Verizon FiOS HDTV [Text View] - Page 43

UESGuy

09-10-09, 10:43 AM

Hi folks, I've just signed up for FiOS in NYC so I'll be joining the club. I do have a couple of questions I'm hoping you experienced users can shed some light on. I'm moving from Time Warner Cable using their HD-DVRs, by the way.

1. I'm going to get a couple of HD Tivos for my two HD television sets. Assuming I get the FiOS installer to install M cards, I do NOT need the Verizon DVRs, right? Yes, I know, that means no Video on Demand or widgets, but I couldn't care less about that. So assuming that doesn't matter, there's no reason for them to install their own DVRs and bill me for them, is there?

2. I'm being offered $140/month (before tax), and cheaper for the first six months, for FiOS service for two HD televisions (that includes the DVRs, but that will get adjusted as above), internet service of 25/10, and phone service. Does this sound like a reasonable rate for this triple play? I went to the Verizon web site and noticed that their cheaper offers do no include 25/10 (I think it's 10, maybe he said 15) service. When I boost it to 25 and include two units, the price moves roughly into that $140 range. So this is about as good as i can do?

Thanks.

Does anyone know the answer to my first question? Not so concerned about the second question.

Lodef

09-10-09, 11:23 AM

Does anyone know the answer to my first question? Not so concerned about the second question.

How did you sign up? On-line or by phone.

UESGuy

09-10-09, 11:37 AM

How did you sign up? On-line or by phone.

Phone.

Lodef

09-10-09, 11:41 AM

Phone.

If you mentioned to them all you need are the cablecards then that is what you will be billed for and what the tech should arrive with.

Of course you will have to have the tivo's on hand when they come for the install.

bfdtv

09-10-09, 11:46 AM

1. I'm going to get a couple of HD Tivos for my two HD television sets. Assuming I get the FiOS installer to install M cards, I do NOT need the Verizon DVRs, right? Yes, I know, that means no Video on Demand or widgets, but I couldn't care less about that. So assuming that doesn't matter, there's no reason for them to install their own DVRs and bill me for them, is there?That's correct. There's no need for the FiOS STBs or DVRs if you're using TiVo. All you need is one M-CARD per TivoHD.

We recently learned that TiVo will distribute a new DVR in "early 2010" through Best Buy. This will feature "new user interface features" and "some product improvements and developments," according to their conference call on August 26. It may feature a newer/faster CPU and larger hard drive too, although TiVo has not said anything about that.

The current TivoHD model was released in mid-2007 and is based on the same 300MHz Broadcom CPU found in Verizon's Motorola QIP7216 DVR. Broadcom released new 350MHz and 400MHz DVR CPUs this past spring (one of these is found in the Moxi), and announced a 450-500MHz CPU for early next year. A faster CPU would allow for user interface enhancements not possible on the existing TiVo hardware.

2. I'm being offered $140/month (before tax), and cheaper for the first six months, for FiOS service for two HD televisions (that includes the DVRs, but that will get adjusted as above), internet service of 25/10, and phone service. Does this sound like a reasonable rate for this triple play? I went to the Verizon web site and noticed that their cheaper offers do no include 25/10 (I think it's 10, maybe he said 15) service. When I boost it to 25 and include two units, the price moves roughly into that $140 range. So this is about as good as i can do?
Verizon's bundles are available with 25/15 and 15/5 Internet. Most customers with the 25/15 tier see ~25/25 throughput, while most with the 15/5 tier see 15/15 or 25/25 throughput. Of course, this could change at any time.

You're not going to notice a difference between the two tiers unless you do a lot of downloading. If you live in one of the areas where 15/5 customers get 25/25, then there would be no difference at all (until that changes).

Out of the box, Vista Media Center does not support QAM - even if your tuner card does. There is an addon pack (forget the details) for Vista - included in Windows 7. The HTPC forum here should have some help.Vista Media Center does support Clear QAM (i.e. locals on FiOS), but only for select tuners. The TV pack adds support for more tuners.

NJHD42

09-10-09, 12:08 PM

dmichael

09-10-09, 12:32 PM

Bfdtv- I was going to post this on the Tivo forum, but saw this and thought you might know. I just purchased the Tivo HDXL to replace a S3 unit I'm moving to another room. Our main TV will be the new XL Tivo. My question is: Do you know if the cable cards from my current S3 will work if I install them in the XL when it arrives. I'd like to get the new Tivo up and running without having to wait for a service appoinment. I would then make an appoinment to get cards for my S3. The S3 is currently using two S-CARDS, not one M-CARD. Thanks for your help!

You cannot swap cards, they have to be activated and mated to a specific device and that can only be done by Verizon. I have an M-card with my TivoHDXL using Fios service. M-Card costs half as much as 2 S-cards, so thats what you want to ask for.

Joel Clemons

09-10-09, 12:57 PM

URFloorMatt-

You got the 5th.

But be aware that EPIX may be a Pay Service...and they crop recent widescreen movies. INDIANA JONES 4 - CROPPED. IRON MAN - cropped. etc. etc

Chuck Mullen

09-10-09, 01:11 PM

But be aware that EPIX may be a Pay Service...and they crop recent widescreen movies. INDIANA JONES 4 - CROPPED. IRON MAN - cropped. etc. etcAlso, no 5.1 audio at this time.:(

NJHD42

09-10-09, 01:13 PM

You cannot swap cards, they have to be activated and mated to a specific device and that can only be done by Verizon. I have an M-card with my TivoHDXL using Fios service. M-Card costs half as much as 2 S-cards, so thats what you want to ask for.

I thought that was probably the case, but didn't know for sure. I'll also ask the M-card as you suggest. I don't think the S3 supported them. Thanks very much for the help!

UESGuy

09-10-09, 01:36 PM

mikeewing

09-10-09, 01:37 PM

I'm so tired of the guide. Does Verizon have any plans to improv it? I can live with the interface, but the information does not seem to be anywhere near as accurate as my old provider, Comcast.

markjrenna

09-10-09, 02:51 PM

I came across this...

http://forums.verizon.com/t5/Verizon-at-Home/Introducing-the-Verizon-at-Home-Blog/ba-p/53971

by Eric_Rabe on 07-16-2009 02:38 PM

I wanted to respond to your comments about the guide data. We do our best to be sure the guide is accurate and to hold our provider's feet to the fire. We run checks on the guide data every morning, and if we find an issue, we correct it. We know we're still getting some errors, so feedback like yours is helpful. In terms of making the information more complete, we do plan to add richer information in an upcoming release of the guide.
Eric

Senior Vice President -- Media Relations

Eric W. Rabe directs corporate media relations, serves as strategic public relations counsel to Verizon senior management, and is Verizon’s principal spokesman on the company's telecommunications business.

I'm so tired of the guide. Does Verizon have any plans to improv it? I can live with the interface, but the information does not seem to be anywhere near as accurate as my old provider, Comcast.

aaronwt

09-10-09, 03:02 PM

You cannot swap cards, they have to be activated and mated to a specific device and that can only be done by Verizon. I have an M-card with my TivoHDXL using Fios service. M-Card costs half as much as 2 S-cards, so thats what you want to ask for.

I can put my FIOS cable cards in any TiVo(that uses cable cards) and they will work. My eight FIOS cable cards are not married to any box.

I recently changed out my Series 3(OLED display) boxes with TiVoHD boxes.(this was in preparation of changing out my 8 single stream cards for 4 multi stream cards) I just moved the cable cards around. The channels came up quickly. Between 30 seconds and two minutes on each box and I could see all my Premium HD channels and Extreme HD programing.

I've moved the cards between my nine TiVos and they have always worked.

aaronwt

09-10-09, 03:11 PM

Thanks for the replies. On the phone I told the service rep that I was going to have Tivos and that I had no use for his DVRs. He said that it was fine for me to use my Tivos, but that I had to have his STBs. So I'm going to call back and make it clear that even though I told him to make sure the techs came with M-CARDs, that I really do mean it when I say not to bring any STBs or DVRs. I think he pushed those boxes because he was selling a promo package and part of that package is the understanding that I get their STBs. Too bad. I'm going to insist even if it means I lose promo pricing.

If you can get the STB free for a year you might as well take it and just use it for the VOD offerings. Then just return it before the year is up. I turned mine in earlier this year to save the $10 STB fee since I wasn't using it much for VOD. But if they gave it to me for free, I would have kept it. I only used it a couple of times a month, so if it was free it would have been worth it.

Although the HD STB is a power hog. It constantly draws 39 watts, whether on or off.
My TiVos can be reading/writing four HD streams and it will only draws 37 watTs. My HD STB did not even have a hard drive.

UESGuy

09-10-09, 03:42 PM

I have no use for VOD so even a free box would "cost" me space I'd rather not give it.

mikeewing

09-10-09, 03:51 PM

Joel Clemons

09-10-09, 03:52 PM

Also, no 5.1 audio at this time.:(

True. One hopes that when the channel launches, it will be in 5.1. Guess we won't know till then. But the cropping is unacceptable and they've lost a subscriber because of it.

bfdtv

09-10-09, 04:59 PM

You cannot swap cards, they have to be activated and mated to a specific device and that can only be done by Verizon. I have an M-card with my TivoHDXL using Fios service.With most providers, this is true. With Verizon FiOS, it is not.

Verizon FiOS does not tie CableCards to a specific device, so they can be moved from device to device without difficulty.

I just purchased the Tivo HDXL to replace a S3 unit I'm moving to another room. Our main TV will be the new XL Tivo. My question is: Do you know if the cable cards from my current S3 will work if I install them in the XL when it arrives. help!Yes, they will, because Verizon does not tie its CableCards to a specific device.

That said, be aware that the TivoHD and TivoHD XL can support both tuners with a single M-CARD. So if/when you do have Verizon out to give you another CableCard, you'll want to move the older S-CARDs (assuming that's what you have) back into the Series3, and have a M-CARD installed on the TivoHD XL. There's no need to pay for a second CableCard in the XL.

bob2274

09-10-09, 09:38 PM

Vz. seems to be like Disney-very hard to deal with.

When I switched from Comcast, I gained MLB HD, NHL HD, Fox Business HD, Wealth HD, and lots of HBO HD and Showtime HD channels. I realize they don't have everything you want right now, but I feel confident it will be here eventually. I've heard (on Verizon Forums) NBA HD and TEAM HD will arrive by the start of the season.

Lately, the cable company that's worst to deal with is Time Warner. They have been fighting the FCC in order to keep MASN off of NC systems, and they still refuse to get a deal done with NFL Network, even after Comcast did.

seplant

09-10-09, 09:55 PM

I can put my FIOS cable cards in any TiVo(that uses cable cards) and they will work. My eight FIOS cable cards are not married to any box.

I recently changed out my Series 3(OLED display) boxes with TiVoHD boxes.(this was in preparation of changing out my 8 single stream cards for 4 multi stream cards) I just moved the cable cards around. The channels came up quickly. Between 30 seconds and two minutes on each box and I could see all my Premium HD channels and Extreme HD programing.

I've moved the cards between my nine TiVos and they have always worked.

When Verizon came to install the cable card in my TiVo a couple of months ago, the tech said he had only S-cards, so he called in to ask if I would be charged for two cards since I had asked for a single M-card. They told him I would be charged for only one card, so I told him to go ahead and do the install. Well, you guessed it, they charged me for two cards! I talked to a CSR today, and they are sending me an M-card. She told me that a tech was not required to do the install and that all I had to do was to swap out the two S's for the M. Do you know if this should work, or will I have to call Verizon to have them activate the new M-card?

Joel Clemons

09-11-09, 04:11 AM

Lately, the cable company that's worst to deal with is Time Warner. They have been fighting the FCC in order to keep MASN off of NC systems, and they still refuse to get a deal done with NFL Network, even after Comcast did.

Even worse, they dropped HDNet and HDNet Movies! Having just HDNet Movies alone is worth the price of admission to FiOS.

swyck

09-11-09, 01:05 PM

I'm so tired of the guide. Does Verizon have any plans to improv it? I can live with the interface, but the information does not seem to be anywhere near as accurate as my old provider, Comcast.

I hope so. I'm often amazed at some of the descriptions of the programs. They read like they're written, um, somewhere else where English as she is spoke is not the main language. Either that or the authors are not particularly literate.

Agreed that the Comcast program guide is much better in most ways.

riffjim4069

09-11-09, 09:30 PM

With most providers, this is true. With Verizon FiOS, it is not.

Verizon FiOS does not tie CableCards to a specific device, so they can be moved from device to device without difficulty.I can verify this to be a a true statement. I swapped my CableCards between a TivoHD, Sony HD DVR, and a Sony HDTV and they all worked like a charm. I wonder why Verizon doesn't mail CCs to customers since they can freely move them between devices.

aaronwt

09-12-09, 12:42 AM

Because that would make sense.

dmichael

09-12-09, 10:51 AM

I can verify this to be a a true statement. I swapped my CableCards between a TivoHD, Sony HD DVR, and a Sony HDTV and they all worked like a charm. I wonder why Verizon doesn't mail CCs to customers since they can freely move them between devices.

My experience with Fios in my area is very different. Fios would not allow me to install my own cablecard (I asked) and they did have to make a call to the home office to supply the serial number for the device and host # and a couple of other numbers, so they definately tie my card to my device. I only have 1 device so I can't test swapping, but I doubt very much it would work in a new device if I swapped it.

Also, cablecard install, I was told, was suppose to generate an $80 charge for the truck roll. I complained, but they said they still have to charge me. Charge never showed up on my bill, and its been almost a year.

JohnMc

09-12-09, 11:34 AM

My experience with Fios in my area is very different. Fios would not allow me to install my own cablecard (I asked) and they did have to make a call to the home office to supply the serial number for the device and host # and a couple of other numbers, so they definately tie my card to my device. I only have 1 device so I can't test swapping, but I doubt very much it would work in a new device if I swapped it.

Also, cablecard install, I was told, was suppose to generate an $80 charge for the truck roll. I complained, but they said they still have to charge me. Charge never showed up on my bill, and its been almost a year.

I have moved cable cards to replacement TiVos twice, so I know it works.

Also, When I installed my 2nd TiVo, the installer showed up way outside of the window, and just when I was leaving. He handed me the cards and told me to call support once I installed them to have them initialized. I called the next day and they came up without issue.

I think Verizon wants to send the installer to make sure you're up and working. I have never been charged for a truck roll.

AbMagFab

09-13-09, 05:05 PM

Did anyone else with FIOS in MD get a bunch of channel moves for local networks? They're all in the wrong place now for me.

prth8machine

09-13-09, 05:29 PM

The last two nights my guide data has been completely wrong, but the channels haven't moved (I'm in Rockville).

vurbano

09-13-09, 06:58 PM

The last two nights my guide data has been completely wrong, but the channels haven't moved (I'm in Rockville).

Didnt they just add the NFLredzone channel? they did here a day or two ago..

bfdtv

09-13-09, 08:17 PM

Did anyone else with FIOS in MD get a bunch of channel moves for local networks? They're all in the wrong place now for me.I don't have a Motorola STB at the moment, but all the listings are correct on my TiVo in N. VA.

URFloorMatt

09-13-09, 08:36 PM

Did anyone else with FIOS in MD get a bunch of channel moves for local networks? They're all in the wrong place now for me.If you're in Howard or Anne Arundel county, this has been discussed a little over the past few weeks in the local thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17153716#post17153716). Apparently this was supposed to happen about a week or so sooner than it did.

skinsfan05

09-13-09, 08:36 PM

Did anyone else with FIOS in MD get a bunch of channel moves for local networks? They're all in the wrong place now for me.

In Anne Arundel Co. they moved all the DC locals to numbers above the Baltimore locals that don't match the station numbers anymore.

rviele

09-13-09, 08:46 PM

In Anne Arundel Co. they moved all the DC locals to numbers above the Baltimore locals that don't match the station numbers anymore.
does anybody know whether fios carries the movie channel AMC and what number it is

AG23

09-13-09, 08:54 PM

does anybody know whether fios carries the movie channel AMC and what number it is

Channel 231, but there's no HD version as of yet.

bob2274

09-13-09, 09:15 PM

I've heard rumors that AMC HD will be here in the fall, but no solid confirmation.

Jim Hef

09-14-09, 09:56 AM

Dmon4u

09-14-09, 11:24 AM

Anyone else get the Red Zone Channel for Free on Sunday ?

I did not order it !

If it's on my Bill I'll be making an angry call.

Jim Hef

09-14-09, 12:29 PM

Did you click on "OK" when you viewed the message about the new channel? I believe that's all you had to do to subscribe to it. You may be billed, so you might want to call now and cancel it if you don't want that service.

Dmon4u

09-14-09, 12:37 PM

To answer the above question, I never saw that. I just got the same screen that's on now with no "You are not subscibed to...". Then on game day, I went to the channel and it was on. Currently I'm back to the regular screen. There's no ordering selection.

Finally managed to check my Billing. Had to go through MyVerizon. No Bill for the channel.

Update: After 1:00 it changed. Now I have the order screen on 2 STB's, but it's still in the clear on my HD TiVo. I guess that's the way it's supposed to be for the TiVo since you can't order anything from it. My guess is that I won't be getting the channel from now on.

Chuck Mullen

09-14-09, 01:40 PM

JeepMatt has reported that we in the Philadelphia area will be getting AMC HD by the end of the month or the first week in October. I would imagine it would be near that time for all areas to be getting the additional channels...I think it was 5 for that same time.My understanding is the Rainbow Media suite of HD channels (AMC, IFC, WE, Fuse) is still on track for end of September/beginning of October roll out. This will be VHO by VHO as usual.

The Epix HD debut is rumored to have been pushed back to the end of October due to a delayed launch, not a VZ glitch.

So four new channels soon, and one a little later.

petesimac

09-14-09, 02:05 PM

TCM HD is not in the near term plans...and neither are the Turner Networks.

We'll be seeing 5 new HD's at the end of this month, and then most likely NBA TV and League Pass HD at the end of October prior to the season starting.

(Teaser: none of you men here will be mad about at the additions)

As i've stated previously, then that may be it for 2009.

Early 2010 rumors are for the Comcast HD's (E!, Style, G4)...

Also, Red Zone SD/HD live this morning out of VHO8. Ordering should be available tomorrow.

Lol, I'm a moron; I finally got it! Can't wait.

yudaman33

09-14-09, 07:18 PM

With the exception of the possibility that HLN goes full HD when CNN completes their HD transition in Atlanta, I'm not too disappointed with the Turner networks not coming in HD anytime soon since most them have either limited HD programming or none at all. I wish the Comcast channels came later this year. but I'll settle for early next year if the rumor is to be confirmed. I really wish CBS College Sports HD would have come in time for NCAA Football. Don't know what's keeping Crime and Investigation HD from being added since this was supposed to be here last year. Anyone know if new channels like Investigation Discovery HD and Oxygen HD are in Verizon's future plans?

URFloorMatt

09-14-09, 07:39 PM

My understanding is the Rainbow Media suite of HD channels (AMC, IFC, WE, Fuse) is still on track for end of September/beginning of October roll out. This will be VHO by VHO as usual.

The Epix HD debut is rumored to have been pushed back to the end of October due to a delayed launch, not a VZ glitch.

So four new channels soon, and one a little later.Don't forget NBATV HD and Team HD, both of which are supposed to light up before the NBA season begins, which means they should be coming about the same time as the delayed Epix HD.

Joel Clemons

09-15-09, 03:08 AM

The Epix HD debut is rumored to have been pushed back to the end of October due to a delayed launch, not a VZ glitch.

Yeah, guess they need more time to continue cropping current, widescreen movies.

Marcus Carr

09-15-09, 08:13 PM

Pittsburgh City Council OKs FiOS TV

Verizon Says Residents Will Be Able to Order Service Within Weeks

Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 9/15/2009 5:08:35 PM EDT

The Pittsburgh City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved legislation authorizing Verizon Communications to offer FiOS TV service to city residents and businesses, setting the stage for a new competitor take on incumbent cable operator Comcast.

Verizon said it expected Pittsburgh residents to able to order FiOS TV service within the next few weeks.

The telco in July reached a tentative agreement with the city on a 10-year cable franchise, under which Verizon will make FiOS TV available throughout the city within six years. The legislation requires approval by Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

"Today's city council approval of Verizon's cable TV franchise will finally bring Pittsburghers the choice and competition they want and deserve for pay-TV service," Verizon Pennsylvania president Gale Given said in a statement. "And Verizon is eager to begin offering city residents FiOS TV, an award-winning, superior alternative to their current cable TV service, with more high-definition channels than Comcast and innovative interactive features cable companies don't provide."

Comcast's 10-year franchise agreement with the city expires at the end of 2009. Verizon will pay 5% of gross revenue to Pittsburgh, the same franchise fee Comcast pays. Verizon has offered FiOS TV service in several Pittsburgh suburbs since the fall of 2007.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/353990-Pittsburgh_City_Council_OKs_FiOS_TV.php

petesimac

09-15-09, 10:59 PM

jamieva

09-15-09, 11:33 PM

parkay57

09-16-09, 07:39 AM

NJHD42

09-16-09, 01:37 PM

CURA

09-16-09, 02:28 PM

I'm in the Philly area and the Flyers TV schedule just came out. This year they're showing 10 Flyers games on The Comcast Network, instead of Comcast Sportsnet Philly (or local OTA). Anyway, Comcast Sportsnet is carried by FIOS, but The Comcast Network is not.

Can't remember the details, but there was some type of lawsuit that Verizon won and Comcast had to let them carry CSN. Does anyone remember this, and if so, would this ruling would also be applicable to The Comcast Network? I can see this being a slippery slope where they start moving more games (Phillies & Sixers too) away from CSN to The Comcast Network to try to save some of the business they're losing to FIOS. Thanks!

Funny... I just got the Flyers email and was wondering the same thing.
1st 2 road games are on TCN including the Devils game! Must be a Phillies game the same time. I sure hope we can watch the TCN games.

I just posted this on the Verizon.com forum and avs local Philadelphia thread:

TCN - The Comcast Network (CN8 Phila.)

The Philadelphia Flyers announced their TV schedule today and have several games listed on TCN - The Comcast Network (CN8 when I was on Comcast). This is not CSN - Comcast Sports Net Philadelphia.

Will this channel be available when Flyers games are on this channel?

Thank you in advance.

Dmon4u

09-16-09, 02:34 PM

Just canceled the free three Months of HBO/Cinemax.

Odd thing, they asked why* and then wanted me to take 3 more Months for Free again. When I said 'No' they said I could call 'any time' and get it those channels again, for Free.

I also wonder why they had to put me on hold for nearly 10 minutes out of a 12 Minute Call.

* After the first Month, I noticed that things are the same as always - Tons of 2 Star or less (Bombed at the Box Office) Rated Movies and a very few good ones repeated endlessly. As for the Series, I'd rather pick them up through Netflix.

aaronwt

09-16-09, 02:35 PM

Dmon4u

09-16-09, 02:37 PM

I called a Week early. Maybe that helped.

Lodef

09-16-09, 07:11 PM

URFloorMatt

09-16-09, 07:13 PM

I called a Week early.

This is why, Lodef. He cancelled it a week before it was due to expire.

GeekGirl

09-16-09, 07:45 PM

Funny... I just got the Flyers email and was wondering the same thing. 1st 2 road games are on TCN including the Devils game! Must be a Phillies game the same time. I sure hope we can watch the TCN games. I just posted this on the Verizon.com forum and avs local Philadelphia thread:

TCN - The Comcast Network (CN8 Phila.)

The Philadelphia Flyers announced their TV schedule today and have several games listed on TCN - The Comcast Network (CN8 when I was on Comcast). This is not CSN - Comcast Sports Net Philadelphia.

Will this channel be available when Flyers games are on this channel?

Thank you in advance.Nope. I gripe about this every year. Schedule posted in the Philly Verizon FiOS thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17193011#post17193011

bfdtv

09-16-09, 08:10 PM

Verizon FiOS Survey on Quality of STB/DVR Guide Data (https://survey.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bf8kNOyPGOfta72&SVID=Prod)

galve2000

09-16-09, 08:15 PM

Hi folks, I've just signed up for FiOS in NYC so I'll be joining the club. I do have a couple of questions I'm hoping you experienced users can shed some light on. I'm moving from Time Warner Cable using their HD-DVRs, by the way.

Hi UESGuy,

I was wondering if FiOS offers service on the UES of manhattan. i live in the area as do my parents and as far as i know FiOS is not yet available.

I am moving near columbus circle in about a month and am thinking of ditching TWC for FiOS, but have some doubts. meantime, TW is bombarding us with commericals about how FiOS HD channels are "mostly fake" and it makes you wonder.

part of me suspects that you moved to a different neighborhood but kept the UESGUY screen name, but i'd really be interested to know what part of town you are in.

i have read through the last 50 or so pages of this thread and it seems like a lot of the gaps in the FiOS content has been slowly filled -- and i am particularly looking forward to Premium Channel VOD in HD (part of me doesnt believe it will ever happen)

obviously TW HD offerings in NYC have exploded in the past year -- my HD/SD viewing habits jumped from 30% HD/70% SD to 80/20 and most of the SD content i watch is VOD, so it will be nice to get all that in HD once and for all.

my parent's TWC service is horrible with frequent outages (particularly Road Runner) and they have asked me to look for a new provider in the area. whenever i punch in their home phone number i get a "will contact you when service is available" message. and there really is no other option in their neighborhood.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to reply.

CMM.

sillysam

09-16-09, 09:33 PM

I hope they offer me three more free months when I call to cancel in November.

Why are you canceling in Nov?

GeekGirl

09-16-09, 09:50 PM

Heads up: Season premier for Heroes is this Monday, 2 hours. In the IMG, just be sure to catch both episodes. http://www.nbc.com/Heroes/nexton/episode_401.shtml

jamieva

09-16-09, 10:57 PM

petesimac

09-16-09, 11:11 PM

I'm canceling when my 3 months free HBO/Cinemax are done. You get 1 new movie a week, and the ones they keep in circulation are shown way too much.
I think Live Free or Die hard has been on every day for 3 months now. No lie.

I have to cancel next Tuesday, but I'm hoping they offer me 3 more months so I can catch Curb Your Enthusiasm. Other than that, not a whole lot on HBO.

aaronwt

09-17-09, 09:00 AM

Why are you canceling in Nov?
My three free months will be up on November 24th or 25th.

UESGuy

09-17-09, 09:21 AM

Hi UESGuy,

I was wondering if FiOS offers service on the UES of manhattan. i live in the area as do my parents and as far as i know FiOS is not yet available.

part of me suspects that you moved to a different neighborhood but kept the UESGUY screen name, but i'd really be interested to know what part of town you are in.

Nope, I'm in the UES still. East 70s. FIOS is only just now becoming available for my co-op building. I get the impression that this is how it's going to be -- one building gets it, and the building next door or across the street does not. Eventually all the holes will get filled in and in September is our turn.

I hope your turn comes up soon.

UESGuy

09-17-09, 10:19 AM

That's correct. There's no need for the FiOS STBs or DVRs if you're using TiVo. All you need is one M-CARD per TivoHD.

I just called Verizon and made them change the install order to include the two M-CARDs for my two TivoHDs, and also to tell them not to bring any STBs or DVRs. The order got changed, my special pricing did not change (although obviously there is some slight shift from renting boxes to renting cards), and all is set. I will check on the Web in a day or so to make sure this is what I see, and I'll probably call again next week to verify that this is indeed what the installer is expecting to do. Thanks for your help.

Jim Hef

09-17-09, 04:53 PM

Take two minutes and put up your gripes about the Guide in the link shown above. It may help eventually to get this area of FiOS straightened out and make it a valuable piece.

URFloorMatt

09-17-09, 04:59 PM

Yes. Everyone who ever visits this thread absolutely must fill out this survey. I just did.

Verizon FiOS Survey on Quality of STB/DVR Guide Data (https://survey.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bf8kNOyPGOfta72&SVID=Prod)

Phantom Stranger

09-17-09, 05:10 PM

Another billing nightmare with Fios. My 3rd one in less then 2 years. It was supposedly fixed over a month ago. Nope. CSR either lied to me and my wife on the phone, or she is incompetent. Based on her inability to form sentences I'm thinking the latter.

Can they please fix their darn billing department!!!!! Love the product but their service is killing my enjoyment of it.
I have had multiple and concurrent billing issues with Fios as a subscriber. These problems have been rampant since Fios became a service. Verizon apparently thinks rampant overbilling is a successful business model. Most of the customer service is nice over the phone, but it is clear that most are undertrained and have little grasp of how to fix many of the billing issues. I could write a series of books on my experiences with them. It is something that one must tolerate because the technology itself is so good. What finally solved the issue was to close my initial account, and opening a completely new Fios account.

galve2000

09-17-09, 05:26 PM

Nope, I'm in the UES still. East 70s. FIOS is only just now becoming available for my co-op building.

That's so strange, my parents also live in the East 70s.. but they live in a townhouse. the strange thing is that that there is a glossy, brand-new, all-glass condo that just opened a few months ago right across the street.

i have yet to check if this new building has been wired for FiOS, but i suspect it has. I see no reason why they wouldn't wire the rest of the block. (of course, my parents' place is unluckily just across the street, but..)

I wonder what it will take to have verizon wire their home for FiOS... or if its even possible.

CMM.

sillysam

09-17-09, 06:44 PM

I wonder what it will take to have verizon wire their home for FiOS... or if its even possible.

CMM.

No one here can answer that for you. Don't wonder. Call Verizon. Or go to the web site and enter a phone number or address.

galve2000

09-17-09, 06:51 PM

Or go to the web site and enter a phone number or address.

have done this already.. with varying results:

1. entering phone number: directs me to a "sign up to be notified when FiOS will be available in yr area" kind of page

2. entering address: directs me to a Verizon Broadband (DSL??) + Direct TV is already available in yr area" kind of page.

i think the different responses are interesting to say the least.

how is the deployment handled in the suburbs exactly? is the fiber optic line taken to the street corner (or some sort of other hub), or does the fiber optic line make it directly to everyone's house?

CMM.

Phantom Stranger

09-17-09, 10:41 PM

bull3964

09-17-09, 11:06 PM

Yeah, fiber was on my street and when I ordered the guy basically went up the nearest pole, connected a precut length of fiber to the pole, and then strung it to my house with the power.

When my parents were installed, the installer had to go further down the street to connect into the fiber, but pretty much the same thing.

Myron4

09-18-09, 06:23 AM

how is the deployment handled in the suburbs exactly? is the fiber optic line taken to the street corner (or some sort of other hub), or does the fiber optic line make it directly to everyone's house?

In my neighborhood they ran it underground between the sidewalk & curb, which was welcome as the local cable TV & power are both aerial in the alley, throughout the neighborhood before inquiring with any residents about signing up, over the course of 2-3 months. A couple of weeks after a large hole was dug there was a large Verizon box placed in the ground directly in front of the house by the curb. A lot of dirt was left on the sidewalk & curb.

When my install was scheduled months later, they came out 1 week beforehand unannounced & ran it underground from that box around to the back of the house near where the aerial cable TV is hooked up. I don't know what equipment they use to bury it but the dead grass stripe across the front yard & around the house remained for 3+ months despite ample watering. There was also a square torn up in the corner where the lawn meets the sidewalk that still hasn't grown back entirely.

VARTV

09-18-09, 08:28 AM

In my neighborhood they ran it underground between the sidewalk & curb, which was welcome as the local cable TV & power are both aerial in the alley, throughout the neighborhood before inquiring with any residents about signing up, over the course of 2-3 months. A couple of weeks after a large hole was dug there was a large Verizon box placed in the ground directly in front of the house by the curb. A lot of dirt was left on the sidewalk & curb.

When my install was scheduled months later, they came out 1 week beforehand unannounced & ran it underground from that box around to the back of the house near where the aerial cable TV is hooked up. I don't know what equipment they use to bury it but the dead grass stripe across the front yard & around the house remained for 3+ months despite ample watering. There was also a square torn up in the corner where the lawn meets the sidewalk that still hasn't grown back entirely.How wide was the strip? Here, they used a shovel-like thingy with a flat edge.

There's going to be dead grass... it's being "cut." Same thing happened here (and with a new irrigation line put in during a different project). Water the area so the grass roots can reestablish. Lightly rake the yellow (dead, dying) grass...

aaronwt

09-18-09, 09:13 AM

here they used manual labor for all the digging. My Comcast line was cut three times by the FIOS contractors and my FIOS line was cut three times by the Comcast contractors.
A year later Verizon came to their senses, after having dozens of peoples lines cut and they buried conduits for future installs. Although they won't run my line through it until there is a reason to replace it. It's been almost two years since my line was last cut. Probably the only reason it hasn't been cut again is because 80% of the people dropped Comcast so there hasn't been any digging and purposely cut wires from Comcast contractors(One contractor cut my FIOS line on purpose right in front of me)

VARTV

09-18-09, 09:22 AM

xrtfan

09-18-09, 09:27 AM

I have the FIOS HD DVR and was wondering if it does slow motion? Directv's did, but I have been unable to make mine or seen anything in the dvr instructions, thanks

Lodef

09-18-09, 10:10 AM

I have the FIOS HD DVR and was wondering if it does slow motion? Directv's did, but I have been unable to make mine or seen anything in the dvr instructions, thanks

Hit pause then either the FF or the RW buttons.

imref

09-18-09, 09:23 PM

SeijiSensei

09-18-09, 11:11 PM

Verizon FiOS Survey on Quality of STB/DVR Guide Data (https://survey.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bf8kNOyPGOfta72&SVID=Prod)

Any time I have to answer every single item, I stop taking the survey. I don't have opinions about many of the items they ask, since I don't watch much outside of a few genres.

xrtfan

09-19-09, 03:10 AM

Thanks Lodef, that was it!

GeekGirl

09-19-09, 10:18 AM

hi all, as of tonight our picture on one of our TVs is flipping back and forth between black and white and color on SD channels only (HD is fine).

We have a Moto 7216 DVR. It is connected via HDMI to our Sony receiver (which connects HDMI to our JVC LCOS projection TV. We also have a digital audio connection between the Moto and the Sony receiver). I tried rebooting the DVR (via unplugging it) and the problem continues.

We've had this setup ever since we got FiOS installed in early August and this just started happening. The only other strangeness we see is every once in a while the TV will seem to lose its signal, the screen will go blank, the dispaly on the Moto flashes, and then the picture comes back.

I'm assuming that I've got a flaky DVR, has anyone else seen anything like this before?As long as it's OK on HD (and not from your display), it sounds flaky to me. Flipping to B&W is a definite problem. The once in a while thing is a drop in handshaking between your TV and the Moto DVR. Somehow, the box doesn't see your TV and it initiates a handshaking sequence to re-authenticate that the display is there. It shouldn't do that, either. For peace of mind, get a replacement before the problem gets worse. You can do a self-install. They send you a replacement box with instructions on how to send the old one back. Return shipping is no cost to you (UPS pre-paid).

The flashing is probably a "DU1" code which indicates the authentication sequence. You should also see "DU1" flash everytime you re-connect to the DVR (power up, or switch inputs from something else back to the HDMI input). If it happens at any other time, something is wrong.

mbyrnes

09-19-09, 11:13 AM

Do any of the gurus know if History International is going HD anytime soon? Right now that is my most wanted HD channel. I have searched the internets and found nothing. Don't know if any of the insiders know. Thanks for your help.

Dmon4u

09-19-09, 12:40 PM

From time to time this comes up. But, from what I can recall, much of their content would need to be upconverted or rerecorded - and they simply won't spend that kind of money in todays Economy.

crankerchick

09-19-09, 02:54 PM

Wow... We had a great experience here with the whole FiOS thing... beginning to end...
I wouldn't say our experience has been "great" but it has been decent, dare I say 'above average.' Definitely not terrible. As for our install, we live in the 'burbs and our install wasn't bad. Verizon dug up the front of everyone's front yard to i guess bring the line to the yard. Once we signed up, at some point before the install, they came and dug up the rest of the yard, presumable to bring the line to the house. This is when one of the laborers stomped a flower in our flower box, but such is life. Neither time did they dig up the whole yard, just the path to where they needed to go.

On the day of the install, 2 guys showed up and drilled holes and the like. Everything is on the inside of our house in the basement in the laundry room. We have no boxes mounted outside of our house, although our neighbors do (as do most of the neighbors). The install took about 2.5 hours and probably my only complaint was it had rained that day so of course the installers were tracking mud back and forth. They offered to take off their shoes but I just told them not to worry about it since they were going back and forth so much it would just slow them down. We have wood floors so it not like a carpet was getting stained, just had to clean up when they left.

It took a while for the grass in our yard to grow back, but grass doesn't grow well in this neighborhood anyway so it wasn't a big deal. It was good for us, gave us a chance to reseed and try to get some green, weed free grass which still hasn't happened.

jeepmatt

09-20-09, 07:27 PM

For all of you NBA TV'ers out there...finally have some confirmation!

NBA TV (SD) will be added with the 4 Rainbow HD's between 9/28 and 10/1.

NBA TV (HD) along with League Pass (SD/HD) will be added prior to the start of the season on 10/27.

jeepmatt

09-23-09, 04:20 PM

http://forums.verizon.com/t5/Verizon-at-Home/Just-in-time-for-basketball-season-NBA-LEAGUE-PASS-and-NBA-TV/ba-p/82923

See? I don't break my promises.... :cool:

ccotenj

09-23-09, 04:25 PM

woot! that's good news! :D

jdworsky

09-23-09, 05:16 PM

Jeepmatt - I'm sorry I ever doubted you (and I very-seriously doubted you after last year's NBA debacle) I'll be signing up shortly!

Joe

Dmon4u

09-23-09, 11:36 PM

Just canceled the free three Months of HBO/Cinemax.

Ah yes, the Billing Problems...Programming

My Bill just came and they did NOT cancel. I called and they had to investigate. Plus they accused er, said I was still watching those channels. I told them they were gone the same day I canceled back on the 14th.

After 5 minutes on hold they said that they found my request and that it was 'stuck in the system'. So, they lowered the Bill plus said that they would also refund the same amount on the next, why, I don't know. (There's a Comedy routine in there somewhere.)

So, I suggest you watch your Billing closely... as has been said before by others.

galve2000

09-24-09, 10:38 AM

anyone in the NYC market have any billing issues with Verizon FiOS? i'm abbout to start service next month and am thinking matybe i should stuick with trusty time warner.

maxman

09-24-09, 10:41 AM

anyone in the NYC market have any billing issues with Verizon FiOS?

From what I've read here, who hasn't had billing issues? I'm in New Jersey but billing issues are a nightmare. Love everything else though.

Jim Hef

09-24-09, 11:01 AM

...am thinking maybe i should stuck with trusty time warner.
Nah! If you have a legitimate complaint, they will credit you for the overpayment on subsequent bills. As stated above, just look at all lines of the bills you receive, and be sure it's what you ordered. The quality of the signal is well worth any future problems you may have with the billing.

galve2000

09-24-09, 11:31 AM

I'm in New Jersey but billing issues are a nightmare.

what kind of billing issues? charges for not-ordered PPV movies and sports? double charges of premium channels? we are not just talking about a pro-rated 1st months bill are we? (not sure how that would be a problem for TV anternet service.. maybe the phone portion of the triple play?)

can you elaborate just bit...

btw.. its nice that you are othewise satisfied with yr service. i'm excietd for mine.. trying to configure my new home theater system to make the best of it.

CMM.

sillysam

09-24-09, 11:34 AM

anyone in the NYC market have any billing issues with Verizon FiOS? i'm abbout to start service next month and am thinking matybe i should stuick with trusty time warner.

Yes. Most definitely stick with "trusty time warner". That may you won't have spend any time dealing with any billing issues even though with Fios you'd get so much more than with time warner. Take the easy way out. Stick with TW. Otherwise, if you switch to Fios, the first time you have a billing issue, you'll be so upset with yourself for switching, you might want to do something drastic.

LL3HD

09-24-09, 12:01 PM

VARTV

09-24-09, 12:26 PM

Yes. Most definitely stick with "trusty time warner". That may you won't have spend any time dealing with any billing issues even though with Fios you'd get so much more than with time warner. Take the easy way out. Stick with TW. Otherwise, if you switch to Fios, the first time you have a billing issue, you'll be so upset with yourself for switching, you might want to do something drastic.It is amazing how wrapped up some people get into customer service/billing etc. Yes, it IS part of the service but you'd think things like value and/or quanity would have MUCH MORE weight...

shyguy3763

09-24-09, 01:19 PM

Just curious if there is a new DVR offering in the works,love fios but not too fond of my 6416,just doesn't have enough storage space,I know I can go tivo
but want VOD :rolleyes: so...anything planned for 2010 :o?

mikeewing

09-24-09, 01:20 PM

FIOS is finally available in my neighborhood. :) I’m having it installed in a couple of weeks.

I have two rooms to be covered with full DVR functionality. Verizon told me I need one multi room DVR and one set top box. They insist that I will have the ability to watch live or recorded programming from both TVs and to be able to pause etc. I ‘m not familiar with their multi room DVR. I’m coming from Time Warner with DVRs on every set.

As I said, they want to give me one multi room DVR and one STB.
For full DVR capabilities from both rooms, I would think that I need either 2-multi room DVRs from them, or I need to get one multi room and one DVR?

I really wanted to go the TIVO route but I don’t want to spend that kind of money if they “might” be upgrading their product in the near future.

TIA :cool:

Just get the 2 DVR's for now. You can always add the multi-room capability later on, if you like. It's a software download - no box switch required.

LL3HD

09-24-09, 01:25 PM

Just get the 2 DVR's for now. You can always add the multi-room capability later on, if you like. It's a software download - no box switch required.
Thanks for the response… but I’m confused, why go with two DVRs? To clarify, they are offering the Multi-Room DVR as a sign up incentive. If I go with the MRDVR and one STB will I be covered, as far as full DVR capabilities—in both rooms? Or is this why you are suggesting going with two DVRs?
TIA

aaronwt

09-24-09, 01:40 PM

It is amazing how wrapped up some people get into customer service/billing etc. Yes, it IS part of the service but you'd think things like value and/or quanity would have MUCH MORE weight...

It does unless the billing problems continue and get worse. It took Verizon seven months to get my FIOS billing correct after I dropped my landline. I was seriously considering dropping them from all the frustration of being on the phone for several hours every month, being told my billing problems were fixed and then finding out they were not fixed and the problems were even worse.
In the end I cut my services with them in protest. So they get around $1k less a year from me since dropping my Premium movie channels, HD STB and dropping my 50/20 internet tier to a 25/15 bundle.
Next I will drop my cable cards from 8 to 4, assuming I can get four multi stream cards to replace my eight single stream. That will give them $190 less a year from me.

KenPog

09-24-09, 01:58 PM

I just added the service. You need one multi room and a STB for each room you want to watch the DVR.

rebkell

09-24-09, 02:13 PM

It does unless the billing problems continue and get worse. It took Verizon seven months to get my FIOS billing correct after I dropped my landline. I was seriously considering dropping them from all the frustration of being on the phone for several hours every month, being told my billing problems were fixed and then finding out they were not fixed and the problems were even worse.
In the end I cut my services with them in protest. So they get around $1k less a year from me since dropping my Premium movie channels, HD STB and dropping my 50/20 internet tier to a 25/15 bundle.
Next I will drop my cable cards from 8 to 4, assuming I can get four multi stream cards to replace my eight single stream. That will give them $190 less a year from me.

I have no shot at Verizon here, but I do have Directv and they seem to have a lot of similar type problems, I haven't really experienced any, but there is enough anecdotal evidence to suggest they have a problem also.

If I had continuous problems with billing I would more than likely bail out of the service, especially when there is a comparable alternative. Billing shouldn't be a problem, all these companies have been billing customers for years, why should you have to watch your bill like a hawk, in these times people don't want surprises like that at all.

dougotte

09-24-09, 02:46 PM

what kind of billing issues? charges for not-ordered PPV movies and sports? double charges of premium channels? we are not just talking about a pro-rated 1st months bill are we? (not sure how that would be a problem for TV anternet service.. maybe the phone portion of the triple play?)

can you elaborate just bit...

btw.. its nice that you are othewise satisfied with yr service. i'm excietd for mine.. trying to configure my new home theater system to make the best of it.

CMM.

Just search this thread for many instances of billing problems. I've complained before (including recently), but the problems are eventually fixed. You do have to examine the detailed bill every month for anomolies. Even with the problems I've had (which total maybe 2-3 per year, but which can take 2-3 months to iron out), it's still worth it considering the quality and quantity of services offered.

BTW, we had DTV for 7 years prior to switching, and I don't remember having a single billing problem w/ them. But again, the Vz problems are not severe enough for me to want to switch back.

Doug

davdev

09-24-09, 02:47 PM

From what I've read here, who hasn't had billing issues? I'm in New Jersey but billing issues are a nightmare. Love everything else though.

I have had FIOS for about 2 years and I have never had a single billing issue.

Timothy31

09-24-09, 02:49 PM

FIOS is finally available in my neighborhood. :) I’m having it installed in a couple of weeks.

I have two rooms to be covered with full DVR functionality. Verizon told me I need one multi room DVR and one set top box. They insist that I will have the ability to watch live or recorded programming from both TVs and to be able to pause etc. I ‘m not familiar with their multi room DVR. I’m coming from Time Warner with DVRs on every set.

As I said, they want to give me one multi room DVR and one STB.
For full DVR capabilities from both rooms, I would think that I need either 2-multi room DVRs from them, or I need to get one multi room and one DVR?

I really wanted to go the TIVO route but I don’t want to spend that kind of money if they “might” be upgrading their product in the near future.

TIA :cool:

What you were told is correct. The multi-room DVR allows you to watch a recording from any tv in the house with a cable box. You will only need the one MRDVR and either a HD or SD box on the other tv. The only limitation you'll have is both tv's cannot watch the exact same recording at once.

prth8machine

09-24-09, 02:51 PM

After months of calling a couple times a month, I ended up calling them nearly every other day one week. That week I spent almost 11 hours on the phone with different people telling me different things. I certainly considered dropping them. The most amazing thing was in the end, what ended up being the issue was the thing I suggested in my very first phone call. All overcharges were credited and I was taken care of, but I felt like I had taken a part time job trying to get their service to work right.

LL3HD

09-24-09, 03:29 PM

What you were told is correct. The multi-room DVR allows you to watch a recording from any tv in the house with a cable box. You will only need the one MRDVR and either a HD or SD box on the other tv. The only limitation you'll have is both tv's cannot watch the exact same recording at once.:cool: thanks! Looking forward to improved picture quality with FIOS, compared to the overly compressed TW. Many times, the only way to get through a show on TW is with the sub titles because of all the audio dropouts.

The only negative I see with FIOS is their lack of MSG HD since I am a KNICKS fan. Oh well, hopefully FIOS will get it soon.

Timothy31

09-24-09, 04:00 PM

:cool: thanks! Looking forward to improved picture quality with FIOS, compared to the overly compressed TW. Many times, the only way to get through a show on TW is with the sub titles because of all the audio dropouts.

The only negative I see with FIOS is their lack of MSG HD since I am a KNICKS fan. Oh well, hopefully FIOS will get it soon.

No problem, i actually don't have Fios just yet but i know thats how the MRDVR works. I'm getting it installed on the 2nd. I'm looking forward to the same i have TW as well and the HD picture is awful. I'll sit there going back and forth from HD to SD trying to see a difference and i can't. I don't know about your area in New York but i'm in Texas and some of their HD is worse than SD, like ESPN. TW rips you off too. We pay them $254 a month. I'll be saving nearly $100 with Fios and getting so much more. Also where i am TW only has 51 HD channels. So this will be a HUGE improvement.

I feel your pain on the no MSG HD. I'm from New York originally and i'd hate to have to stay with cablevision to get MSG HD. Its ridiculous that they won't share it with others. I'm sure the reason is cause they know many customers would jump ship. I hear cablevision has really gone downhill since i moved 20 years ago. Fios is trying to get the FCC to help in the matter, hopefully, they force cablevision to share.

LL3HD

09-24-09, 04:13 PM

No problem, i actually don't have Fios just yet but i know thats how the MRDVR works. I'm getting it installed on the 2nd. I'm looking forward to the same i have TW as well and the HD picture is awful. I'll sit there going back and forth from HD to SD trying to see a difference and i can't. I don't know about your area in New York but i'm in Texas and some of their HD is worse than SD, like ESPN. TW rips you off too. We pay them $254 a month. I'll be saving nearly $100 with Fios and getting so much more. Also where i am TW only has 51 HD channels. So this will be a HUGE improvement.

I feel your pain on the no MSG HD. I'm from New York originally and i'd hate to have to stay with cablevision to get MSG HD. Its ridiculous that they won't share it with others. I'm sure the reason is cause they know many customers would jump ship. I hear cablevision has really gone downhill since i moved 20 years ago. Fios is trying to get the FCC to help in the matter, hopefully, they force cablevision to share.From a business stance, it makes sense, for Cablevision to hold onto MSG HD so they don’t lose their subs (as you said) but those of us in NY on TW are screwed too.

Your TW sounds real bad. :eek: I thought ours was bad but there’s no comparison. Good luck with your install. Mine is the ninth. :cool:

Timothy31

09-24-09, 04:48 PM

From a business stance, it makes sense, for Cablevision to hold onto MSG HD so they don’t lose their subs (as you said) but those of us in NY on TW are screwed too.

Your TW sounds real bad. :eek: I thought ours was bad but there’s no comparison. Good luck with your install. Mine is the ninth. :cool:

Yeah, i guess it does but its still crappy of them. Wow i didn't know TW didn't even have it. That's really sucks. I'm amazed that Fios got some of cablevisions channels AMC and Fuse etc. I didn't think they'd give those up either.

Yeah it is pretty bad here. Thanks! Same to you.

Lodef

09-24-09, 06:11 PM

FIOS is finally available in my neighborhood. :) I’m having it installed in a couple of weeks.

I have two rooms to be covered with full DVR functionality. Verizon told me I need one multi room DVR and one set top box. They insist that I will have the ability to watch live or recorded programming from both TVs and to be able to pause etc. I ‘m not familiar with their multi room DVR. I’m coming from Time Warner with DVRs on every set.

As I said, they want to give me one multi room DVR and one STB.
For full DVR capabilities from both rooms, I would think that I need either 2-multi room DVRs from them, or I need to get one multi room and one DVR?

I really wanted to go the TIVO route but I don’t want to spend that kind of money if they “might” be upgrading their product in the near future.

TIA :cool:

No you do not have full DVR capabilities from the STB. You can only watch whatever you have recorded on the MRDVR. All programming & scheduling features must be done on the MRDVR only. Another point is if you have a SD STB, you can not playback a HD recording on it from the MRDVR but you can with a HD STB. I would take the promo that they are offering because I have that set-up and am quite happy with it.

LL3HD

09-24-09, 08:43 PM

LL3HD

09-24-09, 09:45 PM

Wow i didn't know TW didn't even have it. .No, TW has MSGHD, sorry, I wasn’t clear.:o

Basically, the owners of Cablevision are keeping MSGHD from FIOS to keep their Cablevision subs. However, they are hurting the New Yorkers with TW who bail and go to FIOS too. We’re like the collateral damage. :rolleyes:;)

Timothy31

09-25-09, 12:01 AM

No, TW has MSGHD, sorry, I wasn’t clear.:o

Basically, the owners of Cablevision are keeping MSGHD from FIOS to keep their Cablevision subs. However, they are hurting the New Yorkers with TW who bail and go to FIOS too. We’re like the collateral damage. :rolleyes:;)

That really sucks of them. Great business practices huh?

Lodef

09-25-09, 01:34 AM

;) Ok, thanks, that makes sense, but what if I was to get the Multi-Room DVR (by the way, everything is HD) and instead of going with a second Set Top Box, I get another DVR (Multi Room?)? Will this give me multi room and full DVR capabilities in both rooms?

Why would you want to do that? It defeats the purpose of the MRDVR. You would be better off just getting 2 DVR's and save the 5 bucks. As for the technical aspects of doing that, I would think you could watch recorded programs from the MRDVR on the reg DVR but not the other way around. I'm not sure if that is what you are asking to do but I would try the HD STB with the MRDVR first and if that does not work for you then upgrade to another DVR which will at least give you double the hard drive space for more recordings.

AbMagFab

09-25-09, 10:29 AM

;) Ok, thanks, that makes sense, but what if I was to get the Multi-Room DVR (by the way, everything is HD) and instead of going with a second Set Top Box, I get another DVR (Multi Room?)? Will this give me multi room and full DVR capabilities in both rooms?

Just get Tivo, as that's exactly how Tivo handles it. And you can pick whatever you want to record from each box, and then play it on any box.

Main difference is it transfers, instead of streams. Pro- much better user experience. Con- Only real-time for HD if you have a good home network.

Joel Clemons

09-25-09, 11:52 AM

I'm amazed that Fios got some of cablevisions channels AMC and Fuse etc. I didn't think they'd give those up either.

As of yet, they haven't. Currently,FiOS is not offering FUSE or AMC. Or are they on the way?

JasG

09-25-09, 12:40 PM

As of yet, they haven't. Currently,FiOS is not offering FUSE or AMC. Or are they on the way?AMC and FUSE are shown on current FIOS lineups (http://www22.verizon.com/Residential/FiOSTV/ChannelLineup). HD is rumored for real-soon-now.

Jim Hef

09-25-09, 12:51 PM

In the Philadelphia area, we are supposed to get the HD channels for them starting Monday. They're supposed to hold to the +500 numbering system.

Dmon4u

09-25-09, 01:16 PM

Over at DSLREPORTS they said that those new HD channels are in the TiVo Guide data for TX.

buzzy1949

09-25-09, 04:24 PM

Joel Clemons

09-25-09, 04:29 PM

AMC and FUSE are shown on current FIOS lineups (http://www22.verizon.com/Residential/FiOSTV/ChannelLineup). HD is rumored for real-soon-now.

I should have mentioned the distinction. Yes, FiOS offer both, but not in HD. It was the HD channels that I was referring to.

URFloorMatt

09-25-09, 04:33 PM

It was the HD channels that I was referring to.Looking at the parts of the rollout schedule that have been revealed, it seems like we'll all have the Rainbow Media channels by the end of next week.

sillysam

09-25-09, 06:59 PM

I've had Fios Tv since 7/2008 added phone (2 lines) and internet in march of 2009 .... Have NEVER received a bill for same amount two months in a row....countless hours on phone///price promised in feb of '09 not met...my only advice ....keep COPIOUS notes...names dates time of day etc. will soon be time for class action lawsuit until then keep up the customer complaints and take your blood pressure meds Paul from Jersey

Good first post. BTW, I won't be joining your incredibly inane class action suit as I was able to resolve my only billing issue with an easy 5 minute phone call. Actually, I'll volunteer to appear on Verizon's side when you file your suit.

BTW, if this issue requires you to take anti hypertensives, you most definitely should drop Fios and move on to something less aggravating. Time Warner, Dish, and DirecTV come to mind.

imref

09-25-09, 10:22 PM

No you do not have full DVR capabilities from the STB. You can only watch whatever you have recorded on the MRDVR. All programming & scheduling features must be done on the MRDVR only. Another point is if you have a SD STB, you can not playback a HD recording on it from the MRDVR but you can with a HD STB. I would take the promo that they are offering because I have that set-up and am quite happy with it.

Why would you want to do that? It defeats the purpose of the MRDVR. You would be better off just getting 2 DVR's and save the 5 bucks. As for the technical aspects of doing that, I would think you could watch recorded programs from the MRDVR on the reg DVR but not the other way around. I'm not sure if that is what you are asking to do but I would try the HD STB with the MRDVR first and if that does not work for you then upgrade to another DVR which will at least give you double the hard drive space for more recordings.

We had DirecDVRs in two rooms. When we went to FiOS we got the MRDVR in one room, and an HD-STB in the other. Once we realized we could no longer pause/rw/ff live TV in the room with the HD-STB we called Verizon and swapped it for a second DVR. The multi-room feature was nice, but we're much happier with DVRs in each room.

Lodef

09-26-09, 09:42 AM

We had DirecDVRs in two rooms. When we went to FiOS we got the MRDVR in one room, and an HD-STB in the other. Once we realized we could no longer pause/rw/ff live TV in the room with the HD-STB we called Verizon and swapped it for a second DVR. The multi-room feature was nice, but we're much happier with DVRs in each room.

Yes, but the whole purpose of the MRDVR is to allow you to only have to get one DVR per household. For most folks that will work but for others like yourself who were already used too those features on all their boxes, then two or more reg DVR's is the way to go but of course it will cost you more $$$ in the long run if you have more than 2.

aaronwt

09-26-09, 10:24 AM

Or better yet you get TiVos. I have four TiVos with cable cards on FIOS and anything I record from FIOS can be transferred and watched on any of the ten TiVos I have and can also be transferred to a PC for permanent storage.

Jim Hef

09-26-09, 03:50 PM

...anything I record from FIOS can be transferred and watched on any of the ten TiVos I have....
Someday you need to tell us how many years you've worked for TiVo, and what exactly you need to record with that many devices!!! :D

sillysam

09-26-09, 09:17 PM

and watched on any of the ten TiVos I have and can also be transferred to a PC for permanent storage.

There is something very wrong here. Do you do anything besides watch TV?

skinsfan05

09-26-09, 10:13 PM

Good first post. BTW, I won't be joining your incredibly inane class action suit as I was able to resolve my only billing issue with an easy 5 minute phone call. Actually, I'll volunteer to appear on Verizon's side when you file your suit.

You must be very lucky. I have never had a call last less than an hour. They have by far the worst customer service when it comes to billing that I have ever dealt with. They transfer you to the wrong department constantly. They lie to you. But even with all that when my contracts up I will probably stay.

aaronwt

09-27-09, 08:52 PM

There is something very wrong here. Do you do anything besides watch TV?

I never said I watched everything I recorded. Most of the things I record I don't watch and I watch, much less TV now than I did 20 years ago.
I just like to have alot of choices for something to watch.

petesimac

09-27-09, 11:09 PM

You must be very lucky. I have never had a call last less than an hour. They have by far the worst customer service when it comes to billing that I have ever dealt with. They transfer you to the wrong department constantly. They lie to you. But even with all that when my contracts up I will probably stay.

I think you're just unlucky. I've called several times for various reasons and have never spent more than about 15 minutes on the phone, and that includes pleasant chit-chat with the very friendly and efficient CMs. Either you're a closet D* subscriber with a grudge, or you're stretching the truth, or you're in an area with particularly poor FIOS CMs, or you're just a very unlucky person; you have my pity.

gluvhand

09-27-09, 11:26 PM

I think you're just unlucky. I've called several times for various reasons and have never spent more than about 15 minutes on the phone, and that includes pleasant chit-chat with the very friendly and efficient CMs. Either you're a closet D* subscriber with a grudge, or you're stretching the truth, or you're in an area with particularly poor FIOS CMs, or you're just a very unlucky person; you have my pity.

You're making it seem like he/she is the first person to complain about Fios customer service. Go through the thread. You'll find many with similar complaints and you can add me to the list as well. And I'm not a "closet" anything, a liar, unlucky, or needing of your pity. Some decent customer service would suffice. Enjoy your run of good luck.

sillysam

09-28-09, 12:12 AM

You're making it seem like he/she is the first person to complain about Fios customer service. Go through the thread. You'll find many with similar complaints and you can add me to the list as well. And I'm not a "closet" anything, a liar, unlucky, or needing of your pity. Some decent customer service would suffice. Enjoy your run of good luck.

So you also feel you were lied to by Verizon? Please. Credibility you aren't getting.

coyoteaz

09-28-09, 12:20 AM

I spent an hour on the phone when I was first setup trying to get them to fix my connection speed (signed up for 20/20 but only got 20/5) and then another 90 minutes to get them to provision the data connection over Ethernet rather than coax. The only call I've ever had go less than 25 minutes was when I called to report a service outage and got the recording saying they were already working on it. Still took 10 minutes to wade through the phone menus and get the system to find my account. Can't forget the extra 5 minute penalty for not having a landline while they try to find your account info another way. Anyone have a trick to get through that one quickly?

jeepmatt

09-28-09, 06:27 AM

AMC HD
Fuse HD
IFC HD
We HD

All live this morning out of VHO8 - looks like they are sharing 561 MHz and 69 MHz (I've never seen a frequency this low used before!!!)

NBA TV SD is showing on Channel 89 - but a "You Are Not Subscribed Box" pops up - obviously an early provisioning error....since this should be coming in. Hopefully this will be fixed at some point today.

Enjoy - every VHO should have these by Thursday.

aaronwt

09-28-09, 08:52 AM

.... Can't forget the extra 5 minute penalty for not having a landline while they try to find your account info another way. Anyone have a trick to get through that one quickly?

This annoys me to no end every time I call. Even though they set up an account number like a landline number, the system will not recognize it, which to me is just absurd.
It's the same thing everytime I call, and I've called them at least twenty four times in the past year.

dtv757

09-28-09, 09:01 AM

http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2009/verizon-fios-tv-customers-can.html

NEW YORK – September 28, 2009 –

Verizon FiOS TV is offering all its subscribers NFL RedZone for free Sunday (Oct. 4). During the early games, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET, FiOS TV customers can get their fill of the afternoon's hottest NFL action with NFL RedZone's "freeview" in high definition on channel 835 and in standard definition on channel 335

jacknicklson

09-28-09, 09:23 AM

I got to say, the Redzone channel was pretty good. I bought it as I was upset about DirecTV not being possible(thanks neighbor and your ugly tree!) but it was pretty damn good. Still not the same but very effective for only $50 a year.

Jim Hef

09-28-09, 10:05 AM

Everyone says $50 per YEAR, but after January, what are they going to show? Shouldn't it be better told as $10 per MONTH?

UESGuy

09-28-09, 10:13 AM

I just called Verizon and made them change the install order to include the two M-CARDs for my two TivoHDs, and also to tell them not to bring any STBs or DVRs. The order got changed, my special pricing did not change (although obviously there is some slight shift from renting boxes to renting cards), and all is set. I will check on the Web in a day or so to make sure this is what I see, and I'll probably call again next week to verify that this is indeed what the installer is expecting to do. Thanks for your help.

Just FYI, I got my FIOS installation this past weekend and everything went well. It took about 6 hours from start to finish, but it was a professional and friendly and informative experience. The installer showed up on time, answered my tech questions in a logical way, went out of his way to make sure things were done neatly, and the end result was I got my phone, internet and TV set up as expected. Well, better than expected: I signed up for 25/15 service, but I’m routinely getting around 26/18.

My Tivos are set up with their M-cards and working great. Very pleased with the outcome. Thanks again for the help you guys provided when I asked questions.

Lodef

09-28-09, 10:21 AM

jeepmatt

09-28-09, 11:04 AM

We HD - 649
Fuse HD - 716
AMC HD - 731
IFC HD - 894

-- they all follow the +500 rule --

Dmon4u

09-28-09, 01:46 PM

You still need a Movie Package to get IFC HD - 894, right ?

SeijiSensei

09-28-09, 03:15 PM

Everyone says $50 per YEAR, but after January, what are they going to show? Shouldn't it be better told as $10 per MONTH?

My recollection is that the playoff games are on a staggered schedule so every one of them is available on network TV.

maxman

09-28-09, 08:16 PM

You still need a Movie Package to get IFC HD - 894, right ?

Nope. Just tune in.

diditagain

09-28-09, 09:09 PM

Yes, you do need to subscribe to the "Movie Package" in order to get IFC / IFC HD. I do not have the package, and when I go to channel 894, I get a message telling me I am not subscribed.

The people in charge of AMC HD should be forcibly removed from their jobs for airing the cinematic abortions that are stretched pan-and-scan versions of widescreen movies. Needless to say, I will not be watching any movies on AMC HD anytime soon.

maxman

09-28-09, 09:27 PM

I have the Extreme HD package, no movie package, and I was watching it today. It's probably part of the Extreme package.

gluvhand

09-28-09, 09:28 PM

So you also feel you were lied to by Verizon? Please. Credibility you aren't getting.

Where did I say I felt I was lied to? The issue is piss-poor customer service. Period.

maxman

09-28-09, 09:33 PM

I have the Extreme HD package, no movie package, and I was watching it today. It's probably part of the Extreme package.

edit: Checking the website it says it is part of the premium (movie) package. I'm subscribed to HBO & Cinemax only, and I'm accessing it.

Timothy31

09-28-09, 10:23 PM

Well it looks like the IMG 1.7 rollout is definitely a go starting 9/29. So those in VHO 1 and 3 should get it overnight.

bull3964

09-28-09, 11:01 PM

Well, it look like Cartoon Network has aired it's first bit of adult swim in HD with The Venture Bros rerun last night. I kinda wish we got the rest of the turner channels this round rather than the Rainbow Media channels now.

bob2274

09-29-09, 07:42 AM

The people in charge of AMC HD should be forcibly removed from their jobs for airing the cinematic abortions that are stretched pan-and-scan versions of widescreen movies. Needless to say, I will not be watching any movies on AMC HD anytime soon.

All I can say is I told you so...when people were ranting about NEEDING this HD channel because it's so wonderful. I used to have it with Comcast.

mikeewing

09-29-09, 08:11 AM

Well it looks like the IMG 1.7 rollout is definitely a go starting 9/29. So those in VHO 1 and 3 should get it overnight.

Are there any significant improvements in this release?

bull3964

09-29-09, 08:50 AM

The people in charge of AMC HD should be forcibly removed from their jobs for airing the cinematic abortions that are stretched pan-and-scan versions of widescreen movies. Needless to say, I will not be watching any movies on AMC HD anytime soon.

AMC is a mixed bag from what I remember when I had it on comcast. Some movies are OAR actual HD, some are cropped HD, and some are SD stretched.

markjrenna

09-29-09, 09:18 AM

Are there any significant improvements in this release?

You can look here as people are starting to report in...

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r23068740-

The Wizard

09-29-09, 11:36 AM

Well it looks like the IMG 1.7 rollout is definitely a go starting 9/29. So those in VHO 1 and 3 should get it overnight.

I'm new to this thread.
What does VHO mean?

mikeewing

09-29-09, 11:38 AM

You can look here as people are starting to report in...

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r23068740-

Thanks, Mark. It looks like most of this release is devoted to fixing HDMI handshake issues, but also some work may have been done on the "new" flag.

Also, full screen HD guide although it appears to be stretched SD. Sigh...

DCFan

09-29-09, 11:46 AM

I'm new to this thread.
What does VHO mean?

Verizon Head Office?? ;)

Here's the list of VHO's;

VHO 01
North Texas

VHO 02
Florida Gulf Coast

VHO 03
Southern California

VHO 04
Anne Arundel/Howard County MD
Washington Metro
Baltimore MD

VHO 05
New York

VHO 06
Massachusetts
Rhode Island

VHO 07
Northern NJ

VHO 08
Central NJ
Southern DE
Central DE
Southern NJ
Northern DE
Mercer Co. NJ
Southeastern PA

VHO 09
Richmond VA
Hampton Roads VA

VHO 10
Fort Wayne IN

VHO 11
Pittsburgh PA

VHO 12
Portland OR

VHO 13
Seattle WA

VHO 14
Buffalo NY

markjrenna

09-29-09, 11:50 AM

Anther thread has this...

"1080i guide is coming in a future IMG release...."

Thanks, Mark. It looks like most of this release is devoted to fixing HDMI handshake issues, but also some work may have been done on the "new" flag.

Also, full screen HD guide although it appears to be stretched SD. Sigh...

jwheeler

09-29-09, 12:01 PM

Well it looks like the IMG 1.7 rollout is definitely a go starting 9/29. So those in VHO 1 and 3 should get it overnight.

That is what must have been downloading at 7:15 am this morning huh. What will 1.7 give us?

jeepmatt

09-29-09, 12:10 PM

I'm new to this thread.
What does VHO mean?

Video Hub Office

Joel Clemons

09-29-09, 12:36 PM

AMC is a mixed bag from what I remember when I had it on comcast. Some movies are OAR actual HD, some are cropped HD, and some are SD stretched.

Not to mention censored. AMC is a useless channel for the most part. The ONLY reason that I don't mind having it in HD is for the upcoming "re-imagining" of THE PRISONER. And perhaps MAD MEN. Aside from that, there's never a reason to tune-in to this horrrible "Movies for TV people" channel.

Dmon4u

09-29-09, 01:55 PM

Not to mention censored. AMC is a useless channel for the most part. The ONLY reason that I don't mind having it in HD is for the upcoming "re-imagining" of THE PRISONER. And perhaps MAD MEN. Aside from that, there's never a reason to tune-in to this horrrible "Movies for TV people" channel.

You forgot 'Breaking Bad' !
http://www.amctv.com/originals/breakingbad/

Timothy31

09-29-09, 03:19 PM

Are there any significant improvements in this release?

Ask me again friday afternoon. I don't have fios just yet. I'm moving friday and getting it installed that afternoon.

:)

sillysam

09-29-09, 09:04 PM

Ask me again friday afternoon. I don't have fios just yet. I'm moving friday and getting it installed that afternoon.

:)

OK. Not a bad post. Kind of interesting. Definitely passes some time. But let's face it. It's useless. Should never have made it to the fingertips.

But let me ask you this.

How can you compare the previous and currect firmware given that you don't even have Fios and therefore haven't experienced the previous firmware?

Timothy31

09-29-09, 09:22 PM

OK. Not a bad post. Kind of interesting. Definitely passes some time. But let's face it. It's useless. Should never have made it to the fingertips.

But let me ask you this.

How can you compare the previous and currect firmware given that you don't even have Fios and therefore haven't experienced the previous firmware?

Well i guess i can't on personal experience, but, i've been around these boards and dslreports awhile so i know what the issues were and can see if they're still there.

Speck's Dad

09-29-09, 09:56 PM

OK. Not a bad post. Kind of interesting. Definitely passes some time. But let's face it. It's useless. Should never have made it to the fingertips.

But let me ask you this.

How can you compare the previous and currect firmware given that you don't even have Fios and therefore haven't experienced the previous firmware?

Awesome...one grown-up (presumably) dressing down another grown-up (presumably) over a post on a message board. I'm guessing you freak out at Halloween when a kid take three pieces of candy instead of just two pieces. You spelled "currect" incorrectly...should be "current".

Marcus Carr

09-30-09, 08:49 AM

FiOS gives 4 more reasons for cable subscribers to be jealous

September 30th, 2009, 1:23 am · posted by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

If you’ve wondered what high-definition TV channels actually exist, look to Verizon FiOS, which became Orange County’s leader in HD channels this year.

The company announced it will add more HD channels on Thursday, Oct. 1. The new HD channels are AMC HD, on channel 731; WE TV (Women’s Entertainment), channel 649; IFC HD, channel 894; and Fuse HD on channel 716. That brings the Verizon’s total to 133 HD channels in Orange County (see my new chart “Verizon FiOS HD Channels).

Local cable customers, meanwhile, are lucky if they’re getting 60, which to the cable providers’ credit is at least 20 percent more than was offered last year. Cable companies are also trying out different technologies to make more channels available.

The big problem with FiOS TV service is that very few people can order the service. In Orange County, the number of FiOS-eligible cities hasn’t changed in months. Those cities with partial service are Brea, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, La Habra, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Stanton, Westminster and certain unincorporated areas.

But if you can order service, the channels seem to keep coming. (Any FiOS customers notice a price increase?) FiOS has added at least 20 HD channels since February. Also, cable TV companies are at or near their maximum capacity. Verizon is nowhere near hitting its limit.

Jon Davies, a FiOS spokesman explained to me (again) why this fiber-optic cable TV service has so much room. Essentially, Verizon has three streams to each house it serves: One delivers HD and standard-definition video, a second one delivers Internet and voice service, and the third is upstream link for users to, for example, upload videos online faster (at 20 Mbps). Davies says:

“Should the bandwidth carrying the linear video signal ever become maxed out, we have the option to increase capacity by moving linear channels over to the IPTV stream (most likely it would be the lesser viewed ones) because our set top boxes are connected to and can handle both Internet and video signals. Therefore, the transition would be transparent to the consumer.

“And if the TV lineup ever gets REALLY crowded, we just [add] another wavelength of light to the fiber feed and, presto, more video capacity. Cable can’t do that. The physics of copper just won’t allow it.”

Davies also adds that when Verizon FiOS delivers an HD channel, the video is uncompressed, much like over-the-air HD channels. Cable providers do compress the signal though I never realized how much. He points to the video geeks over at the AVS Forum who ran a test of their own comparing FiOS with cable provider Comcast Corp. The same HD shows on Comcast were compressed by as much as 38.5 percent! See the results yourself: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1008271

http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/2009/09/30/fios-gives-4-more-reasons-for-cable-subscribers-to-be-jealous/22529/

FiOS Channel Channel No.
1 A&E HD 681
2 ABC-KABC HD 507
3 ABC Family HD 699
4 ABC Live Well 467
5 Action Max HD 924
6 Action Max HD 925
7 Animal Planet HD 630
8 At Max HD 929
9 Big Ten Network HD 585
10 bio: the Biography Channel HD 629
11 Bravo HD 685
12 Cars.TV 599
13 CBS-KCBS HD 502
14 Cinemax HD 920
15 Cinemax HD 921
16 CMT HD 721
17 CNBC HD+ 602
18 CNN HD 600
19 Comedy Central HD 690
20 Comedy.TV 695
21 CW-KTLA HD 505
22 Discovery Channel HD 620
23 Disney Channel HD 780
24 Disney XD HD 781
25 Encore HD 850
26 ES.TV 558
27 ESPN HDTV 570
28 ESPN U HD 573
29 ESPN2 HDTV 574
30 ESPNews HD 572
31 Five Star Max HD 930
32 Food Network HD 664
33 Fox-KTTV HD 511
34 Fox Business Network HD 617
35 Fox News HD 618
36 Fox Sports Prime Ticket HD 577
37 Fox Sports West HD 576
38 FX HD 553
39 Golf HD 593
40 Hallmark Movie Channel HD 739
41 HBO 2 HD 903
42 HBO 2 HD 903
43 HBO Comedy HD 908
44 HBO Comedy HD West 909
45 HBO Family HD 906
46 HBO Family HD West 907
47 HBO HD 899
48 HBO HD 901
49 HBO Latino HD East 912
50 HBO Latino HD West 913
51 HBO Signature HD 904
52 HBO Signature HD West 905
53 HBO Zone HD 910
54 HBO Zone HD West 911
55 HD Net 569
56 HD Net Movies 746
57 HD PPV Events 1001
58 HD Theater 631
59 HGTV HD 665
60 History Channel HD 628
61 HSN HD 651
62 KCAL HD 509
63 KVCR HD 524
64 Lifetime HD 640
65 Lifetime Movie Network HD 641
66 Mav TV HD 598
67 MGM HD 744
68 MLB Extra Innings/NHL Center Ice HD 1474
69 MLB Network HD 586
70 More Max HD 922
71 More Max HD 923
72 MTV HD 710
73 My KCOP HD 513
74 MyDestination.TV 674
75 National Geographic HD 621
76 NBC-KNBC HD 504
77 NFL Network HD 588
78 NFL Red Zone HD 835
79 NHL Network HD 587
80 Nickelodeon HD 752
81 Outdoor Channel HD 591
82 OuterMax HD 931
83 Palladia HD 711
84 PBS- KCET HD 528
85 PBS- KOCE HD 508
86 Pets.TV 633
87 Pets.TV 675
88 Planet Green HD 668
89 QVC HD 650
90 Recipe.TV 676
91 Science Channel HD 622
92 Showtime 2 HD 869
93 Showtime 2 HD West 870
94 Showtime Extreme HD 873
95 Showtime Extreme HD West 874
96 Showtime HDTV 865
97 Showtime HDTV West 866
98 Showtime Showcase HD 867
99 Showtime Showcase HD West 868
100 Smithsonian Channel HD 625
101 Speed HD 583
102 Spike TV HD 554
103 Starz Comedy HD 847
104 Starz Edge HD 842
105 Starz HDTV 840
106 Starz Kids & Family HD 845
107 Syfy HD 680
108 TBS HD 552
109 Telemundo KVEA HD 510
110 Tennis Channel HD 592
111 The Movie Channel HD 885
112 The Movie Channel HD West 886
113 The Movie Channel Xtra HD 887
114 The Movie Channel Xtra HD West 888
115 The Weather Channel HD 619
116 Thriller Max HD 926
117 Thriller Max HD 927
118 TLC HD 639
119 TNT HDTV 551
120 Travel Channel HD 670
121 Universal HDTV 567
122 USA HD 550
123 Versus HD 590
124 VH1 HD 717
125 Wealth TV HDTV 669
126 WGN America HD 568
127 WMAX HD 928
128 World Fishing Network HD 597
129 Yes HD 595
130 IFC (New, Oct. 2009)
131 AMC (New, Oct. 2009)
132 Fuse (New, Oct. 2009)
133 We TV (New, Oct. 2009)

aaronwt

09-30-09, 09:14 AM

antneye

09-30-09, 09:54 AM

"..Davies also adds that when Verizon FiOS delivers an HD channel, the video is uncompressed.."

I don't think so. OTA is compressed just like it's compressed on FIOS. There is no way they are delivering uncompressed HD. It would take up way too much bandwith to deliver an uncompressed HD signal.

Always semantics......FIOS does not add any additional compression. They pass through the signal they get from the content provider. Companies like CV add additional compression on top of what they receive because they are tryting to stick 10 lbs of SH%T into a 5 lb bag.

aaronwt

09-30-09, 11:20 AM

Always semantics......FIOS does not add any additional compression. They pass through the signal they get from the content provider. Companies like CV add additional compression on top of what they receive because they are tryting to stick 10 lbs of SH%T into a 5 lb bag.

It's hardly semantics. It's either compressed or not compressed. It's not open to interpretation.
FIOS does not add any additional compression but that is not what was said.
If he had made that factual statement then I would not have posted anything.

antneye

09-30-09, 12:35 PM

It's hardly semantics. It's either compressed or not compressed. It's not open to interpretation.
FIOS does not add any additional compression but that is not what was said.
If he had made that factual statement then I would not have posted anything.

I understand your point, but it is easy to see why people continue to mis-speak on the issue. It's not a big deal imho.

prth8machine

09-30-09, 01:49 PM

It's hardly semantics. It's either compressed or not compressed. It's not open to interpretation.
FIOS does not add any additional compression but that is not what was said.
If he had made that factual statement then I would not have posted anything.

Odd, I did interpret it differently. I think saying no additional compression would be overkill.

afiggatt

09-30-09, 07:43 PM

GregAnnapolis

09-30-09, 07:55 PM

URFloorMatt

09-30-09, 10:15 PM

Haven't noticed any problems with AMC or Fuse, but I've only tuned into Fuse for maybe a minute.

dneily

09-30-09, 11:46 PM

Yes, you do need to subscribe to the "Movie Package" in order to get IFC / IFC HD. I do not have the package, and when I go to channel 894, I get a message telling me I am not subscribed.

I was looking forward to IFC, and was glad to see it activated today in my area.

However, although I subscribe to the Extreme package, I also got the message telling me that I am not subscribed.

:mad:

coyoteaz

10-01-09, 03:31 AM

New channels are live on VHO1 (North Texas).

jeepmatt

10-01-09, 06:45 AM

Verizon added the four new HD channels today to VHO 4, Washington DC / Baltimore. However 731 AMC HD and 716 Fuse HD, both located on QAM center frequency of 69 MHz which is the same frequency band as VHF 4, are breaking up constantly. Anyone else in the DC market having problems with those 2 new HD channels? Are they ok in the other VHOs that have them so far?

Afigg-
Those 2 are also on 69 MHz here out of VHO8. Have had no issues at all so far. I was surprised to see them using such a low band - hadn't seen one lower than 117 before.

maxman

10-01-09, 08:41 AM

This morning I'm getting WE on both the WE and the IFC channels. ???

dougotte

10-01-09, 10:12 AM

Verizon added the four new HD channels today to VHO 4, Washington DC / Baltimore. However 731 AMC HD and 716 Fuse HD, both located on QAM center frequency of 69 MHz which is the same frequency band as VHF 4, are breaking up constantly. Anyone else in the DC market having problems with those 2 new HD channels? Are they ok in the other VHOs that have them so far?

I'm in VHO 4, and checked out IFC and AMC last night. I watched 2-3 minutes of Love's Labours Lost, and it looked good. I noticed no breakups. I only tuned in to AMC for a few seconds to see a 4:3 commercial. Later I checked IFC again and saw a horrible stretch of an SD movie, but again no breakups.

When will we get the new FW for the menu?

Doug

Dmon4u

10-01-09, 11:21 AM

Still none of those newer HD channels here in Central PA. (Harrisburg/Hershey)

HDntheCity

10-01-09, 01:58 PM

all new chs coming in clear here in Hampton Roads, VA(VHO 9).

ominously, the 1st view i got of AMC-HD was.....an AD!!!!!!(arrgh!!).

BTW MAD MAX is on IFC-HD @10:05 PM EST tonight. wondering(hoping) its:

HD(or at least a decent upconvert) plus OAR and:

has the original Australian released soundtrack like on the DVD instead of the cheesy dubbed version some fool at the distributor thought was necessary back in '79.

if it is HD hope it's a sign this movie might come to Blu-Ray soon.

Joel Clemons

10-01-09, 03:34 PM

BTW MAD MAX is on IFC-HD @10:05 PM EST tonight. wondering(hoping) its:

HD(or at least a decent upconvert) plus OAR and:

has the original Australian released soundtrack like on the DVD instead of the cheesy dubbed version some fool at the distributor thought was necessary back in '79.

if it is HD hope it's a sign this movie might come to Blu-Ray soon.

The original Aussie version has been shown in HD on a couple channels in the past, so hopefully IFC will do the same. But I must say that, so far, the PQ of their offerings I've seen look like cr#p!! And why stretch a movie that is 1.78:1??? God only knows what THE PRISONER will look like tomorrow.

dougotte

10-01-09, 04:16 PM

The original Aussie version has been shown in HD on a couple channels in the past, so hopefully IFC will do the same. But I must say that, so far, the PQ of their offerings I've seen look like cr#p!! And why stretch a movie that is 1.78:1??? God only knows what THE PRISONER will look like tomorrow.

Whu...? It starts tomorrow? [runs off to schedule the DVR]

Thanks for that!
BCNU,
Doug

Hmmm...I don't see IFC HD listed yet on the VZ web listings, nor can I find a listing for the new series (only the original). I guess I'll have to wait until I get home.

Dmon4u

10-01-09, 05:21 PM

About those HD channels:

Over at DSLreports http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r22823660-AMC-WE-IFC-FUSE-HD-all-coming-to-VZ-in-4Q09~start=140

VZ Mark says

"VHO14 & VHO15 Monday morning..."

- - -

He's been right on these things before.
.
.

dneily

10-01-09, 06:59 PM

aaronwt

10-01-09, 07:18 PM

URFloorMatt

10-01-09, 08:01 PM

I just saw in a newspaper ad from Verizon that "HBO or Cinemax subscription includes the Independent Film Channel (IFC)"

So do all you folks who now receive IFC-HD also subscribe to HBO or Cinemax?

I have the Extreme package, but not HBO or Cinemax. The new IFC-HD channel on Verizon says that I need to have a subscription.

I can't confirm this, but I believe others have stated that a subscription to either the Movies package or the HBO package or the Cinemax package will unlock IFC HD. In other words, a subscription to any of the movies packages will work. As for me, I'm subscribed to all three, so I'm no help in deciphering.

Joel Clemons

10-01-09, 08:05 PM

Whu...? It starts tomorrow? [runs off to schedule the DVR]

Thanks for that!
BCNU,
Doug

Hmmm...I don't see IFC HD listed yet on the VZ web listings, nor can I find a listing for the new series (only the original). I guess I'll have to wait until I get home.

I was referring to the original series (started last week). The new series starts in November on AMC (not IFC).

dougotte

10-01-09, 09:16 PM

I was referring to the original series (started last week). The new series starts in November on AMC (not IFC).

Thanks. I had a senior moment there, but I remembered that, too, after I posted. I'll still record an original episode or two. I'm guessing they'll be using the new masters upon which the BD set will also be based.

Doug

jeepmatt

10-02-09, 09:42 AM

It looks like the big addition of HBO HD on Demand has reached VHO8!

Checked this morning - 38 movies in HD, plus all of the series (True Blood, etc.)!

WOOHOO! Just in time for the cold months. :D

monkaquinas

10-02-09, 10:09 AM

I also have the 3 Month trial of HBO/Cinemax and can watch IFC HD. Woohoo!! Too bad I'm not going to keep it.

jamieva

10-02-09, 10:20 AM

HBO HD On Demand...finally!

mikeewing

10-02-09, 10:30 AM

Has everyone gotten the new guide? Mine looks the same but I'm getting a higher number of dropouts, which is frustrating.

Jim Hef

10-02-09, 10:33 AM

Jeep: Still showing 1.6.2...any idea of when 1.7 will be implemented?

Joel Clemons

10-02-09, 02:01 PM

I also have the 3 Month trial of HBO/Cinemax and can watch IFC HD. Woohoo!! Too bad I'm not going to keep it.

Don't worry...now that I have it, I'm actually shocked at how bad IFC is opn the HD channel. EVERYTHING is stretched,..1.85 - stretched leaving black bars on the top and bottom. 2.35:1 - also stretched!!!!!! With even larger bars! PQ is terrible, with blurring as well. Every movie is unwatchable! This may actually be the worst "HD" channel I've seen yet...and I was so looking forward to it. You'd think an Independent Film Channel would know better,

URFloorMatt

10-02-09, 02:38 PM

Those of us who had AMC on Comcast tried to tell you guys, but no one listened. None of these channels are any good. Verizon basically burned 2 QAM for Mad Men and Breaking Bad in HD. Presumably this will change one day, but that may be quite a ways off.

And in the meantime Verizon is very quickly maxing out its QAM capacity. On the one hand, we know they must be very low because they've placed some of these channels at a frequency that many here had speculated was unuseable. On the other hand, since Verizon is successfully using 69 Mhz for two of these channels, maybe there's more useable bandwidth in play than we originally speculated.

Lodef

10-02-09, 03:01 PM

Don't worry...now that I have it, I'm actually shocked at how bad IFC is opn the HD channel. EVERYTHING is stretched,..1.85 - stretched leaving black bars on the top and bottom. 2.35:1 - also stretched!!!!!! With even larger bars! PQ is terrible, with blurring as well. Every movie is unwatchable! This may actually be the worst "HD" channel I've seen yet...and I was so looking forward to it. You'd think an Independent Film Channel would know better,

Agree, PQ is terrible. Set back HD at least 10 years, oh, wait a minute, pq was better back then! Never mind.

hernanu

10-02-09, 03:30 PM

It looks like the big addition of HBO HD on Demand has reached VHO8!

Checked this morning - 38 movies in HD, plus all of the series (True Blood, etc.)!

WOOHOO! Just in time for the cold months. :D

Really ?! I remember when they tested HD VOD, there was plenty of HBO HD on demand, then nothing. Really good news, will check at home( hopefully it's turned on for VHO 6).

URFloorMatt

10-02-09, 03:33 PM

HBO HD on Demand (and more HD on Demand) is live in VHO4 as well. And, holy cow, there is a ton of HD content.

bull3964

10-02-09, 04:12 PM

Those of us who had AMC on Comcast tried to tell you guys, but no one listened. None of these channels are any good. Verizon basically burned 2 QAM for Mad Men and Breaking Bad in HD. Presumably this will change one day, but that may be quite a ways off.

And so what?

Fans of those shows will be quite happy that they are in HD and there aren't exactly a bunch of 'stunning' HD stations left to add. I want Cartoon Network HD for the new season of Venture Bros this fall (since they seem to be airing it in real HD now) and that's it. What of it?

I don't watch stuff just because it happens to be in HD, but I get damned annoyed when there is a show I watch that airs in HD but I can't get it. This whole philosophy of "we can't add this station now because they only show 60 minutes of HD a week" is bunk because someone out there is going to be damn thankful that they can finally watch those 60 minutes in HD.

Jim Hef

10-02-09, 04:44 PM

...EVERYTHING is stretched,..1.85 - stretched leaving black bars on the top and bottom. 2.35:1 - also stretched!!!!!!....
I think you are misinterpreting things. The aspect ratios you stated would indicate the original aspect of the movies, so, that isn't stretching, that's showing them as they are meant to be. What were you expecting? Full screen "squashed"???

coyoteaz

10-02-09, 04:56 PM

I think you are misinterpreting things. The aspect ratios you stated would indicate the original aspect of the movies, so, that isn't stretching, that's showing them as they are meant to be. What were you expecting? Full screen "squashed"???
I think you're misinterpreting things. "Newsfront" is on IFC HD right now, which according to IMDB has an OAR of 1.66:1. This should have small black bars on the sides of a 16:9 screen if being shown OAR and unstretched. Instead, it has large bars on the top and bottom, and is being stretched to ~2.2:1.

Joel Clemons

10-02-09, 05:32 PM

I think you are misinterpreting things. The aspect ratios you stated would indicate the original aspect of the movies, so, that isn't stretching, that's showing them as they are meant to be. What were you expecting? Full screen "squashed"???

But that's the point...they aren't being shown in OAR. The 1.85 films are stretched, looking more like 2.35:1
And widescreen 2.35 films are also stretched, looking more like 2.50:1...except the proportions are distorted. Hell, even TBS doesn't do that!!!!

IFC takes the prize for the most reprehensible display of any HD channel.

sillysam

10-02-09, 08:03 PM

HBO HD on Demand (and more HD on Demand) is live in VHO4 as well. And, holy cow, there is a ton of HD content.

Why does Pomona (VHO3?) lag behind? No new HD (AMC,etc) channels yet. No HBO HD on demand.

URFloorMatt

10-02-09, 08:50 PM

I think you are misinterpreting things. The aspect ratios you stated would indicate the original aspect of the movies, so, that isn't stretching, that's showing them as they are meant to be. What were you expecting? Full screen "squashed"???

No, you're missing the point. IFC shows content in OAR on the SD channel. The HD channel takes the SD channel and stretches that SD picture horizontally to fill the screen (horizontally, leaving the letterbox bars intact).

We're not talking about cropping to get an HD or zoomed 16:9 image. We're talking about stretching a letterbox image to fill the horizontal space on the HD channel. It is a concept so awful even TBS thinks its a bad idea.

bull3964

10-02-09, 09:22 PM

Both TNT and TBS use to do it occasionally and History Channel used to do it routinely.

Give it time, I'm sure it will get better.

Phire

10-02-09, 10:03 PM

Anyone else not getting audio on HDNet right now?

sillysam

10-02-09, 10:15 PM

Both TNT and TBS use to do it occasionally and History Channel used to do it routinely.

Give it time, I'm sure it will get better.

Why are you so sure of this? We've seen innumerable channels butcher movies and continue to do so.

At this point in time, there is no one involved in HD who does not understand the aspect ratio issue. If a new channel decided to do their own strange aspect thing, they are doing it with full knowledge of how it should be and how they are doing their own thing, for whatever reason, and in the vast majority of cases, I would not expect it to change, or it would have been correct at the beginning.

Don't be so sure it will get better unless you have some inside information we don't have other than a goundless gut feeling.

maxman

10-02-09, 10:29 PM

HBO HD on Demand (and more HD on Demand) is live in VHO4 as well. And, holy cow, there is a ton of HD content.

Good timing. I just played last week's CYE for a friend and we laughed our butts off.

maxman

10-02-09, 10:31 PM

I also have the 3 Month trial of HBO/Cinemax and can watch IFC HD. Woohoo!! Too bad I'm not going to keep it.

Same here. Enjoy it while it lasts!

bull3964

10-02-09, 10:33 PM

aaronwt

10-03-09, 12:33 AM

coyoteaz

10-03-09, 01:05 AM

A lot of the same reasons low VHF sucks for broadcast DTV. Lower frequencies are subject to impulse noise from common household items like fluorescent lights, fans, dimmer switches, compressors, etc. It's less of a problem in a closed cable system, and even less in a system with the transition to RF in or just outside the house like with the FiOS ONT, but it can still exhibit higher error rates than one would find on the same system at a higher frequency.

afiggatt

10-03-09, 10:58 AM

And in the meantime Verizon is very quickly maxing out its QAM capacity. On the one hand, we know they must be very low because they've placed some of these channels at a frequency that many here had speculated was unuseable. On the other hand, since Verizon is successfully using 69 Mhz for two of these channels, maybe there's more useable bandwidth in play than we originally speculated.
No, there is no more usable bandwidth for the QAM channels than expected. The available cable channels have been physical channels 2 to 135 from the start which cover 54 to 864 MHz. In order to provide the 150-160+ national HD channels that has long been discussed as the total capacity of Fios if they stick with 2 HD sub-channels per QAM channel, keep all the national SD channels and set aside a sizable block for local HD and SD channels, Verizon will have to utilize all of the 134 QAM channels (2-135).

Verizon was using physical channels 2 to 6 for analog when they had the analog channels in the channel 2 to 49 block. I saw those channels when I hooked up a TV and did scans to see where the analog NTSC and digital QAM channels were. But I don't recall the picture quality for the channels in the 2 to 6 block which match the low VHF 2 to 6 broadcast frequencies. The only people who used those channels were those who had analog TVs hooked up because the Verizon STBs and DVRs never had a analog tuner.

AMC HD on 69 MHz / physical channel 4 is still unwatchable for me with constant breakups. The diagnosis menu shows a lower SNR for 731 / 69 MHz with a very high error rate. I have checked several of the coaxial connections on the long cable run to my Fios DVR, nothing so far. My next step is to move my DVR to a different co-axial outlet with a shorter cable run to see if AMC HD is any better. If it is, then the problem is likely in the long cable run to my primary TV with either a bad connection or interference leaking in which is not a easy fix. Can't be the length of the cable run in itself because lower frequencies have less loss per 100' than higher frequencies. That is a problem that people have run into for broadcast OTA reception when they were trying to get UHF 64 and such.

Might have to call Verizon for a Tech service call, but I dread having to deal with a CSR on the phone who will insist on going through the checklist for dummies.

Joel Clemons

10-03-09, 11:39 AM

The butchering usually happens because the channel doesn't have an HD transfer to show so they show the SD version stretched. As the availability of HD transfers for stations go up, the butchering goes down. Will it vanish completely? No. But it does get better with time as a station finds it's legs and gets its content sorted. The History Channel is a great example of that because it used to be a tossup of whether or not the new showing of The Universe would be in HD and not letterboxed SD stretched (forget repeat showings.) Now I think it's been months since I've seen stretched letterbox content (although they still stretch 4:3 SD to 16:9, at least it's a straight stretch that I can undo.)

I would like nothing better than to make all the stretching on these stations go away, but as long as the stretching stays confined to SD content (and 99% of the time it is) I can't get too incensed over it because I can always tune to the SD station itself and watch the content non-molested there.

Cropping > 16:9 down to 16:9 is an entirely different issue and while I would like OAR everywhere, I can understand why the stations shy away from it and I'm a realist in that I can accept that the majority is going to rule on that issue.

What "majority rule?" If black bars were an issue, then DVD would not have suceeded.

This has nothing to do with whether or not IFC has any HD transfers or not. As you may know, Turner Classic Movies just launched an HD channel, but they do not have any HD masters yet, either. However, they do not stretch the films as IFC does. Even channels which broadcast upconverts don't do it.

Yes, one can watch the standard channel...but then...that defeats the whole purpose of having an HD channel, doesn't it? Which makes IFC-HD completely worthless.