Has any else tried Verizon's FIOS TV? Inparticular with respect to making it work with ReplayTV (read: making the RTV control the FIOS TV STB)? Seems like a really good deal on price, in addition to lightning fast internet access.

I did a seacrh on FIOS but found nothing.

Thanks

Wondering the same thing ---- it appears that the STB is a Motorola so the RTV should be able to control it....

but are the FiOS TV channel listings available for ReplayTV?

I checked Zap2It and they have the listing -- checked a friends location which is different than mine since FiOS TV won't be available until next month.

Does RTV still use the Zap2It feed?

Yes, my buddy has FIOS and ReplayTV. They work great together.

I install FiOS at home and I am able to access the Internet.

I setup my Dlink DI-624 router with Port Forwarding and other preferences
that were configured the same as my previous DI-524 Dlink Router.

However I can accept shows, but they do not transfer. Getting Error message "Unable to contact network. Please check your network."

I have done the following...

1). Verified Port Forwarding.
2). MAC Address
3). IP Setup on ReplayTVs.
4). Rebooted ALL IP Devices starting from the Internet working back.
5). Went to Test my IVS Show Transfer Connection. No problems.


The ONLY thing that I can think of is:
1). That Verizon is blocking Show Transferring.
(However my DSL Connection with Verizon was able to transfer shows, but could not receive emails from Poopli

2). I have two Routers that I configured into acting a Hubs.
(DI-524 and Netgear MR814)
a). Disabled DHCP
b). Disabled Port Forwarding.


IS it Verizon or my Network? Do I need to get new hubs?

Thanks
Mark
Sachse, TX

Any idea how he has them connected and if the RTV can control the STB for channel change?

MaxH has FIOS working with his Replays. He doesn't show up around here any more, but you can find him at www.poopli.com or www.planetreplay.com

I have FIOS running with my Replay 4504's and a pair of Motorola QIP-2500's, I think. It works great.

The Replays control the FIOS boxes via IR blaster. It's reasonably fast compared with the old DCT units I had years ago last time I tried digital cable. In other words, when changing channels, the old channel doesn't go away until just before the new one appears. There is no blue screen or anything like that.

I can't remember what IR blaster setting I used. The Motorola QIP series doesn't show up on there at all, as I recall, and I think I just used one of the first Motorola boxes that were listed, it sounded common, and it worked fine. Still does.

This is the first time I have had to use the IR blasters (based on my old experiences with cable boxes I hate them) so they are a little annoying. From time to time the IR blaster would fall off and then I tape a bunch of crap. So I fixed that with metallic duct tape. They don't come off anymore.

The guide is pretty accurate. For my area (Falls Church, VA) the Verizon FIOS is one of the options, which was a nice surprise. Some of the Spanish channels were swapped (World cup time was annoying, but who would ever try to tape a soccer game, it's tough enough to time football). Everything else there seems to work fine.

The data side is simple. FIOS ran a 100BT ethernet port to the middle of my house. That goes into a router and a switch. The router they gave me (DLink) worked fine, and it's sitting there in case I ever decide to try it. I have a Linksys running DDWRT instead. If you use Poopli or whatever you would have to open some ports in it to forward to your Replays, duh.

Data interface to the world is PPPoE instead of DHCP, which is annoying. I hear that some newer subscriptions are provisioned with DHCP instead. That takes less overhead and would probably make my router work better, so I'm looking forward to it.

There's also a NIM box, which is used for the VOD. That's the only thing I sorta don't like, I can't easily record VOD as they don't show up on regular channels. But I don't have much reason to record VOD anyway, since it's on whenever I want and has FF and RW buttons. The only problem is sometimes shows will expire before I have a chance to watch 'em.

FIOS has had some problems with VOD. Vendors offer a lot more shows on VOD than Verizon has been offering, which is kinda annoying. Go look on Showtime's site and compare that to the VOD offerings. Anyway, that's a bit out of scope here.

The short of it is, FIOS works fine with my Replays. I like it a lot better than I did Cox, since all the channels are quite clear. It's also cheaper. With Cox I had the analog service, now I have digital with two boxes and much better picture and network speeds for the same price. Actually two bucks a month less, I think.

Good luck.

Jim

1. nded - I have wondered this for a long time. What do I get out of running WiRNS with my 4504's? I just want to know before I set up my head examination appointment.

2. How am I still a new member after being here more than 4 years? Just cause I don't post a lot? Crazy.

My Fios is going in tomorrow and I plan to use my replay 5080 as well as their HD-DVR. JUst need to figure out the best way to route it. I will let you know once I do. Jimmy if you can remember the code you used for the motorola box that would be great.

FYI I alreay have Fios internet, love it, but it is DHCP not PPoE thank god.

Don't have much to add except that FIOS is going in soon at my place. Heck of a deal.

Six weeks with FiOS and the most noticed improvement over cable broadband (aside from the obvious speed improvement) is the continuity of service. No more [several times a day] mini-outages lasting from a few seconds to several minutes each. No more slowing down to a crawl when school lets out in the afternoon. It's always there, and it works! Can't wait for FiOS TV to become available in my area.

you FIOS guys are so lucky... the bellsouth/cable duopoly here in the southeast sees us as the last money cow... they're sucking us dry for as long as they can.... 4mb down / 384 up for $52.95....

they're sucking us dry for as long as they can.... 4mb down / 384 up for $52.95....Ouch! that money on Verizon FiOS would buy you 20 down, 5 up AND pay for a monthly (multi unit discount) Replay subscription.

Yep... that's the fee for cable 'broadband only'. If you want DSL you have to have Bell South phone service - total bill (with MINIMUM FEATURES) = $90+

So, cable plus SunRocket is cheaper... but it's still painful.

What's the price for FIOS data only? Maybe now that ATT is buying Bell South, Verizon will be competing here too?

What's the price for FIOS data only? Maybe now that ATT is buying Bell South, Verizon will be competing here too?For $35/mo you get 10 down 2 up, $45/mo, 20 down 5 up. Free installation, free wireless router, free inside wiring to router (no fishing inside walls though) free first month. Free upgrade of pots to fiber (my basic pots is an additional $20, or so, per month) with a free UPS for the pots. Actually this was a superb deal for me since my Replay pots connect bill ran upwards of $15 per month. so now I have superb broadband for an additional out of pocket expense of only $20 per month. $99 cancellation charge within first year, actually that's to pay for the "free" router.

Whoa. That's just amazing. See, I love my sunrocket... so I'd be saving about 20 bux and getting a 4x better connection. That's just sick...*sigh*.

Jimmy if you can remember the code you used for the motorola box that would be great.

IR Blaster code 0476 seems to work for the Motorola QIP-2500.

I am having a real quirky issue, I just had FiOS installed yesterday, I have 2 5040's, one Motorola 62XX series HD FiIOS box and 1 regular (can't remember model #) FiOS box. On the 62XX series setup, i changed RTV to FiOS, Video 1 input - nothing (just like when I had Comcast), Video 2 - S-Video and RCA audio. RTV connected and downloaded the new guide but I had no picture or sound. Double checked all the settings and started trouble shooting.

Disconnected everything (DVI, RF connections etc) except for the S-Video and changed settings back to Comcast and then back to FiOS, got a picture and sound but guide was totally blank, channels looked correct, but no info was in the guide itself. Could change channels fine etc.

Tried a Setup -> connect to RTV service but still no guide.

I was thinking I might want to do a netconnect? (Can't remember how to do that?)

After troubleshooting, everytime I was able to get the progam guide the video/audio would not be working. Very strange, haven't seen anything like this.

The other TV (not HD) works fine with RTV.

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks.

243 Zones

Has anyone had show sharing issues with FIOS? I wasn't sure since they tend to block certain ports.

Also, IR blaster works fine with the boxes they supply?

I came here to post and ask about fios, and look at this! I don't have any unanswered questions. I'm going to go with it, and i'll report back as far as what i get as far as DHCP/PPPOE and cable boxes, out here on long island (NY).

thanks
Eric

I have FIOS for internet and haven't had any issues with sharing via the ReplayTV.

I didn't go for the FIOSTV due to the STB requirement at every TV location -- -but I called Comcrap and they matched FIOSTVs price -- so didn't have to change anything out which was a bonus and still pay the same.

I'm at 15down/2up -- but supposedly we are getting upgraded to 20/5 sometime soon - and hopefully changed from PPPoe to DCHP. Had minor speed issues at the beginning of Nov (9down/2up only --- as I said minor) -- but now its back at 15/2. Love it!

FIOS has arrived in my area. Is anyone unhappy with their FIOS TV service? I was thinking about making the switch from cable.

Ouch! that money on Verizon FiOS would buy you 20 down, 5 up AND pay for a monthly (multi unit discount) Replay subscription.

Haha... Alaska Comm. Systems is charging that much for 1 down 320 up.

kno1uknow - I am having the same trouble, did you find a fix? I posted a new thread about this. What's curious, is one of my 2 boxes is fine, the other sounds just like yours.

eric

Anyone using an older replay tv unit 2000/3000 or showstopper to control the FIOS STB (motorola?) with IR blaster? The local FIOS channel guide is available for download I just really don't want to give up my good ole trusty Showstopper. TIA.

This is exactly what I wanted to hear! I have two 5040s and was afraid they wouldn't work after I got FiOS TV. Thanks everyone!

I do have a question though, sort of off topic. Does anyone know if the FiOS installer will wire the house with Cat5? When I called about installation they said for $50 each the installer will install TV outlets in different rooms, either outside the house or fishing through walls. I asked about also wiring for ethernet and they didn't know. Anyone get this done? I'm just North of Boston in case it matters. Thanks!

Here in NYC the installation includes running one network cable to your computer room, where it attaches to the router. The FIOS terminates at an interface box on the side of the house, then it's cat5 all the way. The UPS goes inside the house and you have to provide a convenient outlet for it to plug into ( I think it has an 8 or 10 foot AC cord).

I'm in Dallas,TX,and I have exactly the same connections as BaysideBas.

I've had the Fios up and running for about 2 months now, and sofar its been an incredibly smooth transition,apart from having tochange the DNS for each RTV device. But I also switched to a third party DNS, so if I ever have to switch ISP again I won't even have to do that.

I did turn off the wireless in the Fios (Actiontec) router and continue to use my Buffalos into that.

What channel numbers does FIOS have? Are they in the 4 digit area? I am having a situation now with DISH and my locals in the 8000 area. THey remap on the RTV at around 490 - 577 for the actual 8001 - 8103 but the REPLAY cant work with remapped channels with DVArchive.

IF FIOS has these High remapped channels with the Replaytv, I will be in the same boat, in regards with DVArchive.

ANyone else have FIOS, ReplayTV, and USE DVArchive, how is the remapping issue with regards to 4 digit channels i.e, 8,000

kno1uknow, I am considering a similiar setup to yours, were you able to resolve the issue?

We got FiosTV the week before the superbowl. Finally! Very nice, biggest downside for some will be that only local channels are in analog - you pretty much need to use a STB for every TV. Went from 3 STBs (one HD, one SD, one HD-DVR) to 5 (one HD, one HD-DVR, one "whole-house" HD-DVR, two SD), with all sports and movies, and we still save $10/month - would have been $35 if we'd stuck with 3 STBs.

The "whole house" DVR can feed shows to several SD settops - but oddly, not to other DVRs or HD settops. I imagine that will change. A bit like networked Replays, but over coax.

Both DVRs are dual-tuner, and unlike Comcast's, they don't bother your foreground watching when a recording starts.

Channel-switch time is MUCH faster. Guide and STB setup (and DVR setup) are also much better, with one exception - no page up/down on remote.

Still not up to Replay standards on responsiveness DVR-wise, though - but better than comcast, and better control scheme.

Got FiOS installed, very happy except that Bit T0rr3nt seems to kill the internet connection or make it extremely frustrating to use. I've read that it's something in the ActionTek router that causes this. If you download over night and kill it in the morning it should be fine though.

Anyway, what I'm wondering is this: Do the serial port or IR port on the QIP 2500 work with a Replay 5k? I currently have the QIP 2500 connected to my Media Center PC using IR blasters and changing the channels is flakey as all get out. I'm thinking of dropping the Media Center PC for SD shows and going back to my reliable Replays. I'm wondering if I can avoid some hassles with IR blasters and provide a wired connection. Anyone have any luck with this? I read on another page that someone in Acton, MA got the serial port to work with a Tivo so that's encouraging.

I've had fios for awhile now, and the only thing i notice is that sometimes channel changes get messed up. Specifically and most frequently, changes to 170. It will, lets say 1 in 10 times, change to channel 17, and then fail at an attempt to change to channel 0, and record what is on 17, instead of 170. (this information coming from the cable box banners that display when channel changes occur.)

I've fortressed my cable box, contemplating that it may be that the problem was occurring because i was operating a remote at the same time as the channel change - did not help.
I switched the recording to a different unit in a different room, connected to a different cable box, same problem.
I have two 5040s hooked up to the standard def fios box.

It is almost as if the remote transmissions are just a tiny tiny bit too far apart time-wise, and it sometimes decides the box meant 17 and not 170 (given that it goes to 17, and then thinks it wants 0).
I have tried all of the remote codes that work at all.
Whenever i change manually, the problem does not seem to occur. So it is extra hard to fix, as i have to try something, then wait days for it to screw up again.

I have been thinking of toying around with customizing a remote code for the box, but haven't had the time to do the research.

anyone else have this problem?
thanks!
Eric

We have problems with channels like 116 (going to 16). Normally this is a classic sign of a too-short (I think) inter-action delay. I tried slowing the custom timings down, but it still happens.

Does anyone have "good" custom settings for the SD Verizon/Motorola QIP box? (Note that HD box settings may well be different.)

I start with standard Motorola Digital then fine-tune ("Zones" when on the "did the cable box turn off" screen). Usually I set code 0476, 3 digits, don't send Enter (send Enter is the default!), circa 200ms for inter-command delay. I forget the exact settings, and you can't easily check the values (going back there resets everything). Smaller numbers (particularly on inter-action) speeds up channel change, which is a Good Thing if you ever watch live TV (and my wife loves to channel surf on the Replay).

So what are the "Best" safe settings for the SD and HD Fios TV boxes?

Sounds like you have the same problem as me! Do you notice any change in frequency of the problem based on your custom settings?

I wonder if there is something we can do on the cable box side to help things out. I never looked into how much control you have over things from the cable box side - some boxes let you change things...

Also, i wonder if the IR jack in the back of my cable box would make things better or worse. Haven't tried one of those in years. (it sucked back then with time warner, i think)

I tried the IR jack in the back with my 5040 and a mono cable. It didn't work at all. I'm not even sure that the IR jack on the QIP is even for input, it might be to control other things, meaning output only. I would love to have a hard wired connection for sending channel change signals. Tried the serial cable as well, no love. Do I have to do anything in the Replay to make serial work? I didn't see an option for it.

I tried the IR jack in the back with my 5040 and a mono cable. It didn't work at all. I'm not even sure that the IR jack on the QIP is even for input, it might be to control other things, meaning output only. I would love to have a hard wired connection for sending channel change signals. Tried the serial cable as well, no love. Do I have to do anything in the Replay to make serial work? I didn't see an option for it.

I know in my Replay 2000 series box there is a setting somewhere in Setup where you specify IR Blaster or Serial connection. Not sure about your 5040.

sooo... does anyone have good custom timing settings for verizon fios boxes?
thanks!

Any ideas... I just bought an ir blaster off ebay to control the Motorola decoder box that came standard with FIOS

Unfortunately RTV IRblasts triple... so if I try to go to channel 123 it becomes channel 111 222 333.

Thanks for your ideas!!

- Daniel
:)

Direct from the source:

http://www.digitalnetworksna.com/support/replaytv/document.asp?docID=228

I've had to use this myself. I found it to be written a little poorly but once you figure it out it does work. Good luck!

sooo... does anyone have good custom timing settings for verizon fios boxes?
thanks!

Just got FiOS yesterday. Here are my settings and they seem to work just fine: In order and from the fine tuning setup here are the values (I didn't write down the labels and I don't recall them):

Yes
0276
Yes
3
400
200
400
401

BTW, even the SD content looks waaaaay better than the RCN cable I had before this.

I got my FIOS TV last week. I hooked up my replay 5040 unit and set the IR Blaster code to 1476 which works great on the Verizon STB (Motorola 6200 QIP)

Is anyone here unhappy with their FIOS TV or Internet service?

I have a ReplayTV 50xx. I signed up for Verizon FIOS and a Motorola QIP2500-2 set top box. When you do ReplayTV's Network and Input settings and select the input that the QIP2500-2 is connected to, it gives you a choice of Motorola, General Instruments, or Other. Selecting Motorola automatically set the IR Blaster code to 4476. Select "yes" on the screen that asks if your set top box turns on and off (which it will do). Note that the 4476 code is NOT the correct code for the QIP2500-2 because it sends channel codes in triplicate (123 is IR blasted out as 111 222 333) which the QIP2500-2 cannot handle properly. Nonetheless, accept this 4476 temporarily by selecting Save Settings. Otherwise ReplayTV may end up having trouble downloading the program guide for FIOS from the ReplayTV service. If you did this properly, ReplayTV will automatically connect to ReplayTV service to get program guide. Wait for this to finish.

After the program guide is downloaded, go back to network and input settings and select the input that the QIP2500 is connected to. Select Motorola again (not Other). When ReplayTV displays the Yes/No screen that asks you to push -> to see if set top box is turned on, do not push the -> and select "No". ReplayTV then displays the IR Blaster codes. Highlight 0476. Push the -> (right arrow to the right of select on the ReplayTV remote) two times. Then push the select button in the center. It will take you back to the Network and Input Settings screen. Push Save Settings. You are good to go.

I have a ReplayTV 50xx. I signed up for Verizon FIOS and a Motorola QIP2500-2 set top box. When you do ReplayTV's Network and Input settings and select the input that the QIP2500-2 is connected to, it gives you a choice of Motorola, General Instruments, or Other. Selecting Motorola automatically set the IR Blaster code to 4476. Select "yes" on the screen that asks if your set top box turns on and off (which it will do). Note that the 4476 code is NOT the correct code for the QIP2500-2 because it sends channel codes in triplicate (123 is IR blasted out as 111 222 333) which the QIP2500-2 cannot handle properly. Nonetheless, accept this 4476 temporarily by selecting Save Settings. Otherwise ReplayTV may end up having trouble downloading the program guide for FIOS from the ReplayTV service. If you did this properly, ReplayTV will automatically connect to ReplayTV service to get program guide. Wait for this to finish.

After the program guide is downloaded, go back to network and input settings and select the input that the QIP2500 is connected to. Select Motorola again (not Other). When ReplayTV displays the Yes/No screen that asks you to push -> to see if set top box is turned on, do not push the -> and select "No". ReplayTV then displays the IR Blaster codes. Highlight 0476. Push the -> (right arrow to the right of select on the ReplayTV remote) two times. Then push the select button in the center. It will take you back to the Network and Input Settings screen. Push Save Settings. You are good to go.

Hi,
I have a replayTV 5508 and a Motorola QIP2500-3 FiOS STB and I've also had the oh so common problem with the channel number being sent in triplicate. I have followed the method you laid out above as well as the procedure as explained on the ReplayTV website and at least a half-dozen variations described on the avsforums, planetReplay, etc. and I've not been able to get one to work.

I've used 0276, 0476, 1476, 4476, 0810 and at least a dozen other codes. I've tried adjusting the numbers being sent from 1 to 3; I've tried fooling with the timing of the signals (though I'm pretty sure that has nothing to do with it). Is there anyone out there who has the QIP2500-3 that has gotten the IR blaster to work?

How?

Answers to many of your questions:
obi5kenobi: No, the replay will not talk to the QIP 2500's serial. 100% not possible with replay. tivo, yes. Replay, no. grrrrr.
Jessup: You have the same problem i have. No amount of tweaking custom ir will work. It is a problem with the difference in the pace of the digits, not the overall time.
Toruki: what model box do you have?!
Scallica: I hate Fios's billing practices (abhorrent), their cable box sucks, and the internet is no faster than what i had. When my contract is up, i'm out!
Spectp: I think yours is working because you have a different box. Is your box High def or standard def or both?

For those of you who are having the problem where occasionally the cable box tunes to two or one of the three digits replay wanted, go see my other post about this in the main forum. I've "kinda" fixed the problem with a little bit of hardware.

I recently upgraded to FIOS TV and now can not get my ReplayTV 5516 to work. The RTV was working fine when I had Comcast Digital installed with a similar Digital TV tuner. The day FIOS went in is the day it stopped working - I now only get the blue screen "No video signal detected."

After the switch to FIOS I did all the obvious things:
- I changed the RTV settings from Comcast Digital to FIOS
- All the cabling remained the same (more on that below)
- I even did the Clear channel guide twice and then downloaded the FIOS channel guide again

NO LUCK

I have the RTV 5516 and the Verizon Motorola QIP 6200-2 digital set-top box. The Motorola gets input from the coax on the wall and has a coax going out to the RTV. The RTV uses the ANT/CATV coax in from the Motorola and I use S-Video + a red/white/yellow cable for video/audio out to the TV.

I can display the RTV menu and play previously recorded shows on the TV but when I try to use channel guide to switch to live TV I get the blue screen.

I tried to work with both Verizon and RTV support but they are pretty useless. Any suggestions would be MOST appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

I don't know why or how this worked for me, but it did (i had the same problem)
Go to Menu
Go to Setup
Go to replaytv input
click left and right a few times. If you had the same problem as me, this may fix it.

This is all assuming you've got the correct cables in the correct places. If you simply can't get it to work, break out an old VCR to input in to the replay to see if the replay is coincidentally busted, or if the cable box isn't working.

did you try cable box right into the tv?
Eric

I recently upgraded to FIOS TV and now can not get my ReplayTV 5516 to work. The RTV was working fine when I had Comcast Digital installed with a similar Digital TV tuner. The day FIOS went in is the day it stopped working - I now only get the blue screen "No video signal detected."

I have the RTV 5516 and the Verizon Motorola QIP 6200-2 digital set-top box. The Motorola gets input from the coax on the wall and has a coax going out to the RTV. The RTV uses the ANT/CATV coax in from the Motorola and I use S-Video + a red/white/yellow cable for video/audio out to the TV.


a) Don't use coax from the HD Fios box to the Replay. That's the *worst* possible connection - even the RCA jack (baseband) would be better. If at all possible, use SVideo from the Motorola box to the Replay - MUCH better source (and that really can help since the Replay has to MPEG-encode the video, which is easier if the source is 'clean'.)

b) If you're telling it you're directly hooked up to the cable, the Replay will try to tune the "local" channels directly. Make sure it knows you have a Motorola box, but better yet dump the coax.

c) make sure the coax works *and* is on the channel you think it is (3 or 4) by hooking it directly to the TV. Make sure the Replay knows the channel also - but better yet, dump the coax. :-)

Answers to many of your questions:
Jessup: You have the same problem i have. No amount of tweaking custom ir will work. It is a problem with the difference in the pace of the digits, not the overall time.
The numbers available should be enough to control the pace of the digits - you have a lot of control there, though perhaps there are timings involved that aren't under control. It happens only rarely for me. One possibility: a mirror or equivalent (window? even a wall) facing the box might cause enough reflection to confuse it. Testable by putting tape or cardboard, etc in front of the ir repeater. Another possibility: placement of the repeater.
A
For those of you who are having the problem where occasionally the cable box tunes to two or one of the three digits replay wanted, go see my other post about this in the main forum. I've "kinda" fixed the problem with a little bit of hardware.
Link?

, and the internet is no faster than what i had.


Did you sign up for a faster package than what you had before? If so, do some experiments with your firewall settings. I found that the Sunbelt Personal Firewall and Symantec firewall both did not keep up with the 20mb service to my PCs.

I now use just the Windows firewall and it does keep up. I've heard of a Komodo (or Comodo) firewall that might work if you want more than just the windows one...

"The numbers available should be enough to control the pace of the digits - you have a lot of control there, though perhaps there are timings involved that aren't under control. It happens only rarely for me. One possibility: a mirror or equivalent (window? even a wall) facing the box might cause enough reflection to confuse it. Testable by putting tape or cardboard, etc in front of the ir repeater. Another possibility: placement of the repeater."

This is not a signal issue. I can prove it to you. Find a few half-hour shows on the same 3 digit channel (a good example would be one with a zero at the end, say 170). Have replay record 5 shows in a row (doesn't matter if they're trash or not, you're not going to watch them). So go to channel guide, press record once on each show consecutively. no gaps, no chance to go to another channel. do this at 3am so it doesn't interrupt your shows if you must.
Now don't touch the replay. Don't watch any prerecorded things on it, don't use the menus, don't touch a thing. I found that using it in any way can actually make this problem not happen sometimes.
Set your watch for 1 minute before the end of shows. Still without touching the replay, watch the window on your cable box. Watch the pace of the digits as replay sends them.
it will send the first two very fast. It will then wait more than a second to send the third digit. So the cable box will change to channel 17, and then fail to understand a change to channel 0, and stay on 17, when you wanted 170.
It may take until the second or third show for this to happen.
After all 5 shows are recorded, go watch the first second of them (this requires saying "play from beginning" and then "instant replaying" back to the real beginning. You'll see the change to the 2 digit channel, then to the 1 digit! plain as day. giant space between digits.

No amount of tweaking the cusom parameters will fix this. I have two boxes, and i tried every working code and every permutation of short and long waits between digits on the boxes, recording what i'd done and what i hadn't. Every single one of them screwed up a change at one point.
I tried moving the IR blaster further away.
I tried fortressing/tenting the box (making it so that no light other than the IR blaster could get in).
none of this works.
The device i built to take in the IR from the replay, clean it up, and pace it out to the STB works perfectly. every.single.time.
Here's the link:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=912532

It is as simple as this: There is a bug in the replay transmission code. Sometimes it takes too long to send a digit. The motorola boxes do not wait long enough to get all the digits, and there is no changing that.



Jdibb: I have signed up for a faster package than i previously had with optimum online. I pay more money. It does not go faster, even on speed test sites. I do not have a software firewall, as i don't think they're of any use.

Eric

Jdibb: I have signed up for a faster package than i previously had with optimum online. I pay more money. It does not go faster, even on speed test sites. I do not have a software firewall, as i don't think they're of any use.

Eric

That's strange. I've got the 20/5 package and on the speakeasy speed test, it gives me 19.xxx and 4.8xx -- after I got the firewall out of the way.

Good luck to you...

Please keep in mind that now that net neutrality has been abolished (and, in my experience, even before this happened), priority is given to speed test sites by ISPs. The results you receive from the big speed test sites are not going to be consistent with the speed you receive from other equally piped but less often measured sites. For instance, try downloading a large file from microsoft or a local university's linux distro, and see how fast it *actually* goes. Also try it at various times of day.
That aside, i am not disappointed with fios' speed. It is plenty fast. It simply isn't faster than the cheaper service i was experiencing from optimum online. I recognize that half the time, i will not be downloading a file from a site that can afford to max out my connection.
my problems with fios are:
1) their billing practices SUCK. i get no paper bill. they charge me when they feel like it.
2) their customer service is TERRIBLE. When i call, they don't know who i am, and take a long time to find my account. Their hours are very limited.
3) replay and their STB simply don't get along!
4) when i first got them, their channel lineup constantly changed numbers of channels. Replay does not appreciate this!
5) their DNS servers are very....slow....
I could go on and on and on!
I am just happy that i was able to fix #3, and get my replay working happily again.

Eric

Please keep in mind that now that net neutrality has been abolished (and, in my experience, even before this happened), priority is given to speed test sites by ISPs. The results you receive from the big speed test sites are not going to be consistent with the speed you receive from other equally piped but less often measured sites. For instance, try downloading a large file from microsoft or a local university's linux distro, and see how fast it *actually* goes. Also try it at various times of day.
That aside, i am not disappointed with fios' speed. It is plenty fast. It simply isn't faster than the cheaper service i was experiencing from optimum online. I recognize that half the time, i will not be downloading a file from a site that can afford to max out my connection.
With 15/2 FIOS, I've seen real-world tens-to-hundreds-of-megabytes downloads (like video driver packages, SP2, OpenOffice, etc) running at ~1900KB/s (15Mbps). Not often (rarely can the other side offer that speed), but I do see it often enough.

Also, while Optimum Online can challenge FIOS speeds, most other broadband providers don't (Comcast, etc). Often not even close. Comcast gives a "burst" of speed at download-start and then throttles you (helps with small stuff; big stuff runs at 6 or 8 Mbps max).

my problems with fios are:
1) their billing practices SUCK. i get no paper bill. they charge me when they feel like it.
2) their customer service is TERRIBLE. When i call, they don't know who i am, and take a long time to find my account. Their hours are very limited.
3) replay and their STB simply don't get along!
4) when i first got them, their channel lineup constantly changed numbers of channels. Replay does not appreciate this!
5) their DNS servers are very....slow....
I could go on and on and on!
I am just happy that i was able to fix #3, and get my replay working happily again.


We get a paper bill - you have the choice I think; you don't have to sign up for electronic statements or automatic payments.

Check your DNS settings; I've found their DNS to be *far* better than Comcasts (which would go out for hours at a time). Normally all the DNS traffic is handled by the router (ActionTec 424 normally if you have TV), and the ActionTec's DNS settings are set via DHCP. Older FIOS customers may be on PPPOE - if so, that might be part of the problem (or if you played around by making the ActionTec a slave to another router, or forced DNS settings on the router (or on the PC)).

Try "nslookup" and type a server name, and see the response time (google.com, etc), and what server it's using (should be 192.168.1.1 probably). If it's slow, try pinging the server the ActionTec says is the primary DNS - see if it's up, or use nslookup direct to that server ("server xx.yy.zz.qq" in nslookup).

"The numbers available should be enough to control the pace of the digits"

This is not a signal issue. I can prove it to you.
...
After all 5 shows are recorded, go watch the first second of them (this requires saying "play from beginning" and then "instant replaying" back to the real beginning. You'll see the change to the 2 digit channel, then to the 1 digit! plain as day. giant space between digits.
...
The device i built to take in the IR from the replay, clean it up, and pace it out to the STB works perfectly. every.single.time.
Here's the link:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=912532

It is as simple as this: There is a bug in the replay transmission code. Sometimes it takes too long to send a digit. The motorola boxes do not wait long enough to get all the digits, and there is no changing that.

Ok, that sounds definitive, thanks. Probably higher-priority tasks (probably saving the previous show's info, maybe a disk retry, etc) shut out the IR task for a bit, and the delay is just a little too long for the Motorola. Note the Disk-retry issue - in theory, it *could* be retries when writing updated info to the recorded-shows database, etc. Probably not, though.

About the IR blaster issue: What really gets my goat is that the problem seems to occur 99% of the time when you're changing to the same channel, and then, only if the replay initiates the record automatically, not if you change to the channel manually. it NEVER happens when you change manually.
if it is recording on channel 170, and the next record is on 170, it will most likely screw up.
If the next record is on any other channel, it will work nearly all the time!

This suggests one or more things:
1) replay has some weird special code/condition that changes the pacing/stalls out a little if and only if the current channel is equal to the next channel. Why would this exist? It, however, seems to be the most likely cause
!
2) the cable box sees 1,7, and thinks "what idiot would change from the channel he is on to the same channel? he must be done typing" and doesn't wait as long for the third digit. This makes less sense, as the user may have wanted channel 178.

I can't think of any other reasons for this to happen. Even if we knew why it happened, we couldn't fix it (unless we could get motorola to include a firmware update allowing us to turn on a "require enter for channel changes" option. this would be awesome. Since i don't think they care, i made my device.

If people are interested, i am considering making my device able to "learn" codes, such that while you would always tell replay your cable box was a [whatever code set], my device could learn from your current remote (whatever service you have) and do the translations. This would work for future cable boxes that replay doesn't know codes for, and for cable boxes now that don't exist in replays database. It would be a bit of work, so if nobody cares, i'm just going to put my black boxes in and forget this problem ever existed...

Regarding the DNS stuff, yes, i have the actiontec, and i am running DHCP all around. The actiontec does function as my DNS server, but when it doesn't have a list for something (due to expiration or never having seen the request), it asks fios' DNS servers, and *that* is when things start to suck.
I was not very clear about my distaste of fios versus cablevision - I was never comparing fios to comcast/cox/whomever everyone is complaining about these days. I'm sure there's plenty worse than fios. Fios simply isn't better than cablevision, which is available everywhere that fios is (and more) on long island. Their ads, posted everywhere, bashing cablevision for having lousy this and that, are simply untrue. there is nothing they do better than cablevision (except maybe the picture quality on tv). Even their phone service is more expensive!

Eric

About the IR blaster issue: What really gets my goat is that the problem seems to occur 99% of the time when you're changing to the same channel, and then, only if the replay initiates the record automatically, not if you change to the channel manually.
...
This suggests one or more things:
1) replay has some weird special code/condition that changes the pacing/stalls out a little if and only if the current channel is equal to the next channel. Why would this exist? It, however, seems to be the most likely cause.

Probably when there's some code in the Replay having to do with the live-TV buffer that causes something different to happen (timing-wise) between a change to the same channel or a different one. Normally a channel-change dumps the live buffer and so it's already gone when record starts, but on a record of the same channel there's probably a delay (in starting recording) that's "missing", and the interaction of these may be the issue (and other random housekeeping). Real-time systems can have complex interactions if you don't choose your priorities well, and sometimes high-priority items that usually complete quickly might run long in unusual combinations.

Regarding the DNS stuff, yes, i have the actiontec, and i am running DHCP all around. The actiontec does function as my DNS server, but when it doesn't have a list for something (due to expiration or never having seen the request), it asks fios' DNS servers, and *that* is when things start to suck.

I suspect Verizon uses "local" or regional DNS servers, so yours may be worse than mine. I've never had a problem with mine (that I noticed). Comcast had switched to a few national DNS servers (and boy, did that go poorly).

How do the FIOS DVR features compare to the ReplayTv? My brother-in-law got a Time Warner DVR and says it lacks many features so, I'm assuming this is probably true with a FIOS DVR.

Thanks

How do the FIOS DVR features compare to the ReplayTv? My brother-in-law got a Time Warner DVR and says it lacks many features so, I'm assuming this is probably true with a FIOS DVR.

Thanks


I'd say, not bad. I've had a replayTV for a while now (still use it of course, mostly for the kids' stuff, then offload using dvarchive). I have 2 FiOS dvrs. i like the fios dvr much better than my prior on Scientific atlanta w/ cablevision.

With FiOS, you've got 30 sec skip, all resume points are saved, shows are grouped together.

You don't think you have 'channels' like with replaytv (and Tivo) i think were it will record say anything 'sci-fi' or any show with 'power rangers' in the title. also, I think the searching ability is a bit rudementary.

I'd say, not bad. I've had a replayTV for a while now (still use it of course, mostly for the kids' stuff, then offload using dvarchive). I have 2 FiOS dvrs. i like the fios dvr much better than my prior on Scientific atlanta w/ cablevision.

With FiOS, you've got 30 sec skip, all resume points are saved, shows are grouped together.

You don't think you have 'channels' like with replaytv (and Tivo) i think were it will record say anything 'sci-fi' or any show with 'power rangers' in the title. also, I think the searching ability is a bit rudementary.

That's what I figured. Thanks for the info.

I have a ReplayTV 50xx. I signed up for Verizon FIOS and a Motorola QIP2500-2 set top box. When you do ReplayTV's Network and Input settings and select the input that the QIP2500-2 is connected to, it gives you a choice of Motorola, General Instruments, or Other. Selecting Motorola automatically set the IR Blaster code to 4476. Select "yes" on the screen that asks if your set top box turns on and off (which it will do). Note that the 4476 code is NOT the correct code for the QIP2500-2 because it sends channel codes in triplicate (123 is IR blasted out as 111 222 333) which the QIP2500-2 cannot handle properly. Nonetheless, accept this 4476 temporarily by selecting Save Settings. Otherwise ReplayTV may end up having trouble downloading the program guide for FIOS from the ReplayTV service. If you did this properly, ReplayTV will automatically connect to ReplayTV service to get program guide. Wait for this to finish.

After the program guide is downloaded, go back to network and input settings and select the input that the QIP2500 is connected to. Select Motorola again (not Other). When ReplayTV displays the Yes/No screen that asks you to push -> to see if set top box is turned on, do not push the -> and select "No". ReplayTV then displays the IR Blaster codes. Highlight 0476. Push the -> (right arrow to the right of select on the ReplayTV remote) two times. Then push the select button in the center. It will take you back to the Network and Input Settings screen. Push Save Settings. You are good to go.
Thanks, I just got Fios, and this advice worked perfectly with my Replay.

Looking to switch to FIOS from Comcast, and I want to keep my ReplayTVs.

I've read this thread a couple times now, and I can't tell if the occasional channel change issue is fixed (not the triplicate issue, but the one where it doesn't get the last digit sometimes).

I saw the posts about using the hardware adddon to fix it, but I'd rather not have to do that.

So, is anyone using the FIOS TV box as an input to ReplayTV without channel change issues?

sstyer, I've been using my rtv 5040 with the fios box for ~6 months. While I get an occasional "misfire", I don't habe any more than I did with my rcn stb. The rtv's custom settings that I use are in my earlier post in this thread.

I have 3 RTVs with FIOS STB and no channel changing issues at all - I used the custom settings mentioned previously.

Toruki, Gizmo91, please tell me which STB model you are using!
sstyer: It is not fixed for me - i need the hardware. I am guessing these guys have different STBs than i do - if so, make sure you get theirs, and not mine!
thanks
Eric

For people who have no problem with the custom 4076 code. How does your replaytv record scheduled show that will take place later on? It seems to me replaytv does not know how turn on the motorola STB box. Do you have to leave your STB box on all the time?

The RTV doesn't turn a box on specifically since most STBs don't have discrete ON/OFF commands, just a toggle, which could result in a box being turned OFF when the opposite was desired. There may be some boxes that automatically turn on upon receipt of any IR code, but those are in the minority. And yes, the STB is left on all the time.

Toruki, Gizmo91, please tell me which STB model you are using!
Eric

I have a QIP6416-2. And I leave it on all the time.

I have the QIP6416 and the QIP2500-3, both are left on 24/7

BTW - Verizon just added time marks to the progress bar on their DVR -- so you can finally see where you are at in a recorded program and how much time is left. Just added this to my box on Tuesday.

Is the QIP6416 an HD box or a regular box? I have the 2500-3, it is the troublemaker.

So I have more information about the problem regarding the QIP2500 series boxes with the replay.
After much frustration involving me designing a hardware go-between to "clean up" the IR output from the replay, I have determined that the cable box is 100% to blame (in my case).
I know that my hardware is putting the digits out at exactly the same timing between digits. The cable box, however, does not accept them as such. They still come in badly, but only in certain circumstances.
So my workaround was to have my hardware device perform multiple channel changes per change. Upon receiving digits from replay, it changes to a totally unrelated channel. Then it changes to the proper channel.

so far, this seems to work. Long term, i'm getting off of fios!

Eric

Direct from the source:

http://www.digitalnetworksna.com/support/replaytv/document.asp?docID=228

I've had to use this myself. I found it to be written a little poorly but once you figure it out it does work. Good luck!

Ok, I've been trying this and the other method posted in this thread, and I have had no luck at all. The STB still goes into its triplicate thing and changes to any channel it seems to want to. Is there anything I might be missing? I followed the instructions probably 10 times, each with the same poor results.
Any help/suggestions?

Ok, I've been trying this and the other method posted in this thread, and I have had no luck at all. The STB still goes into its triplicate thing and changes to any channel it seems to want to. Is there anything I might be missing? I followed the instructions probably 10 times, each with the same poor results.
Any help/suggestions?

What box, what cable provider? The latest FIOS software for their Motorola boxes seems to be looking for 4-digits (I haven't looked that closely at it yet). I may have to switch to telling it to send Enter.

Motorola 2500-3, Verizon. Got the Verizon guy here right now & he has no idea of what a ReplayTv is, so not much help.
I'm using 2005 for Channel 5, btw (It's on input2)

Has any else tried Verizon's FIOS TV? Inparticular with respect to making it work with ReplayTV (read: making the RTV control the FIOS TV STB)? Seems like a really good deal on price, in addition to lightning fast internet access.

I did a seacrh on FIOS but found nothing.

Thanks

We've had three Replays connected to Fios since they started their buildout in DFW. The guide originates from the Keller system and it works. Use code 476, and be warned - you must cover their SD cable box and Replay blaster with alumium foil as it is very sensitive to ambient IR signals. Their SD and HD boxes use the same code :(

and be warned - you must cover their SD cable box and Replay blaster with alumium foil as it is very sensitive to ambient IR signals. Their SD and HD boxes use the same code :(

I found I had to do this as well.

Also, it is worth noting that after a power loss, you have to go to each box serving a replay and turn it back on - they default to "off", and the replays do not seem to try to turn them on.

If you have frequent power blips, this will be very annoying and will result in many missed recordings.

A UPS is a good investment to protect your Replays and prevent the STB from powering off.

A UPS is a good investment to protect your Replays and prevent the STB from powering off.

Yeah, I did that too....then the power company got their act together (as confirmed by logger).

Now it's those 2:00 AM updates from Motorola which Verizon never seems to know about which turn off their boxes :) And of course...you won't know until a week later.

I have just gotten FIOS and it's great but I cannot get the signal to go to my replay. I have the cable from the wall going into the cable box, out to the replay and then to my TV. I got an IR blaster & selected Motorola which is my cable box. It loaded the guide and channels but each time I go to the replay, there is no signal. I can't live without my replay. Please tell me what I am doing wrong.:confused:

Start with the basics: Is the cable box on? I don't think replay will turn it on for you so you need to make sure it is on.

Hi. Here's a newbie question: How are people hooking up their FiOS to the ReplayTV so that they can watch a different channel from what's being recorded? I can't think of anything that wouldn't require 2 channel boxes, but in the meantime, nothing's getting recorded in our house, because someone inevitably comes and changes the channel in the middle.

Thanks for any assistance!

The same way any of us with digital cable boxes watch. You watch everything through the replay. Let the replay record while you watch previously recorded things.

I can't think of anything that wouldn't require 2 channel boxes, but in the meantime, nothing's getting recorded in our house, because someone inevitably comes and changes the channel in the middle.

I hid the remote for the cable box.

Low tech, but effective.

Anybody else having problems with the Fios converter box locking up? It's been happening on ours a couple times a week. Basically, it stays on, but the channels won't change either with the Fios remote or the IR blaster. To fix, I need to re-boot the Fios box.

Get annoying since everything still tapes when scheduled, but it tapes the wrong channel.

Between this issue and the auto reboot of the box on occasion which leaves it off, it seems we're missing more programs than we're getting.

Anybody else having problems with the Fios converter box locking up? It's been happening on ours a couple times a week. Basically, it stays on, but the channels won't change either with the Fios remote or the IR blaster. To fix, I need to re-boot the Fios box.

Get annoying since everything still tapes when scheduled, but it tapes the wrong channel.

Between this issue and the auto reboot of the box on occasion which leaves it off, it seems we're missing more programs than we're getting.Maybe you need to have the box replaced?

The FIOS Digital Adapter (DCT700) is a much better choice for the ReplayTV.
The best thing is if the power goes off it comes back up with the power on.
This unit is so small you can probably fit it inside you ReplayTV.
RF and Composite out only/No Guide...So far it has worked great.

And right now Verizon will provide them for free.

www.verizon.com/godigital (www.verizon.com/godigital)

Hi. Here's a newbie question: How are people hooking up their FiOS to the ReplayTV so that they can watch a different channel from what's being recorded? I can't think of anything that wouldn't require 2 channel boxes...
We have two boxes in the family room and two in the bedroom. I made a little cover for the front of the box serving the replay so it wouldn't be affected when using the remote for the box serving the TV. I have the HD DVR from FIOS serving the TV, so I can watch and record HD content using that, or view regular SD content on the replay. Incidentally, the picture is so good on my replay with FIOS SD content that I don't really care too much about watching stuff in HD (except for certain things like sports and nature shows). The replays still perform the lion's share of the recording duties for us.

I'm loving FIOS, a dramatic improvement over Comcast.

And right now Verizon will provide them for free.


Where at this link does it say that? Am I missing something?

Details?

In my market (Pittsburgh, PA), they cost $3.99 a month, vs. the normal STB which is $4.99 a month.

Verizon is switching to an all digital network. (I suppose to fit more HD channels)
So if you have an old TV that does not support QAM (aka ReplayTV) they are provideing the Digital Adapter for free as long as you are a FIOS TV Customer and reseide at your current address.

Here in NJ the cut off is happening June 6, 2008.
They have TV commercials mentioning and see the web site I mentioned before:
http://verizon.com/godigital

Good luck...

Verizon is switching to an all digital network. (I suppose to fit more HD channels)
So if you have an old TV that does not support QAM (aka ReplayTV) they are provideing the Digital Adapter for free as long as you are a FIOS TV Customer and reseide at your current address.

Here in NJ the cut off is happening June 6, 2008.
They have TV commercials mentioning and see the web site I mentioned before:
http://verizon.com/godigital

Good luck...
Yep. I'm in NJ also and I've already received the three units I requested, all free of charge since I'm an existing FIOS customer. I received a letter in the mail telling me about the offer, and the phone number for those interested was 1-888-GO-DIGITAL.

So I called the verizon "go digital" number, and had this conversation:

me: "I'd like to get my free set top boxes"
[account verification dance]
csr: "I see you already have have set top boxes, so you don't need any boxes"
me: "right, but I have to pay for those"
csr: "yes sir, we are just giving free boxes to those that don't already have them"
me: "so... if I didn't have them, I'd get them for free, but since I have them already I have to pay for them?"
csr: "that's right sir"
me: "that doesn't sound fair does it?"
csr: [silence]

... maybe I'll call back and tell them I have 6 Tv's and only 3 set top boxes - then when I get my 3 free ones, I'll give the 3 pay ones back...
:D

I should clarify that the program is intended to provide free boxes to TVs that weren't already hooked up to a FIOS STB. I have a couple of rarely-used TVs in my house where I just had the FIOS analog cable plugged directly into the TV (and one old 4040 replay). Those tuners could pick up about 15 analog channels.

Since FIOS is doing away with those analog signals, they were offering the free boxes for any TVs you had hooked directly to the cable. They weren't intended to allow you to replace a box you were paying for with a free box.

They didn't say anything about committing to keep the same number of rented boxes however.

I just got this box and have not yet hooked it up to my Replay.

Does anyone know what the IR code is for it?

We got FiOS this past week...I looked around and found most people can use 0476 without a problem. I configured that code, required an enter to be added with three digits required on two of the DCT700's and it's working perfectly. It's also working fine on the QIP2708-1 we've got.

With Wirns letting me winnow down the channel choices to the 35 or so we actually watch from time to time, it makes it all the easier.

As others remarked, we don't have HD yet but we are astounded at how much brighter/clearer the images are with FiOS over the Comcast feed we had earlier. Really remarkable!


Cheers,
Scott

I just got this box and have not yet hooked it up to my Replay.

Does anyone know what the IR code is for it?

Motorola 0476 worked for me.