. As it is I will probably stick with DIRECTV and cancel FIOS for now (and maybe get them when my DIRECTV contract is up, depending on where things stand then).

--Darin

I really don't care which you subscribe to if you are happy with it (I don't have to look at your choices) but I know that I don't have that issue with HBO-HD via FiOS. Clearly something else is up with your system.

What Model/Brand TV do you have? What STBs were you using? How were they both connected to your TV?

Right now I'm getting everything in the ExtremeHD package except MavTV-HD. When I go to this channel ( ch 598) I get a not subscribed. When I try to subscribe to it to see what the options are, it only gives me a phone number too call. I've had Fios TV since the end of Aug. and it never has worked for me.

Does anyone else get this channel and if so is it a part of the ExtremeHD package or do you have to pay extra? Could this be some kind of error? I'm getting all the other HD channels right now which is close to 100.

Don't know were you are at, but we had the same problem here in the Buffalo area with ESPNU. At first they were sending tech out and working on my account from the hub. Then they finally figured out it was an area wide problem. Finally last night I was able to get ESPNU for the first time in two weeks.

Point is call tech support so they can start working on it. You should be getting this channel with the Extreme package. You are really not missing anything, but you should be getting it.

Right now I'm getting everything in the ExtremeHD package except MavTV-HD. When I go to this channel ( ch 598) I get a not subscribed. When I try to subscribe to it to see what the options are, it only gives me a phone number too call. I've had Fios TV since the end of Aug. and it never has worked for me.

Does anyone else get this channel and if so is it a part of the ExtremeHD package or do you have to pay extra? Could this be some kind of error? I'm getting all the other HD channels right now which is close to 100.

If you've got the Extreme HD package, then you should be getting it. If you don't (just essentials), then it is one of the few HD channels that is exclusive to the Extreme HD package. There is a lot more SD content exclusive to the Extreme HD than HD content.

I really don't care which you subscribe to if you are happy with it (I don't have to look at your choices) but I know that I don't have that issue with HBO-HD via FiOS.I bet you do assuming FiOS in my area is putting out the same as in your's (which should be the case). You probably just don't see it. To be clear, the image doesn't always look like that. This is a case of fast movements.
Clearly something else is up with your system.I disagree. This is what MPEG-2 tends to do with compression and fast movements and I think it is more likely that you don't see it for one or more reasons (you aren't sensitive to blockiness during fast movements, you have a smaller image with a further viewing ratio, etc.)What Model/Brand TV do you have? What STBs were you using? How were they both connected to your TV?I am using the Verizon HD-DVR (Motorola) with HDMI at 1080i to a JVC 1080p HD1 (same as RS1) projector with a 10' wide Da-Lite High Power screen and sitting at about 1.1x to 1.2x the screen width.

For DIRECTV I have the HR20 and the rest is the same.

This same boxing show will be on HBO2 tonight and people with FiOS are welcome to record it and pause it at the same spot to see what they see there. I can find out how far in it is, but it is with 26 seconds left in the 1st round of the 3rd fight (the one with Gamboa). I would be happy if the problem isn't already there in what Verizon is putting out (even though it could have come that way from HBO), but I doubt that is the case.

What Model/Brand TV are you using and how far back do you sit?

--Darin

Does anyone have the link to the various fees that verizon charges (extra outlet, service call, change of equipment, etc.) I know there used to be one on their web site ... but lately I haven't been able to find it. Thanks.

Those are for the Gamboa fight. As I mentioned there, the visible blocking while watching the boxing on the FIOS version bothers me. The backgrounds may be better at times with the FIOS version, but from what I saw on Saturday the blockiness bothered me the most and I would tend to watch HBO boxing on the DIRECTV MPEG-4 channel instead


Yes thank you. I also have this problem. I posted a couple of days ago.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=590208&page=254

What bothers me the most is that FIOS promises the highest picture quality and they make a big deal out of providing a fiber to your home. It turns out that is just marketing, the picture quality delivered so far is NOT better than regular cable.

On every movie I have seen so far, at one point or another I get this blocking you mention. Just like I did on cable. I think this is unnacceptable.

Many people here seem convinced that the problem is with the source. Your post seems to show it isn't. I am so dissapointed. I will call customer service when I have half an hour to waste on hold. *Sigh*

Franke46

Well I got the new HD package in my area yesterday. Most of the listed HD channels listed in my new channel line-up are there. However, both Fox News HD and Fox News Business HD are not there. Anyone else getting most everything except these 2 channels?

There are about 15 channels that should be missing from your lineup, Rutgar. The Verizon website says they'll come online the week of 10/20.

How did things turn out in the Florida Gulf Coast market today?

Whaaaaa! I want the rest of the HD channels... :mad:

Many people here seem convinced that the problem is with the source. Your post seems to show it isn't.It depends on what you call the source, but for the record I believe that the most likely explanation is that it is already in the source that Verizon gets from HBO. I am not clear what DIRECTV is doing with their MPEG-4 HBO channel though. They could have a deblocking filter that is working from the same source, they could be starting from another source (like a higher bitrate MPEG-2), and/or they could be getting an MPEG-4 source straight from HBO, although I doubt the last one.

I would like to see HBO do a conversion to MPEG-4 much earlier in the chain and deliver that to DIRECTV and others, or find some other way to fix what I believe most likely starts on HBO's end. Showtime has never seemed as bad in this department to my eyes. I'm not sure if Verizon has a plan to go to MPEG-4. Even with their bandwidth the block size issue could help the images, where MPEG-4 has more capability than MPEG-2.

--Darin

There are about 15 channels that should be missing from your lineup, Rutgar. The Verizon website says they'll come online the week of 10/20.



Ah. Thank you very much Sir!

For those curious about the Florida Gulf Coast upgrade, we received almost all of it overnight. Still using the older ver. 1.5 software. The ZIP code guide on the Fios site still lists the old lineup.

Here’s the list I came up with in Palm Harbor, comparing it to the channel list mailed to us:

MISSING
553 FX
568 WGN
572 ESPN NEWS
617 FOX BUSINESS
618 FOX NEWS
629 BIO
650 QVC
668 PLANET GREEN
670 TRAVEL
699 ABC FAMILY
750 DISNEY
751 TOON DISNEY

EXTRA
517 ION
592 TENNIS

MGM isn't listed in any guide for us.

Here's the HD count:
9 local
33 national
4 sports pkg
43 premium

That gives us a total of 89 HD stations in the phase 1 upgrade.

Right now I'm getting everything in the ExtremeHD package except MavTV-HD. When I go to this channel ( ch 598) I get a not subscribed. When I try to subscribe to it to see what the options are, it only gives me a phone number too call. I've had Fios TV since the end of Aug. and it never has worked for me.

Does anyone else get this channel and if so is it a part of the ExtremeHD package or do you have to pay extra? Could this be some kind of error? I'm getting all the other HD channels right now which is close to 100.

I called this issue in last Thursday. They tried reloading & resetting my box - still nothing. Then they opened a ticket with the local office. I just got a phone call from them and they have been working on the problem today. He had me test the channel and 598 is now working. I'd bet yours is too. Now I wonder when FSN-NW HD is coming????

TAB,
I live in Bothell, WA and I am just curious on your thoughts on Fios TV for the area. I had Comcast but I switched because more HD, better picture quality and cheaper. How would you rate the quality of the service? I am scheduled to get it installed next week and I am very excited.

For someone that says that Directv had a better HD picture, I would be very surprised by that. As someone who had Directv in the begining with HD, I saw how much the quality went down. Went to Comcast, which was okay, but always looking for better. I would tend to agree that it is probably the source. Have you noticed other Fios channels with the blocking, or just that one?

I called this issue in last Thursday. They tried reloading & resetting my box - still nothing. Then they opened a ticket with the local office. I just got a phone call from them and they have been working on the problem today. He had me test the channel and 598 is now working. I'd bet yours is too. Now I wonder when FSN-NW HD is coming????

Thanks TAB, I just checked and 598 is working. Yeah I don't know what is up with FSN-NW HD, the original channel list they gave me at install has it on there on ch 576, and someone in the Seattle Fios thread posted they talked to Verizion and they said it would be up on Oct 1st but I still don't see it. I'll give them a call and ask what's up.

TAB,
I live in Bothell, WA and I am just curious on your thoughts on Fios TV for the area. I had Comcast but I switched because more HD, better picture quality and cheaper. How would you rate the quality of the service? I am scheduled to get it installed next week and I am very excited.

For someone that says that Directv had a better HD picture, I would be very surprised by that. As someone who had Directv in the begining with HD, I saw how much the quality went down. Went to Comcast, which was okay, but always looking for better. I would tend to agree that it is probably the source. Have you noticed other Fios channels with the blocking, or just that one?

I think you have me confused with another poster who posted the screen shots. However, I had D* back in the bad old days of HD lite. I then switched to Comcast in '06, until the Fios TV roll out in WA last month. I'm very happy with the service, pic quality is much better than I had with Comcast (or D* from ~2 years ago). The amount of HD is fantastic esp with the 1 month free HBO / Cmax offer.

TAB,
I live in Bothell, WA and I am just curious on your thoughts on Fios TV for the area. I had Comcast but I switched because more HD, better picture quality and cheaper. How would you rate the quality of the service? I am scheduled to get it installed next week and I am very excited.

For someone that says that Directv had a better HD picture, I would be very surprised by that. As someone who had Directv in the begining with HD, I saw how much the quality went down. Went to Comcast, which was okay, but always looking for better. I would tend to agree that it is probably the source. Have you noticed other Fios channels with the blocking, or just that one?


mpalmer7,

I was a bit hesitant to switch from Comcast at first, but all I can tell you is I am so happy I did. My installation and everything went prefectly, and I am very happy with the service so far. Not only are there 3 times as many HD channes, but my 1080p TV now has that "wow" factor again on certain HD shows. I have seen much less macroblocking than I when I had Comcast, it really depends on the show... the playoffs on TBS are almost like I'm watching a Blu-ray disc. Also for me, I'm glad to have the fiber coming to the house underground and not have to deal with a dish with all the trees around my area and stormy winter weather. I would highly recommend FiosTV especially if you have a 1080p tv, you'll notice a difference.

I remember watching a show on the HistoryHD channel back on Comcast, and I've seen the repeat of it with Fios and I could tell it was noticably better pq. Also, my parents who live in Bothell, got FiosTV. Their installation went perfect and they notice a big improvement with pq on thier TV as well. There is a new local thread here if you want to check that out too. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1061867

I must say that looking at what should one day become the FIOS channel lineup (half of it doesn't work yet), it will be an impressive one. There are 10-15 HD versions of HBO and similar number of Cinemax among many other HD channels.

For now there is a big mess is on the guide, there are a ton of channels called X-something that dont't have a signal anymore, half or more of the new HD channels don't work yet, some channels work but with a lot of interference, some channels you have to dial 4 digits for (lol) etc etc. It's understandable to a certain point, I just hope they finish making changes soon.

franke46

I must say that looking at what should one day become the FIOS channel lineup (half of it doesn't work yet), it will be an impressive one. There are 10-15 HD versions of HBO and similar number of Cinemax among many other HD channels.

For now there is a big mess is on the guide, there are a ton of channels called X-something that dont't have a signal anymore, half or more of the new HD channels don't work yet, some channels work but with a lot of interference, some channels you have to dial 4 digits for (lol) etc etc. It's understandable to a certain point, I just hope they finish making changes soon.

franke46

We've made the transition here, the old entries are gone and the guide is now clean. It took about 3-4 weeks, and went from individual listings, to aggregated listings (channels 8xx - 8xx) and then deleted all together. It was confusing, but is now clear.

My guide cleared today. The X-channels stayed for two weeks.

Does anyone have the link to the various fees that verizon charges (extra outlet, service call, change of equipment, etc.) I know there used to be one on their web site ... but lately I haven't been able to find it. Thanks.

Anybody??? Help .....

Anybody??? Help .....

Icould only find a rate sheet from ~2005 so I am sure it is outdated...I am sure there is a more recent one, but cant find one yet.....

No URL, but here's what was on the flier I got in the package with my FiOS install the other day:
Digital Service Number of Channels Monthly Price
----------------------------------------------------
FiOS TV Local 15-35 $ 12.99
FiOS TV Premiere 220 + FiOS TV Local $ 47.99
La Conexion 160 + FiOS TV Local $ 37.99

====================================================
Packages Number of Channels Monthly Price
----------------------------------------------------
Sports 13 $ 7.99
Movies 45 $ 14.99
Spanish Language 26 $ 11.99

====================================================
Premiums Number of Channels Monthly Price
----------------------------------------------------
HBO 14 $ 15.99
Cinemax 12 $ 15.99
Playboy TV 2 $ 16.99
here! 1 $ 7.99

====================================================
Intl Premiums Number of Channels Monthly Price
----------------------------------------------------
Intl Premiums 14 Indiv. Priced

====================================================
Video On Demand/Pay Per View Price
----------------------------------------------------
On Demand Movies
----------------------------------------------------
New Releases & Library Varies
On Demand Adult Varies
----------------------------------------------------
On Demand Subscriptions
----------------------------------------------------
WWE 24/7 $ 9.99/mo
Karaoke $ 7.99/mo
PPV Events Varies
PPV Sports Varies
ESPN GamePlan - NCAA Football Varies
ESPN GamePlan - NCAA Basketball Varies

====================================================
Set Top Box (STB) Monthly Price
----------------------------------------------------
Cable Card $ 3.99
Digital Adapter $ 3.99
Standard Definition $ 5.99
High Definition $ 9.99
Standard Definition DVR $ 12.99
High Definition DVR $ 15.99
SD Home Media DVR $ 17.99
HD Home Media DVR $ 19.99

====================================================
Initial Installation One-Time Charges
----------------------------------------------------
Existing Outlet Hookup (up to 3) No Charge
Additional Outlet/STB (existing outlet)$ 19.99
New Outlet Install/Existing Rewire $ 54.99
Outlet Relocation $ 54.99
FiOS TV Activation with triple play Free
FiOS TV Activation with Internet $ 19.99
FiOS TV Activation without Internet $ 29.99

====================================================
Subsequent Installations/Charges One-Time Charges
----------------------------------------------------
New Outlet Installation/Outlet reloc. $ 54.99
STB Installation/Retrieval $ 79.99
STB Addition (self-install) Free
STB Return w/ dropoff/prepaid mailer Free
Service Repair Visit $ 79.99

====================================================
Other Services and Charges One-Time Charges
----------------------------------------------------
Seasonal Service Suspension (1-6mo) $ 24.99
Replacement Remote $ 6.99 + S/H
Unreturned/Damaged - Cable Card $100.00
Unreturned/Damaged - Digital Adapter $175.00
Unreturned/Damaged - SD $240.00
Unreturned/Damaged - HD $350.00
Unreturned/Damaged - SD DVR $475.00
Unreturned/Damaged - HD DVR $550.00

It is really going to cost me $79.99 to swap out an STB for a DVR?

Self install is listed as free. Does Verizon have somewhere you can go to exchange equipment? I'm new to FiOS, but my old provider was Cox and they had retail locations where you could go to pick up new receivers or drop off old ones when upgrading or canceling service. Might be worth a call to sales...

For those curious about the Florida Gulf Coast upgrade, we received almost all of it overnight. Still using the older ver. 1.5 software. The ZIP code guide on the Fios site still lists the old lineup.

Here’s the list I came up with in Palm Harbor, comparing it to the channel list mailed to us:

MISSING
553 FX
568 WGN
572 ESPN NEWS
617 FOX BUSINESS
618 FOX NEWS
629 BIO
650 QVC
668 PLANET GREEN
670 TRAVEL
699 ABC FAMILY
750 DISNEY
751 TOON DISNEY

EXTRA
517 ION
592 TENNIS

MGM isn't listed in any guide for us.

Here's the HD count:
9 local
33 national
4 sports pkg
43 premium

That gives us a total of 89 HD stations in the phase 1 upgrade.


so they added your local ION HD ch?

any HD programming on it yet?

here FiOS airs our ION sub chs(Qubo, Word, ION Life) so it looks like they could light up the main digital ch any time they're ready. I've been assuming they're waiting for ION to go HD.

Self install is listed as free. Does Verizon have somewhere you can go to exchange equipment? I'm new to FiOS, but my old provider was Cox and they had retail locations where you could go to pick up new receivers or drop off old ones when upgrading or canceling service. Might be worth a call to sales...

Depending on location they may have a shop where you can exchange equipment, but you have to set it up in advance. You can just call and they will ship you a new STB and then you return the old STB to them at a UPS Store or Mailboxes, etc. store using the included label and packaging.

so they added your local ION HD ch?

any HD programming on it yet?

here FiOS airs our ION sub chs(Qubo, Word, ION Life) so it looks like they could light up the main digital ch any time they're ready. I've been assuming they're waiting for ION to go HD.

They've had the ION HD channel, I've been watching Rays games in HD all season -- not all the games unfortunately.

Self install is listed as free. Does Verizon have somewhere you can go to exchange equipment? I'm new to FiOS, but my old provider was Cox and they had retail locations where you could go to pick up new receivers or drop off old ones when upgrading or canceling service. Might be worth a call to sales...
Depending on location they may have a shop where you can exchange equipment, but you have to set it up in advance. You can just call and they will ship you a new STB and then you return the old STB to them at a UPS Store or Mailboxes, etc. store using the included label and packaging.

Ahh!!! My favorite subject. In kes601's hometown, VZ has been promising a storefront site (similar to COX) since they got here. The agreement with the V.B. City Council provides that with a set # of subscribers to FiOS such a site will open. VZ will not discuss the number of subscribers. Even with a FOIA request, V.B. City Council refuses to reveal the same data, though they know what it is - choosing to serve big business rather than the voters who put them in office. So, going on 2 years since they began FiOS, VZ will only offer their all purpose answer to any question, anywhere:
"Soooooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!!"

Roy Starrin
VirginiaNewsSource.com
Virginia Beach, VA

Verizon has revamped it's Fios TV website for the new pricing packages. See http://www22.verizon.com/residential/fiostv. Looks like the handy PDF line-up listings are gone which allowed us to track who was getting upgraded when and provided a list of the Fios TV markets.

Verizon Negotiates Tentative Franchise Agreement In Washington, D.C.

Telco Agrees On Template For Portland, Ore. Suburbs

By Linda Haugsted -- Multichannel News, 10/7/2008 3:00:00 PM

Verizon Communications Inc. and the District of Columbia Office of Cable Television have negotiated a tentative franchise which is now headed to the District's Council.

Elsewhere, the telco has reached an agreement on a franchise template for the Portland, Ore. suburbs.

In both DC and the Portland areas, Verizon will compete with Comcast Corp.

The DC regulators and the company have been negotiating operating terms for 10 months. According to Verizon, the franchise commits to nine public, educational and government channels, with the possibility of adding five more; support for those channels in the form of a three percent fee on gross revenues, and an "extensive and appropriate set of customer service provisions."

The franchise still needs the approval of the council, a vote that should take place before the end of the year. If approved, Verizon anticipates launching FiOS video services within a year. Within three years, the company should offers service to all residences in the northwest and southeast quadrants of the District.

Across the country, the Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission has adopted a recommended franchising agreement for its member cities, which include Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview and Wood Village, as well as unincorporated parts of east Multnomah County.

The template calls for a 10-year franchise. Verizon would be committed to building its service out to a "significant number" of dwelling units in the first year of operation and would build to all residences within three years. As long as there are 20 residences per mile, Verizon would have to build out to serve them, according to the document.

Verizon would activate eight PEG channels, plus one for the local municipality, and reserve capacity to offer seven more in the future. The company must also comply with local customer service standards.
This template must still be approved by the municipalities that participate in the MHCRC.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6602907.html

FiOS TV To Come To Public Housing In Yonkers, N.Y.

Verizon Inks Deal To Market TV, Internet Services To Apartment Residents

By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 10/7/2008 2:29:00 PM

Verizon reached an agreement with the public-housing authority for Yonkers, N.Y., to offer FiOS TV and FiOS Internet services to residents of 2,029 apartments in 18 buildings.

The agreement with the Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers, just north of New York City, will let Verizon exclusively promote its services to residents, according to Joseph Shuldiner, the Yonkers housing authority's executive director. Cablevision Systems is the incumbent cable operator in Yonkers.

Verizon said it has already begun the buildout of its all-fiber-optic network to the apartment buildings in Yonkers. The telco plans to begin offering service to some buildings later this month, with FiOS services scheduled to be available to all residents by year-end.

The Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers is the second-largest public housing authority in metropolitan area, after the New York City Housing Authority. It provides affordable housing to eligible low-income families and individuals, and helps them become self-sufficient and economically independent.

As a part of the housing authority's community outreach, it opened a computer center where residents can access the Internet or take free classes to become more computer literate.

To date, Verizon’s Enhanced Communities division has entered agreements with developers and contractors for new developments under construction covering 400,000 private households, and is offering FiOS services to 815,000 apartment units across 16 states.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6602858.html

It is really going to cost me $79.99 to swap out an STB for a DVR?

Self install is listed as free. Does Verizon have somewhere you can go to exchange equipment? I'm new to FiOS, but my old provider was Cox and they had retail locations where you could go to pick up new receivers or drop off old ones when upgrading or canceling service. Might be worth a call to sales...

You can swap set top boxes and add set top boxes for free if you do it yourself. You can swap or pick one up at a local store (if you have one) or call and they will mail you the box for free with free return shipping.

Verizon has revamped it's Fios TV website for the new pricing packages. See http://www22.verizon.com/residential/fiostv. Looks like the handy PDF line-up listings are gone which allowed us to track who was getting upgraded when and provided a list of the Fios TV markets.

Darn, I liked to see what other markets had to see what I was getting!!! :mad:

Thanks everyone for the great feedback. As someone who has had both sat and cable, I am excited to report my results when I get it installed next week.

There is definitely something going on with the HBO HD channels.

There is some definite disparity in the quality of the video, and there's OTHER things going on. Most notably, there's something wrong with the audio. Its not properly synched.

Last night I was watching transformers and I Am Legend, and I began to notice something wrong in Transfformers.

I then switched to I Am Legend to find an even bigger audio lag in that movie.

Since this service just occurred this week, they're probably working out some problems.

But, certain HBO HD channels do look better than others. Other HD channels look significantly better than certain HBO HD channels (HDnet, Shotime, TMC)

So, it leads me to believe that the compression problems is not occuring late in the chain, but earlier.

Self install is listed as free. Does Verizon have somewhere you can go to exchange equipment? I'm new to FiOS, but my old provider was Cox and they had retail locations where you could go to pick up new receivers or drop off old ones when upgrading or canceling service. Might be worth a call to sales...

Last I checked, there are no facilities in Virginia. It looks like that info is now gone from their website.

EDIT: Ah, missed the post about shipping the boxes. Nice.

Can someone with the new Extreme HD package confirm something? The new Extreme package is $10 more than the old Premier package. But it includes the Sports package which used to be extra, so, for those of us who had subscribed to the Sports package, there is no net increase in price, correct?

There is definitely something going on with the HBO HD channels.

There is some definite disparity in the quality of the video, and there's OTHER things going on. Most notably, there's something wrong with the audio. Its not properly synched.

Last night I was watching transformers and I Am Legend, and I began to notice something wrong in Transfformers.

I then switched to I Am Legend to find an even bigger audio lag in that movie.

Since this service just occurred this week, they're probably working out some problems.

But, certain HBO HD channels do look better than others. Other HD channels look significantly better than certain HBO HD channels (HDnet, Shotime, TMC)

So, it leads me to believe that the compression problems is not occuring late in the chain, but earlier.

Yes. There is something wrong. I am sort of a transformers fan, I have an onkyo receiver and a full set of JBL studio speakers and I know what the audio should sound like. Yesterday I watched transformers and the sound was dull. Not terrible but it didn't have that sharp edge of DD 5.1, although the receiver did indicate that was the format being played. Something is off.

Franke46

Last I checked, there are no facilities in Virginia. It looks like that info is now gone from their website.

EDIT: Ah, missed the post about shipping the boxes. Nice.

Can someone with the new Extreme HD package confirm something? The new Extreme package is $10 more than the old Premier package. But it includes the Sports package which used to be extra, so, for those of us who had subscribed to the Sports package, there is no net increase in price, correct?

Correct. I also got some extra savings from putting everything in a bundle, but what you said is true.

with the NEW bundle, the discount is bigger monthly ..

here are the 2 new bundles for VA and most other markets



Freedom E +10/2+ TV Essentials is $99
Freedom E + 20/5 + Extreme HD is $109.99

so basically Unlimited calling + 3 features, Crazy fast internet (20/5) and 50 HD channels.. for $110 (before tax and STb's..) ... now that's a sweet bundle.. :D
.

Darn, I liked to see what other markets had to see what I was getting!!! :mad:
The PDF channel line-ups are still there if you select print for the channel line-up page at https://www22.verizon.com/Residential/FiOSTV/PopUps/ChannelLineUpPDF/ChannelLineUpPDF.htm.

Verizon has updated some of the PDF files. The Washington Metro PDF line-up has a bunch of channels - FX HD, Fox News HD, WGN HD, Travel HD, etc - listed as "coming soon".

Looks like Richmond, Hampton Roads, and DC are up for phase II update in October. According to the channel lineups it will be the full suite of channels minus most of the premiums.

You can go here: https://www22.verizon.com/Residential/FiOSTV/ChannelLineup/ChannelLineup.htm put in your zip, display your channel lineup and then click on Print. This will give you a downloadable PDF for your area that has the "Coming Soon" channels.

Is it safe to say that we won't see NHL Center Ice this year?

Is it safe to say that we won't see NHL Center Ice this year?

There is discussion about that in this thread on DSLReports:

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r21119105-NHL-Center-Ice~start=40#end

Looks like Richmond, Hampton Roads, and DC are up for phase II update in October. According to the channel lineups it will be the full suite of channels minus most of the premiums.

You can go here: https://www22.verizon.com/Residential/FiOSTV/ChannelLineup/ChannelLineup.htm put in your zip, display your channel lineup and then click on Print. This will give you a downloadable PDF for your area that has the "Coming Soon" channels.

Why do you conclude we'll get it in October? Coming soon could mean December, or next summer.

And I'm really irritated we aren't getting the premiums even "coming soon". That's a lot of what I want, and I pay for all the premiums. If they aren't "coming soon", that probably means not even this year...

Why do you conclude we'll get it in October? Coming soon could mean December, or next summer.

And I'm really irritated we aren't getting the premiums even "coming soon". That's a lot of what I want, and I pay for all the premiums. If they aren't "coming soon", that probably means not even this year...

I know you are convinced it is going to be a million months before DC gets the update, but they would not put coming soon if it were not "coming soon". There are several lineups on there that have not been updated.

I guess only time will tell.

I should also mention that I am also frustrated that all the premiums are not listed for us either.

I know you are convinced it is going to be a million months before DC gets the update, but they would not put coming soon if it were not "coming soon". There are several lineups on there that have not been updated.

I guess only time will tell.

That's because most of the other areas already have the full 100+, or at least the 80+ (minus the premiums). DC Metro is the bottom of the bunch (not including the remaining phase 1 markets).

And by your own point, the extra premiums likely won't be this year if they don't say "coming soon". There's only 2 more months to get that "coming soon" logo on there!

And yes, only time will tell. All I've really wanted was SciFi, FX, and the premiums. And they're dripping them out to me one at a time...