I had never considered a HTPC. Frankly, I know nothing about how to configure one, or even where to start. I also didn't know that you could substitute a HTPC in place of a cable box/DVR. It does sound like an interesting idea though.

Because you (presumably) will need CableCARDs, you'll have to purchase a complete HTPC from a vendor. Put another way, you won't be able to just go out and buy an off-the-shelf PC or custom build one, because the video cards that take CableCARDs are not available through regular retail channels. To some extent that mitigates the configuration issue, because you buy a complete system, plug it in, turn it on, and it works (at least in theory).

When I was looking about a year ago there were a half-dozen or so companies that offered CableCARD-ready HTPC solutions. Dell was one, S1 Digital was another. Do a google search for "home theater pc cablecard" and you should turn up a bunch of them. If you want to know more about HTPC options you should check out the appropriate forum.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=26

Here are a couple of threads discussing CableCARD HTPCs in particular.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=952101
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=996967
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=924080
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=956724

This question is for people in Richmond and Hampton Roads:

Can anybody actually tune to 593 (Golf HD) or is everybody told they don't subscribe to it? I've seen numerous reports of it not working, I'm just wondering how it can take Vz nearly a week to get it fixed.

Hey kes,

In Richmond, still getting the not subscribed screen.

I read somewhere (AVS,DSLReports) that VHO8 was supposed to get Golf HD on 2/11, perhaps we will get it then also.

Craig, thanks for the info and the links.

Because you (presumably) will need CableCARDs, you'll have to purchase a complete HTPC from a vendor. Put another way, you won't be able to just go out and buy an off-the-shelf PC or custom build one, because the video cards that take CableCARDs are not available through regular retail channels. To some extent that mitigates the configuration issue, because you buy a complete system, plug it in, turn it on, and it works (at least in theory).

When I was looking about a year ago there were a half-dozen or so companies that offered CableCARD-ready HTPC solutions. Dell was one, S1 Digital was another. Do a google search for "home theater pc cablecard" and you should turn up a bunch of them. If you want to know more about HTPC options you should check out the appropriate forum.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=26

Here are a couple of threads discussing CableCARD HTPCs in particular.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=952101
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=996967
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=924080
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=956724

You're FAR FAR better off getting a Tivo HD. You can upgrade the hard drive, and it's much cheaper and better supported than a HTPC. If you have anyone else in your house that wants to use it, a HTPC is not the way to go.

Just get a Tivo HD, and you'll be thrilled.

You're FAR FAR better off getting a Tivo HD. You can upgrade the hard drive, and it's much cheaper and better supported than a HTPC. If you have anyone else in your house that wants to use it, a HTPC is not the way to go.

Just get a Tivo HD, and you'll be thrilled.

With an HTPC, in addition to using it like a DVR I can also rip my DVDs and CDs to the hard drive. I can then use a media extender (such as a 360) to access all that content on other televisions in the house. That seems like a big advantage to using an HTPC, at least for my household. I'm not sure what you mean about the "anyone else in your house that wants to use it" comment. Are you talking usability? I think my H880 would probably take care of that.

I've heard the support from the dedicated HTPC vendors is pretty good, but I've not had personal experience with it. Can you share some of your experience getting support for an HTPC?

You're absolutely right about TiVo being cheaper, if you've got one television in the house. Last time I looked an HTPC with dual CableCARD tuners was well over $2k compared to the TiVo HD XL large unit with a lifetime subscription for $1000. I don't know enough about TiVo to know what my options (and associated costs) are if I've got more than one television.

As with many things, it comes down to the specific needs of the person, their budget, and their environment. One size does not fit all. For some the TiVo is the way to go, for some the FiOS DVR is adequate, and for others an HTPC solution is the right answer. For me personally, I'm sticking with the FiOS DVR until HTPC prices come down and the economy improves.

With an HTPC, in addition to using it like a DVR I can also rip my DVDs and CDs to the hard drive. I can then use a media extender (such as a 360) to access all that content on other televisions in the house. That seems like a big advantage to using an HTPC, at least for my household. I'm not sure what you mean about the "anyone else in your house that wants to use it" comment. Are you talking usability? I think my H880 would probably take care of that.

I've heard the support from the dedicated HTPC vendors is pretty good, but I've not had personal experience with it. Can you share some of your experience getting support for an HTPC?

You're absolutely right about TiVo being cheaper, if you've got one television in the house. Last time I looked an HTPC with dual CableCARD tuners was well over $2k compared to the TiVo HD XL large unit with a lifetime subscription for $1000. I don't know enough about TiVo to know what my options (and associated costs) are if I've got more than one television.

As with many things, it comes down to the specific needs of the person, their budget, and their environment. One size does not fit all. For some the TiVo is the way to go, for some the FiOS DVR is adequate, and for others an HTPC solution is the right answer. For me personally, I'm sticking with the FiOS DVR until HTPC prices come down and the economy improves.


Tivo HD = $250. Add 1TB for $89. That's $350, for a TB DVR, Netflix, YouTube, music, pictures, and most everything people could possibly want from their TV. (If you can even consider using a HTPC, you can easily upgrade a Tivo HD hard drive.)

Get more than one Tivo HD, and you can watch anything on any TV.

And Tivo now supports playing video VOBs and MKVs, along with all the other formats they've always supported.

If you're interested in ripping DVDs/BDs in whole, with menus and all, well MCE/VMC is useless with extenders, as the media support in the extenders is horrible. So you're either putting HTPC's on every TV (getting very expensive), or doing lots of transcoding/ripping out of content into media files, or doing it like the vast majority of people do - by popping media into players.

(I should note that I have a huge RAID-5 media server, and HTPC's on 5 TV's in my house. I also have 6 Tivo S3/HD's. My family uses the Tivo HD's 80% of the time, and the HTPC's for DVD's and home movies the rest of the time, while I use the HTPC's a lot more.)

The bottom line is that the usability (and reliability) of a CE device like a Tivo is lightyears ahead of anything you can cobble together with a HTPC, no matter how hard you try.

This question is for people in Richmond and Hampton Roads:

Can anybody actually tune to 593 (Golf HD) or is everybody told they don't subscribe to it? I've seen numerous reports of it not working, I'm just wondering how it can take Vz nearly a week to get it fixed.

I got the same thing in Richmond and I'm on Extreme HD

I got the same thing in Richmond and I'm on Extreme HD

It is working here now.

Besides, I've had Fios for 4 years now. At $16/month, that comes out to $768.00.I was asked to look into this. FiOS TV service was not available until late 2005, so at best it's been available just over 3 years.

It is working here now.

Still waiting for 593 to be active here in north Los Angeles. I checked the online FiOS lineup and it doesn't appear in LA, but it's listed in Virginia Beach as you noted. Hopefully, the VHOs across the country gets this channel in.

I'm in Northern Virginia. Our guide jumps from channel 592 (Tennis) to 597 (WFN). But I can manually tune to channel 593 and it is the Golf channel showing golf programming. It doesn't show on the guide and there is no identifier. When tuned to 593, if I hit "info" it sjhows program data for the Tennis chanel on 592.

Strange. I wonder if there are other hidden channels I haven't "found" yet?

I'm in Northern Virginia. Our guide jumps from channel 592 (Tennis) to 597 (WFN). But I can manually tune to channel 593 and it is the Golf channel showing golf programming. It doesn't show on the guide and there is no identifier. When tuned to 593, if I hit "info" it sjhows program data for the Tennis chanel on 592.

Strange. I wonder if there are other hidden channels I haven't "found" yet?

Are you using change channels by Favorites, and have not added Golf HD to the favorites list yet?

I was asked to look into this. FiOS TV service was not available until late 2005, so at best it's been available just over 3 years.

Ken. The point of my post was the price of DVR. Not how long I've been using the service. For the record, I've had FIOS since 2004. The TV service did come later. When I wrote the post, I was guestimating how long I had actually had the TV service. Longer than 3 years, but not as long as 4 (I didn't get out a copy of my Vz bills to see the exact date that the TV service started.) Again, the context of my post was about the cost of the DVR over time, and NOT about how long I had the service. This only became an issue because ONE poster decided to digress and focus on a tangiential number, and then call me liar (which you deleted, and I thank you.)

Ken. The point of my post was the price of DVR. Not how long I've been using the service. For the record, I've had FIOS since 2004. The TV service did come later. When I wrote the post, I was guestimating how long I had actually had the TV service. Longer than 3 years, but not as long as 4 (I didn't get out a copy of my Vz bills to see the exact date that the TV service started.) Again, the context of my post was about the cost of the DVR over time, and NOT about how long I had the service. This only became an issue because ONE poster decided to digress and focus on a tangiential number, and then call me liar (which you deleted, and I thank you.)

I guess what it comes down to is the value of what you get and the features you'd like. I think the Tivo way of doing FIOS is great if you are willing to miss out on some FIOS features like VOD and the Multi room services. From what I've seen, Tivo can replace this with its own networking capabilities from DVR to DVR and a service like Netflix or Unbox (does it work with this?).

The fees in the long run may be a wash or be imbalanced in one way, but to my point of view, each has many positives.

FIOS DVR - leased DVR, HD/SD VOD, one stop service, one price, still being improved.
Tivo - Robust and stable UI, very good networking, including ability to copy recorded material to a PC, expandability.

Negatives:

FIOS DVR - growing pains, immature UI, lack of space, no native mode.
Tivo - Up front cost, cable card expense, extra expense to get Netflix or some VOD service, capital cost to replace if FIOS goes more to IPTV.

IMO, Tivo is a perfectly good alternative, in some respects superior. I prefer to lease a piece of equipment like this, since I can upgrade easily, so the bulk of my equipment will probably stay FIOS, but I may just get one or two Tivo units to take advantage of the features I like. Nothing wrong with a nice selection of alternatives.

IMO, Tivo is a perfectly good alternative, in some respects superior. I prefer to lease a piece of equipment like this, since I can upgrade easily, so the bulk of my equipment will probably stay FIOS, but I may just get one or two Tivo units to take advantage of the features I like. Nothing wrong with a nice selection of alternatives.

Good point. I am only considering replacing one of my FIOS DVR's with a TIVO unit.

I'm in Northern Virginia. Our guide jumps from channel 592 (Tennis) to 597 (WFN). But I can manually tune to channel 593 and it is the Golf channel showing golf programming. It doesn't show on the guide and there is no identifier. When tuned to 593, if I hit "info" it sjhows program data for the Tennis chanel on 592.
Completely normal for a new channel add. The channel gets added in the early AM hours, the guide data gets updated sometime during the day as part of a normal update and the new channel then shows up in the guide. If you want to see it in the guide, unplug the STB for 20 to 30 seconds, plug it back in to force a reload of the guide data from the servers. I just did that for the heck of it and 593 Golf HD is now in the guide.

Ok, so Verizon finally got around to adding a HD channel that went live in early December when Golf/Versus HD split. Now where is MLB HD, AMC HD, some of the Viacom HD channels, mainly Comedy Central HD?

Not a TV specific question, but does anyone know if you can get a better router for FIOS? MIne keeps dropping my Sonos connection for some reason, and my wireless range is really poor. I know I can add an access point for that, but then I need to deal with running more CAT5

Not a TV specific question, but does anyone know if you can get a better router for FIOS? MIne keeps dropping my Sonos connection for some reason, and my wireless range is really poor. I know I can add an access point for that, but then I need to deal with running more CAT5

I don't see why an access point would require difficult CAT-5 runs. I've got a setup where I have shut down the Adaptec (FIOS) router's wireless functions, turning it into a wired router only. I connect a Belkin N-router in series with it, shutting off the DNS and DHCP functions (turning it into an access point) and voila' there it is.

So my configuration is:

FIOS -> Adaptec Router (FIOS) -> Belkin N router.

Some posters feel better about:

FIOS -> Belkin N-router -> Adaptec router.

YMMV, I have good connectivity (20/5 plan) effectively get 20/5 metered on my wireless laptop (n-adapter, of course). The only extra CAT-5 run is from the Adaptec to the Belkin router, but they are right next to each other.

The reason I added the Belkin was to get the full draft N connectivity (108 Mbit/s) and expanded coverage, an improvement over the G connectivity that the Adaptec has. Some posters on here have been perfectly happy with their G service from Adaptec, so...

Ken. The point of my post was the price of DVR. Not how long I've been using the service. For the record, I've had FIOS since 2004. The TV service did come later. When I wrote the post, I was guestimating how long I had actually had the TV service. Longer than 3 years, but not as long as 4 (I didn't get out a copy of my Vz bills to see the exact date that the TV service started.) Again, the context of my post was about the cost of the DVR over time, and NOT about how long I had the service. This only became an issue because ONE poster decided to digress and focus on a tangiential number, and then call me liar (which you deleted, and I thank you.)

I fully understand.

I'm in Northern Virginia. Our guide jumps from channel 592 (Tennis) to 597 (WFN). But I can manually tune to channel 593 and it is the Golf channel showing golf programming. It doesn't show on the guide and there is no identifier. When tuned to 593, if I hit "info" it sjhows program data for the Tennis chanel on 592.

I just tried the guide and it's there now.

I guess what it comes down to is the value of what you get and the features you'd like. I think the Tivo way of doing FIOS is great if you are willing to miss out on some FIOS features like VOD and the Multi room services.

You can always get a FIOS HD STB for VOD. That's what I use. And TiVo already has the capability to watch recordings on another box. I can watch anything I record on one of my TiVos on any of my other six boxes.
HD is transferred in faster than realtime, even over a wireless connection. Plus it can also be transfered to and from a PC. TiVo is a much better solution that the multiroom offering FIOS has.

I don't see why an access point would require difficult CAT-5 runs. I've got a setup where I have shut down the Adaptec (FIOS) router's wireless functions, turning it into a wired router only. I connect a Belkin N-router in series with it, shutting off the DNS and DHCP functions (turning it into an access point) and voila' there it is.

So my configuration is:

FIOS -> Adaptec Router (FIOS) -> Belkin N router.

Some posters feel better about:

FIOS -> Belkin N-router -> Adaptec router.

YMMV, I have good connectivity (20/5 plan) effectively get 20/5 metered on my wireless laptop (n-adapter, of course). The only extra CAT-5 run is from the Adaptec to the Belkin router, but they are right next to each other.

The reason I added the Belkin was to get the full draft N connectivity (108 Mbit/s) and expanded coverage, an improvement over the G connectivity that the Adaptec has. Some posters on here have been perfectly happy with their G service from Adaptec, so...

I can hit 20/5 with wireless G from my Dlink DGL4500 router(it also has 5Ghz N but I can't use it in my location since the external Dlink antenna I use only works at 2.4Ghz) but I got a 5Ghz wireless N access point( Dlink DAP1522(can be used as an access point or wireless bridge))so I can always hit my 50/20 speeds. When I was using 2.4Ghz wireless N that wasn't always the case. Plus my transfer speeds on my gigabit network are much faster with my laptops using 5Ghz N than with 2.4Ghz N.

You can always get a FIOS HD STB for VOD. That's what I use. And TiVo already has the capability to watch recordings on another box. I can watch anything I record on one of my TiVos on any of my other six boxes.

Could you be more specific about what would be required to do this? Do I need both TiVo boxes to be the same (both HD, both SD)? Do I have to pay a monthly fee for both boxes? Is there any way to do this with a less expensive box on the second TV? Does TiVo automatically downscale HD recordings if you're watching them on an SD TV?

Completely normal for a new channel add. The channel gets added in the early AM hours, the guide data gets updated sometime during the day as part of a normal update and the new channel then shows up in the guide. If you want to see it in the guide, unplug the STB for 20 to 30 seconds, plug it back in to force a reload of the guide data from the servers. I just did that for the heck of it and 593 Golf HD is now in the guide.

Ok, so Verizon finally got around to adding a HD channel that went live in early December when Golf/Versus HD split. Now where is MLB HD, AMC HD, some of the Viacom HD channels, mainly Comedy Central HD?

Thanks. I read your reply at work and was going to reset the STB when I got home. But when I turned on the TV's all the guides had reset by themselves and 593 was listed.

Thanks again!

As was expected, Golf HD is now live on 593 in VHO8 (DE/PA/South Jersey).

No other changes noticed as of now.

You can always get a FIOS HD STB for VOD. That's what I use. And TiVo already has the capability to watch recordings on another box. I can watch anything I record on one of my TiVos on any of my other six boxes.


I was under the impression that Vz didn't have an HD STB that wasn't the DVR. Or do I have it backwards, and the only DVR Verizon has is the HD one?

I was under the impression that Vz didn't have an HD STB that wasn't the DVR. Or do I have it backwards, and the only DVR Verizon has is the HD one?

I have the Motorola QIP6200. But I've had it for 1.5 years now so maybe they don't use non-DVR boxes anymore.
Even if they only use DVR boxes now the price would be the same as my box, $10. Since the DVR function wouldn't be used if you were paying for a STB.
Anyway I only use my box for VOD. Even if it was a DVR I wouldn't use it for watching anything bit VOD since the FIOS DVR doesn't come close to how good the TiVo is.

Could you be more specific about what would be required to do this? Do I need both TiVo boxes to be the same (both HD, both SD)? Do I have to pay a monthly fee for both boxes? Is there any way to do this with a less expensive box on the second TV? Does TiVo automatically downscale HD recordings if you're watching them on an SD TV?

I only use series 3 tiVos and TiVoHD boxes, but I believe that SD content(recorded from analog) can be transferred between those boxes and the Series 2 boxes. I'm not sure though since I don't use a Series 2 box.
For transfer the boxes do need to be on the same account, but this is nothing new, and of course there is a TiVo monthly fee, or you can get lifetime service. The monthly fee or lifetime service costs less after your first tiVo. Lifetime is $299 instead of $399. I'm not sure what the monthly fee is now though. I pay $6.95 for the boxes I have on monthly.

For an SD set you would use the Svideo or composite output. My girlfriend uses a TiVo HD on a Sony set she has from the late 80's. She uses the TiVoHD composite output and has no problems viewing the programming from the local digital channels. She only gets programming from OTA so I gave her a couple of TiVoHD boxes a year ago so she would be ready for the change from analog broadcasting.

You can always get a FIOS HD STB for VOD. That's what I use. And TiVo already has the capability to watch recordings on another box. I can watch anything I record on one of my TiVos on any of my other six boxes.
HD is transferred in faster than realtime, even over a wireless connection. Plus it can also be transfered to and from a PC. TiVo is a much better solution that the multiroom offering FIOS has.

I actually thought about doing the same, since we do use VOD a lot and Tivo is very nice. The problem I have is that as far as TV goes, I live with a group of people with Video ADD, if it is not one click away (I have standardized on Logitech remotes), they won't use it. If I tell them they have to wait to change over to another box, even for a second, there'll be a revolt.

I agree that Tivo's networking is much better.

I can hit 20/5 with wireless G from my Dlink DGL4500 router(it also has 5Ghz N but I can't use it in my location since the external Dlink antenna I use only works at 2.4Ghz) but I got a 5Ghz wireless N access point( Dlink DAP1522(can be used as an access point or wireless bridge))so I can always hit my 50/20 speeds. When I was using 2.4Ghz wireless N that wasn't always the case. Plus my transfer speeds on my gigabit network are much faster with my laptops using 5Ghz N than with 2.4Ghz N.

Nice. I got my router a while ago, it works at 2.4 GHz. The 5GHz routers don't have to contend with all of the interference in a household that 2.4GHz do. Think of all of the items in a house that are continually around that spectrum: wireless phones, microwaves, etc. So getting clean spectrum (5 GHz) ensures a much cleaner signal, faster throughput. One of the bad compromises the manufacturers made was to deploy wireless routers at that wavelength; if you scan the 2.4 GHz area, very few channels are available without some junk interfering.

I have probably a dumb question. If I was to buy a TiVO would I have to tell Verizon or could I just hook it up and start using it? The current HDDVR is just too small for HD recording in my opionion. 20 hours, not enough.

I have probably a dumb question. If I was to buy a TiVO would I have to tell Verizon or could I just hook it up and start using it? The current HDDVR is just too small for HD recording in my opionion. 20 hours, not enough.
To use a Tivo HD, you would have to rent/lease Vzn cable card(s) or you will not be able to receive anything but OTA signals. Additionally, no guide info, thus no scheduled recordings. So, you will have to tell them.

It was announced yesterday FIOS TV will NOT launch NBA TV or League Pass for this season.

No reason was given..but it had to be contractual, as the equipment for this was sitting in the VHO's since October of last year.

Big disappointment there (for NBA TV, that is).

MASN HD is in VZ's plans - I can confirm, that things are in place to launch this when it goes full-time.
Are you able to clarify this for me? It's my understanding that MASN HD is going full time this baseball season (April). Does that mean in suburban Maryland I'm going to get the Orioles games in HD this season? If so that would seem to contradict this (http://masnsports.com/2009/01/os-in-hd.html)post from MASN itself.

Are you able to clarify this for me? It's my understanding that MASN HD is going full time this baseball season (April). Does that mean in suburban Maryland I'm going to get the Orioles games in HD this season? If so that would seem to contradict this (http://masnsports.com/2009/01/os-in-hd.html)post from MASN itself.

Well, the foreboding post over at DSL Reports that the engineers have no idea what the contract guys/marketing have actually accomplished gains more and more traction.

To use a Tivo HD, you would have to rent/lease Vzn cable card(s) or you will not be able to receive anything but OTA signals. Additionally, no guide info, thus no scheduled recordings. So, you will have to tell them.

You should still have guide info without the cable cards, at least for the OTA stuff. The guide info comes from TiVo itself and is what you pay the subscription for. You can, in theory, buy a TiVo HD only for OTA recording (though, that would be a rather large waste of money when you can buy something like Dish's DTVPal for much less and have no service fee.)

Sports fans are really getting jerked around by Fios. Very disappointing.

Well, the Los Angeles VHO finally has Golf Channel HD on 593 as of today, after two months of Golf splitting with VS.

It's very disconcerting to know Verizon Fios has been lying too us all along about getting NBA TV and NBA League Pass in HD. I'm geting tired of lame excuses like certain things that made the deal fall through. For goodness sake, it was supposed to be there last December according to the Verison lineup. They better not dare go back on their word and pass on MLB TV HD and Extra Innings in HD.
If Verizon Fios wants to win back any sense of the word respect from customers like me, they better do the following between now and the end of 09. Add not only NBA TV and League Pass in HD, but get ALL RSN channels that deliver 24/7 HD, All Viacom channels in HD, All Rainbow Media channels in HD, MSNBC HD, and upgrade their stale SD picture. I didn't leave COX just to be bamboozled by Fios' outrageous claims of channels that were never meant to be.

The FIOS SD picture is fine when you use a TiVo. Easily much better than SD from DirecTV or Comcast.

So I'm thrilled with FIOS, and SD and HD picture quality. I'm also happy with the current channel lineup.

That being said, I like new things too. Is there any news of new channels coming to FIOS? Like the VIACOM set, or the .TV set, or anything else?

No big deal, as it currently seems to have everything I need, but again, I always like more... (and I don't care about sports)

FiOS isn't missing much.

If you are Hockey (NHL and College), Soccer, NASCAR, Baseball (MLB), Football (NFL and College), Tennis, Golf, Basketball (College), Outdoors man, Fishing, Horse Racing, Kick Boxing (MMA), and others I probably missed you have to love it!

Just not having the NBA channel or NBA League Pass is far from FiOS being disappointing to sports fans.

Once FiOS has NBA League pass what will be missing? The Checkers channel? :D

Did anyone experience sound issues with CBS in NY last night. I TiVo'ed Survivor, but there was no sound. I'm wondering if it's a FIOS NY issue or a TiVoHD issue.

No issues in North Jersey.

Did anyone experience sound issues with CBS in NY last night. I TiVo'ed Survivor, but there was no sound. I'm wondering if it's a FIOS NY issue or a TiVoHD issue.

Did anyone experience sound issues with CBS in NY last night. I TiVo'ed Survivor, but there was no sound. I'm wondering if it's a FIOS NY issue or a TiVoHD issue.

I TiVo'ed it from FIOS with no issue in Central NJ (FIOS FREEHOLD)

If someone could help me out here, I'd appreciate it. Quite awhile ago there was someone who I think was in this thread that had a comparison of V* D* and E* with the corresponding bitrates and screen shots. Can someone help me find the link? It may or may not have been in this thread. Thank you.

If someone could help me out here, I'd appreciate it. Quite awhile ago there was someone who I think was in this thread that had a comparison of V* D* and E* with the corresponding bitrates and screen shots. Can someone help me find the link? It may or may not have been in this thread. Thank you.

Not sure about D*, but I believe you may be talking about bfdtv's good work in this:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1008271

Not sure about D*, but I believe you may be talking about bfdtv's good work in this:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1008271

i saw that but i thought there was a comparison with d*? Maybe I was mistaken...

I would love to switch to FIOS for TV, but I got tot tell you I need to have the sports packages! As far as I can tell, Directv is still the best, with not only selection, but selection in HD. I currently get the NBA League pass and NHL package, and I can see my beloved Celtics and Rangers in glorious HD 90% of the time. The rest of the time it is in SD, and although painful to watch, I can still watch it. Has FIOS improved their HD offerings on these packages? I also had the MLB package last year to watch the Red Sox, and I would say I could see them in HD 80% of the time. Can FIOS do better? I love their internet service, and would like to bundle it all...

Head over to the Verizon FiOS forum over on DSL reports. Lots of info there. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/vzfiostv

The Baseball Channel is up and running in SD. Verizon promises to have HD by the start of spring training.

The NHL Network is up and running in SD and HD, including Hockey Night in Canada every Saturday night. NHL Center Ice is also available (poor SD quality, you can search the forum).

A sticky on the packages: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r21263024-Extreme-HD-and-Essentials-Information

Don't know if anyone noticed this, but FiOS is running a free preview of NHL Center Ice this week, including the HD channel.

Don't know if anyone noticed this, but FiOS is running a free preview of NHL Center Ice this week, including the HD channel.

Checked it out, it looks great.

Watched a couple of games last night. Awesome!

I just don't understand Verizon marketing. If Center Ice is being previewed this week, it obviously is doing so to attract new subscribers. But if it is not promoted, how can they expect new viewers? I just checked the message board and it says nothing about this. Maybe those channels are not lit up by my VHO - I'll have to check tonight. The only message I have is about them discontinuing the Varsity Network from 1/27. That message ends with "We strive to keep our customers informed." Yeah, right!

I found it on the message page, but it didn't give the popup I normally get when a new message comes in.

I just checked the message board and it says nothing about this. Maybe those channels are not lit up by my VHO - I'll have to check tonight.
I just checked the messages on my DVR and there is a message titled "Free Acess to NHL Center Ice posted 2/16/2009 4 PM. I should check out the SD channels when the Center Ice games are on to see how badly compressed they look with all 14 of them crammed on QAM 12.

SD channels are pretty bad, but the Kings-Sharks game tonight on the HD channel from CSNBA is spectacular. The earlier game from FSN Florida was apparently converted from their native 720p to 1080i by iNDEMAND and didn't look nearly as good as the CSN game or what we get locally from FSN Southwest.

Well I am happily able to watch Sharks vs. Kings right now, thanks to the heads-up given here at AVS. Otherwise, I'd be relegated to the repeats of The Office and 30 Rock.

Our message board is still stuck on the Varsity Network drop announcement. <Mumble, mumble.>

I should check out the SD channels when the Center Ice games are on to see how badly compressed they look with all 14 of them crammed on QAM 12.14 on 1?!?!? Yikes...

14 on 1?!?!? Yikes...

Yeah, the SD stuff was pretty bad but I will concur with the two HD games!

I switched over to see the listings of games yesterday, and the SD feed of that list was so bad that you could hardly read the names of the clubs!

14 on 1?!?!? Yikes...
This is not Verizon's fault. The packed In-Demand SD channels are sent out that way to satisfy the limited bandwidth availability of the cable companies. But I would assume they use a dynamic allocation scheme for the 14 channels. If they have only 6-7 active games on with the rest of the 14 channel showing static screens, they should be able to provide decent QAM bandwidth to the 6-7 active SD games. But if they have 10 or more SD games live, Yikes is right. If they share the bandspace with the Extra Innings MLB package, the SD picture quality could be terrible come early April when the NHL and MLB seasons overlap. "Honey, I think it is a baseball game because of the green background, not hockey."

The HD In-Demand channel is on QAM 54, so it is not compressed as are the SD set. The HD and SD channels are in the clear, BTW, on QAM 27 [edit] (SD) and 54 so anyone with a clear QAM tuner hooked up can watch them for the duration of the preview period.

Someday soon they will have to provide HD versions for all the In-Demand games. Since the major cable companies jointly own the In-Demand service, they will probably pre-package it to provide 3 or 4 HD sub-channels per QAM channel.

I'm wondering how much is the STB firmware problem vs. actual SD quality. Static graphics (game schedule) should be clear, but was barely legible. Compression shouldn't do too much damage to an image that's not moving.

HD quality was not as good as CSN. This is Philly area. It seems that CSN HD is better than Center Ice everywhere.

I'm still not signing up unless SD is fixed. Time is running out.

Can someone with a TiVo chime in on the SD quality of CI? My tivo is temporarily down while I do some remodeling.

My STB was rebooted a couple of times around 4am today. Any reports on what was pushed?

All of my SD channels in NYC come in as 528x480 with a 3mbps tops bitrate, according to the firewire. Terrible, plus I can no longer record from CBS HD.

Funny Story:

My Cousin is an Installer with Comcast. Last night my Mom talked to my Aunt and she was upset - Comcast told my Cousin that he could lose his Job because too many people were getting FiOS.

She went on and on, apparently with the Cousins facts, about how people just don't know about the 'High Price' of FiOS service and that when the Promotional Prices end you are socked with an extremely high Bill. She said she was talking to everyone she knows about this, warning them up front that they'll be paying at least $50 or more for FiOS over the initial price. She wants to file a complaint with the BBB that it's not right that Comcast gives you a firm/set price right up front and Verizon commits Fraud by letting people think they will get such a good price forever.

Just too funny .......
Maybe not so for me because I'll hear about me 'Paying too much for TV' forever......
The Black Sheep of the family scores another one !

One thing we don't want to see is FIOS's competition going down. That will just mean higher prices and lousier customer service in the future for us all. I hope that Comcast can ride out the storm and provide a better product so that we all can benefit from the competition.

how people just don't know about the 'High Price' of FiOS service and that when the Promotional Prices end you are socked with an extremely high Bill

You mean kinda like Comcast does with their initial pricing?

She wants to file a complaint with the BBB that it's not right that Comcast gives you a firm/set price right up front and Verizon commits Fraud by letting people think they will get such a good price forever.

You mean kinda like Comcast does with their initial pricing?

But seriously, if I don't like the deal Verizon offers when my contract is up, I'll give Comcast a call. If they don't want to do what it takes to retain me as a customer then I'll look elsewhere. These days price is a far bigger factor for me than a technically higher PQ.

And Comcast does the same thing.
At least in this area. But the FIOS picture quality is much better. And Comcast can't touch the 24/7 internet speed you get with FIOS around here.

Although that might be different now that over 50% of the people in my area have switched from Comcast to FIOS. When everyone was on Comcast, the internet speeds would slow to a crawl in the evening. So maybe now since most people left Comcast in this area, maybe now the speeds are consistent.

Funny Story:

My Cousin is an Installer with Comcast. Last night my Mom talked to my Aunt and she was upset - Comcast told my Cousin that he could lose his Job because too many people were getting FiOS.

She went on and on, apparently with the Cousins facts, about how people just don't know about the 'High Price' of FiOS service and that when the Promotional Prices end you are socked with an extremely high Bill. She said she was talking to everyone she knows about this, warning them up front that they'll be paying at least $50 or more for FiOS over the initial price. She wants to file a complaint with the BBB that it's not right that Comcast gives you a firm/set price right up front and Verizon commits Fraud by letting people think they will get such a good price forever.

Just too funny .......
Maybe not so for me because I'll hear about me 'Paying too much for TV' forever......
The Black Sheep of the family scores another one !

Funny Story:

My Cousin is an Installer with Comcast. Last night my Mom talked to my Aunt and she was upset - Comcast told my Cousin that he could lose his Job because too many people were getting FiOS.


She said she was talking to everyone she knows about this, warning them up front that they'll be paying at least $50 or more for FiOS over the initial price. She wants to file a complaint with the BBB that it's not right that Comcast gives you a firm/set price right up front and Verizon commits Fraud by letting people think they will get such a good price forever.



and Comcast doesn't do that?
They tried jacking up my bill BY $50 without telling me.
Fios will let you roll over your packages.

What would you rather have for aorund $90?
40 channels total (NO ESPN,NO RSN) ,768K and local calls only or 356 channels (includes 60 HD),20000K down/5000K up and unlimited calls to the US

You guys seem to have missed the point of 'Funny' as in ridiculous. This was just a story about an Aunt, that knows no better, trying to over-protect her son by defending Comcast and being at least a good bit off the mark.

I have FiOS, by the way and love it ! My problem is that I'll now have to defend it against the relatives.

My Cousin's not quite bright. Back in the day, he bought a HD-Ready TV (No HD Tuner) and bragged that he was the first to get real HD TV in the area. I asked him what HD channels he was getting and he was dumbfounded by the question - it was the ol' wrong-headed standby at the time that it was not the signal/channel that's HD, it was the width and quality of the TV. Can you say Stretch-O-Vision ? I'm glad I don't have to explain the dif anymore to anyone, at least not lately.

You guys seem to have missed the point of 'Funny' as in ridiculous. This was just a story about an Aunt, that knows no better, trying to over-protect her son by defending Comcast and being at least a good bit off the mark.

I got it, I just forgot to put the smilies at the end of my comments.

Oh well, she's defending her son. I can't blame her for that, particularly in this economy.

and Comcast doesn't do that?
They tried jacking up my bill BY $50 without telling me.
Fios will let you roll over your packages.

What would you rather have for aorund $90?
40 channels total (NO ESPN,NO RSN) ,768K and local calls only or 356 channels (includes 60 HD),20000K down/5000K up and unlimited calls to the US

Not to mention their on-going rate increases. Comcast had not one, but two rate increases last year alone and provide nothing to the consumer in return! Not even one new HD channel! (Counting pay channels, they only have about 25 HD channels,with nothing on the horizon.) That's a tiny amount for what they charge. With only Internet and HD (no phone), I was paying $180 a month (including premiums)! With FiOS, I have over 103 HD channels, Internet, and phone for $142 a month. Right now, thats saving $100 a month. And while I know that may change after a year, it should still be far below what Comcast will be charging by then. Still, I hope the cousin doesn't lose his job and that competition continues. But Comcast brought it on themselves by putting their subscribers last.

Anyone else notice that the guide info for the MLB network has been very inaccurate for the last week or so :mad:

I want to set up my DVR to record MLB Tonight as a series and I can't because it still says HOT STOVE

This is really frustrating because there has been lots of programs including
"30 in 30" that I can't record because it's not on the program guide

Anyone else having this problem ???

The guide data is the worst. You can setup manual recordings if you know the time your programs are on.

Anyone else notice that the guide info for the MLB network has been very inaccurate for the last week or so :mad:

I want to set up my DVR to record MLB Tonight as a series and I can't because it still says HOT STOVE

This is really frustrating because there has been lots of programs including
"30 in 30" that I can't record because it's not on the program guide

Anyone else having this problem ???

Anyone else notice that the guide info for the MLB network has been very inaccurate for the last week or so :mad:

I want to set up my DVR to record MLB Tonight as a series and I can't because it still says HOT STOVE

This is really frustrating because there has been lots of programs including
"30 in 30" that I can't record because it's not on the program guide

Anyone else having this problem ???


You can go to the MLB Network home page here: http://mlb.mlb.com/network/

Click on the TV schedule to see what programs are being offered and then set up your DVR accordingly.

Per DSL Reports, the MLB HD roll out began today with the North Texas market.

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r21965525-HD-Northeast-Celtics-away-games-on-577

some HD games are being shown on 577 in the NE market (which in some markets, including Oregon, would be the CSN-HD sports channel).

In Oregon, we've only had the CSN NW standard def channel (77) all season long to watch the Blazers, which is unfortunate as the Blazers home games can be seen in HD on CSN, only if you have Comcast. My Comcast buddies have been rubbing it in my face all season, which hasn't been fun to endure.

If Verizon has worked it out in one market, maybe it will be reaching other markets for the remainder of the season. I was seriously contemplating dropping Verizon just for this reason (and the lack of NBA TV this season).

I know I'll be checking 577 tonight during the Blazers/Rockets game to see if anything shows up in the Oregon market (and most definitely during their next home game on CSN).

Did I make a mistake. I have an appointment to have fios triple package and give up cablevision

Per DSL Reports, the MLB HD roll out began today with the North Texas market.

Just read its also in Washington Metro area...

Here in Southern California we have guide info for MLB HD but the channel won't tune in YET :)

I have a question for those that are familiar with the coax db limiters. I moved into a new house at the end of Jan and had my Fios service transferred. at the old residence, i very rarely ever saw any artifacts while watching tv. at the new house, with the same stb, but with the new ONT (previous residence had an older ONT that had an ethernet run to the router) i see blips of artifacts on certain HD channels, predominately on FX. the new house also has homeruns from every room back to the ONT where the tech installed a multi-port coax "hub". i was thinking that it's probably the station, but I have a couple of 3db limiters left over from my old house that i could try to see if it gets rid of the problem. i know i could have just tried it before posting, but i want to see what you guys think. the tv is a Pioneer 4360 if that matters.

My Comcast buddies have been rubbing it in my face all season, which hasn't been fun to endure.

You could always rub their face in the amount of money you save every month over what they pay.

Just read its also in Washington Metro area...

MLB went live sometime overnight in Richmond... it wasn't in the guide until I reset the STB.

.TV HD channels probably will launch soon too....

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/179838-Crawford_Communications_Selected_By_Entertainment_Studios_Fo r_HD_Networks_Transmission.php

MLB went live sometime overnight in Richmond... it wasn't in the guide until I reset the STB.

MLB-HD live here in Hampton Roads, VA. full guide info-no reset needed.

Did I make a mistake. I have an appointment to have fios triple package and give up cablevision

No, you did not make a mistake. Fios is not perfect but it is much much better than anything I have seen. The phone is crystal clear, the internet is very fast and the picture in the tv service is much much better than cable could ever do. And the service is usually up almost all the time. I only had the service go down once, and that was due to a fire on a pole down the street.

I have a question for those that are familiar with the coax db limiters. I moved into a new house at the end of Jan and had my Fios service transferred. at the old residence, i very rarely ever saw any artifacts while watching tv. at the new house, with the same stb, but with the new ONT (previous residence had an older ONT that had an ethernet run to the router) i see blips of artifacts on certain HD channels, predominately on FX. the new house also has homeruns from every room back to the ONT where the tech installed a multi-port coax "hub". i was thinking that it's probably the station, but I have a couple of 3db limiters left over from my old house that i could try to see if it gets rid of the problem. i know i could have just tried it before posting, but i want to see what you guys think. the tv is a Pioneer 4360 if that matters.

Sure give the limiters (Attenuators) a try. Having homeruns is the best way to have the cable run. Sometime fios can be too "hot". So if your signal is too strong it could cause you problems. But often in can just be the channel.

I have a question for those that are familiar with the coax db limiters. I moved into a new house at the end of Jan and had my Fios service transferred. at the old residence, i very rarely ever saw any artifacts while watching tv. at the new house, with the same stb, but with the new ONT (previous residence had an older ONT that had an ethernet run to the router) i see blips of artifacts on certain HD channels, predominately on FX. the new house also has homeruns from every room back to the ONT where the tech installed a multi-port coax "hub". i was thinking that it's probably the station, but I have a couple of 3db limiters left over from my old house that i could try to see if it gets rid of the problem. i know i could have just tried it before posting, but i want to see what you guys think. the tv is a Pioneer 4360 if that matters.
Problems with FX HD aren't on your end. The same minor glitches are present everywhere, even on other providers like Comcast. Something is wrong with the FX HD feed and has been for quite a while. I've run recordings of the channel through programs like MPEG2Repair that detect errors, and they come out clean, which means the errors are being introduced upstream of the encoder.

Problems with FX HD aren't on your end. The same minor glitches are present everywhere, even on other providers like Comcast. Something is wrong with the FX HD feed and has been for quite a while. I've run recordings of the channel through programs like MPEG2Repair that detect errors, and they come out clean, which means the errors are being introduced upstream of the encoder.

thanks. due to the nature of the anomoly, my gut feeling was that it was from the broadcast. if it were a cabling or signal problem, i figured i'd see it on all channels all the time, which isn't the case. but i didn't want to rule out quick dumb fixes either which is why i asked here. FWIW, i just checked the system info in the guide and the OOB db is 24. i thought it was supposed to be near zero?

Quick question. Anyone know how to reformat the QIP HD? It seems to be smaller than it should be, almost like it has hidden files on it. I used to be able to reformat the Comcast Moto HD, but could not find any info online on how to do the Fios box. Thanks in advance.

Did I make a mistake. I have an appointment to have fios triple package and give up cablevision
I did that 3 years ago and never regretted it

Just did the same witrh Comcast. Major difference is that Comcast has more HD OnDemand movies than FiOS does. And FiOS charges one dollar more for them. But you can take heart in having far more HD channels than Cablevision provided.

thanks. due to the nature of the anomoly, my gut feeling was that it was from the broadcast. if it were a cabling or signal problem, i figured i'd see it on all channels all the time, which isn't the case. but i didn't want to rule out quick dumb fixes either which is why i asked here. FWIW, i just checked the system info in the guide and the OOB db is 24. i thought it was supposed to be near zero?

A cabling problem can only affect certain frequencies. Just in the past week I started having around 8 channels pixelate and with two channels the signal strength dropped so low I couldn't even get a picture. I checked all my connections internally and everything was fine. I just checked the ONT this morning and the coax cable was loose only by a 1/8 turn. I tightend the cable by that 1/8 turn and now all my signal strengths are between 90 and 100(the FIOS pictures would pixelate when it dropped below 70 on my TiVos). And those two channels that had disappeared are now at a full 100 signal strength(on my four TiVos on FIOS).

Is anyone else having issues with NHL Network ( 587 )? I get constant break ups and pixelizations while all my other channels are fine.

I occasionally see a breakup during the games from CBC/TSN, but usually the NHL Network bug still comes through, indicating that it's a problem with the signal NHLN is receiving rather than the one FiOS gets. I rarely see problems during their own programming like On the Fly, Voices, etc.

Just did the same witrh Comcast. Major difference is that Comcast has more HD OnDemand movies than FiOS does. And FiOS charges one dollar more for them. But you can take heart in having far more HD channels than Cablevision provided.


I have been with DirecTV for over 10 years. Is Fios really that much better...is it worth the hassale of me switching systems. I have a 50 inch and 60 inch pioneer elite. Will I really see a big difference.

I switched from Comcast. BUT... before I did I visited everyone I could to see for myself what FiOS was all about. I also read everything I could so that I would have few if any surprises as to what to expect from picture quality, hardware, and the installation.

If you can do the same then you will know if switching from DirecTV is right for you.

BTW, my choice was down to either DirecTV or FiOS so what you have, IMHO, is better than what I had to start with.

I have been with DirecTV for over 10 years. Is Fios really that much better...is it worth the hassale of me switching systems. I have a 50 inch and 60 inch pioneer elite. Will I really see a big difference.

Strange....

I see 593 perfectly well with guide data on my Moto Box. On my Tivo I see the channel but get the banner still says 'To Be Announced' and of course no guide data. So I re ran Guided Setup 2 days ago but still the same.

Before I call the wonderful people at Tivo Customer Service - any ideas?

Thanks

Those who have Fios should consider yourselves lucky. If those without are getting a solicitation to add Fios, it's probably only because the hub for your route has already been built.

Verizon has STOPPED all new FTTP hub construction in many areas. This is an executive decision that came out in January. My route was due to come out of engineering in January. I even have the work order number. It's been delayed indefinitely, probably until sometime in 2010. Verizon claims it's because of the economic downturn. BS. I've heard it's so that they can concentrate their resources on a big buildout in Manhattan.

Folks, if you want Fios and don't already have a hub in your area and you don't live in Manhattan, you probably have a very long wait. I can't describe how frustrated I am with Verizon over their decision. After waiting for 3 years for Fios to come to my area, I'm guessing Verizon's decision to stop construction came out a week before the work order for my property was due to be released, so I missed it by 1 or so weeks.

If Verizon ever comes to their senses and realizes how much money they are losing from potential customers like myself and starts their buildouts again, I may take the Internet as I need the upload speed, but but I'll never take it for it's TV. I just can't justify giving any more of my money than I have to to a company demonstrating such unfairness and greed.

Verizon sucks big time as their greed and stupidity rears it's ugly head.

You're basing this info on what source ? You also don't indicate where you are located.

I have been with DirecTV for over 10 years. Is Fios really that much better...is it worth the hassale of me switching systems. I have a 50 inch and 60 inch pioneer elite. Will I really see a big difference.

Yes. I switched from Comcast back in the summer. It's a night & day difference. You will see uncompressed HD - it is (IMHO) the best of all the providers for HD.

You have excellent displays (I too have an Elite panel). They will appreciate the difference.

Plus, faster & more reliable internet.

And, I'd guess you'll get all this for less $$$. I cut my bill over 40%.

Quirks and all... it's worth the effort.

Yes. I switched from Comcast back in the summer. It's a night & day difference. You will see uncompressed HD - it is (IMHO) the best of all the providers for HD.

Plus, faster & more reliable internet.

And, I'd guess you'll get all this for less $$$. I cut my bill over 40%.

Quirks and all... it's worth the effort.I wish FiOS would add Cartoon Network HD and Nickelodeon HD. Plus with DirecTV, they also have the West Coast feeds of these channels. I would save money with FiOS but I'm getting "more" with DirecTV (the channels we watch). I do have FiOS Internet and landline... No issues...

What does Manhattan have to do with other areas? I could possibly see in the areas nearby, but what are they going to do, fly all their techs from around the country to New York?

Those who have FIOS should consider yourselves lucky. If those without are getting a solicitation to add Fios, it's probably only because the hub for your route has already been built.

Verizon has STOPPED all new FTTP hub construction in many areas. This is an executive decision that came out in January. My route was due to come out of engineering in January. I even have the work order number. It's been delayed indefinitely, probably until sometime in 2010. Verizon claims it's because of the economic downturn. BS. I've heard it's so that they can concentrate their resources on a big buildout in Manhattan.

Folks, if you want Fios and don't already have a hub in your area and you don't live in Manhattan, you probably have a very long wait. I can't describe how frustrated I am with Verizon over their decision. After waiting for 3 years for Fios to come to my area, I'm guessing Verizon's decision to stop construction came out a week before the work order for my property was due to be released, so I missed it by 1 or so weeks.

If Verizon ever comes to their senses and realizes how much money they are losing from potential customers like myself and starts their buildouts again, I may take the Internet as I need the upload speed, but but I'll never take it for it's TV. I just can't justify giving any more of my money than I have to to a company demonstrating such unfairness and greed.

Verizon sucks big time as their greed and stupidity rears it's ugly head.

I wish FiOS would add Cartoon Network HD and Nickelodeon HD. Plus with DirecTV, they also have the West Coast feeds of these channels. I would save money with FiOS but I'm getting "more" with DirecTV (the channels we watch). I do have FiOS Internet and landline... No issues...

Those channels are coming. Not sure about the west coast feeds for them, but the mains are coming. When, is a different story :)

If you already have the phone & internet - bundling with TV will save you some $$$.

For me, it's all about HD picture quality. FIOS is the best. The few missing channels are not a show stopper (for me).

Those channels are coming. Not sure about the west coast feeds for them, but the mains are coming. When, is a different story :)

If you already have the phone & internet - bundling with TV will save you some $$$.

For me, it's all about HD picture quality. FIOS is the best. The few missing channels are not a show stopper (for me).Generally I would agree with you but those missing channels are significantly watched here plus I get all locals OTA with no issues...

Anyone know what happened to STARZ OnDemand HD? As of yesterday, it seems to have disappeared from FiOS.

Verizon sucks big time as their greed and stupidity rears it's ugly head.

They're greedy because they don't want to go bankrupt? Verizon has already invested $23B in FiOS construction, can you really blame them for wanting to slow down spending and maybe get some return on that investment? Especially since borrowing is so difficult these days. Many companies are going under just because they can't get cash to keep going.
It's also still fairly early in the year, budgets still being developed and re-prioritized. The Manhattan work may have started with funding last year.

Anyone know what happened to STARZ OnDemand HD? As of yesterday, it seems to have disappeared from FiOS.

Mass still has it

What does Manhattan have to do with other areas? I could possibly see in the areas nearby, but what are they going to do, fly all their techs from around the country to New York?

Let me explain this to you. I'll go very slow to help you out.

Company A is going to simultaneously do something at sites 1, 2, and 3. Workers and materials will be needed at sites 1,2, and 3. Then the company decides they don't want to spend that much money at one time. So they say, stop 2 and 3. Materials don't need to be purchased for sites 2 and 3. The workers at sites 2, and 3 aren't going to be flown to site 1. They will be given other tasks, if available or they will be laid off. Or if more workers are needed at site 1, they may be given the opportunity to relocate. There are other options if you think about instead of trying to be so snide.

They're greedy because they don't want to go bankrupt? Verizon has already invested $23B in FiOS construction, can you really blame them for wanting to slow down spending and maybe get some return on that investment? Especially since borrowing is so difficult these days. Many companies are going under just because they can't get cash to keep going.


Good to know you are so involved and knowledgeable about Verizon's business practices. Do you work at their corporate headquarters?

I understand the corporate mentality. And it's well known that corporations frequently make very bad decisions. I really doubt that Verizon is near bankruptcy. Most people haven't given up their phones in this economic time.

But, please enlighten us on how Verizon's financial dealings are going and where and when this bankruptcy will happen. Maybe I should sell my phone before Verizon collapses.

So is Verizon actively negotiating with Viacom to get their new HD channels?

Company A is going to simultaneously do something at sites 1, 2, and 3. Workers and materials will be needed at sites 1,2, and 3. Then the company decides they don't want to spend that much money at one time. So they say, stop 2 and 3. Materials don't need to be purchased for sites 2 and 3. The workers at sites 2, and 3 aren't going to be flown to site 1. They will be given other tasks, if available or they will be laid off. Or if more workers are needed at site 1, they may be given the opportunity to relocate. There are other options if you think about instead of trying to be so snide.

Verizon in all likelihood was borrowing money to fund its fiber build out. Banks are no longer willing to lend the kind of money that Verizon needs to continue its build out, so Verizon can only build out so far as it can afford to with existing funds. This necessitates that it reallocate resources to maximize profitability. This is not a poor business decision; this is the simple prudence dictated by current economic conditions.

Verizon sucks big time as their greed and stupidity rears it's ugly head.

They are currently offering $150.00 to new subscribers! (just my rotten luck that I ordered a week before the cash-back promotion started.)

A few quick questions about FIOS. I'm in the Pittsburgh area and am scheduled for a FIOS install on March 18th. Now, I know that FIOS doesn't have Cartoon Network and Nickelodian in HD, but are they available in SD? I checked the website and they didn't show up, but I know others who receive FIOS do receive Cartoon Network and Nickelodian in SD. Any help?

Also, apparently I ordered FIOS through saveology.com, and I'm getting a bit worried about it. Is it on the up and up? Should I cancel that order and place directly thorugh Verizon (which I thought I was doing in the first place). I received a confirmation card from Verizon, so I know the order is legit, but the 3rd party nonsense bothers me a bit. I did get $300 in gas/grocery because I did order through them, but I'm wondering if it's a scam.

Any help would be appreciated.

A few quick questions about FIOS. I'm in the Pittsburgh area and am scheduled for a FIOS install on March 18th. Now, I know that FIOS doesn't have Cartoon Network and Nickelodian in HD, but are they available in SD? I checked the website and they didn't show up, but I know others who receive FIOS do receive Cartoon Network and Nickelodian in SD. Any help?

Also, apparently I ordered FIOS through saveology.com, and I'm getting a bit worried about it. Is it on the up and up? Should I cancel that order and place directly thorugh Verizon (which I thought I was doing in the first place). I received a confirmation card from Verizon, so I know the order is legit, but the 3rd party nonsense bothers me a bit. I did get $300 in gas/grocery because I did order through them, but I'm wondering if it's a scam.

Any help would be appreciated.

Can't help with the second one, but on the first item, yes, you get Nick and Cartoon Network in SD. Apparently they are negotiating with Viacom, so hopefully the HD versions of those channels will be coming soon.

A few quick questions about FIOS. I'm in the Pittsburgh area and am scheduled for a FIOS install on March 18th. Now, I know that FIOS doesn't have Cartoon Network and Nickelodian in HD, but are they available in SD? I checked the website and they didn't show up, but I know others who receive FIOS do receive Cartoon Network and Nickelodian in SD. Any help?
The channel line-ups for Verizon Fios can be found at http://www22.verizon.com/Residential/FiOSTV/ChannelLineup/ChannelLineup.htm. Yes, Verizon does carry Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network in SD.

Hmm, looks like the PDF channel line-ups are missing (again). And there is a big gap in the channel line-up I get with the Zip code entry, so the channel line-up feature is out of whack. Bet Verizon updated the channel line-up webpage, but messed things up in the process (again).

Good to know you are so involved and knowledgeable about Verizon's business practices. Do you work at their corporate headquarters?

I understand the corporate mentality. And it's well known that corporations frequently make very bad decisions. I really doubt that Verizon is near bankruptcy. Most people haven't given up their phones in this economic time.

But, please enlighten us on how Verizon's financial dealings are going and where and when this bankruptcy will happen. Maybe I should sell my phone before Verizon collapses.Pot - Kettle - Black.

If anyone here is speculating without any facts it is you.

"I've heard it's so that they can concentrate their resources on a big buildout in Manhattan." Source?

"Folks, if you want Fios and don't already have a hub in your area and you don't live in Manhattan, you probably have a very long wait. " Any facts to build this completely ridiculous statement up? Didn't think so.

Apparently somewhere along the way you developed a sense of entitlement for FIOS service. Get over it - VZ doesn't owe you FIOS service or any explanation.

"I just can't justify giving any more of my money than I have to to a company demonstrating such unfairness and greed." Explain why you getting service before someone else is more fair then the other way around?

Let me explain this to you. I'll go very slow to help you out.

Company A is going to simultaneously do something at sites 1, 2, and 3. Workers and materials will be needed at sites 1,2, and 3. Then the company decides they don't want to spend that much money at one time. So they say, stop 2 and 3. Materials don't need to be purchased for sites 2 and 3. The workers at sites 2, and 3 aren't going to be flown to site 1. They will be given other tasks, if available or they will be laid off. Or if more workers are needed at site 1, they may be given the opportunity to relocate. There are other options if you think about instead of trying to be so snide.

I understand this, but this is not what Verizon is doing. Work is still going on in my county. With the agreement Verizon made with the county, the entire county is supposed to be wired up in five years. They have around 3.3 years left to finish getting the county wired up.

Hmm, looks like the PDF channel line-ups are missing (again). And there is a big gap in the channel line-up I get with the Zip code entry, so the channel line-up feature is out of whack. Bet Verizon updated the channel line-up webpage, but messed things up in the process (again).

sounds like they are getting ready to present updated PDFs.

Pot - Kettle - Black.

If anyone here is speculating without any facts it is you.

"I've heard it's so that they can concentrate their resources on a big buildout in Manhattan." Source?

"Folks, if you want Fios and don't already have a hub in your area and you don't live in Manhattan, you probably have a very long wait. " Any facts to build this completely ridiculous statement up? Didn't think so.

Apparently somewhere along the way you developed a sense of entitlement for FIOS service. Get over it - VZ doesn't owe you FIOS service or any explanation.

"I just can't justify giving any more of my money than I have to to a company demonstrating such unfairness and greed." Explain why you getting service before someone else is more fair then the other way around?

This will be my last comment. I knew it would be a waste of time posting.

My sources, forget it. I can't reveal them. If you are not satisfied with that, too bad.

I'll bet on this. With very few exceptions, if any of you currently enjoying Fios (which allows you to speak from the high horse since you already have it) had been waiting 3 years for it, invested a few thousand dollars getting your building ready for Fios (having conduits installed), were so close that your structure already had a work order, and within one week of having construction started the plug was pulled for whatever reason, you would be moaning and groaning on this forum just like I am. With that rare exception of the person who honestly says, "Oh well, I'll just wait another year for Fios", if the rest of you say you wouldn't be bothered having experienced what I experienced, you'd be guilty of not being honest with youselves.

Bye all. Enjoy your Fios and be thankful you don't have to wait another year after being so close to finally getting it.

Can't help with the second one, but on the first item, yes, you get Nick and Cartoon Network in SD. Apparently they are negotiating with Viacom, so hopefully the HD versions of those channels will be coming soon.

The channel line-ups for Verizon Fios can be found at http://www22.verizon.com/Residential/FiOSTV/ChannelLineup/ChannelLineup.htm. Yes, Verizon does carry Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network in SD.

Hmm, looks like the PDF channel line-ups are missing (again). And there is a big gap in the channel line-up I get with the Zip code entry, so the channel line-up feature is out of whack. Bet Verizon updated the channel line-up webpage, but messed things up in the process (again).

Thanks; I actually dug through the trash to find a recent mailout from Verizon, and there, in black and white, in the "Kids" section, are Cartoon Network, Nick, and a few others that my kids enjoy -- me too, by the way, I love me some Sponge Bob -- but it's odd that it doesn't show up on the website.

As for the latter question, I'm calling Verizon tomorrow and finding out more; I may have paid a $9.99 processing fee that I otherwise wouldn't have had to pay. If I need to, I'll cancel the order through the 3rd party and re-order directly through Verizon, which I thought I was doing in the first place. Such trickery in the world today. Can't wait to join FIOS; it has been a long time coming.

This will be my last comment. I knew it would be a waste of time posting.

My sources, forget it. I can't reveal them. If you are not satisfied with that, too bad.

I'll bet on this. With very few exceptions, if any of you currently enjoying Fios (which allows you to speak from the high horse since you already have it) had been waiting 3 years for it, invested a few thousand dollars getting your building ready for Fios (having conduits installed), were so close that your structure already had a work order, and within one week of having construction started the plug was pulled for whatever reason, you would be moaning and groaning on this forum just like I am. With that rare exception of the person who honestly says, "Oh well, I'll just wait another year for Fios", if the rest of you say you wouldn't be bothered having experienced what I experienced, you'd be guilty of not being honest with youselves.

Bye all. Enjoy your Fios and be thankful you don't have to wait another year after being so close to finally getting it.

I'd be upset for sure. I'd be pretty mad. I'd probably be swearing to myself. I would not, however, be throwing a hissy fit on the message boards. I have a little more respect for myself then that.

Bye all. Enjoy your Fios and be thankful you don't have to wait another year after being so close to finally getting it.

Yes, because compared to things like, oh, I dunno, food, shelter, and a job, getting (or not getting) FiOS is definitely my highest priority in these troubled economic times.

IOW, how about a little perspective?

Yes, because compared to things like, oh, I dunno, food, shelter, and a job, getting (or not getting) FiOS is definitely my highest priority in these troubled economic times.

IOW, how about a little perspective?

this is the avsforum. it's not the surviving the recession forum, or the help the starving children forum, or the save the planet forum. how about a little more sympathy and a little less smugness?

how about a little more sympathy and a little less smugness?

I choose to put things in perspective with events outside the world of home entertainment and this is your response? And you call me smug? Sorry, I'll continue to take my worldview over sticking my fingers in my ears and going, "Nah, nah, nah, nah, I can't hear you."

Sympathy because he can't get FiOS? Sorry, all my sympathy is used up for the people losing their jobs and homes. Again, perspective.

Hmm, looks like the PDF channel line-ups are missing (again). And there is a big gap in the channel line-up I get with the Zip code entry, so the channel line-up feature is out of whack. Bet Verizon updated the channel line-up webpage, but messed things up in the process (again).


The page loads slowly, but does come up without the PDF. They now have added Essentials (Blue Ball) Extreme HD (Purple Square) La Conexion (green Triangle) indictors on the channel list since I checked last.

Odd thing:

Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia HD is ONLY included in the Essentials Package - must be a mistake !

i just got fios... the dvr box is still loud and makes noise when you turn it off... what's this about?

i just got fios... the dvr box is still loud and makes noise when you turn it off... what's this about?
I have never heard this in my life. You need a new box.

They are currently offering $150.00 to new subscribers! (just my rotten luck that I ordered a week before the cash-back promotion started.)

And ( I called to confirm), they are offering the 2 year price guarantee if you sign up on their 1 year contract.

We are w/ DTV now
Seriously thinking about swithching now.
With their boxes, that is the only confusing part to me.
We have 2 HD TV's and 3 Standard right now w/ DTV

We have the FIOS Double Play right now
Adding FIOS TV will save us on our bill as well

We we have DVR in every room right now..Like many, a must
Do most people get or pay for the TIVO/ w cablecards now ?
If not, how is the viewing without the DVR(per room)functionalty w/ FIOS TV?

I wish FiOS would add Cartoon Network HD and Nickelodeon HD. Plus with DirecTV, they also have the West Coast feeds of these channels. I would save money with FiOS but I'm getting "more" with DirecTV (the channels we watch). I do have FiOS Internet and landline... No issues...

Generally I would agree with you but those missing channels are significantly watched here plus I get all locals OTA with no issues...

According to www.whereishd.com, those 2 channels don't really have much, if any HD programming.

NIKHD - Nickelodeon HD (3%)
TOONHD - Cartoon Network HD (HD ready)*

* "HD ready" means the channel is capable of HD, but the network doesn't have any scheduled for the time period.

I'm more interested in the channels that have a fair amount of HD programming.
AMCHD - AMC HD (74%)
CINHD - Crime & Investigation Network HD (67%) - Supposedly Coming Soon to FiOS
SPIKEHD - Spike TV HD (55%)

i just got fios... the dvr box is still loud and makes noise when you turn it off... what's this about?

The fan is audible in a quiet room (e.g. when I get up in the morning and there's no other sound in the house). It doesn't seem to be any louder or softer if the box is on or off.

However, I can't hear it when there's any other noise in the room, or even if the family is sitting in the room chatting.

Doug

According to www.whereishd.com, those 2 channels don't really have much, if any HD programming.

NIKHD - Nickelodeon HD (3%)
TOONHD - Cartoon Network HD (HD ready)*

* "HD ready" means the channel is capable of HD, but the network doesn't have any scheduled for the time period.

I'm more interested in the channels that have a fair amount of HD programming.
AMCHD - AMC HD (74%)
CINHD - Crime & Investigation Network HD (67%) - Supposedly Coming Soon to FiOS
SPIKEHD - Spike TV HD (55%)

That website is inaccurate.

That website is inaccurate.

In what way? Please elaborate.

In what way? Please elaborate.
Something like this tells me it's not really accurate:

470 WGBHDT PBS 16%
471 WGBXDT PBS 26%
472 WGBXDT4 PBS 15%
473 WGBXDT2 PBS 1%

In what way? Please elaborate.

AMC has nowhere near 74% of its content in HD. Almost nothing is in HD besides original programming and select movies at select times. In other words, even if they show Clear and Present Danger in HD on Friday night at 8pm in HD, it may very well be in stretched SD at 1am the same night, or 4pm the following afternoon.

They have been airing The Godfather a lot recently. Not HD, despite brand new transfers debuted on Blu Ray just prior to Christmas. In fact, this seems to be a recurring pattern. Movies that air on Universal HD, HDNet Movies, or other networks in HD (notably Jaws, Apollo 13, I believe a few others) do not seem to air in HD when they show up on AMC, even if they've aired on Universal HD that very same month.

Yes, because compared to things like, oh, I dunno, food, shelter, and a job, getting (or not getting) FiOS is definitely my highest priority in these troubled economic times.

IOW, how about a little perspective?

Your statement is beyond idiotic. One has nothing to do with the other.

If your so high and mighty, I challenge you to give up your Fios, go to OTA only and give the money you won't have to spend to the charity of your choice. Aren't those more important than Fios?

How about when you are ready to buy your next car, you get a car that's cheaper than you originally planned to spend and give the savings to a shelter for the homeless. Unless you're willing to do this, you are full of 'holier than thou' hot air. Put your money where your mouth is or stop making asinine statement that put down other AVS forum members.

In what way? Please elaborate.

The numbers are not correct. Some are way too high, others are way too low.

CN-HD does have HD programming. Warner's Batman: Brave and the Bold series is most definitely HD.

As is Star Wars: The Clone Wars, at least the first airings. CN seems to forget that they have an HD version when the show reruns.

(more rants about why his inability to get FIOS service right now is the end of the civilized world)

Well that didn't take long...funny you must have forgotten what you said in your previous post:
This will be my last comment.
...
Bye all. Enjoy your Fios and be thankful you don't have to wait another year after being so close to finally getting it.It doesn't surprise me at all that a drama-queen like you would announce your exit with a lot of bluster and then stick around anyway and continue posting.

By the way, I really love my FIOS services; so sorry that you can't get it and that you spent thousands to get your building FIOS-ready for nothing. :D

Your statement is beyond idiotic. One has nothing to do with the other.

If your so high and mighty, I challenge you to give up your Fios, go to OTA only and give the money you won't have to spend to the charity of your choice. Aren't those more important than Fios?

How about when you are ready to buy your next car, you get a car that's cheaper than you originally planned to spend and give the savings to a shelter for the homeless. Unless you're willing to do this, you are full of 'holier than thou' hot air. Put your money where your mouth is or stop making asinine statement that put down other AVS forum members.

I don't get it- just get Comcast or whoever? It's not like they're all SD or anything. They have a nice offering, you can use the same equipment, and it uses the same infrastructure.

What does "getting your building FIOS ready" even mean? Isn't the building infrastructure the same for FIOS and cable? Are you talking a home, or a rental unit that you own? If the latter, I really don't understand as it's the renters that are affected, not you.

Anyway, cable isn't all that bad, it's just option #2 behind FIOS. Similar channels, okay quality, similar in-house infrastructure, and similar equipment (e.g. you can use Tivo if you want). At worst, it tides you over for a year. Big whoop.

FiOS Launches in York, PA

Multichannel video service available in about 2,800 homes

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 3/3/2009 6:30:00 AM MT

Filed at 10:09 a.m. EST on March 3, 2009

A little over two weeks after the York (PA) County Board of Supervisors approved its franchise, Verizon says it has begun offering FiOS TV in some parts of the county.

Verizon says its multichannel video service is available to about 2,800 homes in five communities.

Verizon says the service is now available in some part of California, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia and Washington state.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/189384-FiOS_Launches_in_York_PA.php

The numbers are not correct. Some are way too high, others are way too low.


Does the quality of FIOS Tv degrade with multiple set top boxes in your set up ???

Does the quality of FIOS Tv degrade with multiple set top boxes in your set up ???

It's all digital. You either have a good signal, or you don't. It's not like analog where the picture gets progressively more static'y.

If you daisy chain a lot of splitters, you'll end up with potential issues. However you have to work hard to attenuate the signal down low enough to cause a problem.

It's all digital. You either have a good signal, or you don't. It's not like analog where the picture gets progressively more static'y.

If you daisy chain a lot of splitters, you'll end up with potential issues. However you have to work hard to attenuate the signal down low enough to cause a problem.
In fact, for most installs, the signal is too "hot" and the tech either has to use multi port splitters or attenuators to bring the level down. This is a good thing IMO.

Does the quality of FIOS Tv degrade with multiple set top boxes in your set up ???

I have seven boxes, three HD, and my wiring is a mess. No issues, and thanks to the new bundle, I'm still paying less with Verizon with twice as many boxes than I was with Comcast over 2 years ago (when I had tons of reception issues on my then-sole HDTV).

...when I had tons of reception issues on my then-sole HDTV)....
I'm in the same category...now with 4 HD and 5 other boxes, but I'm now paying more than I did with Comcast. But, the selection of channels is so much better, and I rarely have the audio dropouts and pixelation that I did every day with the copper cable. My neighbors are still fighting Comcast for a clear picture, and it's over two years later. I'm not sure why they don't just switch, but I think they may enjoy the challenge of repeated phone calls more than I did!

I'm with Cablevision now and when my televisions are connected without a box I can still receive quite a few channels. Is this possible with Fios or do I have to have a box for each television?
Thank You.
MQ

I'm with Cablevision now and when my televisions are connected without a box I can still receive quite a few channels. Is this possible with Fios or do I have to have a box for each television?
Thank You.
MQ

Nope. All digital. And you won't be able to for much longer with Cablevision, either.

I'm with Cablevision now and when my televisions are connected without a box I can still receive quite a few channels. Is this possible with Fios or do I have to have a box for each television?
Thank You.
MQ

You can recieve a dozen or so channels including all the locals with a QAM tuner. Anything else besides that, you will need a box.

For those TVs that you don't care so much about for HD content or for the Guide, they have a relatively inexpensive "digital adapter" to use. You'll get the complete inventory of channels with a unit that has a very small footprint. After the removal of analog channels, I doubt you will get anything on older TVs without the adapter.

It was announced that FIOS would carry EI this season, wasn't it? With the season less than 30 days away, shouldn't they be offering subscription news by now?

It was announced that FIOS would carry EI this season, wasn't it? With the season less than 30 days away, shouldn't they be offering subscription news by now?

Bill-
You can subscribe now to Extra Innings. It is $169 for the season now through April 2nd (Early Bird Offer). You can also spread it out over 3 payments.

Just call into the FSC and order.

Enjoy!

This will be my last comment. I knew it would be a waste of time posting.

My sources, forget it. I can't reveal them. If you are not satisfied with that, too bad.

I'll bet on this. With very few exceptions, if any of you currently enjoying Fios (which allows you to speak from the high horse since you already have it) had been waiting 3 years for it, invested a few thousand dollars getting your building ready for Fios (having conduits installed), were so close that your structure already had a work order, and within one week of having construction started the plug was pulled for whatever reason, you would be moaning and groaning on this forum just like I am. With that rare exception of the person who honestly says, "Oh well, I'll just wait another year for Fios", if the rest of you say you wouldn't be bothered having experienced what I experienced, you'd be guilty of not being honest with youselves.

Bye all. Enjoy your Fios and be thankful you don't have to wait another year after being so close to finally getting it.

I'm more thankful that I don't have to read your stupid whiney posts any more.


Bye bye.

if any of you currently enjoying Fios (which allows you to speak from the high horse since you already have it) had been waiting 3 years for it, invested a few thousand dollars getting your building ready for Fios (having conduits installed)

Whoa. Hold on a minute. What person in their right mind would spend thousands to get a building ready for a TV service before it was available in their area? If I had to spend thousands to get a TV service, I'm not sure I'd get it at all.

I'm still not sure what the OP means by having "conduits" installed. The only conduits that should be involved are the ones that Verizon would install themselves(in the case of an underground fiber feed) unless he's talking about risers going from floor to floor and apt. to apt. And I'm not sure Verizon wouldn't install those either. I have seen them NOT install them in new construction where as an electrician I have installed them, along with the coax.

CHANNEL LISTING on Verizon Web Site

...They now have added Essentials (Blue Ball) Extreme HD (Purple Square) La Conexion (green Triangle) indictors on the channel list since I checked last.

Odd thing:

Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia HD is ONLY included in the Essentials Package - must be a mistake !


Now, they changed it back to the old way - no colored indicators. Also, in my area, they've put the Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia HD on both lists again.

Hey all-

Just wanted to pass along this info - I have 1.6.2 on all 3 of my STB's now (7216 / 7100 / 2500)..and all channels now have logos in the guide.

All of the new HD's over the past 6 months as well as anything else.

Basically, the new software allowed VZ to update all of the logos. It was fun yesterday to click 1 by 1 yesterday to see what they'd look like.

So - this is yet another benefit of 1.6.2 - coming to the rest of VHO's 7 & 8 on Tuesday.

MLB HD finally went live out of VHO8 this morning on 586.

This is serving Delaware, Philly Burbs, and South Jersey.

MLB HD finally went live out of VHO8 this morning on 586.

This is serving Delaware, Philly Burbs, and South Jersey.

Still don't have it here (Burlington County (South Jersey) NJ)

We have it hear although it is not in the guide.

Interesting that DE gets the update before the rest of us here in the Philadelphia area. Looking forward to seeing what is offered by the update.

A few lucky people in the NJ/DE/Philly areas got the release early in hopes they would provide valuable feedback.

All of VH07 and VH08 (NJ/DE/Philly) should see it tomorrow.

Interesting that DE gets the update before the rest of us here in the Philadelphia area. Looking forward to seeing what is offered by the update.

Still don't have it here (Burlington County (South Jersey) NJ)

Now we do!

A few lucky people in the NJ/DE/Philly areas got the release early in hopes they would provide valuable feedback.

All of VH07 and VH08 (NJ/DE/Philly) should see it tomorrow.

Yep - I was lucky. :D:cool:

HD game looking good here. World Baseball Classic. :)

Anyone have any inside insight on when FiOS is coming to Jersey City?

Heads up for an awesome night time shuttle launch! Tomorrow! http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/

NOT in the IMG guide search, but listed if you advance manually in the guide. Launch at 9:20 PM ET.

Wed, Mar 11 - 9:00 PM ET , 6:00 PM PT
NASA on HDNet - LIVE!
Space Shuttle Discovery STS-119 Launch - Live coverage of the launch of Shuttle Discovery, lifting off from Cape Canaveral's launch pad 39A. During the two-week mission -- STS 119 -- astronauts will deliver the final power module to the International Space Station, boosting the station to full power.

Thu, Mar 12 - 12:00 AM ET , Wed, Mar 11 - 9:00 PM PT
NASA on HDNet
Space Shuttle Discovery STS-119 Launch - Live coverage of the launch of Shuttle Discovery, lifting off from Cape Canaveral's launch pad 39A. During the two-week mission -- STS 119 -- astronauts will deliver the final power module to the International Space Station, boosting the station to full power.
Special Encore Presentation

[QUOTE=GeekGirl;16012970]Heads up for an awesome night time shuttle launch! Tomorrow! http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/

NOT in the IMG guide search, but listed if you advance manually in the guide. Launch at 9:20 PM ET.

GeekGirl,

Thanks for pointer. I remember watching Apollo launches in black and white as a kid. It's always a thrill.

I wasn't a kid at the time, but remember sitting in front of the black and white watching the lunar landing in June or July of '69. I was always fascinated by the launches, and Cronkite was usually teary eyed when the launch went well!

"Lunch Scrubbed for Wednesday
Wed, 11 Mar 2009 02:48:47 PM EDT

The STS-119 launch was scrubbed at 2:37 p.m. EDT due to a hydrogen leak in a Liquid Hydrogen vent line between the shuttle and the external tank. The launch team is currently beginning the process of draining the external fuel tank. We'll turn around for launch attempt tomorrow at 8:54 p.m. EDT. "

Thanks for that...now I need to reprogram the DVR!

:( Now I've got to cancel the recording.

STS-119 to Launch No Earlier Than Sunday
Wed, 11 Mar 2009 06:36:03 PM EDT

Space shuttle Discovery’s launch to the International Space Station now is targeted for no earlier than March 15. NASA managers postponed Wednesday’s planned liftoff due to a leak associated with the gaseous hydrogen venting system outside the external fuel tank. The system is used to carry excess hydrogen safely away from the launch pad.

Liftoff on March 15 would be at 7:43 p.m. EDT. The exact launch date is dependent on the work necessary to repair the problem. Managers will meet Thursday at 4 p.m. to further assess the troubleshooting plan.

I am about to get FIOS installed and was wondering what kind of content is usually available on HD on demand. Does FIOS air AMC HD shows in HD on demand? Specifically I am looking for Mad Men or Breaking Bad. What channel is HD on Demand for FIOS in NYC?

I am about to get FIOS installed and was wondering what kind of content is usually available on HD on demand. Does FIOS air AMC HD shows in HD on demand? Specifically I am looking for Mad Men or Breaking Bad. What channel is HD on Demand for FIOS in NYC?

No AMC-HD with FiOS. A for PPV OnDemand, they have a decent selection of films (although not as many as Comcast). Here in NJ, the usual fee is $5.99 perfi;lm. They also have some selections from the networks, FearNet, NGC, Discovery, Smithsonian, etc.

:( Now I've got to cancel the recording.

STS-119 to Launch No Earlier Than Sunday
Wed, 11 Mar 2009 06:36:03 PM EDT

Space shuttle Discovery’s launch to the International Space Station now is targeted for no earlier than March 15. NASA managers postponed Wednesday’s planned liftoff due to a leak associated with the gaseous hydrogen venting system outside the external fuel tank. The system is used to carry excess hydrogen safely away from the launch pad.

Liftoff on March 15 would be at 7:43 p.m. EDT. The exact launch date is dependent on the work necessary to repair the problem. Managers will meet Thursday at 4 p.m. to further assess the troubleshooting plan.

Imagine my surprise when I woke up and fired up an expected HDNet quality launch and I'm seeing a trailer for "Last House on the Left". Ugh.

I guess I need to check this thread more often.

1.6.2 was delivered to my box about two days ago and, as Verizon promised, my problems with audio over optical and digital coax have been resolved. :D

For anyone who never heard about the issue: some owners of 7216 boxes, including myself, had to switch to analog audio after the last IMG update because digital audio over optical/coax stopped working. You had to manually switch between mono and surround in the FiOS menu to get it back, but any time you changed a channel, used time-slip functions or accessed OnDemand or the DVR, digital audio would stop working again. Only by using analog cable could you have guaranteed uninterrupted audio.

I'm so glad to have 5.1 audio back again! I just wish I didn't have to wait over six months for it.

Perhaps with the firmware fix, they will now start using the upgraded 72XX series boxes again.

Anyone know when the N.Y. region will get 1.6.2?

Anyone know when the N.Y. region will get 1.6.2?

Perhaps soon. NJ got it earlier this week.

Anyone know when the N.Y. region will get 1.6.2?

From dslreports, 3/24 - when Massachusetts also gets it.

anyone ever seen a weird sync problem where the picture is broken into 3 pieces............

top half of image shown on bottom of screen
lower half of image split in 2 pieces and shows at top of screen

huh?

i power cycled (unplugged) both of my 7100 boxes and hopefully will never see this again

i had this on the comedy channel two night ago while watching colbert

Imagine my surprise when I woke up and fired up an expected HDNet quality launch and I'm seeing a trailer for "Last House on the Left". Ugh.

I guess I need to check this thread more often.

or any news site like CNN

or any news site like CNN

I don't read the @#$%# manual either :o - it was pretty embarrassing, I waylaid my kids and wife into watching it, there was Last house on the left... Oh well - CNN next time.

I received word, that at least for FIOS TV customers in Delaware, MASN HD should go live the week of 3/24.

(I can only assume this will apply to the other areas where MASN is received as well).

And yes, this does go against what was reported a month or so ago in the press.

I received word, that at least for FIOS TV customers in Delaware, MASN HD should go live the week of 3/24.

(I can only assume this will apply to the other areas where MASN is received as well).

And yes, this does go against what was reported a month or so ago in the press.

That would be great news (if it is for everybody that has MASN).

"Lunch Scrubbed for Wednesday
Wed, 11 Mar 2009 02:48:47 PM EDT



No wonder my stomach is growling!

[QUOTE=jeepmatt;16040237]
(I can only assume this will apply to the other areas where MASN is received as well).

QUOTE]

Please let that be so - I don't want to have to go back to Comcast, but will as the reason I originally switched to Verizon was b/c the were the first to offer MASN 1 & 2. I gave FiOS a pass last on the MASN HD issue - but will not this year. Yes I realize to some extent I'm cutting my nose off to spite my face but the Nationals (as rediculous as this may seem) are my primary viewing and source of entertainment (and frustration).

i get mlb-hd on 586 on my 7100 STB..........my cable card tv doesn't see and can't tune it........is there a way to force a refresh on a cable card or do i have to call technical support?

They've passed the point where they had the fueling problem. Weather listed as 20% chance of launch constraint.

Sun, Mar 15 - 7:00 PM ET 4:00 PM PT NASA on HDNet - LIVE!
Space Shuttle Discovery STS-119 Launch - Live coverage of the launch of Shuttle Discovery, lifting off from Cape Canaveral's launch pad 39A. During the two-week mission -- STS 119 -- astronauts will deliver the final power module to the International Space Station, boosting the station to full power.

HDNet is not listing a repeat show time. DVR locked-n-loaded. This is a night-time launch, should be awesome.

This is a night-time launch, should be awesome.

It was a good launch. Smoke, flames, lights, etc. of a night launch are impressive however, the shuttle is obscured by the brightness and all you can see is the fire. I much prefer to witness a daytime launch when you can see the rocket separation and follow the vehicle far into the sky. JMO

The vehicle separation pails in comparison to the detail of the engine plumes from the shuttle against the dark sky. You could see the solid rocket booster separation much better at night. Incredible amount of detail. IMO.

I guess the fruit bat hanging on the external tank just prior to launch is now bat toast. You had to listen to the Nasa channel on the internet to hear that conversation. They decided to let him tag along for the ride. :)

Does anyone know what the 14 extra sport channels are that are included in Extreme HD?

^^ its the channels on page 1. right after the religious channels and before STARZ channels.


Fox College Sports Atlantic300
Fox College Sports Central301
Fox College Sports Pacific302
Tennis Channel303
Golf Channel304
Outdoor Channel307
Sportsman Channel308
Fox Sports Español311
GOL TV313
TVG [Horse Racing]315
Horse Racing TV316
World Fishing Network317
Mav TV318
Blackbelt TV319

there are a few other select channels as well included in the EXTREME HD like
NBA TV (currently not available)
NHL network
CBS college SPORTS

Thanks for the replay. I have Extreme HD, but when I click on the above 14 sport channels, it says I don't subscribe. When I called Verizon they said the Sports Package was not included with Extreme and I must pay $7.99 more to get them. I asked what 14 channels they are advertising to be included, and they told me ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPn News, Yes, etc. I told them that there website shows the sports package being included for Extreme HD and not included for Essentials. The rep told me the website was wrong. Does anyone have Extreme HD in NNJ and are they getting the Sports Package?

Unfortunately if you live in NNJ you must pay the additional for the Sports. I already had the Movie package so adding the Sports was only an additional $4.00 or $17.99 total for Movies + Sports. If you want the deal then inform the rep and they should be able to set you up.

Someone told me that although the other regions have Sports included they don't have the choice and pay more.

I don't know the reasons why, it is what it is.


Thanks for the replay. I have Extreme HD, but when I click on the above 14 sport channels, it says I don't subscribe. When I called Verizon they said the Sports Package was not included with Extreme and I must pay $7.99 more to get them. I asked what 14 channels they are advertising to be included, and they told me ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPn News, Yes, etc. I told them that there website shows the sports package being included for Extreme HD and not included for Essentials. The rep told me the website was wrong. Does anyone have Extreme HD in NNJ and are they getting the Sports Package?

whatever happened to the firmware upgrade?

seriously, did they just lay everybody off? if not, maybe they should b/c they're doing squat.

whatever happened to the firmware upgrade?

seriously, did they just lay everybody off? if not, maybe they should b/c they're doing squat.Some areas aren't scheduled to get it until late this month or early next.

I have a bone to pick with Fios and it's about their dvr. I've dvr'd 6 hrs worth of content only to find out I've already used 40% of my disk space. THis didn't used to be a problem because the storing capacity for HD shows was around 20 hours. What gives?

If Verison Fios were smart, they ought to increase the bandwidth to at least 50 - 60 hours of capacity. Frankly I think their dvr sucks.

If Verison Fios were smart, they ought to increase the bandwidth to at least 50 - 60 hours of capacity. Frankly I think their dvr sucks.You don't want that, not without them upgrading the DVR that is, because you'll get a loss of PQ. Therein lies the problem when you don't own your DVR. Why don't you go to the Recorders forum and see your options on FIOS about buying a TIVO so you can add as much storage as you like. You might be able to do it.

whatever happened to the firmware upgrade?

seriously, did they just lay everybody off? if not, maybe they should b/c they're doing squat.

Barth-
The upgrade schedule is continuing. Do you have a specific area you are interested in?

The next area is next Tuesday (3/24) - and will include VHO's 5 & 6, which covers the greater NYC area, Mass, and RI.

I have a bone to pick with Fios and it's about their dvr. I've dvr'd 6 hrs worth of content only to find out I've already used 40% of my disk space. THis didn't used to be a problem because the storing capacity for HD shows was around 20 hours. What gives?

If Verison Fios were smart, they ought to increase the bandwidth to at least 50 - 60 hours of capacity. Frankly I think their dvr sucks.

If your 6 recorded hours are all HD then you used about 30% of your drive. To get a corrected reading on space available unplug your DVR for 30 seconds and plug it back in. This usually resets the space calculation in the DVR. It's a known issue and cure. I have to do this every several months. I don't know if recording will stop when there is a false space-available report. Best to monitor and do a reset, IMO.

If your 6 recorded hours are all HD then you used about 30% of your drive. To get a corrected reading on space available unplug your DVR for 30 seconds and plug it back in. This usually resets the space calculation in the DVR. It's a known issue and cure. I have to do this every several months. I don't know if recording will stop when there is a false space-available report. Best to monitor and do a reset, IMO.

I had this happen when I had no HD recordings yet the recorder status stated my dvr was 7% full.I thought WTF? Maybe it's just the scheduled recordings that takes up a little space. Did not know this was a problem with the dvr.

From electronista.com

NJ sues Verizon for alleged false FiOS marketing

The state of New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs has filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against Verizon for allegedly using "deceptive and misleading" marketing practices for its high-performance fiber-optic FiOS television, telephone and Internet services. The lawsuit states Verizon broke the state's Consumer Fraud Act by misrepresenting and omitting material facts in its promotion of the FiOS service.

"This is a classic case of bait and switch," said Attorney General Anne Milgram. The four-point lawsuit states some subscribers had to endure extended waiting periods for or never did get the 19-inch LCD TV set promised by the company, while others received bills that were higher than originally expected and had difficulties getting them adjusted.

Dennis Bone, the president of Verizon New Jersey, responded to the allegations, saying the issues raised relate to the service's launch nearly two years ago in New Jersey and have largely been addressed. He said Verizon will work with the attorney general and resolve remaining issues and ensure customers are satisfied. Complaints to Consumer Affairs numbered 266 in New Jersey alone, and included issues related to billing, marketing, sales and customer service, which led to the investigation and civil charges. Some of the complaints had to do with promises made by door-to-door salespeople contracted out by Verizon, including waivers on activation fees which reportedly never materialized.

Verizon spokesman Rich Young said the delay in delivering the free televisions was due to overwhelming consumer response, as the company gave away 40,000 sets in the state. Violation of New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act is punishable by up to $10,000 for the first instance and as much as $20,000 for every subsequent one.

From electronista.com

NJ sues Verizon for alleged false FiOS marketing

The state of New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs has filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against Verizon for allegedly using "deceptive and misleading" marketing practices for its high-performance fiber-optic FiOS television, telephone and Internet services. The lawsuit states Verizon broke the state's Consumer Fraud Act by misrepresenting and omitting material facts in its promotion of the FiOS service.

"This is a classic case of bait and switch," said Attorney General Anne Milgram. The four-point lawsuit states some subscribers had to endure extended waiting periods for or never did get the 19-inch LCD TV set promised by the company, while others received bills that were higher than originally expected and had difficulties getting them adjusted.

Dennis Bone, the president of Verizon New Jersey, responded to the allegations, saying the issues raised relate to the service's launch nearly two years ago in New Jersey and have largely been addressed. He said Verizon will work with the attorney general and resolve remaining issues and ensure customers are satisfied. Complaints to Consumer Affairs numbered 266 in New Jersey alone, and included issues related to billing, marketing, sales and customer service, which led to the investigation and civil charges. Some of the complaints had to do with promises made by door-to-door salespeople contracted out by Verizon, including waivers on activation fees which reportedly never materialized.

Verizon spokesman Rich Young said the delay in delivering the free televisions was due to overwhelming consumer response, as the company gave away 40,000 sets in the state. Violation of New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act is punishable by up to $10,000 for the first instance and as much as $20,000 for every subsequent one.All I can say is that when my TV didn't arrive without an acceptable amount of time (8-weeks) and I wasn't getting any good answer from the various layers at Verizon, I looked up their Corporate HQ number on the SEC filings and asked to speak to the CEO. I had a $200 Visa gift card within days. While I certainly don't excuse Verizon for this debacle, I am amazed how people will continue to call the 1-800 customer service number for months and wonder why they don't get anywhere. Again, if people are unhappy with a large company then visit the company's "Investrors Relations" section of their website, view SEC Filings, and get the company's headquarters number off of an quarter report, annual report, etc. And call, call, and call.

All I can say is that when my TV didn't arrive without an acceptable amount of time (8-weeks) and I wasn't getting any good answer from the various layers at Verizon, I looked up their Corporate HQ number on the SEC filings and asked to speak to the CEO. I had a $200 Visa gift card within days. While I certainly don't excuse Verizon for this debacle, I am amazed how people will continue to call the 1-800 customer service number for months and wonder why they don't get anywhere. Again, if people are unhappy with a large company then visit the company's "Investrors Relations" section of their website, view SEC Filings, and get the company's headquarters number off of an quarter report, annual report, etc. And call, call, and call.

Unfortunately, most people would rather whine.

Hmmm. I'm in MD, and when we signed up w/ FiOS in December 2007, I had my $200 gift card within 8 weeks. It sure came in handy when my wife bought a laptop!

Doug

I never got my $100 gift card. After 12 weeks, I asked for a credit on my bill. It wasn't all that difficult. That's wanted in the first place. They even threw in the taxes on $100 worth of service.

What's also annoying is, that when I verify the settings, they still show that it's set to "Show Clock". So I have to manually select, "Show Channel", and then go back and select "Show Clock" again, just to actually get it to show the time.

And yes, the channel number has got me a few times as well, thinking it was displaying the time!

This continues to drive me nuts. 5 STBs and at least once a week I have to go through this BS to get the clock back on the display. Why?

This continues to drive me nuts. 5 STBs and at least once a week I have to go through this BS to get the clock back on the display. Why?

I had this problem, too. But since we got Release 1.6.2 that issue seems to have been cured - on my 3 STBs anyway. The displays have stayed on the clock for the past ~ 2 weeks; a record!

do u know if ion hd going to be on fios and when are the rest of the showtime channels going hd on fios thanks

ion is a network, not a national channel, so it depends on when your particular ion station implements HD and whether or not they have a deal with Verizon. The O&O ion stations should automatically appear in HD on FiOS when rolled out by the station. In terms of FiOS markets, that means LA, Philly, Dallas, Boston, DC, Seattle, Tampa, Portland, Providence, Hampton Roads, Richmond and Buffalo.

Baltimore/Anne Arundel, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, and Ft. Wayne don't appear to have an ion station in any format on the lineup now, so ion HD showing up in those areas isn't nearly as clear cut.

For what it's worth, FiOS in North TX was carrying KPXD in 720p on clear QAM channel 75.1526, though for whatever reason, it's currently running 480i. There's no guide entry for it on the expected position of 526 yet.

Hello. I am having the green screen issue too. Whenever I try to use the HDMI connection from the QIP 7100 STB to the HTR 6130 A/V, the picture vanishes after about 20 seconds the screen goes green. I will try your suggestion to change the setup on the STB tonight.

when are the rest of the showtime channels going hd on fios thanks

Whenever Showtime chooses to launch them. Flix, Sho Beyond, Sho Family Zone, Sho Next, and Sho Women don't yet exist in HD. They were supposed to launch this quarter. But this quarter is quickly coming to a close, and there's been no word from CBS/Showtime.

The update to the STB's is occurring this morning in NY, MA and RI.

Next region will go 1 week from today, 3/31 - and will include VHO's 4, 9 and 9a (MD/DC/VA)

The update to the STB's is occurring this morning in NY, MA and RI.

Next region will go 1 week from today, 3/31

I got the update, only checked a couple of SD channels, Nickleodeon looks much improved (my daughter lives on this channel before school). I'll have to see the results later on today. HD PQ looks the same (still excellent).

Verizon added MASN-HD to channel 577 this morning in the Washington Metro market! Presumably added it to the rest of VHO 4 - Baltimore and Anne Arundel/Howard Counties - but need confirmation from someone in those areas along with VHO 9 (Richmond and Hampton Roads VA). MASN-HD does not officially launch until April 1, so it will probably be all upconverted SD until then. Good to see Verizon add a HD channel at launch, not 3-6 months later.

The channel is not in the guide yet, normal procedure is for the guide to be updated later in the day. However a cold reboot of the STB forces a guide update if people want the guide sooner.

PS MASN = Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, a RSN, it is not a new national channel.

Also good to see this since MASN said Verizon wouldn't be adding it this year. I wonder what that was all about.

Verizon added MASN-HD to channel 577 this morning in the Washington Metro market! Presumably added it to the rest of VHO 4 - Baltimore and Anne Arundel/Howard Counties - but need confirmation from someone in those areas along with VHO 9 (Richmond and Hampton Roads VA). MASN-HD does not officially launch until April 1, so it will probably be all upconverted SD until then. Good to see Verizon add a HD channel at launch, not 3-6 months later.

The channel is not in the guide yet, normal procedure is for the guide to be updated later in the day. However a cold reboot of the STB forces a guide update if people want the guide sooner.

PS MASN = Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, a RSN, it is not a new national channel.

Yep, was added in Richmond and Hampton Roads as well.

The channel is not in the guide yet, normal procedure is for the guide to be updated later in the day. However a cold reboot of the STB forces a guide update if people want the guide sooner.



Afigg-

Something else instead of doing a cold reboot - bring up the guide - and then hit the DVR skip key - it will move the guide ahead by a day - do it for like 3-4 days out, and that too, forces the STB to fetch an update - and the new channel will pop in. :cool:

Two months ago, Verizon trucks were all over our location laying cable throughout the area. Know it wasn't for telephone because we already have Verizon telephone service and have had for years. Besides laying cable, they put in some inground terminals. Have been trying to find out what was going on but to date, can't find anyone in Verizon that can tell me what was happening. Seems odd that the trucks can spend weeks here but no one know what they were doing! Anyone got any ideas? We can always hope it was for FIOS but you would think someone would know why they were spending all the money!

Ask the guys doing the work. They know.

Verizon added MASN-HD to channel 577 this morning in the Washington Metro market! Presumably added it to the rest of VHO 4 - Baltimore and Anne Arundel/Howard Counties - but need confirmation from someone in those areas along with VHO 9 (Richmond and Hampton Roads VA). MASN-HD does not officially launch until April 1, so it will probably be all upconverted SD until then. Good to see Verizon add a HD channel at launch, not 3-6 months later.

The channel is not in the guide yet, normal procedure is for the guide to be updated later in the day. However a cold reboot of the STB forces a guide update if people want the guide sooner.

PS MASN = Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, a RSN, it is not a new national channel.
MASN-HD is also on 577 in Anne Arundel county today.

Sorry, can't ask the workers. They have long gone from the area (were here 2 months ago). But thanks for the suggestion.

Sorry, can't ask the workers. They have long gone from the area (were here 2 months ago). But thanks for the suggestion.

And if they're like the ones who did our install a few years ago, English wasn't their primary language anyway. :(

Guy's I need some help. My HD box in the bedroom keeps losing contact with the DVR in the middle of programs and then makes me restart at the begining of the program. Is anyone else having this problem?

It is a giant pain in the A** especially when you are an hour and a half into a 2hr movie. This is one of the features that my Wife liked when switching from D*, but with it not working properly along with the 1894 designed DVR & Guide (that doesn't give you any usefull info) I am getting alot of crap to switch back. She could care less about the PQ and all the other good stuff.

I have called CS and have some very nice tech guys tell me to turn off the box outside and rebbot along with the standard check connections, etc.
If you have any suggestions I would appreciate it. They have offered to send me new boxes but am hoping to skip that until a last resort.

Also question to all the Tivo owners out there. On the guide with the Tivo do you get the actor info or do you still have to hit info a second time to get the actor info. I am really looking at going this route and getting an Xl for the family room and a standard series 3 for the bedroom. If I do that won't I be able to watch movies in the bedroom from the family room Tivo?

Thanks for any input and help as my wife is killing me(as usual) but I am not going to go back to the Dark Side!!!! Never!!!:D

Two months ago, Verizon trucks were all over our location laying cable throughout the area. Know it wasn't for telephone because we already have Verizon telephone service and have had for years. Besides laying cable, they put in some inground terminals. Have been trying to find out what was going on but to date, can't find anyone in Verizon that can tell me what was happening. Seems odd that the trucks can spend weeks here but no one know what they were doing! Anyone got any ideas? We can always hope it was for FIOS but you would think someone would know why they were spending all the money!


Thats exactly what they did in my area(have that ugly box in my front yard) and then we had Fios TV. It took a few months after they left my area that we were informed that the Fios TV was now available. I asked the guys at our local Verizon store and they told me that they were laying the fiber optics for TV. Maybe check with them and you might get some info but that means Fios is probabaly coming soon!!
Good luck

Guy's I need some help. My HD box in the bedroom keeps losing contact with the DVR in the middle of programs and then makes me restart at the begining of the program. Is anyone else having this problem?

It is a giant pain in the A** especially when you are an hour and a half into a 2hr movie. This is one of the features that my Wife liked when switching from D*, but with it not working properly along with the 1894 designed DVR & Guide (that doesn't give you any usefull info) I am getting alot of crap to switch back. She could care less about the PQ and all the other good stuff.

I have called CS and have some very nice tech guys tell me to turn off the box outside and rebbot along with the standard check connections, etc.
If you have any suggestions I would appreciate it. They have offered to send me new boxes but am hoping to skip that until a last resort.


Thanks for any input and help as my wife is killing me(as usual) but I am not going to go back to the Dark Side!!!! Never!!!:D


ON IN II:

This is a known issue with the 1.6.0 software. The 1.6.2 update corrects this issue - it looks like you are in California. Unfortunately, you guys are last in line for the update - but you'll have it on 4/14.

So, a few more weeks and you should be fine.

Does anyone know what code will operate the Sony s550 bluray player?

When is Tampa Fl. getting 1.62

Thanks

When is Tampa Fl. gtting 1.62

thanks

ON IN II:

Thanks for the info. Did check with two Verizon stores in our area and both had no idea what I was talking about - said they only sold wireless telephones & service. So we will wait and see what happens.

Hi all, I'm a new Fios customer as of Monday. My early opinion on the HD image quality is very favorable - the PQ is much better than what we had with Comcast.

My "problem" - I have the 7216 boxes, and a Sony 60" SXRD A3000 set - I noticed after checking out a number of movies, both on the regular channels and on VOD, a problem with Transformers HD via Encore HD VOD. During the initial action scene, where the previously lost helicopter lands at the base, the ensuing action scene had ALOT of digital artifacts and distortion - primarily on fast moving subject matter (explosions/flying bodies etc.).

I had earlier watched the more "sedate" Mr. Brooks HD on another VOD channel, and was blown away by the PQ.

I didn't really have time to check other channels for this, but have any others had issues like this, particularly with the 7216 box?

And no, its not the set - among other things, the HD DVD of Transformers looks perfect.

Thanks in advance.

ON IN II:

This is a known issue with the 1.6.0 software. The 1.6.2 update corrects this issue - it looks like you are in California. Unfortunately, you guys are last in line for the update - but you'll have it on 4/14.

So, a few more weeks and you should be fine.

I just got FIOS last weekend. AMAZING compared to Comcast hd. Where do I check what firmware my box has and how is it upgraded, do they send that upgrade automatically?

ON IN II:

This is a known issue with the 1.6.0 software. The 1.6.2 update corrects this issue - it looks like you are in California. Unfortunately, you guys are last in line for the update - but you'll have it on 4/14.

So, a few more weeks and you should be fine.


Thanks for the info. I try to read the forum regulary but that doesn't always work out.

I am still interested in some Tivo opinions and how well it works with Fios and what issues it has as I haven't ruled this out. I loved my Tivo when I had D* until it died and they sent me the junk they used.

Thanks jeepmatt for the info!!

I just got FIOS last weekend. AMAZING compared to Comcast hd. Where do I check what firmware my box has and how is it upgraded, do they send that upgrade automatically?

Blade-

You can hit MENU, then choose Settings, then I believe it's Set Top Info

It should show you the firmware. And yes, the morning of 4/7, your STB's will be upgraded automatically.

If you're in P'burgh - you're still on 1.6.0

MD / DC / VA get the upgrade 3/31
FL / IN / P'Burgh get it 4/7
CA / TX on 4/14

Ok - had this upgrade a few days, I am pleased with it. The SD is very good now, so I'll have more of a fight getting my wife to switch from SD to HD versions of the same channel.

The real test will be this weekend, when the soccer channels are in action; most of the feeds are of varying quality, usually the european feeds are a bit hazy and some of the south ameircan and african feeds are horrible. Hope to see an improvement, with Setanta being the best and GolTv the worst.

Nice to have the other improvements, but the SD PQ improvement is the key for me.

Also question to all the Tivo owners out there. On the guide with the Tivo do you get the actor info or do you still have to hit info a second time to get the actor info. I am really looking at going this route and getting an Xl for the family room and a standard series 3 for the bedroom. If I do that won't I be able to watch movies in the bedroom from the family room Tivo?



When viewing the guide you will see the top 4-5 actors, year, brief description and programming data like CC, SAP and stereo. If you record the show you can access a second level of info from the now playing screen that has: episode title, description, actors, guest stars, directors, producers, writers, episode number, original air date and a list of programs that Tivo considers to be similar that you may enjoy as well.
My personal recommendation would be to get 2 of the TivoHD units and do the hard drive upgrade yourself.

Hi all, I'm a new Fios customer as of Monday. My early opinion on the HD image quality is very favorable - the PQ is much better than what we had with Comcast.

My "problem" - I have the 7216 boxes, and a Sony 60" SXRD A3000 set - I noticed after checking out a number of movies, both on the regular channels and on VOD, a problem with Transformers HD via Encore HD VOD. During the initial action scene, where the previously lost helicopter lands at the base, the ensuing action scene had ALOT of digital artifacts and distortion - primarily on fast moving subject matter (explosions/flying bodies etc.).

I had earlier watched the more "sedate" Mr. Brooks HD on another VOD channel, and was blown away by the PQ.

I didn't really have time to check other channels for this, but have any others had issues like this, particularly with the 7216 box?

And no, its not the set - among other things, the HD DVD of Transformers looks perfect.

Thanks in advance.

Did some additional watching, and it seems most of the HD channels, both network and movie, suffer from this "digital distortion", or pixelization/blocking effect. Its most apparant on fast moving objects within the scene/frame, or in one case, I was watching a concert on Palladia and while the picture was extremely clear and sharp, on certain closeups of the players, they appeared distorted or pixelated - I think due to the complicated, moving background image on the large screen behind them.

I'm wondering if there is a bandwidth problem somewhere. The installing tech said we had a very good, strong signal, +8 or thereabouts, FWIW.

Any thoughts or similar experiences?

Did some additional watching, and it seems most of the HD channels, both network and movie, suffer from this "digital distortion", or pixelization/blocking effect. Its most apparant on fast moving objects within the scene/frame, or in one case, I was watching a concert on Palladia and while the picture was extremely clear and sharp, on certain closeups of the players, they appeared distorted or pixelated - I think due to the complicated, moving background image on the large screen behind them.

I'm wondering if there is a bandwidth problem somewhere. The installing tech said we had a very good, strong signal, +8 or thereabouts, FWIW.

Any thoughts or similar experiences?

Hmmm... no bandwidth problems for me. The problems I've heard of with FIOS is not a lack of signal strength, but too hot a signal, which can cause degradation. I don't see any pixelization usually, have seen it once in a great while on HD VOD, but even there, concerts (Christina Aguilera was one) with lots of motion and pyrotechnics had no issues.

You may want to get Verizon back on site and see if you are getting too hot a signal to your STB's and this is the issue. You shouldn't be seeing this.

Did some additional watching, and it seems most of the HD channels, both network and movie, suffer from this "digital distortion", or pixelization/blocking effect. Its most apparant on fast moving objects within the scene/frame, or in one case, I was watching a concert on Palladia and while the picture was extremely clear and sharp, on certain closeups of the players, they appeared distorted or pixelated - I think due to the complicated, moving background image on the large screen behind them.

I'm wondering if there is a bandwidth problem somewhere. The installing tech said we had a very good, strong signal, +8 or thereabouts, FWIW.

Any thoughts or similar experiences?

I would call support right away and get them back in. I switched from Comcast and the FIOS HD picture is better thatn Comcast.

With the fast pans, flashing lights, and high detail on most concerts, there's bound to be some level of blocking on some shots. If it's happening all the time, or the blocks look completely unrelated to what should be there, it might be a signal problem. If they just look like a really low-quality version of what should be there, it's simply a compression artifact. If you've got the contrast, sharpness, or detail/edge enhancement cranked up on your TV, these artifacts become more pronounced, so you might investigate those settings to get a more natural-looking picture that doesn't exaggerate the flaws inherent in a digital broadcast.

With the fast pans, flashing lights, and high detail on most concerts, there's bound to be some level of blocking on some shots. If it's happening all the time, or the blocks look completely unrelated to what should be there, it might be a signal problem. If they just look like a really low-quality version of what should be there, it's simply a compression artifact. If you've got the contrast, sharpness, or detail/edge enhancement cranked up on your TV, these artifacts become more pronounced, so you might investigate those settings to get a more natural-looking picture that doesn't exaggerate the flaws inherent in a digital broadcast.

I have my plasma set pretty accurately (using AVIA, my eyes, and input from other owners on AVS Forum), and I do see pixelation as described by benneyb during fast motion and pans. I don't see it on good sources, such as blu-ray, but I do see it on most HD broadcasts (esp. network, HBO, and Starz). It's especially apparent on Verizon's VOD, where the PQ is generally lower than even the same movie would appear on a premium channel.

We recently watched Vicky Cristina Barcelona via VOD (terrible movie, IMO, but my wife and daughter wanted to see it). Allen uses horizontal pans throughout the movie, and even without much character movement, the pans evidenced horrible pixelation.

Doug

I have my plasma set pretty accurately (using AVIA, my eyes, and input from other owners on AVS Forum), and I do see pixelation as described by benneyb during fast motion and pans. I don't see it on good sources, such as blu-ray, but I do see it on most HD broadcasts (esp. network, HBO, and Starz). It's especially apparent on Verizon's VOD, where the PQ is generally lower than even the same movie would appear on a premium channel.

We recently watched Vicky Cristina Barcelona via VOD (terrible movie, IMO, but my wife and daughter wanted to see it). Allen uses horizontal pans throughout the movie, and even without much character movement, the pans evidenced horrible pixelation.

Doug

Doug - this is EXACTLY what I am getting, and how I have my TV setup as well - very reasonable/realistic levels.

After more watching, it is VERY widespread, and afflicts most HD content with a fast moving subject(s) and/or pans, as you mention. Content without these elements looks Fantastic.

It sounds like you and I both have a similar issue, while others sound like they don't - I wonder if the signal may be too hot as someone says above? Its hard to believe there is so much compression done at the source - Verizon claims they do no "additional compression" in on of their marketing related web pages.

I see it here as well sometimes - on the HD Premiums.

It's just what VZ is receiving. It's not "too hot" a signal or "too cold"...

It's a fact of what they receive from HBO - and the fact that some of them are MPEG4 feeds which must then be changed into MPEG2 feeds to send out to the STB's.

What you are seeing is Mpeg-2 motion artifacts. Unfortunately, it is an inherent flaw in the DTV standard. The high the bit rate the better, as we have with FiOS, but it is still there. You don't see it with Blu-ray as Blu-ray has significantly higher bit rates as well as using a much better codec, for the most part either AVC (Mpeg-4) or VC-1. Even the few Blu-rays with Mpeg-2 have mush higher bit rates as well and much fewer motion artifacts. As for OTA and cable, we are stuck with this problem as a result of the standards being developed in the 1990's. It has nothing to do with the FiOS service or any issues with it.

What you are seeing is Mpeg-2 motion artifacts. Unfortunately, it is an inherent flaw in the DTV standard. The high the bit rate the better, as we have with FiOS, but it is still there. You don't see it with Blu-ray as Blu-ray has significantly higher bit rates as well as using a much better codec, for the most part either AVC (Mpeg-4) or VC-1. Even the few Blu-rays with Mpeg-2 have mush higher bit rates as well and much fewer motion artifacts. As for OTA and cable, we are stuck with this problem as a result of the standards being developed in the 1990's. It has nothing to do with the FiOS service or any issues with it.

JWhip (and Jeepmatt) - thanks for the input. So, is it correct to say the actual "cure" will be when/if the source material, i.e. the movies themselves, are re-encoded with MPEG4 instead of MPEG2? Any chance this might happen one day?