Dorsey,

Good point.

I am not happy with the limited set of analog channels. For example, the news stations require a box. That equals no sale for me, just in terms of size. I like to bring up the news on my PC. That would be out of the question.

I think once Verizon hits more towns you are going to see better deals for multiple TV households. Still competition is a good thing.

- Rich

Yeah, you can watch TV without the box, only 2-50 though. Verizon broadcast 2-50 analog as well as digital up in the 64.102+ range, all unencrypted. There is also the networks in HD. For example I get ch 2 CBS analog on ch 2, HD CBS on 2.1 and digital CBS on 64.102 I have also seen the Music Choice channels with the digital tuner somewhere.
I gotta do another scan to check this, but here, there's no clear HD signals as of last month - just the analogs and their digital equivalents. Like other cable companies the lineup depends on location.

I gotta do another scan to check this, but here, there's no clear HD signals as of last month - just the analogs and their digital equivalents. Like other cable companies the lineup depends on location.

That is odd. I believe they are required to provide the local channels without encryption.

-- Rich

I can't get that to work, on my QIP6416 with my One-For-All remote. I send EFC 173, which everything I can find says is the Skip code, but box does nothing. Could you outline how you got that to work? Thanks.
Here's is the procedure I followed:

A. First, you must program your remote control the 6416:

1. Press "P" for 2 seconds until light blinks twice
2. Press "Cable/Sat" button
3. Enter "0476", which is a General Instruments code that works with the 6412 and 6416.
4. Light should blink twice, indicating setting is successful

B. Then, you can add the 30-second skip:

1. Press "Cable/Sat" button to put the remote into cable mode
2. Press and hold "P" for 2 seconds until light blinks twice
3. Type in code "994", telling the remote you are encoding an advanced code (EFC)
4. Press (but do not hold) the "P" button
5. Type in the code "173" for 30-second skip
6. Press button you wish to assign the 30-second skip function to
7. Light should blink twice indicating success

The above worked for me. Note that I have had my RS remote for a few years now, and it is possible they don't come with the nice programmable functions anymore. Note that the manual for my remote doesn't even mention the ability to do this (!).

Below is a link to a site that defines a bunch of codes for the "0476" device type. I tried "swap" as well, but this isn't recognized by the 6416 at all.

Remote codes for 6412/6416 (http://www.hifi-remote.com/cgi-bin2/ueic.cgi?cbl_0476)

Note that I also programmed in a series of 6 skips into a macro button on my MX-600, but am not pleased at the results. Either the 6416 can't handle the commands that fast or the remote is not issuing them fast enough (probably the latter). I end up getting six skips but with moments of picture and sound between each one. It made my wife ask "What the hell are you doing?". I may work on this more later, since a clean 3-minute skip would be a nice feature during regular network programming.

Here's is the procedure I followed:
...
3. Enter "0476", which is a General Instruments code that works with the 6412 and 6416.
...
5. Type in the code "173" for 30-second skip

Thanks for taking the trouble to spell out these details. The procedure is the same for my OFA remotes. I'm using setup code 0476 for the device (the 6416) and EFC 173 for the Skip code, same as you are. I'm now completely convinced I'm sending the right code, but my 6416 is not responding. In fact I've tried 3 different remotes (admittedly all OFA) and have now even tried all 256 possible key codes, and my 6416 stubbornly refuses to Skip. I do have the latest firmware (17.08).

So, what's different about my box? Maybe it's bad; but it's otherwise working great. I'm in MD & you're in TX; surely Verizon wouldn't have used different firmware versions with same version number in different regions? Could it be that some of the 6416's have the hardware Skip function & some don't? Mine is probably one of the newest; I've had it for only 3 weeks. Did you power-off (unplug) reset the box after the firmware update? I'm a little reluctant to try that since everything else is working great (ain't broke, don't fix etc.).

Guess I'll give up on this. FF with the new slight rewind at end works fine. Just bugs me that I can't make it do something that it's (maybe) supposed to be able to do.

rayjc1:

I don't think there is anything special about my box. It just works, and I would note that software even has an icon for it (the little skip-forward arrow rather than the skip-back arrow for REPLAY). Did you code the 0476 code to your remote's "Cable" button. I think this is the only way it works, for some reason.

I agree that the addition of the "jump back" feature to the FF function satisfies most of what I am looking for, as this behave exactly as my HD-TiVo used to. I added the 30-second skip function simply because it was there....

Hey Folks,

Haven't posted in awhile. Looked back a few pages and didn't see anything about this so here goes:

I was playing around with my FiOS DVR, went into the Menu (power -> menu)

Went into
Additional HDMI Settings->Audio Output

I changed the setting from Auto to Pass Thru.

I now GET Dolby Digital sound to my receiver thru the optical output ! I am using the HDMI out w/ a DVI adapter. My receiver has always said Pro Logic up until this change, now thinks it is getting DD. And my rear speakers are now way more "active". Haven't "proven" full DD yet, just did this last night.

Just fyi for others to try.

I gotta do another scan to check this, but here, there's no clear HD signals as of last month - just the analogs and their digital equivalents. Like other cable companies the lineup depends on location.


I have FIOS in Flower Mound, TX and all the local stations (both analog and digital) are clear as well as all the music channels.

I have the 6416 STB and notice that it does not function quite as smooth as my previous 6412 STB from Comcast. Also the 6412 remote is much better than the 6416.

Overall the PQ is great in HD and Very good in SD, in fact sometimes I have been watching a network show in justified SD and thought it was HD. I have compared PQ using HDMI and Component inputs and the only thing I can tell is that the audio is more stable via HDMI. PQ appears the same.

Hey Folks,

Haven't posted in awhile. Looked back a few pages and didn't see anything about this so here goes:

I was playing around with my FiOS DVR, went into the Menu (power -> menu)

Went into
Additional HDMI Settings->Audio Output

I changed the setting from Auto to Pass Thru.

I now GET Dolby Digital sound to my receiver thru the optical output ! I am using the HDMI out w/ a DVI adapter. My receiver has always said Pro Logic up until this change, now thinks it is getting DD. And my rear speakers are now way more "active". Haven't "proven" full DD yet, just did this last night.

Just fyi for others to try.Welcome back, McDuff. Please migrate over to the HDTV Recorders forum where we're discussing this very issue.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=617635

Hi all,

This is going to sound weird but here goes. I just switched from Cox Communications cable to Verizon Fios (triple play). I went with the phone, internet (30 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up), and all the channels except Cinemax and LaConexcion.

The internet is working just fine.

The phone has a minor yet very annoying problem. On some of my outgoing phone calls I get an echo of my voice in my ear. The person I am talking to does not hear the echo of my voice and I do not have an echo of their voice.

Here is the set up:

The box is a Motorola QIP6416 and the TV is a Mitsubishi Diamond WS-73909. The two are connected through component video cables directly; not through a receiver.

Now for the really fun stuff! The HD channels that I receive are AWESOME. The analog channels are not good, not great, but definitely better than the Cox Communications analog channels. The digital channels are where the nightmare begin. They are randomly the same quality as the analog channels. I get ghosting, pixelization, and a generally poor picture. The digital channels that do come in fine are just as good as the Cox Communications channels were.

Here is what I know:
1. All of the meter readings are good.
2. A feed was run directly to the box from the outside with no change.
3. The signal splitter was replaced with no change.
4. The cable box itself was switched out and only got other and worse problems.
5. The cable box itself was switched out and got a new direct feed and only got other and worse problems.

Here is what I am looking for:
1. PLEASE HELP ME!!!!! What should I do next?

P.S. The Verizon people, aside from not telling the next tech what has already been done, is great. That is a really big plus over Cox Communications. Also, the Verizon techs are very knowledgeable and extremely courteous.

Thanks Dorsey, that is very helpful!

By the time they get FIOS rolled out here (we're supposed to have internet stuff this spring, but I think it'll be more like summer), hopefully they'll have the kinks worked out.

I'm hoping that we'll get FIOS TV before year's end as I'm tired of Time Warner jacking up my cable bill every 6-12 months.

Well, they finally got the cc working after 4 tech visits of 16 hours total. that does not count the multi-party conference calls verizon had with my tech while on site. turns out that cc #1 was indeed bad. cc #2 was never entered in the Verizon equipment database and so could not be activated. Unfortunately, the techs and headend people don't know that the card is not in the system and get no warning message. After being escalated 4 levels, some engineer in Dallas finally figured it out when he tried to send a reactivation signal. They put cc #3 and it functioned properly. Verizon is still in a learning mode on cc but I will tell you this - no other cable company would have devoted the time and effort they did for a $2.95 a month cable card. I was never told that the TV was at fault or pressured into switching to a STB. The tech told me on visit 3 that he would take ownership of the problem and get it fixed and he did. I am highly impressed by the Verizon customer service and the picture quality of the cc is great.

Hi all,

Now for the really fun stuff! The HD channels that I receive are AWESOME. The analog channels are not good, not great, but definitely better than the Cox Communications analog channels. The digital channels are where the nightmare begin. They are randomly the same quality as the analog channels. I get ghosting, pixelization, and a generally poor picture. The digital channels that do come in fine are just as good as the Cox Communications channels were.

Where do you live? I live in Franklin Glen (part of Franklin Farms), just off of the Fairfax County Parkway, and am seeing the same thing! Some of my digital, non-HD channels aren't very good either. For example, Nickelodeon has ghosting and generally poor picture quality. There are several other digital, non-HD channels that have the same problem. Channel 65 (MASN) the other night had very good PQ (watching the Wizards) - then all of a sudden, the PQ went back to the substandard PQ I had seen on that channel in the past.

As you stated, the HD is AWESOME.

My guess is since you tried swapping boxes, etc.., and I have the same problem, it probably has something to do with something "upstream". Exactly where, I don't know.

I am planning on calling Verizon soon to complain as well. I'm really curious if you live near where I do...?

Ricky,

I live in the Springfield area about 5 miles north, via the Fairfax County Parkway, of Springfield Mall.

Side note to all:
The actual people that have been coming out have been very nice. The phone operators are the absolute worst! The most infuriating thing so far is their lack of ability in leaving a call back number.

The other interesting thing is that one of the phone operators told the tech at my house that my TV was the problem because it was so big. That was one of my favorite lines from Cox Communications.

Elliott

Ask tech to clean fiber.Dirty fiber is a killer.

Well, seems all is now well with the Motorola - thanks for the post about the Pass Through option.

va_locksmith - As I understand it, there is no analog stations. All signals are digital.

rickypicky - I haven't experienced channels changing PQ while watching, that seems like something I'd let Verizon know about. You could have a loose connection somewhere.

The PQ for HD is fantastic, non-HD is not better than the source. I noticed several digital channels that looked exactly like Cox, so I assume this is a source problem, not a Verizon problem. I suspect a lot of sources do compression in the original stream since they sale to bandwidth limited satellite and cable companies. This is sad, but I guess this is a new way of business for now. I've noticed the stations are not the "popular" channels. Sci Fi has an incredible, near DVD picture, same with USA, TNT, locals, etc. However, secondary channels like Nick2, etc. do seem over compressed.

I suggest if your not getting good PQ, check the 480i override setting in the system menu (the menu that you select with the unit off). After playing with this setting I got some great improvements. I won't suggest anything, since each TV in my house is different, I just tried each option, and set these to what looked good for me. They were not set well by the installers, so messing with them is very important for the best PQ for your set.

I just want a video pass-through option, thats the only option the Motorola doesn't have that I'd be VERY happy to see.

I have FIOS in Flower Mound, TX and all the local stations (both analog and digital) are clear as well as all the music channels.

I have the 6416 STB and notice that it does not function quite as smooth as my previous 6412 STB from Comcast. Also the 6412 remote is much better than the 6416.

Overall the PQ is great in HD and Very good in SD, in fact sometimes I have been watching a network show in justified SD and thought it was HD. I have compared PQ using HDMI and Component inputs and the only thing I can tell is that the audio is more stable via HDMI. PQ appears the same.
Yes there are clear digital channels, but these are the digital versions of the analog channels not the HD channels that are in the 8xx range on the STB/DVR.

That is odd. I believe they are required to provide the local channels without encryption.

-- Rich
They do - but it's the digital version of the analog, not the HD version.

- Channel Update -

Even though this may not be 100% hardware related, I am very excited to say that I now have 24 channels of HD with FiOS. They just added National Geographic HD and HDNet - Fios Rocks! :)

They do - but it's the digital version of the analog, not the HD version.

I think you are incorrect. The broadcast version is what is required.

- Rich

I think you are incorrect. The broadcast version is what is required.

- Rich
The analog version is also broadcast so that would suffice. I just did a rescan - this only applies to the No VA area.

21 analog channels, 318 digital channels of which 69 are in the clear.
Of the 69 clear digital channels about 40 are the audio only channels, about 20 are the digital versions of the analogs and a few weird ones are sprinkled in there (like HBO Latino). None, repeat, none of them are in HD.

Ricky,

I had two Verizon techs out last night that agreed there is a problem and that it is on their end. They also agreed that it was nothing to do with the cabling in my house or neighborhood. It is much further upstream. They actually took the time to sit down and record the quality of every channel one by one so that it could be monitored. The also said that a solution any time soon might not be forthcoming but it will be worked on.

ht-movie-guy,

Channels 1-50 are analog. The rest are digital. You might be confused as when I signed up for service I was told all the channels are digital. That misconception comes from incentive based selling for the Fios sign up operators. Also, I have the 480i override turned to off. I cannot stand stretching.

Elliott

Channels 1-50 are analog. The rest are digital. You might be confused as when I signed up for service I was told all the channels are digital. That misconception comes from incentive based selling for the Fios sign up operators. Also, I have the 480i override turned to off. I cannot stand stretching.
Elliott

All channels are digital. Channels 1-50 are carried digitally as well as analog in order to support legacy cable TV connections. The QIP6416, for instance, is an all-digital box. No MPEG encoder to record analog channels.

Ricky,

I had two Verizon techs out last night that agreed there is a problem and that it is on their end. They also agreed that it was nothing to do with the cabling in my house or neighborhood. It is much further upstream. They actually took the time to sit down and record the quality of every channel one by one so that it could be monitored. The also said that a solution any time soon might not be forthcoming but it will be worked on.Elliott

Excellent!

I haven't called Verizon about this yet since my job has been pretty hectic and I knew I would have to be home to show the techs the problem.

Thanks much for following up on this one!

All channels are digital. Channels 1-50 are carried digitally as well as analog in order to support legacy cable TV connections. The QIP6416, for instance, is an all-digital box. No MPEG encoder to record analog channels.
Obviously they're not all digital if some are analog, but I know what you mean.

Hey guys, new Fios video install today. I've had the 15MB package for almost 1yr, and just made the switch from E* to Fios. So far, so beautiful. The picture is so clean I'm just giggling like a fool. I'm going to need to tweak my displays a bit though. I'm using 4 of the DVR boxes, and 1 of the HD boxes. I have a bit of experimenting to do, as I have about every last display typpe running at home. DLP FP, Plasma, LCD, LCD RP, and CRT Direct View. Should be an interesting time tweaking. I am going NUTS not having a skip forward command and a DVR Command on my remote. I'm running an MX850, MX700, MX500, and a Harmony 880. When I set up the 880 via the Harmony website, it was assigned a skip (10 seconds I think). It's been assigned to the chapter buttons. 30 seconds is the ticket. Maybe Harmony can customize it for me? It would be sweet to teach it to my HTM's! Anyways, more to follow.

While waiting for my STB to reboot (VOD stopped working) I was talking to a FIOS tech on the phone and asked about the networking feature promised some time ago. Surprisingly, the guy very plainly and without hesitation said it's happening on May 28. So after that date you should be able to watch your DVR recordings from any other STB in the house. He said that there should be some mailing before that date explaining how this works. The firmware update will be done automatically around that date.

I hope you're right. I just started a project that take me out of town every week for the next several months. The wife saves the good shows for me, but the limitations of 160GB really concerns me. With the networking feature non-core programming can be recording on one of our 2 underburdened DVRs, leaving the main DVR to only do regular programming.

Of course, pretty soon everything will be reruns anyway....

I am going NUTS not having a skip forward command and a DVR Command on my remote. I'm running an MX850, MX700, MX500, and a Harmony 880. When I set up the 880 via the Harmony website, it was assigned a skip (10 seconds I think). It's been assigned to the chapter buttons. 30 seconds is the ticket. Maybe Harmony can customize it for me? It would be sweet to teach it to my HTM's! Anyways, more to follow.


Most QIP6416 DVR commands are included in the URC MX-700 IR database. Look at Cable->Motorola->DCT6412->SKP30

Does Verizon have any idea of the rollout times in different parts of the country?
I'm in Boston and would love to get a ballpark figure on when.

I talked to some people at a FIOS booth in Southlake, TX yesterday. I guess you can take this for what it's worth, those people in the booth aren't usually very tech savy. One woman in a green shirt, the others had on red, said that the networking feature was in testing at employee homes. She also said it was a different box than the DVR in use now. Her rollout date for the feature was a timid "before the end of the year".

This was posted by someone else in another thread on AVS forums today ... FYI.

God! I cannot wait til this comes to my area! Countin' the days!


Also, is the signal coming in from Verizon much stronger than that of Comcasts? And will Verizon fish new RG6 cables if necessary, or by customer request?

God! I cannot wait til this comes to my area! Countin' the days!


Also, is the signal coming in from Verizon much stronger than that of Comcasts? And will Verizon fish new RG6 cables if necessary, or by customer request?
Hey Boss. I am a verizon technician installing fios service in howard county maryland. You tell us how you want things installed and we do it.

zgraen is correct. The installers seem to do anything I asked them in terms of the installation, and they were very professional about it. We even sat around for a few minutes discussing options on places and how the install would go. I really enjoyed being part of the mix, and being able to help them as well (having run cables in my house in the past).

Installers got an A+ from me overall.

Ok, now the bad news... I wanted to add some channels today (Saturday), turns out the office hours are Mon-Fri 8:00AM - 6:00PM, the automated system could not add them. Verizon MUST do something about this (6:00PM is around when I get home). The cable company has somone till 9:00 PM, and has weekend hours. I am not happy about this.

Ok, now the bad news... I wanted to add some channels today (Saturday), turns out the office hours are Mon-Fri 8:00AM - 6:00PM, the automated system could not add them. Verizon MUST do something about this (6:00PM is around when I get home). The cable company has somone till 9:00 PM, and has weekend hours. I am not happy about this.

DirecTV is actually better than that.

It's very difficult to speak with a human at DirecTV. But it's very easy to do things like add HBO thru automated phone prompts. I just did that a few months ago when The Sopranos came back on.

Ok, now the bad news... I wanted to add some channels today (Saturday), turns out the office hours are Mon-Fri 8:00AM - 6:00PM, the automated system could not add them. Verizon MUST do something about this (6:00PM is around when I get home). The cable company has somone till 9:00 PM, and has weekend hours. I am not happy about this.
Obviously the answer is to have all account info available and editable via their web site - it is for the Internet service - I assume the same capability is in the works for the TV service. :cool:

Just wanted to let everyone know that nothing is fixed yet. I do get follow up calls saying that they are still working on it. I guess the most discouraging problem is the phone problem not being solved yet. It is a real bummer when a phone number that I call every day gives me the echo. As to the pic quality, still love it except for the 19-25 channels that are fuzzy.

Elliott

Ok, now the bad news... I wanted to add some channels today (Saturday), turns out the office hours are Mon-Fri 8:00AM - 6:00PM, the automated system could not add them. Verizon MUST do something about this (6:00PM is around when I get home). The cable company has somone till 9:00 PM, and has weekend hours. I am not happy about this.
I have pretty much given up trying to make changes to my service for now. Even when I am able to call during the limited office hours I end up sitting on hold FOREVER. One time I did that and get connected to a New York office. They forwarded me to a Texas office where I sat on hold for 30 minutes until I basically just gave up.

Luckily this is a case of me trying to delete the Movie and Sports Package at my wife's request. If I was trying to add something I really wanted I would be really upset.

I just read through all 29 screens of posts and have one question that hasn't been answered yet.

Can you playback recorded content if the cable is disconnected from the box?

The reason for doing this is to take a box to a weekend place (without FIOS). Dish DVRs don't let you playack without a satellite signal. This isn't a problem as it is easy to have a dish at both locations. If the FIOS HD DVR box will playback with the cable disconnected, I will switch to FIOS TV.

Jay

I just read through all 29 screens of posts and have one question that hasn't been answered yet.

Can you playback recorded content if the cable is disconnected from the box?

The reason for doing this is to take a box to a weekend place (without FIOS). Dish DVRs don't let you playack without a satellite signal. This isn't a problem as it is easy to have a dish at both locations. If the FIOS HD DVR box will playback with the cable disconnected, I will switch to FIOS TV.

Jay

I just removed the coax from from my 6416 STB and the DVR played fine.

I just removed the coax from from my 6416 STB and the DVR played fine.


It will involve a little more than that. It depends on what the box is going to try to do after being without power for several hours. It is definitely going to re-boot. How will the re-boot sequence react without the data carriers it expects?

I have just learned that my town, Oyster Bay Long Island, has just approved FIOS television service. All that remains is NYS Public Service Commsion approval before installations can take place.

I am a current FIOS internet service user and a D*TV subscriber. I am eager to dump D*TV, and I have been reading this forum trying to learn the details of the FIOS TV installation. I have always done my D*TV installations, and I am a little picky about my cable installs. So please excuse my simple questions, but here goes:

Does the FIOS TV HD recorder require one or two (like D*TV) RG6 cables?
Does each STB also require a CAT5 cable?
Will Verizon split the signal outside of my home and tap into my existing 4 RG6 cables from my satellite dish?
What other equipment will Verizon install in addition to my existing FIOS internet equipment?

Thanks for any help you can give.

I'm going to answer based on my installation, and what I know.

Does the FIOS TV HD recorder require one or two (like D*TV) RG6 cables?
If you mean coax cable, it only requires 1 coax cable per box. I have 4 splits off the main line into my house, I have 3 boxes (I'll explain the 4th one later).


Does each STB also require a CAT5 cable?
No, not as of now. I don't know what happens when they network the boxes later this month (or later this year), but currently only 1 line goes to the Motorola box, the coax cable.


Will Verizon split the signal outside of my home and tap into my existing 4 RG6 cables from my satellite dish?
I don't know for sure, but I will say this, the techs that installed my house worked very well with what I wanted and how I wanted it. I'd bet they will certainly entertain the idea, and do it if it is feasible for your installation. Also, they used my COX communications cables which were run through my house, they did not run any other cables.


What other equipment will Verizon install in addition to my existing FIOS internet equipment?
For me, they installed 2 motorolla HD-DVR boxes and 1 SD box. They also add a box they called the NIM, which uses my fourth coax cable and connects to the network with a RJ-45 cable. This is used for the VOD service (when this is disconnected only the VOD service seems affected). This also requires an internet connection on a router. They gave me a D-Link router preconfigured for this box. If you read through the posts, in this thread, someone explained how easy it is to use your existing router to replace this, but you'll have to make some changes to your router.

Hope that helps!

Thanks HT-Movie-Guy!

Thanks for the quick answer TXG8OR.

WHat I really need to know of course is the situation that bfoster mentions.

I would need to power down, unplug and remove coax.

Power up at the destination (no coax) and be able to watch recorded shows.

TXG8OR, did you happen to power down after unplugging the coax?

Thanks!
Jay

Thanks for the quick answer TXG8OR.

WHat I really need to know of course is the situation that bfoster mentions.

I would need to power down, unplug and remove coax.

Power up at the destination (no coax) and be able to watch recorded shows.

TXG8OR, did you happen to power down after unplugging the coax?

Thanks!
Jay


No. But I will try that today.

Hey Boss. I am a verizon technician installing fios service in howard county maryland. You tell us how you want things installed and we do it.

that is freaking awesome!

I'm in howard county maryland. Owen brown actually, right off of cradlerock.

Im kinda surprised that we havent been wired yet. And we arent on the schedule for may either.

I wonder if verizon forgot about us.

Hello all,

The networking part of the system is done over the RG6 (RF) cable. The FIOS technology uses a network protocal called MOCA that assigns an IP address to each STB. They then all communicate via IP to eachother. The IP address is assigned via DHCP from the router via the NIM. The NIM converts the IP signal it gets via the CAT5 and converts it to RF. All of your VOD's are streames over the internet. They come in over the CAT5 and go through the NIM and get converted to RF (RG6) and then sent to the STB.

THe new multi room DVR function will work with the 6416's and the 2500's. You will be able to watch DVR recordings on your 2500 that are recorded on your 6416. You will only be able to watch standard def shows at the 2500 is not HD. The 6200 will not support the multiroom. There is not enough bandwidth in the home network to stream an HD recorded show to another STB. You can watch a maximum of 2 recorded shows at one time (If you have 2 2500's and 1 6416). You will still be able to watch record normally on your 6416 while watching 2 streaming shows on your 2500's.

Hope this helps.

MJ

Hello all,

The networking part of the system is done over the RG6 (RF) cable. The FIOS technology uses a network protocal called MOCA that assigns an IP address to each STB. They then all communicate via IP to eachother. The IP address is assigned via DHCP from the router via the NIM. The NIM converts the IP signal it gets via the CAT5 and converts it to RF. All of your VOD's are streames over the internet. They come in over the CAT5 and go through the NIM and get converted to RF (RG6) and then sent to the STB.

THe new multi room DVR function will work with the 6416's and the 2500's. You will be able to watch DVR recordings on your 2500 that are recorded on your 6416. You will only be able to watch standard def shows at the 2500 is not HD. The 6200 will not support the multiroom. There is not enough bandwidth in the home network to stream an HD recorded show to another STB. You can watch a maximum of 2 recorded shows at one time (If you have 2 2500's and 1 6416). You will still be able to watch record normally on your 6416 while watching 2 streaming shows on your 2500's.

Hope this helps.

MJ

This is helpful ... and exciting - thanks!

Anyone else hear the May 30 roll out date?

Well, if anyone is interested I got another update from the main contact I have at Verizon. The determination seems to be that the problem is with the signal Verizon is receiving. It is my understanding that they are working with the service providers to try and rectify the problem. He did say however, that at some point the decision may come down to "this is the best we can do."

Elliott

Well, if anyone is interested I got another update from the main contact I have at Verizon. The determination seems to be that the problem is with the signal Verizon is receiving. It is my understanding that they are working with the service providers to try and rectify the problem. He did say however, that at some point the decision may come down to "this is the best we can do."

Elliott


Are you only having problems on one STB, and if so has the coax been replaced

MJDallas -

Thanks a lot for the info. I am unclear though about one thing, are you saying you'll ONLY be able to share between boxes non-HD shows? Even between the HD DVR boxes? That would be disappointing for me, since I have multiple HD sets.

MJDallas -

Thanks a lot for the info. I am unclear though about one thing, are you saying you'll ONLY be able to share between boxes non-HD shows? Even between the HD DVR boxes? That would be disappointing for me, since I have multiple HD sets.


Yes, that is correct. The multiroom function will work between 1 6416 STB and up to 2 2500 STB's. You will only be able to stream standard def shows from the 6416 to the 2500's only. No multiroom functions can take place between 2 6416's, (or 6200's) and of course only standard def shows can be streamed to a 2500 (because it is not an HD reciever).

If you have more than 1 6416 in your home, you will only be able to stream off of one unit. So, if you have one in your living room and one in your den, you will have to decide which one you want to act as the "main". The 2500's will be able to pull data from that unit only. The content on the 2nd 6416 will not be accessible. (except from the STB itself). They are working on being able to stream HD shows to either another 6416 or a 6200(non-DVR) but there are bandwidth issues at this time. The features will more than likely be available in the future. (not sure when)

The multimedia feature is right around the corner too. You will be able to load a Verizon multimedia client on your PC and listen to MP3's and view photos on your TV (Pulled from your PC). Your PC will of course have to be plugged into the same router that the NIM is plugged into (or attached via wireless). There will be more functions added to this feature in future updates as well. :)

MJ

Well, if anyone is interested I got another update from the main contact I have at Verizon. The determination seems to be that the problem is with the signal Verizon is receiving. It is my understanding that they are working with the service providers to try and rectify the problem. He did say however, that at some point the decision may come down to "this is the best we can do."

Elliott

Could you post the numbers of the problem channels? That way, others who read this board can check out how those channels look at their location (to see if this is a problem isolated to Northern VA). Also, when I call Verizon, I think it would be good to be consistent with your reports.

Just to clarify, the channels that you see problems with are in the digital tier (not 1-49), correct? I have not done an exhaustive study of the problem yet. What I HAVE seen are issues on some of the childrens channels.

Unfortunately, I don't have DirecTV anymore to do a side by side comparison. I dumped D* a few weeks back.

without waiting until I get home and look at my statement. Any body have the number? Verizon's Fios TV site does not provide the customer service number. They just say "The Verizon Fiber Solutions Center (FSC) provides live repair and support services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The number for the FSC can be found on your monthly bill or in your Welcome Kit." Why not just list the friggin' number on the web site? Geez, why make it difficult?

try (888) 933-3331.

without waiting until I get home and look at my statement. Any body have the number? Verizon's Fios TV site does not provide the customer service number. They just say "The Verizon Fiber Solutions Center (FSC) provides live repair and support services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The number for the FSC can be found on your monthly bill or in your Welcome Kit." Why not just list the friggin' number on the web site? Geez, why make it difficult?

I think you can call 800-GET-FIOS

i was reading the verizon fios tv website and they said that their dvr is a "dual tuner" dvr. Does that mean I can hookup two hd tv's to this one reciever (like dish network)?

If so, I will be able to save some money every month.

i was reading the verizon fios tv website and they said that their dvr is a "dual tuner" dvr. Does that mean I can hookup two hd tv's to this one reciever (like dish network)?

If so, I will be able to save some money every month.
Yes, that is true two tuners. However, there is only one output. You cannot have two TV's watching two different shows from the same DVR with FiOS.

Yes, that is true two tuners. However, there is only one output. You cannot have two TV's watching two different shows from the same DVR with FiOS.

oh ok.

that would be awesome if it did.

oh ok.

that would be awesome if it did.

But what it does mean is that you can be recording one show and be watching another. (same TV) Or record 2 shows at the same time while you are away, or record 2 shows and watch a VOD or other pre-recorded show (on the DVR).

:)

Hope that explains the dual tuners a bit.

MJ

NO, you can not record 2 shows and watch VOD. VOD currently requires a tuner. It will actually kick you out of VOD for about 5 mins when 2 shows are recorded back to back (because of the automatic recording buffer).

NO, you can not record 2 shows and watch VOD. VOD currently requires a tuner. It will actually kick you out of VOD for about 5 mins when 2 shows are recorded back to back (because of the automatic recording buffer).

You are correct. I just tested that function here on a regular 6416 and it would not let me do it. (I work for Verizon in a test lab) I do have a box with different software where that function works. May be a future release in the upcomming software. They have not mentioned that yet.

The VOD has nothing to do with the tuners. They are streamed off of a VOD server. The buffer on the STB is not used. The pause, FF, RR functions are off of the VOD server. There is some kind of buffer used, but it is not local on the STB.

I'll research this some more and let you know.

MJ

Thanks. For this reason I don't watch VOD, nor would I pay for pay-per-view to be cut of for 5 minutes in the middle of a movie. Even if the video quality of VOD was better.

No. But I will try that today.
Any luck with this test?

Thanks!
Jay

Any luck with this test?

Thanks!
Jay


Yes. Sorry I didn't respond sooner, but I've been out of town. I powered down the stb and unplugged it and took it to another room, hooked to another set and dvr worked fine.

Thank you SOOOO much, now I can order FIOS TV.

Jay

Just got a call from Verizon. They wanted to know if it would be OK to upgrade my FIOS Internet service from 5 to 10 Mb/sec download speed for no extra charge. :) The only time my previous ISP ever contacted me was for their periodic rate increases.

The general consensus seems to be that the actual picture quality of FIOS is better than Satellite. I have digital cable through Cablevision and was wondering how the picture quality for both SD and HD match up with digital cable.

SD picture quality goes down hill quick when there is any movement. Still picture is great, sporting events or any other movement of the camera or actors and it becomes very blocky. HD picture quality is great, no complaints except for the short audio drop outs (1-2 secs). VOD is only in SD (as of now) and is worse than regular SD channels. I came from DirecTV and the SD picture quality was much better.

Does FIOS work in conjunction with CableCARD? I'm getting a new Samsung HDTV with CableCARD (POD). I wonder if I will still need the HD box from Verizon if I have CableCARD? TIA for the enlightenment!

SD picture quality goes down hill quick when there is any movement. Still picture is great, sporting events or any other movement of the camera or actors and it becomes very blocky. HD picture quality is great, no complaints except for the short audio drop outs (1-2 secs). VOD is only in SD (as of now) and is worse than regular SD channels. I came from DirecTV and the SD picture quality was much better.


I must not have the visual powers that you folks have or my panny th50px60u pdp does an incredible job. The picture on most SD channels is so good that I sometimes think it is HD.

Does FIOS work in conjunction with CableCARD? I'm getting a new Samsung HDTV with CableCARD (POD). I wonder if I will still need the HD box from Verizon if I have CableCARD? TIA for the enlightenment!

FiOS TV will work with CableCARD, but they've just begun implementing this so it may not work in your area yet.

FiOS TV will work with CableCARD, but they've just begun implementing this so it may not work in your area yet.


Thanks! Does it mean that when it works with CableCARD you don't need the HD Set Top Box and all HD programming goes thru the CableCARD. Just trying to figure out how this works.

Thanks again!

Yep !

Dmon4u,

Do you currently receive HD programming with a CableCARD using Verizon FIOS? What does Verizon have to do to hook this up?

Thanks!

You need an Installer/Technician to come to your house to set up the CableCARD - if it's available in your area.

The CardCARD rollout is happening very very slowly across the U.S.

Here's a good bunch of posts in this thread that may answer some questions:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7487440&highlight=cablecard#post7487440

- as you can read, it's obvious that Verizon has there own CableCARD problems just like all the Cable Companies do. I always though that the cards were supposed to simplify things, but there's no joy there.

* My father worked for Verizon (Bell Atlantic) for 43 years and still has some connections. I get a little info, but not nearly as much as some others here.

POSITIVE NOTE: I got my first "real" bill this week from Verizon. I was blown away with the price considering how much I have TV wise, Internet and unlimited long distance. I am saving almost 50 bucks from the cable companany for the exact same list (Cox offers phone service). I only technically had 1 movie channel, the other was free for 1 year, and not all their 'tiers'. The I-Net speed is 15 times faster and I have almost 1/3 more channels, plus 2 hd dvr boxes instead of 1.

NEGATIVE NOTE: Did have another service problem though, keep in mind you get what you pay for. The service is 'not' very good overall - a definite step back from Cox. The automated phone system Verizon uses is very annoying, especially when your phone isn't working, when I finally got to speak to a real person they asked if I was calling from my home phone afer I told them I didn't have any phone service - makes me wonder. They wanted me to wait several days for the fix, that wasn't exactly good. They did however fix it in a few hours after my call, after complaining a lot more than I thought I should have to. Oh well, glad I had my cell phone. Isn't gonna make me change yet, but came very close.

Does anyone know when Fios will have PPV in HD or VOD in HD?

I still prefer to rent DVD's for new movies due to video and audio quality, but would really like the ability to just order HD movies from Fios. With all the bandwidth you's think it would be up and running.

Does anyone know when Fios will have PPV in HD or VOD in HD?

I still prefer to rent DVD's for new movies due to video and audio quality, but would really like the ability to just order HD movies from Fios. With all the bandwidth you's think it would be up and running.
Might be quite some time - they are streamed to the STB via IP not RF video, so it has big IP BW implications. Going from SD to HD on an IP network is not trivial.

How is comcast able to provide HD movies on demand, but Verizon supposedly has such a greater ability to provide content because of the fiber?

How is comcast able to provide HD movies on demand, but Verizon supposedly has such a greater ability to provide content because of the fiber?
I think all coax based cablecos provide their VOD via RF on the coax (that's how you can tune your neighbors' VOD) - FIOS does it via IP. Piping in that much info via IP is a bit harder than via RF. FIOS will eventually get there, but it will take some time. I think this is one area where FIOS compromised and said "I hope this satisfies our customers for now". They might be waiting for some integrated ONTs (vs. the seperate NIM currently) before they roll out HD VOD. :confused:

I must not have the visual powers that you folks have or my panny th50px60u pdp does an incredible job. The picture on most SD channels is so good that I sometimes think it is HD.
Agreed. My SD picture looks very good, nearly on par with upconverted SD to HD. When I first got FiOS I noticed a questionable SD picture, but that has been cleared up for some time. Much much much better than D*.

How about pixelation with movement. I have noticed it with sports (motorcycle racing) and my wife has noticed it even on her cooking shows (when mixing). It took me a while to cancel DTV, so we were doing a lot of comparisons the first month. I don't notice it on the 2500 box with a 27" standard tv. We notice it the most with the 6416 and the HD 50" DLP. We came from SD DirecTiVo.

Anybody out there who uses CableCARD with Verizon FIOS? Any monthly cost for the card? How does high-def work? Pros and cons? Anything you can share would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

How about pixelation with movement. I have noticed it with sports (motorcycle racing) and my wife has noticed it even on her cooking shows (when mixing). It took me a while to cancel DTV, so we were doing a lot of comparisons the first month. I don't notice it on the 2500 box with a 27" standard tv. We notice it the most with the 6416 and the HD 50" DLP. We came from SD DirecTiVo.
The quality of SD tends to vary by source, but currently nearly everything looks nice and crisp. There are a couple of factors that may explain the differences in what we are seeing. Note that both of us came over from D* using a HD-TiVo:

1. It is possible that your local FiOS "CO" is not properly tuned as yet. By this I mean that perhaps they are not receiving or handling the source signals at the best quality that they could be. The local SD channels in the DFW area sucked when I first hooked up, and I like many others complained. It was only a few weeks later when they all magically sharpened up. There are still some SD nationals that may show some pixelization still, but I attribute these to the quality of the source itself.

2. As you likely already know, D* overcompressed the heck out of its channels in order to fit on more and more premium content. While SD channels on D* would not be pixelated, they *would* tend to be very soft due to the high level of compression. It is hard to see pixelization under these circumstances.

Given #2 I tend to conclude that FiOS is not overcompressing its channels, but may be receiving some sources that are somewhat pixelated, or could be doing something wrong on a local-by-local basis. I current lean toward the former in the DFW area at least. Our local SDs here look as good as the same content upconverted on the HD channels. Of course, real HD still blows this away.

If I were you I would note which channels you believe suck the most and give FiOS a call (yes, I know this is still a painful process). Others are likely also calling, and I would also bet that the engineers in your area are probably aware of the problem anyway. This may just be part of the growing pains.

I did not have HD with DirecTV, if I did I would not of switch so quickly. I look at it as a loss of TiVo and a couple channels. For HD and a crappy dvr. For the first month I had both (it was hard to let go of TiVo) and did comparisons between the DTV and FiOS. With a Supercross race on Speed TV it was difficult to see the lap times scroll across the top of the screen with FiOS. I could switch back to DTV and see them fine. A motionless picture on FiOS is much sharper than DTV.

I could see the local FiOS "CO" being behind here. When I first got FiOS, only a handful of the lower analog channels came in. It took Verizon a couple trips to figure out they had a problem at their main distribution office.

I guess I had high expectations of FiOS TV. I/we were excited about FiOS TV until we started to use it and saw the picture. Hopefully the HD TiVo with cable cards will come out soon!

It might be worthwhile to tell V* about what you are seeing, although I am always concerns that they will do a generic "swap the box" move for no good reason.

Speed TV looks reasonably sharp here, and this is on a 60" RP LCD. Must be local to you.

Good luck!

I just hooked up my 2500 standard box to my 50" DLP and the SD picture quality via SVideo is better than SD picture from the 6416 via HDMI. I guess I need to make an appointment. Sucks because Verizon takes 2 weeks to get out and only M-F so I will have to take a day off work once I figure what day they can come out. Nice thing about Cable, they will come out Saturday and never had to wait 2 weeks.

S Video may mask the pixelization. It is likely still in your source, but you could have a bad HDMI card.

The quality of SD tends to vary by source, but currently nearly everything looks nice and crisp. There are a couple of factors that may explain the differences in what we are seeing. Note that both of us came over from D* using a HD-TiVo:

1. It is possible that your local FiOS "CO" is not properly tuned as yet. By this I mean that perhaps they are not receiving or handling the source signals at the best quality that they could be. The local SD channels in the DFW area sucked when I first hooked up, and I like many others complained. It was only a few weeks later when they all magically sharpened up. There are still some SD nationals that may show some pixelization still, but I attribute these to the quality of the source itself.

2. As you likely already know, D* overcompressed the heck out of its channels in order to fit on more and more premium content. While SD channels on D* would not be pixelated, they *would* tend to be very soft due to the high level of compression. It is hard to see pixelization under these circumstances.

Given #2 I tend to conclude that FiOS is not overcompressing its channels, but may be receiving some sources that are somewhat pixelated, or could be doing something wrong on a local-by-local basis. I current lean toward the former in the DFW area at least. Our local SDs here look as good as the same content upconverted on the HD channels. Of course, real HD still blows this away.

If I were you I would note which channels you believe suck the most and give FiOS a call (yes, I know this is still a painful process). Others are likely also calling, and I would also bet that the engineers in your area are probably aware of the problem anyway. This may just be part of the growing pains.

The local HD channels are being brought in "off air" and then digitized and sent over the Fiber. They are getting their direct feed this month. This should clear up a ton of the picture quality issues people are having.

Since they are getting the LOCAL HD channels off of an antenna currently there are atmospheric contitions to consider. The signal that comes into the digitizer gets amplified and sent out. If there is a crappy signal coming in..... You get a crappy signal coming out.

This should all be cleared up this month after the direct feeds are installed.

The local HD channels are being brought in "off air" and then digitized and sent over the Fiber. They are getting their direct feed this month. This should clear up a ton of the picture quality issues people are having.

Since they are getting the LOCAL HD channels off of an antenna currently there are atmospheric contitions to consider. The signal that comes into the digitizer gets amplified and sent out. If there is a crappy signal coming in..... You get a crappy signal coming out.

This should all be cleared up this month after the direct feeds are installed.

Does this only apply only to the "local HD channels"? Personally, I'm not really seeing issues with the my local HD channels (801-808) broadcasting HD content. The picture is excellent. The only time I see issues with the "local HD channels" is when they are showing SD programming. But I assumed this was normal.

My pq issues are with the local sd channels (analog) and some of the national digital channels, like Nickleodeon, etc...

When you say "after the direct feeds are installed", what exactly do you mean? Are you just talking about the local HD channels? :confused:

I've noticed (by reading posts in the AVSFORUMs) that PQ seems to differ from one Verizon FiOS TV service area to another. I am located in Northern Virginia, (Fairfax County, near Dulles Airport).

The only consistent PQ comments (across different areas) I've read indicate that HD is outstanding :D on FiOS.

However, I have seen some posts where people indicate all SD channels (except for the local analog ones) are very good, while others (including myself) indicate some SD channels are very good, while others are not so good. My previous provider was DirecTV, whose SD PQ, IMHO, was not very good. I had read here (and other places) that FiOS SD PQ was almost "DVD like" for all their channels. I personally don't see it. As I indicated, some channels are very good (almost "DVD like"), and others not so good. The "not so good" ones are as bad (or maybe even a little worse?) than DirecTV.

First of all, what exactly is the "CO" that others have referred to? Some previous posts in this thread talk about the local Verizon FiOS "CO". I assume this is the local FiOS channel distribution center that receives the signals from the various providers and distributes them on the fiber? If this is the case, wouldn't the providers for the national SD channels be the same from one CO to the next? Or might there be some COs that have different providers that account for the PQ differences?

For the record, I am using a 23" Sony HD LCD and a 30" Toshiba HD Tube TV.

Yeah, HD PQ is great. Pixelation is very rare with HD but does happen. I have noticed it on FiOS and a friend has noticed it on Time Warner.

FiOS tech just left after replacing the box. Did not fix a thing. However I lost all my recording and settings. He said he is going to talk to his boss and for me to call him in a few days. He gave me his cell number.

Problems I have:
1. Pixelation on SD whenever there is any motion.
2. Audio delay. I have HDMI straight to the TV and optical audio to the receiver. This results in a delay in the audio, picture and audio don't match. If you listen to the audio on the tv from HDMI and the receiver you will notice a definite echo. If I take the optical audio out of the TV (delivered to the TV via HDMI) to the receiver, I don't get the delay neither do i get 5.1 digital audio.
3. Audio dropouts. Audio dropouts for a second or so at random times. Mostly on all HD channels.
4. Audio cutouts. Audio cuts out completely at random after changing channels quickly or fast forwarding.

It sucks how little FiOS tech know about, well anything. The tech did not know what HDMI was, he did not know it carried audio (none less digital) as well. Best of all the tech asked me why the pixelation is happening.

First of all, what exactly is the "CO" that others have referred to? Some previous posts in this thread talk about the local Verizon FiOS "CO". I assume this is the local FiOS channel distribution center that receives the signals from the various providers and distributes them on the fiber? If this is the case, wouldn't the providers for the national SD channels be the same from one CO to the next? Or might there be some COs that have different providers that account for the PQ differences?A "CO" is a "central office". However, despite it's name ... it's not as "central" as you might think (especially for video).

BTW, you can find your CO here:
http://www.dslreports.com/coinfo

All national channels for Verizon are aquired and aggregated at one of two national "Super Headends" (SHE). Then, there's the "Video Hub Office" (VHO)where local channels are aggregated (and ad insertion and various other things). Then finally, there's the "Video Serving Office" (VSO) at your local CO. However, the only thing the VSO is doing is taking the feed from the VHO and sending it on (adding voice and data at 1490 nm).

Different COs / VSOs with the same VHO shouldn't see different PQ ... but different VHOs or SHEs might ...

Note: The above is based on the architecture information Verizon submits with it's Franchise applications ... for example here:
http://www.ripuc.org/utilityinfo/cabletv/VerizonExhibit%201%20-%20Sample%20Programming%20Packages.pdf

It was the exact same in their Northern Virginia applications ... but I can't find any of those right now.

I discovered today that there is a major flaw with the FIOS Motorola HD/DVR boxes. I would think that this has been discussed already but I have don't have time to search through the entire thread. I had an entire install of FOIS on 6 TV's today. After the tech left I started to tweak out the units starting with my HT room. The box is run to my IF7205 FP via HDMI, sound to my AVR via coax. The first thing I noticed is that the sound was defaulting to PCM. I played with the little sound setting that Motorola has only to find out there was no way to get the DVR to play in Dolby 5.1 or better. I called FIOS cust support and was transferred to a "specialist". What a joke that was trying to explain while she was on the other line with Motorola tech support. Long story short Motorola has a bug in their box that does not allow DD 5.1 playback when using the HDMI for video and coax or optic for audio. I was told to forget using HDMI and use component instead and that will enable DD 5.1 playback via digital output. They have to be kidding me! I immediately cancelled service and told them to come back and pick up all the equip. Glad I did not cancel my BrightHouse service. FIOS admitted that they know about this issue but feel that it is not a big problem and that they were told by Motorola that they should have a fix in a month or so....I HAVE HEARD THAT BEFORE. Also in Video observation, I have to say I see no quality improvement over BrightHouse. All in all I am very disapointed. I have had FIOS for my data for a couple of months and have been very happy. I really was hoping that FIOS TV would blow me away but that just does not seem to be the case in any way shape or form. In reality I think the PQ with BH is better....go figure.

Has this issue been fixed yet?

Has this issue been fixed yet?
Yes, fixed in recent firmware update. DD5.1 now works through optical even if HDMI is connected.

Yes, fixed in recent firmware update. DD5.1 now works through optical even if HDMI is connected.


Thanks! Think I may give V* another wirl.

I should be receiving my new Samsung HL-S6188W in a week or two. As soon as I do, I plan on getting FIOS TV. Any words of wisdom on how to get the very best possible HD resolution with FIOS? What's the best way to hook up FIOS for the best PQ? I just want to sound somewhat knowledgeable when the Tech arrives to install and hook-up the FIOS. Still learning...

Thanks,

I should be receiving my new Samsung HL-S6188W in a week or two. As soon as I do, I plan on getting FIOS TV. Any words of wisdom on how to get the very best possible HD resolution with FIOS? What's the best way to hook up FIOS for the best PQ? I just want to sound somewhat knowledgeable when the Tech arrives to install and hook-up the FIOS. Still learning...

Thanks,
Generally, component for a CRT type TV and HDMI for flat screen TV. YMMV. :cool:

OK, some silly questions for you guys. Verizon ran fiber down my street a couple of weeks ago so I'm optimistic that eventually I'll be able to subscribe to their FiOS TV service. Does their fiber end at the street or is it extended to the house? If fiber goes to the house, does Verizon use the existing in-home RG-6 coax? Are there any other cabling options for inside the home with Verizon FiOS? For those who own a PDP and switched from CATV to FiOS, is there a perceptible difference with picture quality? Does Verizon FiOS TV support CableCARD connectivity?

Fiber comes all the way to the house and ends in the ONT - which then breaks out the TV, data and phone signals.
They try to use as much of the exisitng coax in the house as possible but will add some if needed.
PQ is generally better than anything else, but there are a lot of variables. In new areas it may take a while for them to get everything right.
CC is available.

Thanks. Does Verizon support CableCARDs?

Thanks. Does Verizon support CableCARDs?
In general yes, but it may depend on your area - it's a new thing for FIOS.

I couldn't wait, I had to have High Def video-on-demand so I recently received and connected MovieBeam to my system. I was able to get MovieBeam for $53 shipped by using the promotion code "PR49B." FYI, the quality of the SD movies on MovieBeam are superior to those on Verizon's Video-on-Demand, and about 5 of the movies are shown in HD. Note, however, that the HD is compressed somewhat and the picture is not as good as the HD offerings on Verizon, but much better than Verizon's SD movies. It appears that a majority of the movies offered on MovieBeam are widescreen, and many offer 5.1 surround sound. So far I am impressed by the service.

Does any one here use the the HDMI connection from the set top box and have it go into a HDMI receiver? Any issues with the video pass through or audio problems?

Does Verizon offer essentially the same HD channel line-up as Time Warner? What model box do they provide as an STB-DVR? Who makes their CableCARDs?

Does Verizon offer essentially the same HD channel line-up as Time Warner? What model box do they provide as an STB-DVR? Who makes their CableCARDs?

Don't know about TW but they offer more HD channels than comcast and their SD quality is excellent. The STB I have is a Motorola 6416 which is the DVR version with 160 gig HD. It also has HDMI output, optical digital audio, and coax digital audio.

Does Verizon offer essentially the same HD channel line-up as Time Warner? What model box do they provide as an STB-DVR? Who makes their CableCARDs?
You can find the FIOS HD channel lineup at the FIOS site.

What diff does it make who makes the CC? :confused:

What model box do they provide as an STB-DVR? Who makes their CableCARDs?


STB - Motorola Qip 6416 DVR (160 Gig Hard drive)

Cable cards are Motorola

Thanks for all the responses.

You can find the FIOS HD channel lineup at the FIOS site.

What diff does it make who makes the CC? :confused:Most likely none... but inquiring minds like to know.

A quick FiOS review, from Nyack, NY, where we've been anxiously awaiting some competition for Cablevision:

I had Verizon techs at my house over the weekend, and they did the 'full' FiOS install (cable, w/HD DVR in my HT room, an HD STB for our older HD display, and an SD STB for an old Sony CRT my sons use; broadband internet; digitized POTS service).

They seemed to have a *much* greater grasp of technical issues than anyone that Cablevision ever sent out to us on a service call. Having said that, however, those who haven't ordered FiOS yet should be aware that the install is essentially a full day job, starting at the utility pole, where they 'tap' the fiberoptic network and branch it to the house and the ONT (as others have mentioned in this thread, a demux that breaks out the video, broadband and telephone services to be routed into the house). They also install a battery backup unit for the ONT, which is said to give 4-6 hours of operation in the event of a blackout. The existing coax is used to distribute video (also, as has been mentioned) and they find a convenient way to feed CAT5 to a network interface and broadband wireless router, both for HS internet and 2-way comms with the STBs, if any PPV events are ordered.

We've lived with the service for a couple of days, so, my initial impressions:

Broadband data service is faultless and discrete, thus faster than the old cable modem was, but my gripes are with the video service, to wit, chard007's previous question:

Does any one here use the the HDMI connection from the set top box and have it go into a HDMI receiver? Any issues with the video pass through or audio problems?

There are definite, annoying HDMI problems with the Motorola HD DVR and STB, which I believe have been discussed in other threads on AVS. They tend to lose HDCP handshake very easily, and the DVR required careful experimentation with the cabling between it, my iScan HD+ and Sharp LC-45GX6U. This meant reterminating the HDMI connector to the DVR several times, or figuring out the best order in which to switch on the equipment so that the HDCP handshake gets done, otherwise the iScan loses lock and outputs a blue screen.

The other, more substantial issues I have with FiOS video are to do with their HD picture quality, which, frankly, I expected to be better. On many feeds (of which there are, admittedly, many more than Cablevision) picture quality is superb, particularly HDNet and HDNet Movies, where the extra bandwidth on the fiber network really shows. However, on some services, there is a peculiar effect I've not seen before: The feed seems to suddenly skip a frame or half-frame, and I'm not describing standard glitches (uncorrected bit-rate errors). I thought at first it might have something to do with the 'simple' way in which the iScan HD+ scales the video to 1080p, or perhaps with 24-frame film playback being scaled to 1080p/60 by the iScan, but I observed the same random effect on both film and video feeds, *and* on the other HD STB, which doesn't run through a processor.

I haven't called Verizon Customer Service on this, yet, since I suspect that it's an issue about which they'd be clueless. Someone higher in the foodchain, in network video engineering or TOC, or perhaps someone aware of peculiarities with the Motorola boxes might be able to explain/correct/start the correction process on this. Maybe somebody here has some other ideas about what might be causing this?

Most of their HD feeds are good, though, and as was mentioned earlier in this thread, SD looks much, much better than on cable.

Despite their previous dismal customer service record, I think Verizon are trying really hard to make FiOS a success, based on my dealings with them thus far. I've been a broadcast engineer for 30 years, and I certainly know what dealing with them on broadcast circuit problems can be like.

Hope this helps.

Roger

I have Verizon FiOS HD service with a Motorola QIP6416 decoder box. The QIP6416 has a IEEE 1394 firewire connectors on the back. Is it possible to use this connection to connect the QIP6416 to a PC, and use the PC to record the digital video stream as a DVR ? I have not tried to make the connection yet, I need to get a firewire card for my PC, but I do not want to buy one if this will not work.

thanks in advance,
Jeff in Maryland

(I apologize if this question has already been answered, but I did not find any posts about using the firewire port on the QIP6416.)

I am switching over to FIOS next week. I would like to run HDMI through my receiver using their HD DVR Box. My receiver, a Yamaha RXV-1600, is essentially a repeater. I currently can not do this on my Cox box because of a know flaw with some boxes with HDCP. I get a screen message saying device does not support HDCP. Is anyone running HDMI through a receiver or repeater like this with FIOS.

I am not referring to a switch. With a switch I get no problems, but with my reciver I do get problems. My reciever dose support HDCP because the manual stipulates this and I am running another device (HD DVD) player through it, with no problems.

Thanks

Further to my post last night about HDCP handshake problems with the Motorola HD DVR (QIP6416) that FiOS are using:

My problem (using the iScan HD+ as switcher/scaler and losing HDCP lock) is the same experienced by everyone who's reported problems interposing a processor or AV receiver in the HDMI chain with either Motorola DVRs or some versions of the Scientific-Atlanta 8300HD. A quick search on the Web shows that neither manufacturer bothered to make sure these units are fully compliant with HDMI 1.1, and as such, they require a firmware update to function consistently in an HDMI chain.

**In other words, your problems aren't due to your equipment, they're due to the fussiness of the HDMI protocol and HDCP, and laziness on the part of the STB manufacturers and digital cable providers in ensuring that they comply with that protocol, requiring that their STBs recognize a *relaying* device, a scaler/processor/AV receiver, in the HDMI chain, and pass high-rez video to those relaying devices (already HDCP compliant) on the way to your display.**

I had a long discussion with a Verizon FiOS video ops engineer earlier tonight, and asked that some sort of firmware be pushed ASAP to correct the problem, as it's getting annoying to deal with unpredictable blue-screen-instead-of-1080p-scaled-video problems, when the Motorola decides it can't HDCP handshake with the iScan and kills HDMI video output.

We'll see how responsive they are. I was promised a call-back tomorrow from someone on their hardware monitoring and development team. I'd hate like hell to have to go back to Cablevision, but I will if they don't solve the problem quickly.

Roger

They could tell you, "yes we are going to fix it", but it could be months before they actually do. Your problem is probably way at the bottom of their list of priorities. This will become even less of a priority once they start rolling out Tivo3s as the main DVR (which I assume won't have this problem)

Further to my post last night about HDCP handshake problems with the Motorola HD DVR (QIP6416) that FiOS are using:

My problem (using the iScan HD+ as switcher/scaler and losing HDCP lock) is the same experienced by everyone who's reported problems interposing a processor or AV receiver in the HDMI chain with either Motorola DVRs or some versions of the Scientific-Atlanta 8300HD. A quick search on the Web shows that neither manufacturer bothered to make sure these units are fully compliant with HDMI 1.1, and as such, they require a firmware update to function consistently in an HDMI chain.

**In other words, your problems aren't due to your equipment, they're due to the fussiness of the HDMI protocol and HDCP, and laziness on the part of the STB manufacturers and digital cable providers in ensuring that they comply with that protocol, requiring that their STBs recognize a *relaying* device, a scaler/processor/AV receiver, in the HDMI chain, and pass high-rez video to those relaying devices (already HDCP compliant) on the way to your display.**

I had a long discussion with a Verizon FiOS video ops engineer earlier tonight, and asked that some sort of firmware be pushed ASAP to correct the problem, as it's getting annoying to deal with unpredictable blue-screen-instead-of-1080p-scaled-video problems, when the Motorola decides it can't HDCP handshake with the iScan and kills HDMI video output.

We'll see how responsive they are. I was promised a call-back tomorrow from someone on their hardware monitoring and development team. I'd hate like hell to have to go back to Cablevision, but I will if they don't solve the problem quickly.

Roger

Definately keep us up to date on this. I am intersted to see if they can fix it quickly and easily.

Do you have to have a STB for each TV in your house to watch TV when using FIOS TV?

Do you have to have a STB for each TV in your house to watch TV when using FIOS TV?
Yes ($4 each for a SD box). You can get all the channels under 50 with a cable-ready tv. But this is only limited basic cable (OTA mostly).

-John

They could tell you, "yes we are going to fix it", but it could be months before they actually do. Your problem is probably way at the bottom of their list of priorities. This will become even less of a priority once they start rolling out Tivo3s as the main DVR (which I assume won't have this problem)


Indeed, that could be the scenario, but hope not. Got a followup call earlier from someone at Verizon, so we'll see how it goes.

Don't get me wrong, my overall impression of FiOS thus far is that it's a major improvement over Cablevision, but I wanted all to be aware of both the exigencies of the the install process and the bugs still to be worked out of their new system....and you're right about Tivo Series 3. I hope they'll offer it, otherwise I might have to spend even more money on equipment than I have already! :p

Roger

Do you have to have a STB for each TV in your house to watch TV when using FIOS TV?

If you sign up for a year they'll waive the fee on one standard STB.

If you sign up for a year they'll waive the fee on one standard STB.
Not if you already have the discount due to your data (Internet) connection.

There are a few clear QAM channels that are not duplicates of the analogs below ch 50. You only need an STB (or CableCard) if you want channels above basic service.

Like natsand, my issues with FiOS have been primarily on the Video side of the installs. Having had FiOS since March I've run this service through it's paces and while I'm excited by all the new bandwidth I have, but the video side needs some upgrading.

It's probably the equipment that I have the most problem with. I've wanted to chuck this Moto box out the window a few hundred times due to a few issues:

1. It doesn't listen to remote commands very well. It got better after the firmware upgrade but it's still a pain.
2. Random resets happen during recording. I'll then have several recordings of say Hells Kitchen one lasting for 10 minutes and another for 50 minutes. Or say during CSI one time I had 10 recordings of the show of varying lengths.
3. Dumping of all data. I've come home twice now and have had all my recordings erased. Not only recordings but also my wish list too. Re-Programming 30 shows is a pain.
4. The UI stinks. I'm coming from TiVo and of course everything stinks once you've used a TiVo for more then 10 minutes.

Adding of the widgets is nice and the upcoming Media Manager addition will be welcome but what I'd really like to see is a Moto 6416 + TiVo upgrade or maybe a SA box. My dream scenario would be ditch the Moto and get a CableCard 2.0 ready TiVo that records HD. w00t that would be nice.

As everyone else has commented the PQ is very nice. Much better then Comcast provided me before but about on par for what I remember Dish being. The HD channels, especially HDNet are also very nice. I've noticed the frame skipping but mostly on channels like TNT and National Geographic.

I also like the fact that my Denon will accept the HDMI signal with farless a fuss then what it sounds like most people are having.

Soulposition,

just a quick FYI,

as far as issue 2 and 3 are concerned, I have had the service since March and have not had any problems with the box like you have experienced.

As far as issue 4 is concerned, I have never had Tivo, but I did have a Cox Cable DVR. The Verizon DVR is far superior to the Cox DVR in my opinion.

--croorc

Verizon doesn't want to let the cat out the bag, but with every call to a CSR and other people's opinion and experience with the 6416 it's a matter of time before it adopts the Tivo3. The problem then might be that they'll want the customers to buy them (at $500 a pop) so Verizon can get out of the rental business (although they'll charge you for the CC in the unit)

The OpenCable™ Initiative

Panasonic Signs Up for Downloadable Security Technology (http://www.cablelabs.com/news/pr/2006/06_pr_dcas_panasonic_041006.html)

CableLabs® Awards Qualification to Scientific Atlanta for Multi-Stream CableCARD™ (http://www.cablelabs.com/news/pr/2006/06_pr_mcard_sa_040606.html)

Has there been any indication from Verizon FiOS TV regarding how/when these initiatives will/may be implemented? I'm amazed some Forum participants are lining up to purchase a $10,000 1080p PDP to watch a handful of HD DVDs while remaining "enslaved" to their cable providers STB.

Verizon doesn't want to let the cat out the bag, but with every call to a CSR and other people's opinion and experience with the 6416 it's a matter of time before it adopts the Tivo3. The problem then might be that they'll want the customers to buy them (at $500 a pop) so Verizon can get out of the rental business (although they'll charge you for the CC in the unit)


Sorry but there's no way that VZ will move in this direction. Did you forget that the Tivo does not support IPTV...does not support MoCA ...does not support multi-room DVR...does not support the VZ program guide.....requires 2 cablecards per box or VZ to add Cablecard 2.0 support......

You should take a look at some of the local threads about cable co's and their equipment here on AVS....both the Moto's and the SA's are not thought well of....but cable co's are still pushing them out......

Now I do not doubt that if you want to buy them and pay the cablecard fees, VZ will allow you to use the Tivo, but it's not going to come from VZ or be their solution. What will be their solution is to fix what they have now.

Actually, there are some fairly reliable rumors around about Verizon working directly with TiVo on the issues you define -- most notably the integration of IPTV and MoCA. It isn't like Verizon will be the only one utilizing this platform (or parts of it). TiVo would be silly not to be positioned for this market.

Verizon wouldn't be talking to Tivo if it didn't have the features its current DVRs already have. Verizon probably realizes that lots of D* customers (and others) like their Tivo and that's what it will take to steal them away, along with all the other things FIOS offers.

Heck, there might be some lurkers around here that won't switch to FIOS just cause it doesn't have the 30s skip. :eek:

Heck, there might be some lurkers around here that won't switch to FIOS just cause it doesn't have the 30s skip. :eek:

I am going to try FiOS, but still keep my Dish Network, in case I can't live without the 30 sec. skip!! It seems like a major drawback to me!!

Tom in TX

Verizon wouldn't be talking to Tivo if it didn't have the features its current DVRs already have. Verizon probably realizes that lots of D* customers (and others) like their Tivo and that's what it will take to steal them away, along with all the other things FIOS offers.

Heck, there might be some lurkers around here that won't switch to FIOS just cause it doesn't have the 30s skip. :eek:

I think I must have misunderstood you because your said "Tivo 3". Tivo 3 is a hardware platform. It does not support the things that I said and requires 2 cablecard 1 cards to provide 2 tuner support with Fios. It can support cablecard 2...if VZ adds support for them. As cable card is dying, I'd bet that will not happen.

As you and others are saying that VZ is talking with Tivo (something that I had not heard until now) let me point out that Tivo has announced that they are working with Comcast to bring the Tivo software to Comcast DVR's. Those DVRs are Motorola boxes that are the same base as the VZ units. If Tivo can ever finish the Comcast project...(it's been going on a LONG time, but as a long time DirecTivo owner I can tell you,Tivo's software progress is very slow) then support on the VZ DVR's would be a perfect fit.

But that is not "Tivo 3"

As you and others are saying that VZ is talking with Tivo (something that I had not heard until now) let me point out that Tivo has announced that they are working with Comcast to bring the Tivo software to Comcast DVR's. Those DVRs are Motorola boxes that are the same base as the VZ units. If Tivo can ever finish the Comcast project...(it's been going on a LONG time, but as a long time DirecTivo owner I can tell you,Tivo's software progress is very slow) then support on the VZ DVR's would be a perfect fit.

I guess this makes the most sense, although I don't know how easy it would be reflash an existing 6416 DVR to Tivo firmware. I assume this would be a blow to MS unless somehow the Tivo software rides on top of whatever MS has running on the 6416.

Verizon wouldn't be talking to Tivo if it didn't have the features its current DVRs already have. Verizon probably realizes that lots of D* customers (and others) like their Tivo and that's what it will take to steal them away, along with all the other things FIOS offers.

Heck, there might be some lurkers around here that won't switch to FIOS just cause it doesn't have the 30s skip. :eek:


I programed in a 30 second skip on my 6416 remote. The remote is the silver one that comcast and others use. I also programed in a switch between rcvr 1 and rcvr 2 (it doesn't accomplish anything in my opinion).

A quick FiOS review, from Nyack, NY, where we've been anxiously awaiting some competition for Cablevision:

I had Verizon techs at my house over the weekend, and they did the 'full' FiOS install (cable, w/HD DVR in my HT room, an HD STB for our older HD display, and an SD STB for an old Sony CRT my sons use; broadband internet; digitized POTS service).

They seemed to have a *much* greater grasp of technical issues than anyone that Cablevision ever sent out to us on a service call. Having said that, however, those who haven't ordered FiOS yet should be aware that the install is essentially a full day job, starting at the utility pole, where they 'tap' the fiberoptic network and branch it to the house and the ONT (as others have mentioned in this thread, a demux that breaks out the video, broadband and telephone services to be routed into the house). They also install a battery backup unit for the ONT, which is said to give 4-6 hours of operation in the event of a blackout. The existing coax is used to distribute video (also, as has been mentioned) and they find a convenient way to feed CAT5 to a network interface and broadband wireless router, both for HS internet and 2-way comms with the STBs, if any PPV events are ordered.

We've lived with the service for a couple of days, so, my initial impressions:

Broadband data service is faultless and discrete, thus faster than the old cable modem was, but my gripes are with the video service, to wit, chard007's previous question:



There are definite, annoying HDMI problems with the Motorola HD DVR and STB, which I believe have been discussed in other threads on AVS. They tend to lose HDCP handshake very easily, and the DVR required careful experimentation with the cabling between it, my iScan HD+ and Sharp LC-45GX6U. This meant reterminating the HDMI connector to the DVR several times, or figuring out the best order in which to switch on the equipment so that the HDCP handshake gets done, otherwise the iScan loses lock and outputs a blue screen.

The other, more substantial issues I have with FiOS video are to do with their HD picture quality, which, frankly, I expected to be better. On many feeds (of which there are, admittedly, many more than Cablevision) picture quality is superb, particularly HDNet and HDNet Movies, where the extra bandwidth on the fiber network really shows. However, on some services, there is a peculiar effect I've not seen before: The feed seems to suddenly skip a frame or half-frame, and I'm not describing standard glitches (uncorrected bit-rate errors). I thought at first it might have something to do with the 'simple' way in which the iScan HD+ scales the video to 1080p, or perhaps with 24-frame film playback being scaled to 1080p/60 by the iScan, but I observed the same random effect on both film and video feeds, *and* on the other HD STB, which doesn't run through a processor.

I haven't called Verizon Customer Service on this, yet, since I suspect that it's an issue about which they'd be clueless. Someone higher in the foodchain, in network video engineering or TOC, or perhaps someone aware of peculiarities with the Motorola boxes might be able to explain/correct/start the correction process on this. Maybe somebody here has some other ideas about what might be causing this?

Most of their HD feeds are good, though, and as was mentioned earlier in this thread, SD looks much, much better than on cable.

Despite their previous dismal customer service record, I think Verizon are trying really hard to make FiOS a success, based on my dealings with them thus far. I've been a broadcast engineer for 30 years, and I certainly know what dealing with them on broadcast circuit problems can be like.

Hope this helps.

Roger

NATSND,

I've had FiOS in Northern VA for approx. 2 months and I have experienced what you describe as a frame jump for the past 2-3 weeks that is intermittant. I have the DVR that has the HDMI cable to DVI connected to my Sony Grand Wega LCD. It does not go thru any receiver. Is there a way to eliminate this problem? Thanks.

I programed in a 30 second skip on my 6416 remote. The remote is the silver one that comcast and others use. I also programed in a switch between rcvr 1 and rcvr 2 (it doesn't accomplish anything in my opinion).

Did you program the remote that came with the 6416, or did you get a Comcast remote, and program that?

Tom in TX

Did you program the remote that came with the 6416, or did you get a Comcast remote, and program that?

Tom in TX

I had an extra comcast remote that I programed. I have read that the fios remote cannot be programed, but I don't know for sure. BTW the comcast remote is pretty cheap and I like the arrangement of buttons better than Fios. The only drawback I see is that it doesn't have an "Input" button for the TV.

I think it was discussed before that the 30s skip feature can't be programmed with the remote for FIOS.

Yes, do a search here or on dslreports. If you have a programmable remote like the Harmony or Channel Master you should be able to program it into there as well.

Here in northern VA FIOS is only installed M-F from 9-5 and apparently takes about all day. They don't even give you a window, just all day. I had mine scheduled for tomorrow but had to cancel today because something came up work. What gives with not having off hours install or Saturday and Sunday, if they could fix that I would go with them? That is completely annoying... for that reason alone they arent getting my business. Who wants to waste a day off from work to wait around on cable guy.

Here in northern VA FIOS is only installed M-F from 9-5 and apparently takes about all day. They don't even give you a window, just all day. I had mine scheduled for tomorrow but had to cancel today because something came up work. What gives with not having off hours install or Saturday and Sunday, if they could fix that I would go with them? That is completely annoying... for that reason alone they arent getting my business. Who wants to waste a day off from work to wait around on cable guy.After paying umpteen $$$ to Time Warner Cable for the past 20 - 30 years... I'd jump through just about any hoop to get Verizon FiOS TV. :D

I had a long conversation w/someone from Verizon video operations earlier this afternoon, and we covered all of the problems I'd noted in my earlier posts.

She was quite knowledgeable about these:

I spoke to her about the Motorola 6416 and the intermittent nature of the unit's ability to recognize an HDMI relay (in my case an iScan HD+) in the digital video chain because of HDMI 1.1 compliance issues, and this was supposedly dealt with in a firmware patch they distributed a few months ago, but I mentioned that hadn't seemed to work. I have, however (as has been mentioned in other threads about Motorola cable equipment here on AVS Forum) found that I can minimize any HDCP faliures by powering up my Sharp LCD first, and then the DVR.

There was also the rather serious issue of frame skipping, noted both by me and others in this thread, at random on various HD channels and different parts of the country. We agreed this is totally unacceptable, and certainly shouldn't be happening on a new, very high bandwidth fiber network, where the HD signals are barely being compressed, if at all.

Finally, I mentioned that I'd seen an unacceptably high number of uncorrected bit-rate errors (glitches) in various transmissions, also something needing Verizon engineering attention.

I was told by my Verizon contact that she would raise all of these issues in their upcoming video engineering team conference call, and she promised to keep me in the loop regarding solutions. I work for CBS as an engineering supervisor, so I'm well aware that fixes for these things aren't of the 'flip that switch over there' simple variety, but I pointed out that they all require concentrated thought and relatively expeditious solutions, otherwise some of us might have to grit our teeth and go back to 'the devil we know' (Cablevision) despite Verizon's apparent efforts to get things right with FiOS TV.

We shall see...

Roger

I had a long conversation w/someone from Verizon video operations earlier this afternoon, and we covered all of the problems I'd noted in my earlier posts.

She was quite knowledgeable about these:

I spoke to her about the Motorola 6416 and the intermittent nature of the unit's ability to recognize an HDMI relay (in my case an iScan HD+) in the digital video chain because of HDMI 1.1 compliance issues, and this was supposedly dealt with in a firmware patch they distributed a few months ago, but I mentioned that hadn't seemed to work. I have, however (as has been mentioned in other threads about Motorola cable equipment here on AVS Forum) found that I can minimize any HDCP faliures by powering up my Sharp LCD first, and then the DVR.

There was also the rather serious issue of frame skipping, noted both by me and others in this thread, at random on various HD channels and different parts of the country. We agreed this is totally unacceptable, and certainly shouldn't be happening on a new, very high bandwidth fiber network, where the HD signals are barely being compressed, if at all.

Finally, I mentioned that I'd seen an unacceptably high number of uncorrected bit-rate errors (glitches) in various transmissions, also something needing Verizon engineering attention.

I was told by my Verizon contact that she would raise all of these issues in their upcoming video engineering team conference call, and she promised to keep me in the loop regarding solutions. I work for CBS as an engineering supervisor, so I'm well aware that fixes for these things aren't of the 'flip that switch over there' simple variety, but I pointed out that they all require concentrated thought and relatively expeditious solutions, otherwise some of us might have to grit our teeth and go back to 'the devil we know' (Cablevision) despite Verizon's apparent efforts to get things right with FiOS TV.

We shall see...

Roger

Very informative. I had a FiOS tech out yesterday regarding my frame-skipping issue. He swapped out my Motorola DVR and last night all was well. However, I agree that this is most likely a larger issue and I expect to see the problem redevelop. I would hate to have to go back to D* and Cox cable.

After several months of VZ, I'd like to add the following:

On the GOOD:
1) PQ on many channels is top notch, especially HD.
2) 24 HD Channels .. woohoo :)
3) No analog noise on any channels I receive.
4) Low price :)
5) 2 week guide!
6) Day button (+ or -) on the remote for the guide.

On the BAD:
1) Customer support hours (9-5 weekdays, no weekends) :-(
2) PQ varies with the stations. I still don't think this is a VZ issue in my case, I have seen the exact same quality of some stations with Cox Digital Tier as well. I think some stations over-compress their original signal. I would like VZ to get them to stop though.

On the UGLY:
1) Motorola box is OK at best, better than the SA from Cox though.
2) I'd like a stretch (zoom actually) button for 16:9 content sent 4:9 (ie new shows like BSG, Dr Who, etc.). My one TV does not do this with the DVI or HDMI connection (shame on Samsung). This would be an nice feature to add and the Cox SA box could do this.
3) Bigger Hard Disk would be nice.
4) A video pass through option!

I still like VZ over other services, but there is room for improvement.

Do any of you using Verizon FIOS TV use HDMI cables from the STB to your TV? I have Verizon coming out next week to install FIOS TV on my new 1080P Samsung. I'm just wondering what sort of connections will give me the best PQ?

Also, the 20 or so HD channels Version FIOS offers, are these channels continuous HD signals? Are they better than decent when it comes to PQ?

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Had FIOS installed last week and now I can't hook up to xbox live with my 360!Called Verizon and they said they have nothing to do with xbox,called xbox and they said they aren't sure if the 360 works with fiber optic,spent hours on the phone trying to get it to work,and NO LUCK!!! i have a LINKSYS game adapter and was told by linksys that it is properly configured,any FIOS users using xbox live? :(

Do any of you using Verizon FIOS TV use HDMI cables from the STB to your TV? I have Verizon coming out next week to install FIOS TV on my new 1080P Samsung. I'm just wondering what sort of connections will give me the best PQ?

Also, the 20 or so HD channels Version FIOS offers, are these channels continuous HD signals? Are they better than decent when it comes to PQ?

Any thoughts?

Thanks!
For that set HDMI is probably the way to go.

The HD channels brodcast in HD but it's not HD content all the time. When it's HD content the PQ is great.

Had FIOS installed last week and now I can't hook up to xbox live with my 360!Called Verizon and they said they have nothing to do with xbox,called xbox and they said they aren't sure if the 360 works with fiber optic,spent hours on the phone trying to get it to work,and NO LUCK!!! i have a LINKSYS game adapter and was told by linksys that it is properly configured,any FIOS users using xbox live? :(
If the IP connectivity works on another PC, it must be an XBOX issue. Try resetting the Dlink router from FIOS. The xbox/Linksys should get an IP address via DHCP from the router - sounds like it's not happening.

Do any of you using Verizon FIOS TV use HDMI cables from the STB to your TV? I have Verizon coming out next week to install FIOS TV on my new 1080P Samsung. I'm just wondering what sort of connections will give me the best PQ?

Also, the 20 or so HD channels Version FIOS offers, are these channels continuous HD signals? Are they better than decent when it comes to PQ?

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

I use HDMI and the picture and sound is great. I have also used the component cables and I have a hard time seeing any real difference other than the ease of having one small cable versus 5 larger ones. Most of the content on the local channels during the day and out of prime time are not HD. The others are HD everytime I have checked them.

After several months of VZ, I'd like to add the following:

On the GOOD:
1) PQ on many channels is top notch, especially HD.
2) 24 HD Channels .. woohoo :)
3) No analog noise on any channels I receive.
4) Low price :)
5) 2 week guide!
6) Day button (+ or -) on the remote for the guide.

On the BAD:
1) Customer support hours (9-5 weekdays, no weekends) :-(
2) PQ varies with the stations. I still don't think this is a VZ issue in my case, I have seen the exact same quality of some stations with Cox Digital Tier as well. I think some stations over-compress their original signal. I would like VZ to get them to stop though.

On the UGLY:
1) Motorola box is OK at best, better than the SA from Cox though.
2) I'd like a stretch (zoom actually) button for 16:9 content sent 4:9 (ie new shows like BSG, Dr Who, etc.). My one TV does not do this with the DVI or HDMI connection (shame on Samsung). This would be an nice feature to add and the Cox SA box could do this.
3) Bigger Hard Disk would be nice.
4) A video pass through option!

I still like VZ over other services, but there is room for improvement.

Adding to this list:

Bad:
1) Never providing the names of actors in the movie listings info. It would help when scanning shows to know if there's an 'A' list actor or actress in it.
2) My set provides for the stretch mode, but the Motorola box doesn't (mentioned above). You can, however, go into the service menu and make ALL 4:3 (non HD) stretched.
3) No on-line channel guide showing daily content.

Ugly:

1) Box locks up occassionally and has to be unplugged for a short period of time.
2) Non-HD boxes tend to lose all downloaded channel guide information periodically and have to be unplugged, then wait for download to add in guide info.

There's a new Router (Highlights, below):

http://newscenter.verizon.com/proactive/newsroom/release.vtml?id=93556

NEW YORK – New customers of Verizon’s industry-leading FiOS broadband and video services, provided over the company’s fiber-to-the-premises network, will now receive the most advanced in-home broadband networking router available today.

The new router – designed and built to Verizon’s specifications and supplied by Actiontec Electronics of Sunnyvale, Calif. – is the basis of Verizon’s digital home architecture, and is capable of providing connectivity to the FiOS network at speeds of up to100 megabits per second (Mbps). It leverages existing in-home wiring for broadband data and video signals and delivers easy, high-quality, more reliable home-networking solutions to provide connectivity to the increasing number of connected consumer devices. The new broadband home router also supports remote management that uses new industry standards known as TR-069, enabling Verizon to perform troubleshooting without having to dispatch a technician.

Customers who purchase Verizon’s FiOS Internet Service products, as well as those who order FiOS TV, will automatically receive the new router as part of the installation.

=

Known as Actiontec’s model MI-424-WR, the new broadband home router was built to Verizon’ specifications and allows Verizon to accomplish its goal of providing, high-quality managed broadband services over a unified home network to all connected devices. This any-to-any device capability allows transmission of FiOS data and video signals between the Internet and consumer devices in any room, enabling a true digital home experience.

The optical network terminal (ONT) where Verizon’s fiber terminates at the customer’s home will soon be upgraded with technology similar to the Broadband Home Router. This will minimize installation disruption for Verizon customers because existing in-home coaxial wiring can be used instead of the Ethernet cable that the company has been installing between the ONT and the router. This results in savings for Verizon through shorter installation times, increased productivity and reduced installation expenses.

In addition, the new router’s wireless capability allows the customer to connect with other wireless card-equipped computers within the home. The Actiontec router’s 100 Mbps capability allows Verizon to continue to provide higher data speeds to the customer, as they become available in the future, without having to install a new router or other equipment in the customer’s home. Verizon’s FTTP network is capable of providing such speeds. In addition, the new router allows Verizon to remotely assist customers in configuring it to meet specific needs within the home. Verizon also provides customers a business-class Internet firewall on the router.

"The ability to remotely diagnose problems and help the customer configure the router was a key goal for us," Wimsatt said. "In-home networking can be complex, but we have the right people -- and now the right equipment -- to help the customer."

* For a little more info, check out the Link, above.

As for the Router itself: http://www.actiontec.com/products/broadband/4port_wireless_broadband_router/

Has anyone confirmed that FIOS is indeed sending a full 1920X1080 resolution for HD? Also, has anyone been able to do any measurements of bitrates? I'm on Long Island and it appears where a few weeks away from FIOS TV.

One other question, I was quoted $213 for FIOS TV (all channels) with 6 TVs, 4 of them HDTVs and 2 of them with HD PVRs. The price includes phone and internet. A friend said that didn't sound right, it should be much cheaper. Anyone have any idea? Thanks.

SD picture quality goes down hill quick when there is any movement. Still picture is great, sporting events or any other movement of the camera or actors and it becomes very blocky. HD picture quality is great, no complaints except for the short audio drop outs (1-2 secs). VOD is only in SD (as of now) and is worse than regular SD channels. I came from DirecTV and the SD picture quality was much better.

This is a little concerning. If FIOS is providing good bitrates with their far greater bandwidth, why should macroblocking be happening. It's hard to believe that SD quality is better on D* than FIOS. D* is just sooo bad for SD.

Another tech came out last week (3rd one) he tested the light levels at the ONT and said they were low. He said he would have to call an engineer out to swap a switch out. Still have not heard anything and have not seen any picture change. I guess I was paying $75/month for a crappy picture that the original installer should of found and fixed. Tech did admit that FiOS TV has a lot of problems and it will take them a while to fix them all before they can be at the level cable and dish co's. We will see???

Has anyone confirmed that FIOS is indeed sending a full 1920X1080 resolution for HD? Also, has anyone been able to do any measurements of bitrates? I'm on Long Island and it appears where a few weeks away from FIOS TV.

One other question, I was quoted $213 for FIOS TV (all channels) with 6 TVs, 4 of them HDTVs and 2 of them with HD PVRs. The price includes phone and internet. A friend said that didn't sound right, it should be much cheaper. Anyone have any idea? Thanks.
You can do the math yourself - all of the prices are listed in the FIOS TV and FIOS Internet sections of Verizon's web site.

On the new router - I guess the current D-link was not good enough and Verizon got a better deal from Actiontec. I wonder if this means a router swap is coming in the future for existing customers.

You can do the math yourself - all of the prices are listed in the FIOS TV and FIOS Internet sections of Verizon's web site.

It's not so easy since there's supposed to be some kind of 'triple play' for all 3 services. I don't see that on the site.

It's not so easy since there's supposed to be some kind of 'triple play' for all 3 services. I don't see that on the site.

The only thing they gave me was $5 off my TV and $5 of my internet when I subscribe to phone service.

One other question, I was quoted $213 for FIOS TV (all channels) with 6 TVs, 4 of them HDTVs and 2 of them with HD PVRs. The price includes phone and internet. A friend said that didn't sound right, it should be much cheaper. Anyone have any idea? Thanks.

i did the math for you and came up with $190 with the standard phone package with the caller id and call waiting.

this does not inclide taxes, which on my bill shows about $14. So its not far off, maybe they didnt give you the $5 of both the Tv and Net. I would expect right about $200 a month.

Thanks Ronin! A friend told me they had some introductory special triple play. In my area the cable triple play runs about $175 and Verizon always gave the impression they'd be less, so I guess I was expecting it to be less than $175.

If it works out it will still save me money since I've got both D* and Cable HD. So by dumping both I'll still save quite a bit. I might have to keep a smaller cable package to keep the local teams in HD. FIOS isn't particularly good with local HD sports at this point.

On the new router - I guess the current D-link was not good enough and Verizon got a better deal from Actiontec.The new router also has MoCA built in, which would:
1) eliminate the need for the seperate NIM
2) allow for the new ONT and only have one (coax) line coming into the house (instead of coax + CAT5)

http://actiontec.com/products/broadband/4port_wireless_broadband_router/
http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=15899
etc.

Allowing for quicker, easier, less expensive installs ...

Thanks Ronin! A friend told me they had some introductory special triple play. In my area the cable triple play runs about $175 and Verizon always gave the impression they'd be less, so I guess I was expecting it to be less than $175.

If it works out it will still save me money since I've got both D* and Cable HD. So by dumping both I'll still save quite a bit. I might have to keep a smaller cable package to keep the local teams in HD. FIOS isn't particularly good with local HD sports at this point.

Your freind may be right, and maybe the VZ rep didnt give you the package. I know in certain areas VZ upped the standard FiOs speeds to 10mbit because the cable co offered that in their standard internet package.

So if the cable Co has a better deal call VZ and tell them that, say you would love to switch, but its cheaper to stay with cable, Chances are that they will sweeten the deal a bit to get you to switch.

I'm just wondering about the technical side of the new Router and a home's current coax setup.

I went through a "need to upgrade all the splitters" experience when I simply wanted to move my old cable router to another room a few years ago with Comcast.

Anyone know the technical requirements for FiOS, yet ?

* Currently my coax uses 2 splitters upstairs and 3 on the ground floor.

Thanks Ronin! A friend told me they had some introductory special triple play. In my area the cable triple play runs about $175 and Verizon always gave the impression they'd be less, so I guess I was expecting it to be less than $175.

If it works out it will still save me money since I've got both D* and Cable HD. So by dumping both I'll still save quite a bit. I might have to keep a smaller cable package to keep the local teams in HD. FIOS isn't particularly good with local HD sports at this point.

This is the only quote I've read about Triple Play in NY: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/06-27-2006/0004388044&EDATE=

"The Town of Oyster Bay's residents, along with all other Verizon FiOS
TV-eligible customers in New York, have the option to trim their monthly
bill by bundling FiOS TV service, FiOS Internet service and the Verizon
Freedom Values unlimited calling plan -- all for under $95 a month."

* I imagine you can simply add in all the STB's and anything alse you need to get a final total.

"Verizon offers three set-top boxes: standard definition for
$3.95 per month; high definition, which includes HD channels, for $9.95 per
month; and a dual-tuner, HD-capable digital video recorder for $12.95 per
month."

Roughly
4 HD STB's = $40
2 HD PVR's = $26
==========
Total STB's $66

STB's + Triple Play = $161

Dmon, thanks! Yes, he did mention something for about $100. So your math looks like it's on target! I will definitely mention this since I do live within that township. The only thing I question in looking at that press release, is whether or not the premium movie channels are included. It's a bit vague. If not, that would pull the price back up to the originally quoted $200+

Ken, With the triple play that was posted you would be looking at $150 without taxes, and without Premiums.

Triple Play Promo=$95
2 HD DVRs=$26
2 HD STBs=$20
2 SD STBs= $8

Premium Channels would add anoth $40. so it should be way cheaper than what they told you.

Ken, With the triple play that was posted you would be looking at $150 without taxes, and without Premiums.

Triple Play Promo=$95
2 HD DVRs=$26
2 HD STBs=$20
2 SD STBs= $8

Premium Channels would add anoth $40. so it should be way cheaper than what they told you.
I thought there was a limit of 4 STB/DVRs per ONT. :confused:

The new router also has MoCA built in, which would:
1) eliminate the need for the seperate NIM
2) allow for the new ONT and only have one (coax) line coming into the house (instead of coax + CAT5)

http://actiontec.com/products/broadband/4port_wireless_broadband_router/
http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=15899
etc.

Allowing for quicker, easier, less expensive installs ...
I think the IP data comes in only via the RJ45 jack on the ONT not the coax - so there'd have to be a CAT5 between the ONT and new router and then the coax goes out from there.

Seems to me the only gain with the new router is the elimination of the NIM and built in Wifi (and some speed).

I thought there was a limit of 4 STB/DVRs per ONT. :confused:

I never knew that, if its true then it may be a deal breaker for Ken.

Dmon4u, I have a new Actiontec router. My tech used a splitter in my office to send one lead to the router and the other to a STB. I can check the splitter for a make or model # and let you know if you want to see if the tech specifications are the same as the ones you currently have. However I am currently at work so I can do it this weekend.

Thanks, 'shaggy2002'.

I made sure the ones I put in back then had a wide range. Hopefully

5 - 2300 Mhz will pass.

* Bought from Parts Express.

I think the IP data comes in only via the RJ45 jack on the ONT not the coax - so there'd have to be a CAT5 between the ONT and new router and then the coax goes out from there.With the first-gen ONTs ... that is correct.

Hence the "new ONT" part. Verizon seems to be also planning on a new ONT with MoCA that would allow coax-only to the router and eliminate the need for CAT5 (when combined with the new router, you'd still need CAT5 or a NIM with the old routers) ... The optical network terminal (ONT) where Verizon’s fiber terminates at the customer’s home will soon be upgraded with technology similar to the Broadband Home Router. This will minimize installation disruption for Verizon customers because existing in-home coaxial wiring can be used instead of the Ethernet cable that the company has been installing between the ONT and the router. This results in savings for Verizon through shorter installation times, increased productivity and reduced installation expenses.

I thought there was a limit of 4 STB/DVRs per ONT. :confused:

Really!?!? Oh boy, that WOULD be a deal break. Can't they put it in 2 ONTs? I'm really not up on this hardware, so I have no idea. Hard to believe that 4TVs would be the limit.

Ken

OK, just got clarification from Verizon. They said each ONT can only handle 4 PHONE LINES, but this has nothing to do with how many TVs you can hook up. That apparently has no limit. :)

Dmon4u,

Below is the information off of the splitter the Verizon tech used at my house:

PDI Mega Splitter
PDI-2WMS - 5 2 Way
5-1000 MHZ Combo-Wave
3.5 DB

Hope this helps!

Thanks 'shaggy2002'

It looks like I'm OK. I assume that the '2 way' spec will be not be a problem since my Cable Modem worked with the updated splitters.

OK, just got clarification from Verizon. They said each ONT can only handle 4 PHONE LINES, but this has nothing to do with how many TVs you can hook up. That apparently has no limit. :)
I didn't say TVs, I said STBs. I believe it has something to do with limiting the number of IP addresses per ONT.

Biker, if that's the case, couldn't they just install 2 ONTs or is it more involved than that?

I had FIOS installed a couple of weeks ago, all 3 services. I have 5 set top boxes, 2 hi def DVRs and 3 standard, I didn't get the new router however. I don't know if there is a limit per ONT but I do have 5. Installation was superb and Verizon was willing to do whatever I asked so far as running new coax and putting the Cat5 where I needed it. Also provided me HDMI and component cables for a TV that I'm about to upgrade.

Couldn't be happier with the service. I previously had a hi def TiVo DVR and the Motorola takes a bit of getting used to but I am getting the hang of it. My MX-3000 remote had all the pre-programmed Motorola codes including the 30 second skip so it hasn't been that painful of an adjustment. And the VOD is awesome, you can download an entire movie in about 3 seconds, although it is standard def content. The movie stays on the hard drive for 24 hours and then is erased. All in all, FIOS is a great service in my opinion.

Aubrey

Aubrey, thanks for the info! Sounds consistent with what the Verizon rep told me. I don't think I'll have an issue with the number of STBs I'll need.

Regarding the new ActionTec Router and splitters. I just had a FiOS installation on June 30th (Internet and TV only since I use Vonage for phone) and I got the new ActionTec router. The cable system that I am on was a dual cable system. The tech ran CAT5 and Coax from the ONT to the router (BTW my installer sucked compared to what you guys are saying about them bending over backwards...he almost would not do the installation because I have a dog!!).

Anyway there is a COAX cable coming out of the ONT into a 1 to 3 splitter. The ONT goes into the single and then the router and the dual coax into the 3 side. He said that he did this so he did not have to worry about hooking a set top box into the A or B side. Everything works fine like this.

I split the COAX signal coming from the ONT to the router using a standard Radio Shack splitter and attached a set top box up to it and it worked. I have not tried using VOD on that box yet but I will try that tonight.

The ethernet link light on the ONT does have the 100 lit up.

I reset the router after he left so I could get into it (I guess they change the default password) and the interface is not bad at all. Lots of great logging etc. If anyone would like I can post the PDF manual on line for people to take a look at.

Laters,
Jeff

Is that PDF for the router Jeff?

hey all, i was wondering if anyone could chime in with a rough time frame it took from verizon digging up the sidewalk to being available in your home. they just started breaking dirt here. also, does the fios tv come in at the same time, or is it a while after internet is available?

Ken -

Yes the pdf is the router manual

methcat -

It was about 1 year here in Plano from the time that the fiber was laid to offering TV service. Internet was available after 6 months or so.

Laters,
Jeff

thanks eq,

hey all, i was wondering if anyone could chime in with a rough time frame it took from verizon digging up the sidewalk to being available in your home. they just started breaking dirt here. also, does the fios tv come in at the same time, or is it a while after internet is available?
Availability varies - usually a few months after the main fiber trunk gets put in. TV depends on local franchise agreement.

IT was about 1 year after they laid the conduit in my backyard that they offered me internet service. It was a few weeks later that TV became available because of franchise negotiations.

It may have been different for my neighborhood though, because of the size of the development (over 4,500 homes) and our stingy HOA.

Availability varies - usually a few months after the main fiber trunk gets put in. TV depends on local franchise agreement.

i'm guessing next summer, that's what i've heard other places as well. oh well, at least now i have hope!

hey methcat

what i was told-by Verizon reps-is that it can be 30-60 days from fiber install before your area can be ready for orders. in my case, if that info is accurate, that means phone/internet by late July. this is for Va. however. there was also an article today in our local paper concerning the great reduction over the past yr. in the # of mishaps while installing fiber cable(at least here in Va.).
for other members in Va. Riffjim at Satelliteguys reports that Henrico Co.(where i used to live- just my luck!!) has granted Vz a TV franchise. slowly the approvals head south(hopefully toward Hampton Roads very soon.)


Jim

Yeah I would agree that now that the TV stuff is all ready to go (contracts, content, equipment, etc..) that the lag time is going to be much shorter then in the early test areas here in TX.

Laters,
Jeff

Regarding the new ActionTec Router and splitters. I just had a FiOS installation on June 30th (Internet and TV only since I use Vonage for phone) and I got the new ActionTec router. The cable system that I am on was a dual cable system. The tech ran CAT5 and Coax from the ONT to the router (BTW my installer sucked compared to what you guys are saying about them bending over backwards...he almost would not do the installation because I have a dog!!).

Anyway there is a COAX cable coming out of the ONT into a 1 to 3 splitter. The ONT goes into the single and then the router and the dual coax into the 3 side. He said that he did this so he did not have to worry about hooking a set top box into the A or B side. Everything works fine like this.

I split the COAX signal coming from the ONT to the router using a standard Radio Shack splitter and attached a set top box up to it and it worked. I have not tried using VOD on that box yet but I will try that tonight.

The ethernet link light on the ONT does have the 100 lit up.

I reset the router after he left so I could get into it (I guess they change the default password) and the interface is not bad at all. Lots of great logging etc. If anyone would like I can post the PDF manual on line for people to take a look at.

Laters,
Jeff

Since no one has asked....I'd love to see the PDF for the router.....

Is it possible to use the Ethernet built-in to the Motorola STB instead of using the NIM or new Actiontec router?

MOCA and the NIM adapter is great if all you have is coax. But I ran Cat5 all over the place in my house and have an small ethernet switch in my entertainment center. I'd rather not have to use the NIM (just another piece of hardware) if I can go ethernet straight into the STB.

Any insight on this one? I've been looking all over the place for an answer to this and nobody (suprising to me) seems to know. :confused:
Anybody tried hooking up your STB into your home ethernet (Fios Internet)?

I believe that the ethernet port on the QIPs isn't activated as of yet. I too would prefer just hooking the boxes into my extensive Cat 5e cabling, but FiOS understandably chose to go with the lowest common denominator for now.

All of that being said, I have not actually tried to hook ethernet directly to the QIPs. It might be worth a shot.... (since I am away from my FiOS for another week, someone else may need to try this and report back)

Anyone know if the Motorola DVR box/remote is IR only, and not UHF?
I just ordered FIOS, to be installed on the 17th, and forgot to ask this when ordering.
My current set up includes a Dish DVR, which is placed in an adjoining room to where the plasma is, (with the wires running in and behind the wall to the DVR receiver). It has a UHF remote so works great. I plan on setting up the FIOS DVR the same way, but need to know if its IR only as it seems I will need to get an IR extender or similar device to make this work.

It is IR only

That is a very nice feature that Dish has had for a long time that very few (if any?) others offer.

That is a very nice feature that Dish has had for a long time that very few (if any?) others offer.
In my case I have other components that don't support RF either. I got a Home Theater Master with an RF module that repeats the "signal" to several IR outputs. Makes for a nice, clean look in the living room (i.e. wife likes it) without compromising on equipment.

Question 1: Is there any word/rumor about when FiOS HD and Internet will be available in the San Jose, CA, area?

FO cable was laid years ago but I've seen no sign of any service in San Jose.

I only have HD via OTA and no pay services. In my distant SD past, I canceled cable twice because I felt that the only real difference between cable and OTA was that it took me 5 times longer to decide nothing was on. For me, a pay service would only be worthwhile with an HD DVR.

I have been slowly getting itchy waiting for the last couple of years for a fiber optic service. I am even beginning to entertain ideas of going with DirecTV until FiOS lights up here.

Question 2: Should I continue to hold out or take a short term plunge with DirecTV and a DVR?

Thank you.

What ever FO was laid years ago was not for the current version of FIOS - they only started that about a year ago in Texas.

If you are you in a Verizon area you'll just have to wait.

I think both sat services have min 1 year contract commitments - so that wouldn't be that short.

Question 1: Is there any word/rumor about when FiOS HD and Internet will be available in the San Jose, CA, area?

Question 2: Should I continue to hold out or take a short term plunge with DirecTV and a DVR?

Isn't San Jose serviced by AT&T? I know other parts of the bay area is AT&T area but I am not sure about San Jose. If it is serviced by AT&T then Verizon will not have FIOS in that area. You can do a google search on AT&T's Lightspeed for information on their fiber optic service.

At this point in time, I would go with Directv since I doubt there will be fiber optic service in your area for at least a year. That gives you time to fullfill your year committment with Directv and then see what the status is on fiber service to your area.

One of the first things I tried was hooking up a notebook to the back of the 6416. I would like it to work for the opposite reasons of the posters above....use the coax to extend my CAT5 without having to run a new cable. In any case it is dead dead dead...no link light. I will try with an auto-sensing switch tonight just in case I needed to use a cross-over cable or something. I do see the STB get IP addresses from the ActionTec Router (via COAX) and I have even edited the DNS profile names so I know which one is which. From the log files it looks like the STB's ping the router or the network from time to time but they don't find what they are looking for so they drop off or disable IP and then they try again every 15 min or so. It is very interesting.

I will upload the PDF ActionTec Manual tonight as well.

Laters,
Jeff

Well I've finally got my installation date of 7/21. I would LOVE nothing better than to kick out both D* and Cablevision if all goes well.....especially D*!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

Does anyone have the PDF manual for the FIOS HD receiver or PVR?

Thanks.

Edit: OK, never mind, I got it on the FIOS site. Does anyone have a shot of the guide grid? How many hours out does it go and is the guide designed for a 16:9 aspect ratio TV? It never fails to amaze me how the cable PVR guide, even though it's an HD PVR, is obviously designed for a 4:3 set and doesn't take advantage of the 16:9 real estate.

I've got one concern. If you're watching SD programming while using HDMI, can you set the FIOS box to maintain 1080i output? I can do that with both D* and cable while using HDMI, but looking at the PDF on the FIOS PVR, it looks like it reverts to 480i when it senses SD programming. Can you just keep everything output at 1080i via HDMI? :confused:

Does anyone have the PDF manual for the FIOS HD receiver or PVR?

Thanks.

Edit: OK, never mind, I got it on the FIOS site. Does anyone have a shot of the guide grid? How many hours out does it go and is the guide designed for a 16:9 aspect ratio TV? It never fails to amaze me how the cable PVR guide, even though it's an HD PVR, is obviously designed for a 4:3 set and doesn't take advantage of the 16:9 real estate.
Here is what I am getting on my 16:9 set over HDMI:

1. Guide goes out for 1.5 hours, which is rather slight. Text used is somewhat large-ish, which means you can't see much of the program title in many cases. The smaller fonts on the TiVos are better.

2. The guide fills the whole screen and is being output at 16:9 1080i (if that is what you are set up for).

Note that if you move all the way to the left and highlight the channel number/desc itself and select you will get a screen that shows an "classic TiVo"-like view with all of the programs on that stations for many hours in the future. This is actually the default view I tended to use on my TiVo. I tend to you it on the FiOS DVR for such things are scrolling through the next couple of days of HD movie channel selections and such not.

IMHO the guide is "okay" but could be better.

BTW, you can see reasonable samples of what the FiOS guide, etc. looks like by going to the Microsoft Foundation TV site: Here (http://www.microsoft.com/tv/FoundationEdition.mspx)

Thanks BTDT. The guide shown on that site doesn't look too bad, certainly better than cable. Another poster mentioned his guide was 4:3, so I'm not sure why he's got it set that way.

So on SD programs are you getting a constant 1080i output? I just don't like the receiver switching when it's set for native mode. It forces the display to constantly resynch when going from an HD channel to an SD channel.

Thanks BTDT. The guide shown on that site doesn't look too bad, certainly better than cable. Another poster mentioned his guide was 4:3, so I'm not sure why he's got it set that way.

So on SD programs are you getting a constant 1080i output? I just don't like the receiver switching when it's set for native mode. It forces the display to constantly resynch when going from an HD channel to an SD channel.
Ken,

You can set up the DVR to either give you 480i in native resolution or upconvert to 1080i/720p. I agree that the resync is undesireable. The only reason you would want to use native mode is if you want to use a "zoom" mode of some sort on the 4:3 picture, which isn't necessary unless maybe on a RP-CRT. Upconverted you have an option to either display the 4:3 image with black side bars or stretched to fill the screen.

Yes ($4 each for a SD box). You can get all the channels under 50 with a cable-ready tv. But this is only limited basic cable (OTA mostly).

So out of the ONT F* broadcasts a set of analog channels 1-50 that any cable ready tv/vcr can demodulate? Does anyone have a listing of these channels (No VA area?) I"m thinking of 4 fios tv locations...1 with CableCard, 1 with STB, 1 with cable ready NTSC ReplayTV DVR and 1 with cable ready tv. I really don't wanna pay for two more STBs if the analog channels are sufficient (like the 1-69 I now get via Adelphia analog to all my cable ready tvs.)

Ken,

You can set up the DVR to either give you 480i in native resolution or upconvert to 1080i/720p. I agree that the resync is undesireable. The only reason you would want to use native mode is if you want to use a "zoom" mode of some sort on the 4:3 picture, which isn't necessary unless maybe on a RP-CRT. Upconverted you have an option to either display the 4:3 image with black side bars or stretched to fill the screen.

Thanks BTDT! Very reassuring. Those were the only issues bothering me. :)

So out of the ONT F* broadcasts a set of analog channels 1-50 that any cable ready tv/vcr can demodulate? Does anyone have a listing of these channels (No VA area?) I"m thinking of 4 fios tv locations...1 with CableCard, 1 with STB, 1 with cable ready NTSC ReplayTV DVR and 1 with cable ready tv. I really don't wanna pay for two more STBs if the analog channels are sufficient (like the 1-69 I now get via Adelphia analog to all my cable ready tvs.)

You are only going to receive your local channels along with WGN. Everything else will require a STB.

http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/Includes/FiOSTV/VA_Northern%20Virginia.pdf

I searched this thread and couldn't find an answer to the following question: For the Moto HD DVR can you edit the electronic program guide to only show the channels that you want to watch? My wife and I only watch a handful of channels and basically don't want the kids to be watching a lot of other stuff.

thanks in advance for any help

rob

I searched this thread and couldn't find an answer to the following question: For the Moto HD DVR can you edit the electronic program guide to only show the channels that you want to watch? My wife and I only watch a handful of channels and basically don't want the kids to be watching a lot of other stuff.

thanks in advance for any help

rob

Yes, you can. It's quite simple.

Tom in TX

I searched this thread and couldn't find an answer to the following question: For the Moto HD DVR can you edit the electronic program guide to only show the channels that you want to watch? My wife and I only watch a handful of channels and basically don't want the kids to be watching a lot of other stuff.

thanks in advance for any help

rob

Yes as Tom said it quite simple but there are two ways. One is to remove them from the Guide and the channel up/down function on the remote. If you use this method the channels are still available if you manually type in the channel number. The other method is Parental Control which will lock out the channel with a code. So you have a choice.

Laters,
Jeff

Yes as Tom said it quite simple but there are two ways. One is to remove them from the Guide and the channel up/down function on the remote. If you use this method the channels are still available if you manually type in the channel number. The other method is Parental Control which will lock out the channel with a code. So you have a choice.

Laters,
Jeff

thanks!

I assume that you can do both and therefore keep certain unwanted channels out of the guide and also unavailable if typed in directly. Is that the case?

Hoopnoop -

Yes that is the case.

Jeff

As promised here is the manual for the new Actiontec Router

Actiontec Router Manual (http://www.madtomstudios.com/HomeTheater/MI424WRUserManual.pdf)

Enjoy!
Jeff

I just had FIOS TV installed today in McLean, VA and wanted to share my experience. I had DISH for about a year before deciding to go to FIOS TV, mainly due to drop out issue with DISH and also ability to get local HD with FIOS. I already had FIOS internet for about a year. The install took about 3 hours for 3 DVR and 1 STB. I got the new ActionTec Router. The wireless performance is superior to my old Linksys WiFi G router in terms of coverage.

3 DVRs are connected to 1365 x 1024 HD Projector via component, Samsung HL-S 1080P DLP via HDMI, and Sceptre 1080P LCD via component. The picture quality both SD and HD are on par with DISH. I think local HD is slightly worse than what I got with OTA HD. The difference in SD quality between different channels must have to do with source. Local channels and movie channels in SD show very good PQ whereas channels like Boomerang appear heavily compressed. They did fix the digital audio out issue with the DVR. I am able to get DD5.1 with digital coaxial when using HDMI. I had one instance of lip sync issue on UPN, but this may be due to the station, as all the other channels looked and sounded fine.

ps. But I do miss my Kungfu channel in HD from DISH.

As promised here is the manual for the new Actiontec Router

Actiontec Router Manual (http://www.madtomstudios.com/HomeTheater/MI424WRUserManual.pdf)

Enjoy!
Jeff

Thanks!

Amongst all my video monitors, I have a Samsung 23" hung on the wall in my kitchen. New construction. No visible wires. The tv is like a picture on a wall with no shelves nearby.

I want to sign up for the FiOS, but don't see how I can pull it off on this TV.

Has anyone else encountered this? I can't belive I am the first guy they have encountered.

Thanks for any help.

Denm
No. Va

It depends on how the TV was installed. Did they run conduit in the wall to pull more wires through? WHat wires are already inside the wall.

You may have to either pull some wires yourself, or have and HT installation guy come do it for you.

The other question would be where would you put the STB?

It depends on how the TV was installed. Did they run conduit in the wall to pull more wires through? WHat wires are already inside the wall.

You may have to either pull some wires yourself, or have and HT installation guy come do it for you.

The other question would be where would you put the STB?


I think my only option is to run an HDMI, or get a new TV that has a video card. I understand that FIOS can connect to a video card, but then you can't do the on demand stuff.

New TV would be easier.

I think my only option is to run an HDMI, or get a new TV that has a video card. I understand that FIOS can connect to a video card, but then you can't do the on demand stuff.

New TV would be easier.

Yes Fios does supprt Cable Cards, which has the added benifit of you not having to find a place for the Cable Box and still be able to control it with the remote.

With the CC I think you would lose the EPG, and VOD/PPV.

I just moved from D* to Fios. Like the picture but miss my Tivo.

Question. When watching live tv, how can you reverse or go back a few min? Easy as pie on Tivo but I can't figure it out on my Moto.

Thanks

I just moved from D* to Fios. Like the picture but miss my Tivo.

Question. When watching live tv, how can you reverse or go back a few min? Easy as pie on Tivo but I can't figure it out on my Moto.

Thanks
Hit the REW button?

Maybe I'm not doing something right. The other day I tried to use the REW button and it didn't work last night it did.

If no one is having the same problem it must be user error :)

Maybe I'm not doing something right. The other day I tried to use the REW button and it didn't work last night it did.

If no one is having the same problem it must be user error :)
What you are experiencing is the crappy remote to DVR reaction - it's very slow and must be aimed just right.

Ken and others your quote below might explain the problem Im having? If anyone might have some insight please jump in. I am noticing that when changing channels that sometimes the image will start bouncing a little, for example if the espn logo was on the screen it will be moving up and down. It will stop after a while or from a reset of the box. It can be quite annoying. Verizon came out and we swapped hd boxes and it stopped for awhile. But has since come back. You guy's think it might be a bad hdmi to dvi cable or this setting where the tv is resynching. TV is Hitachi 57SWX20.

"I've got one concern. If you're watching SD programming while using HDMI, can you set the FIOS box to maintain 1080i output? I can do that with both D* and cable while using HDMI, but looking at the PDF on the FIOS PVR, it looks like it reverts to 480i when it senses SD programming. Can you just keep everything output at 1080i via HDMI?"

If someone knows a direct number for the tech support people could you please post it here or PM it to me. I don't care if it is toll free or not.

I do not have phone service with Verizon (use Vonage) so everytime I call the toll free number provided in the documentation it dumps me into the sales department. Of course why would anyone without a Verizon phone number be calling support? Anyway I had two issues this weekend one was that the support folks kept trying to call to see if an issue was resolved (it wasn't) and another issue. Every time I called the toll free number I was dumped into a voicemail message that said sorry our offices are closed they are only open M-F 8-5:30 please call back then. ARGGHH!

Thanks in advance for any help.

Laters,
Jeff

If someone knows a direct number for the tech support people could you please post it here or PM it to me. I don't care if it is toll free or not.

I do not have phone service with Verizon (use Vonage) so everytime I call the toll free number provided in the documentation it dumps me into the sales department. Of course why would anyone without a Verizon phone number be calling support? Anyway I had two issues this weekend one was that the support folks kept trying to call to see if an issue was resolved (it wasn't) and another issue. Every time I called the toll free number I was dumped into a voicemail message that said sorry our offices are closed they are only open M-F 8-5:30 please call back then. ARGGHH!

Thanks in advance for any help.

Laters,
Jeff

If someone can PM me that number too, I would appreciate it. I have had an install experience from hell this week and am trying to track down support.
Thanks.

You guy's should be able to reach support with 1-888-553-1555

You might get stuck in prompt hell for a while or try 0 as soon as you connect.

My issue with the bounce may have been fixed. It was the 4:3 overide on the motorola box. Switching to use the box's stretch mode keeps the box from resynching video sources on a channel change from HD to SD. It's default was 480i.

So do you need the RG6 cable in order to fully get the digital signal. I don't think I have that cable as my house is about 10 years old and I don't think any new cables have been installed. If I need the RG6 cable, during the FIOS installation, will the Verizon Tech install this or will I need to do it myself? Thanks in advance.

inside the house via a power cable that is connected from the power supply (inside the house) to the ONT (outside the house). They told me they will not run the power cable from the inside to the outside. In other words, they will not actually do the work to get the power cable from the inside of the house to the outside of the house. Have others had this same experience with the FIOS installation? Thanks.

That sounds like a cop out since the power from the power supply to the ONT is of the low voltage DC variety (12VDC). I could understand them not wanting to run 110VAC from inside to outside. If there's a spot for the power supply on the inside they could have found a spot for the whole ONT in the inside as well. I assume there's something difficult about going through the walls at that location. If they want to have you as a customer they have to find a way to do it.

Glad I found this forum via google. I had FIOS Installed last week. The techs have spent about 18 hours over the past week in my house. The SD picture is awful. It looks like a video you would see over the internet. HD looks fine.

I had Bright House Networks up until now and everything looked great. HD or not.

I have 1 Sharp HDTV with a cable card and 1 Sharp HDTV with a HDDVR. Also have 1 Samsung HDTV with a HDDVR. Believe it or not Verizon flew a tech to my house from Motorola to try and figure it out. Nothing helped.

I'm not even that picky over picture quality, but obviously, something is wrong. I see this problem all over the net, and Verizon seems clueless as to what to do. It seems like every time a tech came over, all they did was check signal strength.

Anyone had any progress in this area? I am in Tampa and I know that my neighborhood just went live for FIOS TV. Had the FIOS Data for a while now.

Thanks for any input. I gave verizon until Thursday to fix it or I switch back. They have been real nice to deal with, but even the tech from Motorola said he doesn't see a fix coming for a long time. I was shocked that he would say something like that, but he did!

M

Mr_Maestro, If you are having problems cancel before the 30 days is up (before getting stuck in a 1 year contract). I got BS from Verizon when i complained about the quality just after getting it installed. They told me I would get the first month free (never did). It has been 4 months and they finally fixed the very poor light levels at my house. Still having the same problem.

I was thinking it was Verizon's analog to digital conversion on the SD. I don't know if it differs by state/area. I am as surprised as you when i hear comments that FiOS SD is better than DirecTV SD.

MJ,

Amen to that. Everytime I read a post saying how fabulous FIOS is, I scratch my head. I know I am not alone with this problem. A minority? Probably. But certainly not alone.

I already made arrangements to have it cancelled before I get stuck with a one year contract. I told them no way I was paying over a hundred bucks a month to be a beta tester. They offered me a month free, but the Motorola tech said no way it is fixed in a month.

Actually, one of the verizon supervisors hinted that they may not be using Motorola that long in to the future. I don't know if he was be sarcastic or what, but maybe it is a bigger problem then they are leading on to.

Lastly, I remember having a Cable guy out to my house about a year ago to fix a cable issue. He saw I had FIOS internet. I very clearly remember him telling me to watch all the problems FIOS has with TV since they are new to business and have zero troubleshooting experience. He said his cable firm was having a similar issue with the Digital Phone business.

I really did want to keep FIOS TV. But I have too much money invested in my HDTV sets to settle for an sub-par picture. I gave the FIOS Manager my email address and said if they ever figure this issue out, be sure to drop me an email and I would be happy to return. In the meantime, I got Bright House to take me back for 20 bucks a month cheaper than before!

M

As far as I know there are no contracts with FIOS - you can cancel at any time.

As with any new technology there are issues - obviously yours is more serious.

The discounting by the incumbent seems to be one of main gains offered by FIOS when it enters a market.

I am as surprised as you when i hear comments that FiOS SD is better than DirecTV SD.
Amen to that. Everytime I read a post saying how fabulous FIOS is, I scratch my head. I know I am not alone with this problem. A minority? Probably. But certainly not alone.

Unfortunately, I think you are in the minority. While installation problems are incredibly frustrating. I think it's important to note the time and dedication V* is spending on each install. I, for one, have never been so impressed by how much time and thoroughness an install has been completed.

I've been through D*, cable of differing companies, and now FiOS. I'll gladly say FiOS not only exceeded my expections for the quality of service (Voice/Video/Data) but their install process was a cut above.

So, keep scratchin' your heads and keep at it, because it's worth it. My SD picture has never been better. Any neither have my online FPS shooter scores. :D

QB,

I am thrilled with my FIOS data package. Have been for almost a year now. Yes, Verizon has put in a lot of man hours to fix this. However, they are going about it wrong. Every tech is checking the levels and then going to the menu screen on the box. Short of that, they have no idea what to do.

I am in the minority with this incompatibility issue, but I know for a fact VZ hopes to hook up 100,000 this year in the Tampa Bay area. If 1% have that issue...well, you can do the math. That is a lot of unhappy customers, and a lot of wasted man hours on VZ's part. I can only imagine how much money they wasted on me. The reality is that it is a little fix somewhere in the network, and they cannot identify it.

Once this issue is resolved, I will switch back to FIOS TV in a heartbeat. In the meantime, Bright House does give an excellent HD picture and SD picture. I also find the SA Box to WAY more user friendly than the Motorola Box. I could even live with the motorola box had the picture not been skewed.

Regards,
M

Glad I found this forum via google. I had FIOS Installed last week. The techs have spent about 18 hours over the past week in my house. The SD picture is awful. It looks like a video you would see over the internet. HD looks fine.




Wow, I couldn't have a more different experience thus far. I had mine installed yesterday and the picture is exceedingly good. SD blows away D* and HD is totally free of the annoying pixellization and macroblocking you get with D* with fast movement or rapid changes in brightness. The HD picture is amazingly clean and sharp. The only glitch I've had so far was a short period where it looked like some frames were being dropped on HD video. I didn't get this with film based material on HD channels, just video. That cleared up and all is fine again.

Interestingly my experience with the Motorola box vs the SA box differs from yours too. Both my wife and I agree that the Motorola box is much more intuitive than the SA box. Channels changes, menu shifts etc. are very very fast. For me this was totally unexpected and a really nice surprise.

This is the best video experience I've ever had from satellite or cable.....so far. ;)

Ken,

Out of curiousity, what kind of TV are you running FIOS to?

Thanks,

M

QB,

I also find the SA Box to WAY more user friendly than the Motorola Box. I could even live with the motorola box had the picture not been skewed.

Regards,
M

Yeah,

I agree with Ken Ross. In my opinion the Motorola box is far superior to the SA box and is much more intuitive and earier to use, especially when conducting searches. Also, my SD picture quality is far superior to the Cox Cable SD picture quality. When we first got Fios, my wife commented on how she thought the HD quality was better than Cox, but I really can't see much difference. Fios installation was OK, but subsequent customer service was and continues to be horrendous.

--croorc

CR,

I agree the search function on the Motorola is nice, but the rest of the box is far superior? The SA was customizable from top to bottom. Anything from border color to layout theme to channel for power on. It had a working PIP and on the fly Aspect Ratio change. Not to mention the physical remote itself. Aside from the powered outlet and RF passthrough, what else can I customize on the motorola?

Like I said, however, I could have lived with the box. I am sure firmware updates are coming and tweaks to enchance the experience. The pixelated picture was a deal breaker. Wish I could post a screen shot.

I will say this...The instant I hear from VZ saying they have hammered out the issue, I am switching back to FIOS. In the meantime, Bright House gives excellent SD and HD picture. I spent too much money on my televisions to be settling.

M

Mr Maestro,

Yes, I focused on the search capabilities, but to me that mattered much more than the capability to customize. I know that with the SA box I had to customize a few settings to get optimum picture and performance, but with the Motorola, the out of box settings, for my setup anyway, didn't need any customizations. My TV easily changes the Aspect Ratio, but I rarely find the need to use it. You have a good point on PIP, although I never used, nor felt I ever had the need to use, PIP. The power on channel was a nice feature I will admit. Not sure I care about border color and layout theme, though

--Croorc

CR,

You mind if I ask why kind of TV you are using? I am using a Samsung DLP. I actually have the opposite experience from you. I made no changes (picture wise) to the SA and it was perfect. I wish the motorola had something to tweak aside from that arhcaic power->menu utility.

My TV does the aspect change as well, which I also never use. But I notice this: When going from a HD channel to a regular channel there is a loud pop and the tv blanks for a second. Never saw anything like that on the SA box.

I am seeing this pixelating issue on a Samsung with an HDDVR, a Sharp with an HDDVR, and another Sharp with a Cable Card.

Funny thing is this. 2 of the installers thought the picture looked fine. They acted like I was nuts. Then 2 supervisors came over and said the installers were nuts, something is absolutely wrong. Then the guy flew in from Motorola and said yup, something is wrong and we have no idea what! They said some TV's are indeed having issues and others are not.

Now, with the HD looking great, I wonder how many installers hooked up, checked out HD channels, wowed the customer, and left. Then the customer finds out the SD is pixelated or sub par...

I notice it big time when my son is watching Noggin (216). In fact a few of 210's are poor. I see it on a lot of the 300 range movie channels. Channel 136 is really bad. It is all over the board on the SD channels. It is a shame because the HD looks as good as Bright House did.

Regards,
M

Mr--,

I have a Sony Grand Wega, KDF-50WE655 (about a year and a half old). FIOS box is connected using component cables, as the Sony's only HDMI cable is being used by Moviebeam box. I tried the channels that you mentioned and didn't see any pixelation. I do have a momentary black picture when changing from HD to SD channels, but no noise. Indeed, this black picture is very similar to what used to happen with the SA box.

sincerely,

--croorc

There was also the rather serious issue of frame skipping, noted both by me and others in this thread, at random on various HD channels and different parts of the country. We agreed this is totally unacceptable, and certainly shouldn't be happening on a new, very high bandwidth fiber network, where the HD signals are barely being compressed, if at all.



This is exactly what I saw for a period of a couple of hours yesterday. The weird thing was that at first it seemed to be on only 1 of my 4 HD FIOS boxes. But later all boxes were affected. Just as described above, it was a frame drop issue. My wife and I went out last night and by the time we came home later last night, the problem was gone. I haven't seen it today either.

Does anyone have any update on this and what may be causing it? Are other people around the country still seeing it? Other than that glitch, I couldn't be happier with FIOS TV. Just superb PQ. :)

Ken,

Out of curiousity, what kind of TV are you running FIOS to?

Thanks,

M

Maestro, it's all over the place with our TVs. One is a Bravia XBR LCD HDTV. We also have 2 Fujitsu plasmas (42" HD and 50" HD) and the other set is an older 34" Panasonic CRT HDTV.

My TV does the aspect change as well, which I also never use. But I notice this: When going from a HD channel to a regular channel there is a loud pop and the tv blanks for a second. Never saw anything like that on the SA box.

I am seeing this pixelating issue on a Samsung with an HDDVR, a Sharp with an HDDVR, and another Sharp with a Cable Card.



Maestro, I can tell you what your problem is. You need to set the 4:3 over-ride setting on the Motorola to 'off'. There are areas of customization it appears you haven't found yet. This will output all channels at 1080i. It is the box switching from 1080i to 480i that is effecting your TV. The TV is trying to resynch with the changing resolutions....this happens with any service who's receiver is set to 'native'. This is why I've always set my boxes on any service to a constant 1080i.

As to the pixellization issue, this must be something within your local system. Mine is totally devoid of pixellization. In fact I was watching a concert on HDNet during the day. The musician was wearing a shirt with a ton of 'sparkly' things. On Directv all of these sparklies would pixellize as soon as he'd move. When I switched to FIOS, the detail stayed perfectly intact! In fact, this is one of the real benefits I've found with FIOS relative to Directv, no pixellization (or certainly a TON less!). :)

I didn't say TVs, I said STBs. I believe it has something to do with limiting the number of IP addresses per ONT.

Now that I've had my installation, I thought this was worth clarifying. I had an installation with 6 TVs (4 HDTVs and 2 SDTVs), so there appears there is not a limitation of 4 STBs.

We were watching the 4400 on USA, one of the rare SD shows I watch. I switched back & forth between D* and FIOS and the results were absolutely laughable. The D* feed was very soft with a green veil over it and the FIOS feed was bright, sharp with very poppy neutral colors. The difference is just unreal! :)

I had the frame skipping issue a few weeks ago which I reported on this forum. VZ switched out my Moto DVR and it was better. However I noticed that it was back for awhile yesterday, but was OK by the evening.