Already tried to search and I am either using the wrong "keywords" or just don't know what I am doing.....

Anyway, I had FiOS TV installed 2 weeks ago and love it. I still have my Directivo box and still working to transfer my season passes over, but having them both hooked up is working out great. Everything is controlled by the Harmony 890, but I am having one problem I haven't been able to figure out. How do I get SD programming to stretch on the FiOS box? Since my Directivo is SD it is automatically stretched to fit the TV, but I haven't figured out how to get the FiOS box to stretch SD programing and not change HD programing. Is it in the FiOS menu, is there a button on the FiOS remote that I need to press that isn't on the Harmony? It's been really hard to test/work through since I can't use my FiOS remote to control the STB (all my boxes are located in the basement and the TV is on the main floor, hence the reason for the 890)

Hope this makes a little sense.....

Press Power(to turn it off)then hit menu. Adjust the 4:3 override settings, hit menu again and then power back on.

Anybody else having problems where the status bar or the icon in the upper right corner doesn't display when you're tryint to FF or REW a show that is being recorded? Not a huge issue, but it's frustrating sometimes to not be able to see where you are in the program or how fast your rewinding or forwarding.

just press the Info button and then the status bar, icons, and 30 second skip will start working again.

Could be your ratio or TV expand option pushing these off the screen?
I know on the VZ box it used to do that a fair bit with HD channels

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d0/Electrical-tape_black.jpg/225px-Electrical-tape_black.jpg

HA Very Nice.

Any news on when we are getting the new software upgrade pushed to the boxes? I am not sure whether to want this or not. Might be worse than the current system. :eek:

Actually, not really. The swap feature does not work using other remotes(Harmony, etc) either. Since it does sound like the box itself can do it, it must be a feature that the current IPG lacks. Lets hope this is a feature that is added whenever the new one is released.

I've actually got this working on my Harmony remote. The "Last" key on the 670 will swap tuners. It obviously will not keep the buffered content if you swap, but it works.

I've actually got this working on my Harmony remote. The "Last" key on the 670 will swap tuners. It obviously will not keep the buffered content if you swap, but it works.
That sounds like "Last channel recall" which simply goes back/forth on the view tuner between the current & last channel selected, not a tuner swap ....

That sounds like "Last channel recall" which simply goes back/forth on the view tuner between the current & last channel selected, not a tuner swap ....
yes that's what it is... a last channel button. With the Comcast box, you could swap tuners, change channels all you want on one tuner, then swap back to the original tuner and it would still be on the original channel (with the buffer intact.)

So the unit itself is capable of swapping tuners . . . . it's the remote supplied by Verizon that's a dud!

The core Motorola unit is capable of it. However, the software that Verizon installed on the box is not capable of it. It doesn't matter what remote you have.

I called Verizon customer support about this when I first got the service about 5 months ago They confirmed that it wasn't possible. The technician mentioned that a lot of people were calling about the lack of a swap feature. He sadi he heard rumors about it being offered in an upcoming software release, but he wasn't sure.

I have tried to search and can't find anything. I just got off the phone with Verizon to report my 2 problems:

1) when recording a series this box records 4 episodes and stops. This happens when I have the settings set to "save as many as possible"...or anything else for that matter. Anyone have this issue? It happens on Curious George and Planet Earth, the only two where I accumulate episodes. They were clueless and are sending a tech out Sunday.

2) Last night I wanted to record Planet Earth and The Office, on at the same time, and watch nothing. Both are set to record all episodes and save all episodes in series manager, i.e. neither was a manual recording. The box only recorded The Office. The Verizon phone support person told me the box can only record 2 shows at the same time if you are watching one of them. Can this possible be true? I am stunned.

In both instances future shows are presented as scheduled to record, but when the time comes...they don't record.

Many thanks for any help.

[edit: I have 2 dvr boxes...and it happens on both. It must be the channel guide or some software glitch? ]

Cowgirlinthesand, make sure the box is turned OFF and the box will record both shows. If that fails, make sure the channel is set to one of the 2 shows you want...

Any news on when we are getting the new software upgrade pushed to the boxes? I am not sure whether to want this or not. Might be worse than the current system. :eek:


When I spoke to Verizon last week, they said it was supposed to be in June. All the guy could tell me is that it will look like Windows XP instead of the old looking Windows 98 we have now.

Are there any differences between the older remote Verizon uses (the one I am using that says CBL on it for the DVR) and the newer one in regards to response time? When watching recorded content, I fast forward, it doesn't stop when I tell it to, so I have to rewind, it doesn't stop when I tell it to -- rinse, repeat. I hate that stupid controller so much it blows my mind. Also, if it isn't pointed at the exact square millimeter sensor the unit has it won't responsd at all.

Cowgirlinthesand, make sure the box is turned OFF and the box will record both shows. If that fails, make sure the channel is set to one of the 2 shows you want...

thanks, I did some testing and if the box is turned off on a different channel than the 2 I want to record, it just automatically jumps to one of the channels because when I flip the box on it is on one of the two (and both were recording).

So it seems my box can record 2 shows at once, but the problem is really the same as my problem #1 when a series will inexplicably stop recording after 4 episodes even when set to "save as many as possible"..and that series happens to be one of the shows I want to record at the same time as another.

I know at least one other poster has this problem (series stop recording after a few episodes for no apparent reason) (see post 1345). Any others out there? Any fixes?

It should automatically force the channel change for 2 recordings even when it's on. It will pop up with a question asking you if you don't want to change. If you don't answer, it automatically switches.

It should automatically force the channel change for 2 recordings even when it's on. It will pop up with a question asking you if you don't want to change. If you don't answer, it automatically switches.

yep and that works. as long it isn't recording series that it suddenly decides it should stop recording after 4 episodes.

that's the real problem: schedule a series, select "save as many as possible", select under type "new and repeat" or "all and duplicates" and it will record 4...and then just stop. Once I got up to 7, and then it stopped. If I have the space...it should keep recording that show until the disk is full...and een then it should dump old ones and keep right on recording.

I noticed this at first because when I selected "save the last 4" it recorded 4 and then stopped. It should record a new one and dump the oldest thus always keeping 4 but it didn't no that. Ok no sweat, I'll change to "save as many as possible". Guess what? records 4 and stops.

No one else has these problems? your "save the last 4" or 2, or 8 or whatever works?

Does anyone know what's the difference between the YCC (4-4-4) and RGB settings in the DVR's setup screen. I think they are in advanced settings for HDMI.

I just switched to Verizon and am just a little bit disappointed in the HD picture quality versus Cablevision (which really makes no sense). No matter how much I tweak my TV, the HD seems a tiny bit less sharp than before. Cablevision uses the Scientific Atalanta 8300HD, which I now think is far superior to this Motorola DVR. For one thing the 8300 allows you to use native resolution pass through (all scaling is done by your TV). I've set the Motorola to output HD at 720P because that is the TV's native resoluton.

Also, the installer said my signal was a little hot and needed to be attenuated. I don't see any attenuator between the box and the cable wire. I might try buying one and testing it out. Any other suggestions?

I'm assuming the non-recorded episodes aren't just repeats (especially if it's always 4)? I've noticed if you already have a particular episode, it won't record it again.

I've never experienced the problem of only recording 4 episodes. If anything, I've only had problems with it recording too many episodes.

Are there any differences between the older remote Verizon uses (the one I am using that says CBL on it for the DVR) and the newer one in regards to response time? When watching recorded content, I fast forward, it doesn't stop when I tell it to, so I have to rewind, it doesn't stop when I tell it to -- rinse, repeat. I hate that stupid controller so much it blows my mind. Also, if it isn't pointed at the exact square millimeter sensor the unit has it won't responsd at all.

I would really recommend a good universal remote. I have 3 DVR's (living room, one for my kids and one for my mother in law), and use the Logitech 670 on all three. The remote controls everything you'd like to and implements some features that the regular remote won't (like page down and the 30 s skip). My wife and mother in law have no patience with technology and they love the remotes.

A great promotion for verizon would be to provide a discount for their customers to get a Logitech remote - it would remove many of their service calls.

Is anyone having a problem with "glitches" every 15-30 seconds or so? I have the DVR, and it has been working great for about a month.. but over the past week, I started getting an occasional glitch, where the video and audio would pause for a second. It has gotten more and more frequent, to the point where I am getting a glitch ever 30 seconds or so. I only have the one DVR, no STB, so I dont know if it is my signal, or the DVR. Anyone encountered this?

Edit: I just tried resetting the box by unplugging it.. after the reset, the problem is still there.. Guess I'll be calling Verizon tomorrow morning :(.

How is the customer service/tech support? At our old house, the phone line went dead, and it took them 2 1/2 weeks to send out someone to fix it.. is it going to be that way with FiOS as well?

I have a Philips 34PW862H CRT (Same as 850H but has dual tuners) & FiOS installed in Jan. To Date EVERYTHING has been swapped out: Set top box, router, Box on house, even a new drop from the street. 6 or 7 visits from Technicians, signal checks, Network backend check, everything! Still on the best channels I get dropped frames in high bitrate scenes. The sound stays in sync, but video seems not able to keep up. Here's the strange part... I recorded some live YES network Yankee game when problem was really bad so I could show a technician. After recording it, I verified that the problem showed up in the recording. I played it back several times over the period of a week & each time I played it back it seemed to be getting better. After a week to 10 days, the entire clip played back with NO dropped frames. My best guess? The set top box is not able to keep up getting the signal off the HD, but perhaps the system performs some kind of defragging in the background & over time the data is easier to access so it "fixes" itself? I get the same results over HDMI-to-DVI and Component inputs. Any guesses? VZ tech support is totally stumped.

I'm in Northern NJ.

UPDATE: I tried the quick fix changing the overide settings... no good. I keep that turned off as normally I run the signal through my Yammy 2600 & let it do the conversions. ...and yes, directly from the STB to the TV has the same problem, so it's not the Yammy

Is anyone having a problem with "glitches" every 15-30 seconds or so? I have the DVR, and it has been working great for about a month.. but over the past week, I started getting an occasional glitch, where the video and audio would pause for a second. It has gotten more and more frequent, to the point where I am getting a glitch ever 30 seconds or so. I only have the one DVR, no STB, so I dont know if it is my signal, or the DVR. Anyone encountered this?

Edit: I just tried resetting the box by unplugging it.. after the reset, the problem is still there.. Guess I'll be calling Verizon tomorrow morning :(.

How is the customer service/tech support? At our old house, the phone line went dead, and it took them 2 1/2 weeks to send out someone to fix it.. is it going to be that way with FiOS as well?

I'm seeing that too here in Sotheastern PA. It just started a couple of days ago both on SD and HD programming. I plan to log a call with them as I don't think its my equipment but something on their end.

-Gary.

Just went through this with Verizon. I had issues last week with pixelation and freezing; I got in touch with them and they said they were handling a regional issue that should clear up fairly quickly (this past saturday). The problems cleared up, but my DVR had a problem with already recorded content (I couldn't play back recorded shows).

I called back (got through quickly) and they did a reset from their site. I asked them if doing a local reset (power disconnect / reconnect) was the same thing, and they said that it was not, that they needed to do the cycle. The reset they did fixed my problems, the support person was very good.

I have found that using the contact phone for FIOS listed on their web site brings you very quick response. The regular Verizon numbers are not the way to go.

The set top box is not able to keep up getting the signal off the HD, but perhaps the system performs some kind of defragging in the background & over time the data is easier to access so it "fixes" itself? I get the same results over HDMI-to-DVI and Component inputs. Any guesses?The DVR will occasionally develop memory issue that causes "stutter.". To fix it, turn the box off, press menu, and change the HD resolution to something else. Then exit the menu and turn the box on. Then turn off the box, and press menu again to change the box back to your original output resolution.

The DVR will occasionally develop memory issue that causes "stutter.". To fix it, turn the box off, press menu, and change the HD resolution to something else. Then exit the menu and turn the box on. Then turn off the box, and press menu again to change the box back to your original output resolution.

I would suggest changing the 4:3 override to something else, not the HD resolution, not all TVs support all HD resolutions.

Just went through this with Verizon. I had issues last week with pixelation and freezing; I got in touch with them and they said they were handling a regional issue that should clear up fairly quickly (this past saturday). The problems cleared up, but my DVR had a problem with already recorded content (I couldn't play back recorded shows). You may want to start checking the Verizon FiOS forum over on DSL reports. The pixelation problem was driving the entire Philly / NJ / DE area nuts over the weekend and there was lots of activity on that. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18352449~start=40#end
A lot of users, including me, are hopping back and forth between AVS forum and DSL reports. Not really for HD or home theater like here, but it's got much greater coverage on general topics.

For the stuttering problem, I've read that it's due to the internal STB firmware taking up a lot of room and the video output buffer is compromised (ran out of room to store the full picture). I figured that if you clear the video buffer, the problem should be fixed. Reseting the video resolution seems do the trick (so would a full power-on reset, but this is a lot quicker).

Hi folks, it's been a while since I've stopped in this thread so I guess I'll give a big update.

My biggest issue/annoyance is the stuttering video/dropped frames. You get the feeling that it happens when the box is "doing too much" often when recording two HD shows. In recent weeks I've watched entire episodes of heros at framerates around 10fps. Pausing, rewinding, cycling power, etc do not help. I'll have to try changing the output type to clear the buffer as reported here, but that is a big PITA as my TV supports 1080i only, and I have to switch inputs to see 480i/p...so it's tought to do during a commercial etc. In reality, I think it is an issue with the hard drive being able to keep up with two simultaneous HD writes plus an HD read.

I do experience the multiroom DVR issue as well. A few months ago it would disappear every few days. After several more multiple-hour calls to verizon, the first person told me it is because my unit was activated without the mutiple-room option and they would have to replace it a third time. Another person told me it is a bug in the software. Whatever excuse you want to make...
I did plenty of experimenting to find out exactly what fixes the issue starting first with cycling the power to all boxes and router plus remote resets.

All you need to do is pull the power from the 6416. After doing so and it downloads all its information, the Recorded TV will show up again on your remote box.

Also, has anyone figured out a way to use the multimedia streaming feature to stream content from a mac? Of course they told me that it would be added "soon" in an update way back when I signed up and it never was.

Support from verizon has been getting consistantly worse, no doubt because of the skyrocketing number of customers. I used to get quick intelligent responses. Now I spend hours on the phone for many days in a row to barely get an answer. In general, I have NEVER been given a correct response or solution from anyone in the texas support center. If I am fortunate to be patched through instead through the rhode island support center, I have a much better chance. They are clearly more knowlegable and capable.

I really look forward to the new interface. The microsoft software stinks, especially coming from direcTV previously. The girlfriend has consistantly complained about fios since I got it (I win, because I pay the bill) because of the horrible interface, and the many bugs/issues. It's true we are all beta testers, and even support people said the service is in its infancy and there are a lot of things to work out. BUT my parents in CT recently got an HD setup and have the absolutely horrible Scientific Atlanta HD DVR box used by comcast in CT. It is hands down the worst interface I have ever seen on any consumer product. Nothing is intuative. Horrible colors. The keystrokes just to bring up the guide. Forgets some settings whenever power goes out. Yikes...we don't have it so bad! :)

Preview of the upcoming FiOS v2.0 guide software for STBs and DVRs:

http://verizonfios.com/img/

Looking pretty good.
I like that the updates to it can be done with no interruption to the customer.
Being able to bookmark favorties (ie: in VOD selection present and future) is something I hadn't thought of to want in a cable box. Pretty neat.
It sort of reminds me of the Xbox360 dashboard. It has a "blade" like GUI, with the side to side arrow scrolling through menu layers. And the Market Place, with viewable trailers of purchasable product (among other things) is very similar to the Xbox Marketplace.

I hope the roll out is mostly error free.

[QUOTE=bfdtv]Preview of the upcoming FiOS v2.0 guide software for STBs and DVRs:

http://verizonfios.com/img/[/QUOTE
]
Looks like the MOXI UI

Yeah but when is it legitimately coming out?

Where are they starting the rollout???

and most importantly will it support a External hard drive???????????????

It says it is coming out Spring/Summer 2007. So I guess any where between now and September, depending on where you live?

An external hard drive option would be very sweet.

Just tried. Firewire works as well. Read the Firewire thread for how to do it. It is not easy. I got my PC to capture/watch firewire source long time ago via a HD OTA receiver. So I've already have all the software and drivers already installed. This time is relatively easier. :)

Try it on PBS HD (Ch 803) first. That seems to be the channel that works well. Suprisingly, Discover HD doesn't work (for me).



Thought folks might be interested in alternate connections to the 6416 HD DVR.


This past Tues,May 22, I switched to FIOS from Directv (SUPER pleased with the very much improved Picture Quality on both SD and HD channels) and am trying out the firewire interface.

I have followed the Firewire Thread exactly but So far I am not having a lot of luck with the PC connection to the Motorola DVR as XP keeps saying that the device installation failed.

However, I am having success with the HD DVR using my no frills several year old Mitsubishi D-VHS HS-HD2000U . It does not even have an Mpeg2 decoder in it so it is basically just a 1394 interface strorage device. They are really cheap now also.

I use a dedicated but networked PC hooked to one of the HDMI inputs on my Sharp LCD TV via a DVI (from the Nvidia PCI-E card) to HDMI adaptor.
This lets me go all the way to 1080P from the PC if I want as well as being my Firewire 'interface' box.



The following is my work in progress just to see what is possible:

A) I connect the D-VHS to the DVR via a 6 pin to 4 pin firewire cable and have it record whatever is playing on the DVR.

B) Then I move the connection from the DVR to the PC. XP installs the Mits Deck just fine.

C) Using Dvhstool, I pull the data off the tape into multiple ts format files (you can specify the size for each file ) on my PC.

D) Those Transport Stream files play back perfectly with VideoredoPlus or the MYHD application on the dedicated PC. Have not tried VLC yet.


Obviously, I have a lot more to go to make this more user friendly but I have proved to myself that I am on the right track to get stuff off of the DVR.

Until we can get an external expansion disk, I can see that I am going to need this capabiilty.

Since the data from Verizon is a LOT less compressed than the 'HD lite' from Directv, I am already at 50% disk space used and I have only had FIOS TV for 3 days.
The DVR is 'just' 70 Gbytes less than my now idle 250 Gbyte Directv HDTIVO which used to be more than adequate for my viewing habits.

Joe

From late 2006
Update on the recording to D-VHS.

I tried the recommended protocol of getting them to talk to each other last night and lo and behold, I'm able to record directly from the STB to the D-VHS. I was able to record both DiscoveryHD and CinemaxHD. I didn't try anything else and didn't try to record from the DVR to D-VHS but I'm guessing that would work as well.

So, it looks pretty good for recording to D-VHS from the Verizon Motorola STB.

John


Sounds like Verizon has the copy flags set correctly. If so, this is great news.



Sorry for coming late to the party but I just got Verizon FIOs TV installed on Tuesday.

I have been successful in getting Capdvhs to communicate and record from the 6416 HD DVR.
The Firewire thread says that one can only record live TV BUT I also found that I can capture recordings that are on the DVR by playing them back and then firing up capdvhs.

That is the good news and I was psyched last night.

Now today I have had more time to play with this and the bad news is that it looks to me like Verizon is very heavy handed with the 5C flag.

EG. Using Capdvhs, I was able to record my Local Fox station last night as well as record a recording I made 2 nights ago of 'King of the Hill' which was broadcast on my local Fox station.

I am unable to record my local Fox station this morning (I guess they turn the 5C flag on for the Saturday mornign cartoons?)

Futher testing shows that I am unable to record the non local Fox station (my program guide has 2 Fox stations) nor can I record such channels as the Sci Fi channel,Discovery HD theater,etc.

As a matter of fact, except for my local stations,and I noted they seem to get 'turned on and off', I am unable to record from any station. I have not verified this 100% but a sampling of 15 stations makes me think this.


When I say unable to record, I do not mean blank recordings or any error messages.
Capdvhs does record data but when I run Tsreader on it. it comes back saying that it can not find any headers. Therefore, I am assuming that the data on disk is encrypted.

Capdvhs makes it easy to tell which can be recorded successfully because the Data page on the program gets filled in with the broadcast info (eg. resolution,bitrate,etc.) when you hit the record buttin IF the tuned channel is 5c OFF. Otherwise, that page stays blank.




I do have a Mits D-VHS which is 5C compliant so my next step is to see what I can do with that.

The DVR will occasionally develop memory issue that causes "stutter.". To fix it, turn the box off, press menu, and change the HD resolution to something else. Then exit the menu and turn the box on. Then turn off the box, and press menu again to change the box back to your original output resolution.

So I am pretty new to the 6416 ...coming from the TWC SA8300 w PASSPORT...it seems like an OK/GOOD box...and the UI is actually a bit more aesthetic than the 8300, mostly better ... but a few "clunks"... but it definitely has less HDMI and Audi issues...phew!

As you all know one thing it doesn't do is "pass-through" the native resolution of the source thats kinda a minor annoyance since my panel has an excellent scaler/de-interlacer; The SA8300 did this albeit with a bit of a struggle...

I am pretty happy....but I believe I have already seen the "stuttering" ...just while watching one channel...

So a couple of questions..

1) How often is "occasionally" for you

2) Once it starts happening does it happen across channels? i.e. when you change channels do you still see it until you do the resolution change?

BTW the PQ is darned good on both SD and HD...after all thats my biggest concern :)

My 30 second skip responds much slower than my old comcast 6412. Is this normal? If not, is there a way to speed it up? Thanks.

My 30 second skip responds much slower than my old comcast 6412. Is this normal? If not, is there a way to speed it up? Thanks.
Are you using a programmable remote (Harmony...etc)? If so don't forget to update/reduce the key delay time.

...but I believe I have already seen the "stuttering" ...just while watching one channel...1) How often is "occasionally" for you 2) Once it starts happening does it happen across channels?On my STB, I first see the "stuttering" on several HD channels. Then, I notice it on the SD channels. Maybe because it's more noticeable on HD. Anyway, the resetting of the video resolution is a short-cut way to clear the memory problem in place of a power-up reset of the STB. Seems to work.

It seems to happen a couple of times a month. I'm waiting to see if they've done anything to fix this problem when they roll out the new IPG.

Are you using a programmable remote (Harmony...etc)? If so don't forget to update/reduce the key delay time.


I've tryed it with my fios remote, the comcast silver remote and my mx500. Everything responds very fast (guides,info, etc) except the skip forward and skip back. There is a delay between presses and response. My comcast moto's response was instant.

When I say unable to record, I do not mean blank recordings or any error messages. Capdvhs does record data but when I run Tsreader on it. it comes back saying that it can not find any headers. Therefore, I am assuming that the data on disk is encrypted.I would double check on that. I had those same problems when I was on ComCast (haven't tried FiOS). When I connected my Sammy's 1394 interface (called "D-Link") to the STB, it was indeed able to see the program material. It also was able to control the STB over 1394, albeit crudely.

My Sammy was nice enough to display the copy protection status. The "problem" programs on my PC were OK on the Sammy. Turns out they were actually marked "Copy-Once". There was also "Copy-Never" material, but I was watching, not recording. In any case, just wanted to suggest you check with another 1394 capable device, i.e. a display.

FYI: The How to Record via IEEE 1394 (Firewire Interface) is over here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10638843#post10638843

So I am pretty new to the 6416 ...coming from the TWC SA8300 w PASSPORT...it seems like an OK/GOOD box...and the UI is actually a bit more aesthetic than the 8300, mostly better ... but a few "clunks"... but it definitely has less HDMI and Audi issues...phew!

As you all know one thing it doesn't do is "pass-through" the native resolution of the source thats kinda a minor annoyance since my panel has an excellent scaler/de-interlacer; The SA8300 did this albeit with a bit of a struggle...

I am pretty happy....but I believe I have already seen the "stuttering" ...just while watching one channel...

So a couple of questions..

1) How often is "occasionally" for you

2) Once it starts happening does it happen across channels? i.e. when you change channels do you still see it until you do the resolution change?

BTW the PQ is darned good on both SD and HD...after all thats my biggest concern :)

I just switched from Cablevision and the only thing I miss is the SA8300HD DVR. I've set the Motorola to output 720P because that's the native resolution of my TV and the box only has to scale 1080i channels. I honestly believe the 1080I channels appear a tad less sharp than they did on Cablevision. There is no way this box can scale HD channels better than your own TV. I have no idea why Motorola couldn't program a firmware upgrade to allow the box to do this. Otherwise, I'm really happy with Verizon and have had no "stuttering" problems.

I just switched from Cablevision and the only thing I miss is the SA8300HD DVR. I've set the Motorola to output 720P because that's the native resolution of my TV and the box only has to scale 1080i channels. I honestly believe the 1080I channels appear a tad less sharp than they did on Cablevision. There is no way this box can scale HD channels better than your own TV. I have no idea why Motorola couldn't program a firmware upgrade to allow the box to do this. Otherwise, I'm really happy with Verizon and have had no "stuttering" problems.

I still need to play around a bit but funny .... I did just the opposite...

Most The channels I am most interested in CDS, NBC, DISC HD, UNIHD, HBO, INHD, TNT etc are all 1080i so I will take them in native...and let the panel de-interlace and scale...

the ABC's and ESPNs and FOX are the 720 p channels ... other than sports I don't watch them much...so when I watch a football/basketball game on those channels I will just flip the res to 720p for that game...

Had the TV on all day yesterday....no stuttering....hopefully I won't have much / any probs..

I would double check on that. I had those same problems when I was on ComCast (haven't tried FiOS). When I connected my Sammy's 1394 interface (called "D-Link") to the STB, it was indeed able to see the program material. It also was able to control the STB over 1394, albeit crudely.

My Sammy was nice enough to display the copy protection status. The "problem" programs on my PC were OK on the Sammy. Turns out they were actually marked "Copy-Once". There was also "Copy-Never" material, but I was watching, not recording. In any case, just wanted to suggest you check with another 1394 capable device, i.e. a display.

FYI: The How to Record via IEEE 1394 (Firewire Interface) is over here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10638843#post10638843

I have read the Firewire thread that you posted but thanks for pointing that out anyway.


Your thinking is along the lines of what I am thinking.
My thinking is to feed this 5C data into a 5C compliant STB and I bet I would be able to see the programming on my TV.

To say it another way, if I were to feed the files that I have pulled via Capdvhs to a 5C compliant STB with firewire then it should display on my TV.

Another thing:

I have a Mitsubishi Model 2000 DVHS (had it for quite a number of years) that does record from the Motorola HD DVR and it does so with no complaints.
I can then read the data back from the MITS DVHS into files on the PC with Dvhstool.
Tsreader does complain about not being able to find a header on those files so I am assuming that the data is 5C encrypted just like the files Capdvhs reads from the HD DVR.

Again, I bet if I played that tape back through a 5C compliant STB then it would display a picture on the TV.


Any Thoughts on this idea of playing the data through a 5C compliant STB?

I wish I had an OTA STB with firewire to try this out.

I have read the Firewire thread that you posted but thanks for pointing that out anyway...iAny Thoughts on this idea of playing the data through a 5C compliant STB? I wish I had an OTA STB with firewire to try this out.On the 1394 recording thread: I always give background info for the benefit of others reading the thread - it's helped me as much so I always pass the info along.

The reason I gave up using the 1394 interface was because it wouldn't record a lot of programs. IIRC (If I Recall Correctly), the problem was due to the Windows firewire driver posted in that 1394 thread (freeware). That's why I double-checked with my Sammy. There were some users who purchased a commercial driver and had no problems. I wasn't willing to pay for the software since I wasn't interested in doing this as a permanent connection.

Your comment / question about not seeing the data means it's encrypted is thoroughly discussed in the 1394 recording thread from here forward: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10569142&&#post10569142

That's as far as I went with 1394, so I can't help you any more on this topic. However, I just did a search of that thread for "6416" and there are a number of posts of users with recording problems. Maybe you'll find a better answer over there.

Just got FiOS installed and so far so good (Dish Network is point of reference...PQ is a HUGE improvement).

Problem: When archiving from the QIP6416 to (e.g.) SVHS or DVD-R from S-Video, widesreen HD content is shown as letter boxed. Is there a way to change this to output video as 16:9 (anamorphic) so I can record it as widescreen?

Just got FiOS installed and so far so good (Dish Network is point of reference...PQ is a HUGE improvement).

Problem: When archiving from the QIP6416 to (e.g.) SVHS or DVD-R from S-Video, widesreen HD content is shown as letter boxed. Is there a way to change this to output video as 16:9 (anamorphic) so I can record it as widescreen?

Somebody correct me if you know how to do this, but in my experience because s-video and composite video are not capable of truly displaying HD content, they will always show it letterboxed(at least on the Moto boxes).

I never expected HD over the S-Video, only wide screen (at standard definition). That certainly is possible, but perhaps not on this box (which would be a huge letdown)...anyone?

If anyone can help:
I have an extra CableVision remote, the one with the "iO" button in the middle ...
I'd like to program it as an extra remote for a fios Moto box , but the only instructions I have tell how to reprogram the "TV" key, but not the cablebox key....
Any idea of key sequences & code to do this??

The QIP6416 manual states: "Note: HD video can only be viewed with DVI / HDMI, IEEE 1394, or component video connections."

My S-Video output is letterboxed and I can't seem to change it.

The QIP6416 manual states: "Note: HD video can only be viewed with DVI / HDMI, IEEE 1394, or component video connections."

My S-Video output is letterboxed and I can't seem to change it.

That's the way HD will look when outputting via S-Video or Composite on the moto boxes, you can't change it unless you change the HD output to 480i, which of course defeats the purpose of HD.

I never expected HD over the S-Video, only wide screen (at standard definition). That certainly is possible, but perhaps not on this box (which would be a huge letdown)...anyone?

Hi texneus,

Not sure if this will work with all tv's, however, when I watch through my dvd recorder on my sammy I just change the TV's aspect to "Zoom1". Picture quality is lost, but it vertically stretches to get rid of the letterbox and does NOT further stretch horizontally. Good luck!!

That's the way HD will look when outputting via S-Video or Composite on the moto boxes, you can't change it unless you change the HD output to 480i, which of course defeats the purpose of HD.Using S-Video cable also defeats the purpose of HD.

I recently purchased a DVD recorder to use for Standard Definition daily recordings (like the Soap's) as well as to offload DVR recordings to a DVD for more space.

The DVD recorder has a feature called 'synchro recording'.
It means that if enabled, when a signal apears on it's Video input then it will start recording and stop when the signal drops off.

This is perfect for using with the 6416 DVR because,in theory, when the 6416 turns on to do a Scheduled recording, the DVD recorder will get it and then later you can delete the recording from the DVR.

I am testing this simply by enabling the synchro recording option and turning the 6416 on and off.
However, it does not seem to trigger the DVD to start.

Either I have some setting wrong on the DVD recorder, as it is a rather feature laden device, OR the signal from the 6416 is somehow incompatible.

I know it is a long shot BUT Has anyone ever tried something like this before with the 6416?
Any ideas that I should try?

BTW, this DVD recorder is a great way to dump SD recordings to DVD+RW disks so you can delete the show from the 6416 and free up space.
The DVD recorder does 720P/1080i upscaling so the picture I get with the recorded DVD is as good or better than what I get when watching it from the 6416. Standard Def only obviously.
It's High Def recordings are not too shabby either

Thanks

What resolution is the 6416 outputting to the recorder? It's possible that it has to be set at 480i in order for the "synchro" feature to work.

(Also, I'm wondering what make and model your DVD recorder is, as you don't mention it.)

What resolution is the 6416 outputting to the recorder? It's possible that it has to be set at 480i in order for the "synchro" feature to work.

(Also, I'm wondering what make and model your DVD recorder is, as you don't mention it.)

Interesting idea. I have the 6416 set to upconvert SD material to 480P.
I will change it and see what happens if I set it to 480i.


Sorry, I left out the recorder info because I was in a hurry when I was making that post.

The DVD Recorder is the Sony RDR-GX355

An odd thing is that their website has a number of mistakes or omissions:
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665061585

It says 1080P upconversion but it only does 1080i (I have a 1080P lcd TV)
It says that it has 2 S-video inputs but it only has one.
It has NO mention of the fact that it has an IR blaster to control changing channels on a cable receiver. The Ir Blaster does control the 6416.

This is perfect for using with the 6416 DVR because,in theory, when the 6416 turns on to do a Scheduled recording, the DVD recorder will get it and then later you can delete the recording from the DVR.


Either I have some setting wrong on the DVD recorder, as it is a rather feature laden device, OR the signal from the 6416 is somehow incompatible.
Thanks

The 6416 does not "turn On" to do a sceduled recording, as you mentioned. The DVD-R's "Syncro" will not see a signal , unless you are somehow Also turning on the box, AND setting it to the same channel as the DVR recording, at the set record time.
ALSO...You seem to be saying you are trying to get the "DVR" signals while the DVR is recording ..:
- The recording is only sent internally to the hard drive, & not "sent out" any of the Moto's output jacks, unless you are watching the same channel you happen to be recording .... ... & If the box is off, for example, then nothing is output to your DVD recorder, & if the box is turned "on" only the selected view channel/item would be output to the DVD-R, not nessessarily what is being recorded.
You could record directly to the DVD recorder from the boxe's outputs, but that really has nothing to do w/ the DVR, You would simply be directly recording the channel or PPV the box was selected to, or record from the 6416 DVR only by "playing back" the recorded DVR material in order to send it to the DVD-R.
*** If, on the other hand, you are claiming you can't record Anything from the 6416, even live channels, then there is another problem, most likley with your hookups

I never expected HD over the S-Video, only wide screen (at standard definition). That certainly is possible, but perhaps not on this box (which would be a huge letdown)...anyone?

In addition my component cable run, I'm still running good old RCAs into a "video 2" input as well (as a "default" for babysitters in case they don't figure out how to get the cable working) -- yes, this shows standard definition with a wide screen (letterboxed) picture. I think this is what you were asking.

Hey Joe,

The DVR will kick on and record your show, but it will not "turn on" the whole unit. There will be no video signal on any of the outputs during a scheduled recording while the STB (Set Top Box) is turned off. You will only see the record light (Red light on the front LED panel) come on, but no picture will be output to your screen. This is why your DVD recorder is not recording. It is looking for the signal on the output, but there is none. Your best bet is to just keep burning them manually like you have been.

MJDallas

I recently purchased a DVD recorder to use for Standard Definition daily recordings (like the Soap's) as well as to offload DVR recordings to a DVD for more space.

The DVD recorder has a feature called 'synchro recording'.
It means that if enabled, when a signal apears on it's Video input then it will start recording and stop when the signal drops off.

This is perfect for using with the 6416 DVR because,in theory, when the 6416 turns on to do a Scheduled recording, the DVD recorder will get it and then later you can delete the recording from the DVR.

I am testing this simply by enabling the synchro recording option and turning the 6416 on and off.
However, it does not seem to trigger the DVD to start.

Either I have some setting wrong on the DVD recorder, as it is a rather feature laden device, OR the signal from the 6416 is somehow incompatible.

I know it is a long shot BUT Has anyone ever tried something like this before with the 6416?
Any ideas that I should try?

BTW, this DVD recorder is a great way to dump SD recordings to DVD+RW disks so you can delete the show from the 6416 and free up space.
The DVD recorder does 720P/1080i upscaling so the picture I get with the recorded DVD is as good or better than what I get when watching it from the 6416. Standard Def only obviously.
It's High Def recordings are not too shabby either

Thanks

Has anyone tried to calibrate the HDMI output? I just recorded the HDNet test pattern. The color bar pattern (first pattern up) contains a pluge bar (0 to 10) at the bottom which is used for contrast and brightness adjustment. Using Samsung HL-R6768W via HDMI.

I can only see from "0" to "9" on this pluge bar test via HDMI, but "0" to "10" is clearly visible on the S-Video (and supposedly component) outputs.

I posted this problem over on the HDNet Test Pattern thread (Display Calibration forum), but thought that someone here have some insight. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10725701&&#post10725701

You usually calibrate the TV, not the output from the STB.

Not in this case. I posted this question in the Display Calibration forum (they have an HDNet Test Pattern thread): http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10735255#post10735255. The going opinion is that there's something quirky with the STB. I changed the color space (OFF, Menu, Advanced HDMI Settings, Color Space) from YCC 4:4:4 to RGB. The "10" is there!

Also found a previous post in this thread that discusses this problem, but with a white "0" problem. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9575259&&#post9575259. It's possible that the STB is clipping the white levels of the YCC 4:4:4 color space on the HDMI output. I'm waiting to see what the calibration experts say.

Hey Joe,

The DVR will kick on and record your show, but it will not "turn on" the whole unit. There will be no video signal on any of the outputs during a scheduled recording while the STB (Set Top Box) is turned off. You will only see the record light (Red light on the front LED panel) come on, but no picture will be output to your screen. This is why your DVD recorder is not recording. It is looking for the signal on the output, but there is none. Your best bet is to just keep burning them manually like you have been.

MJDallas

Thanks for the answer.

This DVD has an IR blaster that controls the 6416 so I have it setup to do a repeating timer on some of my favorite non HD stations.

The PQ coming out of this thing is great due to the 1080i upconversion so I have no loss in quality even on the 2.5 hour dvd recording time.

So I re-use a DVD-RW and save the disk on the 6416 for the High def stuff.

Next week when my JVC D-VHS shows up, I will be posting about saving disk space due to being able to record High Def stations.

Dollar wise, I am still ahead of the game as far as the cost of the Tivo Series 3 AND I have the ability to archive.

FiOS supports CableCard. The Series3 supports CableCard, and hence supports FiOS.


The Series3 works great with FiOS, aside from some anomalies with some channels on FF3/RW3.

Hi,

So its possible to buy an HD Series3 TiVo as a substitute for the Verizon FiOS QIP6415 DVR?

Aside from these fast forward, etc. anomalies, and the initial cost of the TiVo device, are there any other downsides or other practical considerations to going with the TiVo versus the Verizon DVR?

Thanks.

Larry

Hi,

So its possible to buy an HD Series3 TiVo as a substitute for the Verizon FiOS QIP6415 DVR?

Aside from these fast forward, etc. anomalies, and the initial cost of the TiVo device, are there any other downsides or other practical considerations to going with the TiVo versus the Verizon DVR?

Thanks.

Larry

What's more practical than saving $700 (and perhaps avoiding missed recordings-a common problem reported by several fios tivo3 people). Do a google search. Also remember that there is no Video on Demand with the tivo3.

Since it is FREE, try the moto6416 first. Stay with it at least until the new interface comes out this summer. More info HERE: http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/22/verizon-launching-fios-interactive-media-guide/

If you don't like it then get the tivo3. I'm sure the price of the tivo3 will continue to fall during that time.

I have Verizon Fios and a TIVO series 3 and it is rock solid. Never missed a recording. True, there is no On Demand, but I did not go to Verizon from Comcast for the ON Demand. I changed because of the superior picture quality. The TIVO interface is so much better. It is not even close.

Hell, my moto box still misses recordings (the latest instance being this past Friday).

And since when was the moto box free? I pay $13 a month for mine.

Hi,

So its possible to buy an HD Series3 TiVo as a substitute for the Verizon FiOS QIP6415 DVR?

Aside from these fast forward, etc. anomalies, and the initial cost of the TiVo device, are there any other downsides or other practical considerations to going with the TiVo versus the Verizon DVR?

Thanks.

Larry

You will need 2 cablecards so add that to the cost as well.

I was on the fence about the S3 but it is missing a BIG thing very important to me - NO Firewire.
So far, no way has been figured out on the 'magic forum' how to get stuff off of the S3 from the Ethernet or USB post.


So far, I can get programming off of my Moto 6416 over firwire so long as it is not a 5C encrypted channel. A JVC D-VHS takes care of that hrudel and I am waiting for the UPS guy todeliver my JVC deck today.

Here is a forum that I have been following ever since I switched to FIOS which I found very useful:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=4361047&&#post4361047



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

Also I would hold off doing ANYHTHING right now because of a new Cable law that goes into effect July1,2007. Not sure exactly what it all means yet.



Here is a snippet of an article about this:


New Rule for Cable Operators Looms July 1st
Tuesday, May 29th, 2007 at 1:25 PM - by John Martellaro

The July 1, 2007 FCC Mandate that Cable Operators change the way they sell set top boxes is approaching rapidly. Integrated security in the units will be banned, according to Light Reading.com.

Most people now are familiar with the analog TV cutoff date of February 18, 2009. However, another cutoff date that affects the cable TV industry is looming far sooner, July 1, 2007. That's when the FCC says that Cable Operators may not purchase or deploy any set top cable box that has integrated security [for special services, premium content, etc.]

Most likely, this divesting will be in the form of a Cable Card, a removable digitally coded card that authorizes certain services. The rationale of the FCC decision is to allow more competition in the set top box industry, now dominated by Motorola and Scientific Atlanta.

Predictably, some Cable Operators have asked for a wavier, claiming that this will increase their costs. However, even the waivers expire in July 2008. One way some operators will control costs is to have the Cable Card in stalled and configured at the factory.

Recently, Cable Cards have fallen on hard times because the Cable Operators don't want to lose the potential revenue of their own set top box and/or DVR. The amount they can charge for a Cable Card is strictly controlled by the FCC. This new FCC rule may force the Cable Operators to better support Cable Cards as well as open up potential competition in the industry. It's also good news for TiVo Series 3 customers who depend on the Cable Card to bypass the need for a Cable Company's own DVR.


Not sure if Verizon is one who has requestd a waiver.




Joe

Hey guys, Im new to the forums, I visit every once in a while to get some tech info on some cool stuff. You guys really know your stuff!

Anyway, Im getting Fios installed on the 19th. Im getting the DVR and was wondering if anyone knows how to trasfer recordings to a laptop or usb HDD. I have tried the search button, but there is no real direct link, or answer. Sorry if this topic or question had been beat to death, I just couldnt fin anything.

Thanks!

What's more practical than saving $700 (and perhaps avoiding missed recordings-a common problem reported by several fios tivo3 people). Do a google search. Also remember that there is no Video on Demand with the tivo3.

Hi,

Thanks for the response.

In answer to your question I suppose some folks would value superior ease of use, and avoiding recurring and escalating rental fees as practical. ;)

Can you be more specific about the problems? I did several google searches before posting.

As I understand it FiOS only offers standard definition Video on Demand. Without high definition I don't find this a compelling feature.


Since it is FREE, try the moto6416 first. Stay with it at least until the new interface comes out this summer. More info HERE: http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/22/verizon-launching-fios-interactive-media-guide/

Not quite free. Your referenced article also links to an article that indicates that the rental rate for the DVR will increase from $13/month to $16/month.


If you don't like it then get the tivo3. I'm sure the price of the tivo3 will continue to fall during that time.

Good advice, in fact TiVo is currently selling their DVR for $600.

Thanks.

Larry

You will need 2 cablecards so add that to the cost as well.

Hi Joe,

Thanks for the response.

Each cablecard is only a couple of dollars a month, correct?


I was on the fence about the S3 but it is missing a BIG thing very important to me - NO Firewire.
So far, no way has been figured out on the 'magic forum' how to get stuff off of the S3 from the Ethernet or USB post.

So far, I can get programming off of my Moto 6416 over firwire so long as it is not a 5C encrypted channel. A JVC D-VHS takes care of that hrudel and I am waiting for the UPS guy todeliver my JVC deck today.

I don't plan on getting a D-VHS deck. Are they still making them? Nevertheless, I'd be interested in hearing how you make out. Isn't it likely that most HD programming would be encrypted to prevent recording?

Thanks.

Larry

Hi,

Thanks for the response.

Can you be more specific about the problems? I did several google searches before posting.

Not quite free. Your referenced article also links to an article that indicates that the rental rate for the DVR will increase from $13/month to $16/month.

Larry


As far as problems, go to this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=722696


and search "missed recordings".



As far as being "free", I meant no upfront cost so I assumed you may want to try that route FIRST before spending $400-$600.

I thought you you knew what I meant since all dvrs including tivo3 come with a monthly programming fee (except the sony dhg). The tivo 3 currently offers 3 years at $300 PLUS you have to pay Verizon $6 per month for 2 cablecards.

As far as the moto, if you sign up for the moto6416 BEFORE july 13, your monthly fee will stay at $12.99 for the next 12 or 24 months depending on which package you sign up for.

As far as a user friendly interface, my six year old uses the tivo series2 and the fios moto with no problems at all.

...As far as a user friendly interface, my six year old uses the tivo series2 and the fios moto with no problems at all.
Well of course a 6-year old can. But I don't have a six-year old around to help me figure it out! :)

I was hoping some folks here could help...

My QIP6416-2 works well (although my wife and I think the DVR software is about 3 revisions behind Tivo in usage), however, on the half-hour and hour it seems to change channels.

If I am watching VOD or something on DVR it will try and change channels at the :00 and :30 parts of the hour...sometimes it changes and sometimes it punches in channels and then displays a ??? instead of a channel. I would say 70% of the time it turns off what I was watching and switches to the new channel, rather than doing the ??? and staying where it is.

Here's the strangest part, it doesn't go to another channel to record something or even a channel I normally would watch, it picks some different channels that I never even watch or record from.

Any ideas?


Also, on another note, I have a DVD burner hooked up to some composite jacks in the back it works pretty well...obviously not for HD content...the reason I bring this up is that way earlier in the thread I heard that folks were having a hard time getting data off the unit...was that just HD content?


Thanks in advance.

--Jeff

Has anyone tried to calibrate the HDMI output? I just recorded the HDNet test pattern. The color bar pattern (first pattern up) contains a pluge bar (0 to 10) at the bottom which is used for contrast and brightness adjustment. Using Samsung HL-R6768W via HDMI.

I can only see from "0" to "9" on this pluge bar test via HDMI, but "0" to "10" is clearly visible on the S-Video (and supposedly component) outputs.

I posted this problem over on the HDNet Test Pattern thread (Display Calibration forum), but thought that someone here have some insight. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10725701&&#post10725701

I did a recording of the test pattern over the weekend with the QIP6416 and found that I could see the "10" in either RGB or YCC settings. I can also just barely see the "0". This is an HDMI hookup to a panasonic plasma. So I don't observe any black crush using the HDMI in either color space. However, I do observe a black crush when switching from HD to SD channels (SD is noticeably missing black detail), I have the 4:3 override set to 480i, anyone else notice this?

I have a friend who is moving from a home with fios to a home without fios

Their service was disconnected but they wanted to save some recorded shows from the moto 6416. I am trying to help record the shows to a vcr but when I turn on the moto 6416 I can't get to the recordings menu. The machine only shows the four dashes and hitting menu gives the downloading program data message.

Is there a way to play your recorded shows from a moto 6416 that is not connected to the fios service anymore ? I can't see the menu to even get to the movies.

thanks in advance

- Rex

I have a friend who is moving from a home with fios to a home without fios

Their service was disconnected but they wanted to save some recorded shows from the moto 6416. I am trying to help record the shows to a vcr but when I turn on the moto 6416 I can't get to the recordings menu. The machine only shows the four dashes and hitting menu gives the downloading program data message.

Is there a way to play your recorded shows from a moto 6416 that is not connected to the fios service anymore ? I can't see the menu to even get to the movies.

thanks in advance

- Rex


No! service is required with a working account, as the STB must talk to the headend, and is controlled by the headend. since the account is shut off, the STB is no longer valid for service or playback via the dvr. (no service)

my friend has a fios dvr (6416) and she has been able to connect her mac to the dvr via usb cable. She can then see the dvr harddrive and move the files(recordings) to her computer. I have not tried it yet because it requires a a-male to a-male usb cable which is really hard to find. Has anyone else benn able to do this?

I've got three of these DVR's. All three have an issue with pausing. Basically I'll pause a recorded show and when I unpause it it'll skip 3-8 seconds forward in the program. I then have to hit replay to get back to where I was at. I've tried forcing the DVR to re-download the software which fixed some other issues but this one still remains. I've also had a warm reset and a re-init with no luck either. Anyone have any ideas?

I've got three of these DVR's. All three have an issue with pausing. Basically I'll pause a recorded show and when I unpause it it'll skip 3-8 seconds forward in the program. I then have to hit replay to get back to where I was at. I've tried forcing the DVR to re-download the software which fixed some other issues but this one still remains. I've also had a warm reset and a re-init with no luck either. Anyone have any ideas?
I think this is universal, but the fix is easy -- don't hit the Pause button to unpause, just hit Replay directly. It'll sync up just a couple of seconds before where you paused, so you don't miss anything.

Basically I'll pause a recorded show and when I unpause it it'll skip 3-8 seconds forward in the program. I then have to hit replay to get back to where I was at.

You'll love to hear that the new Interactive Program Guide (fios2) has a minimum replay of 30 seconds instead of the 8 second replay it has now. Ain't that some BS??!! Just when I had my commercial skipping down to a science...oh well......

Also - no dual tuner buffer/swap or multiple favs....A real improvement!!!!!!!

But she sure is perrty.........................

Way to go fios dvr software development team!!!!!

Also - no dual tuner buffer/swap or multiple favs....A real improvement!!!!!!!

But she sure is perrty.........................

Way to go fios dvr software development team!!!!!

Yeah that is Amazing considering the fact that my FIRST RCA Directv Receiver Circa 1997 had multiple Favorite lists.
The idea was to have one list per person in a family.


It was not the prettiest since the RCA UI only had a 16 color scheme but it worked.
Here we are 10 years later and I have yet to see this capability on any receiver or DVR.

Yeah that is Amazing considering the fact that my FIRST RCA Directv Receiver Circa 1997 had multiple Favorite lists.
The idea was to have one list per person in a family.


It was not the prettiest since the RCA UI only had a 16 color scheme but it worked.
Here we are 10 years later and I have yet to see this capability on any receiver or DVR.


I just left comcast one month after they introduced multiple favs but their interface still lacked many features. The current fios UI lacks even more!

My first dvr was the rca ultimate tv and maybe that's why I am so critical of every other dvr.

It's really disappointing that the "amazing" fios2 IPG is just a colorful version of what we currently have and that simple, useful functions that I had in a dvr 10 years ago are still absent.

I just don't get it. Is it really that difficult to incorporate dual buffered, swappable tuners, on-screen caller-id, multiple favorite lists, adjustable skip forward/back feature, accurate movie ratings, folders for recorded shows and eSATA drive expansion?

I was really hoping the fios2 would add at least some features I had with Comcast but it appears they have not.

Maybe in 10 more years...........................

I just don't get it. Is it really that difficult to incorporate dual buffered, swappable tuners, on-screen caller-id, multiple favorite lists, adjustable skip forward/back feature, accurate movie ratings, folders for recorded shows and eSATA drive expansion?


I'm not sure why they haven't programmed swapable tuners. I never really used the feature on Comcast but apparently I'm the minority who didn't use it along with many other features like favorites. My biggest gripe is button response time. My first DVR was ReplayTV and eventually Tivo. Once I switched to Comcast and then FiOS I can't help but look at the DVR's in disgust. On the bright side the replay/skip buttons are configurable. Both skip and replay have options to for 30 seconds, 1, 2 or 5 minutes.

I do agree that the replay being modified so the least amount is 30 seconds is pretty dumb but oh well. Also, I still have the old guide and I have folders for my recordings. From what I've heard button response time does seem to be improved with the new IMG but only time will tell before that can be confirmed.

A 30 second replay is virtually useless and an obvious oversight during development.

Also, are you using the original 6416 interface? If so, how did you configure the "dvr recordings" to place individual shows in folders? I couldn't find it in settings. Thanks.

A 30 second replay is virtually useless and an obvious oversight during development.

Also, are you using the original 6416 interface? If so, how did you configure the "dvr recordings" to place individual shows in folders? I couldn't find it in settings. Thanks.

I am using the original interface and when I got the boxes they did it by default. For example, I have four recordings of "South Park". In my DVR recordings it shows up like this:

"(4) South Park"

Clicking on South Park then displays the four episodes.

I am using the original interface and when I got the boxes they did it by default. For example, I have four recordings of "South Park". In my DVR recordings it shows up like this:

"(4) South Park"

Clicking on South Park then displays the four episodes.


Mine doesn't do that. I checked 'settings' and 'diagnostics' and my guide build is 1.3.19(5882s) and the GIOS is 17.25. Is that the latest version? If there is a newer version is there to force a download?

Mine doesn't do that. I checked 'settings' and 'diagnostics' and my guide build is 1.3.19(5882s) and the GIOS is 17.25. Is that the latest version? If there is a newer version is there to force a download?

Really weird, I've got the same. Heres what it says in Diagnostics:

Guide Build 1.3.19 (5882S)
Build Type: DCT-FE-1.7H
GIOS 17.25

Really weird, I've got the same. Heres what it says in Diagnostics:

Guide Build 1.3.19 (5882S)
Build Type: DCT-FE-1.7H
GIOS 17.25


Yep - all the same. Does anyone know if there is a way to set folders? Thanks.

I just figured out that I do have folders on season pass shows with the same title but not on shows with the same name that I individually set up to record. My last dvr with folders picked up and grouped all shows with the same name...

No matter how quirky the UI is, I'm still very impressed with the HD content and picture quality. I'll just have to learn to adjust I guess... :o

my friend has a fios dvr (6416) and she has been able to connect her mac to the dvr via usb cable. She can then see the dvr harddrive and move the files(recordings) to her computer. I have not tried it yet because it requires a a-male to a-male usb cable which is really hard to find. Has anyone else benn able to do this?

Do you know what program she is using to do this?
I asked a V* tech and he said this is not possible to do. If someone did get this to work it would be the closest thing to Tivo-to-go I've seen.

OK, we have had FIOS for 2 weeks now (suspended DirecTV with Tivo (sigh)).
Overall, happy with the picture and service except for few annoyances with DVR already mentioned here (no pageDown, slow FF on STBs, picture freeze watching STB when DVR is recording/hard drive overload issue, etc).
Apart from that I am puzzled about the following 2 issues:
1) Connect DVR->Onkyo 604 receiver via HDMI cable - I cannot get surround sound (all content including HD movies comes from the front speakers only). I searched this forum and found very old posts (1-2 years ago) regarding some firmware problem with HDMI connection, does it still exist? Will toslink (optical) for carrying sound along with HDMI video output fix the issue of getting DD 5.1?
2) HD video quality output going to the projector is not outstanding at all. Compared to the one produced by upscaling DVD player (Oppo 970) it is nothing to brag about - there are even fuzzy areas sometimes. What settings/connections people use for typical 720p projector (mine is HDMI)?

Thanks,

Vadim.

Do you know what program she is using to do this?
I asked a V* tech and he said this is not possible to do. If someone did get this to work it would be the closest thing to Tivo-to-go I've seen.



I was going to ask the same thing but the poster is apparantly confused since we all know HOW to get data off via fIREWIRE but now where has anyone been able to do USB.


They obviously meant firewire and not USB . Mybe they were asking about a 4 pin to 6 pin cable?

Apart from that I am puzzled about the following 2 issues:
1) Connect DVR->Onkyo 604 receiver via HDMI cable - I cannot get surround sound (all content including HD movies comes from the front speakers only). I searched this forum and found very old posts (1-2 years ago) regarding some firmware problem with HDMI connection, does it still exist? Will toslink (optical) for carrying sound along with HDMI video output fix the issue of getting DD 5.1?


Thanks,

Vadim.


My 6416 passes full 6 channel audio along with the video over the HDMI connection. I am using the Denon 987.

Toshlink optical does work as well since I had a Directv HDTIVo that did NOT pass audio over HDMI (so I had to use Toshlink for the HDTIVO) and the installer simply hooked up the 6416 the same way that the HDTIVO had been.


Once he left, I re-set everyhting the way I wanted it.


The Bottom line: Toshlink works with the 6416 as well as passing full audio/video over the HDMI.

my friend has a fios dvr (6416) and she has been able to connect her mac to the dvr via usb cable. She can then see the dvr harddrive and move the files(recordings) to her computer. I have not tried it yet because it requires a a-male to a-male usb cable which is really hard to find. Has anyone else benn able to do this?

Do you know what program she is using to do this?
I asked a V* tech and he said this is not possible to do. If someone did get this to work it would be the closest thing to Tivo-to-go I've seen.

I was going to ask the same thing but the poster is apparantly confused since we all know HOW to get data off via fIREWIRE but now where has anyone been able to do USB.
They obviously meant firewire and not USB . Mybe they were asking about a 4 pin to 6 pin cable?


The original post seems to say that she can pull a file off the DVR, not just stream the video as it's played. I would much rather be able to pull the video as a file off the HDD than have to stream it.

The original post seems to say that she can pull a file off the DVR, not just stream the video as it's played. I would much rather be able to pull the video as a file off the HDD than have to stream it.


You got that right!!
How I Wish this was true with the 6416.

My 'modified' Directv HDTIVO (HR10-250) allowed me to pull files off it's disk over an ethernet connection to my PC which was hooked to my HDTV.

The transfer speed was only around 2 Mbytes/second (on a good day) due to the underpowered CPU in the TIVO.


That slow speed was fine for Standdard Definition material BUT NOT with High Def material.
For HD stuff on the HDTIVO, in effect the slow transfer rate is almost just like streaming but when you think about it , it becomes obvious that this is NOT the case.
Think FTP. Even with a slow network, if one can queue up a bunch of file transfers on the HDTIVO and let it go overnight , The next morning you will have a bunch of movies to watch on the PC's Disk

Right now, the best we can do with the 6416 is capture the data one show at a time with a 'man in the loop' for each show.

This is one case where I wish we could treat the disk like a tape where you would tell it to simply start at the begginning and go.
Obviously, I am half joking because we all know that the files on the disc are not organized in a sequentiual fashion but you get my drift.

1) Connect DVR->Onkyo 604 receiver via HDMI cable - I cannot get surround sound (all content including HD movies comes from the front speakers only). I searched this forum and found very old posts (1-2 years ago) regarding some firmware problem with HDMI connection, does it still exist? Will toslink (optical) for carrying sound along with HDMI video output fix the issue of getting DD 5.1?

I gave up on HDMI with my Onkyo 604. I forget the specific circumstance (but it was common) where I'd turn on the DVR and it would freak out if the TV wasn't on or the input wasn't right, then it would reset all the DVR settings, including setting it t 720p. Someone please let me know if this issue has been resolved.

I am thinking of getting FIOS using the MOTO 6416 and have a couple of questions.

Does the STB allow for passthrough of the signal (480i, 1080i....) or does it convert all to 1? like everything to 1080i or everything to 480i?

If it does only 1 resolution, is it better to set it to the lowest and let your tv scaler upscale?

Please help a noob out.

I am thinking of getting FIOS using the MOTO 6416 and have a couple of questions.

Does the STB allow for passthrough of the signal (480i, 1080i....) or does it convert all to 1? like everything to 1080i or everything to 480i?

If it does only 1 resolution, is it better to set it to the lowest and let your tv scaler upscale?

Please help a noob out.

It requires converting all the HD signals to one resolution. You do have the option of either upscaling the 480i(SD) content or letting it go to the tv at 480i. My 46" Toshiba looks better if I send it at 480i, whereas my 30" Samsung looks better if I send it at 1080i.

Connect DVR->Onkyo 604 receiver via HDMI cable - I cannot get surround sound (all content including HD movies comes from the front speakers only). I searched this forum and found very old posts (1-2 years ago) regarding some firmware problem with HDMI connection, does it still exist? Will toslink (optical) for carrying sound along with HDMI video output fix the issue of getting DD 5.1?

After writing it, I discovered Audio setting on DVR that was set originally to Auto (whatever it means). After changing it to passThrough (which I assume passed undecuded DD signal to the receiver and let it do the job) surround sound started to stream (and all this with HDMI cable).
So far, despite minor annoyances I already mentioned, we are quite happy.

Vadim.

I did a search but didn't seem to find the answer (maybe there isn't one), but I just had FIOS installed with two 6416's and a 2500. I had one of the 6416's put in our master bedroom, but it might have to go due to a couple problems. Maybe someone has a way to solve them..

First, when we aren't watching anything and the unit is 'off', the time display is insanely bright. A nightlight might be good in the kids room, but it's awful in our bedroom. Anyone know a way (besides duck tape) to have the display off when the box isn't on?

This is our first experience with a DVR, but it seems like the unit is really loud. It's not a problem in the family room (in the entertainment center cabinet), but the unit in our bedroom sitting next to the TV is real loud when everything else is shut off in the room. Do we just have a loud unit or is the fan/drive noise always present on all these boxes? Maybe it's just a *new* thing for us, but it just seems too loud.

Thanks for the help!

Depending on how much TV you watch in the bedroom, you could consider getting a A/V signal distribution unit and moving the DVR to another room. I have been using a Sony MRD-1 (like the Channel Master 3024/3025) to do this for several years. It allows you to remap a couple of video devices to unused TV channels(UHF or analog cable) and distribute them via coax to other TV's. If this seems like something you might want to do, check out Ebay for some deals. I saw some 3024/3025 going for as low as 2.99 plus shipping recently. Be careful, because you will need to get an I/R target if you want to change channels and not every deal includes them.

Good luck


*** Update ***
The Sony MRD-1 has two (2) composite inputs so you are not sending any HDTV signals. I wanted to clear this up because of a question about my post. I use the MRD-1 to send a signal from a DirecTivo to the bedroom for very limited viewing. Sorry for any confusion

**********

Depending on how much TV you watch in the bedroom, you could consider getting a A/V signal distribution unit and moving the DVR to another room. I have been using a Sony MRD-1 (like the Channel Master 3024/3025) to do this for several years. It allows you to remap a couple of video devices to unused TV channels(UHF or analog cable) and distribute them via coax to other TV's. If this seems like something you might want to do, check out Ebay for some deals. I saw some 3024/3025 going for as low as 2.99 plus shipping recently. Be careful, because you will need to get an I/R target if you want to change channels and not every deal includes them.

Good luck

This will work with HD as well?

This is our first experience with a DVR, but it seems like the unit is really loud. . . .Do we just have a loud unit or is the fan/drive noise always present on all these boxes? Maybe it's just a *new* thing for us, but it just seems too loud.

Thanks for the help!

I've heard that if you tune the Moto DVR's to a music channel that this stops the hard drive from buffering and it will shut down. Give that a try.

Also, a friend of mine works for CEA. They did a test on STBs. The only thing that turns "off" when you pusht the off button is the little light next to the word power. They draw about one less watt when off v. on. The Dept. of Energy may impose Energy Star standards on STBs if the industry doesn't voluntarily come up with something.

The original post seems to say that she can pull a file off the DVR, not just stream the video as it's played. I would much rather be able to pull the video as a file off the HDD than have to stream it.

I am not confused about my friend using the usb port not the firewire. I do not have a explanation for this. Perhaps there is a glich with her dvr that has somehow enabled the front usb port or because she is usng a mac that has possible some software that enables it to "see" the dvr drive.

We have 2 new 6416's on Verizon FIOS. Neither plays well using the Digital Audio output (coax or optical). The units lose synch with our receiver (B&K) and we lose all sound. If we mute the DVR and unmute - sound returns, unplug optical cable and plug in - sound returns. Turn the unit off and on - no sound. Turn off and on B&K - sound returns.

Previously we had 6414's from Comcast and the Digital Audio (optical) worked flawlessly for years. Most perplexing.

First, when we aren't watching anything and the unit is 'off', the time display is insanely bright. A nightlight might be good in the kids room, but it's awful in our bedroom. Anyone know a way (besides duck tape) to have the display off when the box isn't on?


I got my 2500 clock to stay off by doing this:

1. Turn power on.
2. Turn power off.
3. Hit "OK" button to bring up diagnostics screen.
4. Turn power off.

You have to do this every time you turn the box off and it doesn't work on the 6416.

The digital optical out works fine on mine.

There is a setting to turn the clock on and off. I am at work so not sure exactly where it is but know it is east to find in the menus.

Anyone know a way (besides duck tape) to have the display off when the box isn't on?



I use electrical tape as opposed to duct tape. :)

I use electrical tape as opposed to duct tape. :)


I generally try to stay away from using those smiley things cause I do not think they are very professional in writing but this time I could not resist as your post REALLY cracked me up :) :D ;) :cool:

I am not confused about my friend using the usb port not the firewire. I do not have a explanation for this. Perhaps there is a glich with her dvr that has somehow enabled the front usb port or because she is usng a mac that has possible some software that enables it to "see" the dvr drive.

Any chance you could ask her if she is using specific software, or does the drive just show us as a USB mounted disk? I could test out the same setup and see if this is a isolated case.

The Motorola DCT & QIP series STB USB port is only for input devices, keyboards, pointing devices, and with additional drivers installed by the MSO into the local headend firmware, the USB port can be used to transfer photo files from some DIGCAM in one direction to the STB HDD.


The USB port is not built or setup in either the QIP or DCT series to handle external HDD storage.

You must use the eSata port.

Motorola has released the patch to MSO's that will enable the QIP / DCT STB series to use the eSata port with an external HDD with full DRM ability.

Motorola has released the patch to MSO's that will enable the QIP / DCT STB series to use the eSata port with an external HDD with full DRM ability.Any idea when that functionality will trickle down to us end-users?

Found an interesting detailed OnLine guide & explination to this box's functions & menus Here:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Setup

The "remote" section even has a how to add tuner swap feature .. although I haven't tried .. ASSuming it also would need firmware update ....

Any idea when that functionality will trickle down to us end-users?

Nope, it will be up to the MSO's if they even want to utilize this feature.


Now that the DRM problem is fixed, external HDD used on one STB, will only be able to playback those files on the same STB, if you hooked it up to another STB, it is supposed to re-format the drive, to setup the DRM with the seriel numbers of both the HDD and the STB.

I see no reason why the MSO's would hold back on this for users of there Moto DCT & QIP series HD DVR STB.

Unfortunately the QIP6416 does not have an eSata port, only usb.

Unfortunately the QIP6416 does not have an eSata port, only usb.

It is an optional add on. Here in Central Pa. Our QIP 6416 has the eSata. At least the 2 here at my Brothers house in Hummelstown.


USB will not be used on these STB for external HDD storage.

Anyone been having volume issues with this thing?

Every channel is at a different level and its pissing me off when I change the channel because its as if I'm trying to blow out the speakers on my TV.

Nope, it will be up to the MSO's if they even want to utilize this feature.


Now that the DRM problem is fixed, external HDD used on one STB, will only be able to playback those files on the same STB, if you hooked it up to another STB, it is supposed to re-format the drive, to setup the DRM with the seriel numbers of both the HDD and the STB.

I see no reason why the MSO's would hold back on this for users of there Moto DCT & QIP series HD DVR STB.

Since enabling external storage and/or bigger internal drives both seem like long range solutions, is it possible to use two DVR's and the Home Media DVR option to play back content, especially HD content, from one DVR to the other? Is anybody with two DVR's doing this? 160GB fills up fast these days...

Since enabling external storage and/or bigger internal drives both seem like long range solutions, is it possible to use two DVR's and the Home Media DVR option to play back content, especially HD content, from one DVR to the other? Is anybody with two DVR's doing this? 160GB fills up fast these days...

Unfortunately, no. The Home Media DVR only plays to the non-dvr box, and not in HD.

USB will not be used on these STB for external HDD storage.

Where is the source for this information?

Thank You,
Joe

Where is the source for this information?

Thank You,
Joe

Untill 3.5 weeks ago, I used to work for Comcast, I used to work and maintain the STB, Modems, Maint. Testing, and was the contact between Motorola and Comcast regional services. (Warehouse).

Plus, I have good contacts with Verizon.

Untill 3.5 weeks ago, I used to work for Comcast, I used to work and maintain the STB, Modems, Maint. Testing, and was the contact between Motorola and Comcast regional services. (Warehouse).

Plus, I have good contacts with Verizon.

If VZ implements the eSata external drives will I be able to exchange my QIP for one which has the port?

Is there any way to turn off the display on the 64xx? The darn thing is so bright it lights up the whole bedroom. If you try to cover the display up then of course the remote will not work.

Is there any way to turn off the display on the 64xx? The darn thing is so bright it lights up the whole bedroom. If you try to cover the display up then of course the remote will not work.

Welcome to avsforum

Yes,there is a way.

We decided the best way would be to use Duct tape.

Another member sugested an alternative method of using Electrical Tape.

You will of course need to cut a hole in the tape for the IR sensor.



Joe

Is there any way to turn off the display on the 64xx? The darn thing is so bright it lights up the whole bedroom. If you try to cover the display up then of course the remote will not work.


I know that this has been asked before and the last time I looked,the answer is NO.

Here is one idea (seriously).
Read on and see if the idea makes sense.

I do not have room for a dedicated Home Theater room and my wife (and me) do not like to clutter up the Living room with a bunch of hi fi gear.

So, except for the TV on the wall and the speakers which are 'strategically' placed (eg. SUB is hidden behind the Queen Ann Sitting Chair) ,I put the rest of my equipment in the adjacent sunroom.

With a with a single Universal Renote control , I control around 11 pieces of gear (including the 6416) using an IR repeater called LeapFrog and it works great.
http://reviews.pricegrabber.com/remote-controls/m/988570/

The Receiver is placed in the living room and the Transmitter is placed in the sunroom. You aim your IR remote at the Receiver and it turns the signal into RF which is then picked up by the Transmitter in the sunroom which then turns it back to IR that blasts the signal out to control everything.

You could put the 6416 behind a couch or any clever idea you can come up with and simply use the Leapfrog to control it.

The one I have is discontinued so you can find it for great prices.

I know this sounds like over kill but for a few bucks, this lets you put the 6416 DVR anywhere in the room that you want.
Considering that it uses HDMI, you only have one cable that has to go from the 6416 to the TV set (assuming in a bedroom that you do not have an elaborate HT setup)
Besides the annoying Bright Front Panel, If you decide that the fan or the disk drive is too loud, this lets you cover that one too. Stick it in a closet and run a 15' HDMI cable to the TV

Joe

I know that this has been asked before and the last time I looked,the answer is NO.

Here is one idea (seriously).
Read on and see if the idea makes sense.

I do not have room for a dedicated Home Theater room and my wife (and me) do not like to clutter up the Living room with a bunch of hi fi gear.

So, except for the TV on the wall and the speakers which are 'strategically' placed (eg. SUB is hidden behind the Queen Ann Sitting Chair) ,I put the rest of my equipment in the adjacent sunroom.

With a with a single Universal Renote control , I control around 11 pieces of gear (including the 6416) using an IR repeater called LeapFrog and it works great.
http://reviews.pricegrabber.com/remote-controls/m/988570/

The Receiver is placed in the living room and the Transmitter is placed in the sunroom. You aim your IR remote at the Receiver and it turns the signal into RF which is then picked up by the Transmitter in the sunroom which then turns it back to IR that blasts the signal out to control everything.

You could put the 6416 behind a couch or any clever idea you can come up with and simply use the Leapfrog to control it.

The one I have is discontinued so you can find it for great prices.

I know this sounds like over kill but for a few bucks, this lets you put the 6416 DVR anywhere in the room that you want.
Considering that it uses HDMI, you only have one cable that has to go from the 6416 to the TV set (assuming in a bedroom that you do not have an elaborate HT setup)
Besides the annoying Bright Front Panel, If you decide that the fan or the disk drive is too loud, this lets you cover that one too. Stick it in a closet and run a 15' HDMI cable to the TV

Joe

I've read alot of negative reviews about the "new" leapfrog version so do some research or get a liberal return policy. There are alternatives using the same technology - X-10 comes to mind.

I use THIS SYSTEM (http://www.weaknees.com/rf-remote-details.php) from Weaknees and it works great. I use it for every remote in the house and can control both of my tivo's from every room.

I've read alot of negative reviews about the "new" leapfrog version so do some research or get a liberal return policy. There are alternatives using the same technology - X-10 comes to mind.

Point well taken about doing a lot of research.

My leapfrog has faithfully served me for over a year but it is a little sensitive to aiming.
Obviously I have been pleased with it's operation because one does not use something for a year if it was a PITA.

Since I have now added a DVD-RW recorder (to use like a VCR ) and 2 D-VHS Decks into the mix for use with my new Verizon Fios DVR,I am running up against the laws of physics.
Ie. I now have too large a surface area to be able to 'hit' them all with a narrow IR beam from the Leapfrog (including it's own second IR blaster)without adding extra IR blasters.

Also, I figure that after a year, new improved technologies will have emerged so I have been doing my homework.


This one caught my eye as they took a completely different approach to the classic IR extender problema and I have been trying to get more information on it:

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/wireless-rf-remote-control-extender


There is a discussion in the avsforum archives about this thing and it talks about how it does NOT work with some of the Home Theater Master remotes as well as soem Harmony remotes.


I have the MX700 so you can see why I am looking for someone who actually is using this.


There is also another device called the "Around the House Remote control extender " that bears looking into.
It may be the same thing but again it has a warning about using it with the MX700.

http://www.surfremotecontrol.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=RLRX

Anyone been having volume issues with this thing?
Every channel is at a different level and its pissing me off when I change the channel because its as if I'm trying to blow out the speakers on my TV.It's the program material, not the DVR. Big discussion on this over on Broadband Reports: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17866885

If VZ implements the eSata external drives will I be able to exchange my QIP for one which has the port?

Just checked my brand new...out of the box 6416-II box here in SoCal...
no eSata .... my dreams are dashed :(

recently had to get oen of our HD DVR fios boxes swapped out for a new one. This new one doesnt' freeze and generally act up as much ye tlike the old one but the fan is so loud i can hear it over the tv.

Should we request swap for another new one and just keep doing this every othe rweek it seems, or is there some working fixes for quieting the loud fan sound from teh dvr?

i think i was already subscribed to this thread but i was refered here for fixes to the dvr box loud fan problem.

thanks in advance

I have FIOS in MA. Any idea how to get out of the FIOS box the equivalent to the Comcast HD settings?

Supposedly with power OFF you hit "menu" and a settings menu is supposed to pop on, but it doesn't. Ditto menu+select.

My issue I think is that the 6416 II is outputing 480p for SD channels since I have a Westy TX42 connected to it. THe HD channels come through as 1080i which is fine. the quality is excellent, no complaints there.... other than there is no SCIFI channel HD yet ;)

I think the box is de-interlacing the SD channels and frankly appears to suck at it compared to the TX42's abilities. I'd like to get the box to stick to outputting 480i and let the TV do the de-interlacing.

Any ideas?

Supposedly with power OFF you hit "menu" and a settings menu is supposed to pop on, but it doesn't. Ditto menu+select.


you have to hit menu within 3 seconds of turning the box off.

Also, make sure you do it from the box and not the remote.

Thankyou, that was it. I hate how the manual for the box doesn't mention the whole 3 sec part :mad:

I wanted to turn OFF the de-interlacing in the box to see if it made things better... it does. The SD is now 480i to the TV, and the TV de-interlaces it with a much more advanced chip. SD now looks quite nice. Still a bit of jerkiness.... like in CNN's news crawl... but pretty good in general.

Now how do I get the remote to run the TX42's volume/mute while in "CBL" operating position, so all the other box related stuff works?

Right now I have to switch to TV mode to control the volume, and back to CBL to control all the neat DVR and guide/programming features.

Man I wisht thier was a GOOD universal remote, everything is basically crap... too expensive or too stupid or too complicated. Time to build my own I guess.

Is there any way to turn off the display on the 64xx? The darn thing is so bright it lights up the whole bedroom. If you try to cover the display up then of course the remote will not work.

I don't think this has been mentioned before (sort of lost track of all the posts in the thread though): I used a small strip of auto window tinting film (a whole roll costs less than $3). No glue involved. And it dims the light sufficiently. It also allows you to continue to see the display and use the IR sensor. ;)

As of a couple of days ago, my DVR has started to always be on Ch. 50 when I turn it on, rather than on the channel where I left off. I am not recording off Ch. 50 in the interim either. The tuner just "goes there". My bedroom box (not a DVR) continues to function as usual. And there's nothing that I can find in the menu that lets you choose which channel you want the box to turn to when you first turn it on. Any ideas as to what's going on here?

I've also had quite a few audio drop outs on at least 2 channels (HGTV and A&E). I've cleared the cache as per the suggestions here (turn box off, go to "menu", change setting, turn box back on, repeat) and reset the box and the router. I've had the box since March and have never had this problem before. Has anyone else experienced this? I know it's an issue with HD NBC in Tampa (where I've experienced it, too), but have never had to deal with it on other channels before. Is it a bad box or a new "feature"? Forgot to mention, I'm talking about the HGTV and A&E SD channels. And there is a little pixelation as well.

Man I wisht thier was a GOOD universal remote, everything is basically crap... too expensive or too stupid or too complicated. Time to build my own I guess.

Have you looked at the Logitech Harmony 880/890 remotes? I think they are simple to use not "too" expensive and work well. There are IR versions and IR/RF versions and I think there is one that comes with an RF based IR blaster incase you have an equipment closet or something like that.

Also, check out remotecentral.com for great remote info and reviews.

BOb

I have used a Harmony 680 for years, first with Cox and now Verizon. You can program all the buttons that are on the FIOS remote (I have the new guide & remote but am sure it would work with the old version). Even set an additonal button for the Widgets. I actually prefer the Verizon remote but I have an Outlaw audio receiver and there is no code in the setup so can't use the Vz remote to adjust the volume. I highly recommend any of the harmony remotes - have 3 different models and all work fine.

I doubt it, but if any of you are able to use the VZ remote with an Outlaw product I would sure like to know!

has anyone attempted swapping out the standard internal drive for a larger one? On my SA8300HD SARA box is was as simple as swapping the drives , power up, and waiting 30 minutes as it restored the software to the new drive.

As of a couple of days ago, my DVR has started to always be on Ch. 50 when I turn it on, rather than on the channel where I left off. I am not recording off Ch. 50 in the interim either. The tuner just "goes there". My bedroom box (not a DVR) continues to function as usual. And there's nothing that I can find in the menu that lets you choose which channel you want the box to turn to when you first turn it on. Any ideas as to what's going on here?

I've also had quite a few audio drop outs on at least 2 channels (HGTV and A&E). I've cleared the cache as per the suggestions here (turn box off, go to "menu", change setting, turn box back on, repeat) and reset the box and the router. I've had the box since March and have never had this problem before. Has anyone else experienced this? I know it's an issue with HD NBC in Tampa (where I've experienced it, too), but have never had to deal with it on other channels before. Is it a bad box or a new "feature"? Forgot to mention, I'm talking about the HGTV and A&E SD channels. And there is a little pixelation as well.


Hi geekski,

I'm in the Tampa area too, and I have been hearing the audio drop-outs for NBC HD for quite a while now. While its annoying I haven't bothered to call FiOS about it. Lately I'm also hearing drop-outs on other channels but much less frequenty than NBC HD. I've heard it on TNT HD and some other channels. Next time they happen I'll take note and post them.

Gerry

Hi geekski,

I'm in the Tampa area too, and I have been hearing the audio drop-outs for NBC HD for quite a while now. While its annoying I haven't bothered to call FiOS about it. Lately I'm also hearing drop-outs on other channels but much less frequenty than NBC HD. I've heard it on TNT HD and some other channels. Next time they happen I'll take note and post them.

Gerry

Thanks Gerry! HGTV was pretty bad yesterday, but after another box and router reset, it seems to have resolved itself, as did the issue with the box turning on on channel 50 every time. Strange, since I tried it twice before with no result.
I need to call FiOS back in regards to some serious striping on ABC SD as well, so at that point, I'll also mention the audio troubles with NBC. I'd definitely be curious to hear about other audio issues you might experience and will post mine as well if there's an interest.

Geekski

has anyone attempted swapping out the standard internal drive for a larger one? On my SA8300HD SARA box is was as simple as swapping the drives , power up, and waiting 30 minutes as it restored the software to the new drive.


Did you try this with a larger drive?

All the info out in the net states that the irmware keeps the drive size at 160 Gbytes.

So, even if you stick in a 300 Gbyte disk, you will end up with a 160 Gbyte capacity.


This is with the QIP6416 as that is all I know about

First, when we aren't watching anything and the unit is 'off', the time display is insanely bright. A nightlight might be good in the kids room, but it's awful in our bedroom. Anyone know a way (besides duck tape) to have the display off when the box isn't on?It might have been answered in one of the newer posts. I'm just catching up in this thread. But growing up my dad had an insanely bright LCD alarm clock. He used a couple strips of car window tinting over the display dimmed it sufficiently that it didn't cause a green glow across the entire room, but still made it possible to read the time.

I am in the midst of getting Verizon FIOS TV. I am getting the HD set top box (I think it is the Motorolla QIP6200, but they have not installed it yet). I asked about the USB ports and was told they were "disabled" as was the SATA HDD port.

Does anyone know how to enable these? I would like to be able to hook up a USB DVD burner to the box and burn recorded shows, or at a minimum transfer them to the HDD, then connect it to my cptr and burn the shows.

Would be a good way to get a bunck of kids programming on DVD for the long car trips this summer :)

Thanks

Terry

Any word on the new interface? I figured we would start seeing it a month or so ago but none here. Has anyone received it yet or heard any more news?

:
Originally Posted by mackita8158
my friend has a fios dvr (6416) and she has been able to connect her mac to the dvr via usb cable. She can then see the dvr harddrive and move the files(recordings) to her computer. I have not tried it yet because it requires a a-male to a-male usb cable which is really hard to find. Has anyone else benn able to do this?


Do you know what program she is using to do this?
I asked a V* tech and he said this is not possible to do. If someone did get this to work it would be the closest thing to Tivo-to-go I've seen.


Its impossible. USB is disabled on the set tops. You could probably connect with firewire, but the files are encrypted and you can't convert them to any kind of "playable" file format.

It is an optional add on. Here in Central Pa. Our QIP 6416 has the eSata. At least the 2 here at my Brothers house in Hummelstown.


USB will not be used on these STB for external HDD storage.


The Verizon stb's have an internal esata port on them that is not enabled. The comcast boxes may, but not Fios.

recently had to get oen of our HD DVR fios boxes swapped out for a new one. This new one doesnt' freeze and generally act up as much ye tlike the old one but the fan is so loud i can hear it over the tv.

Should we request swap for another new one and just keep doing this every othe rweek it seems, or is there some working fixes for quieting the loud fan sound from teh dvr?

i think i was already subscribed to this thread but i was refered here for fixes to the dvr box loud fan problem.

thanks in advance


Yes, ask for another. There is a problem with the "loud fans". You should not be able to hear the fan at all.

Its impossible. USB is disabled on the set tops. You could probably connect with firewire, but the files are encrypted and you can't convert them to any kind of "playable" file format.

The only recording/playback you can do at present is via firewire to a copy protected D-VHS deck for most content (copy once flag set). Some channels are still copy freely (locals and a few nationals) and these can be offloaded to external disks, again via firewire, and played back with mpeg2 players.

Just wanted to let you guys know that FIOS TV was installed at my home yesterday. Pretty good pic so far, except that they messed up my order and still cannot see quite a few of the HD channels. :mad:

Later.... :)

Has anyone who has the new IMG been able to get into the user settings by hitting menu when the power has just been turned off?

Has anyone who has the new IMG been able to get into the user settings by hitting menu when the power has just been turned off?

I just had FiosTV installed today and can only find some user settings by hitting Menu while the 6416 is on. Not all of the settings described in the manual are available. I have tried the front panel menu button immediatly after turning the 6416 off but this does not do anything. I have also tried holding it for a few seconds and waiting after turning it off. Maybe this works different for 6416s with the interactive guide?

Another new FiosTV subscriber said the installation tech accessed more settings using the remote, does anyone know the access method or codes to do this?

Howard

Another new FiosTV subscriber said the installation tech accessed more settings using the remote, does anyone know the access method or codes to do this?

Howard

Power off and hit the OK button, that will get you into the diag menus or at least it does on my unit.

I just had FiosTV installed today and can only find some user settings by hitting Menu while the 6416 is on. Not all of the settings described in the manual are available. I have tried the front panel menu button immediatly after turning the 6416 off but this does not do anything. I have also tried holding it for a few seconds and waiting after turning it off. Maybe this works different for 6416s with the interactive guide?

Another new FiosTV subscriber said the installation tech accessed more settings using the remote, does anyone know the access method or codes to do this?

Howard

If you have the new IMG(which I think all of Rhode Island does), you have to unplug the box, plug it in and when you see "-----" on the display on the front of the box you hit either menu or select(I can't recall which because I don't have that IMG).

Does the new IMG allow us to now switch between tuners or have better control over when to start recording either side of a shows start time?

Does the new IMG allow us to now switch between tuners or have better control over when to start recording either side of a shows start time?

I can only answer from what I have read over on another board....but the answer seems to be no to switching between tuners, I am not sure about the other question.

I can only answer from what I have read over on another board....but the answer seems to be no to switching between tuners, I am not sure about the other question.

Hmmmm....I could give two you know whats about a prettier GUI. We need the box to function properly. Fix the stuttering, fix the dual tuner issue, fix the problem with back to back overlapping shows being recorded as well as a few other bugs. Also a bigger HD would be nice but we need the hardware that we are paying monthly for to work like its suppose to!

Hmmmm....I could give two you know whats about a prettier GUI. We need the box to function properly. Fix the stuttering, fix the dual tuner issue, fix the problem with back to back overlapping shows being recorded as well as a few other bugs. Also a bigger HD would be nice but we need the hardware that we are paying monthly for to work like its suppose to!

I'm completely with you on that! Doubt the software update could increase the HD size though :) Although, enabling the esata port would be nice.

If you have the new IMG(which I think all of Rhode Island does), you have to unplug the box, plug it in and when you see "-----" on the display on the front of the box you hit either menu or select(I can't recall which because I don't have that IMG).It's menu. However I had trouble getting into the guide if the box was not shut off for only a short period of time. The only reliable way was to unplug it for 30-60 seconds (or more) and then try to get in. But yes indeed this does work with the new guide.

Does the new IMG allow us to now switch between tuners or have better control over when to start recording either side of a shows start time?No to swapping tuners. I was under the impression though that changing channels actually switched tuners (presuming the other wasn't recording) and that by hitting last you could go back to the other tuner and still rewind as if you had been watching it all along.

As to padding the recording schedule, it does not appear that you can set a default for all events (either series or one-time events). However you can edit a series or a one-time event after it's been setup and adjust the padding times. You can setup a padding prior to the actual start time of 5, 10, or 15 minutes. Padding after the scheduled end time can be extended by 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.

Although I've had FIOS for over two years (Internet & phone) I waited until now to sign up for FIOS TV. The value is very compelling compared to cable/sat.

I'm somewhat disappointed in the Moto receivers Verizon uses. I have two of the HD-PRV receivers, and the one in the theater room has already been replaced once - and I've had the service for two weeks!!!

Some issues:
1) Considerable delay between the time I press a button on the remote and the receiver responds.
2) Audio drops, frame drops, picture breakups (reminds me of Dish!) - I was watching "Minority Report" last night on TNT, and experienced all of these problems.
3) Tune to channel, no picture or sound.

When the tech was out yesterday to do the replacement, he verified that my signal is perfect - strong and stable.

What do you think is going on here? Is it on my end, or a problem with Verizon's serves/network?

Although I've had FIOS for over two years (Internet & phone) I waited until now to sign up for FIOS TV. The value is very compelling compared to cable/sat.

I'm somewhat disappointed in the Moto receivers Verizon uses. I have two of the HD-PRV receivers, and the one in the theater room has already been replaced once - and I've had the service for two weeks!!!

Some issues:
1) Considerable delay between the time I press a button on the remote and the receiver responds.
2) Audio drops, frame drops, picture breakups (reminds me of Dish!) - I was watching "Minority Report" last night on TNT, and experienced all of these problems.
3) Tune to channel, no picture or sound.

When the tech was out yesterday to do the replacement, he verified that my signal is perfect - strong and stable.

What do you think is going on here? Is it on my end, or a problem with Verizon's serves/network?

1. Haven't seen really bad delays, but I use a Logitech Harmony remote.
2. No audio drops, frame or picture breakups (plenty of them on DirecTivo).
3. Only time I get no picture / sound is if I don't have a subscription.

Hate to say this, but you may need a box replacement. I needed my mother-in-law's boxes replaced twice within the first two weeks, but after that, she's been fine for the last 5 months, so it's worth getting it right.

You may have a bad box, there seem to be lots of them out there. But something to consider first: You must ensure that your path from the source to your box is all RG-6 quad shielded. Any length of lower quality cable along the way will ruin your experience. The tech will not see this on a signal strength test, and many of them are unaware of this requirement. The signal test does not look at the full bandwidth frequency.

I had been having multiple problems with one of my DVRs. Swapped out the box, didn't solve it. Had the techs out, signal looked good. Not until did I go back and check the entire path to the box, did I find that their was a two foot length of RG-59 between two wall jacks did I find the problem. Switched it out for two feet of RG-6 quad, and voila, no problems.

You may have a bad box, there seem to be lots of them out there. But something to consider first: You must ensure that your path from the source to your box is all RG-6 quad shielded. Any length of lower quality cable along the way will ruin your experience. The tech will not see this on a signal strength test, and many of them are unaware of this requirement. The signal test does not look at the full bandwidth frequency.

I had been having multiple problems with one of my DVRs. Swapped out the box, didn't solve it. Had the techs out, signal looked good. Not until did I go back and check the entire path to the box, did I find that their was a two foot length of RG-59 between two wall jacks did I find the problem. Switched it out for two feet of RG-6 quad, and voila, no problems.
Thanks for this information. I'm using the same runs I used for Dish for 6 years. But, if I still continue to have problems, I may need to look at it.

You must ensure that your path from the source to your box is all RG-6 quad shielded.Please. QS is not necessary in all but the worst circumstances. The only time that QS would be beneficial is if you live in a very RF noisy environment. Most people don't and a lesser RG-6 cable is sufficient. If replacing the cable with RG-6 QS fixes the problem, and the original cable was already RG-6, then I would put money on that there was other issues with the cable (a nick, poor termination, etc) rather then the shielding.

Please. QS is not necessary in all but the worst circumstances. The only time that QS would be beneficial is if you live in a very RF noisy environment. Most people don't and a lesser RG-6 cable is sufficient. If replacing the cable with RG-6 QS fixes the problem, and the original cable was already RG-6, then I would put money on that there was other issues with the cable (a nick, poor termination, etc) rather then the shielding.

Ok, I mispoke - thanks for calling me on that. What I said was I had a piece of RG-59 in my run. I replaced it with quad shielded, but you're right, regular old RG-6 would have been fine.

Thanks goodness you were here to save this guy the extra few cents per foot quad shielded may have cost :rolleyes:

Thanks goodness you were here to save this guy the extra few cents per foot quad shielded may have cost :rolleyes:The cost probably isn't a huge deal. If his existing cable was buried in the wall it could have been a huge deal if he ripped it all out and ran RG-6 QS (that may not have actually been needed). My time is free in that it doesn't cost me anything, but spending hours running new cable isn't a good use of my "free" time either.

On FIOS it is different that the 6412 on Comcast. After we switched there was one annoying issue...

The FIOS boxes software insists on starting a recording 1 min BEFORE and ending 1 min AFTER. Effect... I record show A @ 9pm, record show B @ 10pm, all the whiile watching the Ballgame. Well when 9:59 rolls around suddenly the box needs to do THREE things at once with TWO tuners. So the dialog box pops up... cancel A or go to B.... when I want to stay on C.

Under Comcast software the thing was dead bang accurate, starting exactly at 9 and ending at 9:59:59, and starting at 10:00:00 and no issues.

The options/settings for recording does not provide a means to disable or zero out the pre/post overlap. Quite stupid and annoying.

Otherwise the thing is great. Though I let the TV do the de-interlacing, as it has better processor for this.

But two things that need fixing, the pre/post overlap in software, and easily adding bigger harddisk. I'd pop a 500 in instantly if I could.

The options/settings for recording does not provide a means to disable or zero out the pre/post overlap. Quite stupid and annoying.I believe the conflict avoidance on the new FiOS IMG 2.0 take care of the 1-minute overlap. Don't quote me on that though.

I do know that the new guide allows you to pad the recording (or take away the padding). You just have to go into the timer setup and adjust it.

The FIOS boxes software insists on starting a recording 1 min BEFORE and ending 1 min AFTER. Effect... I record show A @ 9pm, record show B @ 10pm, all the whiile watching the Ballgame. Well when 9:59 rolls around suddenly the box needs to do THREE things at once with TWO tuners. So the dialog box pops up... cancel A or go to B.... when I want to stay on C.

Under Comcast software the thing was dead bang accurate, starting exactly at 9 and ending at 9:59:59, and starting at 10:00:00 and no issues.The current (older) FiOS software pads an extra two minutes on each end. This is a good thing if you're watching a program like Heroes on NBC, which often runs 30-60 seconds over. With the Comcast DVR, you'll occasionally miss the ending.

It is a growing practice for the networks to run a minute over, because doing so gives them an extra minute of high-value advertising. For example, the ad rates for Heroes were considerably higher than they were for the scheduled 9pm (now 9:01-9:02) program, Studio 60.

The FiOS DVR does not pad if there are multiple, back-to-back recordings. It only pads when an extra tuner is "available" to do so. Unfortunately, a tuner is considered "available" even if you are using it to watch a live program.

FYI - Lots of problems tonight in the Philly area with stuttering, audio out of sync, frame drops and pixelation (I don't have the pixelation). For me, it affects HD and SD content - even my recorded movie :mad:. Did STB warm boot (recycle output resolution), cold boot, gave it a boot, but nothing is working. The natives are restless.

FYI - Lots of problems tonight in the Philly area with stuttering, audio out of sync, frame drops and pixelation (I don't have the pixelation). For me, it affects HD and SD content - even my recorded movie :mad:. Did STB warm boot (recycle output resolution), cold boot, gave it a boot, but nothing is working. The natives are restless.

Similar problems in VA Beach.

I thought it was me but we had problems in NJ

Similar problems in VA Beach.

No. VA as well. - could it be result of getting ready to push new software Nation wide?

Even if your feed is Fiber, downlinking of programming to headends is problematic in bad weather. First up to the satellite, in many situations, and then down, possibly over terrestrial microwave links; lots of opportunity for signal disruption. A far bigger complaint to me is the difference in audio levels between channels and the difference between commercials and program levels.
Then again, maybe it's the software and box.

No. VA as well. - could it be result of getting ready to push new software Nation wide?

Thats what I am hoping. There is a thread over on dslreports that theorizes that they are needing to install new equipment because the new guide is more than just a new guide -- it supposedly handles the video signals differently. The new equipment does not play nice with the old guide.

Again, that is just a theory. But here is hoping it is correct.

Hoping the new Series 3 "Lite" Tivo for $299 will play well with FiOS. If so, I think I'm done with this motorola DVR and Microsoft software. Would like to see the new program guide first, but can't wait forever...

Philly problem seems fixed today. Info over on DSL reports: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18515083~days=10~start=360. It seems that Verizon can see the problem on their side.

During the problems last night, I tried downgrading from 1080i to 720p for a few seconds and the problems went away. Maybe it's luck, maybe it clears out more memory, but it seemed to work.

Next time this happens (stuttering, etc.), try cycling the video resolution but this time stay in the lower res mode - 720p, 480p, etc. and see if it's fixed. That would point to the box.

Philly problem seems fixed today. Info over on DSL reports: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18515083~days=10~start=360. It seems that Verizon can see the problem on their side.

During the problems last night, I tried downgrading from 1080i to 720p for a few seconds and the problems went away. Maybe it's luck, maybe it clears out more memory, but it seemed to work.

Next time this happens (stuttering, etc.), try cycling the video resolution but this time stay in the lower res mode - 720p, 480p, etc. and see if it's fixed. That would point to the box.

Better here in No. VA as well.

Hoping the new Series 3 "Lite" Tivo for $299 will play well with FiOS. If so, I think I'm done with this motorola DVR and Microsoft software. Would like to see the new program guide first, but can't wait forever...

I had not heard of this "Lite" version until I saw your post.

The idea of getting a TIVO dvr for $299 to replace the Motorola box is REALLY tempting.

BUT:

Engadget has a usefull review as well as the link to the correct place in Tivo community which has the specs on it and now I am wondering what makes this any different than the full S3 or really better than the 6416.

Consider the following.

1) The S3 LIte only comes with that same small 160Gbyte disc which is my #1 complaint about the 6416. You will need to spend another $100 to $200 to boost the disk capacity.
Add that to the hassle factor because you are buying an item that requires an immediate upgrade

2) Still does not have Firewire which I am 'wearing out' on my 6416 with my D-VHS deck and my PC.

2) Still does not have Firewire which I am 'wearing out' on my 6416 with my D-VHS deck and my PC.

IMO this is a gross oversight on their part and I can't believe they have not corrected it yet. Had they put a firewire port on it, I would already own two series 3 TiVos to replace the junky QIP6416. What were they thinking. :confused:

1) The S3 LIte only comes with that same small 160Gbyte disc which is my #1 complaint about the 6416. You will need to spend another $100 to $200 to boost the disk capacity.
Add that to the hassle factor because you are buying an item that requires an immediate upgradeWell, at least you can upgrade the drive, which is more than can be said for the Motorola QIP6416.

It's not like there is a lot of effort involved to upgrade capacity with an eSATA drive. It is a two-minute process and you've got that extra 500Gb to 1Tb of storage.

Even if your feed is Fiber, downlinking of programming to headends is problematic in bad weather. First up to the satellite, in many situations, and then down, possibly over terrestrial microwave links; lots of opportunity for signal disruption. A far bigger complaint to me is the difference in audio levels between channels and the difference between commercials and program levels.
Then again, maybe it's the software and box.Verizon, last I heard, has two super headends, one in Florida and one in Illinois and the feed is suppose to switch between the two if one goes down, becomes unstable, etc. I know Illinois had some storms blow through yesterday, but did Florida too? This of course is for national channels only. Locals are inserted at the head end and could be received via a variety of different methods.

Well, at least you can upgrade the drive, which is more than can be said for the Motorola QIP6416.

It's not like there is a lot of effort involved to upgrade capacity with an eSATA drive. It is a two-minute process and you've got that extra 500Gb to 1Tb of storage.

That was not my point.

My point is that this so called S3 'Lite' is not such a big deal over the S3 when one considers that one has to spend more money on it to get a disk capacity that makes it useful
ie. Upgrade to get to the The same 250 Gb capacity as the S3

One or two hundred bucks for a Sata disk then add that to the cost of the S3

Joe, 250 GB SATA drives sell for under $50 now, plus add a few dollars for an enclosure and eSATA cable. Add that to a "lite" and you'll have far more space than the regular S3 Tivo, and for far less expense.

It's definitely something to factor into the decision process... I just hope no one is paying "one or two hundred bucks" for 90GB worth of disk space (to bring a 160GB tivo up to the same capacity as a 250GB tivo) when half-terabyte drives are selling for $95.

-Mike

Signal definitley works all over the house. I saw them check every connection. Something's wrong with the box, Im pretty sure. Because now I tried it again, and it downloaded the flash update, installed it, and then the screen showed ----and it appeared as if it would do something, but then showed a 0 and then turned off. This is the part I keep getting to and then failing. I have a feeling that possibly the update is bad or something, because I can't do anything passed this point. If I leave it off it doesnt do anything, if I turn it on, it just shows the light and if I press anything to change the channel it just shows 4095.



Also I noticed that I can not receive any on demand stuff throught the 2500, it just never accepts the connection or something, because i choose something and then it tells me that the video was stopped.

Did you ever figure out what the problem was with your box? I just got a 2nd DVR from FIOS for my bedroom, and unfortunately my new LCD didn't arrive on time, so the tech couldn't test if the box was actually working. He only checked if I was getting a good signal from the wall, which I was according to him.

I moved the receiver to the main TV in my living room, but I keep on getting that 4095 number when I try to change channels and nothing else.

Victor

I am getting FIOS in <2 weeks finally, and will get a DVR, it says this is the one they give out

Just wondering if there are any hacks/tricks or neat unadvertised features
like can it be plugged into pc, or can the firmware be modified.... just curious, and i always ask this when i get new stuff hah (like my wireless router, i changed the firmware and it has many more features now)... i know the answers probably here, i searched but theres too many pages and i didnt see anything clear

Thanks

Has anyone else noticed this about the stutter issue? If you record a segment when the stutter is really bad & play it back the stutter is still there. If you then save that recording for a couple weeks & then play it back the stutter goes away. I've had 3 recordings that exhibited this behavior now over the last couple of months. So, the signal has to be getting to the box OK. The box just has problems under a certain set of conditions. Seems to be the better the HD content, the more the box screws up. I've swapped my DVR out and even added a 2nd non DVR HD box to see if there was any difference... there was no difference between boxes. All 3 stuttered during good HD content shows.

I'm new to DVRs in general and FiOS in particular. Last week I recorded The DaVinci Code and it cut the movie/recording off after about 1 hr 4x minutes. The guide says 2.5 hours length.

Did we do something wrong to make it cut the recording off?

Any ideas what went wrong most likely? I just don't want to keep doing this.

I scheduled a re-record and added 60 minutes to it.

Has anyone else noticed this about the stutter issue? If you record a segment when the stutter is really bad & play it back the stutter is still there. If you then save that recording for a couple weeks & then play it back the stutter goes away. I've had 3 recordings that exhibited this behavior now over the last couple of months. So, the signal has to be getting to the box OK. The box just has problems under a certain set of conditions. Seems to be the better the HD content, the more the box screws up. I've swapped my DVR out and even added a 2nd non DVR HD box to see if there was any difference... there was no difference between boxes. All 3 stuttered during good HD content shows.

the stutting issues are my major complaint with the service. i still see them every couple of weeks. the workaround i use is to put the box in 480i mode for a few moments and then switch it back to 1080i and it goes away for me.

I'm new to DVRs in general and FiOS in particular. Last week I recorded The DaVinci Code and it cut the movie/recording off after about 1 hr 4x minutes. The guide says 2.5 hours length.

Did we do something wrong to make it cut the recording off?

Any ideas what went wrong most likely? I just don't want to keep doing this.Were there storms coming through your area that night? Any chance for an emergency broadcast system announcement? If so those will interrupt your recording. It may or may not have been anything you did. I'd wait to see if it happens again before worrying about it too much.

I'm new to DVRs in general and FiOS in particular. Last week I recorded The DaVinci Code and it cut the movie/recording off after about 1 hr 4x minutes. The guide says 2.5 hours length.

Did we do something wrong to make it cut the recording off?

Any ideas what went wrong most likely? I just don't want to keep doing this.

I scheduled a re-record and added 60 minutes to it.

I've used the FIOS DVR for about six months now and have never had this problem. Assuming you used the record function while in the guide vs. scheduling a manual recording it should automatically pick up the correct start and end time and it's worked well for me.

Since it is thunder storm season, were there storms in your area that might have caused a momentary loss of power to box? I think this would cause the recording to stop in the middle. I have my TV and the DVR on a small UPS so they'll ride out short power outages.

The other possibile cause would be a recording conflict between the DaVinci Code and something else you wanted to record that started while it was still recording DaVinci. You've got two tuners in the DVR so you can record a show and watch a second show, or record two shows while watching one of them or one of your saved shows, but if you have two recordings setup that overlap and try to watch a third live show, you'll get a message asking whether you want to continue recording or cancel one of the recordings and watch the live show.

Good luck. Soon you'll wonder how you got along without the DVR. I know I do...

Thanks for the replies. I don't think there were any storms during the recording time. The other thought I had was that we inadvertently cut it off by trying to tune a third broadcast, but I would have expected a warning message (which it sounds like that would have occurred).

I'll keep an eye on things.

I was just wondering if there were any recurrent problems like this ... for now I'll chalk it up to newbie error/random glitch.

Btw, I love FiOS.

Thanks for the replies. I don't think there were any storms during the recording time. The other thought I had was that we inadvertently cut it off by trying to tune a third broadcast, but I would have expected a warning message (which it sounds like that would have occurred).

I'll keep an eye on things.

I was just wondering if there were any recurrent problems like this ... for now I'll chalk it up to newbie error/random glitch.

Btw, I love FiOS.


Hi AcuraCL,

I've had the DVR for half a year or more, and while I love the service and the DVR, every once and a while it does that! I was once going to watch a movie and started it and then brought up the play progress indicator (press Play) and I saw that it only had about 40 minutes, even though the banner said it had over 2 hours. And sure enough at 40 minutes it stopped. Again, it only does this seldomly, but I have seen it before.

But don't fret, as I had the DirecTV HD Tivo for years and it also did that occasionally. I also am following the Series 3 HD Tivo (works with cable and FiOS, but costs $800 plus subscription fees!) and that also does it occasionally.

I think its in the nature of the beast that if something unexpected happens the recording is stopped and sometimes it restarts and sometimes is does not! Most of the time you can pick up another showing.

Gerry

Hi AcuraCL,


But don't fret, as I had the DirecTV HD Tivo for years and it also did that occasionally. I also am following the Series 3 HD Tivo (works with cable and FiOS, but costs $800 plus subscription fees!) and that also does it occasionally.

I think its in the nature of the beast that if something unexpected happens the recording is stopped and sometimes it restarts and sometimes is does not! Most of the time you can pick up another showing.

Gerry



I very recently switched to this GREAT FIOS picture quality from the lousy PQ from Directv, so I have not yet seen this behaviour on the 6416 but I am sure I will.

Up until a month or so ago with Directv, I always checked what the guide on my HR 10-250 HD TIVO said about program length in the 'Now playing list' before I decided to watch a long movie.

I had plenty of 'short' movies with the HDTIVO just as has been described.
I was impressed with the thought that went into it's useability features.
Like if the box crashed during a recording, it would start recording the same movie before it was completely done rebooting.

The Verizon Moto 6416 will tell you that a program started recording late and may be short but no crashes yet to see how well it handles that.

Hi AcuraCL,

I've had the DVR for half a year or more, and while I love the service and the DVR, every once and a while it does that! I was once going to watch a movie and started it and then brought up the play progress indicator (press Play) and I saw that it only had about 40 minutes, even though the banner said it had over 2 hours. And sure enough at 40 minutes it stopped. Again, it only does this seldomly, but I have seen it before.

But don't fret, as I had the DirecTV HD Tivo for years and it also did that occasionally. I also am following the Series 3 HD Tivo (works with cable and FiOS, but costs $800 plus subscription fees!) and that also does it occasionally.

I think its in the nature of the beast that if something unexpected happens the recording is stopped and sometimes it restarts and sometimes is does not! Most of the time you can pick up another showing.

Gerry


Interesting enough, I've had the DVR in my great room for about 10 months and the first couple months I had a few recordings stop early, this no longer happens with this DVR. A few weeks ago I had a DVR put into the bedroom and last night I noticed that a recording stopped early on this one. Both of these DVR's were brand spankin' new when they hooked them up. Is this a coincidence or do these DVR's have issues when they're new which work themselves out after usage???

Anyone else experiencing problems only within the first couple of months?

Thanks
jeepmon

We had a FIOS catastrophe last night in Montgomery County, MD (Kensington). The DVR was being slow to respond (started a few days ago). We kept pressing the remote to try to turn it on and off. It then spontaneously rebooted. When it came up all recordings and scheduled shows were gone. Nothing. About 30 hours of TV, poof!. The wife is furious as they were all shows. I don't know if this has anything to do with the new software but just beware. I had Tivo for 8 years and never lost a recording. I have ordered the Tivo HD and am done with the FIOS dvr.

I currently have Comcast but have scheduled FIOS install for Monday morning. I have FIOS internet already and CAN'T WAIT to flip the finger to ripoff comcast! Anyway, I'm getting 2 DVR's and am wondering if folks have figured out the 30 second skip codes like I have for the comcast DVR's. I find this function ESSENTIAL! Also, can the DVR units be configured to use ethernet for video or is coax a must? I have coax runs through the current comcast config but the coax is a bit of a jumble and if cat5 can be used as an alternative I'd LOVE it! Also is there HD on demand like Comcast has?
Tom

I currently have Comcast but have scheduled FIOS install for Monday morning. I have FIOS internet already and CAN'T WAIT to flip the finger to ripoff comcast! Anyway, I'm getting 2 DVR's and am wondering if folks have figured out the 30 second skip codes like I have for the comcast DVR's. I find this function ESSENTIAL! Also, can the DVR units be configured to use ethernet for video or is coax a must? I have coax runs through the current comcast config but the coax is a bit of a jumble and if cat5 can be used as an alternative I'd LOVE it! Also is there HD on demand like Comcast has?
Tom
1. 30 second skip does work, even with the older guide. It is supported openly by the new guide (which hopefully you will get day 1) and the new remote. If not, do a search on this forum or at dslreports and you will find a thread (maybe by me) regarding the skip code.

2. No ethernet at this point. FiOS user MOCA to bridge from the internet connection to the set top boxes. They all have IP addresses, but over coax.

3. No HD on demand as yet. They have tested this recently, but the word on the street is that we are looking at the fall for any kind of roll out.

Has anyone figured out how to reprogram the FIOS remote to do "Page Down" and "Day +"?

The guide is driving me crazy without these features.

Has anyone figured out how to reprogram the FIOS remote to do "Page Down" and "Day +"?

The guide is driving me crazy without these features.Those features will work now with a universal remote. The remote that you have only operates those features in the new v2.0 guide, which you can read about here:

http://verizonfios.com/img/

The rollout schedule for the new guide software, as reported on DSLReports.
MA 8/2
new customers only NJ/PA/DE 8/2
extisting customers NJ/PA/DE 8/28
other parts NJ 8/7
NY 8/9
CA 8/14
FL 8/16
TX 8/21
MD 8/23 (and N. VA)

The features definately work with the current guide, as the up/down and day +/- buttons work from my old Comcast remote on the FIOS guide. We simply need to map a couple buttons to have the same function, but I'm not having any luck remapping the remote as there is no set-up button.

How will these functions work on the new guide if the remote still doesn't have these buttons?

How will these functions work on the new guide if the remote still doesn't have these buttons?With the new guide, channel + / - double as the page up and page down buttons, as on the Tivo.

That's a good clean implementation. Thanks for the info.
I was honestly thinking of dropping FIOS, I missed these buttons so much. Especially with the longer and more dispersed channel listing.

Will there be a Day +/- button, too?

Has anyone been able to stop the DVR from automatically beginning recordings one minute before and ending them one minute after the scheduled time? It's not a big issue to me, except that it sometimes interferes from watching the final minute of something we're watching live (sports or news).

The only setting change I can find is to edit each recording to begin and end in five-minute increments (before or after)?

Thanks - JRC in the LBC

I did like the HD free movies on Comcast but won't cry without them, that's what XBMC is for, after all! Sorry about asking re the 30 second skip I searched around a little more and found that it is supported. I do have another question though, relating to tuner swapping. I see a big gripe is that you can swap tuners, I programmed a key to do this on the comcast because if you were watching a show that was recording, and wanted to change the channel, the only way to do so was using the swap tuners function (assuming the other tuner isn't also recording of course). How does the Verizon box handle this situation if you can't swap tuners? Can you still change the channel and it'll swap, even if it doesn't keep the buffer?
Tom

That's a good clean implementation. Thanks for the info.
I was honestly thinking of dropping FIOS, I missed these buttons so much. Especially with the longer and more dispersed channel listing.

Will there be a Day +/- button, too?I'm not sure how that is accessed with the new remote on IMG 2.0.

Keep in mind you can remove channels from the guide using Menu -> Settings -> Channel List. My guide has less than 35 channels which makes browsing quite fast.

Has anyone been able to stop the DVR from automatically beginning recordings one minute before and ending them one minute after the scheduled time? It's not a big issue to me, except that it sometimes interferes from watching the final minute of something we're watching live (sports or news).

The only setting change I can find is to edit each recording to begin and end in five-minute increments (before or after)?You can't disable that in the current software. However, the DVR will not add that padding if it interferes with another scheduled recording.

The padding was implemented because some networks no longer follow strict hourly start and end times. For example, NBC's Heroes often ended at 10:00:30 or 10:01 as did FOX's 24, even though the program guide listed the end time at 10pm. The practice of extending top-rated primetime programs by 30-90 seconds is becoming more common as it gives the networks extra time for high-revenue ad spots.

I am looking forward to the new Guide...but I am more concerned that we are falling further behind in programming and expandability of the HW...I am totally jealous that Pops can go out and buy a simple USB drive and connect it to his Dish vip622 box...and there doesn't seem to be any reasonable roadmap to add expansion for FiOS and this STB....:(

That's a good clean implementation. Thanks for the info.
I was honestly thinking of dropping FIOS, I missed these buttons so much. Especially with the longer and more dispersed channel listing.

Will there be a Day +/- button, too?

The older model remote does both the page +/- and the day +/-. I went to my local Verizon store and exchanged one of the three (new ones) I got with my FIOS install, and I must say I'm much happier with it. However, the old remote does not have the commercial skip feature. Personally, I'd rather live without that than the other two functions though. I don't believe the new software will fix the day+/- issue, btw.
So far I haven't felt the urge to shell out the $180 (or whatever) for the Harmony programmable remote, but that could still happen one of these days. ;)

Actually it does. The FF and REW buttons on the newer remote functions as Day + and Day - with the new IMG.

The older model remote does both the page +/- and the day +/-. I went to my local Verizon store and exchanged one of the three (new ones) I got with my FIOS install, and I must say I'm much happier with it. However, the old remote does not have the commercial skip feature. Personally, I'd rather live without that than the other two functions though. I don't believe the new software will fix the day+/- issue, btw.
So far I haven't felt the urge to shell out the $180 (or whatever) for the Harmony programmable remote, but that could still happen one of these days. ;)

Thanks for the info.
I'll have to wait and see if something happens on 8/2 heren in Mass.

Any response on my swap tuner question above?
Tom

Any response on my swap tuner question above?
Tom

Still no tuner swapping....

OK everyone please don't get mad at me if this has been posted already, just post the link to the forum post and i'll check it out.

What are my options on getting my DVR Hard Drive content onto my PC?

Verizon FiOS Motorola QIC6416

USB?
FireWire?
Cable Tuner Card for PC via Coax?


Any help will be much appreciated.

OK everyone please don't get mad at me if this has been posted already, just post the link to the forum post and i'll check it out.

What are my options on getting my DVR Hard Drive content onto my PC?

Verizon FiOS Motorola QIC6416

USB?
FireWire?
Cable Tuner Card for PC via Coax?


Any help will be much appreciated.

Firewire

Thread to read:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695

Firewire

Thread to read:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695

Thanks.

So it's safe to say Verizon doesn't want you to offload recorded material to your PC?

So it's safe to say Verizon doesn't want you to offload recorded material to your PC?It's more appropriate to say that content providers don't want you to offload recorded material. Verizon wants to keep content providers happy so their programming rates remain as low as possible.

Still no tuner swapping....

Ok, but given the situation I mentioned above, what happens? Are you stuck on one tuner forever?
Tom

Ok, but given the situation I mentioned above, what happens? Are you stuck on one tuner forever?
Tom

I'm not really sure if I understand your question. But I will give it a shot. If you are recording nothing then when you change channels you are staying on one tuner. If you are recording something and are watching it at the same time, if you switch channels then you are changing to a different tuner. If you record two things at once and switch between the two you are obviously swapping tuners.

Actually it does. The FF and REW buttons on the newer remote functions as Day + and Day - with the new IMG.

Thanks! I guess this means that I'll be using one of the new remotes with the DVR come mid-August. Since I have 3 boxes (2 reg, 1 DVR), I figured I didn't have much to lose by trading one remote in. And I suppose I can always check to see if I can exchange the remote yet again. :D I can't wait for the new guide!

Thanks! I guess this means that I'll be using one of the new remotes with the DVR come mid-August. Since I have 3 boxes (2 reg, 1 DVR), I figured I didn't have much to lose by trading one remote in. And I suppose I can always check to see if I can exchange the remote yet again. :D I can't wait for the new guide!

I have actually started using the Verizon remotes now, I have two of the Harmony 520s, but with the new IMG I prefer the Verizon one.

I'm not really sure if I understand your question. But I will give it a shot. If you are recording nothing then when you change channels you are staying on one tuner. If you are recording something and are watching it at the same time, if you switch channels then you are changing to a different tuner. If you record two things at once and switch between the two you are obviously swapping tuners.
Yes, and while that is technically "swapping tuners" it is not the much-desired TiVo-like capability that lets you quickly jump back and forth, or that retains the buffer for each tuner, lets you pause on one tuner, jump to the other, and then come back, etc. The QIP doesn't even give you buffer-rewind capabilities if you are recording on the tuner you jump to, which doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

Yes, and while that is technically "swapping tuners" it is not the much-desired TiVo-like capability that lets you quickly jump back and forth, or that retains the buffer for each tuner, lets you pause on one tuner, jump to the other, and then come back, etc. The QIP doesn't even give you buffer-rewind capabilities if you are recording on the tuner you jump to, which doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

Agreed, I was just trying to answer his question. I could swap tuners w/Cox on their Moto DVR and is the one thing I miss.

Agreed, I was just trying to answer his question. I could swap tuners w/Cox on their Moto DVR and is the one thing I miss.

I agree that is one of the major complaints I have with the VZ DVR. With both TiVo and the Cox DVR you had the two buffered tuners.

Agreed, I was just trying to answer his question. I could swap tuners w/Cox on their Moto DVR and is the one thing I miss.

I also had this function with both cox and comcast after I moved, but with comcast I had to program a "secret" button into the remote to be able to do it. That said, with comcast it was urgent because IF you WERE watching something that was recording and tried the change the channel, it wouldn't let you! It wouldn't even offer the option of swapping tuners it just asked if you wanted to change the channel and stop recording or continue recording! I saw recently that they have since fixed that as now it asks if you want to swap tuners, but for a while if you couldn't swap tuners you couldn't change channels while watching something that was being recorded. That said, as long as I can change channels and it automatically swaps tuners for me then I'll look forward to when you can swap tuners manually but it's not really a big deal for me as I don't do it often. Thanks for the answers, I look forward to my installation tomorrow morning!
Tom

I would like a fairley inexpensive recorder to burn my pictures onto to play in my on my bose 321.

Thanks
lantz1

Has anyone been able to stop the DVR from automatically beginning recordings one minute before and ending them one minute after the scheduled time? It's not a big issue to me, except that it sometimes interferes from watching the final minute of something we're watching live (sports or news).

The only setting change I can find is to edit each recording to begin and end in five-minute increments (before or after)?

Thanks - JRC in the LBCI'd have to double check when I get home but I am almost positive the new guide allows you to adjust the padding in increments less then 5 minutes. I won't guarantee it though. Unfortunately I haven't found a setting that makes the change permanent for all recordings, it must be done on a timer by timer basis.

Picked up a TivoHD at Best Buy today.

Called Verizon and asked for CableCard, they said no problem they'll be here tomorrow. She wrote on the order that I'd prefer a single MCard if possible, instead of 2 SCards.

Just activated the Tivo... 3 year service plan for $299, so $8.30 per month. If they give me 1 CableCard, that's $2.99 per month, so total DVR service will be $11.29, or just slightly less than what I was paying Verizon for the awful Motorola experience. Of course, I'm also out $300 for the Tivo, but I'm willing to pay for the better experience.

Had switched to FiOS a few months ago after many years with DirecTivo, and the experience just couldn't compare.

Will let you know how the CableCard install goes tomorrow...

Picked up a TivoHD at Best Buy today.

Called Verizon and asked for CableCard, they said no problem they'll be here tomorrow. She wrote on the order that I'd prefer a single MCard if possible, instead of 2 SCards.

Just activated the Tivo... 3 year service plan for $299, so $8.30 per month. If they give me 1 CableCard, that's $2.99 per month, so total DVR service will be $11.29, or just slightly less than what I was paying Verizon for the awful Motorola experience. Of course, I'm also out $300 for the Tivo, but I'm willing to pay for the better experience.

Had switched to FiOS a few months ago after many years with DirecTivo, and the experience just couldn't compare.

Will let you know how the CableCard install goes tomorrow...

I hate to say it, but you may have wanted to wait until the new IMG was rolled out, it's supposed to be everywhere by the end of August. We got it last week and it is leaps and bounds above the old IPG.

I hate to say it, but you may have wanted to wait until the new IMG was rolled out, it's supposed to be everywhere by the end of August. We got it last week and it is leaps and bounds above the old IPG.The IMG is a nice improvement over the old Verizon guide, but it's still not in the same league with the TivoHD.

The FiOS IMG 2.0 consists mostly of aesthetic enhancements, rather than functional enhancements. The DVR functionality in IMG 2.0 has hardly changed. And the recording is still dependent upon the FiOS guide data, which isn't as reliable or comprehensive as Tivo's.

The IMG is a nice improvement over the old Verizon guide, but it's still not in the same league with the TivoHD.

The FiOS IMG 2.0 consists mostly of aesthetic enhancements, rather than functional enhancements. The DVR functionality in IMG 2.0 has hardly changed. And the recording is still dependent upon the FiOS guide data, which isn't as reliable or comprehensive as Tivo's.

Very true. I've never used a Tivo, so guess I don't know what I am missing.

Well I got my FIOS today, returned the Comcrap DVR's 10 minutes after the verizon guys left. So far it's working ok, but I'm mildly disappointed initially. This guide is really not that great, I know the new one is coming out shortly so I won't gripe anymore but it's not really very good at all. My biggest complaint right now is the on demand offerings. While I really didn't like Comcast overall, I will say they had a LOT of free movies available on demand, even HD ones. Not only does Verizon not offer ANY HD on demand content (supposedly will soon once technical issues are figured out??) but they don't even offer any free standard def movies. There were HUNDREDS of free movies on comcast on demand. I'm very surprised about this. I just hope they start adding stuff as time goes on! Quality overall seems comparable to comcast, not seeing any improvements and HD might even be a little bit less crisp but time will tell there. I don't like the first 40ish channels being denoted local, but nothing detailed showing up in the guide. Very odd and annoying if I must say...
Tom

I hate to say it, but you may have wanted to wait until the new IMG was rolled out, it's supposed to be everywhere by the end of August. We got it last week and it is leaps and bounds above the old IPG.

Yeah, after reading all the reviews of the new IMG, I decided it still wasn't up to par for what I'm used to. My compaints about the current FiOS guide go much more than skin-deep. Having used TiVo for so many years, I'm spoiled!

The install went very smoothly, though they gave me 2 SCards, said they don't have MCards available yet. All my channels are working, and I logged into the tivo web site from my laptop and selected which shows I want to record, and a few minutes later the season passes showed up on my tivo. Pretty slick!

Yeah, after reading all the reviews of the new IMG, I decided it still wasn't up to par for what I'm used to. My compaints about the current FiOS guide go much more than skin-deep. Having used TiVo for so many years, I'm spoiled!

The install went very smoothly, though they gave me 2 SCards, said they don't have MCards available yet. All my channels are working, and I logged into the tivo web site from my laptop and selected which shows I want to record, and a few minutes later the season passes showed up on my tivo. Pretty slick!


Nice mate, welcome to Tivo-world

I'd have to double check when I get home but I am almost positive the new guide allows you to adjust the padding in increments less then 5 minutes. I won't guarantee it though. Unfortunately I haven't found a setting that makes the change permanent for all recordings, it must be done on a timer by timer basis.

In series manager, you can now set to start or stop a recording on time or 1 or 2 minutes early or late.

Has anyone figured out how to delete channels that you don't receive (HBO, etc) from the guide in the new IMG? I can't find a way to do it. I don't want to see the channels I don't get or don't ever watch in the guide, or when I'm just channel surfing.

Please tell me I'm missing something obvious.! :)

Has anyone figured out how to delete channels that you don't receive (HBO, etc) from the guide in the new IMG? I can't find a way to do it. I don't want to see the channels I don't get or don't ever watch in the guide, or when I'm just channel surfing.

Please tell me I'm missing something obvious.! :)Yes. You customize your channel list using favorites and use then use the "FAV" button to bring up your guide.

Yes. You customize your channel list using favorites and use then use the "FAV" button to bring up your guide.


That's a halfway workaround because if you are just channel surfing, all channels will appear. I can't believe they did away with the functionality to delete channels that you don't receive.

That's a halfway workaround because if you are just channel surfing, all channels will appear. I can't believe they did away with the functionality to delete channels that you don't receive.That's very true.

That's one area where the new guide is a definite step back from the existing one.

Picked up a TivoHD at Best Buy today.

Called Verizon and asked for CableCard, they said no problem they'll be here tomorrow. She wrote on the order that I'd prefer a single MCard if possible, instead of 2 SCards.

Just activated the Tivo... 3 year service plan for $299, so $8.30 per month. If they give me 1 CableCard, that's $2.99 per month, so total DVR service will be $11.29, or just slightly less than what I was paying Verizon for the awful Motorola experience. Of course, I'm also out $300 for the Tivo, but I'm willing to pay for the better experience.

Had switched to FiOS a few months ago after many years with DirecTivo, and the experience just couldn't compare.

Will let you know how the CableCard install goes tomorrow...

Please let us know how it goes. I am now considering a Tivo cause i'm so frustrated with the Moto box. Does anyone know if there will eventually be the ability to get VOD on the S3 as well as any other features that are missing now?

Has anyone figured out how to delete channels that you don't receive (HBO, etc) from the guide in the new IMG? I can't find a way to do it. I don't want to see the channels I don't get or don't ever watch in the guide, or when I'm just channel surfing.

Please tell me I'm missing something obvious.! :)

There must be a way - On the FIOS Programming thread HILLTOP SAILOR was talking about issues of "adding/deleting both spanish and english channels when I want to only add/delete one or the other" with the new IMG.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11180012&&#post11180012

In series manager, you can now set to start or stop a recording on time or 1 or 2 minutes early or late.
Is this in Addition to the 1min pre & 2min, post that has always been auto added to recordings, or "Instead of" ......

Picked up a TivoHD at Best Buy today.

Called Verizon and asked for CableCard, they said no problem they'll be here tomorrow. She wrote on the order that I'd prefer a single MCard if possible, instead of 2 SCards.

What's the difference(s) between 2 SCards and 1 MCard??? :confused: Besides the fact that you only are paying for one card per month.

Also, did Verizon charge you a service trip to come out and give you the cards ... and did they pick-up the Com DVR?

Had fios for 3 painful weeks in Feb. Remote was almost impossible to use, IPG hard to navigate and info was nothing more than an overview of the programming vs. program content, DVR was sluggish, macroblocked, skipped movie parts (you name it). Can anyone answer the following questions?

- New remote looks greatly improved does it skip forward (for those with a DVR).
- Can the remote, control what's passed thru (1080i, 720p, 480i etc.) or do you still need to turn off the STB and navigate that terrible menu
- How does the DVR perform. Some movies were unwatchable on the box I had (from my old paperwork model # appears to be 6401.

On a related note, new IPG is much improved for navigation, but I see from the video that was kindly posted, in some cases it still only comments on the type of program rather than the actual program content...For instance the part for Oprah: Instead of listing guests or topic of conversation it states "A one-woman entertainment dynasty, and the gold standard in the talk show genre, able to attract just about..." Really pathetic programming information. And it still doesn't list why the program received the rating, like dish or directv does. Almost a deal breaker for my wife who only records shows based on guests or topic.

DISH is superior in all these features and HD Content, but I am tired of satellite outages during storms.

NYY,

- New remote looks greatly improved does it skip forward (for those with a DVR).Yes.

- Can the remote, control what's passed thru (1080i, 720p, 480i etc.) or do you still need to turn off the STB and navigate that terrible menuNo all-native option was added, but some of the common video settings (1080i, 720p, etc) were moved to the GUI.

How does the DVR perform. Some movies were unwatchable on the box I had (from my old paperwork model # appears to be 6401.Picture quality has always been great on FiOS, provided your installation was done correctly. If you mean the skipping that sometime occurred during FFW on the DVR, then yes, that was largely resolved with recent software updates (and the new guide).

Really pathetic programming information. And it still doesn't list why the program received the rating, like dish or directv does. Almost a deal breaker for my wife who only records shows based on guests or topic.The guide provider hasn't changed. They've improved it somewhat in recent months, but it's still not comparable to what you get with Tivo.

If recording based on subject matter and keywords is important to you, have you considered the $299 TivoHD ($260 with CC coupon)? It works great with FiOS, although you lose VOD.

Hi,

Thanks for the info. The DVR issues were during playback of recorded content. It would literally hang up or skip for 5 seconds or more during playback, not necessarily during rw or FF.

What model box do you have?

Hi,

Thanks for the info. The DVR issues were during playback of recorded content. It would literally hang up or skip for 5 seconds or more during playback, not necessarily during rw or FF.

What model box do you have?
I just gave you essentially the same answers as bfdtv on the other thread you posted this question. (Double posting uncool ! :))

As bfdtv mentions, you likely have a coax signal or hard drive problem there. It is not normal FiOS performance. If you move to FiOS make sure you are getting decent quality before the tech leaves.