Verizon will be installing Fios Tv service next week. We don't have an HDTV set yet; we'll be getting one for Christmas. So, I'll be using the Verizon standard set top box for my standard Toshiba tv set until them.

Now, we'll be dropping a bundle for an HDTV set. We're planning on getting a set with an ATSC/NTSC Clear Qam tuner. This should totally eliminate the need to rent the HD set top box.

We really do not wish to rent any HD-DVR, or even a standard DVR from Verizon either. We would rather take the money that would be spent on renting, save it toward BUYING a good DVR or Tivo in the future.. but we cannot buy one now; as we will be dropping a large bundle for the HDTV set. In other words, buying a DVR or a Tivo is simply not in the budget now.

But, I do have a Lite-On LVW-1101HC1 DVD Recorder; that I use now to record programs for later viewing. This DVD Recorder has a simple NTSC tuner in it.

The question is, can I connect the cable from the Verizon Fios standard set-top box to the Lite-On, then, pass the signal on to the standard Toshiba set ?

In other words, can I still record programs on my Lite-On DVD recorder with the FIOS service ? I don't see why not.. in that, the Verizon standard set top box allows the digital signal to be converted back to an analog signal so that I can then watch it on my standard Toshiba tv set.. Sooo.. I'm hoping that if I simply pass through the cable from the Verizon standard set top box to the DVD recorder, then onto the Toshiba.. it SHOULD work in theory.. right ?

Then, after we get the HDTV set on Christmas, will it be possible to use a splitter, to split the signal, so that one signal will still go into the Verizon standard set top box so that I can still use it to record my programs, (I usually only record things from the alphabet networks anyway) the OTHER split signal will go directly to the ATSC Qam tuner.

Thank ya'll for your help.

So has anyone found a decent work around to having 2 DVRs in the same room and using the remote? I have one off with the other on, which works most of the time, but when I hit the menu button I have inadvertently enabled closed caption on the box that is off.
The FioS DVR thread has a few suggestions.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8669831&&#post8669831
(One is to put the two units at right angles and use a remote extender to control the one that isn't visible from the front. We put the whole second unit in another part of the room... a few feet to my left... and run long Component & Audio cables to the TV.)

I'm currently using a 1x4 splitter in my attic. Three of the outputs go to my three STB's, and the other output goes to the NIM. I'd like to add another STB.

Can anybody recommend either a 1x5 or 1x6 (maybe 1x8?) splitter for FiOS TV?

An alternative solution for me would be to use a 1x2 splitter at the ONT, and have one of the outputs go to the NIM, and the other one to go to my 1x4 splitter and use the last output of the 1x4 splitter for the forth STB.
I finally settled on Channel Vision splitters, available online from Smarthome, HomeTech, Lashen, etc. They seem to have the least loss and are available with balanced outputs. Look for the HS- series; Channel Vision (and their distributors) seem to be focusing on the whole-house distribution systems... more $ in selling that stuff.
Either way will work... a single 6-way, or you can follow a 2-way with two 3- or 4-ways, or follow a 3-way with several 2-ways.... with cable, it always took a bit of fiddling to get just the right output levels. Some sets were more sensitive than others so we could afford to send a low level to one or two sets, which then allowed other sets to get hotter signals. With FiOS, it shouldn't be a problem... the signal is +10 or better coming out of the ONT. We're using an HS-6 6-way with good results.

Verizon will be installing Fios Tv service next week. We don't have an HDTV set yet; we'll be getting one for Christmas. So, I'll be using the Verizon standard set top box for my standard Toshiba tv set until them.

Now, we'll be dropping a bundle for an HDTV set. We're planning on getting a set with an ATSC/NTSC Clear Qam tuner. This should totally eliminate the need to rent the HD set top box.

We really do not wish to rent any HD-DVR, or even a standard DVR from Verizon either. We would rather take the money that would be spent on renting, save it toward BUYING a good DVR or Tivo in the future.. but we cannot buy one now; as we will be dropping a large bundle for the HDTV set. In other words, buying a DVR or a Tivo is simply not in the budget now.

But, I do have a Lite-On LVW-1101HC1 DVD Recorder; that I use now to record programs for later viewing. This DVD Recorder has a simple NTSC tuner in it.

The question is, can I connect the cable from the Verizon Fios standard set-top box to the Lite-On, then, pass the signal on to the standard Toshiba set ?

In other words, can I still record programs on my Lite-On DVD recorder with the FIOS service ? I don't see why not.. in that, the Verizon standard set top box allows the digital signal to be converted back to an analog signal so that I can then watch it on my standard Toshiba tv set.. Sooo.. I'm hoping that if I simply pass through the cable from the Verizon standard set top box to the DVD recorder, then onto the Toshiba.. it SHOULD work in theory.. right ?

Then, after we get the HDTV set on Christmas, will it be possible to use a splitter, to split the signal, so that one signal will still go into the Verizon standard set top box so that I can still use it to record my programs, (I usually only record things from the alphabet networks anyway) the OTHER split signal will go directly to the ATSC Qam tuner.

Thank ya'll for your help.
Most if not all of Verizon's QAM content is scrambled. If anyone, only the locals would be in the clear. Look for a set with a cable card... the card will only cost you a couple of bucks per month. (Be sure to tell Verizon ahead of time to bring one out... the installers don't seem to carry them.)

For TiVO and your DVD rec, you'll only be able to get analog channels from 1-49, and that will only be OTA locals and maybe WGN. If that's all your're interested in , it will work fine as you described... but you'll need an STB or cable card to see the other couple hundred channels.

No DVR? GASP!! :) Don't know how we ever survived without time shifting! (Of course that was back when we actually had a life on weekends. :)

Thanks Fmsjr,

But that's exactly why I use the DVD Recorder .. Timeshifting !! - Sooo; ok.. what you are saying is that Most of FIOS channels are encrypted ? Remember; we are NOT going to have any other service than the FIOS EXTENDED BASIC.. yup; that's right. No HBO, NO other pay per view channels.. NADA. I don't even wish to have Video On Demand, if it will cost extra.

So, it seems to me; after looking at the channel line up offered in the FIOS TV Extended Basic plan, that MOST, if not all of the channels offered in the Extended Basic plan are UN-Encrypted channels.

Which means that we WILL be able to recieve all of those basic channels offered within the Extended Basic plan with the QAM tuner. Am I right ?

I am only asking, simply because I don't really know. BUT, that's the way it looks to me.

The HDTV sets that we are considering, do NOT have the CableCard. And that's fine. We don't really need a CableCard; if we have a QAM tuner, because we are simply going to have the Extended Basic service anyway.

Thanks for your help again.

Thanks for your info - dt_dc

I finally settled on Channel Vision splitters, available online from Smarthome, HomeTech, Lashen, etc. They seem to have the least loss and are available with balanced outputs. Look for the HS- series; Channel Vision (and their distributors) seem to be focusing on the whole-hose distribution systems... probably more $ in selling that stuff.
Either way will work... a single 6-way, or you can follow a 2-way with two 3- or 4-ways, or follow a 3-way with several 2-ways.... with cable, it always took a bit of fiddling to get just the right output levels. Some sets were more sensitive than others so we could afford to send a low level to one or two sets, which then allowed other sets to get hotter signals. With FiOS, it shouldn't be a problem... the signal is +10 or better coming out of the ONT. We're using an HS-6 6-way with good results.

Thanks! I think I'll go with the HS-6 as well.

So, it seems to me; after looking at the channel line up offered in the FIOS TV Extended Basic plan, that MOST, if not all of the channels offered in the Extended Basic plan are UN-Encrypted channels.

No! Everything above ch 49 is encrypted. FIOS does have a tier below Extended Basic that includes only the chs below 49 - $12.95/mo I think.

Most other cable cos do have a fair amount of clear QAM channels - FIOS usually has none. The clear chs below 50 are analog (although they do have a digital equivalent through an STB)

Functional HDMI->DVI with Sony 34XBR800

GIOS: 17.10
Guide Build: 1.3.09

BTW, playing around in the extended diagnostic screen, there's some HDMI status stuff under d11 - Interface Status. Hadn't noticed it before becuase it's on the second page (have to scroll down to see it).
One more question, are you using the D-link or Actiontec NIM? Verizon's telling me that they've had issues with the new Actiontec all-in-one unit. Thanks.

One more question, are you using the D-link or Actiontec NIM? Verizon's telling me that they've had issues with the new Actiontec all-in-one unit.Actiontec all-in-one router without the NIM.

Shouldn't have anything to do with DVI/HDMI ... but anyway.

Oh, and based on my experience ... yes the Actiontec is flakey. I'm on my second one. The first one would just loose all wired ethernet connections. Wireless worked fine. MoCA network worked fine. WAN worked fine. But it would drop wired ethernet connections. You'd reboot the router and they'd come back for 15-60 minutes. But then ... it'd drop them again.

And yes ... it was the router. Ruled out the NIC, windows settings, etc. etc. etc.

Second router has worked fine since I got it.

Actiontec all-in-one router without the NIM.

Shouldn't have anything to do with DVI/HDMI ... but anyway.

Oh, and based on my experience ... yes the Actiontec is flakey. I'm on my second one. The first one would just loose all wired ethernet connections. Wireless worked fine. MoCA network worked fine. WAN worked fine. But it would drop wired ethernet connections. You'd reboot the router and they'd come back for 15-60 minutes. But then ... it'd drop them again.

And yes ... it was the router. Ruled out the NIC, windows settings, etc. etc. etc.

Second router has worked fine since I got it.
Our ActionTec locks up for data about once a week. Reboot required. Wish the installer would have left the D-Link in place... he installed an external NIM anyway because of known problems with ActionTec's MOCA at the time. I upgraded the ActionTec, still locks up... maybe it's hardware, but who has vacation left this time of year to wait around for a replacement visit? :)

.....but who has vacation left this time of year to wait around for a replacement visit? :)

Thanks for the info.

If only I could bill Verizon for all the time I've spent....

Thanks, Biker19; ok.. so I have to have a set top box. Yeah, not happy with it, mind you..but I can live with it.

But, I have a question regarding the set top box. Does the Standard and the HD set top boxes have STEREO tuners in them ?

I only ask, because my kid has a old tv set with a MONO tuner in it. We gave the kid a surround sound amp with a dvd player in the unit for Christmas last year. It requires a stereo tuner, so I've run a stereo VCR through the surround sound amplifier, so now my kid can watch tv shows in surround sound. It works fine.

But, with the FIOS installation, the kid will have a Fios Set Top box as well. Will the Fios set top box have stereo tuner OUTPUTS to run to the surround sound reciever Amp? If so, this would eliminate the need for the stereo vcr.

Sooo.. does the Verizon Standard and HD set top box have a stereo tuner, with stereo outputs in them ?

Thanks again for all your advice !

I have a question about the home media DVR that you can share video among different set top boxes in the house. Does the video sharing that goes on for recorded material utilize an Ethernet network in your home? In other words, will I have to put in a wired network jack next to every TV in the house I want to share video with in addition to a coax drop? Do all of the STB's have this networking capability - even the non HD type? Do these STB's have wireless network capability? Or do they use uneeded frequencies on your home's coax cable to create a special network for video sharing amongst themselves? If a wired network is necessary, would anyone recommend me using CAT 5e or CAT 6 cabling and supplies?

FIOS TV just became available in my area and I want prepare my home for the install ahead of time. I like fishing all my wiring behind walls, and I know these installers don't always do that. I have already run new RG6-Quad to all my TV's.

If anyone has the Home Media DVR, I would appreciate your input. -Thanks

The home media DVR is the same HD DVR enabled with media service. You can only stream recordings from it to SD STBs. Furthermore, you can only stream SD programs. You don't have real DVR capabilities from the SD STB...only the ability to watch completed SD recordings. As I understand, video is streamed over coax and only the VOD is via wireless (and maybe the program guide). There is a limit to the number of programs that can be streamed simultaneously. I don't known if CAT cabling is an optional setup type. Take a look at this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=617635

This is the box I just got.

... Sooo.. does the Verizon Standard and HD set top box have a stereo tuner, with stereo outputs in them ?

Thanks again for all your advice !
Yes, the STBs have stereo outputs via RCA jacks.

But maybe even better, if your surround sound amp is 5.1 capable, and has a digital audio input (orange RCA coax jack, or fiber optic) you can get true surround sound (on programs when available.)

I have a question about the home media DVR that you can share video among different set top boxes in the house. Does the video sharing that goes on for recorded material utilize an Ethernet network in your home? ...
The content (and control packets) travel over the coax. The technology is MOCA... multimedia over co-axial cable. The NIM (or NIM built into the ActionTec router) is an interface between your coax network and FiOS's data network (CAT-5.) In fact you'll find that you will be able to ping from your PC the STBs (they get addresses starting at .101)... not that it will do much good. Your can't browse, telnet or FTP to the STB. (Sooner or later someone will probably hack the protocol and provide a PC interface to the STBs.... although the data may very well be encrypted.)

There's no need for CAT-5 connections to the STBs. Nothing is sent to or from the STB via wireless but you if you get the ActionTec router, it has a built in wireless access point for use by your PCs or other wireless devices.

There's no need for CAT-5 connections to the STBs. Nothing is sent to or from the STB via wireless but you if you get the ActionTec router, it has a built in wireless access point for use by your PCs or other wireless devices.

My installer said the VOD was done over the wireless network...is this wrong?

My installer said the VOD was done over the wireless network...is this wrong?
That would be incorrect. Try this: disconnect the coax from your STB while watching a VoD program... no picture! Or, even easier, if you have a separate NIM (looks like a cable modem, with coax to your splitter and a CAT-5 to the router), unplug the CAT-5 from the NIM while watching VoD. Same result.... no pic.

I currently have the FIOS Internet service and may be adding the TV service soon, New Jersey just approved it and they should be rolling it out next month. I have been reading this thread and from what I understand I am going to need the NIM, which will be connected to my router by CAT5 cable and a coax into my attic to split, but I don't need the CAT5 cable running to each STB. My question is due to the fact that I am not using their supplied D-Link router will I have a problem at the time of the install. I am using a Buffalo Airstation with the firmware flashed with DD-WRT firmware for an added layer of security and functionality. The installers and tech support people don't seem to have a true understanding about computers and networking, they just know how to do one thing with the equipment they provide. A perfect example is when they installed my Internet (I use Linux and not Windows) they told me it wouldn't work because their Internet service required and would only work with windows. Does anyone use a router other than the D-Link DI-604 provided by Verizon, and if so did you need to adjust any settings to get it to work?

That would be incorrect. Try this: disconnect the coax from your STB while watching a VoD program... no picture! Or, even easier, if you have a separate NIM (looks like a cable modem, with coax to your splitter and a CAT-5 to the router), unplug the CAT-5 from the NIM while watching VoD. Same result.... no pic.
Thank you for the information. That is very interesting. Let me see if I understand this, then. Are the VOD streams carried through the Internet side of your FIOS service and integrated into your coax network through the NIM using MOCA? If that is true, do the VOD streams eat up some of your available internet bandwidth? Or is the VOD sent throught the coax port of your ONT like all of the other digital video? Is the Internet side used to send guide information and requests for VOD?

Also, a few months ago an installer told me something interesting about FIOS internet and TV. He told me that even if you have only the 5/2 FIOS internet service, you would automatically be upgraded to 15/2 when you got FIOS TV. He said that if you were paying for the 5/2 at the time you wouldn't have to pay any extra for the automatic upgrade. He said the reason for this was that the TV service required the higher speed. Has anyone heard or know anything about this? -Thanks

From what I've heard, the VOD does not impact your internet performance. FiOS effectively raises your connection speed to 30 Mb/sec, with 15 Mb of this going to your internet while the remaining 15 Mb goes to TV services.

From what I've heard, the VOD does not impact your internet performance. FiOS effectively raises your connection speed to 30 Mb/sec, with 15 Mb of this going to your internet while the remaining 15 Mb goes to TV services.

No 15 mbps for me:

http://www.speedtest.net/result/58381570.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

http://www.speedtest.net/result/58381743.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

Also, a few months ago an installer told me something interesting about FIOS internet and TV. He told me that even if you have only the 5/2 FIOS internet service, you would automatically be upgraded to 15/2 when you got FIOS TV. He said that if you were paying for the 5/2 at the time you wouldn't have to pay any extra for the automatic upgrade. He said the reason for this was that the TV service required the higher speed. Has anyone heard or know anything about this? -Thanks
I don't think so - as others have pointed out - yes, there might be an overall speed increase in IP traffic due to VOD but you don't see that. The PCs hanging off the network don't see this speed increase. The only place I've heard of a free speed increase is in some parts of NY due to competitive reasons (Cablevision provides 10MBS as their bottom tier).

Every time I've tested my connection I've gotten the advertised rate - if you're paying for 15MB service and you're getting only ~5MB something's wrong.

I don't think so - as others have pointed out - yes, there might be an overall speed increase in IP traffic due to VOD but you don't see that. The PCs hanging off the network don't see this speed increase. The only place I've heard of a free speed increase is in some parts of NY due to competitive reasons (Cablevision provides 10MBS as their bottom tier).

Every time I've tested my connection I've gotten the advertised rate - if you're paying for 15MB service and you're getting only ~5MB something's wrong.
VoD data would be separate from your internet data. The two are split apart at the CO, and the connection from your ONT to your router is 100M... plenty of room for 15, 30, even 50M. I'm guessing the (internet) rate limiting is done after the split in the CO, so the VoD stream in not counted in that rate limiting.

No 15 mbps for me:

http://www.speedtest.net/result/58381570.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

http://www.speedtest.net/result/58381743.png (http://www.speedtest.net)
Yes, the additional 15mb will not show up in your internet speed test. It is a private partition used only for FiOS services. Your internet speed is capped at 15Mb.

I can't believe I have been using the temporary cable since Sept 13! :mad: It lies across the sidewalk and my neighbor's driveway. It has tripped over kids whihe they were waiting for school bus. I have called VZ a dozen times, sent them e-mail twice and sent a letter to VZ's CEO Ivan Seidenberg more than a week ago. The thing is still there. I must say I am mightily pissed.

Call City Hall.

Call City Hall.


Guess what? They just came to install a permanent cable and removed the temporary one that had been there since Sept 13. Now that's more like it.

Thanks! I think I'll go with the HS-6 as well.
Don't ever use more than one splitter in your COAX network
or your looking for trouble. You will lose VOD and program guides.
Splitters block part of the two way traffic.

.

I am getting my FIOS TV install done on Monday and I have a couple of questions for people who have gone through this process already. I tried call FIOS TV customer to get some of these answers, but I got such inconsistent responses that I don't know if I can trust them. My first question is whether they give you an HDMI cable if your STB and TV support that connection. I have 2 new HDTV's and both can support HDMI. The prices in electronic stores for HDMI cables are outrageous. I have seen prices of $200 for four foot cables. (As an aside - does anyone know if a gold plated HDMI cable will actually provide a better picture. I though HDMI was a pure digital connection. I use cheap DVI cables for my PC's to their monitors and never had a problem. I think the HDMI is a similar digital connection to DVI right? Also, is HDMI necessarily better than component or does that depend on the TV?)

Also, do both the HD STB and DVR STB have HDMI ports? Also, when you watch live TV on the DVR, can you bypass the hard drive and watch the video straight from the tuner? I am wondering if it records the live TV first and then plays from the hard drive on the fly and if that does that result in any degredation of the picture? The only reason I ask, is that I have an older ReplayTV and watching live TV on it does result in picture degredation. Of, course that is an analog system and ReplayTV first converts the analog signal to digital to store on the hard drive and then plays back the signal from the hard drive live. I imagine it must be different when you are dealing with all digital signals from FIOS TV. But I do wonder if the DVR compresses the digital signal more when it stores it on the hard drive. I guess I could just compare the picture from the DVR and HD box and see for myself. Has anyone done that?

Thanks for your help

The prices in electronic stores for HDMI cables are outrageous. I have seen prices of $200 for four foot cables.

Prices for most things are outrageous at electronic stores. There's many places to get cheaper and better cables. Here's one example from one of the forum sponsors:

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/dvi/index.htm

Also, is HDMI necessarily better than component or does that depend on the TV?)


Yes, it is.

I've done side by side comparisons with my PJ and there's a noticeable improvement with HDMI.

...My first question is whether they give you an HDMI cable if your STB and TV support that connection...

I asked my installer for the HDMI cable. He happened to have one in his truck, and he gave it to me. I am not sure if all installers will do the same.

...Also, do both the HD STB and DVR STB have HDMI ports?

Yes.


Also, when you watch live TV on the DVR, can you bypass the hard drive and watch the video straight from the tuner?

I don't think that is possible. I do not see such an option anywhere in the DVR menus. Here's the link to the user guides for more info:

User Guides (http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/customer+support/customer+support.htm)

To me, the recorded picture looks as good as OTA.

MSL

...My first question is whether they give you an HDMI cable if your STB and TV support that connection.

I was able to get both component and HDMI cable. Just talk to the installer and ask what the difference in PQ is between HDMI and component. I have talked to a few techs who did not even know what an HDMI cable is.

I asked my installer for the HDMI cable. He happened to have one in his truck, and he gave it to me. I am not sure if all installers will do the same.



Yes.




I don't think that is possible. I do not see such an option anywhere in the DVR menus. Here's the link to the user guides for more info:

User Guides (http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/customer+support/customer+support.htm)

To me, the recorded picture looks as good as OTA.

MSL

Thanks for pointing me to the manuals. I downloaded the manual for the DVR and noticed something interesting in it. On page 9 it lists as one of the boxes features:

"Record up to two programs in the background while viewing live or
previously recorded content at the same time"

I think this is actually what I want to be able to do, but it doesn't seem possible. I want to be able to be recording two separate programs, while watching a totally different channel completely live. To my understanding, that would require 3 tuners and this box has only 2. I think that what I actually would need to do this would be 1 DVR box and one HD box or one DVR box and a cablecard. If anyone has this box, can you explain what the manual is saying. -Thanks

Recording two programs and viewing recorded content might be possible but but recording two and viewing a third is not - as mentioned it only has two tuners.

Don't ever use more than one splitter in your COAX network
or your looking for trouble. You will lose VOD and program guides.
Splitters block part of the two way traffic.
Not true. You're thinking of a filter. Splitters just reduce the signal strength, so while its very wise to reduce the number of splitters on your coax network, if you need to have more than a few due to wiring limitations, its not going to cause you to lose your VOD and program guides. It may reduce the quality and slow down the response time, but as long as you use high frequency, low-loss splitters, you should be fine.

Don't ever use more than one splitter in your COAX network
or your looking for trouble. You will lose VOD and program guides.
Splitters block part of the two way traffic.

The Rule of Thumb for using splitters or barren connectors for FIOS is:
Use Home Runs for all connections if possible.
If you have to use a connector only use either one splitter or barrel connector for each home run if necassary.
This will not dimish any signal and you should be happy.

I switched from COX to DirecTV back in 1998 because the COX PQ was absolutely crap. Since then, DirectTV's PQ has gone down hill as well, including their HD. HDNET used to have stunning PQ. It's a real shame. I paid over $600 for the HR10-250.

I am scheduled for a FIOS TV install, to replace my Direct TV service that I've had for 2 years. Verizon told me that I could still use my Tivo (Hughes) DVR HR10-250, and that all I would need is their STB to connect the HR10-250 to. They tell me that I would have all the functionality that I currently have, including 2 tuner recording and HD. If this is true, why would I need to get a new PVR or DVR from Verizon? Am I missing something or is Verizon not telling me the whole story? Has anyone signed up for FIOS TV and is using their existing DirectTV DVR?

I am scheduled for a FIOS TV install, to replace my Direct TV service that I've had for 2 years. Verizon told me that I could still use my Tivo (Hughes) DVR HR10-250, and that all I would need is their STB to connect the HR10-250 to. They tell me that I would have all the functionality that I currently have, including 2 tuner recording and HD. If this is true, why would I need to get a new PVR or DVR from Verizon? Am I missing something or is Verizon not telling me the whole story? Has anyone signed up for FIOS TV and is using their existing DirectTV DVR?

Verizon probably thinks you have a stand alone TiVo. The HR10-250 is a DirecTV product that will ONLY work with DirecTV.

I am scheduled for a FIOS TV install, to replace my Direct TV service that I've had for 2 years. Verizon told me that I could still use my Tivo (Hughes) DVR HR10-250, and that all I would need is their STB to connect the HR10-250 to. They tell me that I would have all the functionality that I currently have, including 2 tuner recording and HD. If this is true, why would I need to get a new PVR or DVR from Verizon? Am I missing something or is Verizon not telling me the whole story? Has anyone signed up for FIOS TV and is using their existing DirectTV DVR?

With FIOS, you need an STB or cable card to receive channels 50 and above. They have an HD STB that is not a DVR. I think that is what they are referring to when they say you can use your TIVO box in conjunction with the FIOS STB.

I am scheduled for a FIOS TV install, to replace my Direct TV service that I've had for 2 years. Verizon told me that I could still use my Tivo (Hughes) DVR HR10-250, and that all I would need is their STB to connect the HR10-250 to. They tell me that I would have all the functionality that I currently have, including 2 tuner recording and HD. If this is true, why would I need to get a new PVR or DVR from Verizon? Am I missing something or is Verizon not telling me the whole story? Has anyone signed up for FIOS TV and is using their existing DirectTV DVR?
The only way that would work is if the HR10 had a component input (which could be fed from the output of a FIOS HD STB) and even then you could only record one thing at a time. Does the DVR even have component in? Someone's giving you bad advice.

Not true. You're thinking of a filter. Splitters just reduce the signal strength, so while its very wise to reduce the number of splitters on your coax network, if you need to have more than a few due to wiring limitations, its not going to cause you to lose your VOD and program guides. It may reduce the quality and slow down the response time, but as long as you use high frequency, low-loss splitters, you should be fine.

'I'm an installer, it is best to "home run" all connections unless you can use
2ghz splitters. VOD transmitts at 1450mhz. splitters do filter more signal from
port to port than from input to port.

I am getting verizon fios for both tv and internet installed the first of the year (they came to my door on weekend and that was first available date)

it will be replacing comcast for both services. trying to get everything the same or better then we had for cheaper which may be tough. got the 5mb inet to save and supposedly it is faster then comcast cable modem and cheaper.

they ready painted the lines and installed the box outside. I am concerned about the whole installation process. time aggravation and mess wise. but it shouldn't be too hard in townhouse already wired for cable.

one of my main concerns is what channels the tvs without stb's will get. I have heard only 12 channels which would suck and be a major downgrade from comcast. especially for kitchen where I watch espn and cnbc every morning and sometimes mtv etc. I'm not going to get a stb for the kitchen though at an extra cost.

currently have two hd dvr box and one non dvr hd box. verizon dvr box is supposedly networked to the other ones to watch the recorded content so will only need one as long as it it has larger hd then current comcast dvr box hd which I think is 120 and I heard verizon is 160 so that should be good.

thing is I don't think we even pay for two dvr boxes and I know the on hd box is free. I def don't want to pay for more then 3 but if I'm only paying for one or two now with 3 then its going to be hard for verizon to compete with tht.

that is my other concern. comcast customer service has been pretty good in that you can usually get credits and diacounts etc when you talk to the right ppl and say the right thing. from what I know of verizon dealing with them for home phone nd cell phone this is going to be much harder to get then even to match comcast promotions etc. but I figure ill try it out and if the price or service or whatver else isn't better then comcast then ill just go back to comcast.

I am also wondering if verizons on deman content is on par with comcast as far as the amount of available on demand etc as I thought I heard there was limted on demand content with verizon.

the young guy and girl selling it door to door didn't really know much and just agreed or said yes to everything I asked even if it wasn't true. they even said it was 1080p, heh.

and my wife saw on our sheet they filled out when signing me up was for sd stbs not hd. I would need all hd stbs (again one hd dvr as long as it is networked as they say and then 2 hd boxes to start and prob need at least a 4th later and more depending how many chans I get without stb)

but the bd stbs are more I guess and I was alreasy complainign about the 4.99 per extra box as it was. so I don't know whether to call them ahead of time to make sure they bring the hd boxes or just wait and see and if the guy doesn't have extras in his truck then that delays my installation and I complain and threaten to cancel my signing up. with any luck I get the hd stbs for sd box price.

anyway those are my concerns before installation in a few weeks.

does verizon fios tv have more hd chans then comcast? they said 20 but that's prob counting the hd version of the main network chans and hd version of all prem chans which I'm only getting hbo.

in summary biggest concerns being again channel lineup on tvs with no stb. on demand content compared to comcast and everything in general including price compared to comcast. also the time aggravation and mess of install, which at least is free (for now).

Does anyone know if Verizon will run RG-6 coax to the 2nd floor of a two story home?

in summary biggest concerns being again channel lineup on tvs with no stb. on demand content compared to comcast and everything in general including price compared to comcast. also the time aggravation and mess of install, which at least is free (for now).
Many of your questions are answered in this thread and a few others on avsforums, albeit buried among hundreds of other postings. I will take a shot at answering your questions to the best of my ability:

1. Without an STB you will only be able to receive FiOS channels 1-50, which includes local for the most part. No ESPN, CNN, etc. that you might expect from a "basic cable" package. Note that this also means that FiOS isn't having to deal with the larger bandwidth of carrying lots of channels in analog as well as digital, but it does suck if you have a TV location that cannot support an STB.

2. FiOS on demand content has gotten better but still has a way to go. I never had Comcast VOD (have been with DirecTV for 7 years before FiOS), but other postings state that the Comcast VOD lineup is superior for now, especially in terms of movie selections. Statements have been made that FiOS is pushing out major improvements to its VOD offering this coming year, so this may just have to be something to live through.

3. Price? Despite claims of great savings it is probably on par with what I was paying for DirecTV, but I would then add that I now have a lot of movie and sports stations through FiOS's "Movie and Sports" package for less than $15 that is better than D* was giving me. I also don't have to pay extra for HD and have access to VOD content, including for the "subscription" movie channels. Not a bad deal overall I think, but I'm not sure how it compares to Comcast directly. BTW, I believe the cost for a regular STB is $3.99 a month. My in-laws got hooked up last week, and this is what was quoted.

4. You infer that you are getting the "Media Hub" option installed, which is an additional charge over the regular HD-DVR (I don't know the specifics on this, but you can likely look it up at the verizonfios.com website). The current offering does not allow you to stream HD content, so if you were planning to watch recorded HD off of your HD-STB this will not work as yet. There have been rumors of a better Media Hub solution in the future, but I have not seen any specifics as to timing.

5. The installation will depend somewhat on your installer. The three FiOS installs I have been involved with (1 for internet and 2 for TV) went pretty well, but they are very time consuming. Verizon gives you a window for when the installer will show up (like between 8 to 12) and then expect the install to take 4+ hours after that, especially for a completely new installation like yours. They need to install the ONT outside and get the fiber working correctly, hook up coax to your built in cable wiring, find someplace to install the ActionTec router that allows you to receive guide information and VOD, and then configure all of the boxes and walk you through the basic operation of the service.

6. IMHO and many others the remote control supplied by Verizon sucks. You may want to consider, especially for your main viewing location, a nice universal remote such as a Home Theater Master or Harmony. I own the former and got one of the latter for my in-laws. It is amazing how much more intuitive the operation of the DVR is with a good remote.

7. Finally, you may want to call and make sure they have the right info on your order regarding HD vs. SD STBs. They will probably have these on the truck, but if you end up having a late afternoon install it is possible that all extras will have been used. Also make sure you have actually ordered the Media Center option and/or if you think it is worthwhile for the price.

FiOS has gotten better over the last year and will continue to do so. It is a big step up from DirecTV, but may be a more lateral move (at least for now) from Comcast. This may not be the case in the next year, given FiOS's ability to take advantage of more bandwidth.

I used the HDMI connection from the cable box to the media center of my PDP 5060, and the sound is working. I have connected a fiber cable from my cable box to my Denon 2807 to watch movies in surrond sound. Problem is, I get no sound output into my stereo. I see the fiber optic light on from the cable box, but that's it.

Is there a setting I need to adjust for the cable box for it to play through HDMI and the fiber connection simultaneously, or am I stuck with only having one sound source.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Does anyone know if Verizon will run RG-6 coax to the 2nd floor of a two story home?They ran Ethernet cable to the second floor for me, so I don't see why not. I've read stories of them running lines over the tops of houses (to get from front to back or vice versa).

I want to know the specifics of what wiring needs to be in place and where it needs to be terminated at. Okay I got the ONT will be outside, probably replacing existing telco box. This is connected to a power back up unit that is located inside. How far can they be apart? The coax that feeds the router is connected outside to ONT? Where do the feeds for the TV service connect?

Let me explain situation. I have 2 of the 5 places I would want service wired to outside for CATV, but all are wired to antenna in attic. Would it be possbile to splice one of outside cables that runs to attic with the splitter and then just connect my existing RG6 that I use for OTA for the places that don't have home runs to outside? My only concern is that I did split the OTA wiring in one place to feed 2 locations, instead of 2 drops (they are outside & I don't have a ladder tall enough) Did I miss anything else that is required I want to make sure I have every thing wired that needs to be once it becomes in my area. I fgure in '07 some time.

BTDT,

thanks for the info and addressing my concerns. I am clearer on the benefits of fios over comcast as well as most of the apparent cons at this point.

I still want to prob go through with installation while it is still free and try it out as long as there is no contract. is there?. comcast doeant have one so that wuld suck and be another reason not to go with fios.

I figure if we don't like it as much we can. just switch back to comcast until fios is better.

the only benefit of fios I seem to be able to find is that the sd channels pic will be better. that is a huge benefit and one of ppls biggest gripes and especially on larger hdtvs which show the flaws od sd chans even more. I have a 60'' 720p hdtv and getting a 67' 1080p where the sd pic quality will be especially important.

I just don't know that that apparently one benefit of fios over comcast (besides in general just being newer better tech) is worth it at the expense of certain cons of fios compared to comcast.

less on demand content especially hd on demand on fios compared to comcast. that sucks. but will likely/hopefully improve on fios. remote not as good. can hopefully keep a comcast remote or 2 which should work on the verizon boxes being they are both moto, and/or buy even better remote (harmony etc).

biggest con to fios for me is that my tvs without stb won't get all the basic cable chans. this is especially important in kitchen which is prob my second most watched tv where I watch espn,cnbc etc at breakfast. I don't want to pay for more then 3 boxes as I have 3 from comcast now (2 hd dvr and one non dvr hd box) and the one hd box is free. so I'm not going to pay for 4 boxes from verizon.

I'm worried now I got sucked into the hype of fios and it may actually be a downgrade in more ways then it is better. I also don't have the confidence that verizon will offer deals ,credits, discounts as much as comcast and think we already have a good deal with comcast which I'm sure we can get even better if we tell them were switching to verizon where as if we cancel and the n come crawling back when fios isn't up to par and these cons I mentioned aren't worth it then comcast my have us where they want us so to speak.

I still want to go ahead with things, take advantage of free installation and try it out but the more I find out and think about this the more I'm second guessing. my wie is already doubtiing and complainign about the upcoming aggravation, mess inconvenience of a new install and getting used to a new service and losing all recorded content and set series recordings.

and though verizon uses some tool to send your new address to all your contacts, changing of your email address is also some trouble.

should I be cancelling fios installation? or is all this somehow going to be worth it despite all the ways where it doesn't stack up to comcast.

I still want to prob go through with installation while it is still free and try it out as long as there is no contract. is there?. comcast doeant have one so that wuld suck and be another reason not to go with fios.No offense ... but ... instead of asking about contract terms / cancellation charges and the like here ... why don't you read the terms of service / contract from Verizon?

When I signed up for Fios (in September in Virginia) ... Verizon was offering two options (for TV and Internet):

TV:
With 1 year commitment - $5 off per month, early cancellation fees apply
W/o 1 year commitment - no early cancellation fees

Either way, installation was free (up to some number of TVs) and you could cancel in 30 days no charge

Internet:
With 1 year commitment - Free installation, early cancellation fees apply
W/o 1 year commitment - Installation charges applied

Either way, you could cancel in 30 days no charge. The one year commitment also came with a price reduction, but it was the same as if you bundled internet with a voice package.

In fact, you can see the "One Year Commitment" vs. "Month-to-Month" options (for Internet) here:
http://www22.verizon.com/content/consumerfios/popop/verizon+fios+internet+service+pricing+plans/verizon+fios+internet+service+pricing+plans.htm

So ... Verizon seems to offer both one year commitment and contractless options ... plus no one here is going to know what types of special offers or terms they may be offering to you or in your area ...

Read the terms of service / contract from Verizon ... and note that Internet, Phone, and TV all have their own contract / terms of service ...

I am getting verizon fios for both tv and internet installed the first of the year (they came to my door on weekend and that was first available date)One other thing you might want to check out ...

Verizon is raising its rates for Fios TV in January (then again, so is Comcast). However, existing Fios customers will continue to pay the current rates. You may want to call and check to see if you'll be paying the old or the new rates ...

biggest con to fios for me is that my tvs without stb won't get all the basic cable chans. this is especially important in kitchen which is prob my second most watched tv where I watch espn,cnbc etc at breakfast. I don't want to pay for more then 3 boxes as I have 3 from comcast now (2 hd dvr and one non dvr hd box) and the one hd box is free. so I'm not going to pay for 4 boxes from verizon.

.

Yes, this is a pretty important point that some people don't get. The thing is that even paying for the 4th box you'll probably be cheaper than Comcast - the issue is the requirement for the STB not the cost. It will be interesting to see if FIOS keeps this policy in place in 09 when analogs get turned off. It will also be interesting to see if Comcast turns them off also.

I was finally able to order TV and 20/5 internet today 12/7. Installation date 12/14. I ordered the multi-room dvr and 3 ordinary set top boxes.

I don't know much about the multi room though. I have an hdtv downstairs and ordinary tvs elsewhere. Is there really an advantage to the extra $7 for the multi room dvr? Will the other 3 boxes work solely with the main box, or can they function independently as well. The telephone order person couldn't answer all the questions, so I turn to you!

one thing it can't do is steam hd to the SD STB...if the show is HD the SD STB doesn't even show it in the list of recordings

another issue is that the program has to finish before you can start watching it remotely as far as i can tell

also, you can't record or pause live tv from the SD STB

calling it a multiroom DVR is misleading in my mind because you can only access the DVR functions locally from the DVR...it is more of a DVR extender.

One other thing you might want to check out ...

Verizon is raising its rates for Fios TV in January (then again, so is Comcast). However, existing Fios customers will continue to pay the current rates. You may want to call and check to see if you'll be paying the old or the new rates ...

omg they prob gave me jan install date to screw me over on the price. i knew comcast was going up in jan and that was part of why i wanted to switch to fios because i assumed comcast would raise your current rate not consider you grandfathered in but if verizon has you do a 1 year contract maybe that gets you in at the price.

i have to call them up with a lot of questions and that would be one of them and i would insist on the dec. 06 rate. at first they said they could do it right away the following week and i see others got install soon after sign up so it seemed suspicous that all of a sudden they were like yeah jan 3rd and i'm like thats the soonest.... yeah.

that isn't my choice or fault so i shouldn't pay more.

i really have a lot to ask, discuss and negotiate with them. will be good to see how they are as far as negotiating and offering discount etc. to reel me in as new customer. comcast has been pretty good at offering discounts and promos, especialy if i tell them i am switching to fios they will prob lower my rate and give me free premium channel for a year or something

if verizon does nothing then i will know how they are going to be even worse once i'm stuck with them after the 30 days.

if they do something about the fact that you dont get basic cable chans on tv without box as you do with comcast which the only thing i can see verizon doing is gving another box free or helping connect one box to 2 tvs.

if they address that major concern/negative compared to comcast, give me the 06 rate and a few other things to equal and/or beat comcat then i'll go throug with it otherwise i'm prob cancel install.

from what i know of verizon and dealing with them for cell phone, they wont be helpfull and will lose the new customer in me.

i kind of hate comcast for getting so big but i hate verizon more definitely. comcast is at least a philly home town company.

dont get me wrong i'm not bias to comcast though like it sounds. i'll go with whoever offers best service and price combo. they are pretty equal but early on there just seems to be a few more cons that outweigh the one pro of fios compared to comcast.

thats just fact whether i want it to be true or not. And its a let down because i really was led to believe and got all hyped tha Fios was going to be this great new tech and equal or superior to comcast in every way all for a lower price. that is just not the case though and in many ways its worse then comcast and possibly more expensive depending on boces needed etc. plus the contract that comcast doesnt' require.

I was finally able to order TV and 20/5 internet today 12/7. Installation date 12/14. I ordered the multi-room dvr and 3 ordinary set top boxes.

I don't know much about the multi room though. I have an hdtv downstairs and ordinary tvs elsewhere. Is there really an advantage to the extra $7 for the multi room dvr? Will the other 3 boxes work solely with the main box, or can they function independently as well. The telephone order person couldn't answer all the questions, so I turn to you!

wow that sux that telephone person didn't know anything. they have really unknowledgeable ppl it seems about their own product.

the kids that came around door to door just agreed with everything i said, told me it was 1080p and all types of other stuff that isnt' true. i could call them on selling me a bill of goods that is false.

i'd think telepone ppl would know

as far as multi room dvr i was talked into that too. I have since found out that it will not play in hd in the other rooms though so not worth it for me at all and since i have a second hd dvr box in bedroom will need that again with fios too. not going to have an hdtv in bedroom and have to watch it in non hd cus its coming from the hd dvr box in main room

i would think you can still watch in hd on that box in that room but just anything you want to stream from the dvr in the other room wont be in hd even if it was recoreded in hd. that is lame though so not getting it and have to cancel it.

for you having all regular non hd tvs in other rooms you might be fine so i guess it could be worht it. especially they prob dont make a non hd dvr box so if you wanted dvr in another room on non hd tv youd have to pay for a n hd dvr box which the hd would be wasted on.

so for someone with one hdtv that wnats to sometiems watch some recorded conten from hd dvr box in main room with hdtv in another room on non hdtv that could be fine but then why would you ever want to watch on the non hdtv if you can just watch it in hd in the main room?

they need to make the multi room dvr play in hd in hte other rooms then i'd get it.

they dont disclose any of this though when selling to you. they should be sued.

they need to make the multi room dvr play in hd in hte other rooms then i'd get it.


It's just a matter of time before this is available. The multi room DVR wasn't even an option a few months ago. All of the stuff that the cable cos have had years to develop it's taking FIOS just a few months.

I'm sick of waiting around for Verizon to install FIOS box in our apartment. Considering I am in the largest apartment in Clarendon (Arlington VA) (the area that was the first to get FiOS), it is annoying to keep checking week after week hearing 15 different reasons why they won't get Fios into the apartment complexes.... Annoying.

I think I'm more annoyed at trying to get rid of comshaft than I am with comshaft itself anymore...

i have to call them up with a lot of questions and that would be one of them and i would insist on the dec. 06 rate. at first they said they could do it right away the following week and i see others got install soon after sign up so it seemed suspicous that all of a sudden they were like yeah jan 3rd and i'm like thats the soonest.... yeah.

that isn't my choice or fault so i shouldn't pay more.

i really have a lot to ask, discuss and negotiate with them. will be good to see how they are as far as negotiating and offering discount etc. to reel me in as new customer. comcast has been pretty good at offering discounts and promos, especialy if i tell them i am switching to fios they will prob lower my rate and give me free premium channel for a year or something

if verizon does nothing then i will know how they are going to be even worse once i'm stuck with them after the 30 days.

if they do something about the fact that you dont get basic cable chans on tv without box as you do with comcast which the only thing i can see verizon doing is gving another box free or helping connect one box to 2 tvs.

if they address that major concern/negative compared to comcast, give me the 06 rate and a few other things to equal and/or beat comcat then i'll go throug with it otherwise i'm prob cancel install.BTW, even aften the 'incentives' my cable company (Cox) offered ... Verizon was still $20+ cheaper for what I considered a 'comparable' package even without offering any incentives. And at 'standard' rates (ie, after the 3 month 'incentive' Cox offered) Verizon was $30+ per month cheaper.

'Free' Showtime from my cable company for 12 months would have ended up costing me about $330 for the year ... :rolleyes:

Anyway, make sure to do a total comparison. Heck, Verizon would still be cheaper for me even if I got a bunch of extra STBs for the kitchen, gues bedroom, etc ...

for you having all regular non hd tvs in other rooms you might be fine so i guess it could be worht it. especially they prob dont make a non hd dvr box so if you wanted dvr in another room on non hd tv youd have to pay for a n hd dvr box which the hd would be wasted on.

so for someone with one hdtv that wnats to sometiems watch some recorded conten from hd dvr box in main room with hdtv in another room on non hdtv that could be fine but then why would you ever want to watch on the non hdtv if you can just watch it in hd in the main room?

they need to make the multi room dvr play in hd in hte other rooms then i'd get it.

they dont disclose any of this though when selling to you. they should be sued.

the no HD on remote boxes limitation is clearly stated on FIOS TV site, I think under the equipment section. I also found that they testing now the ability to stream HD content to the HD boxes.

I currently have the HD-DVR, an HD receiver, and an SD receiver. Will multi-room DVR allow me to view all SD recordings on the HD-DVR at my HD receiver and SD receiver?

I currently have the HD-DVR, an HD receiver, and an SD receiver. Will multi-room DVR allow me to view all SD recordings on the HD-DVR at my HD receiver and SD receiver?
I think you can only get remote viewing at the 2500 SD box.

I currently have the HD-DVR, an HD receiver, and an SD receiver. Will multi-room DVR allow me to view all SD recordings on the HD-DVR at my HD receiver and SD receiver?Yes....if the show is HD the SD STB doesn't even show it in the list of recordings...I just got the Home Media option for the one 2500 we have. The list of recordings is viewable on both the DVR and the 2500, including the HD recordings. When you attempt to play HD recorded content on the 2500, you get an error message telling you that the program was recorded in HD and can't be played back on the 2500.

...It will be interesting to see if FIOS keeps this policy in place in 09 when analogs get turned off. It will also be interesting to see if Comcast turns them off also.Correct me if I am wrong, but I think the conversion to digital--and the resulting turn-off of analog--only applies to over-the-air broadcasters. Of course the cable companies have a vested interest in turning off analogs ASAP for the needed bandwidth to compete with FiOS.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I think the conversion to digital--and the resulting turn-off of analog--only applies to over-the-air broadcasters. Of course the cable companies have a vested interest in turning off analogs ASAP for the needed bandwidth to compete with FiOS.
And with FIOS already scrambling everything but the few local analogs it would make sense for them to be all digital first - they may just switch the locals into clear QAM. It will be harder for other cable co to wean off its analog customers.

And with FIOS already scrambling everything but the few local analogs it would make sense for them to be all digital first - they may just switch the locals into clear QAM. It will be harder for other cable co to wean off its analog customers.

I can already get the locals (< Ch 50) with the QAM tuner. I get the <50 on analog (Ch2-49) and the digital versions on some other channel (like 65.1, 65.2,....) I can get the local HDs on 2.1, 4.1, 5.1,... I can even get the digital music channels.

I want to add a SD receiver to my FiOS TV setup (currently have 1 HD DVR, 1 HD Rcvr, and 1 SD Rcvr). I've bought a new splitter with 6 outputs (my current one has only 4) and just need to replace the current one with the new one and then run a coax from the splitter to my daughters bedroom.

My question is will Verizon simply send me a the new SD receiver, or will I have to set up an appointment to have a tech come out?

I want to add a SD receiver to my FiOS TV setup (currently have 1 HD DVR, 1 HD Rcvr, and 1 SD Rcvr). I've bought a new splitter with 6 outputs (my current one has only 4) and just need to replace the current one with the new one and then run a coax from the splitter to my daughters bedroom.

My question is will Verizon simply send me a the new SD receiver, or will I have to set up an appointment to have a tech come out?
Only Verizon will be able to tell you that with certainty - because of the enabling of the box issue it may have to be an apt. with a tech.

Why don't you just hook up the coax directly to the TV? Good way to "filter" how much programming the kids get. ;)

Only Verizon will be able to tell you that with certainty - because of the enabling of the box issue it may have to be an apt. with a tech.

Why don't you just hook up the coax directly to the TV? Good way to "filter" how much programming the kids get. ;)

I called verizon and the rep told me I would have to make an appointment...

For now, I just moved the SD receiver from our guest bedroom to my daughters room and it works fine. Getting the coax to her room was a little tricky (had to climb in my unfinished attic, replace the 4 way splitter with a 6 way splitter, and find the right stud to drill a hole in, and then fish the coax through the hole, behind the dry wall and out of the opening I had to cut in the drywall in her room) but after I did that, it works great.

In our guest bedroom, I just connected the coax directly to the TV and can get the analog channels just fine.

In our guest bedroom, I just connected the coax directly to the TV and can get the analog channels just fine.
Isn't that enough for guests? :p

I want to keep my Directv while I try out Fios. Does Verizon charge extra to run new cables to each TV? I have 4. Also, is the HD DVR with the Media Option a different box then the HD DVR without the Media option? I doubt I would use this Media option but would pay the extra monthly fee if it's a better box.

Has anyone compared the HD DVR interface to HD TIVO box that Directv offers and is phasing out. I had that box and it was slow however the interface and functionality was wonderful. My new Directv HD box is buggy and not very intuitive, so I am hoping I love FIOS.

Thanks in advance.

Running of extra coax sometimes depends on the technician - I seriously doubt they'd run coaxes for 4 TVs (unless you want to pay them). The media option is just a software setting - it's still the same Moto 6416.

The interface comparison between the Moto box and any other is subjective. You won't know for sure until you use it for while.

I want to keep my Directv while I try out Fios. Does Verizon charge extra to run new cables to each TV? I have 4. Also, is the HD DVR with the Media Option a different box then the HD DVR without the Media option? I doubt I would use this Media option but would pay the extra monthly fee if it's a better box.

Has anyone compared the HD DVR interface to HD TIVO box that Directv offers and is phasing out. I had that box and it was slow however the interface and functionality was wonderful. My new Directv HD box is buggy and not very intuitive, so I am hoping I love FIOS.

Thanks in advance.


I would think if you are paying for a box at each TV location that they will run new RG6 but be aware they usually only run new wire on the outside of the house. Im sure it would be lots extra to go inside through attics or under the house.

I came from the Directv HR10-250 HD Tivo and while the FIOS Moto box seems to be quicker thats about the only benefit. It does work as a DVR but as far as comparing with TIVO functionality and interface it's leaves a whole lot to be desired.

Jwheeler: I recently sold my HR10-250. I loved that box just hated the speed issue. D* upgraded me to their new DVR which is OK but lacks the functionality and ease of operation that the Tivo box gave us. Can you be more specific on what you like and dislike about the two boxes: Mot/Tivo?

Jwheeler: I recently sold my HR10-250. I loved that box just hated the speed issue. D* upgraded me to their new DVR which is OK but lacks the functionality and ease of operation that the Tivo box gave us. Can you be more specific on what you like and dislike about the two boxes: Mot/Tivo?


an I ask you how Directv upgraded you? The hope was that D* would take care of those customers who purchased the HR10-250 as in no cost for the new box. Did it work out like this or did you get charged?

The Moto doesn't seem to hold as much programing as the Tivo did. The programing info is worthless as it usually only describes what the show is but not what its about, or when made, things that you would normally see when you call up info on a program. The remote control sucks. Cant get it to work from 10 feet away half the time. The buffer is not as it is on the Tivo. For instance if you are on a channel and happen to look at something you had recorded and then switched back to live programing, you don't end up with a thirty min. buffer. The Moto also has some issues with vid motion jerkiness which has started cropping up and has been talked about here.

Im sure there are others but I cant think of them now. They are suppose to be rewriting the software for the Moto box so hopefully it will improve considerably in the near future.

I am currently a Comcast subscriber (ugh) and will be switch to FIOS as soon as our CO is lit for TV. With my Comcast Moto DVR, there is a swap button which I use to watch a second channel while the DVR is recording a program on another channel. I've read in this thread that the FIOS remotes don't have a swap button. How does one switch to the channel on the second tuner without the swap button? Can you just directly tune the the desired channel and it will automatically swap?

Can you just directly tune the the desired channel and it will automatically swap?Yes, it will.

Yes, it will.

Thanks. That will be a nice change. I hate the way the comcast box does the swapping. Each time I do it, it's learning it all over again. Seems to be quite quirky.

Thanks. That will be a nice change. I hate the way the comcast box does the swapping. Each time I do it, it's learning it all over again. Seems to be quite quirky.Each way has its own advantages / disadvantages ...

I know someone who just opted for the FIOS Business service (just for internet connectivity; not TV or Digital phone).

Verizon says you can get 5 static IP addresses with the service. They installed the Actiontec MI424WR wireless router and these folks got ONE IP address so far. They just put in a request for the other four.

They want to have a printer on its own static IP (not a Static NAT IP, but a static Internet IP address). I keep telling the guy that there's no way they can get more than one static (real, not NAT) IP address out of that Actiontec router. The one static IP they've been assigned is feeding the Actiontec router.

I'd prefer not to get into the merits of why or why not have a printer on its own external IP, but just curious about the router requirements.

In my view, they would need another box.

Am I wrong?

Isn't that enough for guests? :p

Yes, it is :D

Just out of curiosity, has anybody been able to determine the bandwidth that Verizon FiOS is delivering on their HD channels?

I've been reading this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=771281&page=1&pp=30) thread and am just a bit curious how FiOS is delivering HD.

I kinda doubt FIOS is transcoding anything. And from the sounds of that thread it may be channel dependent.

MOCO MD residents - Verizon seems to be doing a hard push to roll out Fios TV. I've had Fios internet for a while and put in a web request to get Fios TV in the mid-afternoon the other day. When I got home that same night, there was a message from the Vz technicians that they got a service call for my line and would be at my house by 7:30pm. Sure enough, they pulled up a little after 7 and I started to explain that there was no problem, I just wanted to add the HD-DVR TV service for one room. They looked at each other, shrugged and said, "sure, we can do that." Apparently, this has happened several times to them

The whole process took about three hours to complete. They had been on the clock since 7am and weren't always thinking clearly. Since my router is on the other side of the house from the ONT, they wanted to run coax back across my house to the TV. I suggested that they could just move the router next to the ONT and use the existing CAT 5 run to the PC. They also had some issues updating the router firmware and getting all the pieces updated and rebooted.

PQ is fabulous and everything works except for On Demand. We've had DTV for several years and the SD quality seems better on Fios (haven't sone a side to side comparison yet). Never had HD from DTV, just sporadic signals OTA, but the picture is incredible. I'm still in the learning phase with the DVR service, but I tend to agree with other comments that it seems less polished than DirecTivo.

Some tidbits for the serious tech folks (this is a little out of my depth so sorry if unclear). They talked a while about the line coming into the house "hot." The light signal is around 20 milivolts (DBs?), but they need to crank it down to a range of -5 to +8 through attenuators. Apparently signals outside of this range can blow out TV tuners or affect PQ.
I got the Motorola 6416 STB with HDMI cable into my Sony KD30SX955 HDTV.

The PQ might be even better if you connect using component cables.

The light signal is meaningless to any TV equipment - it's only seen by the ONT. The signal on the coax might be a different issue although even there it is a minor problem - very few people hook up FIOS directly to a TV.

MOCO MD residents - Verizon seems to be doing a hard push to roll out Fios TV. I've had Fios internet for a while and put in a web request to get Fios TV in the mid-afternoon the other day. When I got home that same night, there was a message from the Vz technicians that they got a service call for my line and would be at my house by 7:30pm. Sure enough, they pulled up a little after 7 and I started to explain that there was no problem, I just wanted to add the HD-DVR TV service for one room. They looked at each other, shrugged and said, "sure, we can do that." Apparently, this has happened several times to them

The whole process took about three hours to complete. They had been on the clock since 7am and weren't always thinking clearly. Since my router is on the other side of the house from the ONT, they wanted to run coax back across my house to the TV. I suggested that they could just move the router next to the ONT and use the existing CAT 5 run to the PC. They also had some issues updating the router firmware and getting all the pieces updated and rebooted.

PQ is fabulous and everything works except for On Demand. We've had DTV for several years and the SD quality seems better on Fios (haven't sone a side to side comparison yet). Never had HD from DTV, just sporadic signals OTA, but the picture is incredible. I'm still in the learning phase with the DVR service, but I tend to agree with other comments that it seems less polished than DirecTivo.

Some tidbits for the serious tech folks (this is a little out of my depth so sorry if unclear). They talked a while about the line coming into the house "hot." The light signal is around 20 milivolts (DBs?), but they need to crank it down to a range of -5 to +8 through attenuators. Apparently signals outside of this range can blow out TV tuners or affect PQ.
I got the Motorola 6416 STB with HDMI cable into my Sony KD30SX955 HDTV.

Where is MoCo do you live? Do you know what wire center or CO serves your house?

Where is MoCo do you live? Do you know what wire center or CO serves your house?

Aspen Hill, Arctic Ave. Not sure where the CO or wire center is.


The PQ might be even better if you connect using component cables.

The light signal is meaningless to any TV equipment - it's only seen by the ONT. The signal on the coax might be a different issue although even there it is a minor problem - very few people hook up FIOS directly to a TV.

Good point on the light signal. I'm out of my depth there so I'm just repeating what the techs said (probably not a good idea).

I've read a lot of the HDMI vs. Component debate, but I'm still not sure what to think. Need to find an extra component cable somewhere. Does having a CRT TV make any difference?

Does having a CRT TV make any difference?
Yes, most folks say to use component for CRT technology and HDMI for fixed pixel displays.

Aspen Hill, Arctic Ave. Not sure where the CO or wire center is.

Your CO is probably the one on Bel Pre Rd,, but depending on how close to Viers Mill you are, it might be the old CO at Viers Mill & Connecticut. You can find out at www.dslreports.com/comap by entering your phone # prefix.

We had the same problem with levels. The signal was hot coming out of the ONT. The issue is probably the same for everyone, unless different ONTs put out different levels (quality control issue?) I had run brand new cables but interestingly the longest run (50') had the hottest level. They used attenuators on every STB.

I've never heard that component would be better for CRTs... HDMI should be better all around. Although CRTs are relatively small so it would be hard to tell the difference. There is an annoyance to HDMI... a few second delay when switching to the input on your TV (for example, from a component DVD player or other source.)

... We had the same problem with levels. The signal was hot coming out of the ONT. The issue is probably the same for everyone, unless different ONTs put out different levels (quality control issue?) I had run brand new cables but interestingly the longest run (50') had the hottest level. They used attenuators on every STB.I had the TV installation last week (Bethesda MD), and the installer went through some careful calculations to determine the amount of attenuation needed at each TV set. Apparently the ONTs were designed to put out a high signal level. Some houses have long coax runs, and there are variations in attenuation levels among different brands of coax, splitters, connectors, etc.

The installer was able to use all of my existing RG6, but terminated all of the runs with nice shiny new compression connectors. He also replaced my splitters. My old crimped connectors were probably serving as de facto attenuators.:) Better to have attenuators of a known value!

I asked him to provide an HDMI cable for my plasma set, but he didn't have any, so I got a component cable instead.

I had the TV installation last week (Bethesda MD), and the installer went through some careful calculations to determine the amount of attenuation needed at each TV set.
Again, how many people connect a TV directly to FIOS - very few. So all this attenuation business is moot. This might change if they start having some clear QAM channels.

Again, how many people connect a TV directly to FIOS - very few. So all this attenuation business is moot.The signal needs to be attenuated for their own boxes. Outside +/- 10db will cause problems for their own STBs (and DVRs) ... and any CableCard equipment ... and just about anything else that could get hooked up.

Attenuation of a hot signal isn't any more 'moot' than amplification of a poor signal ...

The signal comes out of the ONT hot ... because ... for many houses with old / poor / long / whatever runs of coax ... it's needed (or they'd have to add an amp).

Easier to attenuate the signal for the houses that have good / clean / short / whatever runs of coax ...

The signal needs to be attenuated for their own boxes. Outside +/- 10db will cause problems for their own STBs (and DVRs) ... and any CableCard equipment ... and just about anything else that could get hooked up.

..
But the customer doesn't have to worry about that - if the STB blows up from a hot signal it's not their problem.

No one tested any signal level during my install.

But the customer doesn't have to worry about that - if the STB blows up from a hot signal it's not their problem.Nothing is going to 'blow up' from a +20db signal coming out of the ONT. At the worst ... you'd see various quirky issues ... channels dropping out ... artifacts / pixelating / whatever ... DVR recording issues ... etc.

None of which would be fixed by replacing the STB either ... you'd just continue to have the same problems.

Which is why ...No one tested any signal level during my install.They are supposed to. Tested mine at each outlet. Tested my neighbors' at each outlet. They are supposed to measure at each outlet and diagnose if neccesary (ie, attenuate ... replace coax ... whatever needs to be done to make sure signal levels are within their acceptable levels). Prevents later problems / tech visits / upset customers / etc.

Again, how many people connect a TV directly to FIOS - very few. So all this attenuation business is moot. This might change if they start having some clear QAM channels.
FiOS is a service. That's sort of like saying "no one connects their PC to IP."
I think you're trying to say "no one connects their set directly to the ONT (or a splitter after the ONT) without an STB."
Reading through this and other threads it appears that many people do connect without an STB...even though there are only a handful of channels available that way. And they are just as likely (if not more likely) to suffer problems due to a hot signal.
I have an amp on my OTA antenna and need just the right signal level into several sets to get all of the locals. Too hot and I lose some of the stronger stations. (A 4-way splitter provides just the right amount of attenuation.)
But I don't have to worry about OTA anymore. The locals look great on VzFios.

I think you're trying to say "no one connects their set directly to the ONT (or a splitter after the ONT) without an STB."
Reading through this and other threads it appears that many people do connect without an STB...even though there are only a handful of channels available that way.

Yes, that's what I meant and I guess I must be reading the threads differently cause it certainly doesn't seem many folks have FIOS without an STB.

Which is why ...They are supposed to. Tested mine at each outlet. Tested my neighbors' at each outlet. They are supposed to measure at each outlet and diagnose if neccesary (ie, attenuate ... replace coax ... whatever needs to be done to make sure signal levels are within their acceptable levels). Prevents later problems / tech visits / upset customers / etc.
I must have lucked out (was an early install) - I suppose the techs learn as they go.

Originally I posted this in the rear projection threads. However, after finding this thread, I felt it was better suited for here as it primarily discusses FIOS.

"I wanted to share some thoughts on my quest to upgrade to HD service. Directv was my current service provider so I called them first. Directv ended up sending four installation crews to my house and still couldn't get the HD dish installed due to a variety of errors on their part. So, feed up with their comical stupidity, I called Verizon. Night and day difference in cutomer service. The first three Directv installers couldn't speak American English nearly at all, the fourth was a more senior guy who tried to upsell me on every little thing. In contrast, the Verizon engineer was an expert and calmly went about his business. Never did I have cause to suspect the quality of his training.

When the Verizon engineer finished with the FIOS TV installation I had developed deep respect for him due to the critical thinking skills he demonstrated. Suffice to say that my installation was difficult due to a number of complicating factors so it took every bit of 7 hours to complete. And they still have to come back to bury fiber.

I ordered the FIOS HD DVR for the Sony XBR2 70" and standard installs for the rest of the house. At first, I was somewhat underwhelmed with the picture quality on the XBR2 - then we figured out that we were watching the standard definition HBO channel. A hearty laugh was had by all. I guess I should have read the channel guide closer. Coming from Directv, everything is so different. Once I switched to the high definition HBO channel it was love at first sight. Finally, I'm there I thought to myself...

After checking with the installer on signal strength and quizzing him on tips to potentially improve the picture even more, he offered up this question; How old are your coax cables from the wall to the receiver?

As it turns out they were as old as the house - five years. He then told me about newer coax cables which had less (if any) RF loss due to compression style connectors. RF loss can negatively affect picture quality by up to 30% he explained. With that he went to his truck and came back with a handful of new compression connectored cables. Sure enough, he upgraded all my cables and the picture was correspondingly stupendous. The picture improved more than as if it were a simple "tweak."

Compared to my old standard definition Directv service, I can offer this perspective:
- On standard definition programming (480i), FIOS is subjectively 25% - 30% clearer, and sharper.
- A friend has the same TV set with HD Directv and my picture is perhaps 15% - 20% sharper on standard definition channels. Why? I couldn't tell you but my eyes tell me it is true. Perhaps it is the signal compression technology employed by Directv.
- On high definition programming (1080i), FIOS is breathtakingly superior compared to my old standard definition Directv programming. Yeah, I know this isn't a fair comparison but it is another one I can offer for my installation.
- Compared to my buddy's 720P Directv HD picture, I would conservatively say that 1080i FIOS is at least 30% clearer. The gap between FIOS and Directv seemed a little bigger on HD than on standard defintion.

Again, it is only my opinion but I couldn't be happier. After calling Directv and informing them that their service was no longer necessary, I felt a sense of relief. It was almost as if I moved on to a better place. Maybe it was the $20 or so dollars a month I saved with FIOS coupled with the demostrably superior picture. But the whole experience of dumping Directv and signing on to Verizon felt good."

Thanks for the comparison between D* and Verizon. My biggest concern is how their HD DVR box performs. While I would love a better picture on my 60" XBR1 there are other considerations. I currently have the HR20 that D* has built without the Tivo functionality. It's not a bad box but has several annoyances that I hadn't had with my older TIVO box. I getting FIOS TV today so I can give an evaluation soon. How do you like the Fios DVR that you're now using?

A friend of mine was told by the installer (installing his FIOs TV) that in January in SE PA, customers will at no charge have their FIOs Internet throughput automatically doubled (ie 5M to 10M, 15M to 30, etc).

A friend of mine was told by the installer (installing his FIOs TV) that in January in SE PA, customers will at no charge have their FIOs Internet throughput automatically doubled (ie 5M to 10M, 15M to 30, etc).
I think the only time that has happened is if the local competition forced them to do that. On LI Cablevision upped its standard Internet connection speed to 10M so FIOS had to match them. If the local cable co upped its speed for the same price, FIOS will probably match them.

still waiting for Fios on Eastern Long Island. I don't get it. A month ago, their trucks were everywhere. Now, they've disappeared.

In my case, they mounted the splitter outside on the side of my house by the ONT. Is it ok to be exposed to the outside elements?

Just got Fios installed last week. Here are my thoughts. Compared to Directv the picture is about the same for HD maybe a tad better and SD channels are a tad worse. The PQ is not much different and shouldn't sway anyone to switch providers. One of the reasons we are looking for a new provider is that we are not happy with the new HD DVR from D*. It locks up and has a very clunky interface. A problem with the FIOS DVR is that the box records in Mpeg-2 and only has a 160gb hd. Most of the other providres give you mpeg 4 for more storage and 300gb Hd's. I was not impressed with fiber optic TV. I thought I would get an uncompressed image for the ultimate TV image but that is only fantasy. I see no reason to switch from D* for FIOS. I'm getting Dish installed on Tuesday. They have about 30-40 HD channels, the 622 DVR which is rated very high and their own installers which beats some of the installers that D* hire and under pay. I'll post a review on Dish vs D* when my new system is installed. My thinking was that I would keep Fios and buy a TIVO series 3 but the upfront costs and monthly fees are insane when my programming is already sky high.

I see no reason to switch from D* for FIOS.

That's certainly not the case for me. I had D* since the begining. I just switched to FIOS three weeks ago and I can definately see a difference in the HD PQ.

TWD: I'm glad you're getting a better picture. There are many factors why you would see a better picture and I wouldn't (connectors on your old system, cables used, how FIOS is setup in your area, etc.). The bottom line for me was the DVR. There is no way that I'm shelling out hundreds of dollars for a Tivo unit to stay with FIOS. The FIOS DVR sucks big time and offers a very small HD. I rarely ever watch live TV now and love the ability to make my own schedule and ff through commercials. If the FIOS picture was heads and shoulders better then maybe I would have given the Tivo/FIOS combo a try. I was all set to get Dish and try that out but they want 250.00 for the HD DVR upfront (you get back 20.00 per month for 10 months), 49.00 for install, (get that off the 1st month's bill), but the real killer was that they wanted 226.00 for 2 standard boxes and 99.00 for the install on those up front. Too bad because their DVR is rated very high.

i've been reading about all you poor abused people being subjected to the whims of fios , direct tv ,dish, comcast and whoever that gets in your wallet. to bad you don't have room for a big dish then you could buy the equipment it would not go out it works right the first time you can get as many or few channels as you desire.

i've been reading about all you poor abused people being subjected to the whims of fios , direct tv ,dish, comcast and whoever that gets in your wallet. to bad you don't have room for a big dish then you could buy the equipment it would not go out it works right the first time you can get as many or few channels as you desire.
Too bad you don't know a 'big dish' only gets a few HD channels, then you wouldn't be making comments like this.

Showtime HDTV West G0-120
HBO HDTV East T7-118
HBO HDTV West T7-120
Discovery HD Theater C4-600
Starz HDTV East G9-122
Starz HDTV West G9-124
Wealth TV FTA
PBS FTA

Switched to FIOS from Comcast last week. When connecting the coax from the 2500 box ( SD box ) to the TV , the image has some noise and sometimes shadows. When using a s-video connection, the image is much much better. Any ideas?

In my case, they mounted the splitter outside on the side of my house by the ONT. Is it ok to be exposed to the outside elements?

FIOS is fiber, and is not suseptible to the elements... it also doesn't have the [HD]throughput limitations that cable currently has.

FIOS is fiber, and is not suseptible to the elements... it also doesn't have the [HD]throughput limitations that cable currently has.

I am talking about the splitter on the coax that exits the ONT; not the fiber.

Too bad you don't know a 'big dish' only gets a few HD channels, then you wouldn't be making comments like this.

Showtime HDTV West G0-120
HBO HDTV East T7-118
HBO HDTV West T7-120
Discovery HD Theater C4-600
Starz HDTV East G9-122
Starz HDTV West G9-124
Wealth TV FTA
PBS FTA
i don't know what book you've been reading from but where do you think fios, comcast,direct tv ,dish network get their signals from . if you don't believe me go to a cable head end and see where their 5 meter dishs are pointed at.

I am talking about the splitter on the coax that exits the ONT; not the fiber.

As I undrstand it, Verizon runs fiber from the street to your house in support of their FIOS service, and they utilize existing COAX for video and copper for telecommunication services within your house. If your concern is suseptibility to the elements, FIOS should be less suseptible than Comcast or any other service provider utilizing coax/copper to deliver their services end-to-end.

I just got rid of FIOS. If you don't record shows and have no use for a DVR then you'll love the service. The customer service people are friendly and knowledgeable as are the installers. The DVR is the one issue I have with the service. It doesn't hold mu ch HD content and has a horrible interface. THe PQ is still compressed and looks similar to the sats and cable. The only way to get around the DVR is to buy a Tivo. They are expensive and you have to pay them monthly. I have enough people in my pockets already.

i don't know what book you've been reading from but where do you think fios, comcast,direct tv ,dish network get their signals from . if you don't believe me go to a cable head end and see where their 5 meter dishs are pointed at.You are completely missing the point, and have no idea who you are talking to.

Nothing, except what I listed above, is available to consumers.

I am talking about the splitter on the coax that exits the ONT; not the fiber.
As long as the coax splitter and the coax is designed for outdoor use, it will be fine. Splitters do not contain active components and are routinely exposed to the elements.

Switched to FIOS from Comcast last week. When connecting the coax from the 2500 box ( SD box ) to the TV , the image has some noise and sometimes shadows. When using a s-video connection, the image is much much better. Any ideas?


S-Vid is a much higher quality connection than coax. If your set has Svideo, you should use it. If your set has component inputs, that's even better. If you need the cables and VZ doesn't provide, get good inexpensive cables from monoprice.com. Connections in order from lowest quality to highest are

coax, composite, s-vid, component, digital (HDMI or DVI)

KenH- I have no idea what you're talking about either - why don't you tell us?

He already told you what he knows:

Nothing, except what he listed above, is available to consumers.

S-Vid is a much higher quality connection than coax. If your set has Svideo, you should use it. If your set has component inputs, that's even better. If you need the cables and VZ doesn't provide, get good inexpensive cables from monoprice.com. Connections in order from lowest quality to highest are

coax, composite, s-vid, component, digital (HDMI or DVI)

Thanks. I do understand the connection types and advantages of one over other.. Why noise ( snow?) using coax? I do not think I used to see noise with Comcast.

Thanks. I do understand the connection types and advantages of one over other.. Why noise ( snow?) using coax? I do not think I used to see noise with Comcast.


Box might have a bad coax output.

I've had FIOS 15/2 for 2 weeks now, and I have been experiencing some problems trying to surf. Frequently I'll get a timeout from my browsers (IE 6 and FF 2) when they are looking for a site, and will have to hit refresh repeatedly until it works. Often times some of the links embedded into a page will not resolve.

I've changed the dns servers listed in the ethernet broadband connection on the Actiontec router, and that may help, but not fully resolve the issue. I talked to tech support and they told me to reboot the router, but that didn't help either.

Anyone else having this problem?

Sounds like you're still not setup just right. I've never had an issue in 16 mo. of service.

As long as the coax splitter and the coax is designed for outdoor use, it will be fine. Splitters do not contain active components and are routinely exposed to the elements.

Thanks ColdCase,

I should have known that. I have had an outside coax connection to a sat dish and antenna for many a year.

Isnt verizon suppose to be coming out with a new box and with 300 gb and new interface,as well as a new remote control?

Celticpride wrote: Isnt verizon suppose to be coming out with a new box and with 300 gb and new interface,as well as a new remote control?

I hope you're right because my house is wired for FIOS and all I need to do is ask them to flip a switch at their office. I cancelled the service because of the DVR. If the updated DVR is another Motorolla then FIOS may be in trouble because the current one is trash, imho.

Celticpride wrote: Isnt verizon suppose to be coming out with a new box and with 300 gb and new interface,as well as a new remote control?

I hope you're right because my house is wired for FIOS and all I need to do is ask them to flip a switch at their office. I cancelled the service because of the DVR. If the updated DVR is another Motorolla then FIOS may be in trouble because the current one is trash, imho.

Which Moto are you using and why don't you care for it? I am currently getting ready to switch from Comcast to Verizon, so your response could be enlightening.

Which Moto are you using and why don't you care for it? I am currently getting ready to switch from Comcast to Verizon, so your response could be enlightening.
It's all a very subjective issue with the user interface/features.

I've had FIOS 15/2 for 2 weeks now, and I have been experiencing some problems trying to surf. Frequently I'll get a timeout from my browsers (IE 6 and FF 2) when they are looking for a site, and will have to hit refresh repeatedly until it works. Often times some of the links embedded into a page will not resolve.

Your problem might not be related to the FiOS installation. It sounds typical of a computer that has spyware on it. Have you run a scan of your computer with Spybot, Ad-Aware or some other anti-spyware program? I may be asking the obvious, but it's good to try the simplest and most obvious solution first.

Which Moto are you using and why don't you care for it? I am currently getting ready to switch from Comcast to Verizon, so your response could be enlightening.

I was using the latest HD DVR from FIOS. The Motorolla 6414. The interface is time consuming to use and clunky as heck. I've yet to read one review that gave this DVR high marks. It's generally agreed that it is sh*t. Anyway, if you do very light recordings and aren't really into the whole DVR thing then the Motorolla box will work fine. We like to record all our shows and found the box too limiting. The interface requires the user to go back and forth between screens to get things done and this takes lots of extra time. The box only records in Mpreg-2 and has a scanty 160gb hd. My D* HR20 in comparison comes with a 250gb hd and records in Mpeg-4 which increases it recording storage another 30%. I believe you get about double the storage with the HR20. It's nice to have all those HD channels but the reality is that they are a detrement if you have a small hd in your DVR. HD content takes lots of recordsing space. So at this point I don't mind having SD channels because of the amount of recordings I do. I very rarely watch live TV. I love zipping through the commercials so the DVR is the most important element in what provider I use. You have 30 days to decide so run your current provider alongside FIOS and checkout their equipment. You have nothing to lose. You can also use a Series 3 Tivo box with FIOS which is a great box but it is pricey and then you have to pay a monthly subscription to Tivo.

I see some bashing of fios moto dvr boxes but I think that is mostly compared to directv.

if you are coming from comcast and hd dvr I think most will prob find fios to be the same or slight better.

I thought the fios dvr held more then comcast bit it sounds like the same.

the main benefit of fios is a better pq on std def chans.

main con is prob not getting all basic chans on a set with no box and just coax plugged in like you do with comcast. though in 2 yrs when things go all digital you won't with them either.

for this reason I wanted to inquire what box one can. buy (one time fee with no monthly fee) to work with fios to at least get all reg chans an.d pref all digi chans.

wouldn't really need a dvr one for those tvs but if there is a better dvr box that holds more I would be interested and then would just get reg hd non dvr box from vzn fios.

I can't believe you have to pay tivo monthly for a dvr box to use with fios?

I was using the latest HD DVR from FIOS. The Motorolla 6414. The interface is time consuming to use and clunky as heck. I've yet to read one review that gave this DVR high marks. It's generally agreed that it is sh*t. Anyway, if you do very light recordings and aren't really into the whole DVR thing then the Motorolla box will work fine. We like to record all our shows and found the box too limiting. The interface requires the user to go back and forth between screens to get things done and this takes lots of extra time. The box only records in Mpreg-2 and has a scanty 160gb hd. My D* HR20 in comparison comes with a 250gb hd and records in Mpeg-4 which increases it recording storage another 30%. I believe you get about double the storage with the HR20. It's nice to have all those HD channels but the reality is that they are a detrement if you have a small hd in your DVR. HD content takes lots of recordsing space. So at this point I don't mind having SD channels because of the amount of recordings I do. I very rarely watch live TV. I love zipping through the commercials so the DVR is the most important element in what provider I use. You have 30 days to decide so run your current provider alongside FIOS and checkout their equipment. You have nothing to lose. You can also use a Series 3 Tivo box with FIOS which is a great box but it is pricey and then you have to pay a monthly subscription to Tivo.

Thanks for your response!

main con is prob not getting all basic chans on a set with no box and just coax plugged in like you do with comcast. though in 2 yrs when things go all digital you won't with them either.


Unless the cable cos decide to provide basic subs with clear QAM chs. ;)

Isnt verizon suppose to be coming out with a new box and with 300 gb and new interface,as well as a new remote control?

Anyone have any word on when and IF this might be happening? Also, what are the odds that Verizon will swap out a DVR for the new one? Do you need to threaten dropping the service to get them to accomodate you?

Verizon is desperate to sign up customers so I think they would accomodate you.

As long as the coax splitter and the coax is designed for outdoor use, it will be fine. Splitters do not contain active components and are routinely exposed to the elements.
Our previous cable co. enclosed their splitter in one of those plastic terminal boxes. I would be sure all of the connections are sealed well & watertight. Pre-made RG-6 cables sometimes come with boots to fit over the connections. You might put some silicone sealant around the connnections, just to be safe.

I am very disappointed with the DVR and it's interface. Fortunately it's only been a couple of weeks and I haven't had the chance to cancel my Comcast account or remove any of the hardware. Does anyone know what Verizon's cancellation policy is? I went the whole hog and got cable/internet/upgrade to my verizon phone service. I'll keep the phone service upgrade.

You have 30 days and then they charge you 99.00 to cancel. I felt the same way about the DVR. I was also told that they are having some rollout problems too but I would think that they will work all this out in the coming months.

so ppl are canceling Fios and going back to comcast?

should i not even bother trying it then? i just wanted to get teh free installation while i could so its all in place and i prob should still do that and then just cancel before 30 days then when fios is better get it back already have everything in place from install.

maybe i should get teh internet install though because there wont be anyting extra for that as long as fiber is in place i can get that anytime later also. but to get it and try it now and hae to switch email and all is a pain just to possibly switch back so maybe i'll hold off on fios for internet.

but why are you going back to comcast for internet also? what was so bad about the fios internet? isnt' it faster and same price or c heaper then comcast cable modem?

weren't sd chans better pq with fios then comcast?

isn't the moto hd dvd boxes that fios use the same as comcast? how could they be any worse then comcast if they using the same thing. i though it was same or slight better for now and only to get better.

maybe fios is still new and comcast does have more experience nad is ahead of the game and has the current tech more perfected.

i think i will still go through install. they put the boxes in months ago like end of usmmer i i think. then after i signed up they just laid the pipe for the fiber to run through today and i guess ran it to my house.

i have to call verizon anyway and tell them i wanted all 3 hd boxes as they had me down for std for soem reason i think (stupid kids that came around selling it nad knew nothing and just agreed to everything i said including 1080p) and cancel the network dvr cus it doesn't stream in hd thogh again the guy and girl selling it said it would. shouldnt say they were kids, they were like college age and they just sucked and lied.

anyway thats what i'll do, i'll try it without canceling comcast, compare side by side and then i'll prob cancel fios before 30 days if wife and i dont like it better.

for now ill call them and make sure they bring 2 hd dvr boxes and one hd box and i'll cancel internet cus email change is a pain.

The box only records in Mpreg-2 and has a scanty 160gb hd. My D* HR20 in comparison comes with a 250gb hd and records in Mpeg-4 which increases it recording storage another 30%.It only records the MPEG-4 channels in MPEG-4, which is only the HD LiLs. And those channels are inferior in PQ, vs OTA, because of the recompression from broadcast MPEG-2 to DirecTV's MPEG-4. The same channels on Fios are, TTBOMK, not recompressed, so they look as good on Fios as OTA.

so ppl are canceling Fios and going back to comcast?
Not me. I switched from Adelphia/Comcast several months ago and have no intentions of switching back to Comcast (Comcast was in the process of absorbing the local Adelphia franchise when I switched to Verizon).

The Motorola 6416 DVR I got from Verizon is better than the 6412 DVR I had from Adelphia. More stable with some of the glitches fixed, better interface, somewhat more storage capacity. It is no Tivo, but it performs the basic time shifting and recording functions ok. You are seeing posts from one person who had a Tivo based DVR from a satellite company (which is dropping Tivo software for their new DVRs anyway IIRC) and expected the Verizon DVR to provide all the bells and whistles of a Tivo. Anyone coming from a cable system provided Scientific Atlanta or Motorola DVR will not see any drop off in basic capability with the Verizon HD-DVR.

Verizon does need to offer a better HD-DVR with a 250 GB or larger drive and activate the SATA port so people can expand the storage capacity. But I'm willing to give them a few more months to improve the DVR before I consider getting a Series 3 Tivo. Verizon VOD offerings are much weaker than Comcast, but it is clear that Verizon has big plans to ramp up on VOD content in the near future.

As for picture quality, no contest between my particular Adelphia system and Verizon. The picture quality on the SD channels - many of which are still analog only on my local Adelphia/Comcast system - is far better on Verizon. Sci-Fi channel, notorious for poor picture quality in many areas, is finally at least ok on Verizon. The picture quality on the HD channels is better as well. I now have 24 HD channels available compared to 13 I was getting with Adelphia.

So for some $20 less a month, I get faster internet speeds, more HD channels, more SD channels than anyone could ever watch, better picture quality across the board and more HD channels coming. No, I am not switching back to Comcast any time soon.

WM wrote: "It only records the MPEG-4 channels in MPEG-4, which is only the HD LiLs. And those channels are inferior in PQ, vs OTA, because of the recompression from broadcast MPEG-2 to DirecTV's MPEG-4. The same channels on Fios are, TTBOMK, not recompressed, so they look as good on Fios as OTA."

I had D* and FIOS side by side on my 60" SXRD and there was little or no difference in PQ. I was dissapointed in this fact and was hoping to get a much clearer picture than D*. I was thinking about getting Verizon's Internet and phone but I was told I would have to change my # because it's less than 2 years old and that I would only get 10megs of storage. I currently get 500megs of storage through Cablevision (host a few websites) and have unlimited directory assistance with cable. My connection is very fast and stable so why mess with a good thing. On top of this Cablevision is giving mye special pricing. It's great that we are getting all these choices.

So for some $20 less a month, I get faster internet speeds, more HD channels, more SD channels than anyone could ever watch, better picture quality across the board and more HD channels coming. No, I am not switching back to Comcast any time soon.

I switched from Comcast to Fios TV & Internet. Fios TV just became available in the Richmond VA area where I live. I suppose it makes a difference which Comcast service you are switching from. I had comcast analog (SD) which cost $49/mo and is slated for $3 increase next month. I received about 100 channels and crappy to average picture quality.

I now have Fios premium (no HD) for $6 less per month, including 2 STBs. PQ is better and consistent from channel to channel unlike comcast, and I get about 50 more channels. Most of the new channels aren't worth much, but NFL network, ESPN U & News, FoxMovie, and some of the history channels are a welcome addition. Fios internet also saves me $9 month and my speed, 5Mb/sec is more consistent. Comcast was anywhere from 3-6 Mb/sec., usually 3 during most of the hours I used it.

Bottom line: I am saving $180/year and get better service. Will I feel differently in a year? Not likely. HD could change the equation if I go that direction, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

I switched from Comcast to Fios TV & Internet. Fios TV just became available in the Richmond VA area where I live. I suppose it makes a difference which Comcast service you are switching from. I had comcast analog (SD) which cost $49/mo and is slated for $3 increase next month. I received about 100 channels and crappy to average picture quality.

I now have Fios premium (no HD) for $6 less per month, including 2 STBs. PQ is better and consistent from channel to channel unlike comcast, and I get about 50 more channels. Most of the new channels aren't worth much, but NFL network, ESPN U & News, FoxMovie, and some of the history channels are a welcome addition. Fios internet also saves me $9 month and my speed, 5Mb/sec is more consistent. Comcast was anywhere from 3-6 Mb/sec., usually 3 during most of the hours I used it.

Bottom line: I am saving $180/year and get better service. Will I feel differently in a year? Not likely. HD could change the equation if I go that direction, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

I don't think that HD will change your mind. VZ's HD lineup is much better than Comcast. I can't wait until that light up might central office so I can the TV service. I have had the internet service for just over a year with zero problems.

Not me. I switched from Adelphia/Comcast several months ago and have no intentions of switching back to Comcast (Comcast was in the process of absorbing the local Adelphia franchise when I switched to Verizon).

The Motorola 6416 DVR I got from Verizon is better than the 6412 DVR I had from Adelphia. More stable with some of the glitches fixed, better interface, somewhat more storage capacity. It is no Tivo, but it performs the basic time shifting and recording functions ok. You are seeing posts from one person who had a Tivo based DVR from a satellite company (which is dropping Tivo software for their new DVRs anyway IIRC) and expected the Verizon DVR to provide all the bells and whistles of a Tivo. Anyone coming from a cable system provided Scientific Atlanta or Motorola DVR will not see any drop off in basic capability with the Verizon HD-DVR.

Verizon does need to offer a better HD-DVR with a 250 GB or larger drive and activate the SATA port so people can expand the storage capacity. But I'm willing to give them a few more months to improve the DVR before I consider getting a Series 3 Tivo. Verizon VOD offerings are much weaker than Comcast, but it is clear that Verizon has big plans to ramp up on VOD content in the near future.

As for picture quality, no contest between my particular Adelphia system and Verizon. The picture quality on the SD channels - many of which are still analog only on my local Adelphia/Comcast system - is far better on Verizon. Sci-Fi channel, notorious for poor picture quality in many areas, is finally at least ok on Verizon. The picture quality on the HD channels is better as well. I now have 24 HD channels available compared to 13 I was getting with Adelphia.

So for some $20 less a month, I get faster internet speeds, more HD channels, more SD channels than anyone could ever watch, better picture quality across the board and more HD channels coming. No, I am not switching back to Comcast any time soon.


ok thanks for this postive review of Fios. At first i assumed the ppl switching back or complaining were coming from tivo or something. I assumed fios was going ot be equal or better then comcast being similiar moto dvr boxes etc.

But then i saw at least one guy saying he was going back to comcast and i got worried.

what you have said is what i have come to understand. i am a little concerned that your comparison will not be exact same as mine being adelphia customer which i was way back before comcast took over our areas many years ago. i'm sure fios is better then adelphia but is it better then comcast?

i know the pq is better on std def chans. that is good ot hear though it seems better on hd as well. especially the fact that there is more hd chans. I knew there was less VOD content then comcast including HD on demand but that fios was working on adding more to catch up. i wasn't crazy about this but being that i end up scrolling through the live hd chans more so then checking for on demand hd content, i will prob prefer more live hd chans then on demand hd. i just hadn't heard till now that fios has more hd chans then comcast.

The main things that sucks about fios compard to comcast is that you wont get all the reg channels on fios on a tv without stb. i have several rooms that dont get used much like guest bedroom loft etc. that have an older std def tv in it and with comcast i just plug hte coax right in and i got all chans and pretty clear. mtv espn etc. everything

wiht fios you will only get your local chans on a tv wtihout stb like your local news chans and i'm assuming whyy like back in the day on a tv with antenna no cable. that sucks and forces you to pay for extra boxes for tvs your rarely if never use which is stupid

fios knowing this should provide extra std def stb's free that at least get all the chans comcast does from coax. but they dont. fios only offer free std def box free for a year and only one.

also you have to pay a one time $20 fee for any box plugged in more then 3. that is ridic ulous. not to mention if you dont have a coax outlet there htey charge you even for the first 3.

so much for having them put in a new coax outlet in a room i wanted to maybe change the tv to a diff wall.

anyway i guess i'll try it but i'm mostly pissed about losing all chans from reg tvs.

in fact i forgot, my kitchen doesn't have a stb and i watch that every morning. i'm getting 2 hd dvr boxes just like i have now from comcast. one for main tv room (fam room) and one for bedroom. then i have one hd (non dvr box) for office as i have an older ED plasma in there that needs a box to get anything as it has no coax input.

i guess i could put the non dvr hd box in the kitchen since it is a flat hd lcd tv and i watch more there then in office and then get a std def box for office free for a year which they said i could. even though it looks better with an hd box and the hd chans look quite good on this older plasma and its 42" as opposed to 26" kitchen lcd but i do watch the kitchen more so make more sense ot get hd box there and can always switch them. though i'm used to just watching reg chans in kitchen no digi nad no hd so maybe std def is already step up i'll have ot see

either way i already pretty much have to add a 4th box which is a 19.99 one time install fee.

then when i finish basement this month i am going to need a box down there. no way i am paying for 5 boxes. 3 now so ill go to 4 at most.

Is htere any box we can buy ourselves and not pay monthly fee to comcast for?

Most cable cos will eventually do away with analogs so the direct connection to an analog SD TV will be a thing of the past. Hopefully both cable cos and FIOS will move to a clear QAM basic sub scheme after the 09 analog shutdown.

Most cable cos will eventually do away with analogs so the direct connection to an analog SD TV will be a thing of the past. Hopefully both cable cos and FIOS will move to a clear QAM basic sub scheme after the 09 analog shutdown.

English please

English please


You have almost 500 posts here and you dont understand what he said???

I guess I'm stupid. Duh! What's my name? I'm not familiar with : QAM basic sub scheme. I wish I was as bright as you.

why don't you tell me what you know since i love people who have inflated egos.

He is an AVS moderator with nearly 30k posts. He probably knows just a little. Especially how to reign in your trolling tendencies. If you don't like our discussion of FIOS please go crawl back under your big dish.

KenH- I have no idea what you're talking about either - why don't you tell us?I already did.

The comment I was referring to, was saying if you really wanted HD, get a big dish. That is completely wrong, because only a handful of HD channels are available to consumers.

For the second time, here are all the HD channels available to consumers:

Showtime HDTV West G0-120
HBO HDTV East T7-118
HBO HDTV West T7-120
Discovery HD Theater C4-600
Starz HDTV East G9-122
Starz HDTV West G9-124
Wealth TV FTA
PBS FTA

That is it. 6 channels.

The main things that sucks about fios compard to comcast is that you wont get all the reg channels on fios on a tv without stb. i have several rooms that dont get used much like guest bedroom loft etc. that have an older std def tv in it and with comcast i just plug hte coax right in and i got all chans and pretty clear. mtv espn etc. everything

wiht fios you will only get your local chans on a tv wtihout stb like your local news chans and i'm assuming whyy like back in the day on a tv with antenna no cable.
Is this because the feed is digital? I recently switched from Comcast analog to digital with no loss of stations on my sd sets. Why would Fios be any different?

Thanks in advance!

I guess I'm stupid. Duh! What's my name? I'm not familiar with : QAM basic sub scheme. I wish I was as bright as you.
Sorry, like most other folks who've been on here a while I assume most folks know the lingo.

What I meant to say is that the cable cos may have a basic subscription equivalent to todays' lowest level subscription - analog chs, usually about $15 - that includes the networks and a few other local chs in clear QAM.

So that like today when many folks have a TV directly connect to coax without an STB, that will again be possible post analog shutdown with a QAM tuner equipped TV.

Is this because the feed is digital? I recently switched from Comcast analog to digital with no loss of stations on my sd sets. Why would Fios be any different?

Thanks in advance!
That's because Comcast hasn't yet cut off the analog chs. The cable cos have been in analog mode for long time and it's difficult for them to move away from something they've had for 20+ years.

FIOS is taking a different approach - they encrypt everything (and everything is digital to start) except the few network/locals and convert them to analog to give the few folks who connect directly to the coax a lifeline.

As I mentioned, I think there'll be a sort of merge in the approach after the analog shutdown. Both the cable cos and FIOS (and other new entrants) will provide some basic subscription that will include a small number of clear QAM chs for those that need just the basics and want to connect directly to the coax without an STB. I think all of them will require an STB for any subscription level above basic. So the days of being able to watch MTV, TNT, etc directly from the coax are numbered.

As I mentioned, I think there'll be a sort of merge in the approach after the analog shutdown. Both the cable cos and FIOS (and other new entrants) will provide some basic subscription that will include a small number of clear QAM chs for those that need just the basics and want to connect directly to the coax without an STB. I think all of them will require an STB for any subscription level above basic. So the days of being able to watch MTV, TNT, etc directly from the coax are numbered.
Last I heard, Comcast plans on keeping / providing a small number of channels analog, into the indefinite future. These would probably include most of what is included in their Basic Cable package at this time.

Last I heard, Comcast plans on keeping / providing a small number of channels analog, into the indefinite future. These would probably include most of what is included in their Basic Cable package at this time.
Isn't there an FCC ruling that will prohibit cable companies from providing analog feeds of locals after the switch to digital? Probably to prevent a windfall for the cable cos, or more likely to prevent a slowdown of the conversion.

It is very difficult to say for certain what will happen 2 years from now with any co. But the lure of recovering bandwidth, reduction of cable theft, potential increase in revenue from more STBs and other reasons point to the elimination of analog chs around the analog shutdown.

I'm not sure if the conversion issue (allowing cable cos to convert a digital only signal back to analog) has been settled.

Last I heard, Comcast plans on keeping / providing a small number of channels analog, into the indefinite future. These would probably include most of what is included in their Basic Cable package at this time.
And my point is that the indefinite point they're talking about is 2 years away. :cool:

And my point is that the indefinite point they're talking about is 2 years away. :cool:
Unless the conversion gets postponed again (which is unlikely.) But as the date gets nearer, and the shutdown receives more publicity, there could be a lot of pushback from the public... no doubt millions who still watch OTA.

Just to chime in with my .02......

I've had Fios phone and Internet for 18 months with no problems. I've never looked back. I swithed to Fios TV 2 or 3 months ago from Comcast using the HD8300 dvr. I'll just say I CAN'T STAND the Motorola box from Verizon. Interface is slow and clunky, so slow it has trouble responding to basic commands like channel up/down, info etc. Verizon says it's pushing out new software "soon" that will address this and many other issues i've had with the box, such as FF/RW features just not working sometimes on live tv, having something paused for a while, only to come back into the room and find it's not paused anymore wtih no way to rewind to see what i've missed (a common scenario when putting kids to bed etc).

I also miss the 4 tuners in the 8300, bigger hard drives. There are a few things the motorola box does better (two weeks of channel guide, easier to search for future programs) but all in all, I HATE this DVR. Better SD reception is nice on FIOS, but really that's the only area they've got a clear advantage for my purposes. I also really miss channells 1-99 on tv's that don't have a box attached to them. Who wants a cable box on their dresser, or kitchen counter? Not me.

As soon as I'm eligable to go back to Comcast and get the new customer discounts then I'm doing it.

I also really miss channells 1-99 on tv's that don't have a box attached to them. Who wants a cable box on their dresser, or kitchen counter? Not me.

As soon as I'm eligable to go back to Comcast and get the new customer discounts then I'm doing it.

How many channels do you get w/o the box?

How many channels do you get w/o the box?

Without a STB you get channels 2-49, but not all of those channels are in use. Most are local OTA channels. I also get one superstation (WGN Chicago). Several of the channels in that range are listed in the line-up simply as "local programming". Those channels are used to provide government or public access tv, or are unused. I live in Tampa and have an older non-digital tv plugged directly into the coaxial in one of my rooms. These are the stations I can receive on it:

* = "Local Programming" in the channel line-up guide
2 WCLF 22
3 PBS - WEDU 3
4 CW - WTOG 44
5 Telefutura - WFTT 50
6 Univision - WVEA 62
7 ABC - WWSB 7
8 NBC - WFLA 8
9 Superstation WGN
10 CBS - WTSP 10
11 ABC - WFTS 28
12 WMOR 32
13 Fox - WTVT 13
14 WTTA 38
*15 CTTV (City of Tampa TV)
16 PBS - WUSF 16
17 i Network - WXPX 66
18 Telemundo - WRMD 49
* 22 HTV (Hillsborough County TV)
*30 Tampa Bay Community Network - TBCN-1
*32 Tampa Educational Television
*36 Tampa Bay Community Network - TBCN-2
*39 City of Temple Terrace TV
48 TV Guide
49 Local Weather

Without a STB you get channels 2-49, but not all of those channels are in use. Most are local OTA channels. I also get one superstation (WGN Chicago). Several of the channels in that range are listed in the line-up simply as "local programming". Those channels are used to provide government or public access tv, or are unused. I live in Tampa and have an older non-digital tv plugged directly into the coaxial in one of my rooms. These are the stations I can receive on it:

* = "Local Programming" in the channel line-up guide
2 WCLF 22
3 PBS - WEDU 3
4 CW - WTOG 44
5 Telefutura - WFTT 50
6 Univision - WVEA 62
7 ABC - WWSB 7
8 NBC - WFLA 8
9 Superstation WGN
10 CBS - WTSP 10
11 ABC - WFTS 28
12 WMOR 32
13 Fox - WTVT 13
14 WTTA 38
*15 CTTV (City of Tampa TV)
16 PBS - WUSF 16
17 i Network - WXPX 66
18 Telemundo - WRMD 49
* 22 HTV (Hillsborough County TV)
*30 Tampa Bay Community Network - TBCN-1
*32 Tampa Educational Television
*36 Tampa Bay Community Network - TBCN-2
*39 City of Temple Terrace TV
48 TV Guide
49 Local Weather
Thanks!

How many channels do you get w/o the box?

I get locals, WTBS and a half dozen or so spanish language stations.

Has anyone tried using an HDMI receiver in between the fios stb and their display? I'm switching over this week to FIOS. Right now my comcast gives me HDMI errors and will not pass the signal along to the display. If you are having luck feel free to mention your receiver b/c i returned my yamaha 1600 this week hoping to find a proven solution...

When I had FIOS I had no problem with the HDMI connection and my HD TV which is a SONY. I tried running component through my pre-amp with Directv and the PQ was degraded.

Has anyone tried using an HDMI receiver in between the fios stb and their display? I'm switching over this week to FIOS. Right now my comcast gives me HDMI errors and will not pass the signal along to the display. If you are having luck feel free to mention your receiver b/c i returned my yamaha 1600 this week hoping to find a proven solution...
I've got a fully-digital JVC model RX-D702B that has no problem with the handshake. I've got the Motorola 6416 and an upconverting DVD player connected via HDMI into the JVC and out to the TV via HDMI. I've never had a problem.

first of all what Is the hd 8300 box you had with comcast?

most just have the moto 6412 hd dvr box with comcast and fios uses the moto 6416 which is the same just with 160gb hard drive instead of just 120gb. so they are basically the same just slight better with fios.

std def pq is better but I just can't get past not having all reg cable chans on my kitchen tv with no stb and I don't really need or want one there.

I watch espn and/or cnbc every morn on that tv and sometimes mtv on it and other basic cable chans in evening on same kitchen tv with no stb and just coax plugged in. won't be able to do this with fios and will ultimately have to spend more money on boxes or some other solution.

I still want my free instalation and want to try fios but this reason alone will prob have me switch back.

what did you mean as sson as comcast will take you back? you mean as new customer?.

thing is you only have 30 days with fios till your locked in

I may just keep comcast to compare and so I don't have to get boxes again etc if/when I go back to comcast.

but then I won't see that I don't have basic cable chans on tv wi/o stb as ill still have comcast overlapping.

oh well. I think ill just try it w/o cancelling comcast and then drop fios.

unlss I can somehow get all the reg cable chans still from fios like they don't disconnect that part of comcast. or pay comcast small fee for the basic cable w/o stb but that's dumb to pay two company and mine as well keep the one that gives you free basic on your other tvs w/o stb

good thing I canceled my fios inet install though because if I'm not keeping the tv thhat it would be pain to switch back the inet and email addys.

I've got a fully-digital JVC model RX-D702B that has no problem with the handshake. I've got the Motorola 6416 and an upconverting DVD player connected via HDMI into the JVC and out to the TV via HDMI. I've never had a problem.
Thanks Jstew. I guess there is hope then. I was so frustrated last week. The stb is the DCT3416 Motorola. The TV is a new Pioneer 507 with a key digital KD-PC2 card. If I get the right combo here I'll be psyched. I'm going to research that receiver right now.

-Jonathan

Thanks Jstew. I guess there is hope then. I was so frustrated last week. The stb is the DCT3416 Motorola. The TV is a new Pioneer 507 with a key digital KD-PC2 card. If I get the right combo here I'll be psyched. I'm going to research that receiver right now.

-Jonathan
Personally, I don't think you'll have any problems, but do your research and get what's best for you. Everyone is different! Good luck and enjoy your new toy!

And my point is that the indefinite point they're talking about is 2 years away. :cool:Nope, it would be a lot further than that.

no HD on Demand at all? i knew Comcast had more hd on demand and on demand in general t hen fios but i thought fios had some hd on demand. if none then wow that is another deal breaker.

i really wanted fios to be better but it doesnt' seem to be better then comcat at anything other then std def pq and some say not even that.

yet all these ppl are wishing it was in their area. belive me i dont love comcast but if you have that and think you ae missing out on something if you dont have fios in your area yet then stop worrying/complaining that you dont because comcast still sounds like its the better option right now of the 2 for several reasons.

btw i love how the one guy told me to stop trying to manipulate the system and just pay 4.95/mo for a stb. first of all , the option to be able to buy a stb instead of paying verizon fios a monthly fee is not manipulating the system. in fact there should be a law passed that allows us to buy our own box, the monthly fee is ridiculous. you can buy your own cable modem to use with comcast instead of paying monthly to them for one.

plus i am talking about a box just to get all the basic cable channels on not the extra digi or hd stuff or anything. so essential having to pay money for a box just to get on fios what i get for free on tvs without stbs now with comcast. still think i'm manipulating the system? i'm looking for something i would have to spend money on just as reason/excuse not to have to cancel fios and go bck to comcast.

i'm sure if there was a box like this fios woluld love to let me know if it was the difference between me keeping them or going back to comcast.

furhter you say 4.95 but thats for a std def stb. for my kitchen tv the main one i watch daily on that doenst' have a stb and i have no need for one as the basic calbe chanson that are fine is an hdtv with hdmi so if i have to get a box i mine as well get an hd one and that is more hten 4.95

bottom line your arguement of just pay really has no weight. and there is noone that would pay extra for additonal boxes in this scenario when i just need espn , cnbc, mtv etc on the kitchen tv then just keep comcast.

t hen some including fios phone rep will argue that analog will be sh ut off in a couple years. yeah that 2 years plus coulc be delayed more and i'm sure by then companies like comcast will have a solution in place for getting all basic cable chans on tvs w/o stbs even if it means free std def stb because thats one of the many things that comcast has over fios now and ppl will want that so they will offer something by then i'm sure

so the common arguement of analog will be shut off in 2 years holds no weight to me either because thats still 2 years.

do you know how much 2 years of paying fot extra stbs per month for all the side rooms i have that i dont need stbs including kitchen where basic cable is all i need there.

and dont think i'm a cheap non stb person. again i have and am getting 2 hd dvr and on hd box. i would go 4 at most especially for basment about to be finished but not more then that. so i'm not cheap, in fact i spend too much

its called side rooms like guest bedroom etc where paying a monthly fee for stb for a tv that rarely rarely ever gets used would be pure stupidity even for the richest person. yet having all the basic chans on those seldeom used tvs/rooms is a nice feature.

and dont say well if you never watch in those then why do you need even basic cable in them, sn't local enough. no i just said i watch basic cable chans on kitchen tv every morn and dont need or want a stb taking up space.

i will see first hand tomorrow but already it seems comcast is currently and for the forseeable future better then fios even if i wanted the opposite to be true.

good thing is that hopefully the compeition keeps the price of both down.

i guess in the end i could keep some type of basic cable plan from comcast for cheap just for those tvs w/0 stbs but fios plus that is still more costly then having just comcast.
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Quatre -
You CAN get the Basic channels without a Box, (I am doing this). However, there are fewer "Basic" (non digital) channels on FIOS than with Comcast. Since FIOS is sending all of your channels to your house in a digital format, they only convert a limited number of them back to analog.

Quatre,

For me, the only downside of needing the STB is also for our kitchen TV. However, I see this as a temporary problem. Come this spring, all sets will have to be digital. I plan on getting a small HDTV with a cable card for the kitchen. That will solve the STB problem. In the meantime, for about the same price as Comcast, FIOS (including the STB rental fees offers far more channels than Comcast, better SD picture quality, and more HD channels. As they ramp up, they will also be expanding their VOD offerings including HD VOD.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a retail source for a Channel Vision HS-2 two way splitter in the North Texas area? Thanks

I plan on getting a small HDTV with a cable card for the kitchen.
Good luck - the chances of such a set being available are pretty slim.

no HD on Demand at all? i knew Comcast had more hd on demand and on demand in general t hen fios but i thought fios had some hd on demand. if none then wow that is another deal breaker.FiOS expects to add HDTV VOD in 2007.

Quatre,

For me, the only downside of needing the STB is also for our kitchen TV. However, I see this as a temporary problem. Come this spring, all sets will have to be digital. I plan on getting a small HDTV with a cable card for the kitchen. That will solve the STB problem. In the meantime, for about the same price as Comcast, FIOS (including the STB rental fees offers far more channels than Comcast, better SD picture quality, and more HD channels. As they ramp up, they will also be expanding their VOD offerings including HD VOD.

It is not easy to find a small TV with a cablecard. Only the larger ones seem to come with them. I think this is because the Cable companies and Verizon are fighting hard against them. It is really a shame. This is one case where I hope the FCC shoves them down their throats ;)

- Rich

FiOS expects to add HDTV VOD in 2007.

2007??? Can you be more specific. It is just the beginning of the year. Will they add it anytime between this month and Dec. :)

It is not easy to find a small TV with a cablecard. Only the larger ones seem to come with them. I think this is because the Cable companies and Verizon are fighting hard against them. It is really a shame. This is one case where I hope the FCC shoves them down their throats ;)

- Rich

What is the smallest set currently available with cable card connectivity? My 32" bravia has this option. What is the smallest...26? 19?

Brandon

What is the smallest set currently available with cable card connectivity? My 32" bravia has this option. What is the smallest...26? 19?

Brandon

I was looking for a friend and I could not find any that were 30" or less. It is very discouraging.

- Rich

I have everything except my Verizon box running through my Yamaha RVX-1600 via HDMI and Gefen switch. All my other HD (PS3 and HD DVD player) work great running through my reciever via HDMI, just not the verizon box. Has Verizon fixed/patched the box to allow for HD pass through? Anyone else running a setup like this?

Does anyone have a recommendation for a retail source for a Channel Vision HS-2 two way splitter in the North Texas area? Thanks

What application do you need it for? Do you just need a splitter?

Has anyone heard any news about FiOS for 'stackable housing' in NoVa?
(The term for Condos & Apt Complexes)

Do you think if I brought it up @ the next Housing Assoc meeting/get a petition going, that we could convince Verizon to bring it to our complex? Anyone ever heard of that working?

Well I had FIOS installed in my house yesterday. I opted for all three services, phone, internet and TV. I wanted to first say, as an early adopter of these technologies, i was expecting a fair amount of headaches. I was pleasently surprised to get everything up and running without a hitch. Only surprise was that the media box that allows you to watch recorded shows in other rooms with non dvr boxes only works on standard def. boxes and not other HD boxes. A complete waste for me so I put another DVR box in my bedroom for a short term fix and canceled the media system. If you want to watch HD shows you record, you need a DVR box in that room for now.

The one other gotcha is there's no DVI output. Bumer if you ran a cable in the wall like me.

From a customer service standpoint, I was blown away. Jim (the installer) was here from 9 to 6. I had 4 boxes installed as well as the phone and internet. Two of my boxes were going into an addition in our house where the electrician had pulled the cables but not yet installed the cable or phone jacks. Jim cleaned everything up, installed the additional boxes, cleaned up after himself. Unreal! It is so rare to see this. I will even buy them a glitch or two down the road if I have to deal with it.

Now the results. My internet connection is 3x the comcast cable service. You can google speedtest for specs on your speed. 14 on the down and almost 2 up. comcast was 5 up...

Now what we all care about most. The PQ is spectacular. My wife and I keep looking at it and saying wow! It is definately a better picture that comcast. The DVR is much easier to navigate and set shows than comcast. if you uused the search for shows in comcast and set a series recording it would default to the non-HD channel so you had to really scroll through the days of the week to get it right i think. this has the options right there in plain view. Much better!

The next challange for me will be to add a new HDMI reciever to one of my displays (Pioneer 507 pro series). The comcast box would not pass the signal through the receiver (yamaha 1600) so i return the receiver until I got the FIOS up and running and would try it again. Jstew suggested the JVC. I'm also looking at the Pioneer Elite. Be nice to the see one with HDMI v1.3 but I don't think I can wait that long.

All in all, a trouble free switch.

-JB

The one other gotcha is there's no DVI output. Bumer if you ran a cable in the wall like me.


My Verizon installation tech supplied an HDMI to DVI cable. It has been working great.

Only surprise was that the media box that allows you to watch recorded shows in other rooms with non dvr boxes only works on standard def. boxes and not other HD boxes.
This has been known ever since the service was announced.

I assume this will change at the same time when HD VOD shows up.

It is not easy to find a small TV with a cablecard. Only the larger ones seem to come with them. I think this is because the Cable companies and Verizon are fighting hard against them. It is really a shame. This is one case where I hope the FCC shoves them down their throats ;)

- Rich
Why would they be fighting cable cards? They still collect $$ for them and they no doubt cost much less than STBs.... and should be more trouble free. And why would the pushback only be successful on small sets?
I would say it's more related to FCC rules that phase in digital tuners. 25" and larger manufactured after March 1, 2006 must have ATSC tuners; smaller than 25" March 1, 2007. Granted that's ATSC but it would make sense that the manufactures do the QAM and/or CableCard design at the same time.
In addition, smaller sets typically have much lower prices, so even though a cablecard might only cost a few buck to implement, the manufacturers will leave them out to get us to spend the big bucks on bigger sets. (You'll see this stragegy used on a number of products... temperature sensors only appear on high end clothes dryers costing hundreds more.... firewire ports on the $1000+ PCs but on the $500 model, etc.)

My Verizon installation tech supplied an HDMI to DVI cable. It has been working great.
Sam's club, Target and others sell those cables for $15-20. (I only wish the STB had 2 sets of L/R audio outputs... one for the set with DVI inputs, one to the set downstairs with component.) Had to use RCA Y-cables.

Why would they be fighting cable cards? They still collect $$ for them and they no doubt cost much less than STBs.... and should be more trouble free. And why would the pushback only be successful on small sets?
I would say it's more related to FCC rules that phase in digital tuners. 25" and larger manufactured after March 1, 2006 must have ATSC tuners; smaller than 25" March 1, 2007. Granted that's ATSC but it would make sense that the manufactures do the QAM and/or CableCard design at the same time.
In addition, smaller sets typically have much lower prices, so even though a cablecard might only cost a few buck to implement, the manufacturers will leave them out to get us to spend the big bucks on bigger sets. (You'll see this stragegy used on a number of products... temperature sensors only appear on high end clothes dryers costing hundreds more.... firewire ports on the $1000+ PCs but on the $500 model, etc.)

I cannot explain it but they keep fighting the FCC to push back deadlines. The latest of June 07 to use them in their new set-top-boxes. The answer must be that they want to make more money renting boxes.

- Rich

Hi I currently have fios internet service 30/5 and just found out fios tv is offered in my area. if im downloading something and sometimes max out my internet connection will that affect fios tv. I plan on getting 2 hd dvr boxes and 1 std box and dont want to have to worry about monitoring my internet to watch uninterrupted tv.
Thanks

Quatre -
You CAN get the Basic channels without a Box, (I am doing this). However, there are fewer "Basic" (non digital) channels on FIOS than with Comcast. Since FIOS is sending all of your channels to your house in a digital format, they only convert a limited number of them back to analog.

yes but they are just the local channels not the basic cable channels like you get with comcast as i've said over and over for instance to give example espn, cnbc, mtv etc. which i used to be able to watch in my kitchen for instance every morning with comcast with just the coax plugged with a clear picture on my flat lcd in there.

now i had to get another box which i ddint' want or need in there just to get some chans.

and i have other side rooms that get much less use. the kitchen i could justify cus it does actuall get a lot of use though i ddin't need or have room for a box or need mroe then just basic cable on it.

but i have side rooms like guest bedroom that it was nice ot have all the basic cable chans on the tv with just coax plugged in.

no matter how you look at it this is a negative of fios compared to comcast and one of the worst ones except for ppl that have 2 tvs and 2 boxes.

and i hear all these exuse like you saying but you do get the chans. no you dont, you get locals, not all basic cable like you do with comcast period. this is fact and there is no sugar coating it.

then verizon and ppl say well you know they will have to turn off analog in 2 years also. 2 years paying monthly for several more boxes is a lot , adn it may get delayed that they have to turn off in 2 years and/or they will have a solution by then for ppl that want basicc cable on tvs without stb like clear qam tuners etc.

so please just stop making excuses for this shortcoming.

I'm totally aggravated from my 2 day install of fios at this point.

the first day was an all day affair with 2 guys in and out of my house up and down in all rooms on all floors and attic. sometimes they'd wear the booties over their shoes but many times not and needles to say you get a lot of dirt.

i was super tired and they were there all day and even still when wife got home.

i told the guy from teh start not to disconnect the comcast aas we still had it and would want it in some rooms for the basic adn to plug in comcast dvr boxes to watch stuff we still had on them. they said they coldn't do that so i told him well i have comcast cable modem so make sure that is left alone as it was a direct shot from outside.

again it was an all deal ordeal and real pita. i hate having guys in my house and they check everything out and ask all these questions.

long story short they got 2 hd dvr boxes installed and one non dvr hd box in and working. but not without a lot of mess and aggravation etc. etc. only for me to find what i've already read and known to expect. a slightly better std def pq but a crappy remote and worse guide and dvr funcitons etc.

the vod is even less and worse then i thought it would be as well.

not till the next day do i notice my comcast cable modem isnt' working. they disconnected it. i spent a lot of time on the phone with a cust service rep and they get the same techs back to reconnect my comcast cable modem internet, check the non stb tvs to get the local chans working cus they had nothing but snow and get the smaller tv in kitchen to do full screen for non hd chans.

they guy messes with my tv remote and the box and couldnt' do it. it was like that on the other 2 tvs too but i didnt' mind as much on my big one and my one plasma has an auto stretch feature.

anyway they come back and they try to get the cable modem working again and can't only for the guy to realize that he took the amp comcast had on their off and threw it out and basically saying they dont have one and so i can't get comcast cable modem back on unless i prob would have had ot have comcast back out which would be who knows when and it wasn't their fault so they would have to charge someone probably me and theni would have to take up with verizon.

i needed internet back asap so thats how i was forced into getting verion fios internet, which supposedly is a clearer winner over comcast internet because its faster and doesnt' fluctuate due to trafic. meanwhile i'm not convinced of all that and i was getting fasters speeds with comcast then i am on fios with the 5/2 option. i think i just had a great comcast connection

so it was a whole ordearl to get that working and when i called earlier in the day they said they'd throw in another box but its prob just free for a year as part of the promotion and just a std def box so not a big favor they did.

they guy tried connected the hd box in kitchen with component thinking that would make it full screen and i dont know wha t he was thinking as i told him it would be same. i forgot what else he tired but we decided on just putting a std def box there. as the only way and at first he was going to connect it with coax till i told him thast the worst picture so then he brought rca and i looked at the std box and saw the best video it had was svideo so he got that for me.

it was now full screen but later i realize on other tv with hd box that all you have ot do is go into the menu of the box with box off and change the override from off to 480p or stretch. I can't believe how little these guys know and yet how they act its really annoying.

so now i'm pissed i tooka std def box over hd just to get full screen cus the stupid techs didn't know how to hit one button. then when i call verizon to see how to do it if its diff then comcast moto box i get this foreign guy who explained the simplest thing in most messed up way and isissted you had to do it on the box when you dont. bottom line was my box wasn't working to get hte menu up when off and i had to unplug it a few times and whatever else get signal sent and finally it was owrking like it should like comcast motos have by using remote to hit menu with power off.

What is better override choice though? 480p or stretch. i thought 480p as you dont just want to stretch the 4:3 image as it would look as much and rather set the res lower to fill screen but actually the benefit of stretch is that your tv doens't do the slow transisition between sd and hd and i think it looks about the same as 480p so stretch might be good.

so they got router in and inet working and got tv in same room as inet working which i moved the hd box up to though at first the guy acted like he wouldn't be able to do that that night until he realized he could with no problem.

the phone support person though i should have locals on another tv with no stb but he said he would have to run a line to even though there is already a coax there and it was a lot of trouble and pain just for locals so basically making me have to accept snow.

i just didn't get if they were supposed to reconnect the comcast cable modem if he hadn't stupidly discarded their amp then i could have also hd comcast connection on other room to use my comcast dvrs for now and then possibly keep comcast for basic cable chans on a couple tvs that might even still work after i canceled comcast which would be ideal and good for fios cus i would keep them and still have my comcast basicas on a couple tv without stb.

then with the crappy large actiontec router i called up and the guy said yes when i asked if it was a/b/g and sure enough its just b/g. also i get a weaker signal form it on xbox 360 then i did with a cheap netgear b/g router.

and the fios actiontec router has a bad NAT that wont allow xbox live. i called up tech support and was on with a guy for awhile who did all types of crap by logging onto my comptuer which i hate. its scary letting them control your computer andwatch them move your mosue around and do crap. i'm not helpless i dont know why they cna't just tell you what to do for an educated tech savy custoemr like myself.

the guy couldn't get the nat better for the actiontec nad he couldn't connect the netgear router ot the actiontec after spending a ton of time on my pc and then on my laptop .

first day they set some stuff like external boxes in garage and had to use an extension cord of mine until i can have an electrician add an extra outlet box there instead of just putting everything by the one. then 2nd day they broke the access panel to my attic.

what a mess and ordeal. now i wonder whats entailed in at least getting comcast tv back. i figured i would be better off for the new wiring in plance but actually i think comcast will have to come out and re do everything and re add amps etc. because all verizon did is mess all that up.

in the end totally aggravated , far from satisfied, wasted lots of time and had my house turned upside down only for an inferior service to comcast and ot have to switch back anyway. sucks.

also as another annoyance, since there were other fios installs in my neighborhood, guys kept coming to my door and asking for the guys working on my house. they didnt' need to help or be there for any reason they just wanted to be nosy and come in and check my house out and all my tvs. you couldn't really say no and be an ahole but i ended up feeling more pissed that i let them in. this was one of many minor and major annoyances for an install all for a service that ends up being inferior to what i had.

I'm totally aggravated from my 2 day install of fios at this point.

the first day was an all day affair with 2 guys in and out of my house up and down in all rooms on all floors and attic. sometimes they'd wear the booties over their shoes but many times not and needles to say you get a lot of dirt.

i was super tired and they were there all day and even still when wife got home.

i told the guy from teh start not to disconnect the comcast aas we still had it and would want it in some rooms for the basic adn to plug in comcast dvr boxes to watch stuff we still had on them. they said they coldn't do that so i told him well i have comcast cable modem so make sure that is left alone as it was a direct shot from outside.

again it was an all deal ordeal and real pita. i hate having guys in my house and they check everything out and ask all these questions.

long story short they got 2 hd dvr boxes installed and one non dvr hd box in and working. but not without a lot of mess and aggravation etc. etc. only for me to find what i've already read and known to expect. a slightly better std def pq but a crappy remote and worse guide and dvr funcitons etc.

the vod is even less and worse then i thought it would be as well.

not till the next day do i notice my comcast cable modem isnt' working. they disconnected it. i spent a lot of time on the phone with a cust service rep and they get the same techs back to reconnect my comcast cable modem internet, check the non stb tvs to get the local chans working cus they had nothing but snow and get the smaller tv in kitchen to do full screen for non hd chans.

they guy messes with my tv remote and the box and couldnt' do it. it was like that on the other 2 tvs too but i didnt' mind as much on my big one and my one plasma has an auto stretch feature.

anyway they come back and they try to get the cable modem working again and can't only for the guy to realize that he took the amp comcast had on their off and threw it out and basically saying they dont have one and so i can't get comcast cable modem back on unless i prob would have had ot have comcast back out which would be who knows when and it wasn't their fault so they would have to charge someone probably me and theni would have to take up with verizon.

i needed internet back asap so thats how i was forced into getting verion fios internet, which supposedly is a clearer winner over comcast internet because its faster and doesnt' fluctuate due to trafic. meanwhile i'm not convinced of all that and i was getting fasters speeds with comcast then i am on fios with the 5/2 option. i think i just had a great comcast connection

so it was a whole ordearl to get that working and when i called earlier in the day they said they'd throw in another box but its prob just free for a year as part of the promotion and just a std def box so not a big favor they did.

they guy tried connected the hd box in kitchen with component thinking that would make it full screen and i dont know wha t he was thinking as i told him it would be same. i forgot what else he tired but we decided on just putting a std def box there. as the only way and at first he was going to connect it with coax till i told him thast the worst picture so then he brought rca and i looked at the std box and saw the best video it had was svideo so he got that for me.

it was now full screen but later i realize on other tv with hd box that all you have ot do is go into the menu of the box with box off and change the override from off to 480p or stretch. I can't believe how little these guys know and yet how they act its really annoying.

so now i'm pissed i tooka std def box over hd just to get full screen cus the stupid techs didn't know how to hit one button. then when i call verizon to see how to do it if its diff then comcast moto box i get this foreign guy who explained the simplest thing in most messed up way and isissted you had to do it on the box when you dont. bottom line was my box wasn't working to get hte menu up when off and i had to unplug it a few times and whatever else get signal sent and finally it was owrking like it should like comcast motos have by using remote to hit menu with power off.

What is better override choice though? 480p or stretch. i thought 480p as you dont just want to stretch the 4:3 image as it would look as much and rather set the res lower to fill screen but actually the benefit of stretch is that your tv doens't do the slow transisition between sd and hd and i think it looks about the same as 480p so stretch might be good.

so they got router in and inet working and got tv in same room as inet working which i moved the hd box up to though at first the guy acted like he wouldn't be able to do that that night until he realized he could with no problem.

the phone support person though i should have locals on another tv with no stb but he said he would have to run a line to even though there is already a coax there and it was a lot of trouble and pain just for locals so basically making me have to accept snow.

i just didn't get if they were supposed to reconnect the comcast cable modem if he hadn't stupidly discarded their amp then i could have also hd comcast connection on other room to use my comcast dvrs for now and then possibly keep comcast for basic cable chans on a couple tvs that might even still work after i canceled comcast which would be ideal and good for fios cus i would keep them and still have my comcast basicas on a couple tv without stb.

then with the crappy large actiontec router i called up and the guy said yes when i asked if it was a/b/g and sure enough its just b/g. also i get a weaker signal form it on xbox 360 then i did with a cheap netgear b/g router.

and the fios actiontec router has a bad NAT that wont allow xbox live. i called up tech support and was on with a guy for awhile who did all types of crap by logging onto my comptuer which i hate. its scary letting them control your computer andwatch them move your mosue around and do crap. i'm not helpless i dont know why they cna't just tell you what to do for an educated tech savy custoemr like myself.

the guy couldn't get the nat better for the actiontec nad he couldn't connect the netgear router ot the actiontec after spending a ton of time on my pc and then on my laptop .

first day they set some stuff like external boxes in garage and had to use an extension cord of mine until i can have an electrician add an extra outlet box there instead of just putting everything by the one. then 2nd day they broke the access panel to my attic.

what a mess and ordeal. now i wonder whats entailed in at least getting comcast tv back. i figured i would be better off for the new wiring in plance but actually i think comcast will have to come out and re do everything and re add amps etc. because all verizon did is mess all that up.

in the end totally aggravated , far from satisfied, wasted lots of time and had my house turned upside down only for an inferior service to comcast and ot have to switch back anyway. sucks.

also as another annoyance, since there were other fios installs in my neighborhood, guys kept coming to my door and asking for the guys working on my house. they didnt' need to help or be there for any reason they just wanted to be nosy and come in and check my house out and all my tvs. you couldn't really say no and be an ahole but i ended up feeling more pissed that i let them in. this was one of many minor and major annoyances for an install all for a service that ends up being inferior to what i had.

If you think Comcast is so wonderful and do nothing but piss on FIOS, why did you sign up for FIOS, especially when many of the limitations you are griping about are clearly stated on their website?

Hello.

I'm having some issues trying to use the HDMI port on my QCP6200-2 (the HD STB w/o the DVR)

I've been using it w/ component cables with no problems, but last night I tried running this (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10231&cs_id=1023104&p_id=2661&seq=1&format=2&style=) from the box's HDMI port to my LCD's DVI port. When I switch to the DVI input on the TV, I get a "No Input" message.

The Motorola booklet says that when I go into the HD menu (pressing Menu on the remote while the box is off), the second option will be "YPP/HDMI Output" when HDMI is active. I am only seeing "YPP Output".

Is there something I need to do in order to "turn on" the HDMI output? Any help would be appreciated!

If you think Comcast is so wonderful and do nothing but piss on FIOS, why did you sign up for FIOS, especially when many of the limitations you are griping about are clearly stated on their website?

Personally, anedotal experiences are helpful in making decisions. I have not yet decided whether I want Fios HDTV and so even though I have great disdain for Comcast and am currently using Fios internet service, the clear winner over the Comcast alternative, Fios TV has drawbacks that posters are identifying. I for one welcome this for when I do decide what I am going to do, it will be from a basis education.

then verizon and ppl say well you know they will have to turn off analog in 2 years also. 2 years paying monthly for several more boxes is a lot , adn it may get delayed that they have to turn off in 2 years and/or they will have a solution by then for ppl that want basicc cable on tvs without stb like clear qam tuners etc.


If Verizon is saying that they have to shutoff analog signals in 2 years then they are wrong. The turnoff date only applies to OTA signals. Cable companies and the like are free to continue providing analog signals as long as they like.

Hello.

I'm having some issues trying to use the HDMI port on my QCP6200-2 (the HD STB w/o the DVR)

I've been using it w/ component cables with no problems, but last night I tried running this (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10231&cs_id=1023104&p_id=2661&seq=1&format=2&style=) from the box's HDMI port to my LCD's DVI port. When I switch to the DVI input on the TV, I get a "No Input" message.

The Motorola booklet says that when I go into the HD menu (pressing Menu on the remote while the box is off), the second option will be "YPP/HDMI Output" when HDMI is active. I am only seeing "YPP Output".

Is there something I need to do in order to "turn on" the HDMI output? Any help would be appreciated!

You might have to unplug the cable box for a while, be sure the HDMI/DVI cable is plugged in, then replug it and let it reboot. I did the opposite, went from HDMI back to component and until I did the reboot, it still showed the HDMI.

I have posted my FioS TV/internet previously in this forum (#1145), but now I've had some problems with Verizon billing. I still love the PQ & channels I am getting but am not at all pleased with Verizon customer service.

1. I live in Henrico Co. VA, where Verizon just started offering Fios TV in December.
2. I signed up online for Fios TV at a rate of $39.95/mo.
3. After the installation, I received a voicemail saying that the rate should have been $42.95, not $39.95, but that since their online sign up was wrong they would give me the first month free, but thereafter I would be billed at $42.95.
4. Yesterday, while checking my VISA transactions, I noticed a charge of $163.63 had posted on Jan. 2. I checked my account information online and there was no reference to this charge.
5. I called Verizon to find out what it was. Since I do not have Verizon telephone service, their automated system can't find my account by my phone number. After wasting a couple minutes in their phone tree, I finally got to a human.
6. I explained my problem to the human and he said I should be able to see the billing charge on my account. I told him that there was no reference to it. For the next 15 minutes I was mostly on hold. The result was he still couldn't determine what the charges were for or why I hadn't been notified about them. He said he was escalating the issue to a supervisor. (For those without Verizon phone service, the quickest way to get a human is to keep saying, 'agent', until you are transferred out of the phone tree.)
7. About 30 minutes later I received an email from the supervisor (I guess) saying that the charge was for one month's service and and the installation of two outlets at $54.95 a piece. He said that the first month's service charge would be removed as I was told via voicemail.
8. I responded by email that no new outlets had been installed and that the same coax and outlets used for my comcast service was being used by Verizon. Neither was I told by the installer that he was doing anything other than the free installation that was promised. I asked that a credit to my Visa account be issued for the full amount.
9. I have not had any response in the 20 hours since.

I am not pleased with the charge. I am not pleased that I was given no notice of the charge. I am not pleased that there was no way for me or the agent to determine the details of the charge. And I sincerely hope that the issue is resolved and I have no further trouble again.

Can anybody let me know if Verizon will offer cable card support for their fios tv service at some point? I currently have a 32" tv with a cablecard slot and if I consider getting fios tv when it's rolled out in my area (Sacramento, CA) I would like to not have to get a set tob box for the 32" bedroom tv and just plug a cable card into it.

Will that be supported or are only a few carriers supporting cable cards?

Brandon

You might have to unplug the cable box for a while, be sure the HDMI/DVI cable is plugged in, then replug it and let it reboot. I did the opposite, went from HDMI back to component and until I did the reboot, it still showed the HDMI.

Thanks. I already tried unplugging it, but I'll try it again and let it sit for a little longer.

I have posted my FioS TV/internet previously in this forum (#1145), but now I've had some problems with Verizon billing. I still love the PQ & channels I am getting but am not at all pleased with Verizon customer service.

1. I live in Henrico Co. VA, where Verizon just started offering Fios TV in December.
2. I signed up online for Fios TV at a rate of $39.95/mo.
3. After the installation, I received a voicemail saying that the rate should have been $42.95, not $39.95, but that since their online sign up was wrong they would give me the first month free, but thereafter I would be billed at $42.95.
4. Yesterday, while checking my VISA transactions, I noticed a charge of $163.63 had posted on Jan. 2. I checked my account information online and there was no reference to this charge.
5. I called Verizon to find out what it was. Since I do not have Verizon telephone service, their automated system can't find my account by my phone number. After wasting a couple minutes in their phone tree, I finally got to a human.
6. I explained my problem to the human and he said I should be able to see the billing charge on my account. I told him that there was no reference to it. For the next 15 minutes I was mostly on hold. The result was he still couldn't determine what the charges were for or why I hadn't been notified about them. He said he was escalating the issue to a supervisor. (For those without Verizon phone service, the quickest way to get a human is to keep saying, 'agent', until you are transferred out of the phone tree.)
7. About 30 minutes later I received an email from the supervisor (I guess) saying that the charge was for one month's service and and the installation of two outlets at $54.95 a piece. He said that the first month's service charge would be removed as I was told via voicemail.
8. I responded by email that no new outlets had been installed and that the same coax and outlets used for my comcast service was being used by Verizon. Neither was I told by the installer that he was doing anything other than the free installation that was promised. I asked that a credit to my Visa account be issued for the full amount.
9. I have not had any response in the 20 hours since.

I am not pleased with the charge. I am not pleased that I was given no notice of the charge. I am not pleased that there was no way for me or the agent to determine the details of the charge. And I sincerely hope that the issue is resolved and I have no further trouble again.

So the "free installation" is only free if they don't have to install any outlets in your house? Are there any other qualifiers?

Brandon

I'm totally aggravated from my 2 day install of fios at this point.

the first day was an all day affair with 2 guys in and out of my house up and down in all rooms on all floors and attic. sometimes they'd wear the booties over their shoes but many times not and needles to say you get a lot of dirt........................................................
also as another annoyance, since there were other fios installs in my neighborhood, guys kept coming to my door and asking for the guys working on my house. they didnt' need to help or be there for any reason they just wanted to be nosy and come in and check my house out and all my tvs. you couldn't really say no and be an ahole but i ended up feeling more pissed that i let them in. this was one of many minor and major annoyances for an install all for a service that ends up being inferior to what i had.


I have to say that from the start you have really been negative about FIOS. The limitations and shortcomings have been well documented on this thread as well as others. A lot of the problems you experienced are not typical and if you were so unhappy with the FIOS installers you should have kicked them out and requested others or better yet learn about the infrastructure in your house and do most of it your self. To have FIOS and Comcast run on the same cabling in your house is not possible and I'm sure caused a lot of problems for the installers. You would have to run separate RG6 for both plus you internet connection. Which by the way, I don't know what amp you are speaking of. When I had comcast there was only a filter and no amp. you shouldn't need one. Sounds like you just need to ditch FIOS and stay with Comcast and from all your posts you pretty much knew that in the beginning. Also...spell check is our friend. :O)

Can anybody let me know if Verizon will offer cable card support for their fios tv service at some point?They already do.

http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/customer+support/faqs/faqs.htm

They are currently charging me $2.99 per month for one ... not sure if that is going up as part of their price increase.

So the "free installation" is only free if they don't have to install any outlets in your house? Are there any other qualifiers?

Brandon

When I signed up, installation of up to 4 STB's was free, if existing coax/outlets were used. For the 5th-7th STBs, there is an installation fee of $19.95 w/ existing coax/outlets. The actiontec router supports a maximum of 7 STBs. If you need more than 7 STBs, I don't know how they handle that. To install a new outlet, there is apparently a $54.95 fee.

Hello.

I'm having some issues trying to use the HDMI port on my QCP6200-2 (the HD STB w/o the DVR)

I've been using it w/ component cables with no problems, but last night I tried running this (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10231&cs_id=1023104&p_id=2661&seq=1&format=2&style=) from the box's HDMI port to my LCD's DVI port. When I switch to the DVI input on the TV, I get a "No Input" message.

The Motorola booklet says that when I go into the HD menu (pressing Menu on the remote while the box is off), the second option will be "YPP/HDMI Output" when HDMI is active. I am only seeing "YPP Output".

Is there something I need to do in order to "turn on" the HDMI output? Any help would be appreciated!

From the QIP6416 User Guide:

Problem
There is no video on the TV screen

Possible Solution
- Verify that the TV is powered on and set to the appropriate input source for the set-top.
- Verify that the set-top is powered on and tuned to an authorized digital TV channel.
- Verify that all video cables between the set-top and the TV are firmly connected.
- Verify that the coaxial cable feed is firmly connected to the set-top and the wall jack.
- If the set-top video output is connected to a home theater receiver, verify that the home theater receiver is powered on and set to the appropriate input source.
If the set-top video output is connected to a TV through a DVI/HDMI connection, power off the TV and then power off the set-top. Wait one second and then power on the devices.
- For HDMI connections only, select Restore All Defaults to force the TV and the set-top to exchange information to automatically determine settings suited for your TV.
- For information about user settings, see “Optimizing Your Output Settings."
- Not all HDTVs can display every output format (1080i, 720p, 480p, or 480i) available on the set-top. To select a different format:
1 Ensure that your set-top is plugged into a power outlet and is turned off.
2 Press the MENU key on the front panel. Your settings are displayed on the front panel display.
3 Press the ▲ and ▼ keys to display the HDMI/YPbPr OUTPUT setting.
4 Press the ► key to cycle through the available output formats until a picture displays on the TV.

When I signed up, installation of up to 4 STB's was free, if existing coax/outlets were used. For the 5th-7th STBs, there is an installation fee of $19.95 w/ existing coax/outlets. The actiontec router supports a maximum of 7 STBs. If you need more than 7 STBs, I don't know how they handle that. To install a new outlet, there is apparently a $54.95 fee.I had a FIOS TV & internet installation in December and just received the bill. Verizon also tried to stick me with the outlet installation charge. I had completely pre-wired my house with CAT5 & RG6; I even installed plywood for mounting the ONT and added a power outlet right next it. This is the thanks I get?! :(

I called Verizon and they deleted the charge without argument. Maybe they're trying to slip this charge in everyone's bills and hope the customers won't notice?

If you need anything installed beyond the standard FIOS items (e.g. additional STB outlets, etc.) the installer is supposed to pull out a rate card and quote you the price. I was prepared to tell the Verizon billing people that my installer never quoted the rate card. But they didn't even ask me about it. Maybe they realize they have a problem justifying these charges.

I used the HDMI connection from the cable box to the media center of my PDP 5060, and the sound is working. I have connected a fiber cable from my cable box to my Denon 2807 to watch movies in surrond sound. Problem is, I get no sound output into my stereo. I see the fiber optic light on from the cable box, but that's it.

Is there a setting I need to adjust for the cable box for it to play through HDMI and the fiber connection simultaneously, or am I stuck with only having one sound source.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

You may need to configure the port on the Denon. I have an older 7.1 amp, Onkyo TX-DS898, which has both optical and digital coax for audio, so I have to map the digital port for each input. Curious, why aren't you routing the HDMI through your Denon. I believe the 2807 has two HDMI inputs and one HDMI output. Hope this helps....

Hello.

I'm having some issues trying to use the HDMI port on my QCP6200-2 (the HD STB w/o the DVR)

I've been using it w/ component cables with no problems, but last night I tried running this (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10231&cs_id=1023104&p_id=2661&seq=1&format=2&style=) from the box's HDMI port to my LCD's DVI port. When I switch to the DVI input on the TV, I get a "No Input" message.

The Motorola booklet says that when I go into the HD menu (pressing Menu on the remote while the box is off), the second option will be "YPP/HDMI Output" when HDMI is active. I am only seeing "YPP Output".

Is there something I need to do in order to "turn on" the HDMI output? Any help would be appreciated!

Make sure your TV is powered on first. I had a similar problem with the 6200 as well as the 6416 on both my sony and infocus hdtv's. I've read that moto has had hdmi port issues with the 64xx series that the cable companies use and I suspect the same is true with the FIOS versions. I've since installed an HDCP compliant HDMI distribution amp (Gefen) between the 6200 and my Infocus and now the HDMI port seems to be working nicely. I have yet to try this on my sony, partly because I've already had so much heartache with it (4 different STB, same result), that I just don't want anymore disappointment. Plus, I'm easing myself into the reality that I will be upgrading this system when 1080p plasmas come down in price. In the meantime, I'm living with component video's 780p...Hopefully your issue is just a power sequence issue...

I had a FIOS TV & internet installation in December and just received the bill. Verizon also tried to stick me with the outlet installation charge. I had completely pre-wired my house with CAT5 & RG6; I even installed plywood for mounting the ONT and added a power outlet right next it. This is the thanks I get?! :(

I called Verizon and they deleted the charge without argument. Maybe they're trying to slip this charge in everyone's bills and hope the customers won't notice?

If you need anything installed beyond the standard FIOS items (e.g. additional STB outlets, etc.) the installer is supposed to pull out a rate card and quote you the price. I was prepared to tell the Verizon billing people that my installer never quoted the rate card. But they didn't even ask me about it. Maybe they realize they have a problem justifying these charges.
Wow, how things have changed in less than a year. There was no charge for anything a year ago. Verizon must be feeling the financial pain of all the installs and wants to recoup its investment faster. Nickel-and-dimeing people for everything, rate increases - sounds like a regular cable co to me - the newness has worn off. :(

Hello,

I am a DirecTV customer and am considering switching to FIOS. Is the consensus that FIOS is better than Direct TV? What are the pluses and minuses? How do their HD DVRs compare to DirecTVs? Does the install require dual coax to each location? Is there any OTA support? Your input would be greatly appreciated.

If Verizon is saying that they have to shutoff analog signals in 2 years then they are wrong. The turnoff date only applies to OTA signals. Cable companies and the like are free to continue providing analog signals as long as they like.
The current ruling says that the cable companies won't be able to convert digital locals to analog after the switchover. Hopefully that will change. But in addition, the cable companies have made it clear that they plan to do away with all analog. They will have to in order to provide more channels digitally to compete with FiOS.

Personally, anedotal experiences are helpful in making decisions. I have not yet decided whether I want Fios HDTV and so even though I have great disdain for Comcast and am currently using Fios internet service, the clear winner over the Comcast alternative, Fios TV has drawbacks that posters are identifying. I for one welcome this for when I do decide what I am going to do, it will be from a basis education.
Agreed, but Quatre has posted pages and pages of the same negative comments on multiple threads, then went forward with the install even after being told FiOS is probably not for him.

Hello,

I am a DirecTV customer and am considering switching to FIOS. Is the consensus that FIOS is better than Direct TV? What are the pluses and minuses? How do their HD DVRs compare to DirecTVs? Does the install require dual coax to each location? Is there any OTA support? Your input would be greatly appreciated.

TommyV im in Plano and just came from Directv with the Hr10-250 to FIOS. The DVR is no where near as good as the Tivo interface but it is a bit quicker when switching and recording. It does not seem to hold anywhere near as much programing. Verizon is suppose to be revamping the software and pushing it out in the next few months so we will see if it gets better. The main complaint seems to be that you cannot switch between tuners like the Tivo but this seems to be firmware related as opposed to hardware related. Hopefully they will fix it.

The picture on my F38310 seemed to be the same regarding HD between Directv and FIOS but there are many ppl with larger sets capable of more resolution that say its far better with FIOS. SD does seem better with FIOS too.

You do not need but one run of RG6 to each location and the cable is split so as to connect to the router for VOD and such. There is not OTA support but on my set I just used the antenna input and can view OTA locals that way. Not as simple as the TIVO but not much to do about it. The service is a bit less expensive, a little more HD and the service is suppose to be improving so I think that the real verdict is still out for a little while longer. Any other questions don't hesitate to ask.

Hello,

I am a DirecTV customer and am considering switching to FIOS. Is the consensus that FIOS is better than Direct TV? What are the pluses and minuses? How do their HD DVRs compare to DirecTVs? Does the install require dual coax to each location? Is there any OTA support? Your input would be greatly appreciated.
FiOS PQ has been widely reported to be better (less compression), for both HD and SD.
Like cable, FiOS On-Demand feature lets you start a movie anytime, whereas you have to wait (sometimes for hours) for D* PPV. Your DVR helps at little in that respect.
You get all of the local channels (including the digital subchannels) on analog 1-49, useful for that set in the guest room where you don't want to pay for an STB.
The FiOS DVRs have some catching up to do, supposedly an update "any day now" will improve but unlikely it will ever catch up to TiVo or ReplayTV.
Only a single coax is needed to each STB. No OTA support, but with the locals available (on both the STBs and via analog channels), we rarely (if ever) use OTA.

Hi I currently have fios internet service 30/5 and just found out fios tv is offered in my area. if im downloading something and sometimes max out my internet connection will that affect fios tv. I plan on getting 2 hd dvr boxes and 1 std box and dont want to have to worry about monitoring my internet to watch uninterrupted tv.
Thanks
Non-demand TV (to coin a phrase!) uses a different wavelength on the fiber. Completely separate signal. On demand uses the same IP stream as your internet but the bandwidth to your ONT is something like 100M... so your downloads won't interfere. And are there many sites out there that can upload to you at 30M? (Other than the speedtest sites!) :)

TommyV im in Plano and just came from Directv with the Hr10-250 to FIOS. The DVR is no where near as good as the Tivo interface but it is a bit quicker when switching and recording. It does not seem to hold anywhere near as much programing. Verizon is suppose to be revamping the software and pushing it out in the next few months so we will see if it gets better. The main complaint seems to be that you cannot switch between tuners like the Tivo but this seems to be firmware related as opposed to hardware related. Hopefully they will fix it.

The picture on my F38310 seemed to be the same regarding HD between Directv and FIOS but there are many ppl with larger sets capable of more resolution that say its far better with FIOS. SD does seem better with FIOS too.

You do not need but one run of RG6 to each location and the cable is split so as to connect to the router for VOD and such. There is not OTA support but on my set I just used the antenna input and can view OTA locals that way. Not as simple as the TIVO but not much to do about it. The service is a bit less expensive, a little more HD and the service is suppose to be improving so I think that the real verdict is still out for a little while longer. Any other questions don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks for your response! I currently have the Hr10 250 and HR20 (headaches but the potetial to be better). The reason I like OTA so much is I get channels that D* doesn't offer in HD, specifically the CW33 (Smallville & Supernatural). Does Fios have CW33 in HD? Also stuff like KDFI, UPN or whatever its called now and KERA even has some cool HD stuff now. It seems like most of the other providers like Time Warner, Dish, and D* only have Fox, ABC, NBC, CBS and maybe KDFI.

I am getting a little weary of this HR20 but its not all that bad. D* compression can be bad but it seems to have been improved, I know they had a lawsuit against them for over compressing HD channels. Even though for the most part I love D*, I still wonder about the Fios since I already have the DATA service which has worked flawlessly for 2 years without even an outage.

I am currently using Fios internet service with a Linksys router for Vonage service behind my Linksys-G Wireless broadband router that I replaced the Verizon supplied D-Link with. My network works flawlessly but I am concerned about now replacing my router with the Actiontec and how it may affect my Vonage service. Does anyone have a similar situation where you are using Vonage behind the Actiontec? I am thinking about having Verizon utilize a nim instead of the Actiontec. Any thoughts?

It should not affect Vonage - mine's behind the Verizon supplied D-link and all's well. The Vonage box is just another IP device on the LAN.

Wow, how things have changed in less than a year. There was no charge for anything a year ago. Verizon must be feeling the financial pain of all the installs and wants to recoup its investment faster. Nickel-and-dimeing people for everything, rate increases - sounds like a regular cable co to me - the newness has worn off. :(

$55 per outlet is a bit more than nickle and diming, but I can see where Verizon needs all the revenue they can get. The cost of this new infrastructure is staggering. Verizon is spending $18 billion to put their fiber within reach of 18 million homes. That's $1000 per home, not all of which will use their service. In addition, the cost to connect a house is estimated to be $650. Depending upon the rate of subscription, it will cost Verizon anywhere from $2000 to $10,000 per customer. For a typical home spending, say, $150 per month on Fios TV/Internet/phone, minus verizon's operating costs, it will take a good number of years for verizon to recoup their investment.

http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=104753

What exactly does the router do in your TV service? I thought the coax ran from the box on the back of your house?

Thanks for your response! I currently have the Hr10 250 and HR20 (headaches but the potetial to be better). The reason I like OTA so much is I get channels that D* doesn't offer in HD, specifically the CW33 (Smallville & Supernatural). Does Fios have CW33 in HD? Also stuff like KDFI, UPN or whatever its called now and KERA even has some cool HD stuff now. It seems like most of the other providers like Time Warner, Dish, and D* only have Fox, ABC, NBC, CBS and maybe KDFI.
The Verizon FiosTV channel line-up for each region is available at http://www22.verizon.com/content/FiosTV/. Clicking on the printable version boxes will get you a two page PDF document listing all the channels. For the North Texas listing, I see a CW KDAF HD on channel 807.

What exactly does the router do in your TV service? I thought the coax ran from the box on the back of your house?

It apparently uses the internet connection via the router for VOD and programing guide. This confused me as well since there was only an input into the router and no output but it uses the RG6 as a MOCA network connection that is two way. That is how they can do their multi room DVR function. I think each box has its own IP address.

They have all the good HD locals! You guys have been really helpful! A couple more questions if you dont mind. How do the music stations compare to the XM stations on D*? It would probably be hard to compare to those. Are they the same as Time Warners music stations?

Also have you guys had many outages or bad pixelating due to weather or other random factors? Most people think Time warner is less affected by the than D* but I find it the opposite. Still if Fios TV is anything like my DATA service then there is never a hickup.

Thanks dt_dc and vamoose for your responses. I have had analog cable for the past 10 years so anything is an upgrade for me. I mainly want FIOS for the internet connection but I might as well get the whole package when the time comes. The problem is it still hasn't been rolled out in my area yet (Sacramento, CA). I called the california toll-free number today and the lady told me they had no plans of rolling it out to my area any time soon. Oh well.

Brandon

I have searched the thread several different ways for my problem and I have noticed that others have it, or have had it corrected, as well. What I was not able to find in the searches was what the problem might actually be.

I have a video stuttering problem that occurs in HD only. My original installation was almost a year ago and the problem just started to occur within the last six weeks. At first it was happening only with my recordings on the built in DVR. I had the Motorola QIP6416-1 STB. It then progressed on this past Wednesday to live broadcasts as well.

A technician came out yesterday and replaced the STB with the QIP6416-2 model. He took a reading off the coax that inputs the STB and announced that it was fine. The line runs from the ONT to a splitter inside the house and from there to the STB. All of the coax and the splitter was provided by Verizon at the time of the original installation. The bottom line is that I am not sure that it worked. I recorded three HD programs last night and have only been able to view one of them so far. I am not sure if I am reading too much into it but I think that I noticed several very faint stutters. I am willing to give it some more time though. Does anyone have any thoughts on this issue?

The next part of this post still pertains to the service call that I had yesterday. I must say that every technician that has ever come out is extremely friendly and courteous.

Unfortunately yesterday’s technician did not complete the job and left before testing out the equipment. After he left the IPG would not come up. I went through rebooting the NIM and the router (D-Link’s DI-604). The router was fine but the NIM would only display that the Ethernet connection was good. The router did not even see the NIM connected though. When these solutions would not get me the IPG I decided to watch some TV before calling it in. I figured it might just need some more time for download. I noticed a lag in the switching from a SD station to a HD station and vice versa. In fact, the lag was so bad that my Mitsubishi WS-73909 RPTV would display massive amounts of static and display a message on the bottom of the screen saying that all signals were lost and to please check the connections. I also noticed that I was no longer able to obtain the SD channels in the 4:3 format. It was only viewable stretched. All of this combined lead me to believe it was time to call it in. So now it was time to be placed on hold.

I actually got through fairly quick. I then explained the situation and asked for the service technician to return and finish the job. After being placed on hold for more than an hour, 69 minutes and 17 seconds to be exact (I have got to get rid of the call timer on the phone!) I was informed that they could have a technician return in two to three weeks! The CSR on the phone finally passed me off to his supervisor since I complained enough about the delay in finishing what was started. During the wait for the supervisor the NIM finally came back online. This was not through any of my efforts however. The supervisor then tried to talk me through everything to fix it myself. Nothing worked. The supervisor then said he would call dispatch himself and try to get someone back quicker and he would call me back. While waiting for his return call I did a search in this thread and found out that they were giving me the wrong directions for setting the format! Not just the entry level CSR but his supervisor as well! Once I got that corrected the switching problem went away. When the supervisor called back he informed me that he would be able to get someone back the next day, today, after 7PM. I then told him that I fixed everything myself and that his directions were wrong. He apologized and gave me a credit for my video service for one month. I was shocked! Verizon has never before admitted culpability to me! I thanked him and off I went.

To summarize:

1. What should I do / check in regards to the stutter?
2. Verizon customer service is pathetic.
3. The quality of the merchandise that I am paying for: one, the land line phone; two, the internet; and three, the cable TV is far superior to Cox Communications; which is who I had before.

I am currently watching live football playoffs on NBC and it is stuttering. I switched over to TNT, Austin Powers, and there is no stutter there.

GO SKINS! (Redskins new motto: "Next Year!")

The problem is it still hasn't been rolled out in my area yet (Sacramento, CA). I called the california toll-free number today and the lady told me they had no plans of rolling it out to my area any time soon. Oh well.


Is Verizon even in the area for phone service? If not, you'll never get FIOS.

I am seeing the stuttering on the football game tonight as well as some break ups. For a short while the game went to 4:3, then back to 16:9. This may be a braodcast issue.

From time to time I see some stuttering. The only clue I have is that either it is the box or they don't have the signal padded (attenuated) correctly. When they first installed it, it was stuttering all over the place. The Tech added an attenuator at my wall outlet and that seemed to fix it. However I now notice it every now and then.

I got Fios about a month ago for my two 42"plasma's. The HD channels looks great. I have a had a problem with one of the HD motorolla box's shutting down by itself thou. I called them this morning about it (Sunday) and they had someone out in a hour! What great customer service. For giggles I asked the guy if he had any extra HDMI cables and he hooked me up w/one! (for a total of 3 now) A+ all the way in my book!

I started getting the stutter about one month ago in N. Texas. Had service since August with no problems. They brought a new HD box, rebooted, reinitialized, etc. with no improvement. I found a partial solution which works for a while at a blog site: When the stutter starts, go into the cable box menu and change the HD resolution to 480p, go back to watching the stuttering show for at least 10 minutes in the 480p format, then go back into the cable box menu and change the resolution back to 1080i and the stutter should be gone. This worked well for about a week, last night the NBC game was pretty bad until the second half even with the above "fix". Some blame the box, others the wires in the house. But I never had any of this with Comcast, so I think FIOS has a problem.

Maybe some other people with the issue can add some insight.

Is Verizon even in the area for phone service? If not, you'll never get FIOS.

I tried to search for something that would show me the coverage area but I found nothing that shows it. It doesn't look like phone service is in my area.

So, you say it'll never come? Why would they just neglect northern california?

Brandon

I am seeing the stuttering on the football game tonight as well as some break ups. For a short while the game went to 4:3, then back to 16:9. This may be a braodcast issue.

I am able to see how some of the time it is in fact a broadcast issue. If it is in fact thus, Veriozn should be crediting its customers for what they are not getting. Verizon should then in turn go to the broadcast station and do the same as they are the customer at that point.

From time to time I see some stuttering. The only clue I have is that either it is the box or they don't have the signal padded (attenuated) correctly. When they first installed it, it was stuttering all over the place. The Tech added an attenuator at my wall outlet and that seemed to fix it. However I now notice it every now and then.

I think that between myself and a few other posts, it has been shown to not be an issue with the box. It quite possibly is in fact due to attenuation. If it is due to attenuation, what should the readings be and why are they not consistent? Why would the measured levels be acceptable (not causing problems) for almost a year and then all of a sudden start causing problems? Does anyone know what the actual optimal meter readings should be without any attenuation? If so maybe people should start monitoring their lines if possible.

I tried to search for something that would show me the coverage area but I found nothing that shows it. It doesn't look like phone service is in my area.

So, you say it'll never come? Why would they just neglect northern california?


Verizon will only provide FIOS to areas where they are the local phone service provider. If your local phone service is not Verizon then you will never get FIOS.

I believe Sacramento is covered by AT&T and they have their own version of FIOS. It is called U-Verse. Here is more information on it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U-Verse

In the name of competition I decided to move away from Comcast and jump on the Verizon FIOS Bandwagon. I had FIOS internet installed approx 1.5 years ago and have been happy with the service. Verizon got the OK about 2 weeks ago to turn FIOS-TV on in our town. I called last week for an installation appointment and was assigned Friday January 5th between 1 and 5pm.

The only Verizon mistake was the installation rep showed up at 12:00pm. I was still at work when I got a call from the Verizon dispatcher asking where I was. I told the dispatcher my assigned hours he apologized and let me know the appointment was still on.

An install rep showed up at 5:00pm, hooked up 3 standard cable boxes, 1 HD-DVR, and 1 cable card. The longest part of the istall was removing an 8 port Leviton powered splitter I was using with Comcast. Once the boxes and cable card were installed the rep had to call the FIOS service center to turn on the video portion of the ONT. I have many cable drops in my house so he installed (2) 8 port splitters. When the rep cabled the splitters he accidentally broke the center lead on the jumper between the two splitters. That bug only took a few minutes to diag and fix. Finally he had an issue installing the cable card in the Mits 62725. Having never done a cable card before the installer relied on my Comcast experience. The TV wasn't picking up the cable card at first but a reseat fixed the problem. Once reseated it took a couple of minutes with the FIOS service center to get that TV working. The rep was done around 9:00 pm. The rep was kind enough to leave a nice HDMI->DVI cable for our 34" Toshiba, plus a couple of Component cables and one straight HDMI cable behind.

I have to say I like what I see. Standard def blows away Comcast while HD is comparable. The response time of the FIOS DVR is a vast improvement over the Comcast box. At times we would have to wait 30 seconds for the Comcast Box to respond, the Verizon Box is instantanious. I like Verizons menus and my wife loves the weather/traffic widgets.

We are paying the same as Comcast and we get more channels. We opted for the Premier Service with Movie package. If we didn't have to add 3 standard cable boxes, the service would have been cheaper. Right now I'm a happy FIOS-Internet, and TV customer, but still using Vonage for phone.

Hopefully over time competition will bring down the cost of Internet and Cable.

for the people that are or have seen stuttering what is your stb setup? do you have the multi-room dvr service? are you using the media manager? do you have fios internet and phone?

i have the 2 hd dvr stbs (with multiroom dvr service) and 2 sd stbs and verizon internet and phone service.

The stuttering is probably induced by the STB. See if you can find a clear QAM stuttering ch and hook it directly to a TV to see if it's the signal or the STB.

i used to always see macroblocking with cable, but now i don't but i do see stuttering...could it be possible that when decoding an over compressed signal that you can either marco block it or stutter it?

Sorry to sound ignorant, but what exactly is macroblocking? I used to have cable,not satellite, and it had its own problems, but I am not sure what you mean. Could you,or someone else elaborate?

BTW, tonights telecast of the Giants/Eagles game showed no stutter for me. The early afternoon game, Patriots/Jets showed a bit but not too much.

This morning I tried to watch on MTV HD the Summer Fest Lynyrd Skynyrd episode but it was terribly out of sync with the voice and video. I even tried it when it replayed later but it had the same problem.

for the people that are or have seen stuttering what is your stb setup? do you have the multi-room dvr service? are you using the media manager? do you have fios internet and phone?

i have the 2 hd dvr stbs (with multiroom dvr service) and 2 sd stbs and verizon internet and phone service.

Shawn,

I have the Verizon FIOS Tripple Play package. It is phone, internet (30 down and 5 up) and the TV. My TV package is the basic, expanded basic, sports and movie, HD package, and the DVR service. I have 1 HD DVR box and 2 standard boxes. I still have the NIM and the D-Link DI-604 router.

I do not have the multi room or the media manager services.

Sorry to sound ignorant, but what exactly is macroblocking?
Just as the name implies you get square blocks (some black, some with parts of the picture in them) displayed in an otherwise good picture - usually happens with a marginal signal which the tuner can't properly decode.

I've had Fios since June, here in New Tampa, Florida. Here is my service and Pro/Con

Service:
Standard (180 Channels)
HD package (20ish Channels)
Movie Package (3 more HD channels are included)
Internet (15MB Down, 5MB up)
1x DVR HD box attached to a mitsu HC3000U via HDMI
2x STB

Pro:
- GREAT HD picture, my installers (install fell behind on schedule, so my original installer called for back up) saids that the PQ is some of the best they've seen in the installs they've seen, the only other one they said it was possibly better was a 61" Plasma they recently installed. I don't even have a screen yet!
- SD quality is better than Comcast, who I had previously when i lived in another town
- Excellent customer service, they gave me a delicated phone line that brings me directly to troubleshooting or problems, and I've called a few times in regards to billing (more about it in con) and they have always answered within 3-4 rings
- Price, I pay about $120 for everything every month
- Discovery HD theater, once you watch it, SD tv becomes something to just "get by"
- One of my friend is a HUGE LOTR buff, I recorded LOTR on TNTHD for her and she came by and watched it on newyears eve, she said she doesn't think she can watch regular LOTR again and now is desperately looking for the HDDVD release of LOTR EE

Cons:
- Billing problems, my last bill has all these weird charges for "DSL modem not returned" and the bill comes almost like it's printed from a regular piece of paper, it lacks many of the verizon logos and legal stuff i expect to read in the typical verizon phone bill, and it also looks like its printed from a dot matrix printer...?
- DVR box problems, when I first got everything installed, I requested a HDDVR box, and after the installer left, I realize I cannot record, and calling customer service they told me that a HDDVR box was not available (but calling a few weeks later, another rep told me it wasn't true.. hmm) the second time calling, they quickly scheduled a date and installed a new HDDVR box for me, took about 20 minutes, and then the installer sat at my house and watched baseball for about another 40 minutes and talked to me about tv stuff, lol
- Channel guide problems, a few times I have gotten a "information is currently unavailable" when i pull up the tv guide. Sometimes, the guide is not accurate, for example, last night I was watching ShowtimeHD and the guide said it was a movie that I knew (forgot the name of it at the moment though) and when I got to the channel, it was softcore porno.. hmm...

Overall I am extremely pleased with the service, I am about to move to Sarasota and I was inform that Fios haven't reached there..yet and I am dreading the call to comcast... and the bill

I'll post a few pictures of LOTR:ROK in action in a few!

edit: I also removed the dlink router they gave me and installed my own netgear wgr614v2 and it works fine

edit2: hmm... the forum won't let me post the pictures :(

Just as the name implies you get square blocks (some black, some with parts of the picture in them) displayed in an otherwise good picture - usually happens with a marginal signal which the tuner can't properly decode.

I am not receiving macroblocking. What I have is a stutter. It is like the pause button has been hit and then play resumes again after about a tenth of a second.

Agreed, but Quatre has posted pages and pages of the same negative comments on multiple threads, then went forward with the install even after being told FiOS is probably not for him.

I'm beginning to think that Quatre is a Comcast plant.

I am not receiving macroblocking. What I have is a stutter. It is like the pause button has been hit and then play resumes again after about a tenth of a second.
Probably an issue with the STB. If you have a QAM equipped TV you can try plugging the coax directly into the TV and compare a clear QAM ch between the direct feed into the TV and signal that comes through the STB.

I am not receiving macroblocking. What I have is a stutter. It is like the pause button has been hit and then play resumes again after about a tenth of a second.
Go back a few posts and look for my previous post about a "fix" for the stutter. It works for a while (a week or two) and isn't too much trouble to do. I has to be something with the box or the fix wouldn't help. When I found the fix it was for an older Moto box not a FIOS box, so it is apparently not new. The FIOS tech who came to to replace the HD box told me to keep it at 720p and it wouldn't stutter and I told him I didn't buy a 1080p TV to watch 720p. (I did try the 720p setting during the Saturday nite game (just to see) and it was not as clear, so FIOS can just fix the problem or get calls.)

I have the regular HD box without DVR, three sd boxes, phone and internet. Do you all think the internet/phone/tv combo is having an effect? I have a NIM and a D-Link 624, being used wired and wirelessly for internet.

Go back a few posts and look for my previous post about a "fix" for the stutter. It works for a while (a week or two) and isn't too much trouble to do. I has to be something with the box or the fix wouldn't help. When I found the fix it was for an older Moto box not a FIOS box, so it is apparently not new. The FIOS tech who came to to replace the HD box told me to keep it at 720p and it wouldn't stutter and I told him I didn't buy a 1080p TV to watch 720p. (I did try the 720p setting during the Saturday nite game (just to see) and it was not as clear, so FIOS can just fix the problem or get calls.)

I saw the "fix" but it is more along the lines of a bubble gum patch. I am paying about $300 a month to Verizon, including my wife's cell phone, so I think the least I can hope for is watchable HD. Your fix requires turning off the box which would have me miss parts of the show. While it might work, it is not really an acceptable solution in my opinion. If it is in fact a problem with the box, the problem needs to be isolated. I am sure that is beyond the capabilities of Verizon. Does anyone know if Motorola has anything to say on this stutter issue?

Verizon will only provide FIOS to areas where they are the local phone service provider. If your local phone service is not Verizon then you will never get FIOS.

I believe Sacramento is covered by AT&T and they have their own version of FIOS. It is called U-Verse. Here is more information on it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U-Verse

That helps a lot, thanks for that information. I guess I have a whole new set of information to study up on now. All my FIOS knowledge going down the drain!

And I believe you are right about AT&T. I live in Elk Grove and work in Sacramento and my job and all of the properties we own are with AT&T, so that sounds right. I had never heard of this U-verse until now, so I wonder how good it can be? I'm about to go find out : )

Brandon

Here are some comments I made over in the HD Recorder Forum regarding Stutter.
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Anyway, I agree that the stutter problem is worst on NBC Football. I did see a Basketball game, I think on ESPN last week that was terrible. The Fox game right now is not as bad, hardly any stutters.

Today, before my daily visit from the verizon guy, I took my 2nd DVR from upstairs and brought it down. Upstairs it never has the stutter problem, running off a Sharp Aquos 26" LCD. Downstairs it Stutters. Downstairs I am running a RCA 38310 - 38" Tube HDTV.
The verizon guy came, gave me new Component cables - still stutters, we swapped the feeds from upstairs to downstairs from the splitter - still stutters.

A friend came by, we decided that since you can Record the stutter and play it back and have it stutter at the same spot all the time, it cannot be the TV, and the stutter has to be either the feed to the STB or the STB itself. Since we swapped STB's, the problem has to be going into the STB. Of course our theory could be garbage, but we are thinking.

We have checked signal strength and the house is pretty even, all cables putting out good signals, the stuttering tv is at around 6 (not sure what that measurment is. We also tried it without it's attenuator on it, so that is probably around 9) Stutters both ways.

My friend who has a 50" plasma, has never noticed the stutter, but does see a lot of pixelation on NBC. We recorded this at my house and played it back in Slow Motion, It is pretty bad, but doesnt bother me as much as the stutter.
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I'M thinking now that maybe increase antenutation, bringing the level down to a 4 or so, and see if that helps.

My thoughts above make it very clear to me that the STB does not cause the stutter. If somehow you got a quick fix by changing some settings, that sounds good, but I dont really think it can help.

I went through a lot of stuff with this stutter, removing Home Media Manger capability from the STB, I thought that had fixed it, but when the Sunday game came around you still saw it.

BTW, I'm running Component Cables with the Stutter, Upstairs where I do not get stutter, I'm running HDMI.

It's hard to play with this, as the NBC football game is the only place to really test it.
BCS game on Fox right now looks great.

Hef