I recently got fios and have it hooked up as follows: HDMI-DVI-Pioneer Elite Pro 730 HD and Optical digital to B&K 507 receiver. For a while, the sound worked through the receiver and appeared to be a DD 5.1 signal. Now no sound is passed at all. It will pass analog sound though, but that is unacceptable. I do not ever us the TV for sound, all sound is through the reciver at all times.

To try and troubleshoot, I tried different inputs on the B&K, different cables, I even used coaxial cables, and nothing worked. I tried unplugging the video cable, and again it did not work. I tried componet video, and the picture was wrong, but the sound still did not work (green and blue lines only, though I may have hooked it up wrong as this was my last attempt and I just wanted to see if the audio worked.) I also unplugged it for 20 minutes to reset and still nothing. I have read the manual, which is worthless, and I have tried to access the menu where you enter when the power is off, to no avail. (My box is just the HD model, not the DVR.) Any thoughts?

Get Verizon in. Make sure your sound settings haven't been reset somehow.

I have a friend with FIOS and is using the older actiontec router. The internet connection appears to originate through the coax as there is no Cat5 coming from the ONT into the Actiontec router like I have mine set up. The router is on the second floor of the house and when trying to use wireless the signal is poor on the first level in most areas. What is the best way to fix this problem? Will Verizon provide another wireless router that can be connected to Coax to cover the first level or is one expected to find a WAP solution on their own?

I have a friend with FIOS and is using the older actiontec router. The internet connection appears to originate through the coax as there is no Cat5 coming from the ONT into the Actiontec router like I have mine set up. The router is on the second floor of the house and when trying to use wireless the signal is poor on the first level in most areas. What is the best way to fix this problem? Will Verizon provide another wireless router that can be connected to Coax to cover the first level or is one expected to find a WAP solution on their own?

You may need to get your own WAP for this. Just keep the Actiontec for wired access and DHCP / DNS service, connect a second router set up as an access point (wireless only) and you're in business. I use a Draft-N router for the speed and large coverage, but any strong router will do.

Thanks for your responses to my earlier post.

I'm about ready to wire my home for FiOS internet and TV (I plan to get the Triple Play) and need some final clarifications before I proceed.

o Some have said it's BEST to have BOTH a Cat5e cable AND an RG6 cable (for the Program Guide and VOD)running to the Actiontec router. Others say that only an RG6 cable is neccessary. Can I do it either way? Which is best? Is there any performance advantage one way or the other? "jimrimback" mentioned in his post that you only run both if you have more than two phone numbers (I have only one phone number).

o I think the concensus is that I should not put connectors on EITHER end of the RG6 TV lines, Cat5e line or the RG6 MoCA lines. Correct?

o How many TV's can I have hooked up to FIOS with the standard $99 triple play without additional charge (other than equipment rental). I have 5 TV's in the house. Will there be any degradation of signal with it split to 5 TV's?

o My "utility area" is 8' x 8' alcove in the garage. Assuming the ONT is placed close to the existing phone box, the cable(s) from the ONT will enter the "utility area" on one wall and my closest outlet is on the opposite wall of this alcove (a direct distance of 8'). I assume this will be OK and that the installers will run any lines up the outside wall of the alcove, across the ceiling, and then down the interior wall where the BSU, PSU and splitter will be located. Based on this assumption, I would bring all of my cabling from the TV's and the router through the interior wall not far from the electrical outlet. Does this sound like this will work? I don't want to wire the entire house and have the installer look at it and say I need the wiring somewhere else.

o 2 of the 5 TV's in my house are older analog sets. I understand that I can connect them directly to FiOS without any setup box, of course limiting the channels on these two TV's to just local stations which are unencrypted. Correct?

Thanks for your clarification on these issues.

I talked to verizon today about my sound issue and they too are stumped. In a menu on the set top box when you press setup twice, it says audio mute is on under a menu that says I think D10 audio and video. I don't see any way to fix this and I will probably have my service cancelled. I also called motorolla, but they just told me to call verizon. This is very frustrating. Anyone have any ideas?

You may need to get your own WAP for this. Just keep the Actiontec for wired access and DHCP / DNS service, connect a second router set up as an access point (wireless only) and you're in business. I use a Draft-N router for the speed and large coverage, but any strong router will do.

Well they actually need two wireless access points, one upstairs and one down since the range is not that good. The problem is is that they would have to have a cat5 cable run down stairs from the router to plug a second wap into. That is not going to be easy and why I am wondering of a second actiontec via RG6 would work. I dont know if thats possible with the actiontecs or if there is another RG6 capable WAP available.

I talked to verizon today about my sound issue and they too are stumped. In a menu on the set top box when you press setup twice, it says audio mute is on under a menu that says I think D10 audio and video. I don't see any way to fix this and I will probably have my service cancelled. I also called motorolla, but they just told me to call verizon. This is very frustrating. Anyone have any ideas?

I would have them come out and swap out your box before you go and cancel. Just tell them if they can't get it working you do want their service anymore.

Well they actually need two wireless access points, one upstairs and one down since the range is not that good. The problem is is that they would have to have a cat5 cable run down stairs from the router to plug a second wap into. That is not going to be easy and why I am wondering of a second actiontec via RG6 would work. I dont know if thats possible with the actiontecs or if there is another RG6 capable WAP available.What you need is a Motorola NIM100 for the other room.

A Motorola NIM100 will provide a 100Mbps network connection to the Actiontec anywhere that you have coax cable in your home. The NIM100 has a coax input, coax passthrough output (i.e. if you have a TV or DVR), and 100Mbps ethernet output for your computer or network switch. Verizon no longer supplies NIM100s in most areas, so you'll need to buy one off ebay. They used to sell for $30-$40, but popularity / demand has grown.

A NIM100 provides true 100Mbps throughput (i.e. ~11 megabytes per second) -- much, much faster than most wireless APs.

Well they actually need two wireless access points, one upstairs and one down since the range is not that good. The problem is is that they would have to have a cat5 cable run down stairs from the router to plug a second wap into. That is not going to be easy and why I am wondering of a second actiontec via RG6 would work. I dont know if thats possible with the actiontecs or if there is another RG6 capable WAP available.

I only have one. It's actually a Belkin N1 router that is set up as a wireless access point. It has very good range and provides full service to my house, and actually in my yard as well. I have it on the first floor, where I have my laptop, my kids are on the second floor and my mother in law has her in law suite in the basement. All of them get very good connectivity (50Mbit+ in the basement, with a G connection, 110 LAN on my laptop with an N adapter, 100 for my kids).

A possible solution that doesn't require multiple devices.

o Some have said it's BEST to have BOTH a Cat5e cable AND an RG6 cable (for the Program Guide and VOD)running to the Actiontec router. Others say that only an RG6 cable is neccessary. Can I do it either way? Which is best? Is there any performance advantage one way or the other? "jimrimback" mentioned in his post that you only run both if you have more than two phone numbers (I have only one phone number).

o I think the concensus is that I should not put connectors on EITHER end of the RG6 TV lines, Cat5e line or the RG6 MoCA lines. Correct?

o How many TV's can I have hooked up to FIOS with the standard $99 triple play without additional charge (other than equipment rental). I have 5 TV's in the house. Will there be any degradation of signal with it split to 5 TV's?

o My "utility area" is 8' x 8' alcove in the garage. Assuming the ONT is placed close to the existing phone box, the cable(s) from the ONT will enter the "utility area" on one wall and my closest outlet is on the opposite wall of this alcove (a direct distance of 8'). I assume this will be OK and that the installers will run any lines up the outside wall of the alcove, across the ceiling, and then down the interior wall where the BSU, PSU and splitter will be located. Based on this assumption, I would bring all of my cabling from the TV's
and the router through the interior wall not far from the electrical outlet. Does this sound like this will work? I don't want to wire the entire house and have the installer look at it and say I need the wiring somewhere else.

o 2 of the 5 TV's in my house are older analog sets. I understand that I can connect them directly to FiOS without any setup box, of course limiting the channels on these two TV's to just local stations which are unencrypted. Correct?



You want to have both RG6 and Cat5, not just for FIOS but any future upgrade.

Leave the cable ends bare - the tech will terminate all of them - he has a lot more experience at this.

I don't believe there's a TV connection limit.

Your wiring plan sounds good.

The two analog sets will work directly from coax....for a while. FIOS plans to pull the plug on all analog chs in the next few months. After that you'll either need a new TV with a QAM tuner or a STB (some of the gov't subsidized STBs may do QAM).

Well I ordered my HD box from verizon,had a sd one. They said a "tech" is coming tuesday to set it up. I was wondering what they usually use to hook it up. Do I get a free hdmi cable?

Thanks

I just signed up for fios on their website... which is absolutely horrible. and at step 4 I hit the back button to reset the install time frame and when I went forward again it said there was already a scheduled installation.

what i'm not sure about now is if my order even went through in the first place. I've tried calling but the CS can't find my order. I cannot use the website because I don't have a verizon number or a confirmation number.

can anyone tell me how long it is supposed to take to receive a confirmation email or if my experience is common/unusual at all? thanks in advance.

Well I ordered my HD box from verizon,had a sd one. They said a "tech" is coming tuesday to set it up. I was wondering what they usually use to hook it up. Do I get a free hdmi cable?

Thanks

I can't imagine it's something too complex, basically just dropping it in, I would think that testing the connection, making sure the right subscriptions are coming in correctly would take up most of the time.

I would make sure you can see all of the HD and SD content you signed up for, when I first had my installation, the subscription HD did not come up right away, so the tech had to call in and made sure it was on. The only way to be happy with the installation and the service is to make sure while he/she is there, that the installer gives you everything you need. I also checked the internet while they were there to make sure nothing untoward happened.

I asked for an HDMI cable while he was there, since I had an HDMI capable TV. He gave me that and an optical cable for the sound connection. Your mileage may vary, but they were generous with me. I think they want you to have the best connection possible.

I just signed up for fios on their website... which is absolutely horrible. and at step 4 I hit the back button to reset the install time frame and when I went forward again it said there was already a scheduled installation.

what i'm not sure about now is if my order even went through in the first place. I've tried calling but the CS can't find my order. I cannot use the website because I don't have a verizon number or a confirmation number.

can anyone tell me how long it is supposed to take to receive a confirmation email or if my experience is common/unusual at all? thanks in advance.

I used the web site to schedule my installation, then called in to confirm that it had been logged. I think you should assume that if CS does not see it, that it did not happen. I would just call them and schedule a new install with a real person.

Hey Guys,

I was thinking about having fios install a 3rd HD box @ the house. But I was wondering maybe I would be better off buying a HD box myself? Instead of paying them an extra 10 bucks a month. Can anyone suggest a good HD tuner that would have HDMI output that accepts fios's signal? I'll be using it for the PC so I could watch HDTV on my monitor.

I tried out a HP dual TV tuner that I had laying around toady. And was only able to get 1-49 channels @ first then was able to get about 150 channels. when I selected digital but no HD channels. So I'm gonna need a box just wondering what is the best way for me to go? Thanks

I just signed up for fios on their website... which is absolutely horrible. and at step 4 I hit the back button to reset the install time frame and when I went forward again it said there was already a scheduled installation.

what i'm not sure about now is if my order even went through in the first place. I've tried calling but the CS can't find my order. I cannot use the website because I don't have a verizon number or a confirmation number.

can anyone tell me how long it is supposed to take to receive a confirmation email or if my experience is common/unusual at all? thanks in advance.

When I tried to order and schedule online (early December), the Verizon website was extremely slow and before I could get to the confirmation page, the server would bomb out. This happened several times during my workday. I was later trying again at home, when the doorbell rang. It was a Verizon contractor, so I dragged him in by his collar and ordered w/ him. He had to call Verizon to finalize the order. By the next day, I could see the scheduled date confirmed on their website. Try to call and order if you can.

Doug

The verizon tech switched out my box and still no sound. I'm surprised no one else has had no digital sound issues. They will try a mach setup at the CO and report back what happens there.

I was thinking about having fios install a 3rd HD box @ the house. But I was wondering maybe I would be better off buying a HD box myself? Instead of paying them an extra 10 bucks a month. Can anyone suggest a good HD tuner that would have HDMI output that accepts fios's signal? I'll be using it for the PC so I could watch HDTV on my monitor.The cable channels are encrypted. To get those, you need the Verizon box or a CableCard box like the TivoHD. The TivoHD and Tivo Series3 are the only standalone alternatives available today that support all FiOS channels. Unfortunately, these are not feeless products; even if you buy the more expensive TiVo with a lifetime subscription (no DVR fees), you've still got to pay for the Verizon CableCards.

If you only care about local SD and HD channels, and don't mind giving up the program guide, then you might want to check out the Samsung DTB-H260F (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=728392).

The verizon tech switched out my box and still no sound. I'm surprised no one else has had no digital sound issues. They will try a mach setup at the CO and report back what happens there.

Just curious. have you confirmed that the right optical or coax input is assigned to the proper Video channel on your receiver? You said it was working before and now it stopped working so something may have been changed on your receiver. Also do you have a DVD player hooked up you can test with? If you do, plug the cable box into that same input that is working for the DVD player.

The cable channels are encrypted. To get those, you need the Verizon box or a CableCard box like the TivoHD. The TivoHD and Tivo Series3 are the only standalone alternatives available today that support all FiOS channels. Unfortunately, these are not feeless products; even if you buy the more expensive TiVo with a lifetime subscription (no DVR fees), you've still got to pay for the Verizon CableCards.

If you only care about local SD and HD channels, and don't mind giving up the program guide, then you might want to check out the Samsung DTB-H260F (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=728392).

Thanks for the info,

I see they have a newer model @ BB and I haven't used my gift card yet that I have for them. I do want all my HD channels and movie stations that I pay extra for thou. Maybe I'll stop by there and talk to someone about it.

I am having an unusual problem with audio. I had FIOS TV installed on 12/27/07 and I noticed shortly after the install that I do not get the left audio channel on FOX-WPGH in Pittsburgh on all three FIOS STBs. I talked with Verizon and they are checking the feed. Has anybody else experienced this problem?

I am having an unusual problem with audio. I had FIOS TV installed on 12/27/07 and I noticed shortly after the install that I do not get the left audio channel on FOX-WPGH in Pittsburgh on all three FIOS STBs. I talked with Verizon and they are checking the feed. Has anybody else experienced this problem?Have you checked the OTA feed to see if that has the left audio channel? I suspect you'll find the same problem there as well. Or have you checked the Local HDTV forum to see if other members are having the same problem with WPGH on Comcast (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=283087&page=42) or OTA (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=188135&page=96)? You might ask there.

Verizon receives HD local channels from affiliates via fiber (and in some cases, OTA) and places them on its system without processing of any kind.

Thanks for the info,

I see they have a newer model @ BB and I haven't used my gift card yet that I have for them. I do want all my HD channels and movie stations that I pay extra for thou. Maybe I'll stop by there and talk to someone about it.As I noted above, if you want all those channels in a standalone box, you only have two options: (1) the FiOS' Motorola STBs or (2) CableCard STBs like the TiVo or the discontinued Sony DHG-xxx.

Well I ordered my HD box from verizon,had a sd one. They said a "tech" is coming tuesday to set it up. I was wondering what they usually use to hook it up. Do I get a free hdmi cable?

Thanks

We got two. However, we worked for it. I'm a tech support person, and I didn't want them messing with our stuff, so I ran all of our own cable. So it took the guy about 1/2 hour inside (most of the time spent was outside)... it also helped that we had a MAC, so he couldn't put all the garbage stuff on there for our triple play internet part.

Now, we also got two at my friend's apartment. We had the tvs all hooked up (sans FIOS, obviously), we left a TON of free room for the guys, and we knew what to expect. We got one, and then we asked for an extra for the other TV....

And I wasn't using my girlish charms to get them either, i think my husband dealt with it, whilst I played my DS. :)

When he installed my stuff, the tech had just one HDMI cable left in his truck, and he was nice enough to give it to me. If you are the last person on the day's schedule, don't count on it!

Anyone ever return defective equipment to a walk-in center ? I have a bad remote that I just want to exchange for a working one.

I'm sure the answer is somewhere in this thread but I can't seem to find it. Can someone please tell me if I order FiOS internet and TV, but no voice services, do they install a battery backup? I think the battery backup is only for voice services but I don't know for sure. Also, I don't have power where the ONT will be installed and I assume the power requirement is only for the backup and not the ONT. Is this correct?

TIA

I believe you need a BBU. I have one, but also have phone service. You need power, I just don't remember how far away it can be from the ONT. They will also need to connect the ONT to an electrical safety ground (just like they do for cable).

FiOS FAQ: http://fiosfaq.com/index.php?action=cat&catnum=4

broadbandreports.com Verizon FiOS forum (good info): http://www.dslreports.com/forum/vzfiber

You can author HD-DVDs and AVCHD disks too, but that requires a different program. I use Ulead MovieFactory6 Plus ($79). Below are the steps used to create HD-DVDs using a standard 4.7Gb or 8.5Gb DVD media.

Step #1: Automatically download recordings (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/tivodesktoptransfer.png) (or use web browser (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/tivoweb.png))
Step #2: Automatically remove commercials (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/videoredo/videoredo3.png)
Step #3: Launch MovieFactory (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/author/create.jpg)
Step #4: Open recording (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/author/import.png)
Step #5: Pick menu (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/author/menu.png)
Step #6: Burn (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/author/burn.png)

It took about 10 minutes (total) to make that HD-DVD of Dexter using a 4.7Gb DVD.

Most one-hour network series will fit on a SL DVD after you remove the commercials. Most series from HBO and Showtime will fit on a SL DVD, as is, although I typically remove the intros and previews. Most HD movies from Starz and HBO will fit on a DL DVD. Movies and sports broadcasts from higher-bitrate channels like Hdnet and ESPN-HD will generally not fit on a DVD (unless you span them across multiple disks).

The best place to buy the Tivo Series3 is Amazon.com, but they are out of stock. Their regular price is $350 after rebate ($550 - $200 mail-in rebate).

Verizon has said it has plans to deliver some channels in IPTV within the next three years. These channels are unlikely to ever be supported by the Series3.

There will not be any HDTV added using IPTV in 2008, meaning the "up to 150 HD channels" will be available to the Tivo. Future channels added in 2009 or 2010 may not be available to the TiVo. Verizon plans to deploy new STBs in late 2008 and 1H 2009 that will support MPEG-4. These are the boxes that Verizon will eventually use to deliver channels with IPTV.

Note both the TivoHD and Series3 include hardware support for MPEG-4 HD, although that is not yet enabled with the current software.

The Tivo Series3 includes a 250Gb hard drive, whereas the DirecTV HDTV DVRs include a 300-320Gb drive. DirecTV re-compresses their HD, so their content requires significantly less space than the same content on FiOS; that accounts for the remaining difference.

The claimed 300 hours of SD assumes analog channels recorded on the lowest quality setting. There are no analog channels on FiOS with CableCards. Recording capacity for FiOS' digital SD channels -- recorded bit-for-bit identical to the original-- will be closer to 160 hours on the TiVo Series3.


Thanks for all your posts on recording HD in general and authoring HD DVD.

I'm doing my research now on getting a Tivo to go along with my own FiOS service now and your posts have been extremely helpful.

Is this the basic TiVo HD you're referring to? (since the Series3 appears to be constantly out of stock).

TiVo TCD652160 HD Digital Video Recorder (http://www.amazon.com/TiVo-TCD652160-Digital-Video-Recorder/dp/B000RZDBM2******pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1199775773&sr=1-1)

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31GajnR8QbL._AA280_.jpg

I'm thinking I'd want to get the series 3 anyway however because I want to add the maximum external storage.

I'm sure the answer is somewhere in this thread but I can't seem to find it. Can someone please tell me if I order FiOS internet and TV, but no voice services, do they install a battery backup? I think the battery backup is only for voice services but I don't know for sure. Also, I don't have power where the ONT will be installed and I assume the power requirement is only for the backup and not the ONT. Is this correct?

TIA

You have to have the power supply with the battery back up regardless of which service you get - that's what powers the ONT. You have some leeway on the distance from the nearest outlet to the power supply - they use low voltage (AC-DC converter at the outlet) to the power supply. The ONT itself could be some distance from the power supply but generally they'll want to install it next to the power supply.

Thanks to both geekgirl and biker19 for the information. I've got all the info I need now.

Is this the basic TiVo HD you're referring to? (since the Series3 appears to be constantly out of stock).

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31GajnR8QbL._AA280_.jpg

I'm thinking I'd want to get the series 3 anyway however because I want to add the maximum external storage.That's correct.

Circuit City had the TivoHD for $249 last week, but it was just increased to $269. If you are a member of AAA, you can get a 8% off discount coupon (http://ww1.aaa.com/scripts/WebObjects.dll/AAAOnline.woa/2002?zip=98007&association=aaa&club=260&page=AAACircuitCity&sessionRedirect=1199478364486) mailed to you.

As far as I know, the current version of the Tivo Series3 with a 250Gb hard drive is no longer in production. Supply is starting to run out. Amazon still has the best price on that unit, but hasn't had online stock in awhile. That's a concern because the $200 rebate on the Series3 only lasts until January 26. The TiVo Community store has the Series3 for $399 after rebate (http://store.tivocommunity.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=EA&Product_Code=2777&Category_Code=S3TIVO).

Some believe that TiVo will replace the Series3 with a new higher-end model after January 26. We might see a Series3 refresh with the TivoHD internals and an even larger hard drive, but I would not expect significant changes. If you are concerned about a potential new model next month, then I would buy closer to the January 26 date from a vendor with a liberal return policy.

Just make sure you subscribe to FiOS now, because customers who do not sign up by January 18 get hit with a $5/mo programming increase. Customers who sign up by January 18 lock in the current $42.99/mo rate until 2009, or 2010 with a two-year commitment.

Edit: I forgot that for some service areas, the January 18 deadline was moved back to February 15.

That's correct.

Circuit City had the TivoHD for $249 last week, but it was just increased to $269. If you are a member of AAA, you can get a 8% off discount coupon (http://ww1.aaa.com/scripts/WebObjects.dll/AAAOnline.woa/2002?zip=98007&association=aaa&club=260&page=AAACircuitCity&sessionRedirect=1199478364486) mailed to you.

As far as I know, the current version of the Tivo Series3 with a 250Gb hard drive is no longer in production. Supply is starting to run out. Amazon still has the best price on that unit, but hasn't had online stock in awhile. That's a concern because the $200 rebate on the Series3 only lasts until January 26. The TiVo Community store has the Series3 for $399 after rebate (http://store.tivocommunity.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=EA&Product_Code=2777&Category_Code=S3TIVO).

Some believe that TiVo will replace the Series3 with a new higher-end model after January 26. We might see a Series3 refresh with the TivoHD internals and an even larger hard drive, but I would not expect significant changes. If you are concerned about a potential new model next month, then I would buy closer to the January 26 date from a vendor with a liberal return policy.

Just make sure you subscribe to FiOS now, because customers who do not sign up by January 18 get hit with a $5/mo programming increase. Customers who sign up by January 18 lock in the current $42.99/mo rate until 2009, or 2010 with a two-year commitment.

So the (very) few DVR's you've listed and media center with capture card are pretty much the only ways to get most of the content to your PC correct? I have Vista and Media Center but the TiVO looks simpler and more convenient.

I've had FiOS for quite some time now including the HD DVR. Reading your posts though it's very clear to me that the 3rd party TiVO brings a LOT more value, especially when you are lucky enough to have an HD DVD player and PC to go along with it.

From what I can see from your posts, that combination of FiOS/TiVOHD/HD DVD and PC software may be the KING of enjoying HD content right now.

Meanwhile people are dumping their hd dvd players with no clue...

I'm thinking the cheaper TiVO may bet the better be because if a newer model does come out I can move this one to a 2nd HDTV with small investment.

So the (very) few DVR's you've listed and media center with capture card are pretty much the only ways to get most of the content to your PC correct? I have Vista and Media Center but the TiVO looks simpler and more convenient. Vista Media Center definitely looks cooler, but as you suggest, it sacrifices some usability for graphical eyecandy. TiVo is definitely the winner when it comes to simplicity. The latest version of the TiVo software also gives you some advanced recording options not available with Media Center. That said...

An OEM Vista CableCard PC is really best way to get FiOS TV on your computer. An OEM Vista CableCard PC is also the best way to centralize recorded content for multiple HDTVs in a home, since that single repository can be accessed by multiple HD extenders.

An Vista CableCard PC does involve more risk, simply because it is a much larger upfront investment. However, because there are no DVR fees, it is significantly cheaper over the long term if you want to provide HDTV DVR capability to multiple TVs in your home. I did a cost breakdown in this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=12625410&postcount=6).

I've had FiOS for quite some time now including the HD DVR. Reading your posts though it's very clear to me that the 3rd party TiVO brings a LOT more value, especially when you are lucky enough to have an HD DVD player and PC to go along with it.

From what I can see from your posts, that combination of FiOS/TiVOHD/HD DVD and PC software may be the KING of enjoying HD content right now.With FiOS today, you can copy anything and everything from TiVo to a PC. Technical limitations currently prevent Verizon from applying copy protection. But eventually FiOS should have that capability, and could copy protect a number of channels so they cannot be downloaded from TiVo to a computer. I would certainly expect this to happen for HBO, Showtime, and Starz at some point down the road.

For now, the TiVo is a great source of high-definition content to make HD-DVDs with DVD media or Blu-ray disks if you have a Blu-ray writer. How many can say they've got a HD-DVD "boxed set" of Dexter S1 and S2 in full high-definition, and it cost them less than $5 total in media? I do.

Blu-ray is emerging as the leader, so going forward, there probably won't be as much interest in archival using the HD-DVD format on DVD media. Sadly, Blu-ray does not support MPEG-2 HD on DVD media, so time-consuming MPEG-4 AVC encodes are required to produce high-definition DVDs that work on those players. If you are lucky enough to have a Blu-ray writer, the source MPEG-2 HD can be burned to 25Gb and 50Gb BD media without any need for re-encoding.

I'm thinking the cheaper TiVO may bet the better be because if a newer model does come out I can move this one to a 2nd HDTV with small investment.If you intend to buy two TiVos, you should be aware that high-definition multiroom performance on the TiVoHD is not nearly as good as the TiVo Series3 with the current software. High-definiton multiroom on the Series3 is about twice as fast as the TivoHD with the current software.

With two TiVo Series3 units, MRV is fast enough to watch all HD recordings from another room, without delay, while skipping all commercials. In contrast, MRV performance on the TivoHD is not sufficient to watch many high-definition recordings from another TiVo in another room instantly, without a delay. Of course, MRV performance between multiple TiVoHD boxes could improve with a future version of the software -- TiVo said it was looking into that -- but that is really an unknown at this point.

An OEM Vista CableCard PC is really best way to get FiOS TV on your computer. An OEM Vista CableCard PC is also the best way to centralize recorded content for multiple HDTVs in a home, since that single repository can be accessed by multiple HD extenders.

Outside of the multi-room advantage what else does the PC route give you? Also, why the OEM distinction. What part of the PC needs to be OEM, the cablecard?

With FiOS today, you can copy anything and everything from TiVo to a PC. Technical limitations currently prevent Verizon from applying copy protection. But eventually FiOS should have that capability, and could copy protect a number of channels so they cannot be downloaded from TiVo to a computer. I would certainly expect this to happen for HBO, Showtime, and Starz at some point down the road.

I see, well my FiOS cablecards are ordered and the fact there is no copy protection being circumvented makes it all quite legal by most interpretations.

Blu-ray is emerging as the leader, so going forward, there probably won't be as much interest in archival using the HD-DVD format on DVD media. Sadly, Blu-ray does not support MPEG-2 HD on DVD media, so time-consuming MPEG-4 AVC encodes are required to produce high-definition DVDs that work on those players. If you are lucky enough to have a Blu-ray writer, the source MPEG-2 HD can be burned to 25Gb and 50Gb BD media without any need for re-encoding.

Well as long as were's the using the far more inexpensive standard dvd media it shouldn't matter whether the player is the standard bearer or not. As far as I can tell hd dvd is the better choice for HD standard def as HD DVD9 fully complies with spec and by all reports is very reliable.

Now for recording HDM disks I'd definitely go blu-ray and 25gig / 50gig capacity. Maybe when the BD writers get to a good price.

Thanks for the good tips.

Outside of the multi-room advantage what else does the PC route give you?For TV specifically, Vista MC has a more responsive program guide. If you watch a lot of liveTV, that may be important to you. Vista MC doesn't match the advanced recording functionality of the latest TiVo software, but there may be third-party add-ons to extend Vista MC that I am not familiar with.

One benefit of Vista MC is automatic commercial removal. With a Vista Media Center PC, you have the benefit of a high-performance CPU. There are third-party utilities (such as VideoRedo) and other add-ons that will automatically remove the commercials from Vista Media Center recordings. Automatic removal isn't 100% accurate, but even a conservative setting should eliminate 80-90% of commercials.

That extra processing power comes with a cost. My TivoHD with a 1TB drive uses about 30W. The CableCard PC from Dell probably uses 4-5x as much power. At $0.10/KWHr, that works out to an extra $105/yr in energy costs. So you are paying a monthly fee for the Vista PC, it just goes to your power company instead of TiVo. If you have four or five TiVos in your home, power consumption will be more comparable, but with two HDTVs or less, it is much less expensive to buy one or two TiVos plus Slingcatchers to act as remote extenders for any older TVs.

Also, why the OEM distinction. What part of the PC needs to be OEM, the cablecard? The PC itself.

CableCard tuners will not work with any PC. They require a new PC with special bios modifications from an OEM like Dell, HP, or Sony. I am no expert on this, but my understanding is that these bios modifications are used to provide [more] robust encryption for copy protected recordings. Copy-protected content is encrypted and can only be played back on this PC and any Media Center extenders you have.

The motherboards with these bios modifications are not sold separately, so there is no way to build your own PC with Vista CableCard support. They are only sold by OEMs like Dell, HP, and Sony.

The Dell XPS 420 @ around $1250 is about the cheapest Vista CableCard setup I've seen. That makes it a significant investment, but as per the cost breakdown (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=12625410&postcount=6), it is still cheaper over the long term if you expect to have >2 HDTVs.

With the Vista CableCard solution, you'd have the PC in your office or somewhere else. Then you would have $250 Media Center Extenders in every room in your home with a HDTV. If you have an Xbox360, that can also act as an HD extender. These extenders give you the Media Center UI, but without the PC stuff. Guide screenshot below:

http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/vista/Full-EPG-Shot.png

Member Joe Q has a Vista CableCard PC with FiOS and uses the Xbox360 as an extender. If you have more specific questions, you might ask him.

I see, well my FiOS cablecards are ordered and the fact there is no copy protection being circumvented makes it all quite legal by most interpretations.Sure. My point was simply that in the future, you may not be able to download everything that you can today. At some point down the road, Verizon is going to have the equipment in place to copy-protect channels like HBOHD and ShowtimeHD, and then you will no longer be able to download new recordings from those channels to your computer.

With the Vista CableCard approach, the copy protection doesn't matter, you can always save recordings on your PC. You may or may not be limited in what you can do with those encrypted recordings. I don't own a Vista CableCard PC, so I don't know how it exactly the encryption is handled for copy-protected content [which FiOS doesn't have yet]; I don't know whether those encrypted dvr-ms recordings can still be opened in VideoRedo.

I have a date with Verizon, next Wednesday, to get the Fios "triple play". I've been a LONG time DTV'er(with 2 HR10-250's) and will be adding 2 Series 3 HD-Tivos to the Fios(rather than use their puny hard-drives). I have been looking forward to it.
However, after reading posts here and on Tivocommunity, I must say I'm a bit nervous. There seem to be a large number of installers who don't know what to do with Tivo, and more recently, there seems to be a shortage of the all-important cable cards. I don't want to get all switched over to Verizon and then not have my Tivo for 2 months while they "manufacture" more CC's.
Just kind of ranting here.....but could somebody come hold my hand?? :)

I guess you're familiar with SageTV? Found this Media Extender for $199.

http://sagetv.com/hd_extender.html

Anybody have any experience with this? I'd need to run SageTV on my Cablecard PC?

I guess you're familiar with SageTV? Found this Media Extender for $199.

http://sagetv.com/hd_extender.html

Anybody have any experience with this? I'd need to run SageTV on my Cablecard PC?SageTV does not work with CableCards. SageTV is a great alternative if you just want to record HD locals using your existing computer.

Vista Media Center (and Media Center extenders) is the only option for CableCards. The Xbox360 will act as a Vista Media Extender, or you can buy others like the Linksys DMA 2100 (http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Adapters_Accessories/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&sku=A1309966). More of these extenders are coming from other vendors in February and March.

I guess you're familiar with SageTV? Found this Media Extender for $199.

http://sagetv.com/hd_extender.html

Anybody have any experience with this? I'd need to run SageTV on my Cablecard PC?

I am using one of these right now. I have used Sage for the past couple of years. Getting HD content is difficult at the moment, I use a combo of OTA and QAM (Verizon has unencrypted locals). This might be changing with the release of a HD component capture device that is supposed to be released this year. Once that gets released cablecard PCs will not be needed.

Sage is a good product, but it will suck up your time. If you want something that works out of the box get a TIVO, if you are good with computers and like it try the Sage route.

I currently watch cable tv (TWC) through my computer with a leadtek capture card. I'm moving up to fios in a week or so... what will be my solution for watching TV in this room?

I have a date with Verizon, next Wednesday, to get the Fios "triple play". I've been a LONG time DTV'er(with 2 HR10-250's) and will be adding 2 Series 3 HD-Tivos to the Fios(rather than use their puny hard-drives). I have been looking forward to it.
However, after reading posts here and on Tivocommunity, I must say I'm a bit nervous. There seem to be a large number of installers who don't know what to do with Tivo, and more recently, there seems to be a shortage of the all-important cable cards. I don't want to get all switched over to Verizon and then not have my Tivo for 2 months while they "manufacture" more CC's.
Just kind of ranting here.....but could somebody come hold my hand?? :)

I've only had one install with cable cards and Tivo. It was a nightmare. Even following the Tivo instructions and most of the suggestions here on AVS it still took me over six hours on the phone with the fiber solution center to get the CC's to activate properly. After trying a multitude of suggestions from the FSC AND Tivo, It finally activated when I ran a temporary feed directly from the first splitter to the Tivo (The hotter the signal for activation the better). Once that was done, I returned the tivo to the second splitter that was in-line and all was fine.

As for the shortage of CC's.... I know it took our store keeper about two weeks to get more into our location and I don't think she's gotten any since.

Your Technician that shows for the install may not have CC's on his truck, but I'm sure he/she would be able to scrape a couple up.

I currently watch cable tv (TWC) through my computer with a leadtek capture card. I'm moving up to fios in a week or so... what will be my solution for watching TV in this room?

Everything can stay the same but the ch selection will change to whatever FIOS has unencrypted.

One benefit of Vista MC is automatic commercial removal. With a Vista Media Center PC, you have the benefit of a high-performance CPU. There are third-party utilities (such as VideoRedo) and other add-ons that will automatically remove the commercials from Vista Media Center recordings. Automatic removal isn't 100% accurate, but even a conservative setting should eliminate 80-90% of commercials.


I thought that commercial removal was a feature in TiVO as well?


That extra processing power comes with a cost. My TivoHD with a 1TB drive uses about 30W. The CableCard PC from Dell probably uses 4-5x as much power. At $0.10/KWHr, that works out to an extra $105/yr in energy costs. So you are paying a monthly fee for the Vista PC, it just goes to your power company instead of TiVo.

+1 for TiVO.


The PC itself.

CableCard tuners will not work with any PC. They require a new PC with special bios modifications from an OEM like Dell, HP, or Sony. I am no expert on this, but my understanding is that these bios modifications are used to provide [more] robust encryption for copy protected recordings. Copy-protected content is encrypted and can only be played back on this PC and any Media Center extenders you have.

The motherboards with these bios modifications are not sold separately, so there is no way to build your own PC with Vista CableCard support. They are only sold by OEMs like Dell, HP, and Sony.

The Dell XPS 420 @ around $1250 is about the cheapest Vista CableCard setup I've seen. That makes it a significant investment, but as per the cost breakdown (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=12625410&postcount=6), it is still cheaper over the long term if you expect to have >2 HDTVs.

With the Vista CableCard solution, you'd have the PC in your office or somewhere else. Then you would have $250 Media Center Extenders in every room in your home with a HDTV. If you have an Xbox360, that can also act as an HD extender. These extenders give you the Media Center UI, but without the PC stuff.
....

Member Joe Q has a Vista CableCard PC with FiOS and uses the Xbox360 as an extender. If you have more specific questions, you might ask him.



Great info. Thanks. Didn't know you could not build out a PC to have this feature. I have 3 360's so extenders are not a problem.


Sure. My point was simply that in the future, you may not be able to download everything that you can today. At some point down the road, Verizon is going to have the equipment in place to copy-protect channels like HBOHD and ShowtimeHD, and then you will no longer be able to download new recordings from those channels to your computer.

With the Vista CableCard approach, the copy protection doesn't matter, you can always save recordings on your PC. You may or may not be limited in what you can do with those encrypted recordings. I don't own a Vista CableCard PC, so I don't know how it exactly the encryption is handled for copy-protected content [which FiOS doesn't have yet]; I don't know whether those encrypted dvr-ms recordings can still be opened in VideoRedo.

I will certainly keep that in mind on my next PC purchase.

So as I understand the only way to move recording from TiVO to PC is thru ethernet via networking right? No USB or firewire movement is supported?

I thought that commercial removal was a feature in TiVO as well?TiVo makes it easy to skip commercials, but TiVo does not delete commercials from the recording. You still have to skip them.

Vista Media Center does not automatically delete commercials by default, nor does it include that capability. If it did, Microsoft would be sued. But being a Windows application, third-parties were able to provide that capability with an add-on.

Great info. Thanks. Didn't know you could not build out a PC to have this feature. I have 3 360's so extenders are not a problem. If you already have Xbox360 in each room, that eliminates much of the cost.

If you intend to buy your next PC with CableCard support, then you might want to look for more energy-efficient components. Intel will release a refresh of its Core2 Duo processors on January 20 which reduce power consumption. Some graphics (http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3151&p=11) cards also dissipate significantly less power while idle than others.

So as I understand the only way to move recording from TiVO to PC is thru ethernet via networking right? No USB or firewire movement is supported?That's correct.

With a stock TiVo Series3 and the current 9.2a software, recordings transfer to a PC at about 15Mbps over a wired ethernet connection. A "hacked" (PROM) Series3 can transfer recordings at up to 4x that speed. A "hacked" TiVo can also transfer copy-protected recordings. These "hacks" do not provide TiVo service, they use an optimized network driver with jumbo frames, and transfer files in the native file format as stored on the TiVo (rather than MPG). Specific discussion of such hacks is not allowed on this forum, however.

Technical limitations currently prevent Verizon from applying copy protection.This is the first I've heard that, except as speculation. Do you have a reference for that?

(I know they don't protect anything, I just mean the part about it being due to a technical limitation.)

I am having FIOS TV added to my existing internet/phone package on 2/4. I ordered 6 STB's, 1 HD DVR, 2 HD boxes, 1 SD DVR and 2 of the new digital adapter boxes. However, when I check my order status online and click "what's next", this is what it shows:

Order Received
Your order for FiOS TV has been received.

Premier
-Service Installation
-Additional Existing Outlet
-Free Existing outlet (up to 3)
-Movies and Sports
-HBO
-High Definition 6200 (SHE)
-DVR 6416 PROV (SHE)
-DVR 2708 PROV (SHE)
-Digital Adaptor - DCT 700

I am reading that right that it is two receivers short right? There should be a second 6200 and a second DCT 700. I had ordered online with the order combined movie and sport package and HD DRV for a discounted price. It also lists Additional Existing Outlet, but I had selected "3" since I was going to have 3 over the first three and it had listed the $50+ charge. I assume that I should see two more Additional Existing Outlet lines too? Looks like a call to customer service hell is needed! :(

I am having FIOS TV added to my existing internet/phone package on 2/4. I ordered 6 STB's, 1 HD DVR, 2 HD boxes, 1 SD DVR and 2 of the new digital adapter boxes. However, when I check my order status online and click "what's next", this is what it shows:

Order Received
Your order for FiOS TV has been received.

Premier
-Service Installation
-Additional Existing Outlet
-Free Existing outlet (up to 3)
-Movies and Sports
-HBO
-High Definition 6200 (SHE)
-DVR 6416 PROV (SHE)
-DVR 2708 PROV (SHE)
-Digital Adaptor - DCT 700

I am reading that right that it is two receivers short right? There should be a second 6200 and a second DCT 700. I had ordered online with the order combined movie and sport package and HD DRV for a discounted price. It also lists Additional Existing Outlet, but I had selected "3" since I was going to have 3 over the first three and it had listed the $50+ charge. I assume that I should see two more Additional Existing Outlet lines too? Looks like a call to customer service hell is needed! :(

Call'em up, use the FIOS support line, not Verizon's generic. They should be able to help, I used them.

called FIOS today to ask them some hardware questions. I am thinking about switching from D*TV. From what I read on the FIOS site, the HD home media DVR can record in HD, but only the SD STBs (up to 3) can tap into the recordings, therefore you could not watch the HD material on those STBs. When I called today, the CSR stated they have changed and that you can get the HD home Media DVR and one (and only one) HD STB can tap into and watch the HD recordings. She said that the website might not have that updated yet. Anyone else hear about this or have this setup?

When I originally looked at switching to FIOS, the home media DVR was the selling point. But when I found out that your could not watch recorded HD material on the other STBs, that was the breaker.

I was having difficulty with wireless internet access in one of the distant rooms in my house . After reading a suggestion on this forum I purchased a NIM100 and installed in in the room not receiving a strong enough signal from the Actiontec router. The internet works fine in that room ( cat 5 connection ) but now I am unable to use On Demand anywhere in my house. As soon as I remove the NIM 100 my on demand service works fine. Any suggestions ?

I was having difficulty with wireless internet access in one of the distant rooms in my house . After reading a suggestion on this forum I purchased a NIM100 and installed in in the room not receiving a strong enough signal from the Actiontec router. The internet works fine in that room ( cat 5 connection ) but now I am unable to use On Demand anywhere in my house. As soon as I remove the NIM 100 my on demand service works fine. Any suggestions ?Have you tried unplugging the power to the Actiontec router and all of your STBs and DVRs? That is the first thing you should try.

Do you have a TV/STB in the same room with your NIM100? If the TV/STB is in the same room with the NIM100, you might install a splitter before the NIM100, running one end to the STB/DVR and the other end to the NIM100. I found that VOD on my Motorola DVR didn't work when I connected it directly to the COAX output on the NIM100; VOD worked fine when I split the cable and ran one line to each box (rather than using the NIM100 coax output).

Thanks for the suggestion and yes the NIM 100 is in the same room as the STB but when the NIM100 is connected it affect all the STBs in my home ( 4 ) All 4 will not receiver VOD when the NIM100 is connected ?

The verizon tech switched out my box and still no sound. I'm surprised no one else has had no digital sound issues. They will try a mach setup at the CO and report back what happens there.

Ther is a knowd HD Audio issue with Verizon and some HD sets when using HDMI this is due to the frequency that the audio is transmitted on through the cable and the frequency that the TV is cabable of recieving.
There is no industry standard for this on a base Verizon transmitts audio toward the high end of the range and for some companies like philips, HP and a coupleof other brands with certain model numbers they cannot recieve that high of a freq.

Verizon looked into it and basicly said tough luck for now!!

Got the new IMG last week and am already having issues.
this is the last chance I am giving verizon then I will go back to Dish after 2+ years.
With the Multiroom DVR If a program is recorded today randomly with no seen pattern on any of my 4 2500 boxes, todays recorded programs will not appear on some boxes. todays programming will appear tomorrow and tomorrows programs will apear on any of the boxes at random. I must reset the box I want to watch the dvr on losing all of my settop box settings.

Verizon calls asking me if my issue is fixed when they did absolutely nothing on their end to fix it. aggrivating me even more.

Got the new IMG last week and am already having issues.
this is the last chance I am giving verizon then I will go back to Dish after 2+ years.
With the Multiroom DVR If a program is recorded today randomly with no seen pattern on any of my 4 2500 boxes, todays recorded programs will not appear on some boxes. todays programming will appear tomorrow and tomorrows programs will apear on any of the boxes at random. I must reset the box I want to watch the dvr on losing all of my settop box settings.

Verizon calls asking me if my issue is fixed when they did absolutely nothing on their end to fix it. aggrivating me even more.

I would disconnect the power from the set top boxes and MRoom DVR, disconnect the cable from each, restart the router, then reconnect the cable to the set top boxes and the MRoom DVR and power them up.

The distribution of the DVR programs is done through MoCa, which is an IP based system over cable. Sounds like your IP topology got screwed up when the new software was pushed, and the DVR looks out on the MoCa network and does not see the STB IP addresses well. The router is crucial to the whole MoCa setup (and VOD as well), so resetting it and the DVR,STB's gives it a clean start.

Just my take on it.

TiVo makes it easy to skip commercials, but TiVo does not delete commercials from the recording. You still have to skip them.

Vista Media Center does not automatically delete commercials by default, nor does it include that capability. If it did, Microsoft would be sued. But being a Windows application, third-parties were able to provide that capability with an add-on.


I see why you prefer the PC. Not only multi-room but also the advanced recording / editing software. Since you mention Intel coming with the more energy efficient models and such and i have the extendors already it seems like the PC approach may make the most sense ultimately.

I'm eyeing the TiVOHD in the shortterm after the cards arrive from FiOS since it's a low investment at $250.

A "hacked" (PROM) Series3 can transfer recordings at up to 4x that speed.

The extra transfer speed sounds like it's legal and worth looking into.
Your knowledge on this subject should be distilled & compiled somewhere. :)

Thanks again.

Thanks for the suggestion and yes the NIM 100 is in the same room as the STB but when the NIM100 is connected it affect all the STBs in my home ( 4 ) All 4 will not receiver VOD when the NIM100 is connected ?I would suggest you split the cable as I suggested. I expect that will fix your problem.

Seems the new IMG was pushed today in New Jersey. Everybody I know all over the state received the new IMG today.

Been playing with it. Love the look. Not sure about the responsiveness, readability, etc. yet. Only been playing with it for around 15 minutes.

Figured I'd post confirming that people have it in NJ.

Enjoy!

I'll throw in the Philly area IMG push today as well.

Which IMG is this you guys are talking about? The same one that has been rolling out all over the US for a few months now or is this a major update to the current "new" IMG?

Which IMG is this you guys are talking about? The same one that has been rolling out all over the US for a few months now or is this a major update to the current "new" IMG?

Most people in the northeastern US have still been on the IPG and just got the IMG...

The Philly / NJ areas are the last to get the "new" IMG. Main menu items on left, hit select to open choices to right. Full-page guide.

I'm having fios installed on monday. I've scoped out my house and I have an idea of the optimal place to put the ONT and other hardware. But the place that makes sense to me doesn't have a power outlet near it... BUT... there is an outlet 20 ft away that you could just run an extension cord to. My question is, should I buy that right now or will the installers have a power cord long enough for situations like this (assuming they install it in that spot)?

2nd question is if they will go under the house (I have a crawlspace) to run the RG6. I've been under there a number of times so I don't see it as an issue but I couldn't get a feel from this thread of what they will and will not do.

I'm having fios installed on monday. I've scoped out my house and I have an idea of the optimal place to put the ONT and other hardware. But the place that makes sense to me doesn't have a power outlet near it... BUT... there is an outlet 20 ft away that you could just run an extension cord to. My question is, should I buy that right now or will the installers have a power cord long enough for situations like this (assuming they install it in that spot)?

2nd question is if they will go under the house (I have a crawlspace) to run the RG6. I've been under there a number of times so I don't see it as an issue but I couldn't get a feel from this thread of what they will and will not do.

No need for an extension cord. They can extend to the outlet.

No idea about the coax.

The 1080i HDMI output error on the DVR with 0 overscan display is a serious problem. I can't believe that it hasn't been fixed. These are some of the comments I posted in the projector section.

I've just noticed something and I'm wondering if anyone else is having this problem.

I'm watching the Patriots game on FIOS HD DVR at 1080i60 out. On left side of the picture, there is a 2 or 3 line wide picture missing. This can be seen as a vertical line of mismatched picture. This is on all HD channels on FIOS, but not seen with HD DVD or PS3 Blu-ray 1080p out.

I checked my Samsung HL-S6187 upstairs with similar FIOS HD DVR, and this anomaly is not present. Anyone else see this?

Apparently this is a known problem on the FIOS box. What a bummer. Solution is to change the resolution to 720P or to use component output.

You can, but this is not your typical underscan problem. In the FIOS HD DVR with HDMI 1080i output, the picture is missing 3 or 4 vertical lines in left side of the picture. The entire remaining image on the right is then shifted over and remaining 3 or 4 vertical column on the right is then replaced with a green line.

This is not just a simple underscan error like you see sometimes with certain channels and programs. The missing columns are not the left most columns on the picture. However, they occur about 100 columns in, so if you have a diagonal line going through this area, there would be a short break in the line. To get rid of this, you have to set the overscan to ~5%. Furthermore, it's not seen on component output or 720P HDMI, just 1080i HDMI. It's an error in FIOS HD DVR rendering the image.

The 1080i HDMI output error on the DVR with 0 overscan display is a serious problem. I can't believe that it hasn't been fixed.

World hunger is a serious problem. This is annoying. There are several ways to get around it until they figure out what is wrong and fix it.

As for not believing it hasn't been fixed, well, software takes time. Would you rather they rush a fix to market that doesn't work or breaks something else? Based on this posting (http://www.somelifeblog.com/2007/11/green-line-1080i-fios-img-lcd-screen.html) it sounds like the problem has been around a couple of months. During that time they've been trying to get the IMG rolled out around the country because people have been screaming for that. I'll give them another couple of months to get another update rolled out. If that one doesn't fix it I'll be asking for some compensation.

Just thought interested Fios subscribers who are having HDMI issues might like to know that I was told by a Verizon tech rep on their technical phone support line yesterday that the software install of the new Guide has somehow conflicted with the HDMI routines in either the existing software or firmware. I am in Northern NJ.

My Verizon Fios install was done on Jan 9th and I am (was) running HDMI from the STB to my Pioneer receiver and then out to my Pani Plasma. All went very well until the new Guide arrived so I do put some creedence in what the tech said to me. Both this setup in my family room with the DVR STB (6416???) and the setup in my Son's room with a non DVR HD box experienced failure of the HDMI. It did not fail completely all the time, sometimes resetting the boxes worked but not all the time. And it would work until the next time I turned it on. I tried leaving the STB on all the time but it still failed....I was not about to leave my plasma and receiver on all the time!

I am very disappointed by this as I now have to run out and purchase BNC adaptors for the Component connection I must use (at least Verizon left me with a component cable) into my Pani Plasma and an optical cable so I can get DD.

The tech rep went on to say that they are already working on a fix for this glitch but that it would likely be weeks before that is done. Of course, I don't want to futz around with my connections and not have reception for weeks so I'm forced to spend part of the money I thought I'd saved over my Cablevision connection. Not to mention the cost of the pricey HDMI cables that worked perfectly with my Cablevision box for over a year...maybe this was not the right decision to switch...only time will tell.

Just thought interested Fios subscribers who are having HDMI issues might like to know that I was told by a Verizon tech rep on their technical phone support line yesterday that the software install of the new Guide has somehow conflicted with the HDMI routines in either the existing software or firmware. I am in Northern NJ.

My Verizon Fios install was done on Jan 9th and I am (was) running HDMI from the STB to my Pioneer receiver and then out to my Pani Plasma. All went very well until the new Guide arrived so I do put some creedence in what the tech said to me. Both this setup in my family room with the DVR STB (6416???) and the setup in my Son's room with a non DVR HD box experienced failure of the HDMI. It did not fail completely all the time, sometimes resetting the boxes worked but not all the time. And it would work until the next time I turned it on. I tried leaving the STB on all the time but it still failed....I was not about to leave my plasma and receiver on all the time!

I am very disappointed by this as I now have to run out and purchase BNC adaptors for the Component connection I must use (at least Verizon left me with a component cable) into my Pani Plasma and an optical cable so I can get DD.

The tech rep went on to say that they are already working on a fix for this glitch but that it would likely be weeks before that is done. Of course, I don't want to futz around with my connections and not have reception for weeks so I'm forced to spend part of the money I thought I'd saved over my Cablevision connection. Not to mention the cost of the pricey HDMI cables that worked perfectly with my Cablevision box for over a year...maybe this was not the right decision to switch...only time will tell.

Hmm.. I haven't seen this, have my Vizio tv connected via HDMI with no problem. I have the tv directly connected, then run the sound to the receiver via optical link, so my configuration may be simpler than yours. Is this a pass through HDMI connection with your receiver or are you using HDMI for sound to your receiver as well?

I wouldn't get discouraged, the value of the overall service is worth a few glitches.

The verizon tech switched out my box and still no sound. I'm surprised no one else has had no digital sound issues. They will try a mach setup at the CO and report back what happens there.

Any update? I ask because we're not able to get any sound from an optical toslink into our Audigy Platinum EX even though we have verified (via a digital compact cassette player) that the Audigy can playback via digital/optical. And we get the red light out of the cable from the QIP6200 as well.

I see later in the thread:

Ther is a knowd HD Audio issue with Verizon and some HD sets when using HDMI this is due to the frequency that the audio is transmitted on through the cable and the frequency that the TV is cabable of recieving.
There is no industry standard for this on a base Verizon transmitts audio toward the high end of the range and for some companies like philips, HP and a coupleof other brands with certain model numbers they cannot recieve that high of a freq.

Verizon looked into it and basicly said tough luck for now!!

This being the case can anyone share any other multi-input PCI audio cards for XP Media Center that do work with Verizon's digital audio for 5.1 sound?

Thanks much!

Hmm.. I haven't seen this, have my Vizio tv connected via HDMI with no problem. I have the tv directly connected, then run the sound to the receiver via optical link, so my configuration may be simpler than yours. Is this a pass through HDMI connection with your receiver or are you using HDMI for sound to your receiver as well?

I wouldn't get discouraged, the value of the overall service is worth a few glitches.

To me the value of the HDMI connection was to bring both audio and video to my receiver (the reason I spent some serious $$$ on this receiver) with one cable and use the receiver to then process the audio and send the video on to the plasma. I also have my DVD player hooked to the second HDMI input and have never had any issues with that. I believe my son tried connecting his non DVR STB directly to his Pani Plasma and it did not work.

Just thought interested Fios subscribers who are having HDMI issues might like to know that I was told by a Verizon tech rep on their technical phone support line yesterday that the software install of the new Guide has somehow conflicted with the HDMI routines in either the existing software or firmware. I am in Northern NJ.There's a known bug ff you are seeing a green bar or line on HDMI. The fix: Go into the setup menu and change the HDMI output color space from YCC to RGB. There's a dedicated thread for the HD DVR: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12829807#post12829807. Search the thread for how to do this if you aren't sure. Setup menu access codes: Power OFF, Select, Menu.

The Verizon FiOS TV forum over at BroadbandReports.com has dedicated thread for IMG bugs / problems: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19831384-IMG-Bugs-and-missing-features-Ver-20~start=40#end

For cables, did you know about http://monoprice.com? Never pay more than $25 for an HDMI cable. No need for Monster Cable.

There's a known bug ff you are seeing a green bar or line on HDMI. The fix: Go into the setup menu and change the HDMI output color space from YCC to RGB.

Not to be too pedantic, but that really isn't a 'fix', it's more a workaround. It doesn't correct the problem, it just makes it so that the green bar is now a black bar and thus much less noticeable. The 'tearing' effect on the left side of the screen is still present even after you do this.

I agree with the recommendation to go to monoprice.com for cables.

Any update? I ask because we're not able to get any sound from an optical toslink into our Audigy Platinum EX even though we have verified (via a digital compact cassette player) that the Audigy can playback via digital/optical. And we get the red light out of the cable from the QIP6200 as well.

Okay, we discovered we had to select AC3 encoding somewhere in the Audigy settings. That made all the difference ;-)

To me the value of the HDMI connection was to bring both audio and video to my receiver (the reason I spent some serious $$$ on this receiver) with one cable and use the receiver to then process the audio and send the video on to the plasma. I also have my DVD player hooked to the second HDMI input and have never had any issues with that. I believe my son tried connecting his non DVR STB directly to his Pani Plasma and it did not work.

Like I said, I have a different setup (Sony STR-DG800, pass-thru HDMI). My Vizio can process sound fine with the HDMI input, but I have sound through an optical link to the receiver.

I understand the frustration; it sounds like you've got a nice setup. Have you worked on the sequence for turning your components on? If handshaking is an issue, maybe turning the receiver and Plasma on first, letting the DVR come on last would stabilize your systems enough that the DVR's problematic HDMI routines would be able to deal with things properly. Just an idea.

Not to be too pedantic, but that really isn't a 'fix', it's more a workaround. It doesn't correct the problem, it just makes it so that the green bar is now a black bar and thus much less noticeable. The 'tearing' effect on the left side of the screen is still present even after you do this.

I agree with the recommendation to go to monoprice.com for cables.

+1

I'm not sure if this is the correct thread for this question but I'm at ends with verizon phone support.

is fios tv and internet considered a bundle (this is what I have)? the verizon site says that my current payment method is bundled with my verizon phone bill (which I do not have... literally. I have cingular) and if I change it to another method that I will lose my bundle. This makes absolutely no sense to me.

these are the 3 options:
1. Pay my Verizon Online charges with my Credit Card or Update Existing Credit Card information
2. Pay my Verizon Online charges as part of my Verizon Phone Bill or Update Existing Phone Bill Information (Your current payment method)
3. Pay my Verizon Online charges from my Bank Account or Update Existing Bank Account Information

Is this where you access your account? https://www22.verizon.com/myaccount/. I vaguely remember having some setup like that when I first subscribed. I think that they consider the FiOS TV to be under the Phone category. Whether or not you have phone service with them is not relevant to how their web site is setup to bill you.

I'd call them to check.

Is this where you access your account? https://www22.verizon.com/myaccount/. I vaguely remember having some setup like that when I first subscribed. I think that they consider the FiOS TV to be under the Phone category. Whether or not you have phone service with them is not relevant to how their web site is setup to bill you.

I'd call them to check.

No. it's at verizon.net. I did some searches on dslreports and apparently I'm not the only one with this problem. People are complaining if you do not have a phone service with them that you have to go to 2 different sites to pay your bill... the one you mentioned and the one I went to. I don't have all the details but that's part of the confusion/story.

I am debating whether or not to switch from Long Island Cablevision to Verizon Fios. My cable signal is so compressed that all my TV's have extreme motion blur. I had Cablevision check my signal strength and it is very good. I even tried installing a high-end amp. I guess this is the best signal that Cablevision can provide with their technology.
So, do I jump ship and switch to fiber optics with FIOS? My concern is that it will not make any difference at all in my PQ and I will be wasting my time and money.
Does anyone have any firsthand experience with Fios that can tell me if it will actually make a difference in PQ (specifically motion blur). Any thoughts on this will be greatly apppreciated.

I am debating whether or not to switch from Long Island Cablevision to Verizon Fios. My cable signal is so compressed that all my TV's have extreme motion blur. I had Cablevision check my signal strength and it is very good. I even tried installing a high-end amp. I guess this is the best signal that Cablevision can provide with their technology.
So, do I jump ship and switch to fiber optics with FIOS? My concern is that it will not make any difference at all in my PQ and I will be wasting my time and money.
Does anyone have any firsthand experience with Fios that can tell me if it will actually make a difference in PQ (specifically motion blur). Any thoughts on this will be greatly apppreciated.FiOS uses less compression than Cablevision, so their picture will look better on both SD and HD channels.

That said, be aware that motion blur can also be caused by poor deinterlace on some TVs. Any TV that failed the deinterlace test on this table (http://www.hometheatermag.com/hookmeup/1107hook2/) will exhibit excess motion blur.

Thanks, bfdtv, for the info. Unfortunately, my TV (Samsung LNT5265) is not listed on the table, but from reviews I have read, it does fall short on deinterlacing. Even though FIOS is less compressed, I have a feeling that motion blur will always be a problem with this TV and most LCD's. I'll probably just stay with Cablevision and accept the blur.
I have 2 more days to return this TV to CC....but what would I replace it with???

Thanks, bfdtv, for the info. Unfortunately, my TV (Samsung LNT5265) is not listed on the table, but from reviews I have read, it does fall short on deinterlacing. Even though FIOS is less compressed, I have a feeling that motion blur will always be a problem with this TV and most LCD's. I'll probably just stay with Cablevision and accept the blur.
I have 2 more days to return this TV to CC....but what would I replace it with???You're certainly right that motion blur tends to be a problem for LCDs.

Hometheater Magazine now tests motion performance with all new reviews. It's the last table on that chart. Results with the LNTxx65 should be very similar to the LNTxx61. The LNT4661F was tested and found to deliver 580 lines of resolution during their motion test, well short of the 800+ lines found on a number of plasmas.

I think the Samsung LNT5265 is probably the best 52" LCD you can buy for under $2500 today at Amazon. If you could spend $3500, the Pioneer KURO 5010FD would be the obvious display to get in the 50" size. If you don't require a front panel, don't require a wide viewing angle, and sit at least 8' from the screen, then the Sony 60A3000 would be another option to look at for ~$1800.

LCD and other display technologies will continue to improve, of course. New and improved models were announced at CES for release between March and June.

Thanks, bfdtv, for the info. Unfortunately, my TV (Samsung LNT5265) is not listed on the table, but from reviews I have read, it does fall short on deinterlacing. Even though FIOS is less compressed, I have a feeling that motion blur will always be a problem with this TV and most LCD's. I'll probably just stay with Cablevision and accept the blur.
I have 2 more days to return this TV to CC....but what would I replace it with???


I've had good luck with Vizios, there is a 52" model available from them, according to the table, the deinterlacing passed with other Vizios. I bought mine at Costco, which has a liberal return policy for the first three months.

FIOS + the Vizio for me has been great, I watch a lot of sports.

Guys,

Can someone please confirm that Fios works with Tivo HD or Tivo Series 3. The rep I just spoke with said their cablecard only works with slots that are onboard TV's not within a tivo.

This sounds like a bunch of doo doo to me.

Please reply.

Brian

Can someone please confirm that Fios works with Tivo HD or Tivo Series 3. The rep I just spoke with said their cablecard only works with slots that are onboard TV's not within a tivo. CableCards work fine with the TiVo on FiOS.

Some customer service reps just don't know about the TivoHD / Tivo Series3. Most of these folks are not technically literate; most are high-school graduates who took a 6 week training course.

Hang on..

Spoke too soon... Cablevision just counter offered with a deal that's ~40 bucks less than I pay now and ~25 less than the quote from Verizon.

Looks like fios will have to wait.

BG

Guys,

Can someone please confirm that Fios works with Tivo HD or Tivo Series 3. The rep I just spoke with said their cablecard only works with slots that are onboard TV's not within a tivo.

This sounds like a bunch of doo doo to me.

Please reply.

Brian

Hang on..

Spoke too soon... Cablevision just counter offered with a deal that's ~40 bucks less than I pay now and ~25 less than the quote from Verizon.

Looks like fios will have to wait.

BG

As I said before, cheaper is much more important to most people than higher quality.

Wow, too many posts to go through. My problem is SD. I just switched from Directv to Fios. I have front projection. The projector does not upscale it's input. It only shows what it's fed. My Sony SATHD-200 when set to 1080I sends out 1080I for both HD and SD. The projector loves it. HD looks fine with the Motorola 6416 but SD looks like crap when projected on a giant screen. Am I stuck with 480I/P or is there some way to force 1080I out for SD. We still watch a lot of SD stuff and 480I/P ain't going to do it for me.:eek:

Another problem is, I can't seem to get into the user menu that's supposed to be available when the stb is in the off condition. I've tried both pressing the menu button on the remote and the box. Nothing happens.:confused:
Thanks,

Chip

Wow, too many posts to go through. My problem is SD. I just switched from Directv to Fios. I have front projection. The projector does not upscale it's input. It only shows what it's fed. My Sony SATHD-200 when set to 1080I sends out 1080I for both HD and SD. The projector loves it. HD looks fine with the Motorola 6416 but SD looks like crap when projected on a giant screen. Am I stuck with 480I/P or is there some way to force 1080I out for SD. We still watch a lot of SD stuff and 480I/P ain't going to do it for me.:eek:Turn the box off. Press Info, and then Menu.

Change 4:3 override to off and the box will upconvert SD to whatever HD format (i.e. 720p or 1080i) you have selected in the menu.

Turn the box off. Press Info, and then Menu.

Change 4:3 override to off and the box will upconvert SD to whatever HD format (i.e. 720p or 1080i) you have selected in the menu.

Thanks, I tried that, both front panel and remote and still nothing. If it's any help, the led on the front of the stb that indicates that it's receiving a IR command does not come on in the off state unless I press power.

Chip

Thanks, I tried that, both front panel and remote and still nothing. The new setup menu codes: "Power OFF, select, menu". IOW, start with the STB ON, then hit "Power, select, menu". Do that quickly and the menu will appear. Note that with the new IMG, there's a bug that you have to do this every time you change the output resolution.

Also posted in the Verizon FiOS Programming thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12869258#post12869258 and elsewhere.

Thanks, I tried that, both front panel and remote and still nothing. If it's any help, the led on the front of the stb that indicates that it's receiving a IR command does not come on in the off state unless I press power.Misspoke, it's Select -> Menu, not Info -> Menu.

I just got off the phone with a Fios tech. My box has new firmware that requires you to start from the "ON" state. Then you press "OFF" then quickly press select then menu. You only have about a second to perform that task. It works.

Now the bad part. It was set to 4:3 override already. The tech assured me that I was in fact seeing 1080I. The problem is that I'm actually looking at a 480I image within the 1080I signal. Not just a 4:3 aspect ratio. So what I'm actually looking at is a high resolution image of a low resolution picture. There is no upscaling in this stb. So what I've tried as a work-around is to connect a s-video cable to the stb and send that image to my scaler and let it scale SD to 1440X960P.That looks as good if not better then the up-conversion in the Sony stb. The biggest problem is the fact that my theater is 100% controlled by a Crestron system and that means a major re-write of the program to do it:(

Sorry about my last post. I actually typed it at about 10:30. The phone rang and I forgot to submit it.

I just got off the phone with a Fios tech. My box has new firmware that requires you to start from the "ON" state. Then you press "OFF" then quickly press select then menu. You only have about a second to perform that task. It works.

Now the bad part. It was set to 4:3 override already. The tech assured me that I was in fact seeing 1080I. The problem is that I'm actually looking at a 480I image within the 1080I signal. Not just a 4:3 aspect ratio. So what I'm actually looking at is a high resolution image of a low resolution picture. There is no upscaling in this stb.What was 4:3 override set to? As indicated above, you must set 4:3 override to OFF to enable upscaling of the 480i guide to 720p or 1080i.

Like I said, I have a different setup (Sony STR-DG800, pass-thru HDMI). My Vizio can process sound fine with the HDMI input, but I have sound through an optical link to the receiver.

I understand the frustration; it sounds like you've got a nice setup. Have you worked on the sequence for turning your components on? If handshaking is an issue, maybe turning the receiver and Plasma on first, letting the DVR come on last would stabilize your systems enough that the DVR's problematic HDMI routines would be able to deal with things properly. Just an idea.

Thanks for the reply. I tired every combination of turning the components on and nothing worked. The strangest part of all of this is that the HDMI connection did work sometimes.

However, I gave up and connected the STB directly to my pani plasma with component cables and ran an audio optical cable to my receiver. The component fed monitor looks very good...I think that the HDMI might have been a hair sharper but not enough difference to bother me. We'll see what the crowd at my Super Bowl party thinks!

The biggest surprise was the optical audio which opened up a whole bunch of things in my receiver. I actually never saw the Dolby Digital term displayed on my receiver with the HDMI connection. I know that seems strange but it always displayed Dolby Pro Logic. Now I see the Dolby Digital for those broadcasts that are sending it and can manipulate the signal for all others picking from a host of settings that I never futzed around with before. Maybe there was a silver lining in all of this?!?

There's a known bug ff you are seeing a green bar or line on HDMI. The fix: Go into the setup menu and change the HDMI output color space from YCC to RGB. There's a dedicated thread for the HD DVR: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12829807#post12829807. Search the thread for how to do this if you aren't sure. Setup menu access codes: Power OFF, Select, Menu.

The Verizon FiOS TV forum over at BroadbandReports.com has dedicated thread for IMG bugs / problems: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19831384-IMG-Bugs-and-missing-features-Ver-20~start=40#end

For cables, did you know about http://monoprice.com? Never pay more than $25 for an HDMI cable. No need for Monster Cable.

Thanks for all the info!

Sorry if this has been covered, but can someone confirm for me that the QIP6200 has an HDMI out? I've cruised this thread and found yes and no answers. I have one coming soon and I want to be sure I have the right cables on hand when it shows up. I'd call Verizon's tech support but I haven't had much luck with them in the past. Thanks in advance, Kirk.

Edit: Just found a post where a user had his LCD connected to the 6200 via HDMI, but the user's manuals I found specific to the 6200 says no so I guess I still need some help.

Sorry if this has been covered, but can someone confirm for me that the QIP6200 has an HDMI out?Yes. Motorola hasn't manufactured a HD box without HDMI in more than two years.

I've read the last 10 pages but still have a few questions on boxes. Just ordered FIOS TV from a guy going door-to-door. I'm currently on Comcast with two 6416 DVRs. One box is hooked up to my Samsung HDTV, and the second box is hooked up to an older SDTV in my bedroom. The guy suggested I get one HD Home Media DVR ($20) and one 6416 ($16) which doesn't seem right.

Can I take advantage of the Home Media option with this setup, or do I need a the SD 2500 box in the bedroom as suggested on the Verizon website?

Am I better off to forget about Home Media and just get 2 DVRs (6416 and 2708)? I am a bit concerned about hard drive space (my 2 DVRs with Comcast are usually both full).

Is the Verizon DVR software more-or-less equal to the Comcast DVR (both being inferior to TIVO)?

Yes. Motorola hasn't manufactured a HD box without HDMI in more than two years.

Thanks for that info. Motorola should update their own website. Verizon's site has the combined user's manual in pdf form for the 6xxx series and it shows only one back panel view. It shows an HDMI connection. Motorola's site has the manual for the 6200 specifically and it shows no HDMI. At any rate, I'm glad to hear that I can empty my cart at Monoprice as I have definately spent enough on my first venture into hdtv for now.
Kirk out.

Can I take advantage of the Home Media option with this setup, or do I need a the SD 2500 box in the bedroom as suggested on the Verizon website?

Am I better off to forget about Home Media and just get 2 DVRs (6416 and 2708)? I am a bit concerned about hard drive space (my 2 DVRs with Comcast are usually both full).

Is the Verizon DVR software more-or-less equal to the Comcast DVR (both being inferior to TIVO)?

If you can manage the DVR space issue you can save some money by just getting the 2500 for the bedroom - an HD STB or DVR is a waste for an SDTV.

If you need the extra space then get the second DVR - you only need the Media option if you want to watch a DVR remotely (from another STB).

The interface is a subjective thing - you'll get opinions both ways.

#1 Thing Tommy neglected to learn in Kindergarden: If you don't have something nice to say... don't say it.

However, in this case it worked. Going with verizon anyway.

Thanks...;)


As I said before, cheaper is much more important to most people than higher quality.

Just had my Fios TV installed today. Did a search and some reading and wanted to see if this seems correct. I should have the output resolution set to either 720p or 1080i, whichever is closest to my sets. The 4:3 override set to 480i to get the best SD picture and will fill the 16:9 screen, right? This will also cause a lag when changing from an HD to SD signal (my wife will complain).

I have noticed that the guide fills the screen when on an SD channel, but has black sidebars when on an HD channel. Is there anyway to fill the screen with the guide when on an HD channel?

got Fios TV today. I can't seem to program the remote to control the power off/on on my Denon 1920 DVD players. The list provided gives 2 remote codes for Denon DVD, neither will work. The play, pause and chapter fwd/bwd wrok, but not the power. I have also tried the "9-2-2" procedure and have not gotten it to power on/off.

Anyone have a code that may work?

got Fios TV today. I can't seem to program the remote to control the power off/on on my Denon 1920 DVD players. The list provided gives 2 remote codes for Denon DVD, neither will work. The play, pause and chapter fwd/bwd wrok, but not the power. I have also tried the "9-2-2" procedure and have not gotten it to power on/off.

Anyone have a code that may work?

I have a Denon 1920. if you have the Philips FiOS remote code 0661 works(I just double-checked).

it will power the Denon on but not power it off. I think this is because the Denon remote has seperate buttons for power on & power off. also I never found a button on the FiOS remote that will open & close the loading tray.

the permanent solution for me was a Harmony 670.


in your previous post you're correct- with 4:3 Override enabled use your TV's stretch modes however you want.

I don't think there's any way to stretch the program guide on HD chs.

Is there anyway to fill the screen with the guide when on an HD channel?

Nope. The guide isn't optimized for widescreen televisions. An oversight in the programming IMO. But widening the guide when possible, you could see 120 or 150 minutes of upcoming programming instead of just 90. Hopefully a future update of the software will address this.

I have a Denon 1920. if you have the Philips FiOS remote code 0661 works(I just double-checked).

it will power the Denon on but not power it off. I think this is because the Denon remote has seperate buttons for power on & power off. .

You're right, thanks. I had the player on when programming and it wouldn't turn off. It will turn on with that code.

Does anyone know if there is a way to dim the front display when the player is turned off? I have looed through the menu and settings and can not find a way to change it. It is like a bright night light in the bedroom.

I have noticed that the guide fills the screen when on an SD channel, but has black sidebars when on an HD channel. Is there anyway to fill the screen with the guide when on an HD channel?The guide only fills your screen when on a SD channel because you have 4:3 override enabled and your TV set to stretch the image. Your TV is stretching the 4:3 480i guide to fill your screen.

No boxes from FiOS, Comcast, TWC, Charter, or any other cable provider feature a 16:9 guide. Dish Network is the only provider with a 16:9 guide at this time.

got Fios TV today. I can't seem to program the remote to control the power off/on on my Denon 1920 DVD players. The list provided gives 2 remote codes for Denon DVD, neither will work. The play, pause and chapter fwd/bwd wrok, but not the power. I have also tried the "9-2-2" procedure and have not gotten it to power on/off.In my experience, the FiOS remote isn't very usable as a universal remote. I used a Harmony 720, and now a Harmony One. Pictures here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=12946085&postcount=124).

Does anyone know if there is a way to dim the front display when the player is turned off? I have looed through the menu and settings and can not find a way to change it. It is like a bright night light in the bedroom.I used electrical tape.

I haven't had any issues with the HDMI outputs to either of my flat screen TV's.

I am not going from the DVR's (I have two) to AV Receivers using HDMI. I have the HDMI going directly to the TV's and the audio is going to my receivers using the Optical audio out.

I have Home Theater Master Learning remote which I use to switch the A/V receiver inputs and the TV inputs with a press of a programmed button such as the Fios button or the Blu-ray button, etc.

TV's are Samsung LNT5271F (1080p) and Insignia/LG 42" Plasma (720p).

On the Samsung I do notice a green line on the side if I'm in "Just Scan" mode but I don't see it in 16:9 mode.

It's very possible that there might be issues using the A/V receiver as an intermediary step for the video. I guess it depends on the A/V receiver, the HDMI cable and how you have them all set (what resolution). My DVR's are set to my TV's resolution. One is set to output 1080i (to the Samsung 1080p) and the other is set to 720p for the 720p Plasma.

All works fine here and is easy to use. Audio through the receiver for surround, video direct to the TV's.

To me the value of the HDMI connection was to bring both audio and video to my receiver (the reason I spent some serious $$$ on this receiver) with one cable and use the receiver to then process the audio and send the video on to the plasma. I also have my DVD player hooked to the second HDMI input and have never had any issues with that. I believe my son tried connecting his non DVR STB directly to his Pani Plasma and it did not work.

In my experience, the FiOS remote isn't very usable as a universal remote. I used a Harmony 720, and now a Harmony One.

I can't emphasize how much hassle the Harmony remotes (I have 670's) have taken off me. I have three, one for my kids' area, one for my mother in law's apartment and one for our family room.

The Harmony's ease of use and the 670's buttons dedicated to basic functions (watch DVD, watch TV, play music...) make running any setup easy for people in my family who have no patience at all with AV configurations. I can move components around at will, spend 5 minutes on reconfiguring using the web app, update the remote and we're ready to go. One real strenght is the ability to troubleshoot an activity, like changing delay times for when a component is turned on, avoiding issues with timing.

As an example, I just bought an HD DVD player to add on to my main setup, moved the existing DVD player to my kids area; the whole effort (after connecting) took five minutes at each area and was done. The actions that you take to watch a dvd, etc. remained the same for the user, even though I changed delays, receiver inputs (HD DVD on the Multi-Ch inputs to allow for True HD decoding)... No issues from anyone involved.

I got all of the remotes on sale at one place or another (<$100), and have had one die, it was promptly replaced by Logitech. The combination of FIOS and the remotes has been great - everyone in the house can move from one area to another and has no problem watching what they want. Highly recommended.

It's very possible that there might be issues using the A/V receiver as an intermediary step for the video. I guess it depends on the A/V receiver, the HDMI cable and how you have them all set (what resolution). My DVR's are set to my TV's resolution. One is set to output 1080i (to the Samsung 1080p) and the other is set to 720p for the 720p Plasma.

There are four conditions required to see the green line:

a) Your TV has a fixed-pixel resolution of 1920x1080
b) The STB is set to output 1080i
c) The TV is hooked up via HDMI
d) The TV is set to display 1:1 pixel mapping (Pioneer calls it Dot-by-Dot, Samsung calls it Just Scan, Sony calls it Full Pixel, and so on...)

My guess is that it doesn't matter whether the TV is hooked up directly or through a receiver/switch. As long as those four conditions are met, you'll have the green mile.

I have the green line on the Samsung in "Just Scan" which is 1:1 pixel mode I guess. So I fit all the conditions.

Really doesn't even bug me. In the grand scheme of things, it's the least of my concerns. I'd love to see it go away but I can deal with it until it's fixed or they develop a new HD DVR box that fixes it. If I put the Sammy in 16:9 mode, it's gone and I don't see any huge difference in the picture size.

My earlier comments were aimed specifically to the guy having issues even displaying anything using HDMI from the DVR to the A/V Receiver to the TV route. He even said the Panny Plasma wouldn't show a picture.

I understand that Verizon has a RFP out for a new HD-DVR STB. Guess we'll see...

I can't emphasize how much hassle the Harmony remotes (I have 670's) have taken off me. I have three, one for my kids' area, one for my mother in law's apartment and one for our family room.



How well do the Harmonys work with DVRs, eg. pause, play, rewind, etc. ? Also on the FIOS remote, there is a direct button for VOD. I guess you can program any button on the Harmony for that, but would just have to remember which button it was. I guess I should be asking these in some Harmony Forum or something, but thanks for any resposes.

I used electrical tape.


Believe it or not, my wife actually suggested that last night. Do you know which side of the display has the IR sensor? I guess you would just have to be carefeul not to cover it up. I also thought of using some type of tinted tape or film, like window tint, but I don't know if that is available in small pieces or amounts.

Also on the FIOS remote, there is a direct button for VOD. I guess you can program any button on the Harmony for that, but would just have to remember which button it was.You can put any button you want on the LCD. You can also customize the hard buttons - screenshot (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/harmony/harmony74_customize.png).

How well do the Harmonys work with DVRs, eg. pause, play, rewind, etc. ?Wonderfully. Better than the FiOS remote.

I linked to screenshots (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=12946085&postcount=124) in the previous post, but here they are directly. Click for larger.

http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/harmony/One_vs_720/3.jpg (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/harmony/One_vs_720/3_large.jpg)

http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/harmony/One_vs_720/1.jpg (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/harmony/One_vs_720/1_large.jpg) http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/harmony/One_vs_720/2.jpg (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/harmony/One_vs_720/2_large.jpg)
Harmony 720 on the left, Harmony One on the right

If you haven't used or setup a Harmony remote, it is incredible easy. You don't have to manually program anything. Using the Mac or Windows software, you enter the make and model of your equipment and then Harmony software asks you questions which it uses to setup each activity. Examples (paraphrased) include:

What video input on the TV should be used for the DVD player?
Do you use the TV or the receiver to control the volume on your DVD player?
What audio input does your DVD player use on your receiver?
What video input does your DVD player use on the receiver?

The answers to these and other questions are used to configure the "Watch TV," "Watch DVD," etc activities. These activities switch to the appropriate audio and video inputs on your TV, receiver, and power on the associated devices. Manual audio and video input switching is eliminated.

After each activity is configured, you can "fine tune" the settings, such as the functions and layout on the LCD, the delays between remote commands, and whether to turn other devices off when using this activity, etc.

Harmony software screenshots: #1 (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/harmony/harmony74_setup.png), #2 (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/harmony/harmony74_activities.png), #3 (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/harmony/harmony74_customize.png).

You can put any button you want on the LCD.



just to explain in a bit more detail:

with the Harmony remotes you can program a "virtual" button that is displayed in the LCD window. even better you can label it however you want, so you can recreate the buttons on the FiOS remote.

like in my case I made virtual buttons for Widgets, VOD, Live TV, & DVR. work like a charm.
and to repeat DVR functions work perfectly.

if interested go to the Logitech webpage & check the remotes & features. then check the web for e-tailers that handle Haarmony remotes-you can save $'s v. the B&M stores.

BTW bfdtv that Harmony One looks really cool!!!

Have to agree that Harmony One looks nice. I can't add more to what's been said, other than that some of the issues people complained about in the forum were 'fixed' by having a Harmony, since features that were in the DVR but not in the (then) FIOS remote were implemented by the Harmony.

How well do the Harmonys work with DVRs, eg. pause, play, rewind, etc. ? Also on the FIOS remote, there is a direct button for VOD. I guess you can program any button on the Harmony for that, but would just have to remember which button it was. I guess I should be asking these in some Harmony Forum or something, but thanks for any resposes.

Harmony Forum:
http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/mboard/rc-harmony/list.cgi

Also on the FIOS remote, there is a direct button for VOD. I guess you can program any button on the Harmony for that, but would just have to remember which button it was.

On my FIOS remote, VOD was a blue button with a star on it. On my Harmony (550), I programed the * (asterisk) to be VOD :) but yes, any button that's not already programmed will do.

I'm no longer able to watch tv through my pc tv tuner. I have the small moto box going straight to my pc. Is it something on my end or is it possible that verizon changed the signal. the box works as I'm able to watch tv when I hook it up directly to my monitor.

I'm no longer able to watch tv through my pc tv tuner. I have the small moto box going straight to my pc. Is it something on my end or is it possible that verizon changed the signal. the box works as I'm able to watch tv when I hook it up directly to my monitor.

If the signal is still there when connected directly to the TV then something is wrong with your PC/tuner set up. If you had the coax going straight to the PC it is possible the signal has changed making you lose the signal but it doesn't sound like you have such a connection.

Guys,

My Fios Install has been scheduled for This friday and I am pumped.

I installed a mounting plate (aka "flat piece of wood") in my crawlspace and have a wall mount outlet installed so they don't have to hunt for power.

No more gloating... real questions:

1. I have heard the system works with and without the "verizon provided" wireless router. Is this true?

2. I have read about people receiving different branded routers (dlink, actiontec, and a verizon branded model). What are people's experiences with these device?

3. Is there a recommended router I should demand from the installer, or one I shoud steer away from?

4. Is it gigabit?

5. If #1 is True - anyone install a gigabit router on Fios

6. Anyone know what wiring scheme verizon uses for cat 5e (568A or 568B wiring scheme)?

7. Is there anything else you guys recommend so I can "help" the installer get the job done right the first time?

Thanks In Advance

Brian

Fios NJ - Phone/Internet/TV (on Fri)
50" Panny Plasma
32" Aquos LCD
Tivo HD with 1TB hacked drive
Tivo To Go - 1TB archive on PC
Sony BD
Denon 4306
7.1 Monitor Audio
Monster Power Center
Xantec IR
Harmony

Nice Picts and Post...

Been using an 880 for a few years now (It replaced a marantz RC5000 that was a pain in the A** to program). I have not seen the Harmony one before... looks sweet.

One Q:

The 880 is notorious for charging problems because the interface with its base is poorly designed. Looks like the terminals on the back of the "one" have been changed.

Are there any issues with charging the "one"???

Thanks in advance.

BG

[QUOTE=bfdtv;13000037]You can put any button you want on the LCD. You can also customize the hard buttons - screenshot (http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/harmony/harmony74_customize.png).

Wonderfully. Better than the FiOS remote.

After years with D*, Fios is finally available on my street. My neighbor just got it and I do have a couple of questions :

1. Resolution set to 1080i. When switching channels from sd to hd (and vice versa), the picture "scrambles" momentarily, then settles in to either 480i or 1080i. The installer told him this was normal. Reading this thread, does turning the 4:3 overide to "off" solve this? Or something else?

2. Being a fan of Tivo, will I getter better results with the Tivo HD box/cablecard that with the Moto DVR? (plus I'll "own" the Tivo)

3. Slightly OT, but if Tivo monthly guide cost for 1 yr is 12.95/mo, why do they charge a 200.00 cancellation fee? Makes no sense.

Reading this thread, does turning the 4:3 overide to "off" solve this?Yes.

2. Being a fan of Tivo, will I getter better results with the Tivo HD box/cablecard that with the Moto DVR? (plus I'll "own" the Tivo)If by "better results," you mean better SD picture quality, more reliable recording, the ability to expand storage capacity, native output, the ability to download recordings to your computer, etc, then yes.

3. Slightly OT, but if Tivo monthly guide cost for 1 yr is 12.95/mo, why do they charge a 200.00 cancellation fee? Makes no sense.TiVo sells the hardware at a loss, so they require one-year minimum to offset some of that.

It says "up to $200," but you are right that $200 is more than 12 * 12.95. TiVo evidently forgot to update their terms after they reduced the monthly cost of their service from $16.99/mo to $12.99/mo. You do have 30 days to cancel service without any penalty.

You can pay $12.99/mo or $129/yr ($10.75/mo), or you can buy the version of the box without any fees for $699 (http://www3.tivo.com/tivo-promo/show.do?pg=/buytivo/hdgift.html).

Thanks bf....also, as Brian asked a few posts above, is there a preferred wireless router, among the ones that Verizon supplies ?

When you purchase the lifetime agreement, that is only for that box I believe. So it would be in your best interest to keep it running for at least 4 years to come out ahead on that deal.

I have the Verizon branded ActionTec. The router seems very capable. This is the second ActionTec I've had. First one was boxy looking. This one is all rounded. Both seem almost identical in how they operate and the web-based interface. There's a minimal revision number associated with the new one which is more rounded. They said I should have it for "future feature support".

The didn't even take my old one so I guess I'll sell it on eBay.

Works fine as a wireless router. Works fine as a wired router. Takes a bit of knowledge to do port forwarding and port triggering if you need to do that.

I have several desktops, wireless desktops, wireless laptops, a VOIP phone, printer and three STB's connected to it and it all works no problem.

There's an issue with VPN to my work which is using a Sonicwall for VPN. There information on how to put this router behind a Sonicwall if you need to.

Overall I think the supplied Actiontec router is very capable.

Guys,
1. I have heard the system works with and without the "verizon provided" wireless router. Is this true?

Minimally you'll either need Verizon's ActionTec (the MI424WR) router (as the router or bridged to your own router) or a NIM and your router. One of these two options is needed for FiOS TV (to get the guide info, aka IMG, use VOD, etc).


2. I have read about people receiving different branded routers (dlink, actiontec, and a verizon branded model). What are people's experiences with these device? Dlinks were given out early on; Actiontecs are what are given out now -- and that's probably also the same as the "Verizon" branded model you're referring to.


3. Is there a recommended router I should demand from the installer, or one I shoud steer away from?

You will get the Actiontec -- you don't get to demand anything from the installer except perhaps you can request Coax vs Ethernet from the ONT. Either way, you'll need either the Actiontec or a NIM for TV. See
http://www.dslreports.com/nsearch?q=coax+ethernet&o=d&cat=remark&bids=,280&tt=tt48009374
at dslreports.com for more info on coax vs ethernet.


4. Is it gigabit?
Pretty it's not on the LAN and even more sure it's not on the WAN side.


5. If #1 is True - anyone install a gigabit router on Fios

Haven't yet but it's in the plans. Just make the Actiontec a bridge and you can set up any router to work with it you like. Note, you'll only get gigabit speeds (or approach them) on the LAN side assuming the computers on your home network have gigabit cards.


7. Is there anything else you guys recommend so I can "help" the installer get the job done right the first time?

Peruse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/vzfiber and http://www.dslreports.com/forum/vzfiostv for the latest and most helpful info.

Hope it goes smoothly -- we've had ours for just over a month now and love it :)

I am trying to find out if Fios has channels that are similar to the news 12 and weather/traffic ch.61 broadcast on Cablevision.

Thanks Dars for the great info...

I am trying to find out if Fios has channels that are similar to the news 12 and weather/traffic ch.61 broadcast on Cablevision.

Enter your zip code here: http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/channel+lineup.htm

:-)

Thanks Darc,

My wife's biggest gripe about moving is that we will loose the local weather and school reports/closings.

Cablevision's Channel 61 is a 24/7 cycle of local weather and traffic. Within about 1.5 minutes you get the latest update on both regardless of when you tune in.

BG

Enter your zip code here: http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/channel+lineup.htm

:-)

Thanks Darc,

My wife's biggest gripe about moving is that we will loose the local weather and school reports/closings.

Cablevision's Channel 61 is a 24/7 cycle of local weather and traffic. Within about 1.5 minutes you get the latest update on both regardless of when you tune in.

BG

FiOS has Weatherscan on Ch 49 & also onscreen traffic/weather Widgets that can be called up at the touch of a button on the remote. both are based on your zip code. IMO the Widgets feature gives more detailed local info.

if i remember correctly News 12 is owned by & exclusive to CV(like TW's NY1) so FiOS likely can't offer it.

Received the new IMG on FIOS. Big difference from the previous system in the time it takes to change a station. Also accessing INFO takes a second or 2. What's the deal here? Why the delay?

I'm getting ready to order FIOS package and don't see the STB HD DVR in the choices on VZ's web site. :

http://mysite.verizon.net/fwk323/pics/vzstb.jpg

It was there last month @ $16.95 (non media manager version)

Am I missing something ?

BTW, it appears the price increase has been pushed back to 3/29

If I have a digital TV with a QAM tuner, to receive over the air broadcast channels in HD on Fios, do I need an HD box? I am in montgomery county MD.

If I have a digital TV with a QAM tuner, to receive over the air broadcast channels in HD on Fios, do I need an HD box? I am in montgomery county MD.The cable channels (aside from music channels) are encrypted, but the local channels are in the clear and available with a QAM tuner.

With a QAM tuner, you'll be missing out on 200+ digital channels and 25 HD channels, plus another 30 HD channels (55+ total) coming in the next few months.

I'm getting ready to order FIOS package and don't see the STB HD DVR in the choices on VZ's web site. :
It was there last month @ $16.95 (non media manager version)
Am I missing something ? BTW, it appears the price increase has been pushed back to 3/29Apparently, the demand for HD exceeded their expectations. The web site probably means that they are on back order.Check this thread on DSL Reports: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19931429-No-HD-Boxes~start=60#end.

You may be able to negotiate a free non-HD DVR until they can backfill with the HD version.

I just received my HD-DVR replacement for a defective STB. I couldn't get it via drop-ship self install. They had to come to my house and replace it. Probably because that's the only place they are stocking replacements - in the trucks, for field service.

Well, just got off the phone w/VZ and was told the reason: "NO HD boxes, standard or DVR, available because of a Motorola shortage. Christmas and Superbowl demand supposedly.

Options : Free standard stb for 4 months or buy a Tivo HD and cablecard combo ( @ 2.99/mo + 12.99/mo Tivo chg)

Estimated availability is first week in June ! Holy s**t.

Has anyone considered this possibility - Verizon is not going to deliver new HD STB's because they are planning (finally) an upgraded version which will go to new customers and eventually replace existing STB's. Maybe increased capacity, HD VOD, etc.

Wouldn't that be nice ?!

I'd doubt it. It took my service tech 3 phone calls to get the new STB initialized. He had a laptop connected over ethernet to do it online (Verizon's web for the techs), but no go.

After listening to how many people he had to talk to, I really felt sorry for him. Don't want to go into details as it's internal to Verizon, but it sounds just like the way my company handles stuff with it's ordering system and tech support. Big company, similar problems. No complaints about how it was handled. In fact, my experience with Verizon has been excellent and today was no exception. (I see a lot of complaints - they also do a lot of good things.)

To make a long story short, there's no way they could have an agenda to replace everyone's STB. By the time they finish, they will be out of money and 2 versions behind. :)

I have had Verizon Fios 3 players (Internet+Phone+TV) for $99/month supposedly worth for 24 months since last Nov 2007. During last 4 months I have nothing but argument and head ache with Verizon because every month I receive a bill for $148.42 and I have to go through hell making so many phone calls to make proper adjustment.

Again and again the same thing happened next month’s and next month including month of Feb which I just received.

Does anyone also receive these irrational billing from Verizon? what could we really do about it to resolve the issue once for all?.

Similar instance. Before FIOS TV was available, I signed up for the double play; Internet + Telephone. 1st bill says I owe $56 in long distance. After inquiring I was told I didn't have Freedom telephone (long distance). So, they apologized and credited me for the mistake. They also gave me a bump up to the 15/2 internet for the inconvenience and their mistake. After FIOS TV became available, I signed up for triple pack in November. 1st bill was for 109.99 + extras. They told me the bill was $10 more since I had the 15/2 internet. I told them they gave it to me. They said that's not possible . Nothing is free. I told them to remove it. It took 5 phone calls and about 2 hours to get it fixed. I got a different story each time I spoke with a Verizon rep. They seem to make up rules along the way. I am waiting for my next bill to see if it was actually corrected. I don't have any problem with Verizon's TV/Internet/phone service, however, the customer service has been a disappoinment.

Just got FIOS TV. Significantly impressed with the improvements over cable. The one thing I'm not happy with is paying between $5-20 for a box every month. What 3rd party hardware options do I have to replace the boxes?

Just got FIOS TV. Significantly impressed with the improvements over cable. The one thing I'm not happy with is paying between $5-20 for a box every month. What 3rd party hardware options do I have to replace the boxes?


How about your monthly bill is it as suppose to be or fill with hidden charges?.

Don't know yet, but I'm betting heavy they screw it up. I changed my order (which they had recorded wrong) before the installation, but the update never made it to the installer. Then the installer couldn't get SD DVR Home Media to work, which was supposed to be free for the first 4 months.

Anyone ever have any success activating a used Moto 6416-2 ?
I get a different answer every time I call Vzn. It would certainly be in their best interest to do so, considering the current shortage (assuming the box is not stolen, deliiquent acct, etc.)

How do you get a "used" STB? Officially, you are renting the equipment from them. There should be no "extras".

Billing - Remember that the first one will have charges for 2 months. Like cable, you are paying for next month's services.

How do you get a "used" STB? Officially, you are renting the equipment from them. There should be no "extras".

Billing - Remember that the first one will have charges for 2 months. Like cable, you are paying for next month's services.
@ GeekGirl

They're on Ebay all the time. let's say someone cancels their service and doesn't return the box. They pay a penalty fee, but they then own it and are free to do with it what they want. (btw, same scenario w/D* since they've been leasing-Hr20's and 21's on Ebay all the time)
However, I have found, no one at Vzn really knows how to deal w/these "previously rented" boxes.

I have had Verizon Fios 3 players (Internet+Phone+TV) for $99/month supposedly worth for 24 months since last Nov 2007. During last 4 months I have nothing but argument and head ache with Verizon because every month I receive a bill for $148.42 and I have to go through hell making so many phone calls to make proper adjustment.

Again and again the same thing happened next month’s and next month including month of Feb which I just received.

Does anyone also receive these irrational billing from Verizon? what could we really do about it to resolve the issue once for all?.


I can relate to and share your pain. I've had Fios for one year now, and have yet to get a correct bill. I have to call each and every month to get credits for incorrect charges. They are still charging me for a DVR that I returned over two months ago. With my current bill, this will be the first time that I won't call, since they have now given more credits than I should be getting and my bill shows a credit balance. Next month, when there's no more credits, all I will need to do is get the darn DVR removed and then I should be good.

Irrational billing is a Verizon trademark.:D:D

Irrational billing is a Verizon trademark.:D:D

That's the biggest reason I punted Verizon to the curb when Comcast started offering internet and phone service in my neighborhood. But the savings of switching to FiOS won me over. After getting my first bill I now remember why I kicked them out of my house all those years ago.

@ GeekGirl They're on Ebay all the time. let's say someone cancels their service and doesn't return the box. They pay a penalty fee, but they then own it and are free to do with it what they want. (btw, same scenario w/D* since they've been leasing-Hr20's and 21's on Ebay all the time) However, I have found, no one at Vzn really knows how to deal w/these "previously rented" boxes.There's a nice discussion about this over on DSL Reports. Bottom line is that if it's not in their inventory, it won't get activated. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19580432-STB-on-ebay

There's a nice discussion about this over on DSL Reports. Bottom line is that if it's not in their inventory, it won't get activated. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19580432-STB-on-ebay
Well, that certainly makes sense and follows what I've always thought. Yet, people keep buying them on Ebay and leaving positive feedback for the seller. Strange, huh?

Edit: I'll be ordering Fios package next week so, in light of the current HD box shortage, I guess
my best option is to go with a Tivo HD (providing, of course, that there's no shortage of cable cards:eek:)

The Tivo is overkill for me, I'm just looking for something that decodes the digital signal and outputs SD or HD.

They're on Ebay all the time. let's say someone cancels their service and doesn't return the box. They pay a penalty fee, but they then own it and are free to do with it what they want. (btw, same scenario w/D* since they've been leasing-Hr20's and 21's on Ebay all the time)
However, I have found, no one at Vzn really knows how to deal w/these "previously rented" boxes.Some of the DVRs on ebay are stolen by former employees. Most are from customers who stopped paying their bills. IIRC, the penalty fee for failing to return the Motorola DVR is $550, which is around $100 more than Verizon's current cost in bulk.

The Tivo is overkill for me, I'm just looking for something that decodes the digital signal and outputs SD or HD.No third-party offers a simple CableCard STB because the cost to do that -- and make a profit -- is still higher than most consumers are willing to pay. I forget what Verizon charges if you fail to return their Motorola QIP-6200 HD STB -- around $350?

This technology is simply expensive. With current technology, it is not possible to sell a HDTV CableCard DVR at $300 and make a profit. Your choice is to obtain the box below cost and pay a monthly fee, or pay much more to avoid monthly or yearly fees.

TiVo offers two "versions" of their dual-tuner, high-definition DVR. One is sold below cost ($250) with a fee of $12.99/mo or $129/yr. The other is sold at a profit for $698 (http://www3.tivo.com/tivo-promo/show.do?pg=/buytivo/hdgift.html) without fees.

Guys,

For anyone who has weird billing issues I suggest specifically asking for the "retention department" if you want to get things straightened out. If will be a local (or regional) office with an area code closer to your rather than a straight up 800# for support. Once there, you can work with one of the reps and/or ask for a supervisor.

The nice thing here is that this department is used to people complaining and they are judged by how well they perform at resolving issues and keeping customers.

I hope this helps.

Brian

P.S. - Admittedly, I am still in a pre-install mode. That said, I have been bouncing pricing between cablevision and verizon for a few weeks now and the price keeps going down in order to get my triple-play business. I have low expectations about the install and am betting on 3 visits before the install is completed successfully.

Install scheduled for tomorrow - more to come.

I hope this helps.

BG

Tos,

I appreciate the desire for something simple and sweet - but you are missing out.

I am not a Tivo nut... but have been using a dvr for timeshifting shows for years now (replaytv, tivo, and cablevision DVR). With 250 channels and lots of programming on during hours when I am unable to watch (work hours, during business travel, etc.), its a nice add on to get the most out of your TV service.

NOW... Tivo has a solution called tivo-to-go where you can take shows/movies that have been saved on the tivo and archive them to your computer. You can play them on your PC, move them to an IPOD or other portable device, AND move them back to your Tivo whenever you want. Its also great if you have movies captured on a digital camera - just move them over to the tivo and watch them on TV when guests come over.

I am getting my VZ install tomorrow and have opted for a new tivo hd rather than paying $$ for the verizon DVR.

That's my 2-cents.

BG

P.S. I wonder if anyone has calculated the number of shows/hours missed during times when people are not around and the financial implications. Something like... "People pay $17 billion dollars per year for tv services/programming that are never watched."


The Tivo is overkill for me, I'm just looking for something that decodes the digital signal and outputs SD or HD.

I am getting my VZ install tomorrow and have opted for a new tivo hd rather than paying $$ for the verizon DVR.

That's my 2-cents.
BG


I'm kind of on the fence between Tivo and the Vzn DVR because the combo $$ of the $12.99/mo Tivo fee + $2.99/mo cablecard fee just about equals the $16.99/mo Vzn DVR fee. Plus you have to purchase the Tivo ~$250 and when the warranty expires and it breaks....

I do like the Tivo interface and the ability to record OTA. From what I've read here the SD pic quality is better and the recording reliability and capacity are better. Just not sure which way to go. Comments one way or the other welcome.


TiVo offers two "versions" of their dual-tuner, high-definition DVR. One is sold below cost ($250) with a fee of $12.99/mo or $129/yr. The other is sold at a profit for $698 (http://www3.tivo.com/tivo-promo/show.do?pg=/buytivo/hdgift.html) without fees.

Oh I understand the value of the DVR. I have three Verizon DVR boxes now and two Cable DVR boxes before I switched. But not every TV in my home needs a DVR, and for those I'd like to be able to receive some sort of signal through a converter. I'm going to drop one of the DVR boxes soon, and still have a TV in my kitchen with no box that will go dark in another month.

If no one makes a box that converts the digital signal, perhaps someone makes a card for a computer?

More than you ever wanted to know about how to get HD video on your PC, the Home Theater Computers forum: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=26, check over there to see if anyone uses a cable card.

Friend of mine just had FIOS installed. He wanted two SD DVR's and one HD DVR. He got three SD DVR's and a free month of service because of the lack of HD DVR's.

He also got a rare rude person from service, since the installer was late (as in 6 p.m. when he was due at 10 a.m.). The twist on this is that his wife works for Verizon and immediately put a call in to service and pretty soon had a foreman on the job. The installation was finished that night by another installer, and everyone was happy. I guess the moral here is that if ( as I've found rare ) someone with an attitude comes on, there is an alternative when you kick it up the chain of command.

He was pretty ecstatic, since he had previously been struggling with a bad signal from DirecTv; being British and a soccer fan, he was able to see a full slate of soccer games, which although SD, was much clearer than he was used to. Very happy customer, who will be much happier when the HD STBs are available.

I called last night to Verizon customer service to talk about my over charge bill, lucky me the Rep was very polite and fair minded lady she reverse the over changes plus she gave me $50 credit which was given after installation in last November but never went to the system to become effective. when asked how do I be assured my next bill would be as it suppose to be she assured me that from now on my bill will reflect the actual contract charges($99.99+$13.99(DVR)+applicable taxes.

Only future (next month billing) will prove that.

they have conveniently "forgot" to remove STB's that were returned/upgraded to HD boxes.
And it took an hour on hold until I got to speak with a live CSR.
They offered me nothing for their error. and I am too fed up with the horrendous wait times to call back and complain.

How can I get locked into the current pricing?

they have conveniently "forgot" to remove STB's that were returned/upgraded to HD boxes.
And it took an hour on hold until I got to speak with a live CSR.
They offered me nothing for their error. and I am too fed up with the horrendous wait times to call back and complain.

How can I get locked into the current pricing?




I feel your pain since after 4 months still I am struggling to get my bill the way my contract with Verizon call for ($99.99/Mo+$12.99/Mo DVR + applicable taxes). You have to keep calling and ask to talk to one of the supervisors that way you get it resolved much faster.

This is an interesting question and very relevant to my friend's situation.

I had just the Verizon Fios Internet installed in my home 2 years ago.

They installed a connection box outside my home and a backup battery
box in the room with my computer.

They brought in a cable with an ethernet connection. No router.

My friend just got his Fios installed a few months ago and was given
a coax connection with a router. He's very upset about this because
he wants to buy an Apple router and doesn't want to piggyback off the
existing router.

On the phone, Verizon told him "okay, we can bring in an ethernet line
for you." However, when the installer arrived it was a different story.
The installer said that he would not be able to bring in an ethernet line
under the current installation conditions.

I would be interested to hear if others were able to get a direct
ethernet line into their home bypassing the need for their stock router
with coax hookup.

is it hooked up via existing coax or is it a dedicated ethernet line?

Mine is hooked up via coax. I don't know if there was an option to have it hooked up via ethernet, the installer didn't offer and I didn't ask.

im thinking about using my router and connecting it to theirs and turning off their wireless. will the tech take care of this or is it something i will have to do after the fact.

When I asked about this during my install, the installer pointed me to this thread on dslreports.com (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r17679150-Howto-make-ActionTec-MI424WR-a-network-bridge). He did not offer to do it for me.

if there is a problem with my internet service will verizon log onto my computer to check things out or will they just go as far as their router?

My guess is that they would only go as far as their router.

I suppose I was one of the early lucky installs to get an
ethernet only connection.

This is an interesting question and very relevant to my friend's situation.

I had just the Verizon Fios Internet installed in my home 2 years ago.

They installed a connection box outside my home and a backup battery
box in the room with my computer.

They brought in a cable with an ethernet connection. No router.

My friend just got his Fios installed a few months ago and was given
a coax connection with a router. He's very upset about this because
he wants to buy an Apple router and doesn't want to piggyback off the
existing router.

On the phone, Verizon told him "okay, we can bring in an ethernet line
for you." However, when the installer arrived it was a different story.
The installer said that he would not be able to bring in an ethernet line
under the current installation conditions.

I would be interested to hear if others were able to get a direct
ethernet line into their home bypassing the need for their stock router
with coax hookup.

I've got an ethernet connection and a coax connection.

The Adaptect (FIOS) router is needed to deliver IPTV content - VOD, HD VOD, Guide information for FIOS STB's, support for FIOS DVR and internal delivery of content by the Media DVR to set top boxes. It is not needed if you have a Tivo installation, since those are not available to you. In the future, FIOS plans to switch to IPTV only as opposed to the current segmentation of TV content - IPTV content.

So... if you are not interested in these, you don't need the router right now. If you are, you can still use your own router / access point for wireless if you want, you just have to put it in line with the ActionTec router.

I have a Belkin draft N router that can achieve much higher wireless speeds than the ActionTec, so I wanted to use it. As a 'G' router, I actually found the ActionTec to be pretty good, but I decided to switch to mine.

Actions:

1. Connect my router to a client ethernet port on the ActionTec.
2. Switch off wireless on the ActionTec router.
3. Set up the other router (in my case, the Belkin) as a wireless access point.
4. Make sure DHCP and DNS are shut off on the Belkin, as you do not want two routers serving out addresses on your network. Usually this is done automatically when you set up the router as an access point.
5. Set up security on the wireless router.

This gets you running. I've had my setup for about 10 months now, works like a charm.

I use FIOS DVR's and STB's, so I need the ActionTec's MoCA capabilities, and have no desire to go to Tivo, but if you are a Tivo only house or have only internet, you conceivably don't need the ActionTec.

They brought in a cable with an ethernet connection. No router.

My friend just got his Fios installed a few months ago and was given
a coax connection with a router. He's very upset about this because
he wants to buy an Apple router and doesn't want to piggyback off the
existing router.

On the phone, Verizon told him "okay, we can bring in an ethernet line
for you." However, when the installer arrived it was a different story.
The installer said that he would not be able to bring in an ethernet line
under the current installation conditions.

I would be interested to hear if others were able to get a direct
ethernet line into their home bypassing the need for their stock router
with coax hookup.Verizon is different from other cable companies in that they deliver their guide information and VOD using the data (Internet) connection. Whenever a Verizon Motorola DVR requests guide data or VOD, that request is sent over coax in your home to the Actiontec router, which would then request that data over the data (CAT5) connection.

If you get a FiOS' Motorola STB or DVR, Verizon will provide you with the Actiontec router at no cost. You can connect this to a LAN port on your existing Internet router. A coax line will be run inside to the room with your router -- if one does not already exist -- and it will connect to the coax input on the Actiontec. The Actiontec would "bridge" the ethernet and coax connections.

ethernet -> WAN port on existing router
LAN port on existing router -> ethernet cable --> WAN port on Actiontec
coax -> COAX input on Actiontec router

Verizon uses a coax-only install for new TV customers [who do not run their own ethernet cable] to eliminate the time and cost of running two separate cables inside the home. They are able to do this because the Actiontec router can support data over coax cable using technology known as MoCA, which takes the frequencies about 1GHz and uses them for Internet. Since you already have FiOS Internet with an ethernet connection for data, that's not something you need be concerned about. When the FiOS TV installer arrives, just tell them you want to keep the existing ethernet connection and connect the Actiontec to your existing router.

As the poster alluded to above, you would want to be sure and disable wireless on the Actiontec. You can do that by [temporarily] connecting your PC to the Actiontec and then connecting to it at http://192.168.1.1 with admin/password.

Guys,

Just chiming in to register my frustration with Verizon's customer service communications with their tech guys.

TV and Internet appear to be working (although the install added a bunch of crap to my laptop IE/starup bar). It would be nice to give the customer the option to install all the non-critical ancillary software.

The larger issue is that 1 day before the install I called the tech office and asked that they bring a number of cablecards because of their high failure rate. Well... the guy showed up with 2 cards and both failed the install... I hope to see the guy again today.

typical.

Brian

Guys,

Context - My cablevision box permitted me to fix the incoming signal on a specific resolution (I kept one unit at 720p and the other at 1080i because that is what looked the best for each display). In addition, the cablevision boxes permitted me cycle through stretch modes for SD programming with one hit of the "#" key.

I have been unable to determine if this functionality is available with the VERIZON FIOS Motorola HD box? I see an aspect button on the remote but it does not do anything.

Any guidance you have would be greatly appreciated

Please help.

Brian

My cablevision box permitted me to fix the incoming signal on a specific resolution (I kept one unit at 720p and the other at 1080i because that is what looked the best for each display).You can do that with Motorola boxes.

In addition, the cablevision boxes permitted me cycle through stretch modes for SD programming with one hit of the "#" key.No Motorola boxes support that feature.

You have several choices: (1) watch all SD stretched on the Motorola DVR, (2) watch all SD with 4:3 bars on the Motorola DVR, (3) output SD channels as their original 480i -- if your TV can accept that -- and use your TV's aspect modes, or (4) buy a TiVo that has an aspect control button.

Guys,

Just chiming in to register my frustration with Verizon's customer service communications with their tech guys.

TV and Internet appear to be working (although the install added a bunch of crap to my laptop IE/starup bar). It would be nice to give the customer the option to install all the non-critical ancillary software.

The larger issue is that 1 day before the install I called the tech office and asked that they bring a number of cablecards because of their high failure rate. Well... the guy showed up with 2 cards and both failed the install... I hope to see the guy again today.

typical.

Brian

I just had 2 cable cards installed in my tivo hd. the first 2 failed. make sure you follow the tivo instructions exactly. my understanding is that you can install the cards at the same time but it's not 100% and if something goes wrong it's more difficult to troubleshoot. My tech also told me his laptop software was unable to process 1 CC at a time and this is true but there is a way to get it to process 1 CC at a time. He found this out after calling another tech who was familiar with installing CCs on tivos.

will this leave my current network in tact?

You can use the Actiontec router and leave your current network intact, which is what I did. I have a Linksys WRT54G that I've been using for a few years. I unplugged it, switched my hard-wired connections over to the Actiontec, changed some config settings on the Actiontec (see below), and all was well.

Here's what I had to do. Some of these steps may or may not apply to you depending on how your existing network is configured.


The Actiontec comes preconfigured with an IP of 192.168.1.1. My existing network was using a subnet of 192.168.0. I changed the router's IP address to 192.168.0.1.
Modify the WEP/WPA settings to conform to your existing network.
Modify the DHCP settings to conform to your existing network. I use a mixture of static IP addresses and DHCP, so I need to make sure the addresses being handed out by DHCP can't conflict with the statically assigned ones.
Modify the SSID to your existing network.
Transfer any port forwarding information to the Actiontec (which you would probably have to do anyway because the Actiontec is the gateway)


If you need to change the Actiontec's IP address, do it after the installer leaves. There is a step in the install where they have to run some software on your computer that does something to the Actiontec. It expects to find the Actiontec at 192.168.1.1. Because I had already changed the IP this process failed. It was simple to fix, reset the router back to factory and re-run the process, but it would have been even simpler to wait.

Bottom line, make the Actiontec router conform to your network configuration, rather than making your network configuration conform to the default Actiontec configuration.

If I decide to dump FiOS, I unplug the Actiontec, transfer the LAN connections back to the Linksys, plug in the Linksys, and I'm back up and running.

Speaking only for myself, this seemed simpler than monkeying around with trying to get a bridged connection working.

If anyone wants to use their own router in place of the ActionTec, check out this highly popular thread over on DSL Reports: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r17679150-Howto-make-ActionTec-MI424WR-a-network-bridge

You turn the ActionTec into a bridge (a connection between 2 different protocols, 1 step up from a router) because you still need it to pass the VOD and Guide data to the STB. The rest is yours.

If anyone wants to use their own router in place of the ActionTec, check out this highly popular thread over on DSL Reports: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r17679150-Howto-make-ActionTec-MI424WR-a-network-bridge

That appears to be the same thread I linked to in this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13097579#post13097579).

Guys,

The techs who spent a collective 10 hours trying to get my Tivo HD running begged me to exchange the unit and I did.

Well.. after two days and a replacement Tivo HD my installation is complete.

I treated the second unit a little differently and I wanted to share my 2-cents on the prep and execution because I believe some of the blame rests on the Tivo side of the house (considering all 6 cards verizon tried exhibited the same problem). Here is what I did the 2nd time around.

1. Connected tivo to TV and Ethernet only - No Coax yet.
2. Ran the guided setup.
3. Restarted
4. Went to "Networking" and forced a connect. <-- not in tivo's cablecard instructions - This action downloads the latest firmware. You would think that the guided setup does this as well but it does not. This additional forced connect is different than basic provisioning conducted in a guided setup for a specific service provider.
5. Restarted <-- Another critical step because major updates will not be implemented on demand without a forced restart
6. Got a "Received an update" screen from tivo that said it would take about 1 hour to install a service update.
7. After the update was completed I Restarted Again!
8. After restart CONFIRM THAT SOFTWARE REVISION 9.2A INSTALLED (can be found in the system information listing).
9. Did 1 last forced Networking connect to download any last minor update details.
10. Connect COAX now
11. 1 final restart and I was ready to install the first cablecard

From here, I followed the cablecard directions provided by Tivo and everything is working

Net:Net - Tivo prep is key to a successful install. I hope this helps the next guy...


Brian (I also happened to slip a 1tb drive in the tivo after it was fully operational...) 144 hours of HD :)


P.S. - If Tivo is monitoring this thread - have your techs be sure to reconfirm software versions with customers before getting into other cablecard diagnostics. I had a minimum of 8 separate calls with techs and realized they never asked... While I can't confirm that this was the issue with my first unit - I have my suspicions.

BFDTV,

Thanks for the reply.

Regardless of what I do, I can't seem to "fix" the motorola box to a higher resolution - for example - 1080i.

All the SD channels are coming in at 480 and look muddy.

Do I need an offboard scaler? What am I doing wrong?

BG



[QUOTE=bfdtv;13098690]You can do that with Motorola boxes.

@brigont: I think you make a very good point about the guided setup not downloading the latest software. I've ran guided setup 3x (it rebooted on me the 2nd time) and I assumed that would have given me the latest software... it did not.

I'm not sure if it's necessary for the CC install... apparently it helped you though.

Network file & printer sharing

Hi, All. We've had FiOS 3-play since mid-December, and are generally very happy (OK, we'd like a better IMG, HD-VOD, more HD channels, etc. like others have said).

The Actiontec is in the basement wired to the main computer. The 2ndary computer upstairs gets a strong wireless signal for connecting to the I-net. I'd like the 2ndary to use the main's printer & share files/folders, but cannot get it to work.

I've followed Verizon's help steps online, and have talked to an aquaintance. I have set up the printer and folders as "shared" in the main computer. How do I get the 2ndary to "see" them? The aquaintance said to make sure the computers were set up in the workgroup, but I couldn't find anything in Windows help by searching for "workgroup."

Thanks for any help.
Doug

Substance,

Thanks for the reply.

That's actually the point. Operational software version IS critical for the CableCard install (depending on what version of the software your unit comes with).

Put it this way. The unit I picked up from Circuit City yesterday had a ~7.1 version of the software installed.

According to Tivo CableCards will not work with any reliability (if at all) with anything less than 9.2a

enjoy

BG




@brigont: I think you make a very good point about the guided setup not downloading the latest software. I've ran guided setup 3x (it rebooted on me the 2nd time) and I assumed that would have given me the latest software... it did not.

I'm not sure if it's necessary for the CC install... apparently it helped you though.

BFDTV,

Thanks for the reply.

Regardless of what I do, I can't seem to "fix" the motorola box to a higher resolution - for example - 1080i.

All the SD channels are coming in at 480 and look muddy.I assume you are using HDMI or component.

If you want all channels -- including SD -- output as 1080i, then you need to set 4:3 override to OFF. To do that, turn the box off, press select, then press menu.

Network file & printer sharingThe Actiontec is in the basement wired to the main computer. The 2ndary computer upstairs gets a strong wireless signal for connecting to the I-net. I'd like the 2ndary to use the main's printer & share files/folders, but cannot get it to work.

I've followed Verizon's help steps online, and have talked to an aquaintance. I have set up the printer and folders as "shared" in the main computer. How do I get the 2ndary to "see" them? The aquaintance said to make sure the computers were set up in the workgroup, but I couldn't find anything in Windows help by searching for "workgroup." DougI assume both computers can access the internet, but not each other. I'm betting you have a software firewall installed, like Zone Alarm. Turn them off on both PCs. Not just disabling, use the full "Exit and stop protecting" mode. I'll bet sharing works now.

When you install the ActionTec, it created a new local network configuration. A software firewall may not recognize the new configuration and block the network to the "other" PC. Had this problem when I used Zone Alarm. (Now running Comodo on 1 PC and Online Armor (free) on the other. Works fine.)

You'll need to reconfigure the firewall for the new network once you figure out what it is.

I assume both computers can access the internet, but not each other. I'm betting you have a software firewall installed, like Zone Alarm. Turn them off on both PCs. Not just disabling, use the full "Exit and stop protecting" mode.

The OP didn't mention his OS. If it's XP the Windows Firewall is on by default and File and Printer Sharing is not enabled as an exception.

Go to Start -> Control Panel -> Windows Firewall.

Click on the Exceptions tab and make sure "File and Printer Sharing" has a check beside it.

As far as making sure they are in the same workgroup, right-click on My Computer, select Properties, click the Computer Name tab and click Change. The Workgroup radio button should be selected and a name in the box below it. Make sure that name is the same on both computers.

Guys,

The techs who spent a collective 10 hours trying to get my Tivo HD running begged me to exchange the unit and I did.

Well.. after two days and a replacement Tivo HD my installation is complete.


brigont...thank you so much for this post-great info !! I am about to order Fios and just picked up the Tivo HD @ Costco. How the hell does the average consumer, not on these forums, survive this agony ?

BTW, before the update, are you saying that the Tivos in store now only have firmware ~7.1?

Last question : why is Vzn using 2 CC, don't they have multi stream cards ?
And, if not, are you paying them $2.99 each ? If so, that $6/mo + $12.99 makes it more expensive than leasing the Moto box.:confused:

@shadowcaster: vzn does not have Multi stream cards yet. No ETA either.

I'm not sure what firmware mine came with (I bought mine on amazon a week ago) but at some point i was running v8. 9.2? i think is the latest.

@shadowcaster: vzn does not have Multi stream cards yet. No ETA either.

I'm not sure what firmware mine came with (I bought mine on amazon a week ago) but at some point i was running v8. 9.2? i think is the latest.
Thanks substance, why did I have feeling that was going to be the answer.
So, what do they charge for the 2 cards, is it $2.99 each ?

shadow,

I am sure different shipments carry different firmware levels... the goal is to be sure you have 9.2A before beginning the install.

I worked with the local "customer retention" office to negotiate a better deal than the standard pricing.

I would suggest contacting them and saying your existing provider countered their offer and that you would really like to get Verizon b/c of what other home theater folks are saying on the Web.

Negotiate and ye shall save.

Brian

brigont...thank you so much for this post-great info !! I am about to order Fios and just picked up the Tivo HD @ Costco. How the hell does the average consumer, not on these forums, survive this agony ?

BTW, before the update, are you saying that the Tivos in store now only have firmware ~7.1?

Last question : why is Vzn using 2 CC, don't they have multi stream cards ?
And, if not, are you paying them $2.99 each ? If so, that $6/mo + $12.99 makes it more expensive than leasing the Moto box.:confused:

shadow,

I am sure different shipments carry different firmware levels... the goal is to be sure you have 9.2A before beginning the install.

I worked with the local "customer retention" office to negotiate a better deal than the standard pricing.

I would suggest contacting them and saying your existing provider countered their offer and that you would really like to get Verizon b/c of what other home theater folks are saying on the Web.

Negotiate and ye shall save.

Brian
Thanks Brian, I never looked at a "utility" company as one you could negotiate with.
I'm assuming that you're talking just about the CC ?

The OP didn't mention his OS. If it's XP the Windows Firewall is on by default and File and Printer Sharing is not enabled as an exception.

Go to Start -> Control Panel -> Windows Firewall.

Click on the Exceptions tab and make sure "File and Printer Sharing" has a check beside it.

As far as making sure they are in the same workgroup, right-click on My Computer, select Properties, click the Computer Name tab and click Change. The Workgroup radio button should be selected and a name in the box below it. Make sure that name is the same on both computers.

Thanks, Craig and Geek Girl. You are correct; it's XP. Your information has gotten me closer, but I still have to play w/ it. Your suggestions made me realize that my McAfee virus software might be blocking it. In fact, McAfee controls my internal network access, and making changes there gave the 2nd 'puter permission to see the primary. McAfee also has its own firewall, which was On for both machines. I turned it off. The primary 'puter recognizes the 2nd, but the 2nd still can't see the shared printer & shared folder that I set up on the primary machine. Should I be able to see the printer and folder on the 2nd machine via the usual methods (e.g. Printers in Control Panel or looking at folders in My Computer), or do I need to do something else to see them?

Thanks again,
Doug

Hi Guys,

First post here after lurking for what seems like years.

Like most here, I really want to experience the most HD has to offer. I'm currently a comcast suscriber and anticipating purchasing a 60+ set shortly, so I was excited to learn FIOS TV became available in my area last month. So I jumped, maybe too quickly, called and arranged an install. Then I freaked! I began read some of the posts here...install problems, hardware problems, billing issues, difficulty getting anyone on the phone from verizon (got that now with plain-old phone bills, etc.), poor tech advice. I dislike paying for Std. set-top boxes for 3 additonal sets (primarily for the kids) and having to take the day off to babysit the installer (abit of whining, true!), but really, why not just go to the local Comcast store and bring home a HD STB and be done with it? So...I cancelled 2 days later.

A guy in an unmarked white van shows up, hands me a piece of paper, and says he's here to mark for the FIOS install. I tell him I cancelled, so he left. That was 4 weeks ago. Last night, I come home to find dirt and rocks all over the driveway and lawn and tractor ruts across the front yard, not to mention they sliced through 2 irrigation lines) where someone didn't get the message I cancelled.

Took me 36 minutes on the phone today to finally ask what is going on. All I want is the best HD picture and programming available. A good bundle price is second and both Verizon and Comcast seem willing to deal. Ultimately I think FIOS has greater upside potential, but it has been a 'rocky' start.

Hi Guys,

First post here after lurking for what seems like years.

Like most here, I really want to experience the most HD has to offer. I'm currently a comcast suscriber and anticipating purchasing a 60+ set shortly, so I was excited to learn FIOS TV became available in my area last month. So I jumped, maybe too quickly, called and arranged an install. Then I freaked! I began read some of the posts here...install problems, hardware problems, billing issues, difficulty getting anyone on the phone from verizon (got that now with plain-old phone bills, etc.), poor tech advice. I dislike paying for Std. set-top boxes for 3 additonal sets (primarily for the kids) and having to take the day off to babysit the installer (abit of whining, true!), but really, why not just go to the local Comcast store and bring home a HD STB and be done with it? So...I cancelled 2 days later.

A guy in an unmarked white van shows up, hands me a piece of paper, and says he's here to mark for the FIOS install. I tell him I cancelled, so he left. That was 4 weeks ago. Last night, I come home to find dirt and rocks all over the driveway and lawn and tractor ruts across the front yard, not to mention they sliced through 2 irrigation lines) where someone didn't get the message I cancelled.

Took me 36 minutes on the phone today to finally ask what is going on. All I want is the best HD picture and programming available. A good bundle price is second and both Verizon and Comcast seem willing to deal. Ultimately I think FIOS has greater upside potential, but it has been a 'rocky' start.

I think you see more problems posted here than exist for the average person. I can tell you that my experience with FIOS has been mostly positive. My install went well, I got all FIOS gear, so there were not some of the issues with Tivo or cable cards, you'll have to check the other posts for their experience. I've had the service (including internet and phone) for almost a year now, and can honestly say that I am very satisfied.

In the process, I had one HD DVR replaced due to noise from the hard drive (done within 2 days), probably had to reboot one DVR or another three or four times during that year. I've gone through two revs of the DVR software, and had to deal with FIOS support a total of about four times. Each time we had good resolution of the problems.

In the meantime, I've gotten great PQ and audio quality from the service, a group of very good HD channels and have saved significant amounts of money when compared to DTV or Comcast.

I have my pet peeves, HD DVR recording disk size, native mode pass through and a larger HD VOD selection, to a lesser extent more HD channels, since I like the ones I have well enough, but who doesn't want more?

The long and short of it: FIOS is well worth the install, the video portion is superior, the internet service is the best available and I have not had to even think about phones since the install. I reserve the right to complain about minor stuff, since a forum like this is good for whining, but when I look at my experience with FIOS as compared to what it was with DTV, there is no other option.

I think you see more problems posted here than exist for the average person. I can tell you that my experience with FIOS has been mostly positive. My install went well, I got all FIOS gear, so there were not some of the issues with Tivo or cable cards, you'll have to check the other posts for their experience. I've had the service (including internet and phone) for almost a year now, and can honestly say that I am very satisfied.

In the process, I had one HD DVR replaced due to noise from the hard drive (done within 2 days), probably had to reboot one DVR or another three or four times during that year. I've gone through two revs of the DVR software, and had to deal with FIOS support a total of about four times. Each time we had good resolution of the problems.

In the meantime, I've gotten great PQ and audio quality from the service, a group of very good HD channels and have saved significant amounts of money when compared to DTV or Comcast.

I have my pet peeves, HD DVR recording disk size, native mode pass through and a larger HD VOD selection, to a lesser extent more HD channels, since I like the ones I have well enough, but who doesn't want more?

The long and short of it: FIOS is well worth the install, the video portion is superior, the internet service is the best available and I have not had to even think about phones since the install. I reserve the right to complain about minor stuff, since a forum like this is good for whining, but when I look at my experience with FIOS as compared to what it was with DTV, there is no other option.

Thanks, hernanu. Fair enough...a year of generally positive experiences. I am ultimately headed for FIOS. What the heck, the access is now at the house! If I have similar experiences as you after a year, I'll be a happy camper.

Should I be able to see the printer and folder on the 2nd machine via the usual methods (e.g. Printers in Control Panel or looking at folders in My Computer), or do I need to do something else to see them?

No and yes, respectively.

The printer won't magically show up on the remote machine, you have to add it as a network printer. Double-click Add Printer, when the wizard asks if the printer is attached or network, select network, select the radio button that says something about using the name, leave the box blank, click next, browse to the computer with the printer attached and select the shared printer.

Getting to the shared folder, I usually bring up Windows Explorer, type \\<machinename> in the address bar and hit return. It'll bring up the shares on the remote machine. You can either map a drive letter or always use the UNC (i.e. \\theothercomputer\someshare).

No and yes, respectively.

The printer won't magically show up on the remote machine, you have to add it as a network printer. Double-click Add Printer, when the wizard asks if the printer is attached or network, select network, select the radio button that says something about using the name, leave the box blank, click next, browse to the computer with the printer attached and select the shared printer.

Getting to the shared folder, I usually bring up Windows Explorer, type \\<machinename> in the address bar and hit return. It'll bring up the shares on the remote machine. You can either map a drive letter or always use the UNC (i.e. \\theothercomputer\someshare).

Thanks again, Craig. Before I came back here and saw your response, I did figure it out, and can now see & use the printer & shared folder on the 2nd machine. Now I have to configure my McAfee firewall so I can turn it on & not lose the connectivity.

Cheers,
Doug

I have been experimenting with the various aspect and video mode settings hoping to get a better picture from the Motorola HD box. Regardless of what I do (I currently have the unit fixed to 1080i) standard def channels look like garbage on my Aquos 32" screen.

Anyone have any advice on getting a better pict? Anyone using a 1080p in-line scaler like the new Gefen scaler box?
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=4722

Please reply:

Brian

Hold on a sec. A scaler won't help. Besides, it's Verizon's equipment. Don't put your own money on something that's not yours. Get an HD Tivo instead. There have been numerous complaints that SD quality has gone downhill in the past 3 months or so.

First things first. How do the HD channels look? If they are OK, check that the 4:3 override in the STB's setup menu is OFF. There's a bug in the IMG that resets it when you change the IMG resolution. Might not help, but won't hurt to check.

If you have the HD-DVR, this is a perfect application to use the HDNet Test Pattern. It's 1080i and will most definitely show up any problems. The next broadcast is scheduled for Saturday (weekly):

Sat, Feb 23 - 6:30 AM ET 3:30 AM PT HDNet Test Patterns
Wonder how your home theatre is doing? Wish you had test patterns to help set it up? Well, HDNet is here to help. This short program will help you get the most out of your home theatre setup by providing you with the same professional test patterns HDNet uses to set their gear.

Record that, it's 10+ minutes long. You should get a dead perfect pattern. If not, then something's wrong and go from there.

Thanks GG

I actually have the HD tivo in my theater room which is why I am barking about the motorola box image quality. From previous experience I learned not to put a tivo in the bedroom - wife almost killed me the last time.

Thanks again for the HD net test program. I recall having it years ago with cablevision and when they dropped the channel I was a bit bummed.

I will be on the lookout for it.

As for the image quality on moto I am stumped (I do have 4:3 override set to off).

BG

Hold on a sec. A scaler won't help. Besides, it's Verizon's equipment. Don't put your own money on something that's not yours. Get an HD Tivo instead. There have been numerous complaints that SD quality has gone downhill in the past 3 months or so.

First things first. How do the HD channels look? If they are OK, check that the 4:3 override in the STB's setup menu is OFF. There's a bug in the IMG that resets it when you change the IMG resolution. Might not help, but won't hurt to check.

If you have the HD-DVR, this is a perfect application to use the HDNet Test Pattern. It's 1080i and will most definitely show up any problems. The next broadcast is scheduled for Saturday (weekly):

Sat, Feb 23 - 6:30 AM ET 3:30 AM PT HDNet Test Patterns
Wonder how your home theatre is doing? Wish you had test patterns to help set it up? Well, HDNet is here to help. This short program will help you get the most out of your home theatre setup by providing you with the same professional test patterns HDNet uses to set their gear.

Record that, it's 10+ minutes long. You should get a dead perfect pattern. If not, then something's wrong and go from there.

Seem to be fine to me in my house, both on my LCD screen (Vizio 47") and on two SD CRT units. What is it that looks bad? (maybe I'm missing something).

Ever since the big software change, I have had nothing but problems with both of my HD-DVR's. One of them intermittently doesn't record and or receive very well. Constantly freezing up or breaking up. Both units occasionally seem to 'go retarded' every now and then. For no reason they suddenly 'reboot' and start going crazy. After a few minutes, they straighten out. Anyone else here been having issues such as these?

Thanks for the reply.

Even fixed at 720 or 1080... SD images look mushy/creamy.

It's as though the box is telling my TV its 720, but the picture is actually 480.

Anyone else have this experience and/or agree?

BG

Seem to be fine to me in my house, both on my LCD screen (Vizio 47") and on two SD CRT units. What is it that looks bad? (maybe I'm missing something).

Thanks for the reply.

Even fixed at 720 or 1080... SD images look mushy/creamy.

It's as though the box is telling my TV its 720, but the picture is actually 480.

Anyone else have this experience and/or agree?

BG

brigont the box IS telling your TV it's 720p-that's the problem.

the Motorola boxes are known for doing a poor job of scaling. even letting the box scale 480i to 480p looks mediocre at best. with 4:3 Override set to OFF & the Motorola box set to 720p you're seeing a POORLY scaled 480i-to- 720p image.

if your Sharp accepts a 480i signal go back into the Motorola service menu(TV on-box off-select-menu) & set 4:3 Override to 480i. the Motorola will send a native 480i signal & your Sharp will scale it to it's native res.(which, from your last post, is 720p?)

now if the scaler in your Sharp is not much better than the scaler in the Motorola you won't see much of an improvement-but that's not likely IMHO.

for the record i have a JVC 1080p LCOS, 4:3 Override @480i in the Motorola
(so the JVC scales SD to 1080p) & my SD chs have always looked good.

keep in mind that not all SD chs on FiOS are created equal-forum members with the right equipment have measured res. differences in various chs. so not all FiOS SD chs look equally good-but it's a source issue, not the Motorola box.

Thanks for the reply.

Even fixed at 720 or 1080... SD images look mushy/creamy.

It's as though the box is telling my TV its 720, but the picture is actually 480.

Anyone else have this experience and/or agree?

BG

I get my best picture by turning 480 override to "off" and output to 1080i. I have a Sony Grand Wega that has a native resolution of 788p (really!).

With 480 override set to "480i" my picture was overly soft and I couldn't really dial in an acceptable picture on the Sony.

Also note that the SD PQ on FiOS seems to have degraded recently, at least to my eye. I'm not sure why this is, but it is a bit of a concern. The good news is that maybe my Sony is about to burst into flames so I can buy a new flat screen :D.

I get my best picture by turning 480 override to "off" and output to 1080i. I have a Sony Grand Wega that has a native resolution of 788p (really!).

With 480 override set to "480i" my picture was overly soft and I couldn't really dial in an acceptable picture on the Sony.

Also note that the SD PQ on FiOS seems to have degraded recently, at least to my eye. I'm not sure why this is, but it is a bit of a concern. The good news is that maybe my Sony is about to burst into flames so I can buy a new flat screen :D.

It's sad when old technology dies when there's a great alternative, isn't it?

Thanks to everyone for chiming in on the SD pict quality issue.

BTW - My Aquos is a 32" 1080p native machine.

It's interesting... my original question was "should I get the gefen 1080p scaler because SD pict was lousy. I was told not to... Yet, in the posts that followed folks kept saying the motorola scaler was buggy and essentially crap.

Is anyone using an offboard scaler?

Brian

:Lets all take a moment of silence for the death of HD-DVD..

OK... silence over... off to amazon.com :D

BG

Thanks to everyone for chiming in on the SD pict quality issue.

BTW - My Aquos is a 32" 1080p native machine.

It's interesting... my original question was "should I get the gefen 1080p scaler because SD pict was lousy. I was told not to... Yet, in the posts that followed folks kept saying the motorola scaler was buggy and essentially crap.

Is anyone using an offboard scaler?

Brian

Brian that was because-with 4:3 Override set to OFF in the Motorola box-the Motorola is already doing the scaling. adding an outboard scaler would just be scaling an already poorly-scaled SD image.

for SD the only way i can think of to bypass the Motorola's scaler is set 4:3 Override to 480i.
then you can see how your Sharp scales the image.

ok your Sharp is 1080p-that's good. I suspect the scaler is of good quality & will give good results on HD chs as well. set the HD output res on the Motorola to whatever looks best to you-1080i or 720p.

HD,

Thanks for the advice. I tried this an it did improve the picture quality considerably (It's still bush league compared to the PQ from my HDTIVO).

I think I may experiment with the Gefen 1080p scaler anyway just to see if it produces any dramatic results.

Thanks again to all for the discussion on this topic.

BG

I really do hope that Verizon does get working on a fix for this degradation in SD picture quality. I don't know what happened, but it definitely happened to coincide with the update to the IMG software.

My 2 cents.
Carmine.

Is there anyone on this thread tekkie enough to test the video coming out of the moto box? For example, if there were the ability to scan bit rates or other metrics on the video signal it might be a clue about why SD pict looks like crapper.

???

Well, I guess ignorance truly is bliss. We started w/ FiOS on 12/19/07, and had the new IMG from the start. All I can say is that the SD looks much better than our previous DirecTV quality. If SD on FiOS used to look even better, and they can restore it, that would be wonderful.

However, I rarely watch SD any more. I'm spoiled by HD, although the HD channels look poor in comparison to a good BD or HD-DVD image.

Doug

Is there anyone on this thread tekkie enough to test the video coming out of the moto box? For example, if there were the ability to scan bit rates or other metrics on the video signal it might be a clue about why SD pict looks like crapper.-The issue seems to be the video processing done by the firmware provided with IMG 2.0. It is possible Verizon used new Motorola firmware optimized for performance rather than output quality, sacrificing some quality on the Motorola for improved responsiveness with the IMG.

If you use another device, like a TiVo, the SD picture quality is just as good as ever.

HD,

Thanks for the advice. I tried this an it did improve the picture quality considerably (It's still bush league compared to the PQ from my HDTIVO).

I think I may experiment with the Gefen 1080p scaler anyway just to see if it produces any dramatic results.

Thanks again to all for the discussion on this topic.

BG

if I remember correctly that Gefen scaler is pricey & with a 32" display you may have a case of diminishing returns IMHO.

now if you had a FJ setup throwing a 96" or 108" image....sigh! I wish! :)

in other words I have no doubt the Gefen is a better scaler than what's in your Sharp-but on a 32" screen the difference may not be all that noticeable. and remember we're talking SD here.

as for forum members posting bitrates you could do a thread search-here & in the FiIOS programming forum.

I do remember that some FiOS SD chs have max.(704 x 480) res, others more like 540-604 x 480.

for HD chs most seem to be at full bitrate with the notable exceptions of NatGeo & Disc-HD.

looking for a little insight: after watching a DVR'd program this evening, my television "froze" on the last scene when we stopped the program and split the screen in two with the left side showing the live programming. i can operate that live left-hand side of the television with the moto hd-dvr box, but obviously it's a bit disconcerting being able to watch only half of my television. i have the moto box connected to the tele via hdmi. other inputs seem fine as i can watch the dvd through the second hdmi port as normal. any suggestions on triaging the problem?

looking for a little insight: after watching a DVR'd program this evening, my television "froze" on the last scene when we stopped the program and split the screen in two with the left side showing the live programming. i can operate that live left-hand side of the television with the moto hd-dvr box, but obviously it's a bit disconcerting being able to watch only half of my television. i have the moto box connected to the tele via hdmi. other inputs seem fine as i can watch the dvd through the second hdmi port as normal. any suggestions on triaging the problem?

The round "FiOS" button in the middle of the remote usually switches you back to live TV from DVR recorded content. Have you tried it?

Good luck,
Doug

it was a bit more than just sitting on the last frame of the recorded program. woke up to find everything operating as it should, so hopefully no big issue.

it was a bit more than just sitting on the last frame of the recorded program. woke up to find everything operating as it should, so hopefully no big issue.

Last night I experienced the same thing. Turned on the box & TV, and found it on a frozen frame of something - don't know if it was live or recorded. My solution above worked - FiOS button.

Weird.

Doug

Is there anyone on this thread tekkie enough to test the video coming out of the moto box? For example, if there were the ability to scan bit rates or other metrics on the video signal it might be a clue about why SD pict looks like crapper. ???Use HDNet's test patterns, shown every Saturday AM. I've posted about this in other threads, more info over on DSL Reports: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19899756-The-other-hidden-menu-in-your-STB-Diagnostic~start=20#end

A summary: There's no better way to absolutely positively guarantee that you are getting a good picture out of your STB. If there's a problem with picture quality (like the current complaints about the SD channels), a test pattern is the best way to identify if it's you or Verizon. It's also a great way to debug problems with the various video outputs of the STB.

http://www.hd.net/program_search_results.html?keyword=test%20pattern&whattosearch=both&ws=1
Sat, Feb 23 - 6:30 AM ET 3:30 AM PT HDNet Test Patterns
Sat, Mar 1 - 6:30 AM ET 3:30 AM PT HDNet Test Patterns
Sat, Mar 8 - 6:30 AM ET 3:30 AM PT HDNet Test Patterns
Wonder how your home theatre is doing? Wish you had test patterns to help set it up? Well, HDNet is here to help. This short program will help you get the most out of your home theatre setup by providing you with the same professional test patterns HDNet uses to set their gear.

HDNet's pattern is sent in 1080i. The audio tells you how to set it up, but if you own one of the reference DVDs used for home theater setup (Avia or Digital Video Essentials), it's the same process.

A good test is the color bar "pluge" test pattern. If you can't see the entire range from "0" to "9" on your HDMI output, try setting the colorspace from "YCC" to "RGB" in the "Advanced HDMI Settings" of the setup menu. (Analog outputs other than HDMI should be able to see the entire range.)

AVS forum has a display calibration forum, which has at least one dedicated thread on the topic: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=800757

A less technical reference on how to adjust your TV: http://www.smartcalibration.com/hdnetpatterns.html

The test patterns are listed as "Off-Air" in the IMG. No clue why, but I can't find it in the IMG search feature. However, it shows up just fine if you manually scroll over to the date / time listed.

looking for a little insight: after watching a DVR'd program this evening, my television "froze" on the last scene when we stopped the program and split the screen in two with the left side showing the live programming. i can operate that live left-hand side of the television with the moto hd-dvr box, but obviously it's a bit disconcerting being able to watch only half of my television. i have the moto box connected to the tele via hdmi. other inputs seem fine as i can watch the dvd through the second hdmi port as normal. any suggestions on triaging the problem?

Hi,

I have a standard definition box and on a couple of occasions I turned on my TV only to find the video frozen, but the audio playing normally. I'm connected via a primitive RF connection.

In my case the solution was to change the channel.

I have two TiVo HD DVRs and I have not run into this problem with them, so I surmise this is a Verizon DVR problem, not a transmission problem.

Larry

Guys,

Thanks for all the advice.

finally seem to have everything dialed in as good as it can be.

My moto HD box/32" Aquos 1080p display is set to 1080i with 4:3 override at 480i for best picture.

My 50" Panny/HD Tivo/Cablecard setup, connected with 3 6db attenuators (total -18db) running in series, is no longer showing pixelization with SNR running between 30 and 31.

Speedtest rates ISP running 21kbps downstream 4.7kbps up.

Now only time will tell how well the service will maintain itself.

Brian

P.S. - w/ respect to calibration, I had my main monitor professionally calibrated, will get on the HDNET Calibration program, and have DVE for blu ray on pre-order.... Is there anything left?

Room lighting to match calibration conditions. Adjustment of appropriate beverage levels while you are doing the calibration. :)

Guys,

Thanks for all the advice.

Speedtest rates ISP running 21kbps downstream 4.7kbps up.

Now only time will tell how well the service will maintain itself.

Brian

P.S. - w/ respect to calibration, I had my main monitor professionally calibrated, will get on the HDNET Calibration program, and have DVE for blu ray on pre-order.... Is there anything left?

Glad for you, hope those are 21 Mbytes / 4.7 Mbytes not kiliobytes, otherwise I'd file suit

Forgot to mention... I am running 3 Tandy TRS-80's. The twin 8.5" floppy drives don't need more than 21 kbps.

I heard Hayes is coming out with a 30kbps modem soon.

Can't wait


Glad for you, hope those are 21 Mbytes / 4.7 Mbytes not kiliobytes, otherwise I'd file suit

I hope this is the right place to post this, but, I wanted to know if anyone could have any ideas how to help me , ok I have been trying to get fios hooked up to my house for a year now, every time i call they keep telling tell me it is not in my area yet, which is wrong first of all the lines have been up for about 2 years now and have been active for about 1 year now i know there active and i know fios is available because my neighbor who is 60ft away from me just got it installed 2 months ago in fact the line going to his house crosses over my property the problem seems to be that even though he is 60ft from me the street addresses change at my house they are the same physical street just different street names now every time i call i tell them the same story and they just keep telling me its not available also there has been 5 more houses around me that have it now , I am ready to give up and go back to dish does anybody have any ideas please .

I hope this is the right place to post this, but, I wanted to know if anyone could have any ideas how to help me , ok I have been trying to get fios hooked up to my house for a year now, every time i call they keep telling tell me it is not in my area yet, which is wrong first of all the lines have been up for about 2 years now and have been active for about 1 year now i know there active and i know fios is available because my neighbor who is 60ft away from me just got it installed 2 months ago in fact the line going to his house crosses over my property the problem seems to be that even though he is 60ft from me the street addresses change at my house they are the same physical street just different street names now every time i call i tell them the same story and they just keep telling me its not available also there has been 5 more houses around me that have it now , I am ready to give up and go back to dish does anybody have any ideas please .

If you can, get all your neighbors information (phone numbers and addresses) and call in and ask to speak to a local FiOS manager or someone in engineering. Explain the situation and the engineering department should be able to make any necessary corrections. Obviously something has fallen through the cracks and your address never made it through and unfortunately it may take a bit of leg work on your part.

Also throwing in the terms "Presidential Complaint" and "PUC Complaint" seems to get ears perked up.

I hope this is the right place to post this, but, I wanted to know if anyone could have any ideas how to help me , ok I have been trying to get fios hooked up to my house for a year now, every time i call they keep telling tell me it is not in my area yet, which is wrong first of all the lines have been up for about 2 years now and have been active for about 1 year now i know there active and i know fios is available because my neighbor who is 60ft away from me just got it installed 2 months ago in fact the line going to his house crosses over my property the problem seems to be that even though he is 60ft from me the street addresses change at my house they are the same physical street just different street names now every time i call i tell them the same story and they just keep telling me its not available also there has been 5 more houses around me that have it now , I am ready to give up and go back to dish does anybody have any ideas please .

I had the same issue, including have a FiOS inground termination box in my front yard for over a year. I also contacted my County Cable Advisory Board (recall cable is usually regulated by some local entity) and made an inquiry as well. The Board forwarded by inquiry and 3 weeks later I was contacted by Verizon o say my neighborhood could now get FiOS. So try a nice note to your local government and that may help.

thanks guy for the replies i am going to take your advise hopefully i will have fios hooked up soon thanks again

Did anyone get a fix on the green band on the right side/offset image band on the lft 1080i/hdmi issue?

ALSO is there a trick to getting the IR in to work for my remote??

I have a possible STB failure I think, after less than a month with the service. Regular Motorola HD receiver...hooked to Sony TV via HDMI to DVI cable. All of sudden the picture died. I tried changing the cable but no good. When installer hooked up this receiver, he had a problem with the component connection to, thus the reason for using the HDMI port. Right now I can get picture using RCA yellow cable, but of course not getting best picture.

I assume I need to get the box replaced. Any possibilty that a reboot or a reset may fix it?

He should have swapped out the STB if there was a problem with the component in the 1st place. All the outputs should work from the start, especially the analog ones. Call for replacement before you lose everything.

FYI - You can do a remote box reset through your Verizon account.

This is a silly, but important one...

Anyone know if there is a way to reduce the brightness of the HD moto box clock/channel display.

In the evening, then the TV is off... this box is like a big yellow spotlight.

I checked the menus and have not found a way to adjust.

Please advise.

BG

looking for a little insight: after watching a DVR'd program this evening, my television "froze" on the last scene when we stopped the program and split the screen in two with the left side showing the live programming. i can operate that live left-hand side of the television with the moto hd-dvr box, but obviously it's a bit disconcerting being able to watch only half of my television. i have the moto box connected to the tele via hdmi. other inputs seem fine as i can watch the dvd through the second hdmi port as normal. any suggestions on triaging the problem?

Hi,

I have a standard definition box and on a couple of occasions I turned on my TV only to find the video frozen, but the audio playing normally. I'm connected via a primitive RF connection.

In my case the solution was to change the channel.

I have two TiVo HD DVRs and I have not run into this problem with them, so I surmise this is a Verizon DVR problem, not a transmission problem.

Larry

CORRECTION:

I just ran into a similiar problem with one of my TiVo HD DVRs, that is the video was frozen on all stations. The problem would not resolve itself by simply changing the channel. It only could be corrected with a hard power restart (pulled power cable), the TiVo would not permit a restart from the menu.

So now I am at a loss as to whether these glitches are due to a signal problem or a device problem. :confused:

Fortunately, so far they have been infrequent and fairly easy to resolve.

Larry

I have a possible STB failure I think, after less than a month with the service. Regular Motorola HD receiver...hooked to Sony TV via HDMI to DVI cable. All of sudden the picture died. I tried changing the cable but no good. When installer hooked up this receiver, he had a problem with the component connection to, thus the reason for using the HDMI port. Right now I can get picture using RCA yellow cable, but of course not getting best picture.

I assume I need to get the box replaced. Any possibilty that a reboot or a reset may fix it?

Don't be shy about replacing it. If you want to try it, unplug the STB from power and from the cable connection. Reconnect the cable, put power back on after about 30 seconds.

I've replaced one, it was no problem.

This is a silly, but important one...

Anyone know if there is a way to reduce the brightness of the HD moto box clock/channel display.

In the evening, then the TV is off... this box is like a big yellow spotlight.

I checked the menus and have not found a way to adjust.

Please advise.

BG

Best solution I've heard is plastic tape over it.

Well, the blood pressure is starting to increase.

I have the Moto 6200-2 box with an HDMI out. Earlier posts in here indicate they haven't made a box with an HDMI out in a couple years. ??

At any rate, my box has the out and I would like to use it.

When I first hooked it up, blank screen. That's problem #1.

Problem #2 is I cannot seem to access the service control on the box. Manual says, power off, press menu on front panel. Doesnt work.

An earlier post in here says power off, press info, then press menu. That doesn't work either. I tried press-release-press, then press and hold - press. Nothing both ways.

Tried both component and composite outs to see if there was a difference.

The HDMI in on the TV is fine, it's the one i've been using for DVD, so I know it's not an issue with that.

What gives? The box was new when Fios was installed last August, and by new I mean it wasnt a recycled one from another house that someone traded it. Brand spanking new virgin box.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Stab at problem #1 - Be sure that you turn your TV on first. The STB needs to see it first before it enables HDMI output. Otherwise, it will only use component. Thanks to copy protection (HDCP).

Stab at problem #2 - The button press sequence is different on the new IMG. The manuals haven't been updated. See post #1 of this thread on DSL Reports for both the setup and diagnostics menu (it's also here on AVS forum in a lot of places). http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19899756-The-other-hidden-menu-in-your-STB-Diagnostic

With your STB powered on, hit "Power, Select, Select" quickly in sequence from the front panel. To exit the menu, hit "Power" to turn off the STB. The next power up will be back to normal.

The setup menu is where you configure the display, 4:3 override, HDMI settings, etc. is accessed by hitting "Power, Select, Menu". That's different than the diagnostic menu described here.

that is funny. We do still want to see the clock. just not as bright.

I'll have to get the window tint out and Pimp my Moto.

Best solution I've heard is plastic tape over it.

Stab at problem #1 - Be sure that you turn your TV on first. The STB needs to see it first before it enables HDMI output. Otherwise, it will only use component. Thanks to copy protection (HDCP).

Stab at problem #2 - The button press sequence is different on the new IMG. The manuals haven't been updated. See post #1 of this thread on DSL Reports for both the setup and diagnostics menu (it's also here on AVS forum in a lot of places). http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19899756-The-other-hidden-menu-in-your-STB-Diagnostic


Shouldn't it be Power-Select-Menu? That's how it works on my 6416. I think Power-Select-Select is a typo.

Doug

That was a copy from Post #1 on that thread. Power-Select-Select is the diagnostics menu, meant to dig into details most people don't want to know about (except engineers). Power-select-menu is the setup menu (where you can change the settings).

Give it a shot. You can't hurt anything, it's "read-only".

Thanks for the very informative post. I know it is difficult to determine 'how much better' the PQ is. I must confess though, I was expecting a bigger jump with FiOS than 10% for HD over D*. As I stated earlier, before 'HD-Lite', HDNet and Discovery HD on D* had the 'WOW' factor. Is the 'WOW' factor back with FiOS?Yes.

Picture quality with FiOS on those channels is better than it ever was on DirecTV. [DirecTV's PQ on those channels used to be much closer than it is now.]

Also, how much better is the SD with FiOS? Some of the SD channels on D* are, IMHO, unwatchable on my HDTVs (one 30" direct view, one 23" LCD).Verizon FiOS passes its SD at 704x480 @ 3-5Mbps. They don't downconvert to 480x480 @ ~2Mbps like DirecTV.

The last software update on the Motorola STB/DVR did reduce output quality, unfortunately. So you wouldn't see quite what FiOS is capable of with the Motorola box, although it would still be noticeably better than DirecTV.

that is funny. We do still want to see the clock. just not as bright.

I'll have to get the window tint out and Pimp my Moto.

We'll get Xzibit on the job...:)

At least someone got the joke :)


We'll get Xzibit on the job...:)

FYI - You can do a remote box reset through your Verizon account.

Thanks, that's actually what I did and I got it working fine again.

After sniffin' round several forums I have made the decission to get a tivo hd and have the fios folks toss in a couple of 'cable cards' -

The wife and I are real tired of the BUGGY new fios software - missed recordings, crashing etc. - We have three DVRs and will keep two - if this fios test does well we'll replace the other two -

Has anyone here done that yet? -
How is it working ?

After sniffin' round several forums I have made the decission to get a tivo hd and have the fios folks toss in a couple of 'cable cards' -

The wife and I are real tired of the BUGGY new fios software - missed recordings, crashing etc. - We have three DVRs and will keep two - if this fios test does well we'll replace the other two -

Has anyone here done that yet? -
How is it working ?

I'm sure quite a few of us have done that. I did that. Best decision ever. The cable card install was a headache but it worked. You need to read up on that. the 2 key points I remember were that you have to install the cable cards one at a time and that it is likely that you may need to try multiple cable cards before you get one that works.

After sniffin' round several forums I have made the decission to get a tivo hd and have the fios folks toss in a couple of 'cable cards' -

The wife and I are real tired of the BUGGY new fios software - missed recordings, crashing etc. - We have three DVRs and will keep two - if this fios test does well we'll replace the other two -

Has anyone here done that yet? -
How is it working ?We got FIOS TV about a year ago. Struggled with the Vz HD DVR for a few months ( this was long before the new IMG ) The Vz HD DVR was patently unreliable at scheduling recordings. For irregular broadcasts like (please don"t laugh) Big brother, it was clueless.

Switched to Tivo HD and it hasn't missed a beat (or a program). In fact, either in this thread or the programming thread, a member with an awful lot of posts under his belt was expressing his desire to throw in the towel with Tivo and get the FIOS DVR. I don't get that - it may not be for everyone, but for doing what its supposed to do, the Tivo has been exceptional for me.