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.


The only flaw is lack of bandwidth. They only have around 19mbs of bandwidth for OTA broadcast and many stations have sub channels further decreasing the bandwidth. But when they made the standards, MPEG4 wasn't a viable option then. And now the standards are in place so we are stuck with MPEG2 broadcasts here in the US.

That would be nice if they could change the standards to mPEG4 or VC1 but it's too late now.

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'm not saying that proper calibration will make artifacts disappear, just that improper calibration makes them more worse. The hard edges of the blocks are perfect targets for edge enhancers/excess sharpness, and having the contrast up too high will make the differences between adjacent blocks more pronounced. When I got my LCD 16 months ago, the default "torch" settings made HD almost unwatchable because all the artifacts were blindingly obvious. After going to the AVS-recommended settings and adjusting from there, the problems became less pronounced. Now that I'm on FiOS (previously Cox), I see even fewer artifacts, but some occasionally pop up, especially on channels that are bitstarved to begin with, like Food HD and Discovery HD.

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.

Don't forget there are two passes in Blu-ray (as well as DVD) encoding. One to check out what its encoding and another to encode optimally. Broadcast encoders do not have this luxury.

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

I'm in Northern Virginia. Checking the STB settings this morning shows we still have 1.6.0. Any idea why the upgrade didn't happen. When it does, what can I expect?

I'm in Northern Virginia. Checking the STB settings this morning shows we still have 1.6.0. Any idea why the upgrade didn't happen. When it does, what can I expect?

Don't know why it didn't happen but the word is we're getting this on 4/2 (according to DSL reports).

All of our On-demand pixelate, block and stutter even after resetting via phone-call and unplugging. Any input is appreciated.

Thanks, John Mason. Moved it over to the Fios hardware thread.

^^^Suggest contacting Verizon for a service call. They should have wired the system, or modified it originally, so stressing a sharp bend doesn't kill video. DIY tinkering can screw it up worse. BTW, believe there's a Verizon hardware thread in the HDTV technical section here. -- John

ok guy for the people that have bean waiting for fios in the 10461 area in the bronx is bean install in my house as we speak i live in the edison ave area cross street st theresa :)

Boy, they sure are lazy at the web site. I don't know about all the areas in the Country they serve but in the Harrisburg PA area they have not updated the Channel Listings PDF since Novemeber 2008.

I hope all those " . TV " shows end up on VOD instead of individual channels : http://www.es.tv/about-us/ Is that the proper link for them ?

For those Delaware customers served out of VHO8 (including me) - MASN 2 was turned back on yesterday afternoon on Channel 1. Guide data is now showing as of this morning.

For those not familiar, this channel will show Orioles and / or Nationals games when both teams are playing at the same time, or when 1 team is assigned to be shown on MASN2.

All other times, ESPN News will be the filler programming.

Those customers in MD and VA should have received the 1.6.2 update overnight.

It was delayed 2 days for unknown reasons.

Anybody know if there's an HD ppv channel that shows the ppv fights? I see there's an hd events channel, but it's always showing girls gone wild or something similar.
Forgive me if this has already been asked.

Was hoping some of you fios guys could chime in and help me out.

Just got Fios installed, have the firmware 1.62 here in NYC. I switched from TWC which was ok but, giving me problems so I switched.

My problem is that the 65" plasma is drowning out the ir and causing the remote on the fios to not respond the wy it should. The box doesnt respond to the remote. Turn off the monitor and all is good.

WTF can I do to solve this?

Cannot move the TV and moving the cable box is not really an option either.

Help in the city!

Does your plasma have a light sensor or day/night setting? If so, turn it off.

Was hoping some of you fios guys could chime in and help me out.

Just got Fios installed, have the firmware 1.62 here in NYC. I switched from TWC which was ok but, giving me problems so I switched.

My problem is that the 65" plasma is drowning out the ir and causing the remote on the fios to not respond the wy it should. The box doesnt respond to the remote. Turn off the monitor and all is good.

WTF can I do to solve this?

Cannot move the TV and moving the cable box is not really an option either.

Help in the city!
I've seen suggestions to cover the remote sensor with scotch tape or a post-it note. The covering blocks the interference from the TV while still allowing enough of the remote's signal through to work.

Anybody know if there's an HD ppv channel that shows the ppv fights? I see there's an hd events channel, but it's always showing girls gone wild or something similar.
Forgive me if this has already been asked.

This is where HD coverage of your fights will be.
Channel 1001 and at the same price.

thanks for the replies. No day/night setting but, I can try the post it note thing and see if that helps. Any other suggestons Im all ears. Thanks guys.

PS. Is the channel surfing always so dog gone slow?

...PS. Is the channel surfing always so dog gone slow?
If you are going from standard def to high def, there's some lag, but normally, if you are in one mode, or group of one or the other definitions, the up/down channel selection runs fairly quickly.

Those customers in MD and VA should have received the 1.6.2 update overnight.

It was delayed 2 days for unknown reasons.

We received the update in MD yesterday. I rarely watch the SD channels, but I checked one or two. I thought the update was supposed to improve SD picture quality, but it still looks as bad as before. Maybe it's been so long, that I just don't remember how bad SD can look...

Doug

If it will help anyone else in this thread. Moving the cable box several feet away from the plasma eliminated the interference. If the cable box is in front or below the plasma no good but, 1-2ft left or right of the monitor cured the flooding problem. Hope this helps someone.

PS. the tape trick did not work and the IR blaster port on the back of the Fios boxes are disabled (in NYC anyway)

We received the update in MD yesterday. I rarely watch the SD channels, but I checked one or two. I thought the update was supposed to improve SD picture quality, but it still looks as bad as before. Maybe it's been so long, that I just don't remember how bad SD can look...

Doug

Do you have 64xx box or a 74xx box? The 7400 series box never had the broken SD picture, only the 6416.

Do you have 64xx box or a 74xx box? The 7400 series box never had the broken SD picture, only the 6416.

6416

Doug

6416

Doug

I have the 6416 and I notice no improvement on SD channels either. Especially Chiller (193).

hmm wierd...i know people are saying some channels still look poor (it's the feed, not the box), but you should see an improvement on many others. i know the few SD channels I watch look better. They look as they did before VZ "broke" them a few updates ago.

It also depends on how you have your box hooked up and what mode you use for SD output. I use component and have my box output the native 480i for SD channels so I was never affected by the degradation in SD quality even though I have a 6xxx box. It simply just didn't do the post processing of the signal under those conditions.

This morning, YES HD has shown up here in Delaware out of VHO8 on Channel 595, and is in the guide after I did the "scan 10 days ahead in the guide trick".

This launch is ONLY the HD channel.

There was a posted rumor over on the VZ sponsored forums that perhaps Verizon was in works for a national agreement to show YES HD across the country. Now, i'm not sure if that's the case yet - but this definitely points to something of the sort.

If anyone else can check 595 in their guides, let me know!

Personally, the Yankees suck (I'm a Phillies fan), but I could totally see an excellent PR opportunity for Verizon if they could state that they offer "America's Team" to their entire FIOS TV footprint. And, having another sports channel in HD fits right into my area of pleasure.

My only remaining questions is, "Will you be able to see Yankees game outside of the NY area, or will it be blacked out?" I have MLB Extra Innings, so I'd see them regardless, but it will be interesting.

^^^^^^I won't be able to check until this afternoon, but posted in our local AVS Forum to see if somebody else would check.

It would be very interesting if they were able to add it nationally. I thought Vz had to play by the cable franchise rules which would prohibit launching regional sports networks nationally.....

No YES HD in RI even after a quick re-boot.

This morning, YES HD has shown up here in Delaware out of VHO8 on Channel 595, and is in the guide after I did the "scan 10 days ahead in the guide trick".

This launch is ONLY the HD channel.

There was a posted rumor over on the VZ sponsored forums that perhaps Verizon was in works for a national agreement to show YES HD across the country. Now, i'm not sure if that's the case yet - but this definitely points to something of the sort.

If anyone else can check 595 in their guides, let me know!

Personally, the Yankees suck (I'm a Phillies fan), but I could totally see an excellent PR opportunity for Verizon if they could state that they offer "America's Team" to their entire FIOS TV footprint. And, having another sports channel in HD fits right into my area of pleasure.

My only remaining questions is, "Will you be able to see Yankees game outside of the NY area, or will it be blacked out?" I have MLB Extra Innings, so I'd see them regardless, but it will be interesting.

It's about time that RSN's are offered to everyone regardless of geography. With the internet, slingboxes, people registering their satellite services at addresses of family and friends etc, people are using somewhat questionable methods to watch their favorite teams. Often people grew up in one "market" and now live in another. The concept of a "market" and a "tv network" made sense in the 1950's were a tv stations range was ~60 miles if the conditions were good.

Now with regards to your concept of "the Yankees suck (I'm a Phillies fan)". Not only is this not the appropriate place for that, but living between NY and Phili, I can tell you that in general (at least here) , the NY fans have a higher income, much more polished in their way of speaking, significantly more educated, and more frequently white collar. Often someone wearing an Eagles of Phili's shirt will be referred to as a "toilet cleaner". Try to remember that NYC is a world class city where people from all over the world dream of being able to afford to vacation. Philadelphia is extremely insignificant compared to NYC in the same way that analog cable is extremely insignificant compared to FIOS.

Philadelphia is extremely insignificant compared to NYC in the same way that analog cable is extremely insignificant compared to FIOS.

Get a grip. Jeep posts more information about FiOS than just about anybody on these forums, I think he can add a little sarcasm to his posts if he wishes.

And, your last sentence from your post about Philly is just as "bad" as what he said, and this certainly is not a forum for that discussion.

Get a grip.

No matter how much he great information he posts. "the Yankees suck" is not sarcasm it's a lie to say the team with the most world series wins ever sucks. It's equivalent to Comcast saying FIOS sucks or GM saying Toyota sucks.

I got fios because of some really great comparisons on this site and DSL reports. Jeep's postings included. He was wrong to do what he did. Cpanther95 is a fantastic poster on AVS with great insight and even though he is a fan of a different football team than I am he does not go around AVS and trash other teams.

Now back to FIOS. Since extreme HD I rarely watch SD. I know Verizon wants to keep their revenue up but considering the slowing economy, would it be in their best interest to prevent people from leaving by offering and HD only package thus saving the cost of paying SD providers for channels that HD only viewers watch?

Jesus guys - relax - it was just a joke (hence the use of the word "personally"). It's the 1st day of baseball - it's always time for a little fun..

But hey, just cements my opinion about NYC area attitudes. :cool:

I could care less about the YES network. If people want to watch out of market games they can subscribe to MLB X-tra Innings plain and simple!

Oh and BTW, GO SOX! :D

T

My only remaining questions is, "Will you be able to see Yankees game outside of the NY area, or will it be blacked out?"

More than likely the games will be blacked out due to MLB's arcane blackout rules. When I was with DirecTv with the sports pack, even some shows on YES were blacked out due to content. YES seemed to black out more than SNY did.
I could watch Mets Weekly and such. Yankeeography and shows like that were most always blacked out.

YES HD is live on 595 in North Texas. Guide shows "Off-Air" during the timeslots of live games, but the replays seem to be intact.

It's about time that RSN's are offered to everyone regardless of geography. With the internet, slingboxes, people registering their satellite services at addresses of family and friends etc, people are using somewhat questionable methods to watch their favorite teams. Often people grew up in one "market" and now live in another. The concept of a "market" and a "tv network" made sense in the 1950's were a tv stations range was ~60 miles if the conditions were good.

Now with regards to your concept of "the Yankees suck (I'm a Phillies fan)". Not only is this not the appropriate place for that, but living between NY and Phili, I can tell you that in general (at least here) , the NY fans have a higher income, much more polished in their way of speaking, significantly more educated, and more frequently white collar. Often someone wearing an Eagles of Phili's shirt will be referred to as a "toilet cleaner". Try to remember that NYC is a world class city where people from all over the world dream of being able to afford to vacation. Philadelphia is extremely insignificant compared to NYC in the same way that analog cable is extremely insignificant compared to FIOS.

Are you sh*tting me with this higher than thou attitude of yours? My god! All over an innocent "Yankees suck" comment that is part of the lexicon of sports fans jabbing other fans? This attitude is what helps to cement the attitudes of others against NYC, NYers and especially obnoxious Yankee fans.

P.S. I was and will always be a NYer and the Jankees do indeed suck!

:D


/proud Mets fan and humble NYer at heart :)


Edit: I hope this is not the only out of market RSN that will show up on FIOS. Please Verizon, make this fair for all out of market sports fans and offer an RSN sports package like DirecTV has and allow those of us who subscribe to the iN Demand packages to view these games on our "home away from home" RSNs and in HD too...otherwise we're stuck with the limited GAMEHD offerings or the usually poorer quality EI and CI SD feeds. Not to mention to be able to see pre and post-game shows!

I'm a new FIOS customer as of 2 weeks ago, and while we had 1.6.2 and the 7216 box from the beginning, I'm not overly impressed. The issues I'm seeing are as follows, and I believe, similar to others:

- Lack of response to remote key presses
- Intermittent pixelization/static/breakup of HD picture
- Inconsistent response to "VCR" controls (FF, RW). Picture sometimes freezes, or takes on a purplish tinge.

These are my main beefs. I will say the SD picture quality is very good, much better than Comcast.

/proud Mets fan and humble NYer at heart :)


Edit: I hope this is not the only out of market RSN that will show up on FIOS. Please Verizon, make this fair for all out of market sports fans and offer an RSN sports package like DirecTV has and allow those of us who subscribe to the iN Demand packages to view these games on our "home away from home" RSNs and in HD too...otherwise we're stuck with the limited GAMEHD offerings or the usually poorer quality EI and CI SD feeds. Not to mention to be able to see pre and post-game shows!

Ditto on all quoted!

Hola from Oregon

I'm a new FIOS customer as of 2 weeks ago, and while we had 1.6.2 and the 7216 box from the beginning, I'm not overly impressed. The issues I'm seeing are as follows, and I believe, similar to others:

- Lack of response to remote key presses
- Intermittent pixelization/static/breakup of HD picture
- Inconsistent response to "VCR" controls (FF, RW). Picture sometimes freezes, or takes on a purplish tinge.

These are my main beefs. I will say the SD picture quality is very good, much better than Comcast.

Just got the 1.6.2 upgrade today here in Pittsburgh, and I've already noticed a huge difference in terms of channel switching. Before the firmware change, whenever I'd change channels, at best there would be about 3 "clicks" or soft "pops" after turning the channel, and at worst I'd get the dreaded "channel unavailable" message; now it's perfect. As for HD and SD PQ, I am totally satisfied, and I came from D* and the mpeg-4. I've been a customer for just about 3 weeks now and I can honestly say that I'm glad I moved over. No more rain drop outs, no more dusting the snow off the dish, no more compressed SD channels. The only thing I wish is that the DVR had more space and that the on-demand free items were more extensive. And 5.99 for a movie? Are they kidding themselves? You can go up to the red box at Giant-Eagle or Shop-n-save and rent a movie for a buck. Don't they realize how much money they're losing by having the price set so high? If the movies were $1 or $2 bucks a pop, I'd probably have purchased 3 or 4 by now. As it is, at that price, I doubt I'll ever pay for a movie on FIOS.

I'm a new FIOS customer as of 2 weeks ago, and while we had 1.6.2 and the 7216 box from the beginning, I'm not overly impressed. The issues I'm seeing are as follows, and I believe, similar to others:

- Lack of response to remote key presses
- Intermittent pixelization/static/breakup of HD picture
- Inconsistent response to "VCR" controls (FF, RW). Picture sometimes freezes, or takes on a purplish tinge.

These are my main beefs. I will say the SD picture quality is very good, much better than Comcast.

Benneyb-

1) I'm surprised you're seeing a "lack of response" on the remote. 1.6.2 and the 7216 have excellent response (well at least I do)

2) If you're having breakup on HD channels, I'd get a tech out to check levels - this should not be happening

3) If you click FF or REW too fast, it sometimes gets hung up, but i've never seen a "purplish tinge".

If you're a new customer, maybe get them to come out and give you a new DVR - I'm thinking you don't have too much saved just yet on this one. :cool:

Well,

It turns out that YES is now producing a National version of the channel, which is what FIOS has picked up.

During live telecasts of Yankees and / or Nets games, the guide will show as "Off-Air", since these games are unable to be shown outside of the NYC area.

This should be a 3 day rollout from what I hear (starting yesterday), so other areas should see it show up this week.

YES HD was added to VHO9 overnight.

Pretty much the same as the RSNs in the sports pack on D*, isn't it? All the non-game programming, and the game reruns, but no live games. Unless they can tie it in with EI and LP to give access to live Yankees and Nets games, it seems like a bigger waste of space than QVC HD.

YES-HD was added today to the Washington Metro market, so it is now available in VHO 4. Don't know how much value it will have if the Yankees and Nets games are blacked out outside of the NY market, but I guess there are fans who will watch the news and talk programming outside of the actual games.

The current push for Verizon has obviously been to improve their HD sports coverage. The recent national HD channel adds have been NHL HD, Golf HD, MLB HD, and now Yes HD. In VHO 4 and 9, they added MASN-HD (Mid Atlantic Sports Nets) before the channel went HD. But where are AMC-HD and some of the more useful Viacom HD channels such as Comedy Central? Like to see Verizon add them before they max out the QAM capacity (assuming no more than 2 HD channels per QAM channel).

How about more than one HD channel for the MLB Extra Innings package? As I understand it, the package through DirecTV has multiple games simultaneously simulcast in HD. On FIOS there is only one HD channel which is sometimes used for Hockey (in April) and sometimes not used at all. Why can't they do better?

How about more than one HD channel for the MLB Extra Innings package? As I understand it, the package through DirecTV has multiple games simultaneously simulcast in HD. On FIOS there is only one HD channel which is sometimes used for Hockey (in April) and sometimes not used at all. Why can't they do better?

correct me if i'm wrong but i believe it has something to do with the stupid agreement with indemand. :mad::mad::mad:

if vz had there own independent contract with MLB (not with indemand) then they will not be limited to what ever indemand provides. D* is not bound to what limited space the cable cos and indemand offer, therefore they can offer just about everygame in HD.

but i could be wrong feel free to correct me.

This week the InDemand MLB:EI package is showing 12 HD games.

The DirecTV package includes 59 games, with more than 30 of those offering feeds from each team.

^^ don't forget about the STRIKE ZONE channel only available from D*

Vz is getting a lot better as far as offering sports programing to its viewers.Vz now offers YES net HD in most markets. but it seams no one in sports can top D*

D* does not have ESPN U hd so for college fans Vz is 1 up on D*

Yes, I've seen some rumblings about that but never the whole story. What you're saying sounds about right.

So Verizon gets the MLB EI content from In Demand which is crappy and only offers one HD feed. Verizon has bandwidth for more HD feeds, they just don't have access to them. Meanwhile DirecTV gets the EI content straight from MLB (which makes sense since In Demand is a cable co. thing) and they manage to get nearly half of them in HD.

Great job Verizon and In Demand :mad:

Meanwhile DirecTV gets the EI content straight from MLB (which makes sense since In Demand is a cable co. thing) and they manage to get nearly half of them in HD.

Great job Verizon and In Demand :mad:Literally every game is in HD on DirecTV plus home and away coverage in HD...

When will people understand - Extra Innings on FIOS is NOT THE DIRECTV version.

DirecTV already carries all of the regional sports channels that are used in Extra Innings - as they are a NATIONAL service.

FIOS does not. Why would they carry Fox Sports Wisconsin when they don't even have service in Wisconsin? Get my point?

All DirecTV does is remap all of their RSN's to Extra Innings' channel placements. That is why they can offer 40 HD games a week instead of FIOS's 10.

FIOS is obtaining the service through InDemand, which has limited satellite bandwidth to offer as many games as possible to cable companies and Verizon. That is why, at the moment, they only offer 1 HD channel as part of the package. It wouldn't be very cost effective (at this point) for FIOS to pick up multiple HD RSN's just so they can be used with Extra Innings.

It's amazing how many people just don't get this.

FIOS is obtaining the service through InDemand,

http://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:cszaAU23CEHsOM:http://cumbriansky.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/disappointed.jpg
http://tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:_mV9edv6H9dGMM:http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i119/silvershredder/595disappointed3if8.jpg

indemand = cable (poor service)
fios should not follow in there footsteps. '

but hey thats just my opinion.

When will people understand - Extra Innings on FIOS is NOT THE DIRECTV version.

DirecTV already carries all of the regional sports channels that are used in Extra Innings - as they are a NATIONAL service.

FIOS does not. Why would they carry Fox Sports Wisconsin when they don't even have service in Wisconsin? Get my point?

All DirecTV does is remap all of their RSN's to Extra Innings' channel placements. That is why they can offer 40 HD games a week instead of FIOS's 10.

FIOS is obtaining the service through InDemand, which has limited satellite bandwidth to offer as many games as possible to cable companies and Verizon. That is why, at the moment, they only offer 1 HD channel as part of the package. It wouldn't be very cost effective (at this point) for FIOS to pick up multiple HD RSN's just so they can be used with Extra Innings.

It's amazing how many people just don't get this.

It's probably not worth the argument with you...but I'll try anyway because this is something that MANY of us FIOS out of market sports fans seem to want (even if it's not feasible for FIOS at this time per YOUR connected opinion). Not to mention it wouldn't hurt to express our frustrations with the current iN Demand's offerings. Yes, it's better than nothing but like DVR/storage wishes etc, being vocal CAN possibly help to put this out there for FIOS feedback to use for future possibiliities...

Anyway, I get your comments but at the same time, based on your logic, why can't FIOS offer a streamlined sports package of the RSN's that they DO carry in their current territories? DirecTV may be national but FIOS is intent on being national,too. Can't cost much more than pennies to carry just the the RSN's that they already do in local markets but in a national setting (with the extra bandwidth they currently have)? These RSNs should already be getting their cut of the iN Demand subscriptions for the live games so the extra fare would be through a separate sports package such as DirecTV has for the RSNs (It wouldn't be something that you'd need to force down all subscribers thru the Extreme HD package) . Also, if channel placement is that important to FIOS, they can set up an RSN channel set in the low 1000's like they stupidly still use for the 300 SD sports set.

Seriously, if iN Demand is going to keep with their limited bandwidth for longer than thsi year offering poor SD quality when too many games are on and limited HD offerings, I can't see FIOS NOT having an impetus to look into a better set-up that is more in line with their BETTER PICTURE mantra.

P.S. Phillies suck. :p:D;)

There is no alternative. That's what people don't seem to get. It's either InDemand or it's no out-of-market baseball package at all.

One wonders when InDemand will up its HD offering. But given the bandwidth constraints straddling most of the cable providers, I doubt it'll be in the next couple seasons.

It's probably not worth the argument with you...but I'll try anyway because this is something that MANY of us FIOS out of market sports fans seem to want (even if it's not feasible for FIOS at this time per YOUR connected opinion). Not to mention it wouldn't hurt to express our frustrations with the current iN Demand's offerings. Yes, it's better than nothing but like DVR/storage wishes etc, being vocal CAN possibly help to put this out there for FIOS feedback to use for future possibiliities...

Anyway, I get your comments but at the same time, based on your logic, why can't FIOS offer a streamlined sports package of the RSN's that they DO carry in their current territories? DirecTV may be national but FIOS is intent on being national,too. Can't cost much more than pennies to carry just the the RSN's that they already do in local markets but in a national setting (with the extra bandwidth they currently have)? These RSNs should already be getting their cut of the iN Demand subscriptions for the live games so the extra fare would be through a separate sports package such as DirecTV has for the RSNs (It wouldn't be something that you'd need to force down all subscribers thru the Extreme HD package) . Also, if channel placement is that important to FIOS, they can set up an RSN channel set in the low 1000's like they stupidly still use for the 300 SD sports set.

Seriously, if iN Demand is going to keep with their limited bandwidth for longer than thsi year offering poor SD quality when too many games are on and limited HD offerings, I can't see FIOS NOT having an impetus to look into a better set-up that is more in line with their BETTER PICTURE mantra.

P.S. Phillies suck. :p:D;)
I can only speak for myself, but I don't think jeepmatt is trying to argue with anyone. He's just stating how things work TODAY. He doesn't seem to be saying it's good or bad. We agree that it's bad, but there is a strong technical reason why it isn't happening in the near future.

D* is national in a very different sense of the word than cable. D* is national in the sense that the entire nation is being blanketed with the same set of channels (with the exception of any spot beams that are in use). FiOS uses a model much more like cable, in the sense that there is a video head end. Each video head end has only those channels that are necessary for that area. It's not like V* could flip a switch and turn on WNBC for me; I live in MD and my choices are WRC and WBAL. But technically D* could do that -- it's a legal restriction that stops them from doing it.

I hope my explanation helps, and I hope I didn't get anything wrong. But anyway my main point is that nobody here is trying to say that 10 HD games is better than 40. They're just trying to explain WHY it is the way it is. :)

There is no alternative. That's what people don't seem to get. It's either InDemand or it's no out-of-market baseball package at all.

One wonders when InDemand will up its HD offering. But given the bandwidth constraints straddling most of the cable providers, I doubt it'll be in the next couple seasons.

Exactly. There's no reason why InDemand can't up their offerings and let the cable companies decide how many HD games to take. Digital sat space is incredibly less expensive than old analog space. InDemand can send 4 or 5 HD games and the cablers can decide which games to take based on space.

That would solve the issue. As Matt said, it's probably a couple of years out before we see that.

I've taken EI this season on Verizon and while it's ok, I'll be taking my DirecTv sub out of mothballs at the 1/2 season so I can get back to watching the Mets broadcasters full time like I did last season. The extra cost is worth it to me.

I can only speak for myself, but I don't think jeepmatt is trying to argue with anyone. He's just stating how things work TODAY. He doesn't seem to be saying it's good or bad. We agree that it's bad, but there is a strong technical reason why it isn't happening in the near future.

D* is national in a very different sense of the word than cable. D* is national in the sense that the entire nation is being blanketed with the same set of channels (with the exception of any spot beams that are in use). FiOS uses a model much more like cable, in the sense that there is a video head end. Each video head end has only those channels that are necessary for that area. It's not like V* could flip a switch and turn on WNBC for me; I live in MD and my choices are WRC and WBAL. But technically D* could do that -- it's a legal restriction that stops them from doing it.

I hope my explanation helps, and I hope I didn't get anything wrong. But anyway my main point is that nobody here is trying to say that 10 HD games is better than 40. They're just trying to explain WHY it is the way it is. :)

Ah, well that makes sense from a technical aspect.

Anyway, I fully understand why it is what it is NOW. I dont' think I said anywhere that I don't understand why we only get up to 10 HD games a week. (And if I did, I apologize because I must be going senile). Maybe others have stated that but I fully understood what I was getting when subscribing to the EI MLB package via FIOS.
Personally, I was just ranting focusing on the future...i.e. wishing upon a star. You know: KEEP HOPE ALIVE! HA! NOT!

D* is national in a very different sense of the word than cable. D* is national in the sense that the entire nation is being blanketed with the same set of channels (with the exception of any spot beams that are in use). FiOS uses a model much more like cable, in the sense that there is a video head end. Each video head end has only those channels that are necessary for that area. It's not like V* could flip a switch and turn on WNBC for me; I live in MD and my choices are WRC and WBAL. But technically D* could do that -- it's a legal restriction that stops them from doing it.
Really though, there's no technical reason Verizon couldn't do the same thing. It's certainly not a bandwidth problem: Verizon offers Internet packages with a higher data rate than what is used by an OTA DTV broadcast, so backhauling a few HD channels in each market is a mere drop in the bucket of the available capacity of their network. They might have to stick with IP delivery of the channels rather than using QAM space, but there's plenty of system bandwidth to do it.

Really though, there's no technical reason Verizon couldn't do the same thing. It's certainly not a bandwidth problem: Verizon offers Internet packages with a higher data rate than what is used by an OTA DTV broadcast, so backhauling a few HD channels in each market is a mere drop in the bucket of the available capacity of their network. They might have to stick with IP delivery of the channels rather than using QAM space, but there's plenty of system bandwidth to do it.
Absolutely true, there is no bandwidth problem. I do expect them to eventually send all the RSNs bit-for-bit, but they're just not there yet. I'm still impressed with how far they've come just in the last six months. To think that I'd have 100+ HD channels without 3:1 recompression...! I know they can't keep up this rate of progress forever, but imagine where we would be in six months if they could. I do look forward to a day when they offer a "Sports Pack" like D* has, where it unlocks the RSNs when a game is not on, kinda like YES HD in my area. Then you could supplement it with Extra Innings or Center Ice (or your favorite package) to have those channels remain on during games as well. It'd be like living in every city in America at the same time (with respect to the TV anyway). But yeah, first they have to offer them before any of this happens. :)

Ah, well that makes sense from a technical aspect.

Anyway, I fully understand why it is what it is NOW. I dont' think I said anywhere that I don't understand why we only get up to 10 HD games a week. (And if I did, I apologize because I must be going senile). Maybe others have stated that but I fully understood what I was getting when subscribing to the EI MLB package via FIOS.
Personally, I was just ranting focusing on the future...i.e. wishing upon a star. You know: KEEP HOPE ALIVE! HA! NOT!
No worries, didn't mean to imply that you didn't get what was going on. I'm with you on hoping for the future, and I hope the future is soon! :D I guess I was more clarifying for the general public who lurks but does not post. I hope the info was useful to someone! ;)

If Verizon ever adds all the HD RSNs, I hope they make it a extra cost package, so the rest of us don't have to pay for them. RSNs are among the more expensive cable channels and the non-sport fans are paying a lot for all the sports channels. Don't get me wrong, I want to get the ESPNs, the local RSNs and watch baseball, but would not bother with with all the HD RSNs if they were available.

Maybe we are losing sight of how many HD MLB games are now available in the course of a week even without the Extra Innings package. We now have MLB HD, ESPN-HD, ESPN2-HD, TBS-HD, Fox HD for national games in HD. WGN-HD has some Cubs & White Sox games in HD. All of the RSNs have stepped up, as far I know, and are offering more HD games, if not all local team games in HD. MASN-HD in the DC-Baltimore market is now on Fios and offering a lot more Nats and Os games in HD than last year - and last season Verizon didn't provide the part-time MASN-HD feed.

Squatch / Greg-

You guys rock! :cool: No argument here - I was just trying to get a point across yesterday - I think my "terminology" came across too rough.

Believe me - I saw MLB EI on DirecTV last year - it was a baseball fan's dream come true.

If FIOS did eventually pull that off, it would be fantastic. But as Afigg stated, it would be a legal nightmare probably to secure deals with all of those RSN's - every time you read of a contract dispute, it's with a sports channel most likely.

I'm happy we at least get the Game HD channel - most cable cos (including Comcast in my area) don't even carry that!

If Verizon ever adds all the HD RSNs, I hope they make it a extra cost package, so the rest of us don't have to pay for them. RSNs are among the more expensive cable channels and the non-sport fans are paying a lot for all the sports channels. Don't get me wrong, I want to get the ESPNs, the local RSNs and watch baseball, but would not bother with with all the HD RSNs if they were available.

Maybe we are losing sight of how many HD MLB games are now available in the course of a week even without the Extra Innings package. We now have MLB HD, ESPN-HD, ESPN2-HD, TBS-HD, Fox HD for national games in HD. WGN-HD has some Cubs & White Sox games in HD. All of the RSNs have stepped up, as far I know, and are offering more HD games, if not all local team games in HD. MASN-HD in the DC-Baltimore market is now on Fios and offering a lot more Nats and Os games in HD than last year - and last season Verizon didn't provide the part-time MASN-HD feed.
I was not suggesting that the "Sports Pack" would be included, I'd prefer a model like D*'s where it's an optional add-on for those who are interested. I don't expect anyone to subsidize my desires, and I'd hope that others would afford me the same. :) And yeah, there are a hell of a lot of games this season even without the Extra Innings package. And to think where we'll be next season, or the one after!

Same @ you,JeepMatt, & Greg. :cool::)

(In a future dream state, I too would think that a sportspack would be an extra cost).

Also, yes, the amount of baseball on the tube is amazing now esp in HD. Now to have more time every night to watch games AND TV series to appease the wife. LOL. One good thing is that living on the west coast I get games as soon as I come home at night by 6pm. I always hated waiting until 7pm back east for games to start. ;)

I would also like a "ticket" optional programming tier. For me, it would probably be NCAA and NFL football, but why not for all sports? Yes, it's probably a licensing thing, but if the NFL goes to pay per view, how would we start getting those games? We only have the one NFL channel.

Verizon Breaks Ground For FiOS In Philly

Telco Expects to Offer Service to 660,000 Households by 2016

Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 4/9/2009 1:11:22 PM MT

Verizon has started building its fiber-to-the-home network in Philadelphia, and the telco expects to light up the first FiOS customers later this year in Comcast's hometown.

The Philadelphia city council and mayor approved Verizon's cable TV franchise with the city in February.

Verizon expects that when network construction is completed in 2016, it will be able to offer FiOS service to about 660,000 households including living units in apartment buildings.

The first fiber for FiOS will be laid in Chestnut Hill, followed by other neighborhoods including Brewerytown, East and West Mount Airy, South Philadelphia and Kensington, according to Verizon. About 500 workers will be dedicated to building out the FiOS network in the city.

In an April 8 event to mark the start of construction, 100 employees and local dignitaries joined Jim O'Rourke, Verizon senior vice president of customer operations for Pennsylvania and Delaware at the telco's State Road work center, which houses some of the employees who will build and maintain the network.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/195924-Verizon_Breaks_Ground_For_FiOS_In_Philly.php

2016??? Surely they will be able to offer service as the fiber is strung...wouldn't they?

Verizon always offers the service as it becomes available, so no you likely won't need to wait until 2016.

Do we have a definite answer or just assumptions so far that Verizon will not show Yankee games on YESHD to those who subscribe to the MLB EI package like DirecTV did? When I had DTV, YES was blacked out for games, but once I got the package, games were then available on YES also.

according to a article i read in my local fios thread, (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=869878&page=49) if you do not sub to MLB EI you will have the Yankees game available on-demand the next day with FiOS.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/195833-YES_Reaches_VOD_Deal_With_Verizon.php

I believe the Yankee games on demand will only be in their market, meaning NY, NJ and CT...maybe part of PA also.

I believe the Yankee games on demand will only be in their market, meaning NY, NJ and CT...maybe part of PA also.

True. The article states, "The YES on-demand content, which becomes available starting today, Apr. 8 to FiOS TV subscribers in New York and in north and central New Jersey, also includes other YES programming such as post-game shows, the Yankees On Deck series, the Emmy-nominated CenterStage interview show, The Joe Girardi Show and Yankees Magazine."

So Dish has apparently just added the list of Viacom HD channels.

Any news on when FIOS will be adding them? Is this a good sign, or just a sign that Dish caved?

I'm hoping that whatever contract dispute is going on will be tempered by the economy, and Viacom will just let FIOS finally carry these channels...

Ab-

VZ already has a deal with Viacom for their HD "suite". VZ confirmed with a statement saying they'd be added "this year", and there are other rumors on the boards pointing to "Springtime".

The next "major" addition in the next few weeks will be the MLS Direct Kick channels. Yes, these are also the NBA League Pass channels that had been listed as "Coming Soon". I believe it is channels 1489-1499.

Verizon to Distribute the YES Network Nationally in High Definition to FiOS 'Extreme HD' Subscribers, Under Multiyear Agreement

YES Is First Regional Sports Network to Be Distributed Nationally on Verizon's FiOS TV Service

NEW YORK, April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The YES Network, the most watched regional sports network in the country during the past six years, and Verizon, the only major provider that delivers all-digital TV service over an advanced all-fiber network straight to customers' homes, have reached a multiyear agreement under which Verizon is now distributing the YES Network in high definition nationally on the company's FiOS TV Extreme HD service.

The YES Network will be the first regional sports network in the country available in all FiOS TV markets - at no additional charge. YES programming is available on Channel 595 to Extreme HD subscribers outside of YES' home markets throughout New York state and in northern and central New Jersey. New York Yankees and New Jersey Nets games will not be available to these subscribers; instead, they will receive substitute YES programming.

YES programming, including Yankees and Nets games, is available to Extreme HD subscribers in the YES Network's home markets on Channel 576. Customers in these markets who miss the latest Yankees game can catch a free replay on Verizon's industry-leading video-on-demand (VOD) library.

"The Yankees have arguably the largest and most widespread fan base of any sports team in the country," said Ray Hopkins, COO of the YES Network. "Our agreement with Verizon ensures that the multitude of Yankees fans throughout the nation can share in the pinstripes experience through a broad variety of Yankees programming. This agreement with Verizon truly captures the power of and passion for the New York Yankees."

Terry Denson vice president - FiOS TV content and programming, said, "Adding YES programming in HD to our lineup is part of our commitment to giving FiOS TV subscribers the highest quality and best content there is, delivering the ultimate high-definition home-entertainment experience. Verizon FiOS TV is the best place to watch sports, and with the YES Network available in all markets, fans can catch up on America's favorite pastime and baseball's most popular, storied team."

The following Yankees-themed YES programming will be available nationally on FiOS TV Extreme HD:

"Yankees Batting Practice Today" -- features, analysis, matchups, interviews, news and statistics, as well as batting-practice coverage of the Yankees and their opponents.
"Yankeeography" - YES' Yankees biography series, which has won 16 Emmy Awards in seven years.
"The Joe Girardi Show" - weekly in-season show featuring Yankees manager Joe Girardi.
"Yankees Magazine" - year-round weekly magazine show covering all things Yankees.
"Yankees Classics" - special presentations of some of the greatest and most exciting games in Yankees history.
"Yankees on Deck" - the Emmy-winning children's show featuring Yankees players and hosted by former Yankee and current YES analyst David Cone.
"Yankees Hot Stove" - weekly studio program featuring all the off-season trade and free-agency activity, as well as other news, analyses and interviews.

Other YES programming available nationally on FiOS TV Extreme HD:

"CenterStage" - Emmy-nominated one-on-one interview show hosted by YES' Michael Kay and featuring stars of sports and entertainment such as Michael Phelps, Dwyane Wade, Danica Patrick, Charlie Gibson, Jim Nantz and Jay Z.
"Mike'D Up: Francesa on the FAN" - live weekday simulcasts of Mike Francesa's top-rated WFAN radio show.
"Forbes SportsMoney" - monthly half-hour program covering the latest sports business news and trends.
"SportsLife NYC" - monthly half-hour magazine show highlighting the unique personalities, events, trends, styles and new technology in sports.
"This Week in Football" - weekly studio show during the NFL season, capturing all the action around the league, with an emphasis on the Giants and Jets.
"Nets Magazine" - weekly magazine show covering all aspects of the Nets.

FiOS TV offers a broad collection of programming, with more than 500 all-digital channels and 14,000 video-on-demand (VOD) titles each month - 70 percent of which are free. Verizon's VOD library also includes more than 1,300 HD titles. FiOS TV is currently available to more than 9.2 million homes in 14 states.

For more information on FiOS TV, consumers can visit www.verizon.com/fiostv or call their local Verizon sales office or 888-438-3467.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) , headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 80 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of nearly 224,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $97 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high-quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.

The YES Network features exclusive telecasts of the 26-time World Champion New York Yankees and the New Jersey Nets. In addition to the Yankees and Nets, YES televises other pro and college games, as well as Emmy Award-winning biography, interview and magazine programs. The network also presents a live daily simulcast of WFAN's Mike'd Up: Francesa on the FAN show. Further YES Network information can be found at www.yesnetwork.com.

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/094251.html

Website: http://www.verizon.com/

http://sev.prnewswire.com/null/20090413/NY9769713042009-1.html

Yes Network HD is up and running in Seattle.

For here in SE Pennsylvania, 595 is up and running, with the Guide showing Mike Francesa's show on all afternoon, a period of "Off Air" in the early evening, and then the Yankee's game on at 11:30PM from Kansas City.

Yawn!!

It would be nice if we could get something to really be excited about!

Yankees Encore is seen several times after every Yankees game in edited form. I would guess you out of towner's will be able to see that.

i'd assume NESN will be hot on the heels of the 'evil empire'...........which will let me watch an occasional post game red sox show..........i'd be more excited to get comedy central in HD

Yankees Encore is seen several times after every Yankees game in edited form. I would guess you out of towner's will be able to see that.

Rebroadcasts seem to be blacked out as well

I'd imagine that YES isn't asking for much in the way of compensation for the national channel. Have to get the customers hooked on your product, and then jack up the price. Same way that cable channels (and drug dealers) have always operated. Viacom already realizes the potential value of their HD channels, so they began the gouging early.

Yawn!!

It would be nice if we could get something to really be excited about!

About as exciting as the ESPN channels. At least it doesn't cost so much like the ESPN channels do. I really wish I could drop them and save the money.

I wish I could save money by dropping all of the channels except for the 30 or so I actually watch.

I wish I could save money by dropping all of the channels except for the 30 or so I actually watch.

Except you wouldn't. If they had to adopt an a-la-carte pricing model with that kind of granularity, it would likely end up costing you way more.

The reason it's so cheap overall is that everyone is supporting the costs, so it's a lot cheaper per person. If instead, only the people viewing ESPN paid for ESPN, it would cost you a lot more to watch it.

Simple business economics. Be greatful you have such a wide selection at such a good price point.

Rebroadcasts seem to be blacked out as well

Bummer. Seems like replays would be permitted.

Last night was my first night as a paying customer for MLB EI. Decide to flip to YES to watch the Yankees pre-game show, assuming that there is no reason why the cannot show that...but NO...some old show about Tito Martinez and Lou Pinella was running.

When I had DTV and no baseball package, I still got pre and post game shows on YES, why is that not the case with Verizon? This is a bummer especially where Thursday is their home opener and they are having an hour pregame, which I assume will focus somewhat on the new stadium. Guess I will have to take the day off and use that day to visit my mother in CT...then I can watch!

Has anyone in the N.Y. area gotten an M-Card from FIOS?

Tonight's Yankee game was broadcast on the Local affiliate (YES doesn't broadcast every Yankee game, just like NESN or MASN they have to allow at least some games to be available to those without pay TV).

There's no "have to" about it. The team decides that they can create a bigger fan base (i.e., make more money) by showing some games on broadcast TV, so they do it. There are teams that have no local games on broadcast TV, with the national games on Fox being the only ones available to fans without cable/satellite. The D'backs come to mind as one such team.

Tonight's Yankee game was broadcast on the Local affiliate (YES doesn't broadcast every Yankee game, just like NESN or MASN they have to allow at least some games to be available to those without pay TV).

YES is NOT a "Pay" channel.
RSNs are part of Extended basic in all areas on all systems.
NESN carries ALL Sox games NOT on national TV. NO WSBK games.

YES is NOT a "Pay" channel.
RSNs are part of Extended basic in all areas on all systems.
NESN carries ALL Sox games NOT on national TV. NO WSBK games.

I think he meant that YES is an encoded channel - it's not available over the air.

^Exactly.
Second I'm surprised there are baseball teams markets without a Local Affiliate, but if that's the case then I believe you. My opinion is that it hurts their brand. In New York the three hockey teams, the Islanders, Devils, and Rangers are almost never on OTA TV, except for possibly NBC hockey GOTW, or a rare local affiliate broadcast. Same thing goes for the Knicks and Nets. And of all the sports in NY those that you can see regularly OTA (basically baseball and football) have a better following than those in which you need cable to watch. I should mention I'm in the NYC market.

[B][SIZE="4"][COLOR="Red"]
"The Yankees have arguably the largest and most widespread fan base of any sports team in the country," said Ray Hopkins, COO of the YES Network. "Our agreement with Verizon ensures that the multitude of Yankees fans throughout the nation can share in the pinstripes experience through a broad variety of Yankees programming. This agreement with Verizon truly captures the power of and passion for the New York Yankees."

Terry Denson vice president - FiOS TV content and programming, said, "Adding YES programming in HD to our lineup is part of our commitment to giving FiOS TV subscribers the highest quality and best content there is, delivering the ultimate high-definition home-entertainment experience. Verizon FiOS TV is the best place to watch sports, and with the YES Network available in all markets, fans can catch up on America's favorite pastime and baseball's most popular, storied team."
]

These are the most ridiculously boneheaded comments I've heard in a while.
When you consider that the YES NETWORK ON VERIZON IS NOT SHOWING ANY YANKEE GAMES outside of the NY area do these two dopes honestly believe that they're delivering the "highest quality and best content there is"? "Verizon FiOS TV is the best place to watch sports" is another laughable statement. The best place to watch sports would have to include actually showing the game. What is the number one reason anyone watches YES Messrs. Hopkins and Denson? To see the Yankee games, not the filler $%#*.
Unbelievable.

Believe it or not more of the reason that you CANNOT see Yankee games on YES has to do with Rules by MLB and your pal Bud than it does the Yankees or thier flagship entertainment station.

Who gives a big whopping crap about the SPANKEES and Yes!! ;)

We all know that Fios is a 5 on a scale of 1-10 when it comes to sports broadcasting and the only way to get that junk is to subscribe to MLB or move to New York and get a second mortgage on all your family's houses to afford the ticket prices.:eek:

If it matters that much start a "YES I am a Spankees Fan" thread.

Now about Fios, we jusy had the latest update here in So Cal and was wondering if anybody with a 7216 is still having issues?
My 6416-2 is now having audio cut outs plus I get a white line along the top of the picture. It happens on TV, Movie Channels, Commercials and even recorded programs.
Verizon CS was very helpful in trying to help get it fixed but it is a problem with the box and so they are sending a new one(6416 again.)
I was supoosed to get the new 7216 when I had my insatall but they said they were having to many issues and once they were addressed that they would send me one.
So I am curious if the owners are having any issues with 7216 befoe I ask them to send me one or if I should wait and keep the 6416 for now.

Thanks for you help, and

GO A'S!!!;):D ( All in good Fun!!)

ON IN II:

There is a separate thread here to discuss the Verizon DVR: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=617635

I was watching the opening ceremonies today, toggling back and forth between YES and MLB Network. It is amazing how much better the PQ was on YES, even though they were using the same feed. Too bad the YES feed for the game is being blacked out. Would have much rather watched the game on YES.

I agree with ON in II, enough with the Yankees, can we move on to more important issues please!

I was watching the opening ceremonies today, toggling back and forth between YES and MLB Network. It is amazing how much better the PQ was on YES, even though they were using the same feed. Too bad the YES feed for the game is being blacked out. Would have much rather watched the game on YES.

J-
Wouldn't you expect the original feed to look better than a "feed of a feed"?

Actually, no, as MLB was pulling the same live feed and adding their own graphics over them. The same thing happens at Phillies games. CSN provides a clean feed that they and the out of market broadcast add graphics to. They should look the same unless tinkered with.

YES is 1080i and MLB Network is 720p. So that's probably where the tinkering comes in.

I didn't realize that. Too bad. While it make explain some detail, the color difference shouldn't have been as dramatic. Yes had a much more natural color palette. Very impressive.

ON IN II:

There is a separate thread here to discuss the Verizon DVR: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=617635


Thanks for the link and info. I'll check it out and post my Q over there.

I apologize for going back to the topic, but I have a question.

BTW, I didn't know whether to post this in the TIVO thread or here, so bare with me here. So yesterday I notice that my tivo's channel lineup was changed. On channel 595 it was now listed as YESHDNY. I go the channel and I'm blacked out. Then I check channel 576 the original yeshd channel had changed to "YES-HD" but I was able to view all programming on that particular channel. Now, here's my dilemma. On the YES-HD channel it shows no listings. It's only says "to be announced". While on the YESHDNY channel it has all listings etc, but again that channel is blacked out. So what the heck do I do here? I rebooted the box and nothing changed.

Has anyone else experienced this problem?

Allentown, Pa., Residents Major Step Closer to Verizon FiOS TV -- a Better Choice for Cable TV Service

City Council Approves Bill Authorizing Verizon to Offer Its Award-Winning FiOS TV Service, Delivered Over Company's All-Fiber-Optic Network Straight to Consumers' Homes

ALLENTOWN, Pa., April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The Allentown City Council on Wednesday (April 15) approved a bill authorizing Verizon Pennsylvania to offer its all-fiber-optic powered FiOS TV service to city residents.

As part of the cable franchise agreement, Verizon will make its FiOS TV service available throughout the Lehigh Valley city within eight years. FiOS TV, which is delivered over fiber optics directly to consumers' homes, is an award-winning, superior alternative to traditional cable TV providers' services. FiOS TV includes more high-definition (HD) channels, amazing picture-and-sound quality, and innovative interactive features that traditional cable companies don't provide.

Verizon FiOS TV also offers an advanced search feature that makes it easy to find the program you're looking for, and interactive widgets for news, weather, sports and other features that are available at the press of a button

"This action by the City Council is great news for Pennsylvania's third-largest city," said Gale Y. Given, president of Verizon Pennsylvania. "By delivering a fiber-optic connection that runs all the way to the home, Verizon is providing consumers an entirely new world of options, from super-fast Internet speeds to more than 100 HD channels.

"In addition, Verizon's unprecedented investment to upgrade its network in the city will provide Allentown residents and businesses with future economic development opportunities," said Given.

Following the franchise approval, Verizon will begin the design and upgrade of its network to all-fiber optics and could begin offering FiOS TV and FiOS Internet service later this year in some parts of Allentown.

FiOS TV currently is available to almost 300 communities in southeastern, south-central and western Pennsylvania, as well as parts of 13 other states.

FiOS TV is delivered over Verizon's all-fiber-optic network, which brings the power and capacity of fiber service directly in people's homes and has industry-leading quality and reliability. Fiber delivers amazingly sharp pictures and sound, and has the capacity to transmit a wide array of high-definition programming that is so clear and intense it seems to leap from the TV screen. It also delivers Internet download speeds of up to 50 Mbps* (megabits per second) and upload speeds of up to 20 Mbps, as well as high-quality voice service.

http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/04-16-2009/0005007067&EDATE=

I wonder if this will create VHO 16? I can't see them servicing A'town out of Philadelphia.

I apologize for going back to the topic, but I have a question.

BTW, I didn't know whether to post this in the TIVO thread or here, so bare with me here. So yesterday I notice that my tivo's channel lineup was changed. On channel 595 it was now listed as YESHDNY. I go the channel and I'm blacked out. Then I check channel 576 the original yeshd channel had changed to "YES-HD" but I was able to view all programming on that particular channel. Now, here's my dilemma. On the YES-HD channel it shows no listings. It's only says "to be announced". While on the YESHDNY channel it has all listings etc, but again that channel is blacked out. So what the heck do I do here? I rebooted the box and nothing changed.

Has anyone else experienced this problem?

Try rebooting the Tivo? What you had before was a CC indicator, but not a real Tivo channel. Now Tivo added the real channel, so it should appear as expected.

If you set up recordings or started watching the channel pre-Tivo setup, sometimes weird things happen.

A reboot will resych the cable cards, among other things.

I wonder if this will create VHO 16? I can't see them servicing A'town out of Philadelphia.

Unless you're living here in Allentown...

As of 4/16/2009 the Multi-Room DVR service is no longer required for web programming at the FiOS TV Central (https://www36.verizon.com/fiostv/web/signin.aspx) web site. Nice to have something new that doesn't cost more $. I have wanted to have web scheduling ever since I heard about it, but didn't want to pay the Home Media DVR fee because I wasn't going to be using any of the other features. Now, my problem is solved.

I havent been able to get mine to work. There is a user id and confirmation screen in the remote dvr menu.

Has anyone been able to get this to work?

As of 4/16/2009 the Multi-Room DVR service is no longer required for web programming at the FiOS TV Central (https://www36.verizon.com/fiostv/web/signin.aspx) web site. Nice to have something new that doesn't cost more $. I have wanted to have web scheduling ever since I heard about it, but didn't want to pay the Home Media DVR fee because I wasn't going to be using any of the other features. Now, my problem is solved.

hi all,

i live in 11205 brooklyn, does verizon have any plan to wire us?

does verizon (or anyone else) release info on where fios tv will be in a particular area?

back in the day, twcnyc had a map on when certain features would be available. just wondering if when i can expect fios tv.

The MLS Direct Kick channels went live this morning out of VHO8 (DE / PA / NJ)

They are showing up on 1495 - 1499. I'm assuming that the soccer games only use 5 of the total allotment of channels, with the others being used by NBA League Pass (which we should see next fall).

I believe the cost for the season is $79. There will NOT be an HD channel associated with this package, as there is for MLB and NHL.

Enjoy!

I havent been able to get mine to work. There is a user id and confirmation screen in the remote dvr menu.

Has anyone been able to get this to work?

Not me. I tried the userid & password I use to access my Vz account, and I also tried my e-mail userid & password. Neither one works.

Doug

Not me. I tried the userid & password I use to access my Vz account, and I also tried my e-mail userid & password. Neither one works.

Doug

Did you enable it on the DVR?

Works great for me. Im using the verizon.com account that I created to get access to the online billing and features.

I did have to go back to using the actiontec router. The sent me an email asking me to factory reset my router after the activation failed.

I just tried to use my Verizon.net email account. It worked fine as well. Everything was already activated and I can see tonight's recordings.

NEW YORK - More on-the-go FiOS TV subscribers can now remotely manage their Verizon digital video recorders (DVRs) as Verizon expands its free remote-control capability to a larger range of wireless handsets -- plus offers Web-based remote DVR management service to all FiOS TV DVR customers. The service allows customers to remotely review, change or add recording requests, delete recorded programs, browse and search TV and video-on-demand listings, set parental controls, and more.

The company is also providing a new wireless application to FiOS TV Home Media DVR customers that will allow them to use any cell phone to remotely access their DVRs. To access this application, these customers must subscribe to a data plan from Verizon Wireless or any other wireless service provider.
http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2009/verizon-expands-advanced.html


the new website M.VERIZON.COM/TV (http://m.verizon.com/tv)allows users with any wireless carrier to program there DVR from any cell phone or computer. this is very similar to D* now and there "remote dvr" servce at m.directv.com (http://m.directv.com)

Anyone else unable to get POP3 e-mail from FIOS? I can log in and see e-mail properly going there, but the POP3 connection is failing/timing out.

We're also getting the Pop3 server error here too. Some of my Verizon mail has finally come through. All else seems ok..so far.

We're also getting the Pop3 server error here too. Some of my Verizon mail has finally come through. All else seems ok..so far.

Yes, I just got a burst, but it's timing out again.

I telnet'd in to see what the issue is, and it's just really really slow to validate the password. I increased my Outlook POP timeout to 5 minutes, so that should help for now.

20-minute hold for tech support... wow...

Well AbMagFab ..20mins to wait for tech support.. you have more patience than me! I gotta tell ya, I find this whole Verizon Fios thing frustrating at times. While Verizon offers one of the most advanced services around in Fios, they still seem like they are running a decade behind in other areas. Such as very confusing billing, poor color/graphics when it comes to user interfaces and guides (cellphones and Fios), small font sizes, whats with the black and red colors anyway? Red writing does not show up very well on a black background. How about a 16:9 menu screen? Or is 4:3 making a comeback? Verizon, sign the Viacom contract for the HD channels, and last but not least, finally, the Yes Network, WITHOUT the Yankee games. Kinda like being with a stripper, you can look, but you better not touch. Other than that, this is Fios, this is BIG.

Well AbMagFab ..20mins to wait for tech support.. you have more patience than me! I gotta tell ya, I find this whole Verizon Fios thing frustrating at times. While Verizon offers one of the most advanced services around in Fios, they still seem like they are running a decade behind in other areas. Such as very confusing billing, poor color/graphics when it comes to user interfaces and guides (cellphones and Fios), small font sizes, whats with the black and red colors anyway? Red writing does not show up very well on a black background. How about a 16:9 menu screen? Or is 4:3 making a comeback? Verizon, sign the Viacom contract for the HD channels, and last but not least, finally, the Yes Network, WITHOUT the Yankee games. Kinda like being with a stripper, you can look, but you better not touch. Other than that, this is Fios, this is BIG.

No, I didn't hold... it told me it was going to be a 20 minute wait, and I hung up!

Did we actually get the Viacom HD channels yet?

But I agree - it's the best service around, as long as I don't need support. Which, fortunately, I almost never need (unlike DirecTV or Comcast).

i suppose it's a matter of priorities...

99% of what i care about is picture quality... fios wins there...

the remaining 1% i'll leave to you to complain about... although it would be naive to think that verizon is the only provider with, ummm, issues...

Well AbMagFab ..20mins to wait for tech support.. you have more patience than me! I gotta tell ya, I find this whole Verizon Fios thing frustrating at times. While Verizon offers one of the most advanced services around in Fios, they still seem like they are running a decade behind in other areas. Such as very confusing billing, poor color/graphics when it comes to user interfaces and guides (cellphones and Fios), small font sizes, whats with the black and red colors anyway? Red writing does not show up very well on a black background. How about a 16:9 menu screen? Or is 4:3 making a comeback? Verizon, sign the Viacom contract for the HD channels, and last but not least, finally, the Yes Network, WITHOUT the Yankee games. Kinda like being with a stripper, you can look, but you better not touch. Other than that, this is Fios, this is BIG.

My point about Fios is not a complaint. Fios picture quality is very good to excellent, and I agree, that is THE main factor with any service. And yes, all service providers have their good and bad points. I've had both Comcast and D*. With Comcast it was typical cable. Anytime there was a tech issue and you called them, they always made it seem it was your fault and you don't know what your talking about.
D* had excellent picture quality(while the weather was good) with a very complete channel line up. But for me anyway, their customer service left a lot to be desired.
My point with Fios is that its a service with a great deal to offer and perhaps I have higher expectations from them than other providers. But a 4:3 menu screen in the age of 16:9 HD content makes no commen sense to me. Guess that could be the next firmware update.

My email here in Tampa was not working either. As of 9:49 EDT, it is back.

I recently noticed a new HD channel called YesHD. Lots of Yankees and NYC sports - actually way more than I care to see.

AbMagFab....No, I haven't heard nor read anything about Verizon adding the Viacom HD channels yet. But Verizons been pretty good in adding to their lineup, so I would guess sometime this year might be possible.

http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2009/verizon-expands-advanced.html


the new website M.VERIZON.COM/TV (http://m.verizon.com/tv)allows users with any wireless carrier to program there DVR from any cell phone or computer. this is very similar to D* now and there "remote dvr" servce at m.directv.com (http://m.directv.com)

The mobile site looks great on my Touch Pro, but only Home Media DVR subscribers can manage DVR features.

When I've had to talk to CS, they always go out of their way to be helpful. However...they do have major billing problems. We've had adjustments nearly every month since December. I understand where the adjustments are coming from, but they're never the amount they should be, and they're never explained clearly. It's as if they randomly decided, "oh, they need a $134.00 credit, so we'll give them 79.57 this month and the rest spread out over the next 2 months." Usually, when I talk to CS, they're baffled about what's happening, too.

It's very frustrating, and my wife, who pays the bills, is nearly ready to drop them. I'd hate for that to happen.

Doug

http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2009/verizon-expands-advanced.html


the new website M.VERIZON.COM/TV (http://m.verizon.com/tv)allows users with any wireless carrier to program there DVR from any cell phone or computer. this is very similar to D* now and there "remote dvr" servce at m.directv.com (http://m.directv.com)

It's still hard to believe that VZ is giving something away for free (I hope I don't jinx that). Yet, what I cannot understand is why they would require you to subscribe to Home Media to use the wireless portal. After all, they are part of a wireless company, selling wireless handsets under the promise of the world is yours wherever you are.

But, you have to subscribe (and pay for) their (arguably) useless Home Media service to use the one thing that is actually useful.

Oh well...

It's all pretty cool. But, I'd rather they spend their time, effort and (my) money on getting a better, more accurate and informative GUIDE!!!!

Yea - that'll happen.

it's all pretty cool. But, i'd rather they spend their time, effort and (my) money on getting a better, more accurate and informative guide!!!!
qft.

Did you enable it on the DVR?

3rd time's the charm!

I checked on the DVR, and it told me I had to activate via the web. The first time I tried to log in to the website, I must have tried using my wife's account login, which wasn't accepted. The DVR told me to use my master account userid and original password, which passed me on to the regular account page where there was no info about the new feature.

So, last night I finally tried my regular account userid and password, and it worked.

Nice features - you can monitor the used space on the DVR and all upcoming scheduled recordings. I wonder if I'll ever actually use it...?

Doug

The registration process for web access to DVR went smoothly, and it was available the next day. Really nice feature. However, we have two DVRs, and only one is accessible by the web. The other DVR as well as a non-DVR STB are listed on the same page, but just one DVR can be controled.

Anyone else have more than one DVR and registered for web access? Is there anything special I need to do? -- I didn't see any choice of DVRs in the registration process.

qft.

+1

Is ANYONE getting videos accessable on their Verizon Media Manager? All I'm able to get are picture & music files.

The registration process for web access to DVR went smoothly, and it was available the next day. Really nice feature. However, we have two DVRs, and only one is accessible by the web. The other DVR as well as a non-DVR STB are listed on the same page, but just one DVR can be controled.

Anyone else have more than one DVR and registered for web access? Is there anything special I need to do? -- I didn't see any choice of DVRs in the registration process.

I've been using it for a while now (about five months?) and I can access my three DVR's (one is a home media). I've had no problem accessing all of them, can record to any one of them. I enabled the service on my Home Media machine, and it allowed me access to all.

I did have a problem when my Home Media DVR died and was replaced, but it pretty quickly came back on line. I could still program the other DVR's.

As to using the service, I use it at least once per week. In my case, I watch soccer, so catching european competitions when I find out about them during the day is great. I just set the DVR to record, and there you go!

I just got the notice that they expanded cell phone service to non-Verizon phones (I have Sprint), so I tried it and it worked like a charm on a smaller handset.

No complaints here. I find it very useful.

I've been using it for a while now (about five months?) and I can access my three DVR's (one is a home media). I've had no problem accessing all of them, can record to any one of them. I enabled the service on my Home Media machine, and it allowed me access to all.

Probably the difference is that you have a Home Media DVR, which I think had the web feature for a while. I don't have a Home Media; the web feature was introduced just recently for "plain" DVRs. Thanks for your response though.

So, let me amend my question:

Does anyone without Home Media have multiple DVRs that are accessed from the web? What did you have to do to get all the DVRs available on the web, instead of one?

Is ANYONE getting videos accessable on their Verizon Media Manager? All I'm able to get are picture & music files.

I think that pictures and music is all that it allows you to do. Someone correct me if I'm wrong....

Does anyone without Home Media have multiple DVRs that are accessed from the web? What did you have to do to get all the DVRs available on the web, instead of one?

Yes. I have 3 6416s. When I schedule a recording the website asks me which DVR it should record on.

I enabled the Remote feature from the Kitchen DVR, and they all activated automatically.

The My STB page shows me the disk space for all 3 boxes.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v73/Ronin_TL/RemoteDVR.jpg

Sorry if this has been answered already but I just signed up for FioS and want to clarify something. :confused:

We only have one HDTV which will be using the MR-DVR. Our bedroom will have a box but it's only SD.

Will we be able to watch HD recordings in the bedroom in SD?

The salesperson swears this will work but I want to check with others who actually use the service.

I don't have that service, but I believe the rub has been that the high def DVR only sends a standard def signal to other rooms, regardless of the standard or high def box in those rooms.

Sorry if this has been answered already but I just signed up for FioS and want to clarify something. :confused:

We only have one HDTV which will be using the MR-DVR. Our bedroom will have a box but it's only SD.

Will we be able to watch HD recordings in the bedroom in SD?

The salesperson swears this will work but I want to check with others who actually use the service.

No, if you want to watch on the SD tv, you have to record on an SD channel. You cannot view the HD channel recordings on the SD tv.

Sorry if this has been answered already but I just signed up for FioS and want to clarify something. :confused:

We only have one HDTV which will be using the MR-DVR. Our bedroom will have a box but it's only SD.

Will we be able to watch HD recordings in the bedroom in SD?

The salesperson swears this will work but I want to check with others who actually use the service.

My understanding is you can only watch SD recorded material on an SD only box. I had FIOS put in a week ago and the installer was pretty clear on that.

Well that sucks. I guess we could record both the HD and SD versions. I'll have to see how fast that eats up HDD space.

Thanks for confirming.

Well that sucks. I guess we could record both the HD and SD versions. I'll have to see how fast that eats up HDD space.

Thanks for confirming.

You could always get an HD box for the SD set in your bedroom. The HD channels will come in at a higher quality than the SD channels, they would just be downconverted. I would imagine this would work when playing back from the MRDVR as well, but can't confirm this for certain.

You could always get an HD box for the SD set in your bedroom. The HD channels will come in at a higher quality than the SD channels, they would just be downconverted. I would imagine this would work when playing back from the MRDVR as well, but can't confirm this for certain.

I would suggest to just get another HDTV before I would go that route. Would seem to be a waste of money in my book!

You could always get an HD box for the SD set in your bedroom. The HD channels will come in at a higher quality than the SD channels, they would just be downconverted. I would imagine this would work when playing back from the MRDVR as well, but can't confirm this for certain.

Thats what I did at first for a couple months before we got a HD TV for the bedroom. I had a 27" SD TV and had the HD box in the bedroom and it allowed us to watch all the recorded programs. The SD programs looked better on the Old 27" TV than they do on the 37" HD TV. We have the MR DVR and love this function.
Hope this helps and I am sure you will love Fios.

Verizon FiOS to reach 10 million U.S. homes

Network has grown 50% over last year

By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 4/29/2009

APRIL 29 | Verizon’s fiber-optic TV service is nearing availability in 10 million U.S. homes, as it angles to become a serious competitor to cable and satellite systems.

That milestone represents 50% growth over where its Verizon FiOS network stood at this time last year. Subscribers total 2.2 million, including 299,000 people added in first quarter 2009.

Verizon projects it will reach availability in 18 million U.S. homes by 2010. On average, about one in four homes will sign up for Verizon FiOS once it spreads to their particular market, according to the company.

Although Verizon’s base is just a fraction of cable and satellite households—Comcast alone has notched more than 24 million subscribers—the company hopes to win over fans with its technology. Verizon FiOS TV currently delivers 100 high-definition channels and 14,000 video-on-demand titles, 70% of which are free and more than 1,200 of which are in high-definition.

The company’s high-definition channel count tops cable’s average offering of 30 to 40 such channels. Satellite can offer 100-plus high-definition channels, but Verizon is touting advanced video quality and quick response times as a clear distinction.

The fiber-optic network promises relatively wider bandwidth than cable/satellite systems, which Verizon says creates a crisper high-definition picture for channels and VOD offerings than many of its rivals.

“To fit cable and satellite network capacity, a decent chunk of the experience is stripped away, and that dramatically lowers pictures quality,” Joseph Ambeault, director of consumer product development at Verizon, said during a Wednesday demo in Santa Monica, Calif.

Additionally, the fiber-optic system allows for speedy searches for content available across its portfolio of channels and VOD options. For example, it takes 400 milliseconds, or about the time it takes to blink an eye, for results to show up after selecting a beginning letter. Verizon claims that response times for searching through competitors’ channels/VOD options takes about one second.

The company also is hyping such upcoming enhancements as Twitter and Facebook ‘widgets.’ Currently in beta testing, the applications offer a select number of services from these Web sites directly onto Verizon FiOS-connected screens. In one feature, users can click an option to ‘automatically update status’ for Twitter and Facebook, and that message will be delivered to their home pages on those sites. The message will say exactly what content the user is watching at that time and whether it’s a TV show or movie.

Verizon FiOS users also will be able to search all Twitter updates, a.k.a. Tweets, around a particular program and/or movie, and the network will post all related information to subscribers’ TV screens.

Additionally, the company will formally roll out to subscribers in the next few weeks the availability to stream Web-based video content from sites Blip.TV, Daily Motion and Vehoh.

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6655376.html

Channel 466 (ABC LiveWell Network) went HD on FIOS, apparently on the 27th, but they just put the message on today.

Channel 466 (ABC LiveWell Network) went HD....
Oh good, another crying channel for the afternoon viewing!

It looks like Verizon will pass Bright House, the sixth largest cable provider, in total subscribers this quarter. Bright House has 2.307 million.

The fifth largest cable provider, Cablevision, has 3.108 million subs. At 300,000 subs/quarter, Verizon would pass them by the end of the year. And presumably the larger Verizon's footprint, the faster it will be adding subs.

My neighbor just dumped satellite for FIOS.

I dumped D* in March for FIOS and I'm loving it! The only downsides so far: the limited space on the DVR and the inability to "subscribe" to certain actors/directors and have those movies recorded automatically.

Channel 466 (ABC LiveWell Network) went HD on FIOS, apparently on the 27th, but they just put the message on today.

I thought the HD channels were above 500?
The four hundreds are HD too?

The upper 400s are for secondary subchannels on local broadcast channels. The Live Well crap is ruining the HD picture quality on all ABC O&Os, affecting FiOS markets such as NYC, Philly, and LA. The rest of us with ABC stations owned by other companies have been spared this particular abuse.

The upper 400s are for secondary subchannels on local broadcast channels. The Live Well crap is ruining the HD picture quality on all ABC O&Os, affecting FiOS markets such as NYC, Philly, and LA. The rest of us with ABC stations owned by other companies have been spared this particular abuse.

I really wish MPEG 4 was a viable option when they picked the standard. That would have allowed them to easily have two high quality HD channels in the bandwidth allotted. But two HD channels, with MPEG 2 is not a good idea. Heck even with a couple of SD subchannels, the main HD channel suffers. How can they broadcast two HD channels in MPEG 2 without everything looking like crap?

LWHD looks like crap. disney should downrez it to 480p widescreen. (of course they should just kill it but them greedy bastards won't).

LWHD looks like crap. disney should downrez it to 480p widescreen. (of course they should just kill it but them greedy bastards won't).

Why does FIOS even have to carry it. Is it written into their previous contract with them or is it considered a must carry even though it is a sub channel?

No reason not to carry it. They already have half a QAM dedicated to each local channel, so their choices are either carrying the subchannels or stuffing the stream full of nullpackets.

Got it to work tonight and all is well. It said to use .net but i used .com which automatically enabled the DVR. Wasn't a big deal, I've had access to it on my verizon cell phone since I signed up but now I can access it at work and still look busy!

Works great for me. Im using the verizon.com account that I created to get access to the online billing and features.

I did have to go back to using the actiontec router. The sent me an email asking me to factory reset my router after the activation failed.

Is Fios really that much better the Comcast HD? I am moving soon and could make the switch....

I made that exact change and have been very happy.

Univision, Telemundo and Telefutura (standard def) now on FIOS HD Extreme package (and maybe on the basic as well).

The wife is watching Desperate Housewives on ABC now. She called me down to complain about the audio. I can hear distortion in the dialog. Like clipping, during loud passages.

I had heard this before on ABC.

Is anyone else experiencing the same symptom?

The wife is watching Desperate Housewives on ABC now. She called me down to complain about the audio. I can hear distortion in the dialog. Like clipping, during loud passages.

I had heard this before on ABC.

Is anyone else experiencing the same symptom?

Same problem here in Downingtown, PA. ABC audio is consistently horrible. I've noticed this problem for the past few years, going back to my time with Comcast.

Anyone out there ever investigate?

I know that the local news (6ABC) pumps their audio up to clipping threshold. They have been doing that for years. I will not watch them because of it... and that obnoxious bright white 6 logo, that can cause IR on a plasma.

I have just recently started noticing the lousy audio on the prime time shows. I can't say as I remember it happening prior to 2-3 weeks ago. But it is just horrible. I thought it might just be local to me, or VH08.

Is Fios really that much better the Comcast HD? I am moving soon and could make the switch....

depends where you live. For me, it's NO better. More channels for sure, but the quality is NO better. i switched from comcast to fios in january. kinda wish i hadn't, we have had many issues with them.

The audio got worse when 6 ABC turned up that crappy Live Well HD sub-channel.

Not only is the HD quality the worst I've ever seen from 6 ABC, now the audio sucks as well.

I first noticed it watching Grey's Anatomy on Thursday night.

Nice work ABC!

depends where you live. For me, it's NO better. More channels for sure, but the quality is NO better. i switched from comcast to fios in january. kinda wish i hadn't, we have had many issues with them.

Care to elaborate? Thanks.

For us, the quality is very good. We didn't have HD before, so I can't comment on whether it's better or not.

Now, their billing - we've had multiple problems w/ weird billling adjustments.

Other than that - very happy w/ FiOS.

Doug

The audio got worse when 6 ABC turned up that crappy Live Well HD sub-channel.

Not only is the HD quality the worst I've ever seen from 6 ABC, now the audio sucks as well.

I first noticed it watching Grey's Anatomy on Thursday night.

Nice work ABC!

I wonder if it may get better when they move back to "6" after the DTV transition, in June.

I just sent this email to 6ABC:

Station Manager, WPVI:

It has finally got to the point where my family can no longer watch your station. The audio problems are just completely unacceptable. The distortion and clipping of dialog, along with missing and incorrect surround sound, is inexcusable in this day and age. No other major station has these issues.

Unless this is corrected immediately, I will be sending a written letter to the ABC network and the sponsors of their prime-time shows, informing them that problem is preventing me from watching programming on ABC.

Your flagrant disregard for your audience's viewing experience is further represented by you unfriendly station logo. Again, most other major stations use a transparent logo during their evening news broadcast, so as not to be obtrusive, nor cause issues with owners of plasma displays.

I sincerely hope that you address these significant problems with your delivery.

Thank you - Steve

It's probably in the trash by now :(

What address did you use to contact the station manager? I will send a very similar note.

The only thing I found was on their web site:

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/feature?section=resources/inside_station/station_info&id=5770722

If someone has a better contact point - please let us know!

Is Fios really that much better the Comcast HD? I am moving soon and could make the switch....

I switched last year because my CC bill was going to go up, plus I got a conduit buried in my yard for free (word was that later on they'd start charging to bury cable).

To ME the PQ is a tad better than CC but not by much. The DVR works better than the CC one did (it used to get "stuck" and cache a dozen key punches then process them all at once leaving you in cable bizarro world).

My internet connection is MUCH faster (20mbps down/5mbps up) and has only dropped once due to a power outage/timing thing with the ONT - so essentially NO unexpected drops. Plus I have a Netflix/ROKU box that pulls nothing but the highest PQ setting each time - even for the HD content.

My overall bill dropped about $10/month.

Their billing and service can be wanky because various bits are literally separate subcompanies/divisions but since I've had to deal with them very little I'm happy that I made the jump.

Here's the link to send feedback to ABC. I am going to explain the problems with the Philadelphia affiliate and tell them that they will be losing a prime time viewer, if they cannot get that OO to fix their broadcast problems.

Feel free to do the same!

http://abc.go.com/site/contactus.html

I sent an email complaint to WPVI last night as well. I've put up with their audio problem for a while, but recently it has become unbearable. It's such a shame because my wife and I like some of their programs. I'm hopeful that if they hear from enough people, they may do something about it. At least, they should avoid pushing the audio beyond threshold/or fix whatever the rasping noise they're causing.

Here's the link to send feedback to ABC. I am going to explain the problems with the Philadelphia affiliate and tell them that they will be losing a prime time viewer, if they cannot get that OO to fix their broadcast problems.

Feel free to do the same!
Where's the link?

ooops... original post edited. Link added.

I got FIOS in March and the red indicator light on the FIOS box says I need to replace the battery. How long should the battery last? My APC computer backup is over 2 years old with no problems.

I got FIOS in March and the red indicator light on the FIOS box says I need to replace the battery. How long should the battery last? My APC computer backup is over 2 years old with no problems.

I've had my hookup for over 1 1/2 years and no problems with battery. Call for service.

I posted this for my area, but will also add this here:
Check you Verizon bill thoroughly to be sure you are being billed for what you want and not for their add-ons! I rarely do that, but noticed that I was now signed up for a $10 per month WWE On Demand and for a $9 per month security add-on. They are both added on after the trial period unless you contact them directly to remove them from your options. Lesson learned by me!

I've had my hookup for over 1 1/2 years and no problems with battery. Call for service.

Thanks, ridgefamus. I thought it seemed a little ridiculous...

I just ordered a FIOS double play because I can't give up my DirecTV MSG HD.

Before my install date I wanted to make sure there was no new info on MSG HD coming to FIOS.

It is the only thing keeping me from getting the TV, and I work for Verizon:mad:

thanks

I heard that there are some problems with Verizon FIOS not working with house alarm systems. Is this true?


should I keep my phone line on copper for this purpose?

I don't have an alarm system now, but I don't want to be behind the 8 ball in the future.

thanks

I just ordered a FIOS double play because I can't give up my DirecTV MSG HD.

Before my install date I wanted to make sure there was no new info on MSG HD coming to FIOS.

It is the only thing keeping me from getting the TV, and I work for Verizon:mad:

thanks
It will probably be a cold day in hell before Verizon gets MSG or any of the Rainbow Media channels in HD. The Dolans aren't particularly fond of letting competitors carry any of their channels, to the point that Verizon had to sue them to get the SD MSG networks they have now.

The competition rules that allow the Dolans to hoard MSG pretty much prevent the Dolans from hoarding the Rainbow Media networks, so it's safe to say that the Dolans aren't to blame for the lack of AMC, etc.

new features coming to verizon, including a new HD widescreen program guide.

http://www.gearlive.com/news/article/q209-exclusive-upcoming-verizon-fios-tv-features/

Thanks, ridgefamus. I thought it seemed a little ridiculous...
About a month ago our battery started beeping non-stop, indicated the battery needed to be replaced. We've had fios for about 1.5 years. I also thought it odd our battery needed replacing, although we have had 2 instances where the setup was running off the battery, one of which it probably ran that way for almost a whole day. In any event, I just called VZ and told them and they shipped out the replacement. It comes with direction; hubby had it replaced in no time flat. They do leave you to dispose of the old battery so of course ours is still sitting on the steps...

I heard that there are some problems with Verizon FIOS not working with house alarm systems. Is this true?


should I keep my phone line on copper for this purpose?

I don't have an alarm system now, but I don't want to be behind the 8 ball in the future.

thanks


I had an alarm system before FIOS, and it works fine with it. I dodn't have to make any changes, since it's tied to my internal phone lines.

I got FIOS in March and the red indicator light on the FIOS box says I need to replace the battery. How long should the battery last? My APC computer backup is over 2 years old with no problems.

This had happened to me (light on) and I called Verizon service. First thing he had me do was check and make sure the unit was still properly plugged into the electrical outlet. Sure enough the plug was partially dislodged. Plugging it fully back in solved the problem. Needless to say I felt a little embarrassed for not having checked this first. :o

How about FIOS to add 1080P on VOD? Check article with some other good stuff as well.

http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/05/04/survey-screens-reveal-potential-new-fios-guide-1080p-vod-hd-pu/

FYI

Free HBO preview May 10-12.

Any Thoughts on this, from those that know about this ....:

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r22351701-FiOS-NOW-REMUXING-MOST-HD-CHANNELS

Any Thoughts on this, from those that know about this ....:

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r22351701-FiOS-NOW-REMUXING-MOST-HD-CHANNELS

It's pretty clear the OP in that thread is just nuts. "Remuxing" doesn't really mean anything. And his "evidence" is highly questionable, and not really definable.

I'd say ignore it.

FYI

Free HBO preview May 10-12.

Verizon also has a current promotion for those not currently subscribed to any premium movie channels (HBO, Showtime, Stars, etc. - a $30/mo. pkg.), for all movie channels free for 60 days. Not sure how long the promo lasts but I was called by a sales person 2 weeks ago and opted in. As of this morning the channels had not been turned on so I called, got a new order #, and expect it to start this evening.

It's pretty clear the OP in that thread is just nuts. "Remuxing" doesn't really mean anything. And his "evidence" is highly questionable, and not really definable.

I'd say ignore it.

Pretty much. He just seems upset that the error counter on the STB isn't going off for errors in the MPEG2 stream and is trying to paint it as something nefarious.

In all likelihood, verizon is doing it so they can more easily isolate errors and improve STB stability by not sending them bad data. For example, if a tech goes to the field now and sees MPEG2 errors recorded by the STB, they can be sure it's something past the VHO causing the issue rather than seeing errors coming from the source. This doesn't impact quality at all, the audio and video streams aren't being changed, they are just being split and recombined into a new transport stream.

A few months ago my battery died and i called verizon they told me i had to buy a new one at radio shack,it was about 1 and a half years old. so i bought one but it didnt work so i called verizon again and they sent out a tech, he brought me a new battery and installed it for me for free and told me to take my battery back to radio shack and get my $30.00 back so i did! i was lucky i didnt get charged for the battery or for the tech to come out!

This had happened to me (light on) and I called Verizon service. First thing he had me do was check and make sure the unit was still properly plugged into the electrical outlet. Sure enough the plug was partially dislodged. Plugging it fully back in solved the problem. Needless to say I felt a little embarrassed for not having checked this first. :o

I called yesterday and they're shipping one out - 3-5 days UPS ground. Good idea, though. Time to wiggle the wires...

FiOS Con Dios But Not in Seattle

If you really care about superfast internet or high definition TV service, don’t bother reading the rest of this post. It’ll only piss you off.

In September 2008, Verizon unleashed its new FiOS internet and TV service in Western Washington. Problem is, they can’t offer this service within Seattle city limits. Owing to antiquated cable franchise rules in the Emerald City, the FiOS service, at this point infinitely superior on the TV front to Comcast and on the internet front to Qwest, can only be accessed to parts of North King County and Snohomish County.

That’s right, they can get better speeds and service in Bothell, but not Ballard. They’re wired better in Lynnwood than Fremont. They have a better picture in unincorporated Snohomish County that we’ve got on Capitol Hill.

Just to pour salt in our wounds, Eric Rabe, Senior VP of Media Relations from Verizon, flew out from New Jersey to sit down with Seattlest and show us what we’ve been missing. The FiOS cable television service, which starts at $47.00 a month, is a long-awaited fulfillment of the promise of cable TV to cross over and carry internet content. The service has more than 250 HD channels.

The picture, displayed on a Panasonic plasma HDTV for our demonstration, is amazing with a quick refresh, no blur (even for sports). The HD controls for the box are intuitive and easy to use. One vital feature is better search through the online guide. You can search by title, actor, genre, and programs in HD only.

According to Rabe, the high capacity is due to Verizon’s all-fiber optic network: "A lot of people claim they are all fiber optic, but right now we are the only ones who bring fiber right from our servers to your wall," he said. "Having that full fiber network means we grab the signal from the content creators and give it straight to our customers without filters or compression."

The best feature on the FiOS system is the "widget"; button on the HD controls. With one click, you can bring up an information bar across the top of the screen. Currently, you can access local weather, news headlines, and sports scores. Coming soon, Rabe promises the ability to bring up your Facebook page and Twitter accounts, either your own, or ongoing Tweets on a specific show. This interactivity is the wave of the future and something we’ve been waiting for but didn’t have until now.

The FiOS DVR system allows one DVR box to record content off of up to seven other TVs in one house. The DVR can be set online remotely, even on mobile devices.

The FiOS service can be bundled with internet and phone service. $99.99 a month will get you all three with 10/2 Mbps. If you want superfast 20/5 Mbps, with additional HD channels on the TV side, the cost is $109.99 a month. If you want an outrageously fast 50 Mbps, give Verizon a call. "We don’t have a lot of individuals who want or need that kind of speed, it’s mostly businesses," said Rabe. "But we have some extreme gamers who have picked it up."

Verizon currently has no plans to offer the service in Seattle. They are prevented by existing cable franchise authority contracts to Comcast and Qwest. Those ancient, legacy restrictions go back to the early days of cable when cities gave cable companies local monopolies because they didn’t want competitive companies digging up the streets.

Verizon says they could bring this service in without disrupting traffic. Maybe it’s time to bring competition back as a vehicle to drive lower prices and innovations.

Consider contacting the city about cable service. But only if you're really into better HD and Internet service. If you're not, by all means carry on.

http://seattlest.com/2009/05/07/fios_con_dios.php

Any Thoughts on this, from those that know about this ....:

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r22351701-FiOS-NOW-REMUXING-MOST-HD-CHANNELS


It's pretty clear the OP in that thread is just nuts. "Remuxing" doesn't really mean anything. And his "evidence" is highly questionable, and not really definable.

I'd say ignore it.

Pretty much. He just seems upset that the error counter on the STB isn't going off for errors in the MPEG2 stream and is trying to paint it as something nefarious.

In all likelihood, verizon is doing it so they can more easily isolate errors and improve STB stability by not sending them bad data. For example, if a tech goes to the field now and sees MPEG2 errors recorded by the STB, they can be sure it's something past the VHO causing the issue rather than seeing errors coming from the source. This doesn't impact quality at all, the audio and video streams aren't being changed, they are just being split and recombined into a new transport stream.

To use your own words, "Its pretty clear you are the one who is just nuts".

If you examine the last 5 years on AVS, I have been on the forefront of all these things, including the first to post that Dish was running Voom channels in HD-LITE in 2005, the CBS Green Grid Issue in 2006, the NBC HD Encoder errors in 2007 etc.

Ignore it at your own risk as you clearly don't get it.

"The best feature on the FIOS system is the "widget". Don't they mean the most useless.
I just turned in my HD STB as a protest to my billing problems. I only had it for HD VOD which I wasn't using anymore anyway. I'll just stick with my four TiVos on FIOS that are using eight cable cards.
And my billing problems are still continuing after 7 months(after I dropped my landline), almost two months after being in contact with the Executive line. I had high hopes for my next bill but it looks like it's messed up too saying I owe $420 instead of half that amount. At least with the Executive line I have a specific person I can talk to each time with a dedicated number to contact her. But after 7 months this is really frustrating, which is why I dropped my STB and premium movie channels since it's the only way I can protest(FIOS has the fastest internet(with my 50/20 tier) and the best HD picture quality so leaving was not an option)

FiOS Con Dios But Not in Seattle

If you really care about superfast internet or high definition TV service, don’t bother reading the rest of this post. It’ll only piss you off.

In September 2008, Verizon unleashed its new FiOS internet and TV service in Western Washington. Problem is, they can’t offer this service within Seattle city limits. Owing to antiquated cable franchise rules in the Emerald City, the FiOS service, at this point infinitely superior on the TV front to Comcast and on the internet front to Qwest, can only be accessed to parts of North King County and Snohomish County.

That’s right, they can get better speeds and service in Bothell, but not Ballard. They’re wired better in Lynnwood than Fremont. They have a better picture in unincorporated Snohomish County that we’ve got on Capitol Hill.

Just to pour salt in our wounds, Eric Rabe, Senior VP of Media Relations from Verizon, flew out from New Jersey to sit down with Seattlest and show us what we’ve been missing. The FiOS cable television service, which starts at $47.00 a month, is a long-awaited fulfillment of the promise of cable TV to cross over and carry internet content. The service has more than 250 HD channels.

The picture, displayed on a Panasonic plasma HDTV for our demonstration, is amazing with a quick refresh, no blur (even for sports). The HD controls for the box are intuitive and easy to use. One vital feature is better search through the online guide. You can search by title, actor, genre, and programs in HD only.

According to Rabe, the high capacity is due to Verizon’s all-fiber optic network: "A lot of people claim they are all fiber optic, but right now we are the only ones who bring fiber right from our servers to your wall," he said. "Having that full fiber network means we grab the signal from the content creators and give it straight to our customers without filters or compression."

The best feature on the FiOS system is the "widget"; button on the HD controls. With one click, you can bring up an information bar across the top of the screen. Currently, you can access local weather, news headlines, and sports scores. Coming soon, Rabe promises the ability to bring up your Facebook page and Twitter accounts, either your own, or ongoing Tweets on a specific show. This interactivity is the wave of the future and something we’ve been waiting for but didn’t have until now.

The FiOS DVR system allows one DVR box to record content off of up to seven other TVs in one house. The DVR can be set online remotely, even on mobile devices.

The FiOS service can be bundled with internet and phone service. $99.99 a month will get you all three with 10/2 Mbps. If you want superfast 20/5 Mbps, with additional HD channels on the TV side, the cost is $109.99 a month. If you want an outrageously fast 50 Mbps, give Verizon a call. "We don’t have a lot of individuals who want or need that kind of speed, it’s mostly businesses," said Rabe. "But we have some extreme gamers who have picked it up."

Verizon currently has no plans to offer the service in Seattle. They are prevented by existing cable franchise authority contracts to Comcast and Qwest. Those ancient, legacy restrictions go back to the early days of cable when cities gave cable companies local monopolies because they didn’t want competitive companies digging up the streets.

Verizon says they could bring this service in without disrupting traffic. Maybe it’s time to bring competition back as a vehicle to drive lower prices and innovations.

Consider contacting the city about cable service. But only if you're really into better HD and Internet service. If you're not, by all means carry on.

http://seattlest.com/2009/05/07/fios_con_dios.php

To use your own words, "Its pretty clear you are the one who is just nuts".

If you examine the last 5 years on AVS, I have been on the forefront of all these things, including the first to post that Dish was running Voom channels in HD-LITE in 2005, the CBS Green Grid Issue in 2006, the NBC HD Encoder errors in 2007 etc.

Ignore it at your own risk as you clearly don't get it.

What risk? Bull's comments make complete sense. They are doing this to remove source errors from their own transmission/house errors. They are doing nothing to the picture or audio quality, just basically "resetting" the error counts.

Who cares. Frankly, that's a good thing. It helps with diagnostics.

What risk? Bull's comments make complete sense. They are doing this to remove source errors from their own transmission/house errors. They are doing nothing to the picture or audio quality, just basically "resetting" the error counts.

Who cares. Frankly, that's a good thing. It helps with diagnostics.

Looking at the logs, all of the alerts were just that - warnings. It seems like it just spotted non-payload packets and dropped them. That means to me that it saw defective packets (or just padding) on the input stream that were inspected, dropped to remove the overhead. They would be dropped at some point along the way, since they don't have information (i.e. payload) and are not useful. A warning is just that - notification of an event, but not an identied error, something that is wrong.

If "remuxing" is the deletion of packets that have no information (no bits) in them, to optimize things down the line, then more power to it.

Unless I'm missing something and actual data is being dropped, but the proof is in the pudding, and my favorite channel, HDNet, still looks as crisp as ever.

"The best feature on the FIOS system is the "widget". Don't they mean the most useless.
I just turned in my HD STB as a protest to my billing problems. I only had it for HD VOD which I wasn't using anymore anyway. I'll just stick with my four TiVos on FIOS that are using eight cable cards.
And my billing problems are still continuing after 7 months(after I dropped my landline), almost two months after being in contact with the Executive line. I had high hopes for my next bill but it looks like it's messed up too saying I owe $420 instead of half that amount. At least with the Executive line I have a specific person I can talk to each time with a dedicated number to contact her. But after 7 months this is really frustrating, which is why I dropped my STB and premium movie channels since it's the only way I can protest(FIOS has the fastest internet(with my 50/20 tier) and the best HD picture quality so leaving was not an option)

I agree that widgets are useless. I don't mind them, but I turn them on once in a great while to make sure of how unimpressed I am. Still unimpressed.

Too bad about the billing errors. Verizon needs to address this, since it is the only stain on a very good service.

Anyone know the algorithm by which the Moto 6416 calculates its free space? I've had multiple shows 'erased' as I've begun a recording and to me it looked like it should have had enough free space. Sometime it doesn't update free space % when I delete. Does it grab buffered data if you've been tuned to a channel if you press REC after the event has started? Also a few times (mainly sporting events) its seems to try and allocate the full event time vs. the time remaining...and delete recordings *argh*. Any manuals/FAQs online?

Hi all. I got Fios about 2 weeks ago. On a recent recording of American Idol in HD, playback on my Home Media DVR was pretty much unwatchable, since it was so choppy/clippy. Is this an issue with FIOS/the DVR, or is this a FOX issue?

Thanks

You could always get an HD box for the SD set in your bedroom. The HD channels will come in at a higher quality than the SD channels, they would just be downconverted. I would imagine this would work when playing back from the MRDVR as well, but can't confirm this for certain.

Thats what I did at first for a couple months before we got a HD TV for the bedroom. I had a 27" SD TV and had the HD box in the bedroom and it allowed us to watch all the recorded programs. The SD programs looked better on the Old 27" TV than they do on the 37" HD TV. We have the MR DVR and love this function.
Hope this helps and I am sure you will love Fios.
Thanks guys for the advice. I just had everything installed today.

The MR HDTV -> SDTV did not work at first because I had the bedroom tv hooked up via component. When I switched to just coax the feed came through. The installer didn't even think it was possible, lol.

Probably the most ironic thing happened though... while testing the HDTV connection, the lamp blew. PERFECT TIMING@!

Thankfully, I was still able to record to test the MR DVR functionality.

Probably the most ironic thing happened though... while testing the HDTV connection, the lamp blew. PERFECT TIMING@!

Thankfully, I was still able to record to test the MR DVR functionality.Did you have a spare? When my first lamp blew, I learned my lesson. I have a spare...

FiOS Con Dios But Not in Seattle
The service has more than 250 HD channels.

Surprised no one jumped on this. :eek:

Did you have a spare? When my first lamp blew, I learned my lesson. I have a spare...
Newp. I gotta wait a couple days for eBay. I think I learned my lesson this time though.

Anyone know the algorithm by which the Moto 6416 calculates its free space? I've had multiple shows 'erased' as I've begun a recording and to me it looked like it should have had enough free space. Sometime it doesn't update free space % when I delete. Does it grab buffered data if you've been tuned to a channel if you press REC after the event has started? Also a few times (mainly sporting events) its seems to try and allocate the full event time vs. the time remaining...and delete recordings *argh*. Any manuals/FAQs online?


mine does the same thing. apparently that's "normal".

Surprised no one jumped on this. :eek:

Why are you surprised? How would you respond to this?

Hi all. I got Fios about 2 weeks ago. On a recent recording of American Idol in HD, playback on my Home Media DVR was pretty much unwatchable, since it was so choppy/clippy. Is this an issue with FIOS/the DVR, or is this a FOX issue?

Thanks

My AI recordings have been fine OTA on 5-1, so it's either FIOS overall, or your specific installation.

This is a reminder for Monday's Space Shuttle launch to fix Hubble.

Mon, May 11 - 1:30 PM ET 10:30 AM PT
NASA on HDNet - LIVE!
Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-125 Launch - Live coverage from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida of the launch of space shuttle Atlantis STS-125. On the 11-day mission, Atlantis' crew will visit the Hubble space telescope for the final time, upgrading one of the most important satellites ever launched.

It's in the IMG. I programmed it via Remote DVR:

NASA Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-125 Launch
Duration : 45 min.
Rated : TVPG
Cast and Credits: NA
Plot Summary (blank)

Catch the repeats here (ET):
NASA Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-125 Launch; Tue, May 12 10:00 AM ; 569-HDNet
NASA Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-125 Launch; Sat, May 16 10:30 AM ; 569-HDNet

It's still bugs me that I can't get a clear version of Comedy Central. That fuzzy screen causes eye strain ! When oh when will will get the HD version ?

Also need the HD versions of AMC, BBC-America, Cartoon, Chiller, IFC, Nickelodeon, Sleuth, Spike, and Sundance !

As a very recent Comcast customer, I feel good about knowing that as soon as these channels are added, they will be available to all of us since Verizon operates from national headends. No wating for channels in my area because they need to upgrade the local system.

As a very recent Comcast customer, I feel good about knowing that as soon as these channels are added, they will be available to all of us since Verizon operates from national headends. No wating for channels in my area because they need to upgrade the local system.

Most of the multiple channel rollouts can take a period of weeks, they rarely turn anything on for the entire country at once. The only example I can remember is ESPNU-HD, they launched this one to all subscribers the first day it was being broadcast.

It's still bugs me that I can't get a clear version of Comedy Central. That fuzzy screen causes eye strain ! When oh when will will get the HD version ?

Also need the HD versions of AMC, BBC-America, Cartoon, Chiller, IFC, Nickelodeon, Sleuth, Spike, and Sundance !Verizon is working to add additional channels now. Details should be available June 1.

Most of the multiple channel rollouts can take a period of weeks, they rarely turn anything on for the entire country at once. The only example I can remember is ESPNU-HD, they launched this one to all subscribers the first day it was being broadcast.

I see what you're saying. In any case, it's still better than hundreds of individual headends having to add a channel, and in some cases, make an additional agreement to carry a channel.

Memo to Verizon Fios - get the following channels between now and July:

All Viacom channels in HD (MTV, Nickelodeon, Spike, to name a couple)
All Comcast channels in HD ( E!, Style, G4) -you alrady have Golf Channel and Versus in HD, so there's no excuse.
All .TV channels in Hd ( heard they were coming soon)
All rainbow media channels - seriously, what's the holdup? AMC is a worthy channel in HD
Fashion TV HD -
Sundance HD - if it exists
MSNBC HD
TV One HD
NBA TV HD - heard this one's coming next season. But there's no excuse for not greenllighting this channel last year.



AT&T U-verse is slowly on the heels of overtaking your business. Make it known to everyone else that you mean business and that you're promising 150 plus channels in HD.

http://www.tvweek.com/news/2009/05/verizon_launches_hd_channels_f.php

"Verizon is launching six new high-definition channels on its FiOS television service from Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios this week.

The channels are Comedy.TV, Recipe.TV, ES.TV (entertainment news), MyDestination.TV, Cars.TV and Pets.TV."

Memo to Verizon Fios - get the following channels between now and July:

All Viacom channels in HD (MTV, Nickelodeon, Spike, to name a couple)
All Comcast channels in HD ( E!, Style, G4) -you alrady have Golf Channel and Versus in HD, so there's no excuse.
All .TV channels in Hd ( heard they were coming soon)
All rainbow media channels - seriously, what's the holdup? AMC is a worthy channel in HD
Fashion TV HD -
Sundance HD - if it exists
MSNBC HD
TV One HD
NBA TV HD - heard this one's coming next season. But there's no excuse for not greenllighting this channel last year.



AT&T U-verse is slowly on the heels of overtaking your business. Make it known to everyone else that you mean business and that you're promising 150 plus channels in HD.


You might want to check this list: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1058081

It's a pretty complete listing of who is carrying what HD channels.
Verizon is obviously working on most of the channels you mention, but as we've seen in the past, it takes time. You'll see from the list that Verizon is doing quite well in getting HD programming to its viewers.

Dmon4u-

Yes - at least out of VHO8 (PA/DE/NJ) - you should see the .tv channels go live tomorrow, 5/12...

For some of the other HD channels people are mentioning - there should be more coming in the June / July timeframe...

............
AT&T U-verse is slowly on the heels of overtaking your business. Make it known to everyone else that you mean business and that you're promising 150 plus channels in HD....

How can a service that can only handle two or three HD streams be on the heels of FIOS. With my four TiVos I'm constantly recording 8 HD channels at any given time. EVEN back in 2001 I was recording two HD channels at a time with my HiPix cards.

Jeepmatt, thanks for the info!

How can a service that can only handle two or three HD streams be on the heels of FIOS. With my four TiVos I'm constantly recording 8 HD channels at any given time. EVEN back in 2001 I was recording two HD channels at a time with my HiPix cards.

I'm just amazed you find 8 simultaneous things to record in HD. I haven't even had an instance yet where two tuners was insufficient. Even if I wanted to record more, it would a futile effort as I wouldn't have time to watch it all.

At any rate, I hope you realize that your experience is outside the norm. Most households will be lucky to have a single HDTV and HD box. It's the available content that really grabs people and it really annoyed me to suffer though the absolutely terrible SD feed of Comedy Central for the first half of this South Park season when I knew it was available in HD.

When I was on Comcast I just accepted the fact that the system didn't have the capacity for all these HD stations, on FIOS I know the only holdup is on the contract side. It would be nice if they managed to get all the ducks in row before a station launch so we can have it at light up rather than several months later.

"constantly recording 8 HD channels at any given time"

Most likely, talking about the Buffers always recording up to the latest half hour of whatever channel they happen to be on.

How can a service that can only handle two or three HD streams be on the heels of FIOS. With my four TiVos I'm constantly recording 8 HD channels at any given time. EVEN back in 2001 I was recording two HD channels at a time with my HiPix cards.Agree... U-verse is no were near FiOS. But I'm sure many folks find them adequate. Aren't they mpeg4 based?

Agree... U-verse is no were near FiOS. But I'm sure many folks find them adequate. Aren't they mpeg4 based?Yes, U-Verse uses MPEG-4 with a very low bitrate and has announced plans to reduce bitrate (and therefore quality) even further to support a third "HD" channel in the home.

Yes, U-Verse uses MPEG-4 with a very low bitrate and has announced plans to reduce bitrate (and therefore quality) even further to support a third "HD" channel in the home.To me, this would be unacceptable...

I see some of the .TV channels are in the guide with programming data (ES.TV, Pets.TV, MyDestination.TV, and Recipe.TV) in VHO4, but when I tune to them I get a not subscribed message. Pets.TV also has the logo up in the guide.

I'm guessing they'll be live pretty soon here.

"constantly recording 8 HD channels at any given time"

Most likely, talking about the Buffers always recording up to the latest half hour of whatever channel they happen to be on.

yes.

Verizon is working to add additional channels now. Details should be available June 1.

That's great news. Here's an updated rundown of channels either live or announced by their owners that Verizon has not yet announced carriage of (with the announced date for channels not yet launched in parentheses):

Comcast: E!, G4, Style
Fox: Fuel TV
NBCU: Chiller (announced for 2008), MSNBC (June 2009), Sleuth (announced for 2008)
Time Warner: Cartoon Network
Rainbow Media: AMC, Fuse, IFC, WE tv
Viacom: BET, BET J, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV, Nickelodeon, Spike, VH1
Other: BBN (2009), Black Television News Channel (2009), Fashion TV, Jewelry TV, Oprah Winfrey Network (2009), TV One

Verizon already has existing agreements with several of these companies, including Comcast, Fox, NBCU, Liberty, and Time Warner. Viacom is the biggest bang for your buck (in terms of channels available), but they offer very little actual HD content overall. All told, there are 21 currently available HD channels that Verizon does not offer (and in about six weeks, there will be 22 assuming MSNBC launches on time).

Also, with the HD upgrade ongoing at CNN's Atlanta facilities, an announcement for HLN HD is rumored to be coming soon.

That's great news. Here's an updated rundown of channels either live or announced by their owners that Verizon has not yet announced carriage of (with the announced date for channels not yet launched in parentheses):

Comcast: E!, G4, Style
Fox: Fuel TV
NBCU: Chiller (announced for 2008), MSNBC (June 2009), Sleuth (announced for 2008)
Time Warner: Cartoon Network
Rainbow Media: AMC, Fuse, IFC, WE tv
Viacom: BET, BET J, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV, Nickelodeon, Spike, VH1
Other: BBN (2009), Black Television News Channel (2009), Fashion TV, Jewelry TV, Oprah Winfrey Network (2009), TV One

Verizon already has existing agreements with several of these companies, including Comcast, Fox, NBCU, Liberty, and Time Warner. Viacom is the biggest bang for your buck (in terms of channels available), but they offer very little actual HD content overall. All told, there are 21 currently available HD channels that Verizon does not offer (and in about six weeks, there will be 22 assuming MSNBC launches on time).

Also, with the HD upgrade ongoing at CNN's Atlanta facilities, an announcement for HLN HD is rumored to be coming soon.

so out of all the HD channels out there Verizon does not offer 21-22 of them... man that's awesome:D i wonder how many D* is missing now like 70??

I missed Starz West. Verizon doesn't carry that for some reason.

The launch of the .tv HD channels has been delayed..

Look for them next week.

Uhhhh the .tv stations were on last night, didn't check this morning

Four of the .tv channels are active this morning in the Washington Metro area:

558 ES.tv - (153 MHz) QAM 19
633 Pets.tv - (657 MHz) QAM 101
674 MyDestination.tv - (153 MHz) QAM 19
676 Recipe.tv - (657 MHz) QAM 101

I am going to have to do a full review and update of my QAM channel map for the HD channels when I find the time. Lifetime HD used to be on QAM 19, looks they moved it to QAM 50. Will be interesting to see if they use 3 QAM channels for the 6 .tv channels or if they squeeze them into 2 QAM channels with 3 each. Anyone know if these are 720p or 1080i channels?

The guide data for the 4 channels is the same generic description for the channel repeated each 1/2 hour. Anyway, we now know what Verizon means when it lists HD channels as "coming soon" - sometime in the next 6-7 months.

Has anyone heard or read anything about the launch of MSNBC HD? Where will it fall on our listing...at 603?

Has anyone heard or read anything about the launch of MSNBC HD? Where will it fall on our listing...at 603?
The last official launch date given for MSNBC-HD was June 29. I have not read about any Verizon announcements on contracts to carry MSNBC-HD or when they might add the channel. Since Verizon already has a bunch of NBC-Universal HD channels, it should not be a big deal to get rights for MSNBC-HD. However, given how long it has taken for Verizon to add other HD channels after they have started up, I not would expect MSNBC-HD to be added quickly. Presumably would be added at channel 603. Then whenever CNN Headline News HD is launched and then added to Verizon, that would presumably be at 601.

Four of the .tv channels are active this morning in the Washington Metro area:

558 ES.tv - (153 MHz) QAM 19
633 Pets.tv - (657 MHz) QAM 101
674 MyDestination.tv - (153 MHz) QAM 19
676 Recipe.tv - (657 MHz) QAM 101

I am going to have to do a full review and update of my QAM channel map for the HD channels when I find the time. Lifetime HD used to be on QAM 19, looks they moved it to QAM 50. Will be interesting to see if they use 3 QAM channels for the 6 .tv channels or if they squeeze them into 2 QAM channels with 3 each. Anyone know if these are 720p or 1080i channels?

The guide data for the 4 channels is the same generic description for the channel repeated each 1/2 hour. Anyway, we now know what Verizon means when it lists HD channels as "coming soon" - sometime in the next 6-7 months.

Afigg-
Interesting you still had some of them turned on today. I was told our launch (VHO8) was put on hold due to issues at other VHO's. Perhaps the fact that you only have 4 of the 6 is one of the issues?

Not sure - but at least you can watch them for the next few days before the rest of us! :cool:

The guide data for the 4 channels is the same generic description for the channel repeated each 1/2 hour.This is incorrect. The guide data is unique for every half hour. ES.TV lists the celebrities featured each half hour and Recipe.TV lists the chefs featured. Pets.TV and MyDestination.TV have the same generic description but unique episode numbers for each half hour. On all four channels, the name of the program is the same every half hour.

It looks like the Entertainment Studios channels are going to rival Palladia for least amount of original programming played on loop ad nauseum.

I'm just amazed you find 8 simultaneous things to record in HD. I haven't even had an instance yet where two tuners was insufficient. Even if I wanted to record more, it would a futile effort as I wouldn't have time to watch it all.

At any rate, I hope you realize that your experience is outside the norm. Most households will be lucky to have a single HDTV and HD box. It's the available content that really grabs people and it really annoyed me to suffer though the absolutely terrible SD feed of Comedy Central for the first half of this South Park season when I knew it was available in HD.

When I was on Comcast I just accepted the fact that the system didn't have the capacity for all these HD stations, on FIOS I know the only holdup is on the contract side. It would be nice if they managed to get all the ducks in row before a station launch so we can have it at light up rather than several months later.

Well, I have to say that my house has recordings going on all of the time as well. I have three HD DVR's (one media) going full blast. One for my kids is continually recording Disney, et. al. My mother in law's is skating, all of the prime time shows. My family room TV is always recording at tleast one, sometimes two shows. Most of the recording is HD. Matter of fact, I could use one more to record more sports and history channel / Smithsonian shows. Never mind the movies that HDNet puts up.

The last official launch date given for MSNBC-HD was June 29. I have not read about any Verizon announcements on contracts to carry MSNBC-HD or when they might add the channel. Since Verizon already has a bunch of NBC-Universal HD channels, it should not be a big deal to get rights for MSNBC-HD. However, given how long it has taken for Verizon to add other HD channels after they have started up, I not would expect MSNBC-HD to be added quickly. Presumably would be added at channel 603. Then whenever CNN Headline News HD is launched and then added to Verizon, that would presumably be at 601.

I just hope that the exclusive contracts with Cablevision regarding MSNBC don't include their HD channel. I'm tired of watching the prime time lineup on MSNBC via podcast.

Nothing on those new channels here in Central PA., no guide data or anything.

Otherwise, the C-NBC HD channel now comes on till the Banner at the bottom disappears and then it disappears. Exactly 8 seconds later the sound comes back on, but no video. Our neighbors are reporting the same thing.
It's the only channel having problems, currently.

UPDATE: C-NBC HD came back fully but, ESPN was out for half of the day, It's now back.

Has anyone heard or read anything about the launch of MSNBC HD?

Aren't they already getting Comedy.TV?

MSNBC-HD won't be available (on ANY system) until June 29.

Four of the .tv channels are active this morning in the Washington Metro area:

558 ES.tv - (153 MHz) QAM 19
633 Pets.tv - (657 MHz) QAM 101
674 MyDestination.tv - (153 MHz) QAM 19
676 Recipe.tv - (657 MHz) QAM 101

I am going to have to do a full review and update of my QAM channel map for the HD channels when I find the time. Lifetime HD used to be on QAM 19, looks they moved it to QAM 50. Will be interesting to see if they use 3 QAM channels for the 6 .tv channels or if they squeeze them into 2 QAM channels with 3 each. Anyone know if these are 720p or 1080i channels?

The guide data for the 4 channels is the same generic description for the channel repeated each 1/2 hour. Anyway, we now know what Verizon means when it lists HD channels as "coming soon" - sometime in the next 6-7 months.

Not sure when this happened, but Comedy.TV and Cars.TV are now live in VHO4.

Just noticed we have all 6 .TV HD channels up and running in the Seattle metro area.

Not sure when this happened, but Comedy.TV and Cars.TV are now live in VHO4.
I think Verizon added Cars.tv and comedy.tv to the Washington Metro market on Thursday. The two .tv channels are on QAM 100, so it appears (I have not done a full QAM channel scan & survey yet) that the 6 .tv HD channels are taking up 3 QAM channels. If Verizon runs out of QAM channel space in the next year and can't add a more useful & watched HD channel because of contractual requirements to carry the 6 [stupid, lame, crappy, enter your description here] .tv channels, they will have only themselves to blame.