The problem here is that you (and some others) think that TV service is essential - I, along with many others do not believe that. It has nothing to do with research, what anyone else thinks, what legislation is proposed, who did what, when. The bottom line is that I think TV is a NON-ESSENTIAL service whose delivery via non OTA means should be very liberaly regulated. As you mention, it is only a few fringe customers that may not get FIOS if the build out requirement is not put in place. Seeing as how you might be one of the fringe customers I can see your desire for it.



YES. Especially if it means that some customers can get the service without having to wait for proctracted battles in every community.

And we will fundamentally disagree - and I can see there is no way to educate you as to the reality. You again completely mis-state the situation. Your comment of 'As you mention, it is only a few fringe customers that may not get FIOS if the build out requirement is not put in place." is completely, totally and clearly inaccurate and incorrect. That is NOT what I said. If you had been paying attention even to the things you don't seem to agree with, you'd note that in my municipality, approximately 50% will not recieve FIOS if the build out requirement is not put into place.

Please read correctly.

The protracted battles are caused by Verizon. The law is very clear, if you have the financial ability and agree to abide by the existing franchise agreement, they must issue the franchise.

That is absolutely correct. FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS ARE NON-EXCLUSIVE!!!!! We were more than willing to join in a Franchise agreement with Verizon. We actually sought them out when plans become public about our general geographic area getting closer on their plan. They said they were not interested. It is also significant to note that neither the proposed federal or the proposed state legislation (neither of which have the build out requirement) would have reduced revenues (as small as they are) to the municipality. They declined to even discuss it - obviously because they felt that the general public was a) Too uneducated to even understand what was going on, and b) Many of those who did would be self-centered non-civic minded people who could essentially be leveraged into supporting this change. And that as a result, they could avoid all of this and simply do whatever they want on public owned AND privately owned property without either justification or control. Therefore, they would only discuss their plans with the planning commission - with respect to rights of way. That is exactly why we know what their planned deployments are.

And we will fundamentally disagree - and I can see there is no way to educate you as to the reality. You again completely mis-state the situation. Your comment of 'As you mention, it is only a few fringe customers that may not get FIOS if the build out requirement is not put in place." is completely, totally and clearly inaccurate and incorrect. That is NOT what I said. If you had been paying attention even to the things you don't seem to agree with, you'd note that in my municipality, approximately 50% will not recieve FIOS if the build out requirement is not put into place.

Please read correctly.
Some fringes are bigger than others. :cool: And you would rather that the 50% that could get FIOS not get it cause the rest won't. Sounds a lot like socialism at its worst.

Sorry, opinion is not fact, especially yours. You have made a lot of claims here about what Verizon might do. People have responded with facts about what Verizon has actually done in the past. The two don't seem to agree. So what are we to believe - speculation of what might happen or facts about what past practices have been?

Trying to belittle people just because they don't agree with your point of view will not get you much support around here. It's pretty obvious you are biased against Verizon and now it looks like we know why.

The protracted battles are caused by Verizon. The law is very clear, if you have the financial ability and agree to abide by the existing franchise agreement, they must issue the franchise.
Of course - if I was Verizon I wouldn't fight all of these battles if I thought salvation is around the corner by way of a federal law making my life easier. Verizon doesn't want to enter into 100s of franchise agreements, if the law will save them from entering any. It is obvious that Verizon sees something in some of these agreements that it doesn't like. They had no problem making a deal here in No. VA.

Some fringes are bigger than others. :cool: And you would rather that the 50% that could get FIOS not get it cause the rest won't. Sounds a lot like socialism at its worst.

50% is fringe?

Uh, no - again. Make no mistake - Verizon WILL deploy FIOS. The question is how quickly. By letting them off the hook you only allow them to not deploy it wherever they feel like it. Maybe you've got a different definition of socialism. You're alleging that if they had to comply with existing standards, they'd just give up. Why would you come to that conclusion?

To be clear - this is absolute fact for the zip codes I provided. If Verizon gets relief from the "Cherry Picking" issue, about 50% get FIOS. If they don't, close to 100% gets FIOS. Which is better? Simple question.

Sorry, opinion is not fact, especially yours. You have made a lot of claims here about what Verizon might do. People have responded with facts about what Verizon has actually done in the past. The two don't seem to agree. So what are we to believe - speculation of what might happen or facts about what past practices have been?

Trying to belittle people just because they don't agree with your point of view will not get you much support around here. It's pretty obvious you are biased against Verizon and now it looks like we know why.

No, not belittling and the fact that you choose to believe which people here you want to simply shows your bias. I provided explicit zip codes and areas where this is happening. I provided not only the legislation and the exact verbage, but even the para and sub-paras of such proposed legislation. You ignore that, but choose to just accept that there are a few people who got FIOS and were happy, therefore, this must not be an issue. Kind of flawed logic in my own perception - but hey - it's your right to believe whatever you want.

Let's ask it this way - if everyone was completely OK with what they're doing, then why are they trying to bulldoze this through? If - just as in my community - we're ASKING to join in a Franchise Agreement, why don't they? There's nothing in the rate structure. Franchise agreements no longer (since 1996) have the ability to stipulate rates - the FCC mandates those. It's not broadband service - that was also excluded by the FCC in a ruling about 2 years ago. It's about "Cherry Picking" - pure and simple.

Of course the Cable Act, the Telecommunications Act 0f 1996, COPE and all the rest must not be facts according to you I guess.

So if you want to debate facts, bring it on. I'll provide chapter and verse of the specific legislation, and consequences. You can quote a couple people on AVS. Sorry, but your comments pissed me off.

However, for people like biker to misrepresent the facts (not saying it's intentional - but it's true) and then get hammered for pointing it out, well....

So why exactly do you think I'm biased against Verizon? I'm not. I WANT FIOS for my community. Not just for me. We reached out to Verizon. They basically said FU - we don't need it because there are enough sheep out there who will tolerate this that we can roll over everyone. Frankly, if anything I'm biased against the cable providers.

NECN to air on new Verizon service

http://boston.bizjournals.com/boston/stories/2006/05/29/daily16.html

New England Cable News, which is partially owned by Comcast Corp., will be carried on a new television service Verizon Communications Corp. is rolling out in New England.

By piping TV over fiber-optic cables into homes, Verizon is challenging Comcast's 75 percent market share in Massachusetts. To date, Verizon offers TV service in Woburn, Reading and Lynnfield; the company has received franchises to do so in Hamilton, Tewksbury, Wakefield and Wenham.

NECN, which is run as a partnership between Comcast and Hearst Corp., bills itself as the largest regional news network in the country.

==

Now if Comcast would only stop their monopolistic practices regarding Sports Channels in areas such as Philadelphia - we'd all be much happier !

However, for people like biker to misrepresent the facts (not saying it's intentional - but it's true) and then get hammered for pointing it out, well....

So why exactly do you think I'm biased against Verizon? I'm not. I WANT FIOS for my community. Not just for me. We reached out to Verizon. They basically said FU - we don't need it because there are enough sheep out there who will tolerate this that we can roll over everyone. Frankly, if anything I'm biased against the cable providers.
I didn't misrepresent anything - I'm just telling you what I think. I don't believe in build out requirement - you do - fine. So you're pissed Verizon told you to FU, get over it. Like I said, again, if Verizon thinks it can make money in your hood they'll come there eventually, agreement or not. Even if they told you No now, that doesn't mean you'll never get it. And even if they signed some franchise agreement on your terms it could still be years until you get it. They might come to your house last just to spite you.

The problem here is that you're like Howard Dean, mostly good ideas and the right intention but then you go screaming everywhere and that turns people off.

Biker, who hopes the other forum participants don't mind the mindless banter. :cool:

I didn't misrepresent anything - I'm just telling you what I think. I don't believe in build out requirement - you do - fine. So you're pissed Verizon told you to FU, get over it. Like I said, again, if Verizon thinks it can make money in your hood they'll come there eventually, agreement or not. Even if they told you No now, that doesn't mean you'll never get it. And even if they signed some franchise agreement on your terms it could still be years until you get it. They might come to your house last just to spite you.

The problem here is that you're like Howard Dean, mostly good ideas and the right intention but then you go screaming everywhere and that turns people off.

Biker, who hopes the other forum participants don't mind the mindless banter. :cool:

No, people were making claims about what the law and the legislation means. Even your comments above show that you're really not familiar with how this works. If they signed the franchise agreement, it could NOT be years until people get it. And why are you assuming that I personally wouldn't get it to start with? The problem is that you jumping to the conclusion that this is a personal issue for me. It's not. Verizon didn't tell "me" to FU. They told both our franchise authority and our council to FU. It's a regional issue. You're also apparently unaware of how deployments (or perhaps how corporate decisions) are structured. It isn't enough for Verizon to think they can make money. It's really about if Verizon thinks they can make "enough" more money, or if it makes purely financial sense to deploy somewhere else where they can make more.

Your arguments are legally and logically unsound. Verizon could make money with DSL in our entire area as well, and could build out additional COs (which frankly would relieve congestion in some areas). That would take investment. They haven't done it and won't. There is no reason to believe that (assuming the legislation goes through) they will ever completely build out. That was the problem that the laws were put in place to resolve, and that's the problem you would have them create again. But you'd additionally create the issue that even existing cable customers would no longer be required to be supported.

I can accept you don't agree with build-out requirements. I can't agree with it, or understand it. To me (who is probably one of the most conservative and capitalistic people you'll ever meet), failure to support build-out requirements (if you are truly aware of how the industry started and changed) can only be attributed to selfishness or a lack of education. I honestly can't see another reason. That's not screaming. I just don't see any other answer.

Get your Widgets

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060601/nyth110.html?.v=47

"New Interactive Weather and Traffic Feature the First of Several New FiOS TV Services


NEW YORK, June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the successful rollout of Verizon FiOS TV, Verizon is adding an interactive weather and traffic feature to complement its popular fiber-optic television service. Called FiOS TV Widgets, the service is available at no additional cost to customers with a set-top box, and is the first of several product enhancements that will let subscribers control and share entertainment and information throughout the home.

Later this year, Verizon will add a multi-room digital video recorder and a feature that lets customers access PC-based photos and music on their televisions. Additional new services are planned for 2007.

FiOS TV Widgets supplies one-touch, on-demand access to real-time local weather and traffic information. Subscribers use their remote control to display text-based weather and traffic on their TV screens without interrupting the program they are watching. For example, parents leaving the house for a Saturday morning of errands can get the latest traffic update without interrupting the kids' cartoon show."

-

"Widgets displays local traffic and weather based on the customer's ZIP code. The first time customers access the service, they use their remote control to pull down a Widgets menu from the FiOS TV Interactive Programming Guide and enter their five-digit ZIP code on the keypad. Verizon-developed software manages the interaction between the remote control and the Web server where the Widgets traffic and weather information is stored. Once retrieved, weather and traffic are displayed individually beneath the current programming. After setting up the service, customers can access Widgets simply by pressing a button on the remote. To view traffic and weather from across the country, they can return to the menu and enter a different ZIP code.

Future Widgets enhancements may include personalized news, sports scores and fantasy-league sports results or community information. Widgets is a software upgrade to the FiOS TV system and requires no additional equipment or service calls. Verizon is making Widgets available by market, and deployment will be completed with the north Texas market in the next several weeks."

=

Read the complete article, through the Link above.

Your arguments are legally and logically unsound. Verizon could make money with DSL in our entire area as well, and could build out additional COs (which frankly would relieve congestion in some areas). That would take investment. They haven't done it and won't. There is no reason to believe that (assuming the legislation goes through) they will ever completely build out. That was the problem that the laws were put in place to resolve, and that's the problem you would have them create again. But you'd additionally create the issue that even existing cable customers would no longer be required to be supported.

.
Have you seen the prices of DSL lately? They are probably not making any money in places where they have everything in place, never mind places where they have to build COs. Except in areas where it's really easy to implement, there probably won't be any more DSL roll outs - that's so 2005. FIOS is the only way forward. Verizon has to compete with 5MBs cable Internet connections - can't be done easily with DSL - need FIOS for that. In my area they don't even offer DSL (even though the CO has DSL equipment already built in) - FIOS only. At current rates ($35/mo) V* is probably not making much on its FIOS Internet connection either. The money is in the triple play long term customers - again, V* didn't like something about your community's deal - it's made plenty of others in the past.

--snip-- Verizon thinks they can make "enough" more money, --snip--

Ah yes, the theory of "velocity of capital" Will we get richer fast enough

It seems to me that more competition from Verizon (or any other believable actor) would be better for the consumer, would it not? However the devil is in the details.

I would assume that Verizon would try to rig the game in their favor as much as possible. Unlike wmhjr I am not afraid of Verizon getting the upper hand via legislation in the near future. If they make enough money, fast enough, then our so called free market will reward & reign them in accordingly/

From email: "The FUNimation Channel is also coming soon to Verizon FiOS TV."

Verizon ran FiOS down my street (Slingerlands/Guilderland NY) a couple of weeks ago... the bad news is... their DSL service is rock-solid/high-quality and I don't want to give it up... the good news is... Time Warner will be losing a digital cable subscriber... ;)

$101.77/month for cable TV? :eek:

Verizon ran FiOS down my street (Slingerlands/Guilderland NY) a couple of weeks ago... the bad news is... their DSL service is rock-solid/high-quality and I don't want to give it up... the good news is... Time Warner will be losing a digital cable subscriber... ;)

$101.77/month for cable TV? :eek:
Have you asked Verizon if you can keep DSL? Usually, once they run fiber to the house (for you it would be for FIOS TV) - they take away the copper line. No copper line, no DSL - they'll force you to FIOS Internet.

Have you asked Verizon if you can keep DSL? Usually, once they run fiber to the house (for you it would be for FIOS TV) - they take away the copper line. No copper line, no DSL - they'll force you to FIOS Internet.

They might be able to emulate DSL over the Fiber, just limit the speed more. That is a good question.

We're supposed to get Widgets here in N. Texas very soon - well before the end of June. Just push the "A" triangle button on your remote to access it. If the "A" button does nothing, they haven't yet activated Widgets, per the FiOS person I talked to today.

FYI - Verizon FiOS just seems to be getting better and better. I was watching something on Starz! or Showtime the other day, and the PQ (pan and scan, unfortunately, though) looked almost indistinguishable from some of my DVDs, or only negligibly worse.

For those that want to check this out:

http://www.funimationchannel.com/

The Business of TV
Telco Video Delayed

Tech, Regulatory Issues Marring AT&T, Verizon Plans
By Jay Sherman TVWeek.com June 5, 2006

It looks as if the video dreams of the nation's top two telephone companies-hampered by technical glitches, regulatory hurdles and even owners of apartment buildings-will take a bit longer to come to fruition.

After two years of hype and big promises, AT&T and Verizon Communications are learning the hard way that morphing from a phone company into a cable competitor can be a more challenging process than anticipated. Indeed, one Wall Street analyst said he thinks the challenges facing Verizon and AT&T's rollouts of their respective TV products could delay by a year their ability to capture a significant number of subscribers.

"To date, though the Bells have made real progress in deploying their fiber network infrastructures, the rollout of video has progressed more slowly than originally forecast," Jeffrey Halpern, a telecommunications analyst at Bernstein Research, said in a research note.

While delays of new products and services are not a new concept, the price of a delay could be particularly high for the phone companies. Their chief rivals-cable companies such as Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Cablevision-are experiencing a performance resurgence this year, with a three-pronged product bundle of television, high-speed Internet and telephone helping them stem a years-long slide in basic-cable subscribers.

Most cable industry analysts now see the competitive wind at cable's back, which could make it more difficult for a new entrant to break through.

Meanwhile, phone companies are hoping they can beat cable with a similar product offering bolstered by their ownership of the country's top cellphone providers (Cingular in the case of AT&T, and Verizon Wireless in the case of Verizon) and their ability to offer super-fast Internet.

"We want customers to pick us over Comcast, Cablevision or Time Warner Cable," Verizon Chairman and CEO Ivan Seidenberg said at an investor conference last week. "If they pick us, [the cable companies] are out. If they pick them, then we're out. Trying to share the house with a cable company is a difficult proposition."

Though few observers expected AT&T and Verizon to easily transition to offering television services, the progress the companies have made so far points to both companies having an uphill climb-at least in the early days of their video rollout.

For AT&T, the challenges seem particularly daunting. Though the San Antonio-based company was the first to talk big about its video service, dubbed Project Lightspeed, the company is only now-a year later than originally planned-running a controlled rollout in San Antonio. Next month the company expects to begin offering the television service in Houston.

Bernstein's Mr. Halpern said some of the blame for the delay rests with AT&T's use of a video technology produced by software giant Microsoft. Early versions of the software had glitches, especially when it came to live video, that rendered the software not ready for prime time. Many of those problems reportedly have been worked out, enabling AT&T to begin offering its video service, called U-verse, on a broader scale.

Verizon, for its part, faces a different set of challenges, the most important of which is obtaining local government approval to offer television in a community. While both AT&T and Verizon are lobbying hard to change the current rules covering video franchises, Verizon has gone ahead and begun obtaining video franchise agreements. So far, the company has 72 approvals and has another 400 in process. But the road to getting approvals can be a long one and it could be years before Verizon gets enough to cover a significant portion of its market.

Apartment building owners could also pose a hurdle, especially for Verizon, which does business in several major cities with a large number of apartment buildings. To wire a building for television, Verizon must first get access to the building, which often involves negotiating a fee to be paid to the apartment building owner.

http://www.tvweek.com/article.cms?articleId=29957

Have you asked Verizon if you can keep DSL? Usually, once they run fiber to the house (for you it would be for FIOS TV) - they take away the copper line. No copper line, no DSL - they'll force you to FIOS Internet.The issue is moot until Verizon's FiOS TV becomes reality in my little neck of the woods. But you're right... swapping DSL for broadband has been a concern of mine. You would think... Verizon would let me keep both... since the money goes into the same pot.

"fredfa." Thanks for the update... Verizon hasn’t built a television ground receiving station in my area yet... so my impression is we're still at least two years out with FiOS TV service for the SmAlbany, NY area. Verizon is making a tremendous capital investment in their fiber infrastructure and I believe they will be able to deliver a TV programming package that is competitive with Albany Time Warner... eventually.

eweiss: They added widgets here in the tampa area a copuple weeks ago. It just gives you a one week forecast and the days traffic report in the bottom of the screen. Nothing to get excited about but a nice feature.

Also does the Verizon sports package get OLN?

No OLN on FiOS. I miss AMA Motocross on OLN.

No OLN on FiOS. I miss AMA Motocross on OLN.
I wonder if that means no Tour de France - OLN usually carries that.

They might be able to emulate DSL over the Fiber, just limit the speed more. That is a good question.
How could they emulate DSL - the phone signal is digital from the ONT in the house to the CO. Unless someone gets to keep their copper after the fiber is in, you can't get DSL.

No OLN on FiOS. I miss AMA Motocross on OLN.

The lack of this one channel is the only reason I have not switched yet. I hope they get it soon, I'm so tired of Comcast. :(

How could they emulate DSL - the phone signal is digital from the ONT in the house to the CO. Unless someone gets to keep their copper after the fiber is in, you can't get DSL.But why wouldn't Verizon support both?

But why wouldn't Verizon support both?
Probably support costs and increased revenue potential.

I got a letter from Verizon today talking about the new Widget feature - it has worked here for a couple of days - although you have to pick the right zip code.

The more interesting info in the letter is a shuffle in the channel line up. It supposed to be in effect by 6/27. A few channels are being moved about but it seems like the whole Howard County (Baltimore area) HD channels are being mapped to the 84x range. I assume that FIOS knows that I already have the DC area locals in HD in the 80x range, but it seems that it would be a mistake to assume that I'll get two sets of network HD feeds.

My widget doesn't work. :(

Just wondering if there are any New England FiOS TV subs here...if so, have you heard anything in regards to them getting NESN-HD yet? This would be a deal breaker for me...

My widget doesn't work. :(
Kinda weird - mine only works on the DVR but not on the 2500 STB. :confused:

Nuzzy, from what I understand Verizon is having discussions with the folks at NESN and are working to get NESN HD on FiOS TV. As far as when it'll happen, not sure.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060606/nytu151.html?.v=59

Bill Will Hasten Choice, Competition for Pennsylvanians' Cable TV Services
Tuesday June 6, 11:56 am ET


HARRISBURG, Pa., June 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania State Sens. Dominic F. Pileggi (R-9th District) and Anthony H. Williams (D-8th District) today jointly introduced legislation that will update and streamline the state's existing cable franchising rules to accelerate the pace of meaningful cable television choice and competition for Pennsylvania consumers. The following statement should be attributed to William B. Petersen, president of Verizon Pennsylvania of Verizon Pennsylvania.

"Pennsylvania consumers have long deserved some real choice for their cable television service, and the Cable Choice and Competition Act will make that happen.

"We commend Senators Pileggi and Williams for introducing a bill that will give consumers the ability to select among competing cable providers -- an effective, proven check on cable incumbents' ever-rising prices.

"The legislation properly recognizes that technology and competition have outpaced current cable franchising regulations. This bill encourages new competitors to invest in and provide cable TV alternatives for consumers, and it protects the legitimate interests of Pennsylvania's municipalities.

"The cable industry will fight change fiercely to protect its local monopoly territories, throwing out reams of false accusations and misinformation. But it cannot dispute the facts: Cable rates rise significantly in the absence of true competition -- more than 86 percent since 1995. Where Verizon is competing with cable and giving consumers a choice, customers are seeing savings of 20 percent or more.

"Verizon looks forward to supporting this bill through the legislative process and bringing more choice and competition to Pennsylvania consumers."

==

A breath of fresh air:

Many in my community expected a scheduled Franchise vote last September and were shocked that the Town Council screwed us. Our town punted it's responsibly and joined with 23 other local communities to accomplish nothing. I wonder what they will think now that the question may be taken out of their *greedy little hands ?

* The rumor about the reasons for the holdup were that they wanted Verizon to pay for traffic lights and maintenance

A little more detail: http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6341486.html?display=Breaking+News

"Pennsylvania’s Turn for Reform Bill

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By Linda Haugsted 6/6/2006 3:00:00 PMPennsylvania legislators believe state franchise approval will speed deployment and lower cable rates, so a bipartisan team introduced a reform bill.

Sponsor state Sen. Domenic Pileggi (R-9th District) noted at a press conference Tuesday that his constituents are working people and seniors on fixed income who need relief from cable rates that are "expensive and rising."

He and co-sponsor Sen. Anthony Williams (D-8th District) introduced a bill that will allow new competitors to gain statewide franchise approval 15 days after they file an application with the state Corporation Bureau.

Incumbent operators will be held to their current agreements until their stipulated expiration date unless a municipality and provider reach a mutual agreement to let the cable provider out of a current franchise.

New competitors may identify their own intended service area. The only reference to a build-out in the draft requires new providers to provide service, without discrimination based on a consumer's income, in a "reasonable period of time."

Verizon Communications Inc. lauded the bill.

"The legislation properly recognizes that technology and competition have outpaced current franchise regulations. The bill encourages new competitors to invest in and provide cable-television alternatives for consumers while protecting the legitimate rights of Pennsylvania's municipalities," said William Petersen, Verizon's Pennsylvania president."

Washington Notebook
Telcos OK'd for national vid regs

House approves bill that bypasses local franchise rules
By Brooks Boliek The Hollywood Reporter June 09, 2006

WASHINGTON -- The big telephone companies Thursday rang up a legislative victory in their effort to get into the video business when the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation allowing them to bypass local government franchise requirements.

On a 321-101 vote, the House approved the Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act that sets a national video franchise for phone companies.

"Today, there are thousands of local franchising authorities, and each may impose disparate restrictions on the provision of cable service in its specific franchising area," House Commerce Committee chairman Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, said. "The requirement to negotiate such local franchises and the patchwork of obligations local franchising authorities impose are hindering the deployment of advanced broadband networks that will bring increasingly innovative and competitive services to all of our constituents."

Overall, the bill sets a 10-year, automatically renewing national video franchise for phone companies. In territories the phone companies enter, the cable companies will come under the same federal franchise rather than the local one under which they currently operate. The cities would be paid a fee that reached 6% of gross revenue either way.

While the bill's supporters claimed the legislation will lower the price for video programming by bringing in a new competitor, its opponents called the measure a corporate giveaway, saying it gives a free ride to such big network operators as AT&T, Comcast and Verizon.

Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., the Commerce Committee's senior Democrat, called it a "bad bill" that would do nothing but advance the "cause of special and moneyed interests," allowing them to "cut a fat hog."

The legislation has become a lightning rod over the issue known as "network neutrality." Proponents of the concept, mostly Democrats, contend that the government should prevent the network companies from favoring one person or companies' programming or data over another. They are backed by many of the nation's Internet and high-tech companies including Google, Amazon and Microsoft.

Opponents of the idea, mostly Republicans, contend that a network neutrality requirement is an unnecessary government intrusion. They are backed by the big network companies such as AT&T, Verizon and Comcast.

A network neutrality amendment written by Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., was defeated, but the issue sparked lively debate.

"Unless we preserve network neutrality the (Internet's) basic DNA will be subject to mutation," said Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash. "Just as all men are created equal, all bits are created equal, and the Markey amendment treats all bits equally."

But the COPE bill sponsors said the amendment was not necessary because the legislation gives the FCC authority to enforce complaints against the network providers. The legislation, however, prevents the commission from writing network neutrality regulations.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it," said Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich. "There are protections in the bill that preserve those rights. There's no evidence of these problems."

Upton's view won the day as Markey's amendment went down 269-152.

The focus now shifts to the Senate, where Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, is pushing a different version of the legislation.

Stevens said Wednesday that he expected to make some changes to his version of the bill, which is much broader than the House legislation. His legislation currently only directs the FCC to study the issue.

"Basically we're defining what the FCC can do for consumers to ensure network neutrality," he said. "As far as the battle between the large entities and industries, they should fight their own battle."

Despite the House vote and Stevens' desires, the fate of the legislation is still up in the air. Getting a vote in the full Senate and ironing out the differences in the two bills in the short time left in this Congress remains a tall order in an election year.

The White House gave the legislation a boost, however, as it issued a statement in general support of the bill.

According to a statement of administration policy issued by the Office of Management and Budget, "The administration strongly supports efforts to promote competition in both video and voice markets and therefore supports this bill's language on video franchising."

It also sided with opponents of the a network neutrality requirement.

"The administration believes the FCC currently has sufficient authority to address potential abuses in the marketplace," the statement said. "Creating a new legislative framework for regulation in this area is premature."

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/television/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002650934

For anyone interested, a short setup and use video for Widgets by Verizon:

http://us.tnpv.net/2006/VER200605/Verizon_Widgets_01.mpg

* Tends to play better if downloaded first. It's a 10.7Mb file.

While the bill's supporters claimed the legislation will lower the price for video programming by bringing in a new competitor, its opponents called the measure a corporate giveaway, saying it gives a free ride to such big network operators as AT&T, Comcast and Verizon.

Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., the Commerce Committee's senior Democrat, called it a "bad bill" that would do nothing but advance the "cause of special and moneyed interests," allowing them to "cut a fat hog."

What a load of BS. :rolleyes: Time Warner Cable has enjoyed a monopoly in my area for years... and Verizon FiOS came down my street two weeks ago! :) It will be another year or two before FiOS TV is available in my area and then I'll have (2) providers to choose from. :rolleyes: Guess who is funding John Dingell's political war chest. :p

I keep running into stories that should make anyone mad about taxes without representation (Local officials getting things pay for by Cable/Telcos who pass the costs onto subscribers).

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06158/696273-85.stm

Part of story:

"Some, for example, have required franchise holders to provide municipal swimming pools, stadium lights, trees, college scholarships and cable discounts for government employees."

They forgot the one local group that wanted a statue of the Mayor, paid for and placed in a Park. There are many more examples of greedy / money hungry local Officials. The more I read, the more it seems that the Pittsburgh area is a hotbed for these types of people.

NYS residents have the greatest tax burden in the Nation! :eek: Property owners get hammered each year with 5-10-15-20% tax increases. :eek: $46 Billion in Medicaid alone! :eek: :eek:

But still we keep passing those school budgets and re-electing the same career politicians year after year after year after... :rolleyes:

We've endorsed Bill & Hillary! :p

I guess we deserve what we get. :rolleyes:

I keep running into stories that should make anyone mad about taxes without representation (Local officials getting things pay for by Cable/Telcos who pass the costs onto subscribers).Well, they are your local (elected) officials. Any time a franchise is negotiated there's a public hearing and the public is invited to read and comment on the franchise (and any conditions attached). You're as represented as you make the effort to be.

Ok, time to take a dip in the new pool ...

I like the part about "discounts for government employees." This is at a time when Senior Citizen discounts have become rare !

Verizon and the YES Network Sign Multi-Year Agreement; YES Launches on FiOS TV’s Channel 65

June 13, 2006

Media contacts:
Heather Wilner, Verizon, 212-321-8333
Eric Handler, YES Network, 646-487-3686

NEW YORK – The New York Yankees and New Jersey Nets have joined the Verizon FiOS TV lineup as Verizon and the YES Network announce a multi-year agreement to provide the sports network to FiOS TV customers in New York.

YES, the most-watched regional sports network in the country, is now available to subscribers of FiOS TV Premier, Verizon’s most popular package, on Channel 65, in time for YES’ telecast tomorrow night of the Yankees-Cleveland Indians game. YES’ Yankees coverage Wednesday begins with "Yankees Batting Practice Today" at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the Yankees pre-game show at 6:30 p.m. and the New York-Cleveland game telecast at 7 p.m. YES’ post-game show will air immediately after the conclusion of the game. The Yankees-Indians game tonight will be televised on WWOR, My9, in New York.

The agreement also enables Verizon to carry YES high-definition telecasts. Verizon currently provides 23 HD channels in its New York markets, more than any other terrestrial TV provider in the region.

"The YES Network is a tremendous addition to our extensive lineup of local and national sports programming," said Terry Denson, vice president of FiOS TV content strategy and acquisition. "Fans who already subscribe to our Premier package, as well as new subscribers, can now enjoy 24x7 coverage of their favorite New York teams along with the best TV service in this market."

Ray Hopkins, COO, the YES Network, said, "FiOS TV subscribers will now have unsurpassed access to the most popular team in New York, the Yankees. YES will also provide FiOS customers with plenty of additional Yankees-themed programming, Nets games, a stellar lineup of Emmy Award-winning YES original programs, and top-flight college football and basketball. We are particularly pleased to offer FiOS TV viewers with hi-def presentations of the Yankees and Nets."

FiOS TV is available on Verizon’s fiber-optic network in the Long Island village of Massapequa Park and the Rockland County villages of Nyack, South Nyack and Upper Nyack, and it will launch soon in the Town of Hempstead. Verizon will begin offering FiOS TV to other New York communities where it has franchise agreements, including Long Island’s village of Cedarhurst and Town of Oyster Bay, following approval by the New York State Public Service Commission.

FiOS TV delivers more than 400 all-digital channels and access to an on-demand library of more than 2,200 titles. FiOS TV Premier, the lead offer, provides more than 180 channels of national and local programming for $39.95 per month. Customers can also add a 15-channel sports package for $5.95 per month, and 44-channel movie package for $11.95 per month. Or, they can get both packages for $14.95 per month.

The YES Network features the 26-time World Champion New York Yankees and the 2002 and 2003 Eastern Conference Champion New Jersey Nets. The YES Network is available to viewers in New York, Connecticut, and large parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In addition to Yankees and Nets games, YES televises other professional and collegiate sports teams and events, as well as classic sports footage. YES Network programming also includes original biography, interview and magazine programs, as well as a live simulcast of WFAN’s "Mike and the Mad Dog" Monday through Friday from 1pm-6:30pm. Further information can be found at www.yesnetwork.com.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), a Dow 30 company, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America’s most reliable wireless network, serving 53 million customers nationwide. Verizon Business operates one of the most expansive wholly-owned global IP networks. Verizon Telecom is deploying the nation’s most advanced fiber-optic network to deliver the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services to customers. Based in New York, Verizon has a diverse workforce of more than 250,000 and generates annual consolidated operating revenues of approximately $90 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

I'm waiting for my call from FiOS now. I've only signed up about 10 times on their site.

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Contact: Rob Billingsley 703-228-3195 (voice)

Arlington County Board Greenlights Competititve Cable TV Service

Agreement with Verizon offers consumers choice in cable TV, Internet



ARLINGTON, Va. –The Arlington County Board tonight approved an agreement with Verizon Virginia, Inc., to provide cable TV service in Arlington. Under the agreement, the County will receive five per cent of gross revenues for video services and an annual grant to support the County’s institutional network and the public, educational and government channels in exchange for using rights-of-way along County streets.

"Arlington residents now will have a choice of cable television providers," said Christopher Zimmerman, Chairman of the Arlington County Board. "We think competition will improve cable television service throughout the County."

Background
In early 2004, Verizon began providing fiber optic cable service to Arlington County. This technology -- called “fiber to the premise” -- brings the fiber optic cable all the way to the house. Traditional cable service brings fiber optic cable to an external cable junction and then carries the signal from there to the home via copper wire.

Verizon has already been providing voice and data services – called “FIOS” -- over its fiber optic network. The new agreement will enable Verizon to offer customers cable TV service over this same network.

Comcast began offering cable TV service in Arlington in 2000. Arlington County also authorized Starpower -- now called RCN -- to offer cable service in 2000, but the company has not yet built a cable network in Arlington.

Public Comment
The Arlington Cable Television and Information Technology Advisory Commission took public comment at its special public meeting on June 5 and residents commented today at the County Board meeting. Residents also provided written comments.

I sent a email to an executive in Verizon asking about Fios, apperently he thought I was somebody else within the Company. A MUST READ

My Email:
"Mr. Pizzirani, can you tell me when Fios will be available in Manhattan?
07, 08?"
thank you, Andy

Email Routed:

"Andy,
John Schommer on my time can provide you more insight.
Thanks, Chris
John,
Please respond to Andy’s question. Thanks, Chris"

Response:
"Andy,
I assume that you are the Andy ******* (NY Field Tech). As I wouldn't want
to share this information externally just yet.
We are in Manhattan today, but only in a few locations where MDU
renovations have taken place (still considered a Greenfield). The biggest
issues with Manhattan are 1) permitting, and 2) TV franchising. We
anticipate the Video franchising sometime in mid 2008 - therefore you won't
see a large scale build in Manhattan until late 2007 or early 2008. Of
course, competitive market changes could also expedite these decisions and
deployments.

Note: These are not committed timeframes and should no be shared outside of
the company."

John R. Schommer
-
-
-
their u have it folks, ETA 2 years

As most corporate e-mail systems have them, where was the intended receipient non-disclosure statement at the end of that email? Did you delete it before posting here?

As most corporate e-mail systems have them, where was the intended receipient non-disclosure statement at the end of that email? Did you delete it before posting here?

I deleted this:
www.vtext.com/customer_site/jsp/messaging_lo.jsp

whatever all that is,probably responded to me from sometype of moble device instead of a office computer.

The United States Telecom Association has a new site devoted to the future of TV and other communications technologies.

For those interested: http://www.thefuturefaster.com/

I wonder how much Verizon ponied up for this front association.

They've gotten off to a late start, compared to the Cable Industry !

They've gotten off to a late start, compared to the Cable Industry !Using better technology they will surely dominate... :)

signed: a soon-to-be former Time Warner Digital Cable subscriber

verizon recently started installing the orange cables in my back alleyfor fios, does anybody know how long from that point before fios will available to my home ? btw i live in the california high desert town of apple valley.

verizon recently started installing the orange cables in my back alleyfor fios, does anybody know how long from that point before fios will available to my home ? btw i live in the california high desert town of apple valley.

It was about 6 months from the time I saw them running the fiber to when the phone and Internet service was offered. Video services came in almost a year later. That was a regulatory issue though so if the new laws get passed the TV should be offered at the same time as the other services.

thanks dmbatch for your quick reply!

The Digital Revolution
Jersey Senate Approves Franchise Bill

By Linda Haugsted Multichannel.com 6/19/2006

The New Jersey State Senate has given its final approval to a bill reforming state video franchising policy.

The chamber voted 31-5 on Monday to approve the bill and send it on to Gov. Jon Corzine. The state Assembly passed its version of the same bill in May.

If signed by the governor, the bill will allow new competitors to apply for statewide franchises. The state’s Board of Public Utilities will have 45 days to grant the operating authority.

The legislation requires the authorized video competitors to build out to communities with populations of 7,111 per square mile and to county seats. Those requirements should require coverage of the state’s 60 largest communities, which cable incumbents noted were concentrated in North New Jersey.

Once the bill is officially presented to the governor’s office, Corzine will have 45 days to decide whether to sign it into law.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6345472.html?display=Breaking+News

They've gotten off to a late start, compared to the Cable Industry !

Was Verizon's fiber optic technology available when cable started up many years ago? I didn't think it was.

True ! But, I was talking about these propaganda organizations and not the development of fiber for tv and the competition that has begun - based on my post two up from the one you quoted:

"The United States Telecom Association has a new site devoted to the future of TV and other communications technologies.

For those interested: http://www.thefuturefaster.com/ "

and

I wonder how much Verizon ponied up for this front association.

just below it.

Which gets us to
They've gotten off to a late start, compared to the Cable Industry !


=

The Cable Industry has had these types of groups for a long long time - most likely since their first franchises were being negotiated decades ago and also when the first complaints began to be uttered about price increases.

When Verizon began FiOS, it should have known they (the cable companies) would be ready with phony stories and harsh unfounded claims from front organizations - New jersey is a hotbed of this. Only recently (this year as far as I can tell) has Verizon joined with other Telcos to counter the propaganda with their own shadow proponent groups. They should have started this at least 3 years ago or whenever the idea first came to light that they were going to do FiOS.

Depending on how you look at it Verizon is 3(?) to 30(?)+ years too late !

Has anyone experienced a problem with the video motion on FIOS whereby movement is not smooth but seems to jump? If so is there a fix other than calling Tech Support to reset the circuit which seems to take forever? Thanks. :(

The Digital Revolution
Tomorrow's Tube?

By Dan Frommer forbes.com 06.20.06

Waltham, Mass. - Would you rather search cooking shows by recipe than by host? How about tracking your fantasy football team's score while the game is in the background? Or watching a movie in bed that you digitally recorded in your living room? Here, in a lab in Waltham, Mass.--about ten miles outside Boston--Verizon Communications is trying to get there--before its competitors do.

Inside a few large buildings surrounded by woods, some 100 engineers and researchers are trying to add data-driven and interactive elements to television content that would make today's digital cable look like TV with rabbit ears. While wild turkeys have taken a liking to the grassy courtyard between buildings, inside it's business: buzzing meeting rooms and long hallways of offices--inside one room, a worker has notes about one of Fermat's mathematical theorems scrawled on a whiteboard.

"Everybody's looking for the next revenue model," says Shawn Strickland, vice president of TV product management. "If somebody finds something that resonates with consumers, we have to be able to build something really quickly."

The number of rivals is growing fast. Cable companies like Comcast and Time Warner have swooped in to steal a chunk of Verizon's phone customers with cheap voice-over-Internet Protocol packages, and upstarts like Vonage are also targeting its core business. Local power utilities may soon start selling broadband Internet access over their lines, and wireless technologies from metro Wi-Fi and WiMAX to high-speed cellular networks may even challenge the need for wires. Phone companies, sitting pretty just a few years ago with DSL and voice services, must innovate or face irrelevancy.

Telcos such as Verizon and AT&T are biting back with TV. Verizon has already launched a basic version of its service in small markets in seven states--its latest addition, in Hempstead, Long Island, was announced Thursday. Earlier this year, Chief Executive Ivan Seidenberg claimed that his company had scooped up 20% of the market in Keller, Texas, where it launched TV service last September. AT&T is testing its system in San Antonio.

The price tag is massive--the companies have already spent billions on their fiber-optic plans. Verizon says even after laying the pipe, it costs more than $700 to set up its system in each subscriber's home--a customer that could just as quickly go away if the experience is sub-par. Currently, about 3.5 million households are fiber-ready, but a messy municipal cable franchising process means far fewer are able to sign up for Verizon's TV service. By 2011, the company is looking to penetrate 25% of the TV market nationwide.

"Verizon needs to move quickly away from a 'me-too' offering to one that leverages the unique characteristics of IP, delivering a service that cable operators cannot provide," says a recent report from Pyramid Research. With many households already wrapped in so-called "triple play" voice-data-TV packages from cable and satellite providers like Cox Communications and DirecTV, few will switch for only a couple more channels, the report says. But assuming Verizon succeeds, Pyramid expects its television market share to grow to almost 3% by 2010 from its current share of less than 1%.

As it stands, the company's TV offering looks and costs about the same as digital cable, with a vast majority of standard-definition channels, the same set-top box and the same confusing remote control.

But if plans being hatched in Waltham get off the ground, TV subscribers could someday see a system that bridges video and the Internet. In the lab, some groups focus on network and video optimization--one lab room alone contains $50 million worth of equipment, donated by vendors hoping to score high-profile contracts. In the demo theater, a massive plasma TV shows a World Cup match in gorgeous high-definition video, while a lab director across the room downloads a movie over the Internet at nearly two megabytes per second--four times faster than the average cable-modem download.

Another team, led by user-centered design director Joanne LaCourse, who holds a Ph.D. in physics, focuses on building the TV experience, including customizing on-screen menus, designing a better remote control and testing potential features, ranging from on-screen annotations about the movie you're watching to a Web portal that lets you program your digital recorder from anywhere. One section of the lab is a mock house, complete with red exterior siding, wallpaper, appliances and furniture, from home office to living room and even a kid's videogaming palace.

The high throughput fiber line could be Verizon's key, provided consumers respond to drifting away from a channel-based television lineup and into new ways of looking for TV shows, from interactive searches to blog-like recommendation feeds. The company has already launched basic Internet-driven weather and traffic "widgets" that can hover over what you're watching, but reps wouldn't say if they would let third-party developers onto the platform to create mash-ups.

With 100 megabits going into every equipped home, the bandwidth for these services exists--it's a matter of adding services in a way that makes sense, both for viewers and for Verizon's business.

Not every experiment works. For instance, the idea of adding real-time video of gamers in multiplayer games--aiming at fostering social interactivity--may not be for everyone. "I can't focus on that," one player who tried the system said, "while I'm trying to shoot someone in the head."

http://www.forbes.com/2006/06/19/verizon-internet-television_cx_df_0620verizon_print.html

They started digging in my development this morning. I live in Medford, NJ.

Has anyone experienced a problem with the video motion on FIOS whereby movement is not smooth but seems to jump? If so is there a fix other than calling Tech Support to reset the circuit which seems to take forever? Thanks. :(
I wouldn't think a reset would fix this. Haven't seen a problem like this - only some pixilation.

The Digital Revolution
Louisiana Passes Franchise-Reform Bill

By Linda Haugsted Multichannel.com 6/20/2006

A franchise-reform bill that will allow incumbent cable operators to immediately opt into state franchises has been approved by the Louisiana State Legislature.

The bill passed Monday, the last day of the state's legislative session. It must now be signed by Gov. Kathleen Blanco in order to become effective.

If the bill is signed, new competitors will file affidavits requesting certification to the office of the Secretary of State. That office will have 10 days to act on the request or the affidavit will automatically become effective. The franchise will be for a 10-year term.

The new providers will describe the areas they intend to serve, and build-out requirements are forbidden under the new law.

New providers must pay a franchise fee on their gross revenues, remitted to local governments. The amount will match that paid by the incumbent video provider. But the new providers must also pay 15 cents per month, per subscriber to help fund public, educational and government production studios and equipment.

Cheryl McCormick, CEO of the Louisiana Cable & Telecommunications Association, said the latter term was added in recognition of the financial support provided in the past by incumbent operators.

The bill seeks to prevent discrimination in service deployment, based on the average income for an area, but it also said a provider can consider technology issues and construction costs when deciding whether to serve an area. Discrimination complaints are to be directed to the state Attorney General.

Although the bill would give incumbents the ability to apply for state franchises immediately, McCormick expressed doubt that any current provider would pursue one.

"I know of no one who's expressed interest," she said.

They started digging in my development this morning. I live in Medford, NJ.

Glad to hear they've started your development. It's only been about 7 months since they started the buried area in our lovely town. Expect to get the fiber built and the network created in about two months. As for me, I was the first FiOS customer out of the Medford CO to be "lit up" back in October.

Has anyone experienced a problem with the video motion on FIOS whereby movement is not smooth but seems to jump? If so is there a fix other than calling Tech Support to reset the circuit which seems to take forever? Thanks. :(
I have seen this once, on a recorded episode of Desperate Housewives. I thought it might be a source problem since I have not seen it since.

Has anyone experienced a problem with the video motion on FIOS whereby movement is not smooth but seems to jump? If so is there a fix other than calling Tech Support to reset the circuit which seems to take forever? Thanks. :(

Yup got the same problem. I called tech support and complained a lot. Told them about the SD pixelation, audio and video off, audio droppouts, and the horrible problems with the DVR software/firmware. There were able to get me a time tomorrow. I would have to take a day off work again for them to come out so i got a slightly later date. The tech on the phone said it could be dirty fiber or bad splitter. I don't know, I think it is there bad system and terrible box.

Yup got the same problem. I called tech support and complained a lot. Told them about the SD pixelation, audio and video off, audio droppouts, and the horrible problems with the DVR software/firmware. There were able to get me a time tomorrow. I would have to take a day off work again for them to come out so i got a slightly later date. The tech on the phone said it could be dirty fiber or bad splitter. I don't know, I think it is there bad system and terrible box.


Thanks. They reset my DVR and it cleared it up last night but said that if it happensd again they will send out a Tech.

Just to let everyone know, FiOS provides CableCard. I talked to CS and said they do. I'm scheduled Thursday for a tech to come and deliver it. They don't ship them, a tech has to come out and deliver it.

Just to let everyone know, FiOS provides CableCard. I talked to CS and said they do. I'm scheduled Thursday for a tech to come and deliver it. They don't ship them, a tech has to come out and deliver it.
That's because it sometimes takes lots of calls to get it right and they don't trust the customer to get it right.

I'm curious; what is the extra charge for a CC?

Has anyone experienced a problem with the video motion on FIOS whereby movement is not smooth but seems to jump? If so is there a fix other than calling Tech Support to reset the circuit which seems to take forever? Thanks. :(
Slight chance traditional cable 'fixes' might help. Cold rebooting (unplugging STB ~30 secs) sometimes clears this up. Also, overheated circuits can cause video glitches. STB bottom vents should be clear, and the STB needs enough space above it.

Note: Curious if FIOS subscribers getting HDNet exceed ~1300 lines of horizontal resolution (16X9) using HDNet's Tuesday 6 am ET test patterns with this technique (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5175424#post5175424). (Assumes 1920X1080 delivery, not reformatted HDNet.) Getting higher resolutions with a CableCard would be interesting, too. Recording the patterns works best. -- John

I'm curious; what is the extra charge for a CC?
I think it's $2.95/mo.

I think it's $2.95/mo.

yup, it's $2.95/mo. I'm still waiting for the tech to come and install it today :)

I'm not sure if anyone else has noticed.. but it says on the nfl channel info that the nfl channel will be moving to a premium channel, and not be part of the sports package beginning august...

Does anyone know how much they charge for the channel, and is it sold individually? No doubt the damn NFL upped their subscription fees since all the preseason games will be shown over the channel, as well as a couple regular season games.. :rolleyes:

I'm not sure if anyone else has noticed.. but it says on the nfl channel info that the nfl channel will be moving to a premium channel, and not be part of the sports package beginning august...
Re-read it. It says FIOS Tv Premier package. That's the standard $40 package.

This is good for me, I can drop the sports pack (only $3 when bundled with the movie pack, tho) and still get NFL Network. That channel was the whole reason for me taking the sports pack in the first place.

-John

I'm going to look like a moron for asking this, but what's that song the English fans chanted at the end of the match. It sounds like Pet Shop Boys' "Go West"

Re-read it. It says FIOS Tv Premier package. That's the standard $40 package.


I would really be surprised if this channel is just included w/ the main package. I certainly have no complaints if that's the case, I was just concerned that they would charge extra for it, since every other provider charges extra for the channel(w/ the exception of directv since they have a special relationship w/ the nfl..). That's great to here if that's the case. Thanks. :)

I think Comcast has it in their basic digital package ($65/mo in my area) as well.

-John

Does the FiOS Premier package include locals or is it the extra $12.95/mo? It looks a little confusing on the Verizon page.

It includes locals. The $13 package is what other cable companies would call "lifeline", not an extra.

And to add to your confusion, DirecTV uses "Premier" as their name for their with-all-the-premiums package, where Verizon's "Premier" includes none.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060627/nytu052.html?.v=60

NEW YORK, June 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon today announced an agreement with IMF: The International Music Feed Network, the 24-hour music television network featuring hit music from the United States and around the world. IMF will supply its innovative music video channel and on-demand programming for Verizon's fiber-optic-powered television service, FiOS TV.

Under the terms of the agreement, Verizon will offer the IMF channel in its FiOS TV Premier package and provide on-demand IMF programming and individual music videos. FiOS TV customers soon will be able to choose from 1,000 music videos and IMF music programs, performances and specials representing an unprecedented 100 hours of programming per month. TVN, Verizon's video-on-demand transport agent, is coordinating the delivery of the content.

"IMF will deliver an extensive lineup of top domestic and international music videos to FiOS TV customers, advancing our already strong commitment to content choice and diversity," said Terry Denson, vice president of FiOS TV content strategy and acquisition. "It's another way we differentiate ourselves in our markets and add value to our FiOS TV service."

IMF President Andy Schuon said, "We are delighted to join with Verizon through their exciting new FiOS TV service. The collaboration between Verizon and IMF is an excellent example of how we can enhance the music experience for fans everywhere. With the IMF channel and our video on-demand offering, Verizon and IMF will bring music on television to a whole new level."

IMF programming includes a mix of the top music videos from the United States and the world. Categories include Hip Hop Society, The Bridge (Latin), One World (chart-topping global hits), Passage to India (Indian), Raw Feed (exclusive artist interviews), and Hello World (music and pop-culture from dozens of countries), among others.

I would really be surprised if this channel is just included w/ the main package. I certainly have no complaints if that's the case, I was just concerned that they would charge extra for it, since every other provider charges extra for the channel(w/ the exception of directv since they have a special relationship w/ the nfl..). That's great to here if that's the case. Thanks. :)

AFAIK Dish Network just announced the same thing. NFL network moving onto a standard package. Maybe now that they are actually going to be showing Regualr season games their barganing chips have increased, and they have been able to bully their way in.

Like what Comcast tried to do with OLN and the NHL, only it didnt work as well, because as we know the NHL is nothing compared to the NFL, unfortunately.

Does anyone know if there are any plans from Verizon to carry Setanta Sports?

The Digital Revolution
California Cities May Lose Power Over Cable TV

A compromise on a bill to let phone giants offer pay-TV service would strip California localities of most of their power over the cable industry
By Marc Lifsher and James S. Granelli Los Angeles Times Staff Writers June 28, 2006

SACRAMENTO — California cities and counties would be stripped of most of their power to regulate local cable television operators as part of a compromise that emerged Tuesday in a high-stakes legislative battle over local television service.

The plan would allow cable TV operators to be regulated statewide by the California Public Utilities Commission.

Local officials were wary Tuesday of the proposal, saying they were worried about the effect on pay-TV consumers if local governments could no longer set basic rates, ensure equal access to services for all residents and handle customer complaints.

The PUC's proposed role in setting pay-TV rates and service standards was not spelled out Tuesday.

"We still think that the kinds of problems that come up are going to be best solved at the local level," said Megan Taylor of the League of California Cities. "If someone puts graffiti on switching boxes, are you going to call the PUC?"

Dan Wall, the top lobbyist for Los Angeles County, agreed. "We think local control is the best model, but that doesn't seem to be an option," he said.

The compromise was unveiled in the state Senate on Tuesday by Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez (D-Los Angeles). He has been shepherding a bill through the Legislature that would allow the state's telephone companies to begin offering local television service transmitted through phone lines. The legislation passed the Assembly on May 31.

As originally written, the Nuñez bill, AB 2987, called for statewide regulation of the phone companies, including AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc., in providing TV service. But it did not address cable TV.

Cable companies called it unfair that they would have to deal with the demands of numerous local governments while the phone companies would have to contend with only one statewide regulator.

As a result, Nuñez said that a compromise was at hand while a Senate committee began considering his bill on Tuesday. He offered an amendment calling for statewide regulation of cable operators and phone companies.

"This is about providing customer choice, about lowering prices and about making everybody happy," Nuñez told the committee Tuesday.

Counties and cities, not wanting to buck the powerful speaker, spent much of Tuesday afternoon furiously negotiating with the speaker's staff to salvage what they could from the proposed regulatory scheme before a key vote in the Senate Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee on Thursday.

Advocates for consumers and small businesses split over the Nuñez bill.

Proponents of the legislation argued that allowing phone carriers to offer pay-TV service under a statewide franchise would boost competition, encourage the introduction of new products and lower prices.

"You cannot go city by city in our state and remain competitive," said Ronald Gastelum, president of the Greater Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, which represents small-business owners.

Opponents argued that eliminating much of the local control over television franchises would leave customers unprotected.

"It's a complete bailout for cable companies and AT&T to ramrod a bill that has no controls on either industry," said Jamie Court president of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights based in Santa Monica.

The tentative agreement removes the cable industry's opposition to the bill and sets the stage for expected passage by the full Legislature before it adjourns Aug. 30.

"We had to do what was in the best interest of our clients," said Dennis Mangers, a lobbyist for the California Cable & Telecommunications Assn. He predicted that most of his industry, dominated by Comcast Corp., Adelphia Communications Corp., Cox Communications Inc., Time Warner Cable and Charter Communications Inc., would opt for a state franchise if Verizon or AT&T entered their service territories.

Cities and counties, the bill's primary remaining opponents, concede they have little chance of slowing down the measure.

Local governments are particularly worried that they would get less money from cable TV operators through franchise fees. The bill would require phone and cable companies to pay local governments the same 5% fee now paid by cable operators under local franchise agreements but could change the way those fees are calculated.

Cities and counties and some consumer advocates also said they wanted to make sure that Nuñez's bill would prevent telephone companies from favoring high-income neighborhoods in the delivery of Internet, phone and video service.

"We want to ensure service to all communities," said Los Angeles City Councilman Alex Padilla.

Until now, the battle over the bill had been shaping up as the year's biggest clash between competing business interests: cable TV versus the phone companies.

For months, the phone and cable industries had been preparing for warfare by running campaign-style advertisements in newspapers and on television to influence lawmakers, the governor and the public.

The state's major phone companies declined Tuesday to comment specifically on Nuñez's deal with the cable companies.

Kenneth P. McNeely, president of AT&T California, said he expected the governor to sign the bill because it "encourages competition and choice and significant investment in a broadband infrastructure."

But assuming statewide franchising goes into effect Jan. 1, it's difficult to say how soon the phone companies can start offering video service.

AT&T would not say where it plans to roll out pay-TV because it wants to help cable companies focus efforts to lock customers into long-term contracts.

Verizon spokesman Jonathan Davies said the company already has fiber-optic lines going to homes in 30 California cities. Once statewide franchising takes effect, he said, the company could offer pay-TV in those cities in one to three months, depending on how much additional equipment is needed.

"The hard part is putting in the fiber," Davies said. "The back-office stuff is not as time-consuming."

http://www.calendarlive.com/tv/cl-fi-tvbyphone28jun28,0,358850,print.story?coll=cl-tv-features

When will FIOS TV be avaialble in Westchester NY? (I already have FIOS ISP)

When will FIOS TV be avaialble in Westchester NY? (I already have FIOS ISP)

Where in Westchester are you? Is FIOS available throughout the county, or only in certain areas?

Only parts of the county. I hear its held-up because Verizon has to get "franchise" permission from the municipalities before they can come in and compete with Cablevision. Competition is key to an open market and creating an atmosphere where consumers win and cable doesn't have a monopoly- which cablevision does (DBS aside).

The Business of TV
More Franchises, Launches for FiOS TV

By Karen Brown & David Cohen Multichannel.com 6/29/2006

Verizon Communications’ FiOS TV is tuning in three more communities north of Boston and landed yet another franchise in the Bay State, along with franchises in Pennsylvania and California.

The regional Bell operating company announced Thursday that it is marketing the TV service delivered via fiber-optic connections to Burlington, North Reading and Winchester, Mass., extending its reach to another 57,500 potential viewers. That brings the FiOS TV count in Massachusetts to six, including Lynnfield, Reading and Woburn.

As part of the service rollout, Verizon is offering a bundle of FiOS TV, FiOS high-speed Internet and the Verizon Freedom Value unlimited calling plan for $104.85 per month.

At the same time, Verizon landed yet another franchise approval from the town of Stoneham, Mass. The Board of Selectmen Tuesday approved the 10-year franchise to extend FiOS TV service to the community of 22,000.

On Wednesday night, the Borough Council of the Montgomery County borough of Hatfield, Pa., granted the telco a video franchise to offer FiOS TV.

Hatfield, which brings Verizon nearly 225,000 potential subscribers, joined 10 other Pennsylvania municipalities on the regional Bell operating company’s franchise list: four in Montgomery County -- the boroughs of Lansdale and Schwenksville and the townships of Worcester and Perkiomen -- and others in Bucks, Chester and Delaware counties

As for California, the cities of Perris and Temecula awarded Verizon video franchises in separate City Council votes Tuesday night.

Perris, with approximately 10,000 households, and Temecula, with nearly 20,000, became the seventh and eighth California communities to approve video-franchise applications from the RBOC.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6348406.html?display=Breaking+News

I love it when people whine and blame Verizon for things regarding franchises:

http://www2.townonline.com/winchester/opinion/view.bg?articleid=527282

Just a small part of this:

"Like 1,200 or so other homes in Winchester that do not subscribe to cable TV, the effort and $20,000 in legal fees expended over the recent cable licensing for Verizon aren’t much help to me.

At least one selectman was reported as endorsing the agreement under the premise that residents will receive a fiscal benefit from Verizon’s presence in the market place. Since when did TV become a municipal service? "

This guy must be stuck in a pre-cable (not to mention FiOS) time warp !

The Digital Revolution
Jersey Senate Approves Franchise Bill

By Linda Haugsted Multichannel.com 6/19/2006

The New Jersey State Senate has given its final approval to a bill reforming state video franchising policy.

The chamber voted 31-5 on Monday to approve the bill and send it on to Gov. Jon Corzine. The state Assembly passed its version of the same bill in May.

If signed by the governor, the bill will allow new competitors to apply for statewide franchises. The state’s Board of Public Utilities will have 45 days to grant the operating authority.

The legislation requires the authorized video competitors to build out to communities with populations of 7,111 per square mile and to county seats. Those requirements should require coverage of the state’s 60 largest communities, which cable incumbents noted were concentrated in North New Jersey.

Once the bill is officially presented to the governor’s office, Corzine will have 45 days to decide whether to sign it into law.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6345472.html?display=Breaking+News

Does this mean places in NJ currently serviced by Embarq (formerly Sprint) local phone service might get Verizon FIOS? Would love to get a package of video, VoIP and high-speed internet. "Statewide" would seem to imply that, although I don't know what the realities are here. I really don't like Patriot Media as my local cable option and D* has been in a holding pattern with their HD for a while now.

The Business of TV
More Franchises, Launches for FiOS TV

As for California, the cities of Perris and Temecula awarded Verizon video franchises in separate City Council votes Tuesday night.

Perris, with approximately 10,000 households, and Temecula, with nearly 20,000, became the seventh and eighth California communities to approve video-franchise applications from the RBOC.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6348406.html?display=Breaking+News

Temecula is just on the other side of the hills (up the I-15) from San Diego County! Can we here in SD dare hope for Verizon FIOS soon??

I would really be surprised if this channel is just included w/ the main package. I certainly have no complaints if that's the case, I was just concerned that they would charge extra for it, since every other provider charges extra for the channel(w/ the exception of directv since they have a special relationship w/ the nfl..). That's great to here if that's the case. Thanks. :)

First of all - wow! This is great news.

Yes, the NFL Network will be included in Verizon's main package. This also means that if you have the HD service from Verizon, you'll get NFL in HD too.

It is no surprise that the channel is being moved out of the special sports package. The NFL is trying very hard to build distribution and audience for this network. It is particularly important because this year they will start carrying some regular season games.

Does this mean places in NJ currently serviced by Embarq (formerly Sprint) local phone service might get Verizon FIOS? Would love to get a package of video, VoIP and high-speed internet. "Statewide" would seem to imply that, although I don't know what the realities are here. I really don't like Patriot Media as my local cable option and D* has been in a holding pattern with their HD for a while now.
In general you'd have to be in a Verizon phone area to get FIOS. I'm not sure Verizon would move into a non Verizon phone area.

Yes, the NFL Network will be included in Verizon's main package. This also means that if you have the HD service from Verizon, you'll get NFL in HD too.


There is no seperate HD service - it's all part of the main package. The only seperate HD channels are part of other packages - like HBO HD is part of the HBO package.

Anyone have any clue when the Food HD channel will be coming to Verizon? So far I've been thoroughly impressed w/ how many HD channels verizon has, and how quickly they're added!

I went over to a friends place the other night and they have directv hd... Wow talk about a disappointment. The compression is clearly visible to me, and the colors look a little washed out.. not to mention there were only a handful of hd channels, and the locals are still OTA for many places..

I'm very happy w/ fios! :D

There is no seperate HD service - it's all part of the main package. The only seperate HD channels are part of other packages - like HBO HD is part of the HBO package.

There is in a sense that it costs $6 extra for the HD set top box. While you are right that there is no HD channel package, just premiums that have HD channels in them. But there is an HD service that not everyone subscribes to.


MikeOZ, i dont think it will be in the immediate future, VZ still doesnt have Scripps other HD channels (HGTV HD), although I have no idea if the are in negotiations about them or not. I would love to see Food Net HD as well so hopefully they are working on it.

There is in a sense that it costs $6 extra for the HD set top box. While you are right that there is no HD channel package, just premiums that have HD channels in them. But there is an HD service that not everyone subscribes to.


MikeOZ, i dont think it will be in the immediate future, VZ still doesnt have Scripps other HD channels (HGTV HD), although I have no idea if the are in negotiations about them or not. I would love to see Food Net HD as well so hopefully they are working on it.

Actually, Verizon signed a deal last year to carry these channels from Scripps. HGTV-HD and Food-HD were specifically mentioned in the news releases I read.
My guess is Verizon has a set date they will add the new channels so they can promote it all at once. (perhaps the August 1st date that the NFL Network moves to the main programming package.)

Temecula is just on the other side of the hills (up the I-15) from San Diego County! Can we here in SD dare hope for Verizon FIOS soon??
Humdinger70, Isn't San Diego SBC country?

Verizon's TV licensing may be only half the fight

By Ritsuko Ando | July 3, 2006

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Verizon Communications Inc. <VZ.N> looks increasingly impatient to roll out its Web-based television service nationwide, suing a Maryland county last week for hampering its entry, but getting licenses may only be half the battle.

Analysts say that while Verizon's state-of-the-art fiber optic network allows multiple channels of high-definition video and faster downloading, the phone company must show more proof that its multibillion-dollar investment is worthwhile.

Verizon will not say how much it is spending on the Internet protocol television service, named FiOS, on which it is banking to win back customers lured away by cable operators' "triple play" of Internet, phone and video bundles.

But analysts estimate Verizon is spending around $700 to $1,000 per customer, double the spending of rival phone company AT&T Inc. <T.N> and spooking shareholders.

"The market hates Verizon's level of capital expenditure, although you could say it's a necessary evil," said Kent Custer, an analyst at A.G. Edwards & Sons.

Even after a recent recovery, Verizon shares are still down around 2 percent over the past year, while AT&T is up about 19 percent.

Verizon says its investment will pay off as demand grows for high-quality video, speedy downloading of movies and interactive television and gaming -- in short, having more computer-like functions.

"This is a once-in-a-century network upgrade," said Shawn Strickland, head of Verizon's FiOS TV product line.

"TV is the growth opportunity and FiOS is the best platform for that."

Verizon launched FiOS TV last September in Keller, Texas. Short for Fiber Optic Service, it is still available only in some communities in California, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Texas and Virginia. It also offers high-speed Internet access through fiber in 15 states.

Showing it is serious about expanding, Verizon said last Thursday it is suing Maryland's Montgomery County, a stronghold of cable operator Comcast Corp. <CMCSA.O>, for allegedly imposing "unreasonable and illegal" conditions for a television subscription license.

BUT HOW MUCH BETTER?

Verizon is not alone in plotting a counter-attack against cable. AT&T is also launching its own Web-based TV service.

But while Verizon is connecting fiber optic cables directly to customers' homes to optimize bandwidth, AT&T is making use of existing copper lines and as a result spending only around half as much on fiber, analysts say.

"Verizon's network is clearly superior if you believe consumers want the high-definition video. But I have a feeling they're spending more than they'd like to," said Albert Lin, analyst at American Technology Research.

"The question is, how different is FiOS to cable?"

At first glance, at least, there is little difference. The equipment, such as the set-top box and remote control, are largely similar to cable's.

Moreover, programming and prices are alike. Most FiOS customers who take triple play packages pay around $100 a month, similar to cable operators' bundles.

Verizon says FiOS has the capacity for more interactive features. For example, in the future, a customer may be able to click on a pizza advertisement on the television screen and make an order. Friends may also use the TV to talk to other friends via videolink or email.

For now, however, analysts say the main advantages are incremental rather than revolutionary, such as quicker downloads and higher quality video.

Verizon's Strickland said those benefits were enough to win strong customer satisfaction, and one in four households in the first market, Keller, have signed up for FiOS.

Analysts said timing was also crucial for FiOS, especially as data show customers are less likely to switch providers once they have subscribed to the all-in-one packages offered by the likes of Comcast, Time Warner Inc.'s <TWX.N> cable unit and Cablevision Systems Corp. <CVC.N>.

"The outcome may not be based on technology alone but also on time to market -- who gets the customer first," said Richard Siderman, managing director at Standard & Poor's.

The timing of FiOS' nationwide launch, however, depends in part on how soon counties and states grant licenses. Thursday's lawsuit aside, Verizon is also hoping lawmakers in Washington will approve a bill that would allow it to apply for a nationwide TV license instead of negotiating with each city.

Does anyone know if there are any plans from Verizon to carry Setanta Sports?

That interests me as well. I see from their channel lineup that they will have GolTV, but will that be it?

Verizon's TV licensing may be only half the fight


Verizon will not say how much it is spending on the Internet protocol television service, named FiOS, on which it is banking to win back customers lured away by cable operators' "triple play" of Internet, phone and video bundles.



When the writer gets even the basics wrong (only the VOD portion of FIOS is IP based - the main service is RF), you have to take the rest of the article with a grain of salt.

Well I take the FIOS TV and Net plunge as of 7/14. Cross your fingers. I spent almost 2 hours on the phone signing up asking every question I could so I would not be suprised by anything. I got three boxes 1 DVR/HD 1 HD 1 Regular. Any nuggets of wisdom from anyone that I should know during the setup process.

Arundel gives green light to Verizon TV venture

Baltimore Business Journal - 4:00 PM EDT Thursday


Anne Arundel County is the fourth jurisdiction in Maryland to grant Verizon Communications a cable television franchise, clearing the way for the telecom giant's fiber optic-powered FiOS TV to go head to head with Comcast Cable.

The County Council voted unanimously Wednesday night to grant Verizon a video franchise, following the lead of Howard County and the cities of Bowie and Laurel.

Verizon expects to unveil FiOS TV in Anne Arundel County in the next couple of months.

http://baltimore.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2006/07/03/daily20.html

FiOs TV just became available in my neighborhood.
Forgive me if this was already covered 20 pages back, but will FiOs ever pick up OLN? The service seems superior in every way to DirecTV, but no OLN = no NHL playoffs. This is very close to being a dealbreaker for me.
What about Sunday ticket? D* has this locked up for a certain number of years, but what about when that expires...can other services add it.
Thanks!

I wanted OLN for their Tour de France coverage - future plans for FIOS are tough to judge - they do it at their own pace.

The NFL network on FIOS will be the closest anyone can get to NFLST.

I've been excited about FiOS for some time now, but of course I have to live in Montgomery County, MD, the one local county where cable seems to be supplying the most resistance. My grandparents live in Howard County, and probably wouldn't know what FiOS was if I gave them a brochure. Then again, my grandfather is rather inquisitive, so perhaps he's come across it.

FiOs TV just became available in my neighborhood.
Forgive me if this was already covered 20 pages back, but will FiOs ever pick up OLN? The service seems superior in every way to DirecTV, but no OLN = no NHL playoffs. This is very close to being a dealbreaker for me.
What about Sunday ticket? D* has this locked up for a certain number of years, but what about when that expires...can other services add it.
Thanks!

There's a catch 22 about OLN (soon to be Versus)

Comcast owns OLN. They are competing for customers with Verizon in many markets and probably aren't too eager to do a deal with Verizon to supply this programming.

On the other hand, Comcast wants Versus to be a competitor to ESPN. They're paying quite a bit of money for programming on the channel and need to start getting some good ratings for it. The only way that can happen is to get the channel into as many households as possible.

My guess is that eventually Verizon will have Versus. However, I wouldn't count on it any time soon.

NFL Sunday Ticket is an exclusive to DirecTV and will remain so for years to come.

The Digital Revolution
The Costs of War

By John M. Higgins Broadcasting & Cable 7/10/2006

The best place to get a snapshot of the costs of the cable-TV/telco war is New York. To launch video and fast Internet services on suburban Long Island, Verizon spent heavily on an extensive overhaul of its telephone plant. Some estimates put the cost at up to $1,100 in capital for each home “passed” in its new FiOS TV optical-fiber systems, and it will take an average of an additional $700 or so to actually connect a new subscriber.

Preparing to defend itself, local cable operator Cablevision Systems tweaked its own plant. It boosted its Internet service to even higher speeds than Verizon's and stepped up its sales of cable telephone service, to steal Verizon's residential customers before the telco's system was ready.

Cablevision's capital expenditure was lower. The Internet boost cost it just $15 per home passed; each new phone customer cost around $200.

The yawning capital-spending gap shows how much of a disadvantage telephone companies are at as they push into the video business. Cable operators have largely been finished with their gigantic rebuild for several years and have a big video and Internet customer base already giving them a return on that investment.

Verizon is expected to spend $20 billion. Compatriot AT&T—deploying a much cheaper technology—is spending $5 billion. Because they'll be splitting the video market with entrenched cable and DBS companies, both companies face difficulties generating strong returns from the heavy investment.

Despite skepticism on Wall Street and from cable operators because of earlier half-hearted attempts, the telcos show no signs of hesitating. “We are only limited on this in terms of how quickly we can deploy the fiber,” Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg declared at a recent investor conference held by Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. “And just for what it's worth, we are deploying it as quickly as we know how and as fast as we know how in every place we can.”

Why such optimism? Verizon and AT&T aren't just calculating the revenues from new businesses; they're also taking into account the value of protecting existing ones, according to UBS media analyst Aryeh Bourkoff and telecom specialist John Hodulik. The two analysts have made telco video a special franchise and write about it extensively. “The whole strategy is a defensive strategy,” Bourkoff says. “They're going to continue to build. They don't really need it financially.”

Telcos have an enormous—$20 billion or so a year—cash cow in consumer telephone service; their relatively slow DSL service has also captured half the Web market. Pushing into video could trip up cable operators and slow the pace at which they're stealing telco residential customers.

Further, telcos see that cable's next obvious move is targeting services to small and medium-size businesses.

Seidenberg considers cable executives' recent talk about business services a sign of their anxiety: “We have picked up our momentum on broadband; we have slowed down the cable juggernaut a little bit. And that is part of the reason they are now looking at some collateral moves into small and medium business.”

Both telcos' plans are ambitious. Verizon is dramatically upgrading its network in parts of its service area, primarily suburban towns. Like cable operators, the company is stretching fiber deep into neighborhoods. But the telcos are going a step further, pulling fiber all the way to customers' homes.

That offers enormous capacity for video and data, but “fiber to the home” (FTTH) is also enormously expensive. One major cost: labor. With strong unions and a history of bureaucratic bloat, Hodulik estimates that the labor cost alone to lay that “last mile” of fiber underground to subscribers' homes is $700. (Stringing it on poles is about half that.)

AT&T is avoiding that cost with a cheaper but more limited architecture. The telco is laying fiber to neighborhood “nodes” but relying on plain-old twisted-pair copper to bridge the last few thousand feet to customers' homes. To get quality video through those wires, AT&T is relying on IPTV (Internet Protocol television) technology.

“I can tell you that cable is impressed so far because I know of one case where they offered a San Antonio customer a 33% discount off his cable bill if he would not switch to our IPTV service,” said AT&T CEO Ed Whitacre at the Sanford Bernstein conference. “So I know it's working.”

How badly might cable be hurt? Not a lot—at first. UBS analysts believe it will take the telcos a while to get going, predicting they'll secure fewer than 3 million subscribers each by the end of 2010.

And cable may not be the most vulnerable here. In Verizon's initial video launches, Hodulik sees a different victim: “They're taking a disproportionate share from satellite TV.” Whereas DirecTV and EchoStar combined have 27% of the video market, around half of Verizon's video customers are coming from DBS.

Why? “Most of these customers already have DSL,” he says. “They're already Verizon customers.”

Senior executives don't appear panicked yet about the telcos' entry into the video market. Comcast CEO Brian Roberts notes that cable already faces huge competition. Newspapers are filled with ads for a free satellite dish or a $12.95 monthly broadband connection. And yet, he says, “we're going to have maybe the fastest growth rate of the company at any time in the last four or five years.”

I'm surprised that picture quality and greater HD offerings weren't mentioned as rationales for switching from satellite.

well didn't you know that "Most consumers don't care about that..."-NOT!!!
i'm one of those Vz DSL/sat. TV subs & the ONLY thing keeping FiOS from me is the lag time between fiber burial & having the area ready for residential installs(i was told up to 60 days) & all that's keeping FiOS TV away is lack of a local video franchise. Maybe by Xmas here.


Jim

Since only about one in five homes now has HD the lack of mentions isn't all that surprising.

good point(unfortunately) tho in a prior posting in this thread an article DID mention the 23 HD chs. Vz provides in the NY area as being the most of any provider in that market. good that SOMEONE in the media noticed.

Jim

The Business of TV
Verizon FiOS TV Expands In Cablevision's Backyard

By Glen Dickson Broadcasting & Cable 7/10/2006

Verizon is now offering its FiOS TV fiber-optic-based TV service to more areas within the town of Oyster Bay, New York, a stronghold of cable operator Cablevision and the home of its chairman Charles Dolan.

Verizon says it is now taking orders for FiOS TV in Oyster Bay hamlets Bethpage, Hicksville, Jericho, and Plainview, following up on a launch late last month in Massapequa, Seaford, Syosset and Woodbury, offering a bundle of television, high-speed data, and phone service for under $95 a month.

A Verizon spokesperson confirmed that Verizon is providing video service in the aforementioned hamlets, but declined to disclose the number of current FiOS TV subs in the area.

Oyster Bay's town board voted in May to grant Verizon a franchise to provide TV service to the town's unincorporated villages, which covers 100,000 homes and includes the eight hamlets discussed so far.

Verizon is also pursuing franchises with Oyster Bay's incorporated villages, but so far has only received a franchise for one, Massapequa Park.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/index.asp?layout=articlePrint&articleID=CA6351247

nice!!! lol

Falling under the Town of Oyster Bay, I got the first available installation date of 7/21! Count me as 'excited' at the prospect of kicking out both Cablevision and D*....especially D*!

Does anyone with FIOS know if the programming guide on the HD PVR is formatted for a 16:9 TV? That's always been one of the annoying things with cable, here they have a PVR designed for an HDTV, but yet the programming guide is formatted 4:3. Go figure.

Does anyone with FIOS know if the programming guide on the HD PVR is formatted for a 16:9 TV? That's always been one of the annoying things with cable, here they have a PVR designed for an HDTV, but yet the programming guide is formatted 4:3. Go figure.

Yeah, same with FiOS DVR. All set up for 4:3 TV. Another great thing is that Verizon program guide is lacking a lot of program information.

My Email:
"Can you tell me when HGTV-HD & Food-HD will be
available on Verizon Fios TV?
Also I know "Outdoor Channel 2 HD" is currently available and "A&E-HD" will
launch in September, will they be carried soon as well?"

Response:
"Our overall strategy is to add more HD
channels to FiOS TV, so I would definitely watch for more HD programming in
the coming months."
Sharon
-
-
-
Not a very detailed response but their obviously not done adding HD channels this year.

The Business of TV
Verizon FiOS TV Expands In Cablevision's Backyard

By Glen Dickson Broadcasting & Cable 7/10/2006

Verizon is now offering its FiOS TV fiber-optic-based TV service to more areas within the town of Oyster Bay, New York, a stronghold of cable operator Cablevision and the home of its chairman Charles Dolan.

Verizon says it is now taking orders for FiOS TV in Oyster Bay hamlets Bethpage, Hicksville, Jericho, and Plainview, following up on a launch late last month in Massapequa, Seaford, Syosset and Woodbury, offering a bundle of television, high-speed data, and phone service for under $95 a month.

A Verizon spokesperson confirmed that Verizon is providing video service in the aforementioned hamlets, but declined to disclose the number of current FiOS TV subs in the area.

Oyster Bay's town board voted in May to grant Verizon a franchise to provide TV service to the town's unincorporated villages, which covers 100,000 homes and includes the eight hamlets discussed so far.

Verizon is also pursuing franchises with Oyster Bay's incorporated villages, but so far has only received a franchise for one, Massapequa Park.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/index.asp?layout=articlePrint&articleID=CA6351247

Article is incorrect, they have also been granted a franchise by the Inc. Village of Laurel Hollow. It's pending NYS PSC approval, expected next month.

So why is the article incorrect?

It says Verizons is pursuing franchises with villages, but so far has only received a franchise from one, Massapequa Park.

Obviously, if the PSC hasn't approved the Laurel Hollow franchise Verizon couldn't be said to have been granted the franchise yet.

Because the local municipality has to grant a franchise agreement, which was done. It goes to the another bureaucratic entity, NYS PSC, to make sure it doesn't favor VZ compared to what the incumbent, Cablevision, has. Bottom line, the franchise agreement was granted, see the link below. Obviously, CA is not like NY is.

http://www.laurelhollow.org/files/Village%20of%20Laurel%20Hollow%20Final%20Agreement%20Revised ,%206.19.2006.pdf

The Business of TV
Louisiana Governor Vetoes State Franchise Reform

By John Eggerton Broadcasting & Cable 7/12/2006

Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco has vetoed a bill that would have created a statewide video franchising system to help telcos more readily compete with cable in the state, according to a staffer for the governor.

The bill would have allowed the telcos to get franchises without going through the process of negotiating with each locality, something the telcos have been seeking on a local and national scale.

Blanco vetoed the bill late Tuesday and had not issued her explanation at press time--she has 24 hours to do so. But she was said to be concerned about the impact on local revenues and constituent services.

She could also have been concerned about possible preemption by national franchise reform legislation. If such a national bill passes, it could render moot several state's revisions of their franchise rules.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/index.asp?layout=articlePrint&articleID=CA6352091

Because the local municipality has to grant a franchise agreement, which was done. It goes to the another bureaucratic entity, NYS PSC, to make sure it doesn't favor VZ compared to what the incumbent, Cablevision, has. Bottom line, the franchise agreement was granted, see the link below. Obviously, CA is not like NY is.

http://www.laurelhollow.org/files/Village%20of%20Laurel%20Hollow%20Final%20Agreement%20Revised ,%206.19.2006.pdf


It seems we are getting bogged down in semantics here.

But where does the article say anything about villages granting franchises?

All I see is that Verizon has received a franchise in the unincorpoared areas and from one village.

You are the one who brought up the word "granted", when clearly (at least to me) the article was talking about areas Verizon has received governmental approval to serve.

The fact is the Village of Laurel Hollow does not have carte blanche authority to grant such a franchise without the approval of the appropriate state agency.

Just as I could grant American Airlines permission to land 767s in my backyard, but until governmental agencies approved the airline's application, my back yard would stay pristine and plane-free.

verizon t.v. will be available in my town within the next 3 weeks , does anybody know if they will carry nba league pass this year? and if so will any of the games be televised in HD? i need to know before the season starts or i'll be stuck with directv untill next year (although thats not really a bad thing.)

From http://www.longhornxp.net/Verizon.html

One big drawback with Verizon FIOS TV is the issue with InDemand. InDemand is a company that offers the two InHD channels along with PPV On Demand titles and many of the Sports subscriptions. InDemand is partly owned by several of the top cable companies such as Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks, Comcast Cable among others. Because of this they are pulling some unfair pricing tactics that are keeping DirecTV and Dish Network from offering the two InHD channels but these tactics are hurting Verizon more as its not just the two InHD channels but the sports subscriptions as well.

DirecTV and Dish Network have deals in place for the sports packages while Verizon is a new entrant without a deal so they are getting the hard end of the stick. I expect this to be handled quicker than most think but until that time the following channels and packages aren't on Verizon FIOS TV.

The two InHD channels of course.

Sports Packages include the following below.

MLB Extra Innings.
NBA League Pass.
NHL Center Ice.
Nascar InCar.
MLS Direct Kick.

Until this InDemand issue gets cleared up these sports packages listed above and the two InHD channels will "not" be offered on Verizon FIOS TV.

Does that include ESPN Full Court (college basketball) and Gameplan (college football)?

The Digital Revolution
FiOS Adds Sarasota to Franchise List

By Karen Brown Multichannel.com 7/13/2006

Verizon Communications’ Verizon FiOS TV franchise train keeps moving along in Florida, adding yet another stop in Sarasota County.

County commissioners there approved a 15-year franchise for FiOS TV earlier this week, making it the ninth Florida market for the fiber-to-the-home-based service to date. The franchise will extend service to 246,000 potential customers in the unincorporated parts of the county, excluding the cities of Sarasota, Longboat Key, Venice and North Port. Comcast also offers cable-TV service there.

Verizon will begin offering FiOS TV service in the north part of the county soon, with plans to extend that to cover the entire county within five years.

Under the franchise agreement, Verizon will provide two public-access channels initially and expand that to as many as six in the future. It will support the channels by kicking in 53 cents per subscriber for the first three years of service, raising that to as much as $1.50 per subscriber afterward.

Verizon also will provide cable service to more than 85 schools and governments at no cost.

With Sarasota County, FiOS TV franchises cover more than 1.8 million customers in Florida and, as of the first quarter, the company said it is averaging a 10% penetration rate in the Sunshine State markets it serves.

http://www.multichannel.com/index.asp?layout=articlePrint&articleid=CA6352587

Does anyone know if FIOS is broadcasting the YES station in HD? I just switched back from Cablevision as YES is finally available, and the installer thought it's in HD somewhere. FWIW, I had forgotten how much better the PW is on FIOS, especially in HD. Glad to be back!

Larry, I was told by FIOS (and read a blurb too) that YES is available in HD on FIOS. I don't know what the channel number is or will be. BTW, what is "PW"?

BTW, what is "PW"?
PQ? Since W's next to Q on keyboards? :-)

PQ? Since W's next to Q on keyboards? :-)
Right - PQ - serves me right for not reviewing my post.
I'll be looking around for HD YES - I did find a 2nd YES in the 500's [510?], but the next YES game isn't till Sunday. Thanks for the info.

Does that include ESPN Full Court (college basketball) and Gameplan (college football)?

These two packages aren't owned by InDemand and honestly I'm still not sure why Verizon hasn't worked a deal for them.

Does FioS have any OnDemand content? Like HowardTV or HBO OnDemand? Or do they have most stuff besides what is owned by InDemand?

Right - PQ - serves me right for not reviewing my post.
I'll be looking around for HD YES - I did find a 2nd YES in the 500's [510?], but the next YES game isn't till Sunday. Thanks for the info.

Larry, let us know about YES HD, I've got my installation a week from today.

Does FioS have any OnDemand content? Like HowardTV or HBO OnDemand? Or do they have most stuff besides what is owned by InDemand?

I'm very sure they have PPV On Demand. I'm sure without a doubt that they don't have HowardTV On Demand.

Besides that they have nearly all the free on demand content that most cable companies have. They also carry Encore On Demand, Starz On Demand, Showtime On Demand and TMC On Demand for Movie Pak customers. If you order Cinemax and/or HBO you will get Cinemax On Demand and/or HBO On Demand at no extra charge.

Does FioS have any OnDemand content? Like HowardTV or HBO OnDemand? Or do they have most stuff besides what is owned by InDemand?

FIOS has a fairly good on demand section. It's not quite as good as Comcast, but I suspect it will get better as they sign more content deals. I know they recently signed a deal for the CBS prime time on demand service. It will also include news material from some local CBS owned and operated stations in their markets.

Here's what's on Verizon FiOS On Demand in the DFW area:

KIDS FREE:
Discovery Kids
Disney
Nickelodeon
Kids Unlimited

ALL FREE:
V Cast Showcase:
ESPN
ESPNU
MTV2
CMT
Comedy Central
MTV
Nickelodeon
VH1
ESPN Desportes
ABC News
MTV espanol

Freeviews:
WWE 24-7
here!
Karaoke

Home & Leisure:
Discovery Health
Discovery Home
Fit TV
Food Network
HGTV
LIME
Travel Channel
Wealth TV

Info & Education:
Discovery Channel
Discovery Science
History
Military Channel
TLC
National Geographic Channel
Animal Planet
Discovery Times

Kids:
Disney
Nickelodeon
Kids Unlimited
Discovery Kids

Music:
CMT
MTV
MTV2
Music Choice
Music Unlimited
VH1
Gospe Music

News:
ABC News

People & Culture:
BET
MTV espanol

Pop Culture:
ABC Family
A&E
Comedy Central
Logo
SOAPnet
USA

Shopping:
ExpoTV

Sports:
ESPN
ESPNU
ESPN Deportes
NFL
Speed Channel
Dew Action Sports

Movie Previews Plus:
In Theaters

Movie Trailers:
In Theaters Now

MOVIES:
New Movies
New By Category
All Movies
All By Category
In Theaters
En Espanol
Oscar Favorites
Just In

SUBSCRIPTIONS:
Cinemax
HBO
Showtime
Starz
Sundance
The Movie Channel
Playboy
WWE 24-7
Karaoke Channel
here! TV
here!

EVENTS

ADULT:
Hustler
Spice
TEN
Uncensored

FiOS TV HELP

Now that FiOS is on Long Island, anyone know when it's coming to Melville?
The nearest FiOS hub to Melville is Massapequa. Anyone...?

Now that FiOS is on Long Island, anyone know when it's coming to Melville?
The nearest FiOS hub to Melville is Massapequa. Anyone...?


What CO is your phone number out of? http://www.dslreports.com/coinfo

That'll help determine if you have to wait or if it's available!

I have VERIZON for my land line & cell phones. I hope that helps?

Now that FiOS is on Long Island, anyone know when it's coming to Melville?
The nearest FiOS hub to Melville is Massapequa. Anyone...?

I think your best bet is to call. I was calling once every two weeks or so to see what the latest was.

Sounds like a good idea.

More NY franchise agreements today, always a good thing!

Lynbrook Consumers One Step Closer to Real Choice for Cable TV

Verizon Obtains Sixth Long Island Cable Franchise; New York Franchise Count up to 10

July 18, 2006

Media contact:
Heather Wilner, 212-321-8333

NEW YORK - Residents in the Long Island village of Lynbrook are a major step closer to choice for their cable television services, thanks to the village Board of Trustees' vote last night (July 17) to award a video franchise to Verizon for its FiOS TV service. Also last night, the Rockland County village of Grandview-on-Hudson granted Verizon a video franchise, increasing the company's total number of franchises in the state to 10.

FiOS TV is Verizon's state-of-the-art, fiber-optic television service, which will be delivered via the company's fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network. Verizon is the first company to offer such a communications network, connecting homes and businesses directly to fiber optics on a widespread scale.

Lynbrook is the sixth Long Island community to grant Verizon a cable franchise, following the communities of Massapequa Park, Cedarhurst, Laurel Hollow, the Town of Hempstead and the Town of Oyster Bay. In addition to Grandview-on-Hudson, the Rockland County villages of Nyack, South Nyack and Upper Nyack have also granted Verizon cable franchises. While Lynbrook falls within the Town of Hempstead, it is an incorporated village. Each incorporated village must conduct its own negotiations with Verizon for a video franchise.

http://newscenter.verizon.com/proactive/newsroom/release.vtml?id=93606

Grandview-on-Hudson Consumers One Step Closer to Real Choice for Cable TV

Verizon's FiOS TV Will Transform the Market for Cable Competition, Consumer Choice and Value

July 18, 2006

Media contact:
Heather Wilner, 212-321-8333

NEW YORK - The Rockland County village of Grandview-on-Hudson is bringing its residents a major step closer to choice for their cable television services, thanks to the Village Board's vote last night (July 17) to award a video franchise to Verizon for its FiOS TV service. Also last night, the Long Island village of Lynbrook granted Verizon a video franchise, increasing the company's total number of franchises in the state to 10.

FiOS TV is Verizon's state-of-the-art, fiber-optic television service, which will be delivered via the company's fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network. Verizon is the first company to offer such a communications network, connecting homes and businesses directly to fiber optics on a widespread scale.

"This is great news for residents of Grandview-on-Hudson, who now will have more choice for their video entertainment," said Monica Azare, Verizon senior vice president for New York and Connecticut. "We applaud Mayor Larry Lynn and the Village Trustees for helping to bring choice and control to their residents. Competition drives innovation, value and service quality.

"We look forward to similarly successful negotiations with other towns and villages throughout New York State," said Azare.

http://newscenter.verizon.com/proactive/newsroom/release.vtml?id=93607

NFL Network for everyone, the Official announcement:

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060719/nyw104.html?.v=62

"Press Release Source: Verizon


Verizon Gives NFL Network a New FiOS TV Home
Wednesday July 19, 10:12 am ET
Network Moves to FiOS TV's Most Popular Programming Package


NEW YORK, July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- It's a touchdown for National Football League fans as NFL Network moves to Verizon FiOS TV's most popular programming package in time for the 2006 preseason.
Beginning Aug. 1, NFL Network will be found in FiOS TV Premier, the 180- plus channel, all-digital programming package selected by most FiOS TV customers. In addition to NFL Network's regular programming, Verizon also carries NFL Network's high-definition feed and NFL Network on Demand. NFL Network previously was part of the FiOS TV Sports package, which delivers more than a dozen different sports channels for $5.95 per month."

* More infor throught Link, above !

So has anyone confirmed the presence of YES HD on FIOS?

So has anyone confirmed the presence of YES HD on FIOS?
I've not been able to find it - the feed on channels 65 and 510 is SD. I called FIOS and got the usual vague response -''we plan to expand our HD lineup...''

Larry, FIOS told me that the HD feed for YES is on only when the game is on. So HD YES is not a 24/7 feed at this point, but only when the Yankee games are on and in HD.

Did FIOS give you a channel number?

No Dave, the installer didn't recall the number, but he said he was doing an install at a customer when the game was on and it was in HD. After the game the channel went black.

My installation is complete.....wow, all day affair! Observations thus far:
* HD picture quality better than any I've seen
* No pixellization on fast movement or sudden brightness changes thus far
* Surprisingly fast channel changes
* I like some of the PVR functions, but I haven't explored it in any depth...too tired
* SD quality is terrific
* I suspect, unlike D*, this service would actually benefit from a full resolution display!

More to come. :)

They just activated FIOS internet in my area (Lawrenceville NJ) and I was REALLY surprised that the 30 MBPS package costs $179 PER MONTH while the 15 MBPS package costs $44.95 per month.

Why in the world are they pricing it so high for 30 MBPS? If they had a reasonable rate, let's say even up to $69 per month for the 30 MBPS package they'd get a lot of subscribers. With the $179 per month they will get ZERO residential customers, and they obviously are trying to price out residential customers from that package.

Is ANYONE out there getting the 30 MBPS package and what do you pay?????

Are you using their wireless router and does their wirless G router actually transfer the full 15 or 30 MBPS rate, and does their wireless router support VPNs?

Hi. I just joined this forum and had a question so far. Nhey, I also live in Lawrenceville NJ, in the 08648 area, which sometimes comes up as Trenton..I was wondering what your zip code was, and if you know, why FIOS hasnt come to my part of Lawrenceville.

any word on FiOS and the Golf Channel?

any word on FiOS and the Golf Channel?

It will be a long time. Comcast owns the Golf Channel. They have no desire to let Verizon have anything that could help take subscribers away from their service.

Eventually if Fios continues to grow, Comcast will have no choice but to make a deal or miss out on a large number of viewers.

It will be a long time. Comcast owns the Golf Channel. They have no desire to let Verizon have anything that could help take subscribers away from their service.

Eventually if Fios continues to grow, Comcast will have no choice but to make a deal or miss out on a large number of viewers.

I didn't know that. But if that is the case, how do Direct TV and Dish get access? Why was Comcast willing to cut a deal with them and not Verizon? They are available to many more Comcast subscribers than FiOS is for now.

FiOS Takes Big Step Toward IPTV

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 7/27/2006 2:51:00 PM

As it ramps up its FiOS video system, already available in seven states, Verizon has just taken a "Very big" step toward going all IPTV, all the time.

Currently its video system is a hybrid of traditional video delivery via cable for its linear programming and IPTV for its video on demand offerings and electronic program guide. the goal is to put it all on the 'net.


The "very big" was from Verizon spokesman Mark Marchand, who says the company expects to delivery FiOS via IPTV within the next several years. "Eventually, this sets the stage for going all-IPTV when we feel the technology is more mature and scalable," he said.

The "step" is quadrupling broadband download speeds-and octupling upload speeds--through equipment deals with equipment from Motorola, Tellabs and Alcatel.

The rollout of what it is calling a Gigabit Passive Optical Network (G-PON) will come by the end of the year, and will have immediate impact on the speed and flexibility of VOD.

Currently, Verizon starts with 633 megabits per second, but that is divided among as many as 32 customers by the time it gets to the home. The new network will start out at 2.4 gigabits per second.

Why eight times upload speed but only four time for download? "We're trying to do more with upstream given that the Internet is more interactive," says Marchand.

Editor's note: If you ping the new network, are you playing "ping G-PON?"

http://broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6357086.html?display=Breaking+News

I didn't know that. But if that is the case, how do Direct TV and Dish get access? Why was Comcast willing to cut a deal with them and not Verizon? They are available to many more Comcast subscribers than FiOS is for now.

This is a very complex situation. It's a battle between what's good for Comcast's cable networks and their cable systems. When a competitor gets big enough (like Direct TV and Dish) Comcast has no choice but to want their cable networks on those services. Verizon is just not big enough yet. Verizon could overcome this by offering to pay a premium to get the channels on their service. However, that might tend to reduce their competitive pricing advantage over Comcast.

yeah, I just read the press release above, and I thought FiOS was in more than seven states already. Here in North Texas, it seems like it has been around for several years now, but I know this was a test market for them. I have had the fiber optic run, and the phone/internet for about a year, but still do not have the TV, although the east side of town has it. I am supposed to get it "at the end of the summer" whatever that means. Comcast is switching over to Time Warner here as a result of the Aplephi deal, and I am hoping to do a three-for and switch my comcast internet/cable for Verizon internet/FiOS (and keep Verizon phone service) as soon as I can so I only have to swap email address once.

No Dave, the installer didn't recall the number, but he said he was doing an install at a customer when the game was on and it was in HD. After the game the channel went black.

My installation is complete.....wow, all day affair! Observations thus far:
* HD picture quality better than any I've seen
* No pixellization on fast movement or sudden brightness changes thus far
* Surprisingly fast channel changes
* I like some of the PVR functions, but I haven't explored it in any depth...too tired
* SD quality is terrific
* I suspect, unlike D*, this service would actually benefit from a full resolution display!

More to come. :)
Got any more for us yet?
I'm on Long Island and my FIOS TV is scheduled to be installed 8/14.
Any more thoughts/observations on how FIOS TV compares to Cablevision (assuming you were previously a CV subscriber)?
Regarding your all-day installation, did you already have FIOS internet or were they installing from scratch?
I'd be particularly interested in knowing how many of their channels are HD on the Premier Plan.

Here's the NY channel lineup. 800 - 840 are all the HD's.

http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/Includes/FiOSTV/NY_New%20York%20Area.pdf

Here's the NY channel lineup. 800 - 840 are all the HD's.

http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/Includes/FiOSTV/NY_New%20York%20Area.pdf
Thanks!
Do you, or does anyone here know, what pricing plan "HD National" is available under?

Thanks!
Do you, or does anyone here know, what pricing plan "HD National" is available under?

There is no separate HD tier. It is included in the 39.99$ package when you rent the HD box for 10$.

Got any more for us yet?
I'm on Long Island and my FIOS TV is scheduled to be installed 8/14.
Any more thoughts/observations on how FIOS TV compares to Cablevision (assuming you were previously a CV subscriber)?
Regarding your all-day installation, did you already have FIOS internet or were they installing from scratch?
I'd be particularly interested in knowing how many of their channels are HD on the Premier Plan.

Slogun, I posted a response on the local HD reception site. However, in brief, I continue to be wowed by FIOS, I really do. The installation was from scratch, I had nothing FIOS to begin with.

PQ remains superb and the quantity beats out anything D* or Cablevision can offer. The other nice thing is their HD PVR. IMO (and I know others might disagree), I actually like it better than the HD Tivo. Sure, the interface is not quite as slick, but hell, the thing is VERY fast and PQ is just gorgeous. Channel changes are like channel changes on our old analog TVs, the new channel is there before you know it! Menus are lightening fast and the entire interface is extremely user friendly.

As far as which channels are in which plan, you're really better off going to the FIOS website and seeing what they have there. I got essentially everything they offer and downgraded my D* and Cablevision I/O to more basic packages with no movie channels. I'm still waiting for the HD version of YES. They've got YES SD, but no YES HD yet. I'm told it's coming soon.

Slogun, I posted a response on the local HD reception site. However, in brief, I continue to be wowed by FIOS, I really do. The installation was from scratch, I had nothing FIOS to begin with.

PQ remains superb and the quantity beats out anything D* or Cablevision can offer. The other nice thing is their HD PVR. IMO (and I know others might disagree), I actually like it better than the HD Tivo. Sure, the interface is not quite as slick, but hell, the thing is VERY fast and PQ is just gorgeous. Channel changes are like channel changes on our old analog TVs, the new channel is there before you know it! Menus are lightening fast and the entire interface is extremely user friendly.

As far as which channels are in which plan, you're really better off going to the FIOS website and seeing what they have there. I got essentially everything they offer and downgraded my D* and Cablevision I/O to more basic packages with no movie channels. I'm still waiting for the HD version of YES. They've got YES SD, but no YES HD yet. I'm told it's coming soon.
Thanks again!

There is no separate HD tier. It is included in the 39.99$ package when you rent the HD box for 10$.
That's what I was hoping.
As for boxes, they quoted me $10 for HD DVR, $4 for non HD STB and a buck or two for cablecard (with NO install fee which I'm skeptical about).
Thanks.

I currently have CV and a SA8300HD with external storage and firewire out of the STB.

Does the FiOS HD-DVR have similiar connectivity?
-eSATA external storage expansion?
-firewire 1394 out?

Thanks in advance.

-eSATA external storage expansion?
-firewire 1394 out?

Thanks in advance.
No
Yes

The TiVo S3 will have a Cable Card and external storage expansion !

Not sure of firewire...

The TiVo S3 will have a Cable Card and external storage expansion !

Not sure of firewire...Any idea when the TiVo S3 will be available? If it does include a two-way CableCARD slot and IEEE 1394 out... I wonder if Cable/FiOS providers will authorize "copy once" protection?

Anyone reading this in West Plano have FiOS yet? I know it is avaiable in East Plano for some time, but I was told to expect it here sometime this summer. We have had Verizon fiber for months now, and they keep pushing the Internet but no FiOS TV yet. With the Comcast/TM switch tomorrow, I am ready to make the move.

The S3 will have two CC slots - one is capable of a multi-stream so that if available you need only pay for one card instead of two.

As far as I can tell by going through

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=3

, they will not be two-way.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6358030.html?display=Breaking+News


"Verizon Communications’ Verizon FiOS TV service will get its taste of anime starting Tuesday.

The regional Bell operating company reached a carriage deal with Navarre’s FUNimation Entertainment subsidiary to launch FUNimation Channel, a 24-hour digital network featuring programming from top anime brands in the United States.

FUNimation Channel will be added to FiOS TV’s Premier package, the two parties said."

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6358030.html?display=Breaking+News


"Verizon Communications’ Verizon FiOS TV service will get its taste of anime starting Tuesday.

The regional Bell operating company reached a carriage deal with Navarre’s FUNimation Entertainment subsidiary to launch FUNimation Channel, a 24-hour digital network featuring programming from top anime brands in the United States.

FUNimation Channel will be added to FiOS TV’s Premier package, the two parties said."


Is that an HD channel, or strictly SD?

Is that an HD channel, or strictly SD?


I'd be willing to bet it will be strictly SD.

justin.

Does anyone know when the NJ governor is going to sign the state-wide franchise bill? I thought he had let 60 days to act. Sixty days I believe is almost up.

From http://www.cedmagazine.com/article/CA6357410.html
Verizon GPON strategy will lay groundwork for IPTV

Verizon is preparing to introduce an advanced fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) architecture that will produce faster Internet services, and set the table for future IP-based video services, including more bandwidth-intensive high-definition television (HDTV) fare and expanded video-on-demand (VOD) capabilities.
--John

It will be a long time. Comcast owns the Golf Channel. They have no desire to let Verizon have anything that could help take subscribers away from their service.

Eventually if Fios continues to grow, Comcast will have no choice but to make a deal or miss out on a large number of viewers.
The Golf channel is now on channel 305 with FIOS...I think it was just added.

woo-hoo.

I guess long time is a relative term in today's market?

FIOS also has AZN, G4, E!, Style, and TV One, all owned by Comcast.

They have Comcast SportsNet in Howard County, MD. (Not HD though.)

The Golf channel is now on channel 305 with FIOS...I think it was just added.

Yep. I was dead wrong on this one. They still don't have OLN, but maybe that's coming. Who knows.

Golf was added to the sports package the same day the NFL Network moved to the regular channel package. NFL now appears on Channel 69 in addition to 304 and the HD version on 814.

I noticed several other new channels today as well.

Religious channels:
BYU 245
3ABN 246
Daystar 248
Smile of a Child (a TBN Children's channel) 249
TBN 250

A new animation channel was added: Funimation on 221
Then there's a new music channel called IMF on 178
A Korean language MTV channel was also added on 497 (this requires a special subscription)

I have comcast and I can discribe OLN in three words: hockey, bulls, survivor. If you are a fan of any of this, then you will love OLN. Beyond that, it is pretty slim. They are trying to position it to be a competitor to ESPN so they are getting into all kinds of sports (since when is hockey or bull riding an outdoor sport?) Bull riding is big on there, ant the Tour de France was on non stop. I used to watch it more, when they had lots of outdoor shows and hunting/fishing shows, but now I seldom tune it in. I am very interested in seeing what the Outdoor Channel looks like, especially in HD.

I've heard that Verizon was in talks to add RealMadrid Television, the 24-Hour in-house cable network of soccer giants Real Madrid. I wonder how close they are to striking a deal with them?

I've heard that Verizon was in talks to add RealMadrid Television, the 24-Hour in-house cable network of soccer giants Real Madrid. I wonder how close they are to striking a deal with them?


This sounds interesting to me. It's not that I am a Football fan (I'm not), but that if they would carry that channel, then it opens the possibility that they would carry Setanta Sports. Setanta is a Dublin based sports channel that carries Rugby (Union and League) from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, UK and Europe, Football (German Bundisliga), Irish Football, Hurling and so on. I am a huge Rugby Union fan. D* carries Setanta Sports. The only thing that would keep me from switching to FIOS if Verizon came knocking on my door right now is that they do not carry Setanta.

I would really love to switch to FIOS before I have to upgrade with D* to Mpeg4 (and their own Mpeg4 HD DVR), but unless I hear that Setanta is on FIOS, it's a no-go for me.

Does anyone know when the NJ governor is going to sign the state-wide franchise bill? I thought he had let 60 days to act. Sixty days I believe is almost up.
He has until tomorrow to do something - sign it, veto it, conditional veto or do nothing (in which case it becomes law). Here is the article:

http://www.nj.com/opinion/ledger/editorials/index.ssf?/base/news-1/115432362226020.xml&coll=1

FiOS TV Is Big in Texas

8/2/2006 1:47:00 PM

Verizon Communications expanded the availability of its Verizon FiOS TV service to more than 57,000 households in north Texas.

The regional Bell operating company said its fiber-optic TV service is now available to 30,000 households in Plano, 9,400 in Carrollton, 5,900 in Irving and 12,000 in Garland.

The telco added that more north Texas homes will be included later this year.

Verizon now has video franchises covering approximately 3 million households in nine states and more than 100 franchise areas.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6358663.html?display=Breaking+News

Bad news for NH residents:

Verizon pulls plug on N.H. cable plan

By Gordon Fraser
Eagle-Tribune

Before it even got in, Verizon Communications is pulling out of the New Hampshire cable television business, at least for now, a company spokeswoman said yesterday.
Since 2004, the telecommunications giant has spent billions of dollars across the country, laying fiber optic cable, creating a platform to offer telephone, Internet and cable television service. Many local government officials eagerly awaited Verizon's arrival, which they said would bring competition and lower prices to a market dominated by a single cable provider in each community.

Instead, Verizon spokeswoman Jill Wurm said the company has sent equipment and franchise negotiators intended for New Hampshire to New Jersey, where a single franchise agreement can be negotiated at the state level.

In the Granite State, Verizon would have to negotiate with each of the 23 communities in which it has installed fiber optic cable.

"So, since that's the mode of operation in New Hampshire, everything ... got reallocated," Wurm said.

She said Verizon could reinvest in New Hampshire as soon as six months from now, but said she couldn't guarantee any timeline.

"We're disappointed," said lawyer Robert Ciandella, who had been negotiating with Verizon on Salem's behalf. "We were trying to ... conduct a very effective franchise negotiation."

Ciandella's firm, Donahue, Tucker and Ciandella of Exeter, was negotiating on behalf of five other New Hampshire towns, as well, Ciandella said.

Like many towns, Salem had an "ascertainment" hearing last spring, he said. The hearing gave public officials and residents an opportunity to discuss the town's needs and goals for cable access. After that, Verizon had 30 days to submit a proposal and begin negotiations.

It never did.

Within the last few weeks, Ciandella said, the company contacted him to say it was not pursuing negotiations in New Hampshire.

Ciandella said the company does have a track record of seeking legislative solutions to the problem of negotiating town by town. "Verizon is exploring whether there's a political strategy that would allow it to avoid (local negotiations)," he said.

Wurm acknowledged Verizon has made efforts across the country to change laws requiring them to negotiate franchise agreements locally.

But, Wurm said, the company hasn't yet called for legislation in New Hampshire to change franchise procedure.

"We have not filed any legislation specific to that in New Hampshire just yet," she said.

The company could propose legislation as late as this fall to introduce a bill for the legislative session in January.

If such legislation were to go forward, it could affect a funding source for local governments. Companies pay a franchise fee to use local infrastructure.

In an earlier interview, Atkinson Town Administrator Russell McAllister said his town makes about $80,000 per year from its franchise agreement with Comcast.

But because money from the franchise agreement is based on the total number of customers, towns would not likely earn more money with the introduction of a new company. As cable companies split customers, so, too, would they split the cost of operating a franchise, Ciandella said.

Salem Town Administrator Henry LaBranche yesterday criticized Verizon's decision.

"I find their strategy rather bewildering," he said. "If, indeed, they've pulled out of the process, it's a rather premature reaction on their part."

http://www.eagletribune.com/siteSearch/apstorysection/local_story_214155904?page=0

Paying lawyers to reach an agreement with seperate entities in a state gets expensive - obviously Verizon is looking to cut back on what it spends to get agreements in place. They are plenty busy with the current roll out - get the lowest hanging fruit first.

I heard they were pulling out of New Hampshire (Population: 1,235,786 ; 41st) and Maine (Population: 1,274,923 ; 40th) because the cost for laying fiber optic cable in a state with such a low population, just wasn't worth it.

Guess I am lucky to live in Mass (Population: 6,349,097 ; 13th) and already have FIOS.

Maybe when they start turning a profit, they'll add it sometime in the future.

Not looking good for New Hampshire...
Here is a update for all of New Hampshire and the FIOS project...as of today you will notice that the fios project will begin to wind down and less and less trucks on your streets..this is because Verizon had diverted all its funds for fios NH to Mass. Verizon has decided that the state of New Hampshire doesn't make enough money and is looking to sell it off along with the states of Vermont and Maine...therefore all fios construction will be coming to an end and if you do not have it now good luck in the future...I am an employee of Verizon and this news has got me very worried about if I will have a job in the future...there are many suitable buyers lined up to buy this chunk of New England at the expense of you guys the consumer....if you do not think I am serious about this go to ibew2320 and click on the business managers report and read....any help from any of our customers can only help us win this battle.

Thank You
Chad Huckins
Verizon Tech.
Edit: This quote was from the NH thread in the Broadband reports thread....Couldn't add the url here because of the Admin settings.

This has got to be very frustrating for video enthusiasts in N.H. I really feel badly for these folks since I know how I'd feel. However when you look at it objectively, I can see how Verizon is getting sick & tired of fighting this fight community by community rather than at the state level. This could easily have happened here in N.Y. where Verizon has to do the same thing, but I guess the potential rewards here are far greater than in N.H. with its much smaller population and visibility. I really hope this will change in the near future for N.H., competition is always good.

Golf was added to the sports package the same day the NFL Network moved to the regular channel package. NFL now appears on Channel 69 in addition to 304 and the HD version on 814.

QUOTE]

The website still shows the NFL channel as part of the sports package and no golf channel? Is this occuring in all areas? I'm in Fairfax County and haven't seen it.

I notice Verizon is secretly adding a lot of channels. MTV Korean for example. Its obvious too, because they show up in the guide in a wierd spot (I have all the foriegn language channels not listed in my guide). Then you have to go and remove them from the channel list. :)

-John

I notice Verizon is secretly adding a lot of channels. MTV Korean for example. Its obvious too, because they show up in the guide in a wierd spot (I have all the foriegn language channels not listed in my guide). Then you have to go and remove them from the channel list. :)

-John
Nothing secret about it - it's just that it takes a while for the fanfare to catch up with reality. :cool:

I like the new imf channel (international music feed) it has great music videos from all over the world. to me anyways i like to see and here what the rest of the planet is watching. by the way does anybody know it verizon will be carrying the nba channel and nba league pass?

Well, I found the Golf Channel and the others here in Fairfax. How is it that we know that NFL Network is not part of the sports package? This would be good because my kids want NFLHD but I'm to cheap to subscribe to the sports pack.

Well, I found the Golf Channel and the others here in Fairfax. How is it that we know that NFL Network is not part of the sports package? This would be good because my kids want NFLHD but I'm to cheap to subscribe to the sports pack.


Wait, you are in Northern Virginia and get the Golf Channel w/o the sports package? I'm in Burke and see the Golf Channel but can't watch it as I'm on the premier package.

justin.

Wait, you are in Northern Virginia and get the Golf Channel w/o the sports package? I'm in Burke and see the Golf Channel but can't watch it as I'm on the premier package.

justin.

No, I found it in the TVGuide listings. I actually am getting Fios installed in a week. So, to get the Golf Channel and the NFL Network, do I have to sign up for the sports package?

No, I found it in the TVGuide listings. I actually am getting Fios installed in a week. So, to get the Golf Channel and the NFL Network, do I have to sign up for the sports package?

Golf Channel - Yes.
NFL Network - No.

justin.

He has until tomorrow to do something - sign it, veto it, conditional veto or do nothing (in which case it becomes law). Here is the article:

http://www.nj.com/opinion/ledger/editorials/index.ssf?/base/news-1/115432362226020.xml&coll=1


Anybody know if the governor of NJ signed the bill today?

anyone knows what's happening in redondo beach, CA? fios internet but no tv yet.

I am in West Plano and Verizon told me this morning that FiOS TV is now available here. I ordered the internet service, but am waiting on the TV because I ordered ST and superfan from D* and don't want to switch until after the football season.

I asked the Verizon rep if FiOS would work with my D* TIVo (HR10-250) and she said yes, but I would need 2 of the FiOS HD receivers to connect to the 2 HD Tivo cable feeds.

Does anyone know if this is correct?

Anybody know if the governor of NJ signed the bill today?
Signed into law. (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/08-04-2006/0004410611&EDATE=)

I am in West Plano and Verizon told me this morning that FiOS TV is now available here. I ordered the internet service, but am waiting on the TV because I ordered ST and superfan from D* and don't want to switch until after the football season.

I asked the Verizon rep if FiOS would work with my D* TIVo (HR10-250) and she said yes, but I would need 2 of the FiOS HD receivers to connect to the 2 HD Tivo cable feeds.

Does anyone know if this is correct?
If you do not have an active account with D*TV with their TiVo service your HD TiVo is worthless. I could get OTA fine with the 10-250 but without the program guide you cannot record, not even by time slot. I guess the 10-250 would accept a signal from the FiOS box but all tuning would have be done in the FiOS box so what's the point. At least that's my understanding of the situation. As always, I could be wrong.

If you do not have an active account with D*TV with their TiVo service your HD TiVo is worthless. I could get OTA fine with the 10-250 but without the program guide you cannot record, not even by time slot. I guess the 10-250 would accept a signal from the FiOS box but all tuning would have be done in the FiOS box so what's the point. At least that's my understanding of the situation. As always, I could be wrong.


that's right, w/o a sub to D*, the hdtivo won't even let you do manual recording. it becomes just a OTA tuner with a 30 minute buffer (you can rewind up to 30 minutes ago). it's not even a very good OTA tuner. with the same signal, I get much more reliable reception with my Voom box (although the voom box can't get KCET-DT for some reason).

Thanks. I suspected that was the case. From comments earlier in this thread there seem to be some good features in the FiOS DVR, but it doesn't appear to be HD so I guess I will just have to stay with D for now.

Thanks. I suspected that was the case. From comments earlier in this thread there seem to be some good features in the FiOS DVR, but it doesn't appear to be HD so I guess I will just have to stay with D for now.

This is not correct. The FIOS DVR is indeed HD.

Thanks. I suspected that was the case. From comments earlier in this thread there seem to be some good features in the FiOS DVR, but it doesn't appear to be HD so I guess I will just have to stay with D for now.

Haivng two of the FIOS HD PVRs, I can attest to the fact that they are indeed HD and put out a far superior picture to the HD Tivo on D* (I also have an HD Tivo). I also highly question what you were told regarding the ability to use an HD Tivo with FIOS. I really don't see how that's possible.

This has got to be very frustrating for video enthusiasts in N.H. I really feel badly for these folks since I know how I'd feel. However when you look at it objectively, I can see how Verizon is getting sick & tired of fighting this fight community by community rather than at the state level.

I'm from NH, and I'm frustrated, but at the same time, I think Verizon did the right thing. These town councils will try to stick it to verizon in any way they can....long hearing, studies and data (at verizon's cost) etc. NH ( in the south) is full of mid-sized towns (20,000-40,000) which is just the right size for small time tin pot dictators. Verizon will do better in nearly any other place, except maybe Vermont.

I'm from NH, and I'm frustrated, but at the same time, I think Verizon did the right thing. These town councils will try to stick it to verizon in any way they can....long hearing, studies and data (at verizon's cost) etc. NH ( in the south) is full of mid-sized towns (20,000-40,000) which is just the right size for small time tin pot dictators. Verizon will do better in nearly any other place, except maybe Vermont.
When Verizon was negotiating with my town in Mass, I called the town hall and went to the meeting so I could voice my opinion and made sure they knew my vote for them in the next election, would depend on the speedy approval of FIOS in my town.

I also encouraged my neighbors to do the same, so they may benefit from the advantages of having competition for Cable service.

I am saving $70 a month and get more and a better quality after switching my phone, Internet and Cable tv, so do all you can do...it's really worth it.

I'm from NH, and I'm frustrated, but at the same time, I think Verizon did the right thing. These town councils will try to stick it to verizon in any way they can....long hearing, studies and data (at verizon's cost) etc. NH ( in the south) is full of mid-sized towns (20,000-40,000) which is just the right size for small time tin pot dictators. Verizon will do better in nearly any other place, except maybe Vermont.

I don't think they withdrew due to politics at all. I believe it's due to being overextended in capital spending overall and having to withdraw their spending for a short while until their new budget calendar starts. It's easier to pull back on making committments that would encumber capital in NH than just plain stopping building in other locations already underway.

Verizon makes more money every year than the entire cable industry combined, but even their pockets are only so deep.

By doing this in NH, it also allow them to generate the animosity towards the local franchising authorities from the constituents by saying its due to difficulties in the process. That way, when they're prepared to come back (and they will), this action will cause more customer pressure on the franchising authorities from the constituents to get the deal doneand not miss "their chance".

Hopefully, the franchising authority still cuts the right deal that protects the community and not just bow to the pressure. Better to live with a few months of negotiations up front than 15 years of a potentially bad deal down the road.

GoIrish

Anyone else getting channel 860?

Right now it's showing PBS broadcasting, but I assume it will become something else.

That's good news about the DVR being HD. Their website says it holds 85 hours of SD programming. Using a 5 to 1 ratio that would seem to say about 17 hours of HD. Extrapolating that to hard disk size, it would seem to be about 180 Gig. Is this close? Do you find this limiting? Can you extend it or is that why you have 2?

Thanks for your help.

the DCT6416 is a 180g hard drive

The hard drive size is disapointing. A 1 hour digital/Hd show takes 6% of hard drive space. This limits you to 16 hours of digital/HD shows before dvr starts to delete shows. The sd 1 hour show takes a slightly smaller %.

Having gone from the HD Tivo, the verizon box "feels" much smaller. My tivo recordings harly ever dropped off, the verizon seems to drop off recordings after 1 or 2 days.

I wonder if part of the problem is that Verizon is actually transmitting HD full as opposed to D* with HD lite, so Verizon's 1 hour takes more space than D*'s one hour.

Yes Bill, I've read elsewhere that's exactly the 'issue'. You see we pay a price for leaving HD Lite from D*. But you know what? I'll take that tradeoff ANY day of the week. Once you see the picture and the selection, you'll soon forget the HD capacity. I'm sure the next gen will have a greater capacity. In the meantime it just means you need to watch your shows a bit quicker and delete them accordingly. A small price to pay for what FIOS give you IMO. ;)

Yes Bill, I've read elsewhere that's exactly the 'issue'. You see we pay a price for leaving HD Lite from D*. But you know what? I'll take that tradeoff ANY day of the week. Once you see the picture and the selection, you'll soon forget the HD capacity. I'm sure the next gen will have a greater capacity. In the meantime it just means you need to watch your shows a bit quicker and delete them accordingly. A small price to pay for what FIOS give you IMO. ;)
Yeah, if they had remotes that you could change codes on I would get another and set it right on top of my first one. Unfortunately, as it is, all the boxes in the room would respond to all the remotes.

That's good news about the DVR being HD. Their website says it holds 85 hours of SD programming. Using a 5 to 1 ratio that would seem to say about 17 hours of HD. Extrapolating that to hard disk size, it would seem to be about 180 Gig. Is this close? Do you find this limiting? Can you extend it or is that why you have 2?

Thanks for your help.

I actually saw it listed in some brochure as 21 hours of HD recording. That seems to hold true based on my recording.

Personally I've had no trouble with the hard drive size at all.

I actually saw it listed in some brochure as 21 hours of HD recording. That seems to hold true based on my recording.

Personally I've had no trouble with the hard drive size at all.


It would take some getting used to after having an HD TiVo with two large drives.

I asked the Verizon rep if FiOS would work with my D* TIVo (HR10-250) and she said yes, but I would need 2 of the FiOS HD receivers to connect to the 2 HD Tivo cable feeds.

Does anyone know if this is correct?Not even close. Others have mentioned the need for the HR10-250 to remain subscribed to DirecTV to operate normally; but even if it were subscribed, there are no Fios channels that it's capable of receiving. It only picks up 8VSB ATSC OTA (and of course, DirecTV's own incompatible system), not the QAM used by Fios.

Not even close. Others have mentioned the need for the HR10-250 to remain subscribed to DirecTV to operate normally; but even if it were subscribed, there are no Fios channels that it's capable of receiving. It only picks up 8VSB ATSC OTA (and of course, DirecTV's own incompatible system), not the QAM used by Fios.
And even if it had a QAM tuner it would be useless - all of FIOS QAM channels are encrypted - they have no clear QAM channels. Only the analogs below ch 50 are in the clear.

And even if it had a QAM tuner it would be useless - all of FIOS QAM channels are encrypted - they have no clear QAM channels. Only the analogs below ch 50 are in the clear.I'd assumed the locals at least would be unencrypted, as I've read is required for cable. Although I have good OTA reception, I figure the $13/mo. I pay for basic cable is worthwhile for backup. I have two HD tuner/DVRs with clear QAM capability and am thinking about getting a third. I've had FIOS Internet for over a year and will look seriously at their TV service when it's offered, but encrypted locals could be a deal breaker.

I'd assumed the locals at least would be unencrypted, as I've read is required for cable. encrypted locals could be a deal breaker.
For me, no YES in HD is a deal breaker. I'll be calling FIOS this week to cancel my 8/14 install.

Everything I've heard says YES HD will be soon, very soon. What I did was to hang on to a minimum Cablevision package soley for YES HD. That way I get to enjoy the superior PQ and HD offerings of FIOS while still enjoying the Yankees in HD! Best of both worlds. It won't cost that much since I seriously doubt it will be long until YES HD arrives. Getting the YES contract was more than half the battle for FIOS. :)

Everything I've heard says YES HD will be soon, very soon. What I did was to hang on to a minimum Cablevision package soley for YES HD. That way I get to enjoy the superior PQ and HD offerings of FIOS while still enjoying the Yankees in HD! Best of both worlds. It won't cost that much since I seriously doubt it will be long until YES HD arrives. Getting the YES contract was more than half the battle for FIOS. :)
I guess that's a possibility.
FIOS said they will use the same interior cabling that cablevision uses, so how do you switch easily between FIOS and CV?

I guess that's a possibility.
FIOS said they will use the same interior cabling that cablevision uses, so how do you switch easily between FIOS and CV?

They run the fiber to your home and have a box that decodes the fiber then sends it into the standard coax cable for the TV. They just hook right in to where the old cable company was hooked up. They use the same boxes as Comcast to decode the digital cable. It works very well.

They run the fiber to your home and have a box that decodes the fiber then sends it into the standard coax cable for the TV. They just hook right in to where the old cable company was hooked up. They use the same boxes as Comcast to decode the digital cable. It works very well.
Yes, I just want to know how Ken Ross switches back and forth between his FIOS and his cable.
Not too convenient to go screwing and unscrewing coax when we want to see the Yankees in HD.
Is there a better way?

I've had FIOS Internet for over a year and will look seriously at their TV service when it's offered, but encrypted locals could be a deal breaker.
This could change but I have a feeling FIOS did this intentionally so as to not have to worry about loss of revenue. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the other cable cos follow this lead. Of course it's alot easier for FIOS since they have total control of all the serivces coming in the fiber via their ONT. They can independnatly control phone, data and TV remotely. Regular cable cos have to come out to the site and play with filters to achieve the same thing. So many times you get more than the cable co would like you to have but they don't bother to limit the signal - so you get clear QAM channels (including VOD on which they are definitely losing revenue when not encrypted)

I guess that's a possibility.
FIOS said they will use the same interior cabling that cablevision uses, so how do you switch easily between FIOS and CV?


Very easily....hook up one STB source to one input of your HDTV and the other STB source to another. In my case I use only HDMI, so I use an HDMI switcher. Verizon will run another wire if you want to retain 1 cable line for the cable STB.

Not too convenient to go screwing and unscrewing coax when we want to see the Yankees in HD.
Is there a better way?

You could use an A/B switch.

Very easily....hook up one STB source to one input of your HDTV and the other STB source to another. In my case I use only HDMI, so I use an HDMI switcher. Verizon will run another wire if you want to retain 1 cable line for the cable STB.

You could use an A/B switch.

Yes, both are good possibilities.
Hey Ken aren't you paying about $50 a month for CV's Family Basic just to get that YES-HD?

Is there a package deal for tv& internet together? What are the hidden fees such as taxes, surcharges and box rentals?

yes. go to the Verizon website for more info.

the rental for the HD box is 12.95/mo but it is a DVR. you pay taxes/surcharges for ANYTHING related to telecommunications so that's not really an issue IMHO.

Is there a package deal for tv& internet together? What are the hidden fees such as taxes, surcharges and box rentals?

Try www.verizon.com\fiostv

yes. go to the Verizon website for more info.

the rental for the HD box is 12.95/mo but it is a DVR. you pay taxes/surcharges for ANYTHING related to telecommunications so that's not really an issue IMHO.


Well the total cost is an issue to many. Nothing like advertising $29.95 a month for a cell phone and then getting a bill for almost $45 due to fees, charges,surcharges,subsurcharges,911 surcharges,MTA surcharges, etc....


Can someone who has FIOS let the rest of us know what the other fees are that show up on your monthly bill?

Thanks in advance,

Joe

Tax and Fees



Franchise Fee 4.98

PEG Fee 2.84

Total Tax and Fees $7.82

Dave,

I had to wait almost 3 minutes for your answer!!! Stop slacking off!!!

P.S. Thanks so much

Joe

I believe Dave's number is low. Maybe VA is different but there is usually a sales tax component too. The franchise fee also differ by town so you need someone to respond from your part of NY.

Here are my extra charges. I have one HD-DVR plus two other SD boxes and I suscribe to almost everything except for Sports and Spanish packages. I do not have phone service. These amounts are for 1.75 months of Service (my first bill):

Internet:
State Tax $2.69
City Tax $0.86

TV:
State Sales Tax: $7.03
Equipment State Sales Tax: $2.04
City Sales Tax: $2.25
Equipment City Sales Tax: $0.66
PEG Fee: $0.02
Franchise Fee: $7.64

Laters,
Jeff

Yes, both are good possibilities.
Hey Ken aren't you paying about $50 a month for CV's Family Basic just to get that YES-HD?

That's the problem being a nutsy Yankee fan! :D

Any news on Verizon lawsuit/negotiations with CV to carry MSG network? I have been waiting patiently in NJ to ditch D* in favor of Verizon but I'm afraid with no MSG its no deal.

I believe Dave's number is low. Maybe VA is different but there is usually a sales tax component too. The franchise fee also differ by town so you need someone to respond from your part of NY.

Those are the only taxes and fees listed under the TV service on my bill. I'm sure there are others for phone and Internet.

What are the HD stations offered in the Fairfax market?

I am getting FIOS installed tomorrow. Two HD DVRs and 15mps internet. No phone. Is there anything I should tell the guy while installing? I have a dedicated Home Theater in basement and living room TV that will both get boxes. I also have my Home Theater wired for internet to run firmware updates on some of my equipment and for my my HTPC. Any issue with them running ethernet to my wireless router?

What are the HD stations offered in the Fairfax market?

I am getting FIOS installed tomorrow. Two HD DVRs and 15mps internet. No phone. Is there anything I should tell the guy while installing? I have a dedicated Home Theater in basement and living room TV that will both get boxes. I also have my Home Theater wired for internet to run firmware updates on some of my equipment and for my my HTPC. Any issue with them running ethernet to my wireless router?

I had similar needs, although it was just from one side of the room to the other. The tech completely understood what I wanted and installed two ethernet ports for the supplied router. One cable ran to the ONT, the other from the D-Link over to the other side of the house for the router I set up by the TV. He did everything I asked and did a nice job of it.

The TV install was a little more difficult becuase they were having trouble with the new Actiontec router/NIM combination. I ended up getting the old set up of a seperate router (D-Link) and NIM (a motorola box used to connect your cable boxes to the network via coax.)

-Devin

Edit: typo

Any news on Verizon lawsuit/negotiations with CV to carry MSG network? I have been waiting patiently in NJ to ditch D* in favor of Verizon but I'm afraid with no MSG its no deal.

Being a big Ranger fan, MSG and FSNY are a necessity in my house. In time, I believe that MSG and FSNY will most certainly be on Verizon FIOS TV.


M.

Court Denies Verizon’s Md. Injunction Request
By Linda Haugsted 8/8/2006 7:05:00 PM

A federal court judge rejected a request by Verizon Communications' Maryland division for a preliminary injunction to block implementation of franchising rules for Montgomery County, Md.

Judge Marvin Garbis also directed Verizon to work with a mediator to resolve issues arising out of the county's attempts to issue a franchise with terms comparable to incumbent video competitors.

Verizon filed a lawsuit June 29 in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, alleging that the county's cable-franchising rules constitute prior restraint and delegate "untrammeled authority" to local officials to deny franchise requests at will.

County officials countered that they have service standards and other local rules that must apply to all video providers. County officials are also promoting build-out requirements for the local franchise. The county also noted that while Verizon initiated negotiations with the county in March 2005, the company has yet to actually file a county franchise application.

County chief administrative officer Bruce Romer said Tuesday’s bench ruling rejecting Verizon's injunction request is a victory for consumers, as it denies Verizon's "attempt to enter the market by striking down our consumer safeguards."

While Garbis sent the parties to mediation, he retained control of the lawsuit in the event that they are unable to agree even with the assistance of a magistrate.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6360759.html?display=Breaking+News

What are the HD stations offered in the Fairfax market?
Here you go:

FiOS Channel Lineup for N. VA (http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/Includes/FiOSTV/VA_Northern%20Virginia.pdf)

I am getting FIOS installed tomorrow. Two HD DVRs and 15mps internet. No phone. Is there anything I should tell the guy while installing? I have a dedicated Home Theater in basement and living room TV that will both get boxes. I also have my Home Theater wired for internet to run firmware updates on some of my equipment and for my my HTPC. Any issue with them running ethernet to my wireless router?
Note Verizon provides their own router, a model from Actiontec (http://www.actiontec.com/products/broadband/4port_wireless_broadband_router/). If you want to [be able to] use your own router connected directly to the service, ask them to install the Motorola NIM. The alternative is to daisy chain your wireless router off the Actiontec router they provide.

For an explanation why, see my response in this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=708528).

Note Verizon provides their own router, a model from Actiontec (http://www.actiontec.com/products/broadband/4port_wireless_broadband_router/). If you want to [be able to] use your own router connected directly to the service, ask them to install the Motorola NIM. The alternative is to daisy chain your wireless router off the Actiontec router they provide.

For an explanation why, see my response in this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=708528).
I wouldn't mess with their setup by introducing a potential problem (user router instead of the FIOS provided Actiontec) - just hang whatever networking gear you have after the FIOS equipment.

I wouldn't mess with their setup by introducing a potential problem (user router instead of the FIOS provided Actiontec) - just hang whatever networking gear you have after the FIOS equipment.
I agree.

I got FIOS installed yesterday. The tech was very knowledgeable he spoke to me to determine where best to install their router. It did take all day from 9 am to 5 pm.

I had some time last night to fiddle with the box and the following are questions/issues I have.

1. On the Motorola box, when I run my HDMI cable to my Stereo Receiver (Yamaha RVX 1600) I got a blue screen saying that illegal device. It then proceeded to down-rez the HD pictures to 480p. When I did the standard workaround (not ideal) it fixes problem. When I had Cox it did the same thing.... isn't there a fix for this on these boxes? This is a set top box issue not a receiver issue because my HD DVD player works fine.

2. Is there a way to scroll through channels without changing the channel you are viewing? I am not talking about guide or mini-guide. On Cox, I could push up or down arrow and at very bottom of screen you would see the channel and what they were showing. When I press the up or down arrow it pauses my DVR. Is there a descrete code or fix for this?

3. Why doesn't the picture in Picture work on the HD DVR?

4. Can you watch HD saved programming on another TV if the TV is HD and has a HD DVR? I have two HD DVRs in house and would like to watch some programming saved on a different TV, I thought FIOS offered this feature or am I wrong?

5. What is the newest HD DVR offered by Verizon? Maybe I had an older model.

The picture is nice, I would say just as good as what I was getting on Cox, not better but just as good.

1. I think this is a 6416 issue.
2. No.
3. Not supported at this time.
4. Not yet - it's a feature FIOS has promissed is coming.
5. 6416 - although the firmware has been updated several times since its introduction.

1. I think this is a 6416 issue.
2. No.
3. Not supported at this time.
4. Not yet - it's a feature FIOS has promissed is coming.
5. 6416 - although the firmware has been updated several times since its introduction.

It was my understanding that the 6416 is a dual tuner unit, allowing you to record one show while watching another. If this is so, then why would PIP not function? Isn't that a function of the unit itself and not Verizon? By that I mean, if it is dual tuner, then PIP is available. If it is single tuner, then it is not. What would Verizon have to do to enable the PIP?

2. Is there a way to scroll through channels without changing the channel you are viewing? I am not talking about guide or mini-guide. On Cox, I could push up or down arrow and at very bottom of screen you would see the channel and what they were showing. When I press the up or down arrow it pauses my DVR. Is there a descrete code or fix for this?
Press OK then up or down arrows. Technically, its the same as the mini-guide, tho.

-John

It was my understanding that the 6416 is a dual tuner unit, allowing you to record one show while watching another. If this is so, then why would PIP not function? Isn't that a function of the unit itself and not Verizon? By that I mean, if it is dual tuner, then PIP is available. If it is single tuner, then it is not. What would Verizon have to do to enable the PIP?

PIP doesn't work on Comcast's 3412 or 6412 either.