Exactly, if you're already paying V* for them why bother with OTA? Let me guess, you can't get by without that RTN subchannel that FIOS doesn't carry?I have FiOS and use OTA to receive a CBS affiliate with superior picture quality (significantly less compression) from an adjacent market. FiOS passes local HD channels as is, but that doesn't help if your local affiliate over compresses their feed.

That said, as a FiOS customer, I would not buy TiVo for this reason alone, assuming everything else were equal.

I have the Verizon/Westell 9100EM router. I need additional ethernet ports. Do I just need to buy something like the Netgear 16-port ethernet switch?Yes.

Thanks... Sounds simple enough. :)

Exactly, if you're already paying V* for them why bother with OTA? Let me guess, you can't get by without that RTN subchannel that FIOS doesn't carry?

Exactly - we're big fans of Retro TV which our local ABC affiliate shows on a sub-channel. We also get local weather maps/alerts via OTA, as well as a number of extra PBS channels.

In addition to lacking support for OTA, the Moto 7216 doesn't seem to compare well to our current DirecTV HD DVR in terms of capacity either. It looks like the best solution for FiOS is to get TiVo HD (which from everything I've read in the last day or so offers a lot of other benefits as well).

I'm real happy with DirecTV, but FiOS is coming and is a lot cheaper, so I'm evaluating my options now.

Does anyone have any thoughts on other approaches than Moto 7216 or TiVo HD? We have two HD TVs and we record a ton of shows/movies so disk space is always an issue.

Exactly - we're big fans of Retro TV which our local ABC affiliate shows on a sub-channel. We also get local weather maps/alerts via OTA, as well as a number of extra PBS channels.

In addition to lacking support for OTA, the Moto 7216 doesn't seem to compare well to our current DirecTV HD DVR in terms of capacity either. It looks like the best solution for FiOS is to get TiVo HD (which from everything I've read in the last day or so offers a lot of other benefits as well).

I'm real happy with DirecTV, but FiOS is coming and is a lot cheaper, so I'm evaluating my options now.

Does anyone have any thoughts on other approaches than Moto 7216 or TiVo HD? We have two HD TVs and we record a ton of shows/movies so disk space is always an issue.

Sounds like you want the Tivo. I'm very happy with the Motorola, but my needs are different from yours. You mentioned some key words that always get me to think Tivo - recording lots of shows, needing space, OTA support.

What you lose with a Tivo is the FIOS guide (replaced by the better Tivo guide), FIOS on-demand (can be replaced with Netflix...) and FIOS widgets (still in their formative stages). You can get all of those back with a combination Tivo (for normal TV watching) and a FIOS STB which will give you the guide, on-demand and widgets back. The combination will still be (probably) cheaper than the D* solution.

There is a very satisfied group of FIOS/Tivo posters here, so that is a very reasonable way to go. Good luck and welcome to FIOSland.

I've actually been trying (unsuccessfully so far) to daisy chain my Linksys WRT54G to my Actiontec router solely because I have a huge number of advanced configuration settings in there that I'm not looking forward to duplicating on a new system that I'm not familiar with. I can't even figure out how to set up port forwarding in the same way on the Actiontec. I was actually really annoyed that they gave me a combo modem/router (I wasn't home; my wife was), I figured it would be a modem with a separate router that I could then just clone the MAC off of and replace with my Linksys.
http://www.broadbandreports.com/faq/15992

You need to run Ethernet from the ONT to your router, but you can bypass the Actiontec completely.

Otherwise, go into Firewall Settings > DMZ Host and set it to the IP address of your Linksys and all traffic will be passed through.

I just had fios installed on 4-22-09. I've been having the green screen flashing issue with the motorola 71001 HD box. It has the latest firmware with the so called fix but it didn't fix anything. I have 3 HD stb's and i'm the one stuck with the problem. Already tried the other boxes, same problem. Does anyone have any insight as to a possible fix besides switching to component?

I've heard people mention that picture quality is improved on SD channels with the newer 7216 DVR over the older 6416,is this true? Does it pay to swap for the newer DVR?

FiOS just became available in Long Beach, NY and I was curious to get a non official answer to these questions:

- Can the HD box hooked up to an SD set downconvert or does it require an HD set? I want to be able to watch HDNet, Universal HD, and other HD-only networks without having to get a new TV.
- Do the FiOS boxes have firewire out that I can hook up to my DVD recorder (Pioneer DVR-460H-K) or would I only be able to record off the box using S-Video and composite?
- If I end up hating FiOS or move from my current rented apartment (in a 2 family house), can I or my landlord have the phone line hooked back up to copper wire, and if so, is there a fee for that? I've heard conflicting information on this: When I called Verizon they said it was an absolute no, when they called us to offer FiOS it was yes but with a fee, and when I asked at the local camera store that sells Verizon services it was yes with no fee.

Thanks!

FiOS just became available in Long Beach, NY and I was curious to get a non official answer to these questions:

- Can the HD box hooked up to an SD set downconvert or does it require an HD set? I want to be able to watch HDNet, Universal HD, and other HD-only networks without having to get a new TV.
Yes. Non-DVR HD boxes have RF, composite, and S-Video out, while the DVR boxes have composite and S-Video. Both of course have component and HDMI.
- Do the FiOS boxes have firewire out that I can hook up to my DVD recorder (Pioneer DVR-460H-K) or would I only be able to record off the box using S-Video and composite?
Yes. Not sure if that DVD recorded supports 5c or not, but some of the channels are copy-once and some are copy-freely, so non-5c-compliant equipment won't be able to record some of the HD channels.
- If I end up hating FiOS or move from my current rented apartment (in a 2 family house), can I or my landlord have the phone line hooked back up to copper wire, and if so, is there a fee for that? I've heard conflicting information on this: When I called Verizon they said it was an absolute no, when they called us to offer FiOS it was yes but with a fee, and when I asked at the local camera store that sells Verizon services it was yes with no fee.

Thanks!
Not sure about this one. There are indeed a lot of conflicting reports. I can't see much reason to abandon FiOS for data and phone service though, even if you hate the TV service and switch to D* or another TV provider. No one can compete with FiOS Internet.

I have an HD FIOS box hooked up to my old ReplayTV and it works fine on the HD channels using the S-Video.

One way to ensure the copper is left in place is to order new service with a new phone number, keeping the old one in place. Once the installation is complete, cancel the old number and have it moved to the fios service. I've not done this, but I believe the FIOS tech suggested that solution. I know for me, in my home, they just ran new Fiber Optic to the home, not touching the copper, but of course I can't speak for what was done off property in the Verizon equipment.

I was actually really annoyed that they gave me a combo modem/router (I wasn't home; my wife was), I figured it would be a modem with a separate router that I could then just clone the MAC off of and replace with my Linksys.There is actually no modem in Fios. What you have there is a MoCA-capable router (Multimedia over Coax Alliance). It's the only device they have to give you nowadays, though they used to provide a regular router with a separate MoCA adapter (superficially like a DOCSIS modem, but really not).

They use MoCA 1) to let the set-top boxes get their VOD over the network, and 2) to save on cabling. The ONT can provide its data stream either over Ethernet or coax. The router will accept either, too. And you can use a standard Ethernet line from the router to the ONT without interfering with the use of MoCA between the router and the STBs. But Verizon prefers to use MoCA between the router and ONT, so that they don't have to run an Ethernet cable.

The easiest way to get your ONT configured for Ethernet is to have it left over that way from the days before they offered television service. The next easiest is to ask them at installation time -- they may be reluctant, but it should be possible to get them to do it. The least preferable method is to ask them post-installation. They'll still be reluctant, plus you may have to pay to have them come out again.

With the ONT configured for Ethernet, you can use any router. You still need the Actiontec, a NIM100 (the old MoCA adapter), or some other MoCA adapter to put the STBs on the network, at least if you want VOD. (You might need it for the guide, too; I'm not sure.) But it doesn't have to be the Internet-facing router in that case.

Personally, even though I have an Ethernet-configured ONT, I just use the Actiontec. Port forwarding works, although the interface to set it up is a little weird.

The ONT can be switched to Ethernet without a truck roll. A simple call to tech support will do it. However, as anyone who has ever had to deal with FiOS tech support knows, "simple" is a term best used to describe the mental abilities of the person on the other end of the phone. If you get a competent person, it can be done in about 10 minutes; if not, more like 30.

There is actually no modem in Fios. What you have there is a MoCA-capable router (Multimedia over Coax Alliance). It's the only device they have to give you nowadays, though they used to provide a regular router with a separate MoCA adapter (superficially like a DOCSIS modem, but really not).

They use MoCA 1) to let the set-top boxes get their VOD over the network, and 2) to save on cabling. The ONT can provide its data stream either over Ethernet or coax. The router will accept either, too. And you can use a standard Ethernet line from the router to the ONT without interfering with the use of MoCA between the router and the STBs. But Verizon prefers to use MoCA between the router and ONT, so that they don't have to run an Ethernet cable.

The easiest way to get your ONT configured for Ethernet is to have it left over that way from the days before they offered television service. The next easiest is to ask them at installation time -- they may be reluctant, but it should be possible to get them to do it. The least preferable method is to ask them post-installation. They'll still be reluctant, plus you may have to pay to have them come out again.

With the ONT configured for Ethernet, you can use any router. You still need the Actiontec, a NIM100 (the old MoCA adapter), or some other MoCA adapter to put the STBs on the network, at least if you want VOD. (You might need it for the guide, too; I'm not sure.) But it doesn't have to be the Internet-facing router in that case.

Personally, even though I have an Ethernet-configured ONT, I just use the Actiontec. Port forwarding works, although the interface to set it up is a little weird.

Upon a number of phone calls to Verizon and Senior techs, they claim that if they switch the ONT to ethernet that the MOCA Modem will not work - its either or...which stopped me from going this route.

There are over half a dozen differnt ONTs in just the 2 county area I am in, so I suspect there are tons more around the Country. Are you sure that both can be active on any ONT?

I can't see much reason to abandon FiOS for data and phone service though, even if you hate the TV service and switch to D* or another TV provider. No one can compete with FiOS Internet.
It's much more for the landlord if I move than potentially not wanting to keep FiOS.

Upon a number of phone calls to Verizon and Senior techs, they claim that if they switch the ONT to ethernet that the MOCA Modem will not work - its either or...which stopped me from going this route.

There are over half a dozen differnt ONTs in just the 2 county area I am in, so I suspect there are tons more around the Country. Are you sure that both can be active on any ONT?
Why do you still need MoCA active on the ONT? If you're just after guide data and VOD on the STBs, it doesn't matter if the ONT has MoCA active, as long as the Actiontec or similar is still connected. The Actiontec and others actually have 2 MoCA modems internally, one for the WAN side and one for the LAN side. My ONT is set to Ethernet (MoCA disabled), connected to my homebrew router. The WAN Ethernet port of the Actiontec is plugged in to the LAN side of the router and gets an IP from the same range as the rest of my PCs. It also provides MoCA service to my Verizon-provided boxes.

I've heard people mention that picture quality is improved on SD channels with the newer 7216 DVR over the older 6416,is this true? Does it pay to swap for the newer DVR?

Bump Can someone please give me a quick response? Thanks! :o

Why do you still need MoCA active on the ONT? If you're just after guide data and VOD on the STBs, it doesn't matter if the ONT has MoCA active, as long as the Actiontec or similar is still connected. The Actiontec and others actually have 2 MoCA modems internally, one for the WAN side and one for the LAN side. My ONT is set to Ethernet (MoCA disabled), connected to my homebrew router. The WAN Ethernet port of the Actiontec is plugged in to the LAN side of the router and gets an IP from the same range as the rest of my PCs. It also provides MoCA service to my Verizon-provided boxes.

They are saying that you cannot have the MOCA/Actiontec AND a hard wire active at the same time. It's either or.

I tried the instructions for bypassing all the stuff that was listed on another forum and had no luck in making it work. On top of that, the ports were not all forwarding to my router and then being assigned from there, even with a simple output from the FiOS Actiontec. Bottom line, I would just rather have a simple tcp/ip output that i can run to my router that passes everything, but then I loose guide data and VOD as they cannot have both the hardwire and Actiontec connected at the same time.

You can't have MoCA and Ethernet from the ONT at the same time. You certainly can have Ethernet from the ONT and MoCA from the Actiontec to the STBs. The Actiontec needs to be switched to use Ethernet for WAN inside the My Network > Network Connections page, and it needs to be behind the router. See attachments. My setup accomplishes everything you want. The only thing it might not do is remote DVR scheduling, though I suspect forwarding port 4567 to the Actiontec might fix that. Haven't tested it because I don't need remote scheduling.

Bump Can someone please give me a quick response? Thanks! :oThe 1.6.2 software on the QIP6416 greatly improved SD picture quality. The 7216 may offer a slightly better SD picture, but the differences should not be significant as they were with the 1.6.0 software.

They are saying that you cannot have the MOCA/Actiontec AND a hard wire active at the same time. It's either or.You cannot have MoCA WAN and ethernet WAN active at the same time. But that simply refers to the source of your data (Internet) connection. MoCA still works between the Actiontec and STBs/DVRs, regardless of what connection you use for data (Internet).

You can't have MoCA and Ethernet from the ONT at the same time. You certainly can have Ethernet from the ONT and MoCA from the Actiontec to the STBs. The Actiontec needs to be switched to use Ethernet for WAN inside the My Network > Network Connections page, and it needs to be behind the router. See attachments.That's the same setup I use.

I just got FIOS installation this morning. I'm in the DC area (Fairfax County) and have had Cox since VOOM went out of business. My immediate impression is that the picture quality of FIOS in SD is noticeably inferior and somewhat inferior on HD, with some variability by channel. The picture in SD is downright fuzzy. The picture in HD is just not as vibrant and sharp as on cable, but still very good. The "screen door" effect seems to be stronger in FIOS HD than on Cox. I'm watching on a Sony KF-60WE610 ("GWIII") and the box is a DVR 7216. I have the HD output of the box set to 720p and I've experimented with the 1080i setting also. Signal quality was quite strong according to the installer. Is this a common observation, FIOS picture quality being a bit short than that of cable? I'm already liking the number of channels and, of course, the lower cost for more channels, but I'm as of yet undecided as to keeping it.

I just got FIOS installation this morning. I'm in the DC area (Fairfax County) and have had Cox since VOOM went out of business. My immediate impression is that the picture quality of FIOS in SD is noticeably inferior and somewhat inferior on HD, with some variability by channel. The picture in SD is downright fuzzy. The picture in HD is just not as vibrant and sharp as on cable, but still very good. The "screen door" effect seems to be stronger in FIOS HD than on Cox. I'm watching on a Sony KF-60WE610 ("GWIII") and the box is a DVR 7216. I have the HD output of the box set to 720p and I've experimented with the 1080i setting also. Signal quality was quite strong according to the installer. Is this a common observation, FIOS picture quality being a bit short than that of cable? I'm already liking the number of channels and, of course, the lower cost for more channels, but I'm as of yet undecided as to keeping it.

Actually, the consensus so far is that the PQ for HD is much improved over cable. I can't speak for COX, but in comparison to Comcast and D*, the picture in both HD and SD is much better. If the installer spoke about a "strong" signal, this may be trouble. The signal strength has caused PQ degradation or troubles if too strong, it has historically been fixed by adding attenuators. You might need a visit from Verizon to attenuate your signals. It is worth it to get the full effect of FIOS.

My complex was recently wired for Verizon FiOS. Over approximately a two week period, holes were dug, and apparently some wires were buried. A few days after the digging and initial wiring was completed, I noticed a few more employees (this time actual Verizon technicians) inserting electrical boxes into these holes, and resealing them. This is what it appeared to me from three floors up.

I'm curious how long it generally takes from installation to service availability?

My apartment complex was wired for cable decades ago, although the interior relies on splitters for extra connections. I have three cable TV connections, and one computer. All four of these connections branch off from the single cable outlet in my living room, splitting into the two bedrooms, and computer area. I'm assuming it would be highly recommended that I have new cables run, instead of using this 13 year old set-up. I believe the cables run back then are RG59, but aside from that, after 13 years, why not have new cabling. I suppose that's more of a statement than a question, because who would recommend not having new cables run.

I would much prefer to have new outlets installed, instead of running cable all through my apartment, but there's two reasons I'll avoid that. Firstly, I'm not sure if the apartment complex would be thrilled that I took it upon myself to have this work done (although the future tenants would probably appreciate it), and more importantly to me, I'll be moving sometime in the next few months or so.

Actually, the consensus so far is that the PQ for HD is much improved over cable. I can't speak for COX, but in comparison to Comcast and D*, the picture in both HD and SD is much better. If the installer spoke about a "strong" signal, this may be trouble. The signal strength has caused PQ degradation or troubles if too strong, it has historically been fixed by adding attenuators. You might need a visit from Verizon to attenuate your signals. It is worth it to get the full effect of FIOS.

I think he said the strength was "6", might have been talking dB, wasn't really paying attention. I also had the opportunity to compare Cox cable to DN, granted, it was about 4 years ago, but SD was far superior on cable, the DN SD channels were completely washed out. The HD wasn't bad, but live events in HD on Cox are truly astounding. I don't get that impression with what I've seen so far on FIOS. I will call them in to see if it is a setup issue. Going from low quality picture like satellite to FIOS is alot easier than downgrading picture quality which is what I'm experiencing. The quantity of "HD," though, is a compelling plus.

I think he said the strength was "6", might have been talking dB, wasn't really paying attention. I also had the opportunity to compare Cox cable to DN, granted, it was about 4 years ago, but SD was far superior on cable, the DN SD channels were completely washed out. The HD wasn't bad, but live events in HD on Cox are truly astounding. I don't get that impression with what I've seen so far on FIOS. I will call them in to see if it is a setup issue. Going from low quality picture like satellite to FIOS is alot easier than downgrading picture quality which is what I'm experiencing. The quantity of "HD," though, is a compelling plus.

My own experience has been that the FIOS HD PQ is superb. I only had Comcast and D* for reference, so the comparison with COX I can't speak to personally. My parents do have COX and I have intermittently seen SD broadcasts on their (analog) TV's, but found nothing outstanding about that. I wasn't looking to compare, though. They finally upgraded to HD, so I guess I'll have to check next time, but since FIOS doesn't compress the incoming signal, I'd have to really see what COX does with the HD signal. Not doubting your experience, since I have not had COX to compare to.

I agree that D* resolution went to pot from the time I joined (~2000) until I left (2007).

Perhaps you would get better picture quality if you set the box to output 1080i rather than 720p. Since ~80% of the available HD channels are 1080i format, converting to 720p then scaling to 768p will often degrade quality more than just allowing the TV to convert 1080i to 768p. I normally leave my box set to output 1080i unless I'm planning to do a full day of watching 720p, say switching between the various ESPN HD channels and FSN on a Saturday watching college football.

My complex was recently wired for Verizon FiOS. I'm curious how long it generally takes from installation to service availability?

I guess I'll take this one myself. Today I received a notice in the mail letting me know that the countdown has begun. The service will be available to order in a few months. I'll probably be gone by then. Oh well...

I guess I'll take this one myself. Today I received a notice in the mail letting me know that the countdown has begun. The service will be available to order in a few months. I'll probably be gone by then. Oh well...

Bummer. Maybe where you move to will have it.

Was watching my DVR via Slingbox this morning and all of a sudden the picture went blank. I cannot get any picture or sound on any channel. I get a message that the channel is unavailable and to call 1-866-962-1946 and enter error code 8801. Any idea what's going on? What this error is?

I can see menu, guide, on demand (with sound), but no picture...so it's definitely FIOS, not the Slingbox.

I tried resetting the box via the FIOS online page, but that did not seem to work.

Update: All of a sudden, I am starting to get sound back, but still no picture. Weird thing is the channels that have sound, the FIOS error message does not pop up on.

The 1.6.2 software on the QIP6416 greatly improved SD picture quality. The 7216 may offer a slightly better SD picture, but the differences should not be significant as they were with the 1.6.0 software.

You cannot have MoCA WAN and ethernet WAN active at the same time. But that simply refers to the source of your data (Internet) connection. MoCA still works between the Actiontec and STBs/DVRs, regardless of what connection you use for data (Internet).

That's the same setup I use.
Do you have to use any attenuators with your Tivo HD and FIOS? I have seen that some have on the tivo community forums because of high signal levels.

I am getting the FIOS triple play installed on monday and had a few questions. I initially only want one HD box for my set up but will be getting few more boxes as the month go on. When ordering another box, will I have to wire coxial cable myself (I have preexisting coxial cable split from my old cable line, will this work?).

Would the techs run the cables for each room if I get a box for each room? If I do it later on will they charge me for the install?

Thanks for your help!

When I went from Comcast to FIOS a couple of weeks ago, the FIOS techs took signal level readings and then replaced the splitter and cables I had installed myself in the attic for some the upstairs bedroom TVs after my original Comcast install. The FIOS tech said their setup doesn't have as much ability to handle "lower quality" cable runs as the Comcast setup. Since I was getting free install, I didn't question their readings. ---hourglass

Would the techs run the cables for each room if I get a box for each room? If I do it later on will they charge me for the install

I believe they'll charge you for a "truck roll" in this case which is something like $100. I think you should ask them to install as many drops as you expect you'll be using on the initial installation. They used to install 3-4 TVs for free. I don't know what the policy is now, but you certainly should have them do as much wiring as you can since you're not paying for it. If you have some spare TV's, you might consider putting them in the desired locations and having Verizon install SD boxes at each location. If the SD boxes seem pricey, you can ask for just the compulsory digital-to-analog converters that tune the local signals.

When I went from Comcast to FIOS a couple of weeks ago, the FIOS techs took signal level readings and then replaced the splitter and cables I had installed myself in the attic for some the upstairs bedroom TVs after my original Comcast install. The FIOS tech said their setup doesn't have as much ability to handle "lower quality" cable runs as the Comcast setup. Since I was getting free install, I didn't question their readings. ---hourglass

It's their dime, and they can't bitch later if something isn't right. I think it's almost always a good idea to let them do more than less if it's for free!

I am getting the FIOS triple play installed on monday and had a few questions. I initially only want one HD box for my set up but will be getting few more boxes as the month go on. When ordering another box, will I have to wire coxial cable myself (I have preexisting coxial cable split from my old cable line, will this work?).Verizon will wire three rooms at no cost. Beyond that, there is an extra outlet fee for every room. If it were me, I would let Verizon wire three rooms and then do the rest myself.

If you want Verizon to return at a later time to install more outlets, there will be a $79 charge.

Verizon will wire three rooms at no cost. Beyond that, there is an extra outlet fee for every room. If it were me, I would let Verizon wire three rooms and then do the rest myself.

If you want Verizon to return at a later time to install more outlets, there will be a $79 charge.

so what exactly does wiring the 3 rooms entail? Will they run completely new wire into each room? My house is older and doesn't have coaxial throughout. Will they also install faceplates for each room?

so what exactly does wiring the 3 rooms entail? Will they run completely new wire into each room? My house is older and doesn't have coaxial throughout. Will they also install faceplates for each room?

Installation is included on up to 3 EXISTING outlets. Any outlets above 3, you will be charged an activation fee for each one. The free installation does not include running new coax. If you require new coax, you will be charged approvimatley $75 for each coax leg.

As far as a faceplate, discuss with the technician how he/she will be running the coax and ask him/her to use a faceplate in your preferred install location.

Is anyone using an IR receiver with the QIP 6200? I see it has a 1/8th port on the back for this. I assume I can just buy an eye and plug it in??
Hi, Did you ever get an answer to this question? I purchased an IR taget which was advertised to work with the QIP6200 but can't get it to respond. No blaster set up, just a simple IR target on a 6 foot cord with a plug for the port on the back of the box. If anyone has made this work please let me know, I have snaked all the wires so would like to see if this can be made to function.
Thanks

I have a question regarding the "green screen" I'm hoping to get help on.

I'm in SoCal and have FiOS scheduled to be installed on Nov. 21. I was planning on connecting via HDMI. However, I've seen mention of a "green screen" problem when FiOS is connected via HDMI. How prevalent and serious is this situation?

We're currently on Cox and I'm the one pushing for FiOS. Hubby is perfectly happy with them for both internet and TV. This needs to look great as soon as it's turned on, or we'll be back with Cox faster than you can say "Cancel." So--is this an issue?

Thanks.

Seems to be limited to certain TVs with buggy HDMI implementations. My Samsung LCD has been perfect with HDMI since day 1, as has an HDCP-enabled Acer LCD monitor I use when I need 2 football games on at the same time :D. Verizon uses HDMI by default for their installations, which is something they wouldn't do if there were widespread show-stopping issues. You can probably just search AVS and the Verizon TV forum on DSLReports for the model of your TV to see if anyone has reported issues with it.

Thanks, Coyoteaz. I actually have a Samsung DLP, so I'm optimistic. I'll check DSLReports for my model, but I think I'll probably be fine.

Don't know if LinRPV has already gotten hooked up, but I can say that the green screen problem is VERY prevalent.

It's not a buggy implementation of HDMI on your TV. It's a crappy implementation of HDCP in the Verizon set top box built by Motorola.

There are MANY people who simply cannot use the HDMI hookup from the set top box. Personally, I've had to route my component outs through an HDMI switching receiver to get the HDMI to feed to my projector.

It mostly works. I get a black screen every 10-20 minutes that lasts for 2-3 seconds.

Has anyone run into this problem or figured out a way around it?

Yeah, it's called component video. Video quality is roughly the same and since most TV's only do two channel, the analog audio won't hurt you.

That said, I have yet to see any issue with 2 Sharp different LCD sets using HDMI connections to FIOS cable boxes.

Vern

Hello. New to FiOS and Motorola STB. I have a QIP7216. Is there a way to hookup a keyboard, wired or wireless, to STB or the router as an input device for searching, typing, etc.?

Hello. New to FiOS and Motorola STB. I have a QIP7216. Is there a way to hookup a keyboard, wired or wireless, to STB or the router as an input device for searching, typing, etc.?No.

Hi. I ordered Fios (TV & 'Net) install for my house in 2 weeks, but are starting to get worried about he wiring, and placement of the ONT. I just bought the house a few days ago so need to further investigate the current setup, but if the fiber go the shortest route from the curb to the house it will enter into the basement family room, where I don't want a set of unsightly boxes on the wall. Unfortunately the garage and the non-finished basement part are on the opposite side of the house from the street.

What are the chances I can get the installers to bury the fiber at least part way around the house, to enter the basement workshop? This would only go through the yard, so should be simple digging..

And since they will likely do this while I'm at work, is there a reliable way to let the installers know where I want stuff? Guess I can try to have them call when they arrive and I'll run out of work quickly and talk to them.. Any one try this, or do you just let them decide?

And since they will likely do this while I'm at work, is there a reliable way to let the installers know where I want stuff? Guess I can try to have them call when they arrive and I'll run out of work quickly and talk to them.. Any one try this, or do you just let them decide?My experience was that they want to install the ONT close to your main electrical panel (for grounding reasons), but they can install a 'JI' (Just Inside) ONT to avoid that problem.

For my install, the guys who installed the fiber were separate from the one who installed the ONT and configured things. So, you may have two visits coming up. I was there for both visits and they were happy to discuss options.

Do you know if your area is using underground or aerial fiber? In the former, they may well install a conduit first.

My experience was that they want to install the ONT close to your main electrical panel (for grounding reasons), but they can install a 'JI' (Just Inside) ONT to avoid that problem.

For my install, the guys who installed the fiber were separate from the one who installed the ONT and configured things. So, you may have two visits coming up. I was there for both visits and they were happy to discuss options.

Do you know if your area is using underground or aerial fiber? In the former, they may well install a conduit first.

ops. yeah should probably have mentioned that everything is underground in my neighborhood.

Interesting, my electrical panel is in the garage, which like I said above is on the far side from the street. And also where I would like to have the ONT if I can:) But unless there is already a conduit they can use, getting there would involve crossing a paved driveway, or going a very long way around the house. Both options seem unlikely. Although, my neighbors electric line enters from that side, so I guess there could be conduits in the ground already?

yeah it seems like there will be two visits. My install is scheduled for a saturday so somebody will probably come install the fiber up to the house a few days before. Don't feel like taking time off to get this done right, that's why I'm trying to think of some way to let them know. I work <30 min away so not impossible to stop by during "lunch" and talk to the guys.

I found what I presume is comcast coax wiring going to the living room and the attic on the outside, so if I somehow can get the ONT hooked up to that there should be minimal wiring necessary.

ops. yeah should probably have mentioned that everything is underground in my neighborhood.

Interesting, my electrical panel is in the garage, which like I said above is on the far side from the street. And also where I would like to have the ONT if I can:) But unless there is already a conduit they can use, getting there would involve crossing a paved driveway, or going a very long way around the house. Both options seem unlikely. Although, my neighbors electric line enters from that side, so I guess there could be conduits in the ground already?

yeah it seems like there will be two visits. My install is scheduled for a saturday so somebody will probably come install the fiber up to the house a few days before. Don't feel like taking time off to get this done right, that's why I'm trying to think of some way to let them know. I work <30 min away so not impossible to stop by during "lunch" and talk to the guys.

I found what I presume is comcast coax wiring going to the living room and the attic on the outside, so if I somehow can get the ONT hooked up to that there should be minimal wiring necessary.

They used a tunneling machine to run the conduit at my house. No worries about the driveway they go right under it. No digging up you yard etc. You should be fine.

I would advise against fretting too much - I've seen few to no horror stories about FiOS installs and in my experience, they are pros who do a great job. They will re-use your existing COAX and phone wiring if remotely possible (less work for them).

thanks for the calming assurances:) As long as I can talk to them it sounds like I can get it the way I want.

I want to do some pre-wiring, but I've heard conflicting reports on what kind of cable goes from the ONT to the router, coax or Cat5? Or can they use both? Don't want to put in the wrong one..

Either, but they usually won't run Ethernet and may just use coax even if you have Ethernet already wired. If you want Ethernet so you can run your own router in front of theirs, you can always call tech support later and get it switched, just make sure you follow the directions on DSLReports for releasing the IP or you'll only succeed in kicking yourself offline.

I think the CAT5/Coax decision is somewhat up to the installer.
Mine was done with CAT5, but that was before FIOSTV was available (so they didn't use ANY coax at the time).
They were nice enough to run the Cat5 from the ONT to a surface-mount jack next to my patch panel, and I patched it over to the router location in the office from there. I helped fish the wires (since I knew the best route - from when I wired the rest of my network), and saved them a lot of time.

When they came back to do the FIOSTV install a year later (once it was finally available), they needed to run a coax cable from the ONT (actually - the splitter right near the ONT) over to the router. I offered to help fish it, since I had a specific route I wanted to take. Since I did the hard part (fishing it down the wall behind the storage shelves, etc), the installer was more than happy to run it that way.

When my parents had theirs installed (with FIOSTV at the same time), I ran a cat5 cable from the ONT location over to the router location beforehand, but the installer still used the Coax. He said that's the way he had to do it.
(Personally, I think he was just too lazy to call and have them activate it on the CAT5. He also changed the router password, and didn't give my dad the new password. I had to reset the router to reset it and turn off their wireless).
If you have a nice installer, they may be willing to do it your way, especially if you make it easier for them (pre-running wires, helping out when they are there, etc). It really all depends.

Mine was done with CAT5 as
well but also as with poster above,
before FiosTV was available.

The best thing about using CAT5
is that you can hook it to another
brand router. I was using the Apple
router for years.

However, recently, my Apple router
gave me config problems so I had
Verizon back and they installed coax
and gave me their own brand of router
which is working out rather well.

I may have fixed my HDMI problem. After reading something elsewhere, I checked my DVR's setup screens (Power, OK, Menu). Under the "Additional HDMI Settings", the setting for "HDMI/DVI Mode" was set to DVI. I changed that and have not had the issue of a blank screen since.

Pretty freakin' tricky - thanks for posting that, I would never have thought of that, just in case it ever becomes an issue.

Very tricky, indeed - the recent 1.7.1 update to the FIOS box's software completely broke HDMI handshaking between my Olevia HDTV and the Motorola 7216-1. Switching the box from HDMI to DVI - in other words, the exact reverse of your fixes - fixed it. So thanks, voices from the past!

EDIT - or not. Didn't actually work - it just decided it was going to work that one time randomly. After turning the TV off and back on it was NO SIGNAL all over again. Such crap.

I just had FIOS Internet / Television installed and overall I am very happy with the service. I can't seem to wrap my head around the VOD system integration with the Actiontec router. Wouldn't it be easier to just integrate the MoCA/VOD into the STB, or directly into the ONT?

I also noticed that the STB has a Cable Labs M-card inside of it. I plan on moving to an HTPC once the Ceton tuner card is released. Has anyone here just taken the M-card directly out of the STB, placed it into another cablecard device, and had working service?

I just had FIOS Internet / Television installed and overall I am very happy with the service. I can't seem to wrap my head around the VOD system integration with the Actiontec router. Wouldn't it be easier to just integrate the MoCA/VOD into the STB, or directly into the ONT?

I also noticed that the STB has a Cable Labs M-card inside of it. I plan on moving to an HTPC once the Ceton tuner card is released. Has anyone here just taken the M-card directly out of the STB, placed it into another cablecard device, and had working service?I don't think that will work. Cards are 'paired' to the device, so if you move the card (which VZ will not like), it has to be 'paired' to the Ceton. I think you'll have to get a separate card from VZ (which may cost you a service call).

Verizon, specifically, generally does not pair CableCARDs to the host device.

Verizon, specifically, generally does not pair CableCARDs to the host device.Interesting, thanks.

If you swap a card from a Vz STB to a new device as jshtpc1987 proposes, does anything have to be done by Vz to make it work in the new device?

I haven't tried it, but I've been assured by others that when I need to do so (and I believe I will need to do so at some point) I should be able to no problem, and with no action on Verizon's part.

Sounds like an opportunity for a little science experiment - just swap a card into one of your Tivos and let us know how it goes... ;)

I would not recommend doing that experiment with any other service provider. I don't know for sure, but I've been led to believe that moving a paired CableCARD into a different host device does "something" that effectively un-pairs the card.

However, again, since FiOS doesn't pair CableCARDs, that experiment should be safe. :)

I would not recommend doing that experiment with any other service provider. I don't know for sure, but I've been led to believe that moving a paired CableCARD into a different host device does "something" that effectively un-pairs the card.

However, again, since FiOS doesn't pair CableCARDs, that experiment should be safe. :)

I never had any issues with Comcast as long as the card was put back in the same slot. I had SS stream cards with Comcast so I could remove the card and put it in another device, which wouldn't work, but as long as that card went into the same slot in the original device, it would be fine. If I put it in a different slot, in the original device, then I was hosed and had to call comcast.

It is certainly much better with FiOS sice I can move my cards around to any cable card device with no issues.

Thanks for the update on that. It (that the pairing info gets mucked up) sounded a bit dodgy to me -- not so dodgy that I thought it worth the risk to try it, though. ;)

ops. yeah should probably have mentioned that everything is underground in my neighborhood.

Interesting, my electrical panel is in the garage, which like I said above is on the far side from the street. And also where I would like to have the ONT if I can:) But unless there is already a conduit they can use, getting there would involve crossing a paved driveway, or going a very long way around the house. Both options seem unlikely. Although, my neighbors electric line enters from that side, so I guess there could be conduits in the ground already?

yeah it seems like there will be two visits. My install is scheduled for a saturday so somebody will probably come install the fiber up to the house a few days before. Don't feel like taking time off to get this done right, that's why I'm trying to think of some way to let them know. I work <30 min away so not impossible to stop by during "lunch" and talk to the guys.

I found what I presume is comcast coax wiring going to the living room and the attic on the outside, so if I somehow can get the ONT hooked up to that there should be minimal wiring necessary.

I'm curious how your install ended up going. What technique did they use to get the fiber to your house and at what location did they bring it in?

My own install with underground utilities went very well. First off, due to scheduling issues, both my fiber install and service hookup were scheduled for the same day. I made arrangements to be home on that day. Don't ever leave your install to someone else (even a loved one) to oversee. Someone I work with made that mistake and he is still livid about there everything ended up.

All of my utilties were moved underground a couple of years ago during a major home remodel, so I knew the new install would go underground. I also wanted my ONT inside of a closet in the basement next to my electrical panel. To be prepared, I had already nailed a chunk of plywood to the wall for the ONT to be screwed onto. This closet is where my existing cable comes into the house and where my old phone distribution box (not used due to Vonage) is located.

When the fiber installer showed up they pointed out that there is a conduit running from the curb to my house which has the RG-6 coax for my existing Cox cable service. They asked if they could run the fiber through the same conduit. Having some background with network cabling I knew well that you can't pull a new wire into an existing conduit when another wire is already there (they end up wrapped around each other and bind up tight). What they ended up doing, and which I was happy to see they knew to do, was to pull the coax back to the street with a string pulled into the conduit by the cable. Once they had the cable out, they tied both the cable and the new fiber to that string. They were then able to pull the fiber and cable back to the house.

The fiber guys were on site only about one hour and my cable was out for only about a half hour. So far, so good.

About two hours later the Verizon installers showed up. Two people, each in a separate vehicle. They were very happy to see that I had all the prep work done. They were also happy that I wanted the box inside as it was only about 20F outside that day. They were able to put the ONT right where I wanted it and hooked it up to the power and cable lines that were in that closet. For the router, we just went where my existing router and cable modem were located, pulled them out, and put in the new ActionTek router.

A little test and tune later everything was done and working. The installers were only on site about two hours and a chunk of that time was waiting for the head office to activate service to the ONT. My yard ended up with no digging, everything is out of sight, and I couldn't be happier with the service.

Of course, your mileage may vary.

glad you had a painless install:)
Mine went very well too. Not long after I posted here some spray paint marks showed up in my yard pointing to the garage wall where the electric and phone lines enter, which is also where I would want the fios to attach. In the end they only had to dig a short run up to the house, and it was barely noticeable.

The installer showed up at 9am (appointment 8-12) and put the ONT on the outside of my garage by the phone box (which isn't used; no landline). From there I wanted him to run the cable through the garage, drill a hole low on the other side and down to the unfinished part of the basement where it could connect to the installed coax cabling. This runs to two family rooms and up to the upstairs bedroom/offices.

At first he did not agree. He wanted to go from the outside into the one family room, which was on the same side of the house as the ONT, connect a splitter inside and get into the existing wiring from there. This sounded messy to me but I didn't want to argue, figured I could fix it myself later. In the end though he realized he had to run power through the garage anyway, so he ended up putting the coax cable into the basement like I wanted.

The installer was asian, with somewhat muddled English skills so communication was a little though, so I'm just glad, and a bit surprised, it turned out ok. The rest of the install was easy and fairly quick. Total of about 3 hours I think.

Now I plan on running some Cat6 and coax cables through the walls up to the living room and office and move the router to the basement in preparation for a server there. I'll get an new N wifi router upstairs. The existing Comcast installed coax run on the outside of the house up to the attic so I want to move that inside. The one wire even comes through a wall into the living room on the wrong side, and then run along the floor around to the TV! It looks like a pretty ghetto install. This will be my first through walls/ceiling wiring install so I'm sure it will be perfect the first time.. :rolleyes:

was hoping someone could help me with some decisions i need to make

i will have verizon fios installed next wk and currently have a large leviton structured media box in my closet, with both cat 5e and coax running from the box to several rooms in my house


was wondering if anyone had some up to date advice on how they would
have installation done


1. i'd like to be able to stream netflix to my tv (both 5e and coax there)
2. have home office

was hoping someone could help me with some decisions i need to make

i will have verizon fios installed next wk and currently have a large leviton structured media box in my closet, with both cat 5e and coax running from the box to several rooms in my house


was wondering if anyone had some up to date advice on how they would
have installation done


1. i'd like to be able to stream netflix to my tv (both 5e and coax there)
2. have home office

If there is room to put the router in this closet, then you should be able to feed all the Cat 5. Are you going to use WiFi too? The router has it built in.

Understood, thanks. I know its supposed to be weekly, but I recorded a two hour program with a standalone TiVo and Verizon STB that was interupted three times with the EAS message. I guess they're still ironing it out.

All test we have done, the VOD stopped and all DVR recordings stopped and returned to live tv. When the test was over, the feed stayed on the live tv. If we were recording a program, the recording would continue, but the recording would not be "stacked" with all of the other recordings (if it was a series recording). It would be listed by itself.

I don't remember what I was watching at the time (it was either a recording or live TV on the DVR), but when the emergency test came on, my TV switched from the DVR feed to my cablecard feed. When the test was over, it returned to the dvr feed.

The EAS (emergency alert system) is not a Verizon controlled event. This is a Government controlled test that MUST be done once a week at rrandomtimes. It is mmandantoryfrom the government that all DVR functions and pause ability be turned off and the video returned to "live TV" during the test. I know it sux that the STB does not return to its original state when the test is complete, but the dropping of DVR playback during the test is not controlled by Verizon at all. It is good ole Uncle Sam interrupting your recordings..... Not much we can do at this point.

I'd like to direct you to this post that I recently created which contains all of the information regarding this. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=19266695#post19266695

was hoping someone could help me with some decisions i need to make

i will have verizon fios installed next wk and currently have a large leviton structured media box in my closet, with both cat 5e and coax running from the box to several rooms in my house


was wondering if anyone had some up to date advice on how they would
have installation done


1. i'd like to be able to stream netflix to my tv (both 5e and coax there)
2. have home office

alfaman,
I have that setup. You will have to place the wireless router outside of the metal box. I have my battery backup under the house and the interface box outside the house. They will want to put the battery backup in the garage, but that would not work for me without tearing out a bit of drywall. I did have to run 120V to the backup.

nw

Silly question...

I am using those xantech emitters over the ir sensors on all of my equipment and I dont know where the ir sensor is on the QIP HD DVR box. Anyone advise? THX

Silly question...

I am using those xantech emitters over the ir sensors on all of my equipment and I dont know where the ir sensor is on the QIP HD DVR box. Anyone advise? THX

On my QIP-6416, the IR sensor is located behind the smoked plastic "window" at the front of the box.
When looking at the front of the box, the sensor is behind the lower left end of the window, to the left of the display. If you look in there with a flashlight, you should be able to get a good glimpse of it. (you can actually pop out the window using a small flat screwdriver. There are four or so "slots" around the edge of the window where you can release the tabs.)

I split the output signal among a few TVs, so I use an IR-to-RF-IR sender with an external IR emitter to be able to control the DVR from the other rooms.

My emitter has the LED at the tip, so I placed it just below where the sensor is (it is along the seam between the bottom left edge of the window and the metal case of the DVR). It took a lot of trial-and-error to find a spot that allowed the emitter to work, AND allowed me to still use a regular remote pointed at the DVR (when we watch in the same room).

Thats where I thought it was too. THX!!

On my QIP-6416, the IR sensor is located behind the smoked plastic "window" at the front of the box.

After I got home last night, I realized I was slightly unclear as to the exact location of the sensor.
The sensor is behind the left side of the "window," but the window itself doesn't pop out.
The entire plastic "filler" that includes the window and the area around the buttons is what pops out. If you can find a way to place the emitter inside there, it would be an even cleaner installation.

I've had to pop the filler off a few times over the years, as dust builds up inside, and starts to partially block the IR receiver. When I see the remote start to get flaky, I just open it up, wipe off the dist, hit it with a few shots of canned air or the vacuum cleaner, and then pop it back on.

Here's a helpful tip if you don't already know it. (I keep meaning to post this)

When the red light comes on for the battery backup, especially after a power surge or outage, don't assume you need a new battery. Most "techs" will tell you that it needs replacement. However, I spoke with one tech who told be to try the following.

On the top right of the battery there is a Black plastic clip that connects one of the terminals to the box. Pull this off for at least 30 secs and then reconnect. This resets the "fail" sensor. It's worked for me at least 3 times, the past 2 years.

The end.

I use Comcast 6412 box and the Page Up and Page Down buttoms do a 5 minute skip forward and back. This is in addition to the 30 second skip and the 15 secord replay. Does the Fios 6412 support the same feature? I have a friend with that box and he is trying to duplicate what I have on my Comcast box. I read that you can adjust the time of the forward and back skip, but I think that applies just to one set of skip comments. I want 2 sets - +30 sec., - 15sec. and 5 minute forward, 5 minute back. Thanks.

was hoping someone could help me with some decisions i need to make

i will have verizon fios installed next wk and currently have a large leviton structured media box in my closet, with both cat 5e and coax running from the box to several rooms in my house


was wondering if anyone had some up to date advice on how they would
have installation done


1. i'd like to be able to stream netflix to my tv (both 5e and coax there)
2. have home office
Apparently it is too late to provide any advice, but how was your installation going? For me, the situation was similar but could not be any better. We have home structure wiring with home run CAT5 and RG6 to the utility room upstairs in a 2-story house. The builder, or the contractor I must say, installed two conduits to the wiring panel, one from the crawlspace and one from the attic. I only knew this because I took some pictures when the house was built 5+ years ago.

I use OTA for TV and only get FiOS for Internet and POTS. The standard installation would be putting an ONT outside near the utility area and run the power/battery backup from inside the garage. And I guess they would split the incoming CAT5 into POTS and Ethernet since the RG6 was not available for their use. It would work out but I wanted something neater and the installer accommodated. In fact, it made his work simpler too.

So, I had him run the fiber to the crawlspace through the conduit and to the structure wiring "home run" panel. There was already an electrical outlet inside the panel (kudos to the builder/contractor). The ONT, all-in-one in door version, was attached to the wall next to the wiring panel. We did need to punch a small hole in the dry wall and drill a 1 inch hole through the 2x4 to get the wiring between the ONT and the wiring panel. The installer attached the POTS line from the ONT to the incoming CAT5 (so existing phone jacks were all active, not that I needed them all). For the CAT5 to my "office", I had him split it into a POTS and an Ethernet at the panel and replaced the RJ-11 plate with a combo RJ-11/RJ-45. Plugged the provided router to the RJ-45 and to my surprise, we had 802.11n in our house (though I only got 65mbps and occasionally 130mbps).

Voila, the only differences in appearance before and after FiOS installation for me were:
- The fiber coming from underground to the crawlspace via a vent.
- The ONT next to the wiring box (even without power cord hanging out).
- The JR-11/RJ-45 combo in place of the old RJ-11.

The only thing that could be better, not that I needed, was to put a router inside the wiring panel and split all the CAT5 cables similar to the one to my bedroom office.

I am on Long Island and I intermitantly lose channel 2.1 CBS at exactly 11pm on my Vizio 42" set. The TV is connected directly to Fios without a STB. The set changes to 11.1 and 2.1 is gone. Hours or days later it reappears without rescan (which does not help). This is unique to the Vizio as the other 2 flat screens do not experience the problem. Any ideas ?

Does anybody know if it's possible to set the Verizon cable box's output resolution to "pass-through"? I'm new FIOS and trying to improve the quality of the HD. Also, does anybody know how to open your NAT for multiple devices? I've heard of using DMZ, but that only works if you have just one device. I have a router that automatically provided an open NAT but I'm stuck using the actiontec.

No, unfortunately you can't. The NAT question I can't help with.

Native passthrough is supposed to come in 1.9, whenever that actually gets deployed to the rest of us. I'm not sure what you mean by opening the NAT to multiple devices, but you can forward different ports to different devices.

Native passthrough is supposed to come in 1.9, whenever that actually gets deployed to the rest of us. I'm not sure what you mean by opening the NAT to multiple devices, but you can forward different ports to different devices.

Well I've tried the port forwarding but it doesn't seem to work. I still get a NAT rating of moderate. I just wish I didn't have to use the Verizon router. My personal router works great, had better range and out of the box gave me open NAT's on all my devices.

What are "NAT rating" and "open NAT"? I've been doing home networks for a decade and I've never heard either of those terms. If you run an Ethernet cable from your ONT to your router location, you can call Verizon and have them switch the data connection from MoCA to Ethernet. You can then use your home router in front of everything, keeping the Verizon router only for the MoCA connection to your set top boxes (for guide data and VOD). http://www.dslreports.com/faq/15992

In computer networking, network address translation (NAT) is the process of modifying IP address information in IP packet headers while in transit across a traffic routing device.

I'm well aware of what NAT is, but I've never heard the terms "NAT rating" or "open NAT".

without digging through the entire thread, does anyone know how Verizon does installs for MDU's?...I live in an apartment complex in Manhattan (3 buildings of 27 floors and 2 buildings of 10 floors)...Verizon is in the process on installing the cabling on the floors but it seemed like 2 years or so since I first heard that my building was going to be FIOS ready

they first started installing some boxes in all the stairways and drilling into the stairway walls to connect all the pipes...that part finished and in April they started the wiring/cabling on every floor...that also seemed unusually long as it took over 2 months just for them to finish my building (27 floors)...my building management says they should be finished by the end of the summer but at the rate they are going I'm having my doubts

what is the entire process of getting a large apartment building all ready for FIOS?...will there be a central ONT in the building basement or will every apartment have their own separate one?...is the in-home ONT the best option?...and why is Verizon so slow in regards to the whole setup procedure?

The sad news is that Verizon does not provide the same level of FiOS service in a multi-dwelling unit as in a private home.
More than likely they'll have something like a Coyote MPUs in a staircase splitting to 8 fibers, then converting to coax (RG6, yet don't hope for Belden 1694A, unless they can cannibablize the coax of a previous cable provider).

Already from the fiber split, it's unlikely they'll ever scale over 50mbps downstream. Verizon Residential FiOS will make no exception, so even if you run your own fiber to the staircase, they can't use it or retrofit the equipment on your floor, besides the fact that you won't get better than 50mbps. If you want more, they'll switch you to the business division, and they told me they could not graft from the Coyote MPU ; they have to run a separate ONT from the basement and a separate fiber. In addition, there are City regulatory restrictions so even if you spend the money and Verizon is happy to take it, they might not be allowed to deploy the FTTH, assuming you coop/condo/condop Board is welcoming. If you are lucky however, you could get the current 150Mbps upstream/60Mbps downstream.
Otherwise, it's FTTS (Fiber To The Staircase) , certainly not comparable to the FTTH you can get in a private home, where FIOS residential can run fiber all the way to your router, and give you that 150Mbps performance.
I am even surprised that RCN (running fiber risers in buildings since 1996) and CableVision Lightpath (running through Manhattan) have not thought of offering an FTTA solution (Fiber To The Apartment).
Once cable companies started raking in with cable modems in the mid-90's, Verizon started all of a sudden offering DSL on copper pairs, yet they could have done that ten years before....
Looks like the FiOS investment for apartments/MDU might not scale with the bandwith explosion of ipTV and the like, and once higher quality content sets in (e.g. 4320p for which there are displays now), someone will have to rethink the economics of a home in Laotto, Indiana expected to pay for 1Gbps downstream whereas that 2M$ apartment in Manhattan can't get over 50mbps from Residential FIOS.

Not sure how many people moved from an apartment to a house to get FiOS FTTH, but there might be another bubble forming !

Cheers,

What are the pros/cons ordering a multiroom DVR--if it'll only be used for one room? For a mid-January triple-play FIOS install (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=21381657#post21381657) I ordered one multiroom thinking it might be newer, have more storage capacity, etc. Probably could still change the order if the cons outweigh the pros.

A few misc topics: Using my current TWC 8300HD DVR and its RF coax output, I feed two ancient 480i-only (switch-selected) small TVs in the same room as the 8300HD. FIOS's signup pushed a no-charge SD STB, too. Just substitute the SD STB for the current 480i coax feed?

They're also hooking up a free ~$139 wireless router, which I'd use to finally connect my PC to my Sony PS3/Blu-ray (~20' between them, via wire). Assume I could then view my PC via the PS3 hooked to my 65" HD plasma? Also assume I could--and should--use one of the three security software install options ($6/mo) for the PS3 as well as my PC? FIOS's general hardware description doesn't mention a cable modem, so does the router have this Internet/phone function built into it? [EDIT:A FIOS rep confirmed that's the case.] Thanks for any answers. -- John

The sad news is that Verizon does not provide the same level of FiOS service in a multi-dwelling unit as in a private home.
More than likely they'll have something like a Coyote MPUs in a staircase splitting to 8 fibers, then converting to coax (RG6, yet don't hope for Belden 1694A, unless they can cannibablize the coax of a previous cable provider).

Already from the fiber split, it's unlikely they'll ever scale over 50mbps downstream....
Sure hope not; (that is, no work-around available). Expecting a mid-January FIOS install in mid-Manhattan, but it's only a 50/30 Mbps. [EDIT: Ugh. Spoke with a Verizon rep who confirmed 50 Mbps is max for this Manhattan building. Stunning. They've managed to cripple fiber-optics tech, capable of 100s of Gbps, down to this--whatever the ~470 channels, with ~135 HDs, add up to, besides 50 Mbps.] Glanced at an open floor/stairwell box being installed recently (~21-floor building) and it didn't seem to have coax hookups, but instead what looked like single wires on a terminal panel--unlike the TWC and RCN coax-stuffed terminal boxes also here for each floor.

AIUI, FIOS goofed with their initial IPTV plans (tech wasn't ready), so that's been limiting HD channel offerings, even if a separate fiber multiplex frequency helps free bandwidth for phone/Internet.

Keep seeing discussion of "1.9" relating to FIOS and DVRs, but haven't dug into the topic. Suppose it's too optimistic to think that means full-bandwidth HDTV, equal to current FIOS HD channels, will soon be accessible to FIOS subscribers with adequate Mbps capacity (via IPTV)? [EDIT: After some study, just a a guide upgrade, it appears.] -- John