I called the 800-483-4000 number. I just told them that I'd gotten a message over the weekend and she set me up.

I'm making a channel comparison now to figure out what I'm losing/gaining (switching from Dish Network). If anybody is interested, I'll post it.

Double-checked my pricing with Verizon and signed up for the Triple-Play bundle...here's what I decided to go with.

Home Phone (unlimited local and long-distance w/ call waiting/caller id), 15/2 internet, FiOS Premier TV service + 2 cable cards = $105.97 (not including applicable taxes, etc.).

They bumped my install date to the 10th. Now I've got to stay home from work. :(

I just got the call from Verizon and my install date is the 11th. I'm excited to finally return my Comcast boxes.

I also have two series 3 Tivo's. Going through the tivo forum, cable card installs in other fios areas seem to be basically working; we'll see how well they go here. It'll also be interesting to see when the Oregon fios lineup shows up on Tivo's site.

There's now a FiOS kiosk in Washington Square. They'll be happy to sign you up.

Unfortunately the kiosk people can't deal with Cablecards yet. You'll have to discuss those with your installer.

I placed my install order a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday, I decided to check online to see that the order was entered into the system. It wasn't and all I saw was some thrashing of closed/opened change orders related to my account starting about the time I called to get on the pre-order list.

I finally got in touch with someone, after waiting on hold for an hour, and was told that there was no record of my order in the system, even though we had a follow-up call by one of the installers after my original call two weeks ago.

They tried to re-enter my order yesterday, but the system was blocking their efforts. I got a follow-up call this morning from the order entry person saying that the order system was down until Friday due to unresolved internal issues. The system is currently hosed for unknown reasons.....or the customer service folks are still in shock over having to deal with a new product roll out.

This is getting sort of frustrating. Has anyone else experienced this level of ineptitude from Verizon recently? I'm sure it'll all blow over, but I WANT MY FIOS CABLE now that it's almost available!

You can get cable cards onto your order by calling 1-888-553-1555, and working through the voice mail menus until you can talk to a human (it was a little painful, but I eventually got through).

Double-checked my pricing with Verizon and signed up for the Triple-Play bundle...here's what I decided to go with.

Home Phone (unlimited local and long-distance w/ call waiting/caller id), 15/2 internet, FiOS Premier TV service + 2 cable cards = $105.97 (not including applicable taxes, etc.).

jtrain,

Can you break down how you get this price? I've went to the Tanasbourne store tonight and checked online, and here are the prices I was quoted, for 2-year commitments:

Store: Phone (unlimited LD, call waiting, caller ID, voicemail), 15/2 Internet, FIOS TV Premier with one SD box or cable card - $114.99. Extra cable cards either $2.99 or $3.99 (they didn't have the info and the call center was closed - others have indicated $3 per). I don't think there are options on the phone service, so assuming the same and $2.99 cable cards, then what you're getting would go for $117.98.

Online: Same options, except one SD box. Phone $46.99, FIOS Internet $49.99, FIOS TV $42.99, SD box $4.99, bundle savings $-24.98 for a total of $119.98. It's not clear if there is a free SD box or if a $4.99 credit is missing. I figure the price is either $119.98 or $114.99, the latter which would be the same as in the store. No cable card info, so they aren't considered in this price.

I notice the online phone service is broken out as $46.99 but the flyer in the store had $44.99 for what I assume is the same package. OTOH, the flyer had TV at $47.99.

So, where does $105.97 come from? Did you get a cheaper phone plan? Are you sure you got 15/2 and not 5/2 Internet? Are they counting some other one time discount over the life of the commitment?

I got a call from the kiosk in Hillsboro and was quoted $99.95 for the triple play. I already have two of the 3. She siad it was the first week rollout special. Also, soon, 5/2 will go to 10/2 for the same price. Verizon has been very bad on the phone when you call the 800/888 numbers! Installs are now out to the 18th.

She told me the same thing and I ordered over the phone with her. I went in to the Hillsboro Kiosk later this evening and picked up my receipt paperwork. On the paperwork the numbers do not exactly match what she told me.

The receipt says 104.99 for the triple play. I am assuming that includes one SD STB, so they may credit you that price when you take the HD DVR? That would make it $99 as she said. Although nothing in the paperwork says that....

They are offering the movies package (Starz, Encore, Showtime, Movie Channel, Flix, Sundance, IFC) bundled with a HD-DVR (Moto 6416) for $20. Again, she said over the phone this was for the entire 2 year contract, but the paperwork says this:
"Movies and High Definition DVR (6416) Package $20.00"
"All customers agreeing to a 1 or 2 year term will receive 6 months HD Home Media DVR for free".

Paperwork also says the following have been ordered: VISS & Verizon Online Backup & Sharing Bundle - $7.99 and Verizon Games on Demand Quick Pack - $4.99. Then there is a box after that saying promotion: VISS & Verizon Online Backup & Sharing Bundle - First 30 days free. Verizon Games on Demand: First 14 days free." I didn't want either of these things.

Now I don't know whether to call back or just wait it out. Either way, the pricing is better than what I can get using the web sign up shopping cart. Online it doesn't offer the HD-DVR bundle w/movies for $20, nor does it allow cable card ordering. Nothing I can see implies any credit for NOT taking the SD STB which they quote online as a 4.99 feature. In fact, if you deselect the SD STB on the online ordering page, you will get a popup dialog saying you must select a STB - even if you've selected one of the DVRs instead.

All in all, lots of confusion with the numbers. I suspect there is some additional tweaking that can be done at install time with the installation crew.

Yeah, ordering via the web right now is garbage - I'm going to try calling in the morning and see what's up - I already have the fios internet and there's not bundle saving options or anything....

So should I go down to the verizon kiosk or call them to get the best deal?

I'd like to get locked down on the $105 price for the triple play bundle.

jtrain,

Can you break down how you get this price?

Where does $105.97 come from? Did you get a cheaper phone plan? Are you sure you got 15/2 and not 5/2 Internet? Are they counting some other one time discount over the life of the commitment?

I asked for the Triple-Play price which ended up being $1 more than what I was currently paying ($98). I asked if the internet service went to 15/2 with the Triple-Play offer, he said no, but offered me $10 off for 12 months to go to the 15/2 and that brought the price to $105.97 with 2 cablecards (2 x $2.99).


Keep in mind, I don't need any other set-top boxes/converters, etc. Just two cablecards for a Series3
TiVo. I also just found out that my DATA speed bump will take place when my video is installed...I had to push out my install date to Dec. 29th from the 10th due to a scheduling conflict. Verify that with the sales rep when you talk to them as to when your bump will take place if you're increasing from 5/2.

I called Verizon asking about my preorder and was able to set a firm install date.
Install Scheduled for Dec 14th. Bye Bye Comcast
Looking forward to Food Network HD:)

Yes, they keep talking and making a promise at Hillsboro and the paperwork NEVER shows what you agreed to! I think the 6 MO media center DVR is different from the HD DVR. They say that this can now stream HD video, but I would feel better if I knew it for sure!

She told me the same thing and I ordered over the phone with her. I went in to the Hillsboro Kiosk later this evening and picked up my receipt paperwork. On the paperwork the numbers do not exactly match what she told me.

The receipt says 104.99 for the triple play. I am assuming that includes one SD STB, so they may credit you that price when you take the HD DVR? That would make it $99 as she said. Although nothing in the paperwork says that....

They are offering the movies package (Starz, Encore, Showtime, Movie Channel, Flix, Sundance, IFC) bundled with a HD-DVR (Moto 6416) for $20. Again, she said over the phone this was for the entire 2 year contract, but the paperwork says this:
"Movies and High Definition DVR (6416) Package $20.00"
"All customers agreeing to a 1 or 2 year term will receive 6 months HD Home Media DVR for free".

Paperwork also says the following have been ordered: VISS & Verizon Online Backup & Sharing Bundle - $7.99 and Verizon Games on Demand Quick Pack - $4.99. Then there is a box after that saying promotion: VISS & Verizon Online Backup & Sharing Bundle - First 30 days free. Verizon Games on Demand: First 14 days free." I didn't want either of these things.

Now I don't know whether to call back or just wait it out. Either way, the pricing is better than what I can get using the web sign up shopping cart. Online it doesn't offer the HD-DVR bundle w/movies for $20, nor does it allow cable card ordering. Nothing I can see implies any credit for NOT taking the SD STB which they quote online as a 4.99 feature. In fact, if you deselect the SD STB on the online ordering page, you will get a popup dialog saying you must select a STB - even if you've selected one of the DVRs instead.

All in all, lots of confusion with the numbers. I suspect there is some additional tweaking that can be done at install time with the installation crew.

OK, thanks jtrain.

I placed my install order a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday, I decided to check online to see that the order was entered into the system. It wasn't and all I saw was some thrashing of closed/opened change orders related to my account starting about the time I called to get on the pre-order list.

I finally got in touch with someone, after waiting on hold for an hour, and was told that there was no record of my order in the system, even though we had a follow-up call by one of the installers after my original call two weeks ago.

They tried to re-enter my order yesterday, but the system was blocking their efforts. I got a follow-up call this morning from the order entry person saying that the order system was down until Friday due to unresolved internal issues. The system is currently hosed for unknown reasons.....or the customer service folks are still in shock over having to deal with a new product roll out.

This is getting sort of frustrating. Has anyone else experienced this level of ineptitude from Verizon recently? I'm sure it'll all blow over, but I WANT MY FIOS CABLE now that it's almost available!

Well they'd originally moved my install date from the 8th to the 10th - I could live with that. Today I got a call asking whether I wanted to move my install date so I called back and was told...wait for it..."You don't have an order in the system". Nice! So I get transferred to someone else, they can't figure out what's going on, I get a call back from a supervisor. He says that there's a time limit between new orders and because I ordered phone & internet on Nov. 10th I won't be able to schedule an install before Dec. 11th. That'll probably put my actual install date into next year. :mad::mad::mad::mad:

I'm in the process of putting together a little fact sheet of info (tidbits of this, that, or the other regarding FiOS and Series 3 CableCard installations (mostly in preparation for my own installation on the 29th)...most of my info is coming from the following thread over at tivocommunity forum...it's a long thread, so I'm trying to pull highlights together as I peruse it.

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=315826

I just ordered and have an instal date of the 17th - $117.96 for the 15/2 fios internet, premier package tv with a home media box and regular box. No discount availale for have multiple services.....home phones are worthless for me so I didn't even ask about that package, if available.

I have an install date now, the 15th.

I have the Triple Play at $114.99 (15/2 Internet) with one cable card, plus three extra cable cards. I'll be charged $3.99 for each extra cable card. I asked them to check, and that's apparently the price the computer was giving the rep.

I should say that one of the ladies at the Tanasbourne store helped set this up. She took the time to understand the need for four cable cards and checked the prices for me when they came back at $3.99. I probably could have just called the order number myself, but this was pretty easy.

jtrain, at this point I'm wondering how you got a $2.99 price on the CCs. Did you preorder? The lady in the store had been told $3.99 previously and that's what came up when the order was entered (the store called the order in to the order center after I visited the store last night).

I signed up at washington square. Doing Phone 5/2 Internet and TV w/ an HD box for $110/month.

This is $15 cheaper than I was quoted on the phone and less than I could get online.

My install date is late december, I didn't want to take time off work for my install.

jtrain, at this point I'm wondering how you got a $2.99 price on the CCs. Did you preorder? The lady in the store had been told $3.99 previously and that's what came up when the order was entered (the store called the order in to the order center after I visited the store last night).

I did have a pre-order in place at the $2.99 price...and that's the price the rep had when I called on monday morning (12/3) to schedule my installation.

I did have a pre-order in place at the $2.99 price...and that's the price the rep had when I called on monday morning (12/3) to schedule my installation.

Thanks - I think that's the answer. I guess I should have jumped on the pre-order...

Meanwhile, with four cable cards coming for my two TiVo HDs, I'm also interested in the FIOS TV/TiVo info. I was already looking at that thread you linked to and post #658 has some cable card install info (I was reading the thread backwards).

I think the most interesting info is that about the signal being too strong. I get the same high SNR with Comcast, along with uncorrected errors, although not always or on all channels. I do have a UStec "wiring closet" with a coax amplifier/splitter that could be boosting the signal. This hasn't bothered me much yet because the TiVos aren't in "production" yet, until I get the cable cards. I've used them to watch some NFL in HD and it was bugging me a bit last Sunday night on channel 8-1.

Hi everyone. I will have to visit that kiosk at Washington Square and check it out. With our discounts at Comcast expiring, our bill with Taxes is going up to approximately $155.00 a month (Standard Cable with one SD box, 6Mbps Internet and Digital Voice).

There seems to be an error on their bundles ordering screen. I looked up their FiOS bundle prices for Beaverton in 97005 over the last two days and got this:

It showed Freedom Essentials for $46.99, 5/2 Internet for $39.99 (or 15/2 for $49.99), but up until recently, it did not list any TV option.

Now its showing TV for one price in the Shopping Cart of $44.99 and listed as DIRECTV CHOICE. On the break down of the services, it showed DIRECTV CHOICE as the title but the description was for FiOS TV and the FiOS TV price of $42.99 (Directv does not offer On Demand content nor do they have Music Choice anymore). They also did not have an option to choose set top boxes or extra programming (FIOS TV or DIRECTV).

The price looks great though, with the above services, they gave a $30 credit bringing the price to $99.99 (or 101.99 with the TV price of $44.99). Sure looks good to me. I fear to order online since I want FiOS TV and with the errors on the site, they may order DirecTV instead.

I suspect this is in error as I do not think they would be pushing Directv with FiOS TV coming to Oregon.

Hi everyone. I will have to visit that kiosk at Washington Square and check it out. With our discounts at Comcast expiring, our bill with Taxes is going up to approximately $155.00 a month (Standard Cable with one SD box, 6Mbps Internet and Digital Voice).
What I suspect will become SOP over the next few years is for people to switch back and forth between Comcast and Verizon every year or two. The difference between discounted and non-discounted rates is quite large, maybe 50% for these bundles.

You will need to use pobox.com or gmail or something like that to avoid the hassles of having your email address tied to a particular ISP.

Fortunately phone number portability exists (at least theoretically, I have no personal experience with it).

Also, the STBs from Comcast and Verizon are pretty much equivalent. And if you use TiVos instead, you should see very little difference when switching, except for a few channel lineup differences.

Sooner or later Comcast and Verizon will figure out how to coexist in a only nominally competitive duopoly that makes the most money for their stockholders (and screws the consumers). But for the next few years we will be able to save money by switching. And it's not like there should be any loyalty involved here. "The cable company" and "the telephone company" are among the most hated institutions around.

Saw this thread for Series 3 TiVo users getting cablecards with their tv installation. I guess it's dependent on the signal coming in to the TiVo as to how much attenuation (is that even a word?) is needed.

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=375011

I do have Freedom Essentials and 5/2 Internet now. They have me set to call them for FIOS TV to give them an install date.

However, I must say that as far as Billing and Ordering goes, so far, Verizon is making Comcast look good!

I agree with you completely. I'm on my second confirmation number for the same install. The first was cancelled after they sent an installer to my house two weeks ago and determined I already had internet. Only one in three is able to quickly find my order. Funniest of all is the fact that each time I call to re-confirm my install date and package (which I do often given the above difficulties) I get a new letter or recorded phone message thanking me for my order and confirming that it's been completed.

It's all pretty funny until I stay home for the tv install and no one shows up!

I get the sense that the kiosks are setup to offer different promotions than what you get from calling Vz or at the website. At least some of the kiosk people don't even technically work for Vz, they're independent contractors.

It turns out my order at the kiosk didn't result in a real order. The kiosk orders go into some sort of pre-order queue at Vz where the data is checked. In my case, there might have been a missing "lane" in the address, so it might have gotten flagged for a real person to handle. In any case, they said Vz would call me but they never did. I had to call 888-491-0663 to get someone in Missouri to actually create the real order. She was not able to talk with authority about the promotions and my total price, because those will vary by location. But they assured me I would get whatever pricing was quoted at the kiosk and get all the promos. So if you've placed an order at one of the kiosk locations and you're waiting for the phone call to schedule install and to switch your phone back and such... go ahead and call the above toll free number. Worked for me. Very nice person in Missouri, by the way. Once your order is really placed for certain, after 24 hours you can go to http://www.verizon.net/whatsnext and enter your zip and order number to see where things stand.

My promos:
1) I get a $100 credit (or maybe a check, not sure) for "winback"; which is their deal for people switching home phone service back to Vz.
2) I get $150 in Amex gift cards; $75 in a couple months, and another $75 on month 13.
3) I get free 1st month Internet service ($40 value).
4) I get $5 off the triple play - $100/mo instead of $105/mo
5) I got HD-DVR bundled with movies for $20/mo (Showtime, Encore, Starz, Movie Chan)
6) Also get $5 off my wireless for combining it with TV/Internet/Phone on their ONEBILL.

Edit 12/18/07:
7) I also get a $20 gift card good for use at the Verizon wireless store

BTW, the boxes & cable cards are NOT part of your contract, so you have some leeway to change that equipment when they do the installation or after. One downer with FIOS TV.... They don't have a local walk-in customer service center where you can pick up a STB or cablecard. Comcast did offer this to some degree. With FIOS TV, you need to call their Fiber Solutions Center to schedule a service technician visit when you add/remove hardware. You get charged for this; I think she said either $24.95 or $34.95, don't remember which.

If you're in the Beaverton/Aloha/Hillsboro area and you plan to sign up, I suggest you get down to the Tanasbourne kiosk ASAP, because some of these promos may go away after this week. They implied there were some "opening week" promos in the bunch I got. Not sure which ones are part of that. But I definitely got better promos than what I could get at the website signup.

I suspect this is in error as I do not think they would be pushing Directv with FiOS TV coming to Oregon.

I think what you're seeing is a web site/browser issue.

They have a deal with Direct TV to bundle services on a single bill. So Vz offers DirectTV wherever they don't offer FIOS TV. Somehow the web server thought your address or zip wasn't in the FIOS TV service area.

I had this happen too at one point, and it was actually my web browser caching some previous entries and causing an issue with their web server. I switched to a different browser and it worked fine. Turns out just closing the browser and clearing the cache worked too.

Anyone else get the e-mail saying you had to prove your identity etc?

The guy at the kiosk already checked my ID while I was there ordering.

Where exactly is the "kiosk" at Tanasbourne. I went into the Verizon store just West of 185th, South of Evergreen and there weren't any special promotions that I could tell.

Where exactly is the "kiosk" at Tanasbourne. I went into the Verizon store just West of 185th, South of Evergreen and there weren't any special promotions that I could tell.

I think people are talking about the Verizon Wireless Store - across from Old Chicago and Haggan.

You can check the status of your order here...if for some reason you think it's gotten lost in the shuffle of other people's orders...or if you want to verify an installation date, etc.

https://www22.verizon.com/pages/checkorder/

zip code and phone number
or
zip code and order number

I think people are talking about the Verizon Wireless Store - across from Old Chicago and Haggan.
Exactly... in front of the Michaels/Old Navy/Famous Footwear stores.

You can check the status of your order here...if for some reason you think it's gotten lost in the shuffle of other people's orders...or if you want to verify an installation date, etc.

https://www22.verizon.com/pages/checkorder/

zip code and phone number
or
zip code and order number

Also you can go to www.verizon.net/whatsnext

You can check the status of your order here...if for some reason you think it's gotten lost in the shuffle of other people's orders...or if you want to verify an installation date, etc.

https://www22.verizon.com/pages/checkorder/

zip code and phone number
or
zip code and order number

Wow my order status is a mess! I see 4 phone service orders, 3 cancelled. 2 broadband orders, 1 completed, 1 on schedule. And 1 video service, on schedule.

I called to confirm that I wouldn't be able to schedule an install until Tues. and got transferred to the Business Office. She just went ahead and scheduled the install for Monday. *shrug* I'm not going to hold my breath though.

It seems like every phone number you call you get different information.

Thanks for the link. Didn't need to enter anything. I guess a cookie disclosed who I was (as an existing Internet customer) and the opening page had all my order info. Says I'm 54% complete on my Internet order (I wonder what that's for - maybe upgrade to 15/2?) and 54% complete on my Video order. Both were placed 11/21 and I haven't had any contact since. Maybe I'll call the 8XX # someone above gave.

For you guys that've sheduled an install, does the Due Date on the Order Status page match the date you were given for install?

Thanks for the link. Didn't need to enter anything. I guess a cookie disclosed who I was (as an existing Internet customer) and the opening page had all my order info. Says I'm 54% complete on my Internet order (I wonder what that's for - maybe upgrade to 15/2?) and 54% complete on my Video order. Both were placed 11/21 and I haven't had any contact since. Maybe I'll call the 8XX # someone above gave.

I'm listed as being 54% on all my order status's as well.

Also you can go to www.verizon.net/whatsnext

Everything looks perfect on my order. They even got the install date and time correct. I've got my fingers crossed that it stays this simple through Tuesday's intall.

For you guys that've sheduled an install, does the Due Date on the Order Status page match the date you were given for install?

Status on Schedule - Due date matches install date. Order Progress 63% for Dec 14th

The link in post 280 is very good with details. I called to have cable cards added, but
it indicates that they don't have them. I requested m-cards if available, so I hope they
will not skip bringing any at all.
The pricing seems to be all over the place, and the CSRs on the phone seem to have
no way of verifying whether discounts are applied correctly. I've heard many horror
stories on dslreports about promises made, but not applied to bills. When I ordered,
the web site had 42.99, and the 1st 2500 box free with one year commitment.
Not nearly as good as post #280, but I'm not doing phone.
Has anyone been able to find out what the taxes, franchise fees, etc. would be on
the TV service?

Lot's of useful information on this board thus far.

In calling to get my order confirmed and my install date moved (moving your install date to either a tuesday or wednesday will allow you to get a free SD box). I was quoted approx $106/month including taxes. This includes 1 SD box and 1 HD box, 5/2 Internet and Phone.

My install is on Dec 26th.

Thanks..I should have thought of trying that too. I use Firefox so maybe I should try it in IE. I did get a different experience this time around. When I checked TV Entertainment, it popped up as DirecTV Choice but I was able to change the package, and the pop up window showed three FiOS TV options, Premier, Le Connexion, and Local Only (for free by the way). Once I chosen FiOS TV Premier, it had the correct name in the Cart. But I ended up losing $5 in the discount area, for a total price of $104.99, same as I have seen here. Still unable to choose STB's though. Will give it a try but probably will head down to a store or kiosk, sure like those promos they are doing.

Also, if they are doing FiOS at their Verizon Wireless store at Tanasbourne, then maybe its also going on at their Wireless store at Ceder Hills Crossing, which is closer for us. Anybody know if they are selling FiOS at that store?

Thanks...

UPDATE: I tried the site with IE and it worked very well. It came up as FiOS TV right from the start, plus I was able to select packages and set top boxes. I guess Verizon's site isn't designed well for browsers other then Internet Explorer and if that was the case, they should say "best viewed using Internet Explorer 6 or better".

OK, thanks, I visited the Wireless store/kiosk. It does seem as though they have discounts that can't be had from the other store. The main one of interest to me was the $2.99 cable cards vs $3.99, although I guess the proof will be when we all see our bills.

Checking online, it looks like the phone part of my order was canceled for some reason (maybe because I already have fiber phone), so I plan on canceling the whole thing on Monday and setting up a new order at the kiosk on Tuesday.

UPDATE: I tried the site with IE and it worked very well. It came up as FiOS TV right from the start, plus I was able to select packages and set top boxes. I guess Verizon's site isn't designed well for browsers other then Internet Explorer and if that was the case, they should say "best viewed using Internet Explorer 6 or better".

Using Firefox from a Mac has worked for me. I also get good results from Firefox on my PC. But it's always a crapshoot with Verizon websites.

OK, thanks, I visited the Wireless store/kiosk. It does seem as though they have discounts that can't be had from the other store. The main one of interest to me was the $2.99 cable cards vs $3.99, although I guess the proof will be when we all see our bills.

Checking online, it looks like the phone part of my order was canceled for some reason (maybe because I already have fiber phone), so I plan on canceling the whole thing on Monday and setting up a new order at the kiosk on Tuesday.


I'd love to sign up for the $2.99 cable cards, that adds up pretty quickly.

I live in Tigard and have been receiving the FiOS mailing lately. I happened to be in Washington Square today and got talking to the guy at the kiosk there (just outside of Victoria's Secret, great location :cool:). He game me a price on phone, internet, and tv that would save me about $550 over the next two years vs. what Comcast is costing me (and that assumes no Comcast price increases). Needless to say, I'm tempted.

But... (there's always a but)...

I looked at their channel line-up and it looks like I'd lose two HD channels that I watch, USA-HD and VS-HD (NHL).

Has FiOS been around long enough to have any sort of feedback/track record on how quick they are about getting new HD channels into their line-up?

Has FiOS been around long enough to have any sort of feedback/track record on how quick they are about getting new HD channels into their line-up?


I've been able to gather that basically more HD channels will be added anywhere between early '08 and mid '08...due to increased infrastructure being added by Verizon.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=917415&highlight=verizon+hd

On the Verizon FiOS channel lineup page...Fox Sports Northwest has been added to the channel lineup...channel 65.

Now, if they can get CSN NW...I'll be one happy camper...my install isn't until the 29th.



Did anyone have installs over the weekend that they can report back on?

I've been able to gather that basically more HD channels will be added anywhere between early '08 and mid '08...due to increased infrastructure being added by Verizon.

I had seen that press release about the 2008 rollout of more channels. I guess what I was getting at is how confident does anyone feel about that promise?

I had seen that press release about the 2008 rollout of more channels. I guess what I was getting at is how confident does anyone feel about that promise?

From a "wanting to remain competitive" standpoint, I think Verizon needs to come through to show that they are a serious player in the TV market...there are so many options for television programming, that if Verizon wants to differentiate their service, they'll have to come through with more HD channels, because that selection is what people primarily want with their new hdtv's (including me). That makes me optimistic that Verizon will indeed add more HD channels.

I'm switching from Comcast extended basic with local HD's only to the Verizon Premier service with tons more HD availability and more to come...if in a year (when my contract is up), verizon hasn't shown the ability/willingness/flexibility to add more HD channels, well I'll consider my options then...even if that includes switching back to comcast or to dtv, etc.

That's the thing, each person has their own TV channel preferences (even more so now with HD channels coming available)...and it's a tradeoff by switching to another company...we all have to evaluate which programming is more relative to our entertainment and go from there...

If you'd be losing primary HD channels you watch by switching to FiOS...it's probably worth it to hold off if they're really important to you.

Hmmm, I don't see FSNW on the channel page. 65 is an unused number on that page so hopefully you're right! Was just going to post something about FSNW being a reason why I wouldn't subscribe to FiOS yet but now that's out of the way.

Probably waiting until January anyway, time to order the TiVo! Am I right in that Verizon will provide the first cable card for free, or will they both cost $$?

Has anybody had a Tivo/Cable card installation done yet? Mine is still scheduled for tomorrow.

For what it's worth, I was in Boston last week. Verizon was running a FIOS TV commerical there saying they would give you a free HD television (I imagine a small one, but I didn't see the size) with a 2-year commitment to FIOS TV.

My neighbor who just moved in on the weekend got FIOS installed. Looks like I won't be the first one on my block with it.

I talked to the installer who showed me the equipment that they use (I'm a fiber optics sales engineer). Nice guy, told me what stuff I'd need to move in my garage to get ready for my install.

Dec. 26th can't come fast enough for me. :)

My channel line up still doesn't show FSNW, but also doesn't show a channel 65. I can't imagine they would launch without having that channel in the mix.

I'm curious to hear from people tomorrow when the actual installs start.

Probably waiting until January anyway, time to order the TiVo! Am I right in that Verizon will provide the first cable card for free, or will they both cost $$?

The price is per card and goes up after January 1, I believe. The price I was quoted with pre-order of TiVo service was $2.99 per card/per month. In January the price goes to $3.99 per card/per month. I think that some people even with existing orders right now were even quoted $3.99 per card/per month at kiosk/wireless stores.

I'm guessing the TiVo HD will be nicely priced post-Christmas. I've already seen it in the past couple of weeks for $239.99 at places like Circuit City (online five-hour sale last Wed. or Thurs.).

What I meant to say, is the first cable card free?

TiVo Series 3 is under $400, the smaller TiVo HD can be found for $230 or so online, so the CC deal isn't that special.

Clarification on multi-room DVR capability....

The kiosk people I talked to implied that I can now send HD recordings from the HD-DVR to a HD-STB in another room. But the online documentation seems to say otherwise. It says the remote boxes must be their standard 2500 box, which is NOT high definition.

There are FOUR types of DVRs:
"Std Definition DVR" ($12.99/mo)
"High Definition DVR" ($15.99/mo)
"Std Definition Multi-Room DVR" ($17.99/mo)
"High Definition Multi-Room DVR" ($19.99/mo)

What I interpret this to mean is that both types of Multi-Room DVRs (HD and SD) are capable of sending only SD content to other set tops; and the remote set tops must be the "Standard Definition Set Top Box" ($4.99/mo), model 2500. So this means there is no current capability to send recorded HD content from an HD-DVR to an HD remote set top box.

Is this correct?

What I meant to say, is the first cable card free?

No...each cablecard is $3.99 per month.

That is correct according to information on Verizon's web site. Verizon also mentioned that, as part of its upgrade plans for next year, that it would add the ability to stream HD content via its HD Home Media DVR. "*A Set Top Box is required to view recorded programming and a monthly Set Top Box fee applies. Multi-room features are supported on standard Model 2500 Set Top Boxes only and will support up to six additional televisions, with simultaneous viewing of up to three recorded shows."

That is a common mistake the sales people are making and I suspect a lot of people are going to be irritated when they end up with the wrong box.

Tivo systems are the only HD DVRs I know that are capable of streaming HD content to other machines, and that ability is a relatively new feature resulting from a recent software update.

The Verizon FiOS TV Head End is near my office in Hillsboro.

I've attached a photo showing the antenna array they have installed.

Interesting setup there:
- local stations appear to come in via the antenna array; the antennae on the tower point to various towers in the west hills
- more surprising, there is not one single satellite dish to be seen; nothing around the tower; nothing on the roof.
- there are several additional airconditioning units that have been installed in the rear of the building
- there are also emergency power generators installed.

I wonder where Verizon is actually getting its feeds for programmig?

The office location is wired for fibre of course. Could all the various program sources be delivered via fibre from elsewhere?

Also, my install when ordered two weeks ago was scheduled for 1/7/2008. When I called today, I was able to reschedule to 12/12/2007. We'll see what actually happens.

I asked for one DVR, and one HD set top, and a third outlet. I'll post a comparison to Comcast - I'm quite happy with Comcast, but am always looking for something better.

Mike

Channel comparison between Comcast and FIOS TV.

I have an excel file that maps out the differences between the two for the Oregon region. Download and rename the attachment to .XLS (remove the .TXT)

Thanks to KLAC for the tip on posting a file.

12/18/07 update: updated channel comparison file. DiscoveryHD was missing :)

Post it up on a free picture site, then provide link in here.

or add a .txt extension and people can save it and rename it.

Here's a comparison between Dish Network America's Top 200 and FiOS TV Premier that I did last week. (remove the .txt extension to view)

I called today to see about moving up my install date, and was informed that my FIOS video service install was canceled. They were unable to tell me why, so the operator re-entered my order and scheduled me for tomorrow!

I had done the pre-order on 11/16, and was given a price of ~$141 for the Triple Play package with 15/2 internet, phone service, and a single HD-DVR. When I entered the new order today, I got a better price - for $19.99, I got the HD-DVR plus a movie package. The total price for the whole package came out to $109.99 ('net, phone, and TV) plus $19.99 for the DVR with movie package.

I hope they actually make it out tomorrow. They could only give me an 8AM-5PM window, but I work close to home, and they are supposed to call me...

...I had done the pre-order on 11/16, and was given a price of ~$141 for the Triple Play package with 15/2 internet, phone service, and a single HD-DVR. When I entered the new order today, I got a better price - for $19.99, I got the HD-DVR plus a movie package. The total price for the whole package came out to $109.99 ('net, phone, and TV) plus $19.99 for the DVR with movie package....

Would you mind telling us which phone number did you call to get the deal? The on-line price is about $102.99 without the phone! and the one phone number I called, the CSR does not even match the internet deal of the on-line package. Seems like the pricing is all over the place!

I called the 800-483-4000 number. I had to get to the order entry CSR, once the first scheduling CSR determined that my original order was canceled.

Now, I wouldn't be surprised if the "real" package price is going to be something different, but I'll keep my fingers crossed. They said the movie add-on price was good for the two year commitment.

I called today to see about moving up my install date, and was informed that my FIOS video service install was canceled. They were unable to tell me why, so the operator re-entered my order and scheduled me for tomorrow!

Mine's been cancelled 4 times so far. I got ahold of a different dept. this morning and waiting for a call back to see if they got it resolved. :(

Comparison of channel lineup between Comcast and FIOS-TV in Oregon... a few posts back at #315 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12456069#post12456069)

Has anybody had a Tivo/Cable card installation done yet? Mine is still scheduled for tomorrow. So how did it go?

Verizon eventually arrived (at about 4pm). The phone call I'd made to switch to cable cards for Tivo had been lost. He tried to switch the order, but the local Washington County office was apparently out of cable cards, at least for today. So I'm going ahead without the TiVo, temporarily. The boxes look to be working fine, though he's not totally finished.

I have to submit a new order for the cable cards. Fyi, at least according to this Verizon tech, only single stream cards are available.

I think they are still having communication and scheduling issues:
- I called Monday, mid afternoon, and got by install date moved up from January to Wednesday, Dec. 12.
- everything was confirmed by phone, and I only had to wait about 5 minutes on hold to talk to someone. The rep was quite helpful and knowledgeable

Fast forward about 90 minutes:
- Late Monday afternoon, someone from Verizon called to confirm my install for Tuesday (!?!)
- I said that cannot be possible, since 1) I won't be home on Tuesday, and 2) I had ben confirmed for Wednesday this week just a short time ago
- the nice lady was a bit confused, but she told me that she will get everything straight with scheduling the install date on Wednesday; I asked if I needed to do anything, but she said no, she could take care of everything
- she finished by saying that I should get a call on tuesday to confirm the Wednesday install date between 8am and 5pm

Fast forward 24 hours to today, Tuesday:
- I'm gone all day, but had been checking my voicemail messages
- around 4:40pm a message is left that "we're running late" but should be there by 5pm
- around 5pm another message is left, saying they are still on their way and should arrive "soon"
- I don't think they ever got to my home, as by the time I returned at 5:30pm, no sign of anyone; no note on the door; no message left

Now (Tuesday evening):
- a call into Verizon to double-check what is going on
- have been on hold for more than 45 minutes
- thanks to modern technology of portable phones with speakerphone capability, I was able to cook dinner, clean up, and get back to the computer

We'll see what comes out of the phone call.

I'm surely not going to hang around all day waiting.

On the phone now as they finally picked up.

Stay tuned...

No kidding. I had the order placed through the landline store. Then, when I found out they offered better pricing, I had the wireless store place an order on Monday (yesterday). This would require a callback, giving me time to cancel my original order. I check the website - there is a phone order cancelled and my TV order still on schedule. Not sure what's up with the phone order; I was supposed to be going to triple play, so phone should be upgraded.

I call in to cancel the TV order. The lady tells me her system says it is cancelled. Huh? It says not on the website. Oh, it can take up to seven days to go from my system to the web, billing system and all that, you know? Yeah, surrrrre, I think.

Today (Tuesday) my original TV order is still in there, but there is a new phone order, cancelled yesterday. Hmm. I'd given my cell number, but the callback for the new order came to the home phone, so I listen to the message and call the number around 6:30PM. Took about 5 times for it to work. Yes, the phone company's own phone number wasn't working properly. I finally get through and get a strange answer (like someone answering a phone at a party or something) and after explaining myself, she says sorrry the systems are being upgraded, call back tomorrow. I guess that explains the bad number and the "party" answer - they can't work, so they're yacking and given what we've been seeing, an upgrade is clearly in order, so I can't say I'm surprised.

To be continued tomorrow (Wednesday).

Everything that the standard set top boxes can do seems to work fine. FSNW is on channel 65. Until the cable card issue is resolved I won't be able to get HD channels.

Shouldn't your TIVO tuner pick up all the clear qam local channels in HD without your cable cards?

...the local Washington County office was apparently out of cable cards, at least for today I wonder how in the world they can be out of cablecards when the FIOS-TV installations just started this week (i.e. one day prior)? They must have had less than a couple on hand... I would guess that only 1 in 10 installs (or less) would be ordering cablecards.

I'm trying direct channel access from my Tivo Series 3; a channel scan shows 396 channels. So far I've found exactly two with a clear video signal; but I've only looked through 50 or so.

Tivo does have the fios lineup for this area now; nothing shows up there. I'm not sure if cable cards are needed to get "correct" channel numbers.

From a quick scan of all 396; the clear channels are the music channels, and the ones with advertised channel numbers under 100 (basically the national networks). The HD versions of the local networks may also be in the clear.

I had my service installed yesterday, and it took a rather long time 6 hours. Most of it waiting on cable cards - Verizon is just like Comcast in really despising them. We had to go through multiple cycles of plugging cable cards - extra guys had to come with additional cards. All of the channels eventually came in, but my problem is that TiVo doesn't seem to have FiOS information to download for Oregon at all. I had to put in a Pomona zip code to get any data at all. Has anyone else run into this? I know they used to have FiOS schedules, but they now claim to have no record of any FiOS near Portland. In any event using 90049 will at least give the national channels and allow guided setup to finish. The picture quality is nice, I'd say not too much different from Comcast, which was pretty good to me - I think I live maybe 2 miles from one of their head ends. The SD channels appear better, but to early to be definitive. But for the price, FiOS is hard to beat. I had an old D-link router, so they swapped that for the Actiontec since FiOS requires a coax output to send guide data to the QiP boxes. It also seems to be true that this is an All Digital market - no analag available from the "wall", so I hope this means that the 700 boxes will be $2 as the seem to be in most markets like the city of Chicago.
This isn't the TiVo board, but Verizon appears to take the stance that they will honor cablecard requests, but will not offer them upfront. They really need to train installers a bit better on the activation procedure as I can see the inefficiency being an excuse to raise rates. My install required a minimum of wiring.

Hasta and good luck.

Try the Tivo guided setup again; as of last night they "should" have fios available as a choice for Washington county zip codes. At least that worked for me, though I wasn't able to get any cable cards.

I wonder if the fios lineup Tivo put up last night is assuming the channels under 100 are analog, instead of qam digital. If I goto what the Tivo guide says is channel 8, there is no fios signal. There is though an extremely weak channel 8 signal; roughly what you'd expect from the off the air signal leaking in through the rf connector.

It would be great if anyone who gets the set-top box installation can describe the hardware set-up for the rest of us. Particularly, I'm interested in what wiring will be going and coming from the router to support the TV/set-top box. I might have to re-wire parts of my LAN to accommodate the installation.

For me, the Actiontec router replaced the D-Link router supplied by Verizon a year and a half ago. The only difference was that the Actionrec router, in addition to the ethernet connection from the ONT, also needs a coax connection. I had an extra port on the splitter, so that was no problem.

My understanding is that the standard settop boxes have video on demand, etc. features that work similar to cable providers such as Comcast. But instead of the back channel from the set top box going to a neighborhood head end, it's picked up by the router, and then sent back to the Verizon office via the internet connection.

I just tried to put in a new "corrected" order to get cable cards. Eventually, the rep said I'd have to wait a couple of days and try again; their system doesn't let you order "new" hardware immediately; you have to wait at least a couple days.

Do you have to use the Actiontech router? I just bought a gigabit wireless router and I'm not particularly interested in reconfiguring it to work with another router.

I think you'll need their router if you want to use "video on demand", the interactive program guide, etc. on their standard set top boxes.

You can still cascade your router on top of theirs; that's what I do.

From today's Oregonian:

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/business/1197433526322420.xml&coll=7

http://blog.oregonlive.com/business/2007/12/verizon_cable_has_deal_to_carr.html

Good to hear that they'll be honoring the $42.99 price past January. Not really a big fan of the Comcast channel, but it would be one positive over DirecTV at this time (assuming that the Verizon bill doesn't jump just because of the Comcast channel).

Sweet, get to watch the blazer games on Verizon now!:)

I had my install this morning. They gave me the 8AM to 5PM window, and the guy showed up right at 8AM. Sweet... Took two hours from start to finish.

I have only one TV, and I got the HD-DVR box. They hooked the Actiontec router to the coax, and also ran the ethernet connection to the router. This was done because I have the older ONT, which does not support MOCA, and I'm still on PPPoE. I could change to DHCP, but I still would not have MOCA support. The newer ONT's have MOCA support built in, so only the coax needs to be connected for newer installations.

I had been using only my own Linksys router with the internet service (never used the D-LINK). After he hooked up the Actiontec, I simply changed the Actiontec SSID and WEP key to match the settings from my existing Linksys router, and all of my other PC's re-connected right up to the new router. I'm probably not going to try to hook up the Linksys router downstream from the Actiontec, unless I have issues with the Actiontec wireless.

The Mot DVR seems pretty easy to use. The "traffic" widget seems like it will be useful. I've been with DirecTV and TiVO for so long, that I will probably not like the Verizon GUI.

The installer wasn't big on the cable cards either. He said that TV's could be picky with cards. He said that the TIVO HD DVR had a better reputation for working with the cable cards.

Finally, the signal out of the ONT was HOT! He measured +32 at the box. After calling in to the local trainer, he was told that they were getting lots of reports of high signals. He was told to add enough extra attenuation to get the signal level down to spec (+- 5.6). Mine was down to +6.2 after the attenuators. I will need to remove the attenuators when Verizon fixes the signal drive levels...

Any comments on the HD quality through the HD DVRs? I'm curious if the "uncompressed" HD content is notably better.

install date on the 20th, TiVo series 3 has been ordered and will be here by then. Will let everyone know how "well" it goes, shouldn't be that hard besides the cable cards as I already have FiOS internet.

OK, so now that it seems Verizon will carry the Comcast Sports channel, I don't feel quite as hesitant as I did an hour ago when I agreed to have an install scheduled for 12/19. My preorder finally came through. I wonder if we can bring similar pressure on Verizon to secure the rights to add the VS/Golf channel. Now if everyone lobbies with their Verizon sales person when they schedule their install to add VS/Golf, we might get somewhere. Else we'll have to get Canzano involved.

One minor adjustment to my thinking on FiOS involves my 2 old analog TVs upstairs. Seems they are not plug and play into the existing coax - never thought about that. The Verizon rep says that as the signal is all digital, I need to rent their box for $4.99/mo. for each TV. So it's decision time:

1. Buy 2 new HD TVs (yeah, right! Anyone want to buy a 34" ProScan?)
2. Switch Comcast to Basic rather than shutting them down altogether and deal with the limited channel lineup
3. Wait until 2/09 when the Gov't will help buy me the necessary boxes
4. Rabbit ears!

Do I need all this and the Holidays too?

... analog TVs ... The Verizon rep says that as the signal is all digital, I need to rent their box for $4.99/mo. for each TV.

Glad to have that cleared up. Our bedroom TV is a 20-year-old Toshiba, so it would need the box for $4.99.

If that's the case, I'd be inclined to rent the box and upgrade to their HDDVR Media Server thingy that would let me share recordings between the two TVs. The $10 / month bump that that would run me ($5 for the box and an extra $5 for the media server) is cheaper than hanging onto Comcast basic and gets me functionality I don't currently have.

Isn't the media server a minimum of $20 a pop? That would make it $25 a month for both boxes. Remember that you can't transfer any HD recordings between boxes.

Isn't the media server a minimum of $20 a pop? That would make it $25 a month for both boxes. Remember that you can't transfer any HD recordings between boxes.

The multi-room DVR is $19.99 / month, but the regular HDDVR is $15.99 / month. I will be getting the HDDVR anyway, so the price differential is only $4 / month. So the way I look at it, for $4.99 / month (much less than keeping even basic cable) I get to continue to use the upstairs TV to watch broadcast stuff, or for $8.99 (still less than basic cable, at least here in Tigard) I get to watch broadcast TV AND share any non-HD recordings with the upstairs TV.

Not being able to share HD recordings is a little sucky (one advantage DISH's 722 has, it'll downconvert HD to SD for the second TV, or so the literature says), but we record a fair bit of stuff off Biography (which is only SD anyway) and my wife tends more to listen to her shows than watch them, so we can record them in SD also and she can watch them upstairs while I'm gaming downstairs.

Any comments on the HD quality through the HD DVRs? I'm curious if the "uncompressed" HD content is notably better.

I don't have any real point of reference, as I never had the DirecTV HD service. The HDNet and DiscoveryHD channels look really good. They look as good as my previous OTA HD locals channels.

The HD DVR itself isn't too bad, yet. There is a big lag when going into the VOD section, but otherwise, it's not horrible.

How is the Verizon media guide compared to Comcast? It looks leaps and bounds ahead online.

How is the Verizon media guide compared to Comcast? It looks leaps and bounds ahead online.

I've only used Comcast sparingly at my brother's house. It didn't seem as intuitive or as polished as the Verizon guide. My only complaint so far is the occasional freezing, mostly in the VOD section. Well that, and it needs a much bigger drive!

Well that, and it needs a much bigger drive!

Don't they all.....

That's one reason why I went with a TiVo, 250GB already and upgradeable to 1.25 TB total via esata without removing the original hard drive.

That's one reason why I went with a TiVo, 250GB already and upgradeable to 1.25 TB total via esata without removing the original hard drive.

I'll upgrade to TIVO HD eventually, but I thought I'd give the "supported" solution a try first. Maybe cablecards will be better supported from Verizon sometime down the road...

I keep hoping that Motorola will get their act together and provide a larger hard drive unit (how tough can that be?) or the providers will start allowing us to actually use all the features this boxes have (like the USB ports).

Someone talk me into getting Tivo versus sticking with home media dvr box......

Someone talk me into getting Tivo versus sticking with home media dvr box......

Only as long as you use my e-mail address for the referral points when you get one...hehe...


The drawing point for me, especially switching from comcast limited basic to FiOS premier was/is the additional HD programming I'll be getting and the ability to expand the Series 3 storage capacity...I've added a 500GB eSATA drive to the existing 250GB internal drive and now have 98 Hours of HD capacity along with just under 1,000 hours of sd recording available.

The other draws for me are the ease of use for my family (my 7 yr. old constantly uses it to record shows for he and his little bro), the ability to transfer shows to my computer for archiving/burning to DVD for friends, family members, and the ability to search very definitively for programming (whether by actor, director, keyword, with combinations of the above), not to mention the "swivel search" feature whereby you can select a show you've recorded and see other upcoming shows that may have the same actor, theme, or genre as the one you've recorded.

I've had a TiVo for about 4 years now, and won't go back if I don't have to. I own two of them (nice for multi-room viewing), and my parents, brother, father-in-law and multiple friends have them since we got one...and they couldn't be happier.

and no...I don't work for TiVo.

So I am a little confused about the pricing. Going online I selected selected the premier package with the DVR/movies. There will be three TV's that will be hooked up. The price quote I got online Was 62.95 which is less than the $76 I am paying for Dish right now. However when I went and talked to the person at the Kiosk at Washingtonn Square, he said that each TV needs to have a box which would bump up the cost by about $15 per month. Online ordering says nothing about having a box for each TV (at least what I could see). Which is true?

Ok I see that the standard definition box description. Its just just that I had three TV's to be installed and it did not mention the boxes. You would think that in order to have the TV's installed, you would need to have the boxes selected as well.

So I am a little confused about the pricing. Going online I selected selected the premier package with the DVR/movies. There will be three TV's that will be hooked up. The price quote I got online Was 62.95 which is less than the $76 I am paying for Dish right now. However when I went and talked to the person at the Kiosk at Washingtonn Square, he said that each TV needs to have a box which would bump up the cost by about $15 per month. Online ordering says nothing about having a box for each TV (at least what I could see). Which is true? Both, sort of. You already got ONE box (the DVR) that was bundled with the movie deal... that was $20. I think you need 2 more set top boxes in order to get all the channels on the other TVs. Std Definition boxes are $5 each. So your total would be $73/month. [EDIT] Well, maybe on second thought... doesn't the $42.99 Premier package actually include one standard definition box? If so, then you only need one more set top box besides the HD-DVR/movie bundle. Total would be $68/mo if so.

[EDIT, thanks afiggatt, post #367 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12484661#post12484661)] You should get access to these channels on a digital TV with a QAM tuner without the need for a set top box:

2 ABC - KATU-TV 2
3 CW - KRCW-TV 32
48 TV Guide Network
5 ION- TV 22
6 CBS - KOIN-TV 6
8 NBC - KGW-TV 8
9 Superstation - WGN-TV
10 PBS - KOPB-TV 10
12 FOX - KPTV-TV 12
7 My - KPDX-TV 49
20 TBN - KNMT-TV 24
38 Telemundo - KKEI TV-38
16 Univision - KUNP-TV 16
49 Weatherscan Local
42 Azteca KXPD-TV
21 Telefutura - KOXO TV-21
35 HSN - KORK TV-35

plus any high definition clear QAM versions of these channels. For the rest of the channels advertised, you need their set-top box or cablecard (in your cablecard-ready tuner, tivo, tv, whatever) to receive them. At least this is my read of the situation.

BTW, it would be interesting if someone would ask about a basic LOCAL-only package. I'll bet it's in the $10-$12/mo neighborhood if offered. The cable companies were compelled by the local governments that granted the franchise to offer a basic locals-only package. I wonder if this was also a condition for Verizon to offer service here. A basic local channel package isn't something they actively advertise at all, although it was labeled "FIOS TV Local" in their channel lineup; it was differentiated from their "FIOS TV Premier".

I think your list matches what I saw, going through a qam channel scan. The additions are the music channels (I think they call them "Music Choice" and "Urge Radio").

Stay tuned...

So what happened?

I'm on the phone right now still trying to get them to do an install. It's been 2 weeks and I'm starting to lose patience.

are the QAM channels a feed from the analog or digital local feeds? i.e. are you getting HD content from your locals on those channels listed?

I don't see any analog channels; they're all qam sub channels (ranging from about 55-0 to 128-something). The clear channels are somewhat randomly between encrypted channels.

I do see local abc, cbs, nbc, fox, etc. stations twice; I imagine one is sd and one is hd; I didn't spend the time to check (it was getting late...)

I don't see any analog channels; they're all qam sub channels (ranging from about 55-0 to 128-something). The clear channels are somewhat randomly between encrypted channels.

I do see local abc, cbs, nbc, fox, etc. stations twice; I imagine one is sd and one is hd; I didn't spend the time to check (it was getting late...)
What???? :confused:
No NTSC analog channels at all? I thought they were REQUIRED to offer that basic local channel stuff in analog format so all your older non-HD televisions could receive them....

What???? :confused:
No NTSC analog channels at all? I thought they were REQUIRED to offer that basic local channel stuff in analog format so all your older non-HD televisions could receive them....
If I may interject here as a Verizon Fios subscriber elsewhere who was skimming the Verizon threads, Verizon does not offer any analog channels in the new markets they added in recent months. They offer a limited set of up to 40 analog channels in "older" markets (that is the ones they opened up in the past several years). Verizon will be shutting down these analog channels everywhere by next spring and replacing them with digital QAM channels to provide the bandwidth to add a lot more HD channels. Verizon got permission from the FCC to shut down all analog channels by agreeing to provide a "low cost" STB, the DCT-700. Verizon should have never added the analog channels to begin with as they are wasting money in shutting them down so soon.

Verizon appears to follow a common pattern in all markets. Everyone has the national channels on the same QAM channels. There is a block for the locals, all of which are in the clear. The SD and PEG locals are in the QAM 63 to 68 range, the digital broadcast locals which include the HD locals start at QAM 71 and go up to QAM 74 or higher depending on how local stations they carry. The national QAM channels are from 55 to 62, 83 to 94, 103 to 126, but almost all of these are encrypted, so a Fios STB/DVR or a TV/DVR with a cable card is needed to get them.

Hey all,

Got everything installed yesterday. 2 TV's with 2 HD-DVR's via HDMI.

HD looks great, the SD channels look very good also.

Installer said TV without a box would not get any channels. I don't have a TV without a box so I can not verify.

Wife doesn't like having to re-learn all the channel numbers but I like the menu system better that Comcast. So far have not had any of the delays from remote control inputs like I had on Comcast.

What really amazed me is the remote has a skip button that you can program for 10sec, 30sec, 1 min, 5 min. Wonder how long it will take for the advertisers to notice and start complaining.

So what happened?

I'm on the phone right now still trying to get them to do an install. It's been 2 weeks and I'm starting to lose patience.

No one came on Wednesday.

During the call I had when I called verizon, and them answering after the 45-50 minutes, I got a call on my cell phone from the scheduler. I had both on the phone at the same time and explained my story.

the good news - they'll be out again on Monday. I complained about the 8-5 window, and I got a more firm window of 8-12. this is preferred for me, since I know ey will be running new cables for me to 3 locations (I'm keeping my DirecTV and Comcast for now, so no sharing by Verizon).

A question for the others who had it installed already - the need for coax connection for the router is a new one. I have the outside ONT that provides a CAT 5 connection and a Coax connection inside the ONT. So the CAT5 runs to my main distribution point in my home office. that is where I have my router - I'm using my own, rather than the supplied D-LINK. Separately I guess they will also need to run coax to the home office? or will my ONT already take care of that?

Once installed I'll provide a comparison to my Comcast service.

Mike

Thanks for the info, afiggatt. I've edited post #361 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12483902#post12483902) with your feedback.

I guess they will also need to run coax to the home office? or will my ONT already take care of that? I think this depends on which ONT you have. Some of the earlier ones had the necessary MOCA interface built in to create a coax network in your house with connection to the internet. It sounds as if the the later ONTs don't have the MOCA feature. Instead, they rely on the MOCA being built-in to the ActionTec MI424 router. So if you have one of the later ONTs, then yes, you will have to have an RG6 coax line run to wherever your ActionTec router is located.

In my case, I'm planning to pull my own cat5E from the computer locations to the garage, where the ONT will be (on the outside). So I'm going to ask them to mount the ActionTec router in the garage, near the RG6 distribution point (outside). I'll shut off the ActionTec wireless and just use my existing wireless router as an ethernet switch & WiFi access point. Or I may connect the ActionTec to the WAN side of my router. Both ways should be fine, but I'll probably try it both ways. This way I have the freedom to choose the location of my wireless access point for the best wireless reception throughout the house, AND I would minimize the number of Rg6 splitters between the STBs and the router.

I've heard the ONT coax signal is pretty hot, so there should be minimal issues with the number of coax splitters I have for downstream video traffic. But I'm concerned about the other direction; the signal level and s/n ratio of upstream traffic over the MOCA interface (data transmitted from STB to the ActionTec router). The number of RG6 splitters from each STB to the ActionTEC might be cause for concern.

To all of you guys who've had the installation done: Did the tech drill in the siding of your house to connect the outside "box" to the one inside (I assume one is the ONT, the other is the battery backup system, or some such)?

This has caused me to cancel the installation . They insisted that is the only way they can make the connection and I didn't want hole drilled in the Aluminum siding of the house! :(

Installer said TV without a box would not get any channels. I don't have a TV without a box so I can not verify.

I can verify. No STB = no signal and channels on older TVs. I didn't even think about it when I placed my order and did not order a STB for the bedroom, which has an older CRT. When I called Verizon to order an additional box, I was told that my account still showed my order as processing (installed Tuesday 12/11) and I would have to wait until that cleared to add another STB. Hopefully it clears in a day or two so I can get the additional box.

After 3 days I am very happy with the FiOS service and it was great being able to watch the game on NFL Network last night. :D

To all of you guys who've had the installation done: Did the tech drill in the siding of your house to connect the outside "box" to the one inside (I assume one is the ONT, the other is the battery backup system, or some such)?

This has caused me to cancel the installation . They insisted that is the only way they can make the connection and I didn't want hole drilled in the Aluminum siding of the house! :(

Don't you have other services going through the wall? Gas, cable, telephone?

To all of you guys who've had the installation done: Did the tech drill in the siding of your house to connect the outside "box" to the one inside (I assume one is the ONT, the other is the battery backup system, or some such)?

This has caused me to cancel the installation . They insisted that is the only way they can make the connection and I didn't want hole drilled in the Aluminum siding of the house! :(

Yes, when they installed the FIOS internet they drilled a hole through the siding from the garage to the outside.

I can verify. No STB = no signal and channels on older TVs. I didn't even think about it when I placed my order and did not order a STB for the bedroom, which has an older CRT. When I called Verizon to order an additional box, I was told that my account still showed my order as processing (installed Tuesday 12/11) and I would have to wait until that cleared to add another STB. Hopefully it clears in a day or two so I can get the additional box.

After 3 days I am very happy with the FiOS service and it was great being able to watch the game on NFL Network last night. :D

When they confirmed my install date (next Wed.) and I learned about the need for extra boxes for older TVs, they said I could make the decision to have the $4.99 boxes added during installation, since the truck usually has those extras on board. He said if I waited until after the install to add those boxes it could cause me to incur an additional installation charge like any other service call. Not sure what the price is for Verizon but that sounds like it could get expensive if you don't have all your decision points lined up at install.

On the wall-drilling front: I have wood siding and a finished interior garage wall. The installers did a very nice job with all their work when I had my internet service installed last year. I was fearful of what might result but they did a very professional job.

Thanks for all your input on the exterior wall drilling issue!

I can't wait! Verizon has been in my neighborhood for the last few days running fiber cables. I hope they get it up and running soon. Verizon's website still is telling me that its not available yet. Doh! I figure now that verizon has picked up Comcast sports net, I can't go wrong. Right?

I can't wait! Verizon has been in my neighborhood for the last few days running fiber cables. I hope they get it up and running soon. Verizon's website still is telling me that its not available yet. Doh! I figure now that verizon has picked up Comcast sports net, I can't go wrong. Right?

In my opinion - there is no way it can be any worse!!!

Does anyone know if Verizon will put the Comcast Sports NW into their "sports tier"? Sports tier costs extra...

I bet it's like FSNW...in the regular tier.


Idiots at Verizon cancelled my 12/20 order for some reason...I'm out of town from 12/25 - 12/31 so I can't get an install until 1/2. Guess the TiVo just sits in the box for now. :mad:

Its official, we will be getting FiOS in January 2008.

Was looking online (and on this forum) for about month and now with a visit from a door to door salesman, we have the install set for 1/2/08. Being out of town over Christmas, a sooner install was not possible. Getting the FiOS TV Premier, Movies+DVR combo, 5/2 Internet and Freedom Essentials Phone (also have Verizon Wireless service too).

Was going to visit a store but the salesman beat me to it. After reading that there will not be any analog channels from the "wall", will have to plan on something else for my older Panasonic HS2 DVD Recorder with HDD (which we use as a DVR with our current analog comcast service). It has a PC Card slot on it but I suspect it will not work with a cablecard. If anyone knows otherwise, let me know. Probably will have it moved to the bedroom and share the SD box there for any recording and/or use an off-air solution till the analog shut off date.

Any word if the Internet speed is going to be bumped up by 5 Mbps yet? at no extra cost?

:) :) Can't wait, so much more for less money. Will be happy to say "Goodbye" to Comcast.

Still wondering how your FiOS service of moves + dvr and premier package is cheaper than what you're paying for Comcast analog. 62.99 is not cheaper than 50.87 or whatever Comcast charges now.

I bet it's like FSNW...in the regular tier.


Idiots at Verizon cancelled my 12/20 order for some reason...I'm out of town from 12/25 - 12/31 so I can't get an install until 1/2. Guess the TiVo just sits in the box for now. :mad:

Two hours after the end of my window today the installer called to say they had no cable cards...I'll get a call back later to reschedule.

That just means the installer doesn't want to drive back to get cable cards. LAZY!

That just means the installer doesn't want to drive back to get cable cards. LAZY!

Well, he said they didn't have them at the local office (or depot or something). He wasn't at my house. Just before I'd received a call from the dispatcher to say he was coming from Beaverton. I think he was leaving his previous install when he checked the paperwork and called me.

Still wondering how your FiOS service of moves + dvr and premier package is cheaper than what you're paying for Comcast analog. 62.99 is not cheaper than 50.87 or whatever Comcast charges now.

Not sure who said that but if you try to put together a similar package on FiOS and Comcast, FiOS TV is MUCH cheaper (MUCH). rifleman69, if you were referring to my message, all of FiOS is going to offer us more for our money and will be cheaper then what we pay presently with Comcast. We have their Standard Package at 50.87 with one digital box, 6 Mbps Internet and Digital Voice for about $155/month. FiOS is going to run us about $130-140.

Digital voice, biggest ripoff ever. Good to hear that you'll be saving money, but your original post didn't talk about anything but FiOS tv and Comcast tv.

Just got FIOS hooked up in Durham - their guide is sooooooo much better than Comcast, no stupid ads, and it is much, much quicker. Haven't seen it get locked up, WAY better in my opinion.

The dealbreaker for me is the lack of analog channels - I had no clue they aren't doing this anymore. With Comcast I had a dual setup, Media Center for channels 1-70, DVR for HD stuff. Now, with FIOS, the Media Center is useless, and so is the Xbox 360 that was able to watch anything recorded on channels 1-70 commercial free.

The installer I had was from California, said they brought up 35 guys to get everything working. Told a few stories about setting up stuff for movie stars, very nice and quite entertaining.

So I'm not sure if I'll keep it - losing the analog is a big deal. I can't believe how awful the choices we have for TV are in this country. Everything is encrypted, proprietary, blah blah blah. It's crazy we're almost to 2008, and we don't have HD available on every channel, tons of devices to easily drive TVs all over the home cheaply without commercials, with intuitive, quick UIs.

It's frustrating being an engineer because I know it CAN be done, but we're limited by all the regulatory/digital rights crap. Oh well, maybe I should just cancel TV and start reading books more often. :)

Not sure who said that but if you try to put together a similar package on FiOS and Comcast, FiOS TV is MUCH cheaper (MUCH).

Let me first say I am NO Comcast fanboy, and I'm probably going to go ahead and order FiOS today to replace my Comcast services.

Having said that, the TV component of my Comcast bill is $77.79. With FiOS, my TV would be $67.97. Now $10 is nothing to sneeze at, but in my mind it doesn't qualify for an uppercase MUCH.

I've figured it out, and over the two year commitment with FiOS I'll save about $550 over current Comcast rates for TV, phone, and internet. The savings will likely be greater than that as I doubt Comcast rates will stay the same or go down in the next two years.

I am getting a little concerned about FiOS though. They can't seem to figure out how to create a web site that works. I went to their site today and they seem to have revamped the gateway for getting at bundles. After selecting the services I was interested in and clicking Go, it went nowhere. I had to click on the "Ultimate Bundle" button and then deselect Wireless. Once I was in there I wanted to adjust the equipment for the television service. I selected the HDDVR 6416 set top box and it kept telling me I had to select one set top box for each TV I wanted hooked up. The 6416 is a set top box fer cryin' out loud!

It really is a pretty sloppy web site for doing the service configuration and ordering.

C'mon, don't they test anything before they release it?

Digital voice, biggest ripoff ever.

As stated in my previous post, not a Comcast fanboy. In fact, will likely be switching to FiOS. But, how can you say that digital voice ($39.95 / month) is a rip-off when the Verizon Freedom Essentials package is $46.99 / month?

Just got FIOS hooked up in Durham - their guide is sooooooo much better than Comcast, no stupid ads, and it is much, much quicker. Haven't seen it get locked up, WAY better in my opinion.

The dealbreaker for me is the lack of analog channels - I had no clue they aren't doing this anymore. With Comcast I had a dual setup, Media Center for channels 1-70, DVR for HD stuff. Now, with FIOS, the Media Center is useless, and so is the Xbox 360 that was able to watch anything recorded on channels 1-70 commercial free.

The installer I had was from California, said they brought up 35 guys to get everything working. Told a few stories about setting up stuff for movie stars, very nice and quite entertaining.

So I'm not sure if I'll keep it - losing the analog is a big deal. I can't believe how awful the choices we have for TV are in this country. Everything is encrypted, proprietary, blah blah blah. It's crazy we're almost to 2008, and we don't have HD available on every channel, tons of devices to easily drive TVs all over the home cheaply without commercials, with intuitive, quick UIs.

It's frustrating being an engineer because I know it CAN be done, but we're limited by all the regulatory/digital rights crap. Oh well, maybe I should just cancel TV and start reading books more often. :)


Analog is going to be gone from Comcast in the Portland area very soon as well. Microsoft is just going to have to come up with a better media center product.

As stated in my previous post, not a Comcast fanboy. In fact, will likely be switching to FiOS. But, how can you say that digital voice ($39.95 / month) is a rip-off when the Verizon Freedom Essentials package is $46.99 / month?


Apples and oranges, you're not comparing two like products. Digital voice is just Comcast's way of selling you a cell phone that can't be mobile outside your house. I can't think of too many people these days who use their home phone for long distance, one of Comcast's big selling points in their eyes.

I'm still trying to get my install sorted out. I finally got ahold of someone who was really trying hard to help. She even called the installers to get the next available date for me but was told their computers were down! It's kinda amazing how many problems Verizon seems to have.

On another note, I was told that the free SD STB is only included w/ installs on Tues, Wed, or Thurs. I'm not sure if this is something new or if she was misinformed. It seems odd.

Have any existing FIOS customers had TV service added yet? I'm curious how long it takes if there is already existing ONT, etc. in place. I'm not doing cable cards, just a couple Moto HD DVRs. All the cabling is already in place, so it should be a simple plug and play operation.

My install is scheduled for tomorrow. I'll believe it when someone actually shows up. I had to call to cancel an internet install set for today (because I already have internet service). I'm worried that will bump me out of the system altogether.

Have any existing FIOS customers had TV service added yet? I'm curious how long it takes if there is already existing ONT, etc. in place. I'm not doing cable cards, just a couple Moto HD DVRs. All the cabling is already in place, so it should be a simple plug and play operation.

My install is scheduled for tomorrow. I'll believe it when someone actually shows up. I had to call to cancel an internet install set for today (because I already have internet service). I'm worried that will bump me out of the system altogether.

I had existing internet, and my TV was right next to where the existing router was. It took about 50 minutes to get the entire thing done - they swapped out a newer router, disconnected the Comcast box, disconnected Comcast from the coax and connected the ONT to the house's coax, and then activated the box (took a while, their computers were down, so the guy had to call and have them do it via a manual process).

That was getting one HD DVR hooked up with no new wiring, just reconnecting stuff. I thought it was going to take about 10 minutes, guess you should always expect at least an hour, no matter what.

My appointment was from 8-5 on Saturday, didn't hear anything the entire day and figured they had forgotten about me... got a call from the tech at 4PM, showed up 5 minutes later, was gone at 4:55.

Apples and oranges, you're not comparing two like products. Digital voice is just Comcast's way of selling you a cell phone that can't be mobile outside your house. I can't think of too many people these days who use their home phone for long distance, one of Comcast's big selling points in their eyes.

You still haven't explained what you're talking about. To my mind they are the same product. I get unlimited local and long distance, caller id, and a few other features. I don't even understand your comparison of digital voice to a cell phone. I don't have a limited number of minutes I can use, nor do I get charged extra. I really don't see how they are apples and oranges.

As for who uses their home phone for long distance, we do. I don't even own a cell phone.

You still haven't explained what you're talking about. To my mind they are the same product. I get unlimited local and long distance, caller id, and a few other features. I don't even understand your comparison of digital voice to a cell phone. I don't have a limited number of minutes I can use, nor do I get charged extra. I really don't see how they are apples and oranges.

As for who uses their home phone for long distance, we do. I don't even own a cell phone.


Either way, and not to be an ass - but lets try and keep this on the TV service and not a comparison of phone phone services. I would have to say that you're a growing minority of those who don't have a cell phone anyway. I haven't had home phone service for about 7 years now.....

Exactly green. I guess some people like paying for long distance when your cell phone can do exactly the same thing, meanwhile the rest of us live in the now.

Now back to FiOS tv.

I've got my install scheduled for tomorrow morning between 10-12am. I live in a townhome that's not exactly the best configuration for running wires.....I've had their internet for a while now so the box is installed already. I'll be getting a home media box and regular for the bedroom....I'll report my experience in the early afternoon after messing around with everything.....

I would have to say that you're a growing minority of those who don't have a cell phone anyway. I haven't had home phone service for about 7 years now.....

Exactly green. I guess some people like paying for long distance when your cell phone can do exactly the same thing, meanwhile the rest of us live in the now.

Thanks to both of you for your responses. I love it when people get holier-than-thou in the forums instead of just explaining themselves. Very helpful.

My install for all three services is scheduled for the 31st. They actually gave me a two-hour window. Given that everyone else seems to be getting 8 - 5 it'll be interesting to see if they actually show up during the window.

If you don't already have FiOS internet, it'll take quite a bit longer than two hours. My guess is that they cancel your order or not show up. Interesting that the CSR's, the website, and the installers apparently don't ever communicate with one another, the guy who originally took and lost my original order called me back to say that the order couldn't go through. I told him to check my account again, and sure enough, he missed that I had already scheduled another order.

CSR's are not the brightest people in the world.

Well, I had my install appt this morning between 10am-12noon - what would you know - they showed at 9:55 and woke me up!! Install is going on as I type - so far they don't seem concerned with anything - I'm sure it helps that I already have fios internet installed though......more as the install progresses.....

If you don't already have FiOS internet, it'll take quite a bit longer than two hours.

I never expected it to be finished in two hours. When having any work done on the house the window provided is generally assumed (at least by me) to be the window within which the work will start, not the window within which the work will be completed.

I never expected it to be finished in two hours. When having any work done on the house the window provided is generally assumed (at least by me) to be the window within which the work will start, not the window within which the work will be completed.

I woudl say you're quite accurate in that assumption.....I just had my install wrap up - 1.75 hours long actually....shocked me to death!!

Be sure to cook some dinner for the installer, he'll get done faster!

Got mine installed. Like the menu system. Glad to have Wealth TV and Food Network in HD. Only complaint so far is the digital music channels. They skip at least once a minute when listening.

Quick question: has anyone with the triple play, or whatever the TV/Internet/Phone bundle is called, had their's installed?

Just curious, because today when I called to get my order rescheduled (see above somewhere for why), they told me the Triple thing was not authorized for Oregon yet - said by both the ordering CSR and the cancellations CSR. I do have a new date (23rd), but the CSR had to put some extra credits on the account to get the price down to where I expected it to be because she could only do a double with Internet/Phone and TV separately. She said to call back when the triple offers are authorized for an adjustment.

Hi - getting our FIOS tv installed today.... I'm so excited to give comcast a big swift kick in the rump.

I'm hoping I can get a really dumb question answered.

We currently have an older HDTV capable projection tv which I understand does not have a HD receiver therefore will not accept the HD channels withoug the HD box...

We are considereing getting with the times and getting a new TV which all have the receivers in them. Do we need to get the HD box as well or will the standard box work with the new TVs? I've received both yes and no answeres so am totally confused.

To answer the last poster - yes - verizon gave me the triple play with no problems at all. $127 for phone, internet, tv with 2 standard receivers and 1 standard DVR receiver.

Wondering if we really need the HD-DVR thus my question.

Hi - getting our FIOS tv installed today.... I'm so excited to give comcast a big swift kick in the rump.

I'm hoping I can get a really dumb question answered.

We currently have an older HDTV capable projection tv which I understand does not have a HD receiver therefore will not accept the HD channels withoug the HD box...

We are considereing getting with the times and getting a new TV which all have the receivers in them. Do we need to get the HD box as well or will the standard box work with the new TVs? I've received both yes and no answeres so am totally confused.

To answer the last poster - yes - verizon gave me the triple play with no problems at all. $127 for phone, internet, tv with 2 standard receivers and 1 standard DVR receiver.

Wondering if we really need the HD-DVR thus my question.

You'll need a HD DVR, HD STB, or an HD cable card to view the HD channels on an HD TV. A lot of new TV's don't have cable card slots either and cable cards don't give you all of the functionality of an STB (no VOD or PPV). Bottom line: you may get a better picture with a newer TV but you'll still need to have something in order to view the channels.

Just a quick comment. I had the TV service installed last Tuesday (see earlier posts). I like it so far...

I received several urgent messages on my voicemail on Saturday from a Verizon tech. I was out of town, so I didn't get them until Sunday. Apparently, Verizon is rolling out a software update on Friday that does NOT work with the older ONTs. He needs to schedule an appointment to come in and switch out my ONT and the battery backup.

Just FYI for those of you have already have TV service installed! :D

Quick question: has anyone with the triple play, or whatever the TV/Internet/Phone bundle is called, had their's installed?

Just curious, because today when I called to get my order rescheduled (see above somewhere for why), they told me the Triple thing was not authorized for Oregon yet - said by both the ordering CSR and the cancellations CSR. I do have a new date (23rd), but the CSR had to put some extra credits on the account to get the price down to where I expected it to be because she could only do a double with Internet/Phone and TV separately. She said to call back when the triple offers are authorized for an adjustment.



You know what, I've heard the same thing from other's who have had their service cancelled or changed...all of them did have bundle service ordered or on order. My second order is not bundled and is now for the 20th, we'll see how that one ends up. Will bundle after it's installed (if they have cable cards) and go from there.

Well, I got FiOS TV installed today. Here is a run down:

My window was 8:00am-12noon. I got a call from the installer at 8:50am to cvonfirmt he location and he was at the door within a few minutes.

I already had FiOS internet, and have had it for more than a year. I am quite happy with it.

I showed him around the house, and requested that all new cables be run, as I was not disconnecting the DirecTV nor the Comcast at this time. He was initially concerned about running the additional cox runs, stating that it may be $85/hour to run the new cables. I said to do it anyway, and I would discuss this with Verizon as the I stated this was a new TV install when I placed the order for 3 outlets. In the end, running the new coax went pretty fast, as I gave the OK for running the cable outside the home, and drilling thru the wall. No outlet plates were installed - just the cox thru the wall in the 3 rooms I wanted. I'll fix this later.

Original order was for 1 HD DVR + 1 HD STB + 1 outlet. After he explained things to me about how the inter-room media sharing worked, I opted for a third 2500 box for the media sharing (QIP2500/1600).

New router installed - seems proprietary to Verizon - ActionTec MIR424-WR Rev. C; haven't played with it yet. Comes WEP enabled with a sticker on the bottom with the key. More on this in a later post. (I'm connected still to Comcast HSI; I switched my internett connection to do work while installer worked to get things going). The installer said the new ActionTec is "much better" with wireless performance. We'll see. No clue if it is B/G or B/G/N. Nothing in the docs provided.

I had the installer place the router and the Moto 2500 box in my office; the QIP6416 DVR next to my Comcast 3416 DVR in the main HD viewing room; and the QIP6200-2 STB in my den. The more knowledgeable readers will be chuckling right now. Both the Comcast 3416/6416 and the Verizon 6416 are made by Motorola, and both use the exact same remote codes. So even though the Verizon remote is quite different, the emitted IR codes are the same. Everything I did with the Verizon remote triggered the same command on both the Comcast and the Verizon boxes. The Verizon remote did have codes for my Vizio TV built-in. A simple scan found them. I hope it goes well with the Sony TVs; it should.

To resolve the code conflict, I simply turned off the Comcast box for now, and thankfully it did not respond to codes while connected but turned off. Let me correct that...while dinking with the Verizon VOD I just put the Comcast box into a funny mode that could only be corrected by an unplug from the AC for a bit...hmmm...

Verizon central had a problem activating the third box; the first two were probably preauthorized before the install. The installer took the 3rd box from his inventory and had to authorize the box manually. All 3 boxes were brand-spanking new. In the end, all 3 boxes appear to be working, except for a program reception issue.

So, what's the video scoop?

Evidently more authorization problems as none of the HD channels (except locals), nor any of the Premiums, nor any of the typical "above 100" channels are presently authorized. the installer promises to give me a call later today when the authorization system is running again; the system apparantly is down for a bit.

So I guess in this situation I would be equivalent to Comcast Basic service. VOD is working OK, too.

My first surprise - they have a lot more SD VOD than Comcast from my initial look. A lot more active VOD channels. many, many surprising (but expensive) adult choices, too. I'll have to track down that family viewing control, quickly.

My second surprise - NO HD VOD !!! I hope this is simply an authorization limitation, and that the menus will get populated later when the rest of the HD channels are turned on for me.

If HD VOD turns out to be missing in action, I am going to be extemely disappointed, as the STARZ/MAX/Encore/HBO + free movie HD VOD is a well used capability for me when using Comcast. Perhaps some of you others can chime in on this.

Just tried the media sharing capability - while recording something on the DVR, was able to view on the 2500 in another room while recording was underway, or from anything already recorded. Only downside, SD only for this sharing. Evidently the boxes communicate with each other over the coax; there is a status listing in one of the menus that showed the connected boxes that were media share compatible. Alas the 6200 is NOT media share compatible - so it lookslike no HD program sharing thruout the home.

More later...

Total install time, running coax to 3 rooms, authorizing boxes, etc. - 3.5 hours.

Since for now I have DirecTV w/TiVo, plus Comcast 3416, in addition to the FiOS TV, I'll entertain any questions you might have.

Fill me in on the HD VOD for those that have it (or not).

Mike

I read online that HD VOD is rolling out back east, and will be released nationwide by the end of 2008.

Yeah, was pretty sure HD VOD wasn't actually live yet for us. Anyone else have orders cancelled or moved because of cable cards (or lack thereof)?

My cable card order was initially "lost"; the install tech only had the initial wrong order. He spent some time on the phone to see if he could get any; at that time the local office was supposedly out. I'm now supposedly scheduled to get them Jan 5.

Quick question: has anyone with the triple play, or whatever the TV/Internet/Phone bundle is called, had their's installed?

I have not had mine installed yet, but when I went through the configuration on the web site and at the kiosk in Washington Square I got a discounted price both times.

I'm getting the Freedom Essentials (I think that was what the phone package was called, Premier TV, and 5/2 internet. I'm going with the multi-room DVR and an SD box on my old TV. It put the monthly total at ~$135, which included the $6.50 federal whatever fee and a 0.40 caller id fee.

Well, after messing around with my service for the last little while I love it. The user interface is quite intuative and far beyond Comcast. I went with the home media box and standard box in the bedroom. All that's done is push up getting an HD LCD for the bedroom so I can use the program sharing wih the DVR.....oh well! I absolutely love how I can stream my music from my laptop downstairs and play it through the stereo - I only wish it would work seamless with iTunes though - not the case. Picture quality is 'at least' on par with comcast thus far. Way more HD offering, and NFL Network HD standard....as well as ESPNU which has got some cool stuff.......

So far, well worth the switch - I'll see as things progress.....

Just a quick question for those who have TV installed - Are you expecting to see the Blazer game in HD tonight? In SD? Wondering how quickly the announced deal between CSN and Verizon will bear fruit.

You'll need a HD DVR, HD STB, or an HD cable card to view the HD channels on an HD TV. A lot of new TV's don't have cable card slots either and cable cards don't give you all of the functionality of an STB (no VOD or PPV). Bottom line: you may get a better picture with a newer TV but you'll still need to have something in order to view the channels.

Like an antenna to pull in the locals OTA. Or, if his HDTV has a QAM tuner I believe he would be able to pick up HD broadcasts that Verizon sends in the clear, HD locals and perhaps a couple of others. Just plug in the coax and do a channel search.

CSNW deal doesn't go live until sometime in January.

Well, after messing around with my service for the last little while I love it. The user interface is quite intuative and far beyond Comcast. I went with the home media box and standard box in the bedroom. All that's done is push up getting an HD LCD for the bedroom so I can use the program sharing wih the DVR.....oh well! I absolutely love how I can stream my music from my laptop downstairs and play it through the stereo - I only wish it would work seamless with iTunes though - not the case. Picture quality is 'at least' on par with comcast thus far. Way more HD offering, and NFL Network HD standard....as well as ESPNU which has got some cool stuff.......

So far, well worth the switch - I'll see as things progress.....



Get an airport express from Apple, you can stream music through your stereo. I use airport express instead of the wireless option from the actiontec router, the quality is not even close. Actiontec drops signal left and right, airport is rock solid.

These are the clear qam channels I see between about 55-00 and 100-00. Based on previous reports, the ones above 100 are probably all encrypted.

55-100 WGN
63-00 KATU SD
63-01 KRCW SD
63-02 KPXG SD
63-03 KOIN SD
63-04 KGW SD
63-05 KOPB SD
64-06 KUNP
64-07 KPTV SD
64-08 KPDX SD
64-10 KNMT
66-02 TV Guide channel
66-58 Weatherscan
66-08 to 66-54 The Music Choice channels
71-11 KOPB HD
71-14 KRCW HD
71-19 KOPB Create
72-12 KPTV HD
72-13 KATU HD
73-15 KOIN HD
73-16 KGW HD
73-17 KGW Weather Plus
84-51 to 84-98 The Urge Radio channels
87-12 FIOS TV information

CSNW deal doesn't go live until sometime in January.

Rats. I'm giving up Comcast on Wed. and the Blazer's are on a tear with a long home stand. Maybe I need to buy a ticket. :rolleyes:

Giving this up AND HD golf on Golf/VS with the Hawaiian swing coming up, Verizon had better deliver what they have really well.

Just a quick comment. I had the TV service installed last Tuesday (see earlier posts). I like it so far...

I received several urgent messages on my voicemail on Saturday from a Verizon tech. I was out of town, so I didn't get them until Sunday. Apparently, Verizon is rolling out a software update on Friday that does NOT work with the older ONTs. He needs to schedule an appointment to come in and switch out my ONT and the battery backup.

Just FYI for those of you have already have TV service installed! :D

That explains it. My perfectly good ONT was switched out when they installed the TV and I was wondering why.

Anyone out there have any idea what this software update might be?

I did see a message some months ago, back when Verizon announced a major HDTV expansion in 2008, that some ONT's would have to be replaced to support the larger fiber bandwidth.

Mine was left alone last week, and I haven't received any messages yet about replacing it; so maybe it was new enough.

That explains it. My perfectly good ONT was switched out when they installed the TV and I was wondering why.

Anyone out there have any idea what this software update might be?

Interestingly, just as the installer was finishing his removal and replacement of the ONT, he received a voice mail that it was no longer necessary to do so. Doing so only added about 1.5 hours to an install that took about 5 hours to finish. And I already had internet and phone and all my coax terminates at the junction box in the garage.

Have to commend teh picture quality which is notably better than it was on DTV (especially the HD channels).

My installer did not leave this information and I need to open a port on my router. I don't suppose anyone knows it?

My installer did not leave this information and I need to open a port on my router. I don't suppose anyone knows it?

See if this file exists on your PC, C:\Program Files\Verizon\TechWizard\info.html. The installer should've left it there with the current settings for your router including login and password.

These are the clear qam channels I see between about 55-00 and 100-00. Based on previous reports, the ones above 100 are probably all encrypted.
Thanks for that info. This is the same channel set they use elsewhere for the locals. The analog source SD locals and PEGs are placed at QAM 63 to 68, the digital broadcast stations with the HD and SD sub-channels are placed starting at QAM 71, they go up to QAM 75 here in northern VA. The national SD and HD channels are at QAM 55 to 62, 83 to 94, 103 to 126.

The default user/password for the Verizon Actiontec is supposed to be user "admin", password "password". The first time you connect to it it forces you to assign a new password.

If you don't know what it currently is, you can do a factory reset (press the reset button for more than 10 seconds, until the modem reboots). Then wait until the reboot is over and all lights again are green; then try to connect.

I'm glad to read that some people are having success with Verizon. I thank you for blazing the trail. Perhaps I'll join you in about 12 months, after all the teething problems are worked out.

New router installed - seems proprietary to Verizon - ActionTec MIR424-WR Rev. C; haven't played with it yet. Comes WEP enabled
It's nice of Verizon to enable WEP for you. I guess they want to make it easy for you to share your connection with your neighbors and with anyone who happens to be driving around.

Are you sure it was WEP they enabled, not WPA? WEP is so last millenium. :)

I can pretty much guarantee you that it is WEP-enabled first as that's how mine, my parents, and my cousin's routers all came for either FiOS internet or tv. The average person would get lost in the router's menus guaranteed.

It's WEP. The initial key is printed on the label; 10 (iirc) hex digits. I connected once before I turned the Actiontec's wireless off.

I'm trying to configure my slingbox and my router is not easily accessible to read the model number.

Thanks for the earlier help with the default password. Worked perfectly.

Try this link for the Actiontec MI424WR manual...

http://www.fiberfaq.com/article-37.html

If you do get TiVo with cablecards, then will VOD and Guides work?

For a Tivo (or anything else) with cablecards, at least initially you'd depend on the guide with that device. There would be no Verizon VOD access. A Tivo both has it's own guide, and (if you want to use it) a VOD like service (Amazon Unboxed, etc.)

Tivo has already announced that they will release a usb dongle for the HD Tivo's in 2008 that will provide a back-channel similar to the cable boxes used by Comcast, Verizon, etc. The only specific info I saw is that it will support switched video channels. That might also be enough to support VOD like services; that's unclear.

If you do get TiVo with cablecards, then will VOD and Guides work?


Tivo guides are so much better than regular DirecTV, FiOS, and Comcast...it's not even funny. Yes I won't get VOD (never used it to begin with, it's why I have a TiVo in the first place) nor PPV (which is why I have a TiVo in the first place). IMO, I'm not missing anything I don't already have with TiVo and Netflix.

Let me first say I am NO Comcast fanboy, and I'm probably going to go ahead and order FiOS today to replace my Comcast services.

Having said that, the TV component of my Comcast bill is $77.79. With FiOS, my TV would be $67.97. Now $10 is nothing to sneeze at, but in my mind it doesn't qualify for an uppercase MUCH.

I've figured it out, and over the two year commitment with FiOS I'll save about $550 over current Comcast rates for TV, phone, and internet. The savings will likely be greater than that as I doubt Comcast rates will stay the same or go down in the next two years.

Craig. I would surely say that the savings over Comcast is MUCH. Take their Digital Starter package (which includes their Standard Cable Package) for the non-promotion price of $51.89/month. FiOS TV gives so much more for just $42.99 (even at $47.99 its a bargain). Thats about 200 channels on FiOS versus about 75 channels on Comcast (plus the On Demand).

I am also confused with those who are asking Verizon to add The Versus and Golf Channel. Doesn't Verizon's FiOS TV have those already?? I see them on the channel list with the other sports channels. Or are you talking about HD versions of these channels?

Take their Digital Starter package (which includes their Standard Cable Package) for the non-promotion price of $51.89/month. FiOS TV gives so much more for just $42.99 (even at $47.99 its a bargain). Thats about 200 channels on FiOS versus about 75 channels on Comcast (plus the On Demand).

When I think more about it, the monthly savings of $10 works out to be about a 13% discount over what I currently pay Comcast. A reasonable discount, but still not huge. I haven't counted, but my guess is the channel count isn't significantly different between the Digital Preferred and the FiOS Premier.

I feel the channel count is a bit of a marketing red herring. First, how many channels can you realistically watch? I admit that if it is a channel you want it makes a big difference. We need to have Comcast's Digital Preferred package because we like to watch Biography, whereas with FiOS, Biography is included in their Premier (only?) package. However, some movie channels we currently get with Comcast we would have to pay for the Movie package with FiOS. It's a shell game to some extent.

As I said, I've got my order in to switch to FiOS as my overall bill will be lower and I'll be getting more features, but one has to look at all the services they currently use was my only point. DirectTV looks cheap at $29.99 / month, but once you add the DVR, HD, local channels... you end up with a price comparable to Comcast.

I am also confused with those who are asking Verizon to add The Versus and Golf Channel. Doesn't Verizon's FiOS TV have those already?? I see them on the channel list with the other sports channels. Or are you talking about HD versions of these channels?

Probably the HD versions, because FiOS does include those channels (in SD).

DirecTV at 29.99 a month gives you almost nothing, I don't think it has even as many channels as Comcast.

If you do get TiVo with cablecards, then will VOD and Guides work?


Issues with CableCARDs

No agreement on standard for two-way communication The one-way limitation of current generation CableCARDs means that certain interactive features, such as Video On Demand and Switched Video Channels, are not available to users, as there is no way for the host device to communicate with the cable provider. To get other features such as programming guides, and Pay-per-view movies, the user has other alternatives, such using the guide of a Digital Video Recorder or the non-interactive guide familiar to most other cable customers. Pay-per-view may be ordered via the internet or phone. Lastly, there is no way for the cable provider to remotely determine if the CableCARD is functioning properly, requiring a tech visit or call to customer support to report and resolve problems. Cable users relying on analog or older cable company equipment also do not have any of these two-way features; but, because third-party devices are required to have full access to cable company networks, there must be a public specification for how third parties may access such services.


link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CableCARD)

There's a proposed CableCARD 2.0 that supports bi-directional communication but it's vaporware and will never see the light of day IMHO.

Tivo guides are so much better than regular DirecTV, FiOS, and Comcast...it's not even funny. Yes I won't get VOD (never used it to begin with, it's why I have a TiVo in the first place) nor PPV (which is why I have a TiVo in the first place). IMO, I'm not missing anything I don't already have with TiVo and Netflix.


Thank you both. Yes, I also never use PPV. Sometimes we do use free on demand, however. Anyway, I see the HD TiVo now going for $299 (I think) but how much is the subscription? Can two of them srteam HD to one another? I still have 3 ReplayTV's with lifetime and sure would like to just pay and forget it! I also like the TiVo promise of adding external drives!

Thank you both. Yes, I also never use PPV. Sometimes we do use free on demand, however. Anyway, I see the HD TiVo now going for $299 (I think) but how much is the subscription? Can two of them srteam HD to one another? I still have 3 ReplayTV's with lifetime and sure would like to just pay and forget it! I also like the TiVo promise of adding external drives!

Ha, I also have a ReplayTV. It's been off for a couple of years now.

You should aim for $250 for the TiVo HD. Amazon's price fluctuates. It's $260 right now. I bought one from them for $254 and one from Circuit City when they had it on sale for $250, less $25 from a AAA coupon that had to be entered for me by the CSR in the store.

I don't think new customers can get the lifetime service right now. They have recently allowed the transfer of lifetime from a TiVo bought more than four year earlier. I did this with an old S1 I've had some about 2000. Existing customers are currently allowed to buy unlimited for $399.

You can get the complete price plans at TiVo.com, "Buy TiVo", "TiVo price plans": https://www3.tivo.com/store/plans.do

The most likely plans are either monthly at $12.95 (commit for one year, price rises to normal at end of year, this price is a special, was $16.95) or three-year at $299. Obviously for the lifetime to pay off, you must use the TiVo for more than four years. By then TiVo should have a new HD model that supports the next cablecard spec (although I see some skepticism above regarding its appearance).

After the first TiVo, you could add a second and pay with the Multi-Service Discount. This is $9.95 per month, or $99 for a year. I think you would also be able to buy the lifetime for the second unit. I'm not sure where they talk about the lifetime on their website, but I got it recently. All these prices end on Feb 2nd, though.

So, for pricing I compared Verizon's $20 HD DVR to the TiVo, plus cablecards. Consider three year: at $250, plus the $299 three-year plan, plus 2 S-cards, I figure the monthly cost at $21.23. If Verizon had M-cards at $2.99, that would be $18.24.

To me, this is close enough that features should decide. I would pay more for the TiVo to get the following features:

Supported expandable storage. I've hacked my TiVo and ReplayTV, but I'd rather just plug a certified drive in. With HD, extra space is super-handy.
Multi-room viewing - yes, it's supports HD. It isn't streaming, but copying. You can start watching before the copy is done, but with the TiVo HD's current performance, an HD show might copy too slow to start watching immediately. See this FAQ: http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=371710
TiVo interface - just far more pleasant to use, much, much easier to search for shows (compared to Comcast/Motorola), better organization of recorded shows, better management of conflicts, better response when controlling playback/live TV, deleted folder, to do list (with reasons why shows didn't record), robust control of output video format (ie. variations of 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i depending on what your TV can handle best).
Scheduling shows from the web - forgot about Thursday night football and you're sitting at work...


And these are bonus features, I probably wouldn't pay more for, but may use:

Copying shows between PC and TiVo. I haven't tried this, but as an example, I should be able to copy an unprotected show onto my son's PSP and watch it wherever.
Video podcasts - nice if you can find a show you like.
Digital music player - play your MP3 collection through your receiver in the living room.


Now, if they'd just get the darned cablecards I'd be able to use all this stuff.

Here's a link straight to a TiVo Series 3/HD forum: http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=51

Well we had our FiOS TV installed last night and while there were a few wrinkles it pretty much concluded the way I expected. First, my 8 -5 window actually came in at 5:30 pm. One installer came (Bruce) who was a really nice, knowledgeable guy from the team of ~35 up from Calif. to help the local installers. But he called way ahead of time to let me know he would be that late. He finally left around 10:00

I had four different boxes installed: one HDDVR which came in as a Moto 6416, a second HD box with no DVR a 6200-2, one standard definition STB - a Moto 2500-3 and one "Digital Adapter" - make and model not disclosed. These last 2 are for 2 analog TVs we have upstairs. Capping off the Comcast lines and tapping in to the original distribution system seemed to create the most labor, in the dark and rain. Then it was fairly straightforward to run a new coax line from the ONT to the other side of the garage wall and into my den for the router, following the original path used by the Verizon internet installers over a year ago.

About the only hiccup was we could only pull in HD locals. None of the "HD National" channels were authorized, although he could see from my account that they should have been available. It was too late to get that turned on last night but they came through early this morning.

About the only negative I have experienced with the UI is the lag between channel changes. It seems about twice as long as the Comcast boxes. Mildly annoying but I'm sure we'll get used to it. Otherwise I really haven't had the chance yet to determine and discernable PQ differences. When the room gets dark tonight will be a better opportunity.

The one fear I had when he showed up late was that I would miss the concluding episode of Journeyman, which I have enjoyed very much. But at 9:55 everything was hooked up and I grabbed the remote and was able to set the recording. The UI is very intuitive and with prior experience with a DVR it made it simple to do without any instruction. As of right now, I think the best part of going with Verizon is the Guide and the UI. It really IS that good - or better than Comcast's.

I'm a happy camper - so far.

Just got hooked up today, took us a bit with the cable cards but it all got figured out. Verizon had the wrong instructions with the cards, use the instructions with the TiVo and you're good to go.


Only negative is that TNTHD is terrible right now, signal strength goes from 68 to 100 but is mostly at 84 or below. No other channel experiences this fluctuation, my cousin on the north side of Sunset Highway near Rock Creek Golf Club is getting blips on his as well (doesn't have a TiVo so it's not a hardware issue). The installer said it's most likely an issue at their headquarters in Hillsboro. Every other channel is at 96 or above constantly, the TiVo has a nice feature in which you can see the signal strength for each individual channel so you don't have to go into the guided setup like the DirecTiVo's to see which channels were or were not coming in.


*edit* Installer called back and said the picture is fine at their headquarters so it's either a cable card issue or it's the fiber going into the ONT outside. He told me to record TNT on both tuners for a bit to see if it was a particular cable card or not.


*edit again* Looks like they did a push to the Beaverton neighborhood, TNT comes in rock solid now at 99-100, but will still record two programs with an overlap to see if either cablecard is the culprit tonight.

Thank you both. Yes, I also never use PPV. Sometimes we do use free on demand, however. Anyway, I see the HD TiVo now going for $299 (I think) but how much is the subscription? Can two of them srteam HD to one another? I still have 3 ReplayTV's with lifetime and sure would like to just pay and forget it! I also like the TiVo promise of adding external drives!


There are actually two (well three but one is not HD) HD TiVo boxes. One is called TiVoHD and is the "little sister" of the two boxes. The other one is TiVo Series 3, which comes with a bigger hard drive, I believe the glowing remote is only Series 3, is THX certified if you're into that thing, a digital screen across the front of the box, and something else that I'm blanking out on currently.

TiVo HD will set you back under $300 for the box, Series 3 can be had for $399 after the $200 rebate. Both service plans are the same, depending on how long of a contract you want to take (longest is three years). 3 years breaks out to about $8.16 or $8.31 a month, which is still half of what Verizon charges you for their box.


IMO, buy either TiVo and enjoy networking to your box among other things. The UI is so much easier and clearer than anything that comes on those POS Motorola boxes that Verizon and Comcast use.

Thank you ZXTT for the info. Yes, I added a 160GB and a 250GB drive to two of my Replays. I still use 2 of the 3 for a few shows if there is a conflict with the HD dvr's. TiVo seems like a lot to buy, with subscription fees and cable cards, etc it sort of makes the Fios HD seem like it may be worth it...at least for a while.

fyi from the Tivo board / Verizon Cable card thread... there can be a problem where the signal from the ONT is so strong it overdrives the qam tuner, which is visible as pixelation on some channels. The fix is to add attenuation to the coax.

Thank you ZXTT for the info. Yes, I added a 160GB and a 250GB drive to two of my Replays. I still use 2 of the 3 for a few shows if there is a conflict with the HD dvr's. TiVo seems like a lot to buy, with subscription fees and cable cards, etc it sort of makes the Fios HD seem like it may be worth it...at least for a while.


If you've ever used a TiVo, using the Motorola box will be frustrating. That's from personal experience on Comcast at my folk's house.

fyi from the Tivo board / Verizon Cable card thread... there can be a problem where the signal from the ONT is so strong it overdrives the qam tuner, which is visible as pixelation on some channels. The fix is to add attenuation to the coax.


Headed to Radio Shack tomorrow, it looks like TNT-HD and NFL-HD only do this so often but the clipping of the audio and video is annoying when it does happen. Thanks for the advice nero. :)

If you've ever used a TiVo, using the Motorola box will be frustrating. That's from personal experience on Comcast at my folk's house.


Nope, never had a TiVo. Three ReplayTV's, however. Have comm'l advance and they just work.

Headed to Radio Shack tomorrow, it looks like TNT-HD and NFL-HD only do this so often but the clipping of the audio and video is annoying when it does happen. Thanks for the advice nero. :)

I had to do this with my Comcast DVR's. Too much signal!

I am also confused with those who are asking Verizon to add The Versus and Golf Channel. Doesn't Verizon's FiOS TV have those already?? I see them on the channel list with the other sports channels. Or are you talking about HD versions of these channels?

Comcast had an HD version of VS/Golf that split airtime. Since the golf channel took over all Thursday/Friday PGA tournament airtime for the season it was nice. No longer...grr.

Verizon is supposed to be adding a number (30?) of new national HD channels this spring. Maybe a few before that in January. I haven't seen a listing of what the new channels are.

I hit a small technical blip with the HD DVR STD last night. I think this affects all of the STBs if I read the manual correctly. All of the video inputs are DISABLED in the firmware so that you can't feed in an aux video source and have the STB switch to it.

I can work around this by feeding the STB signal into my tuner, but I didn't really want to do it that way.

According to the tech guy I called at Verizon, this was done deliberately and the video inputs may be re-enabled in the future.

This is not going to be as easy as was advertised. Also, now that I am thinking about TV, my pop3 account on FIOS Internet just stopped working!

UPDATE...it didn't stop...incoming.verizon.net is taking about a minute to log in!!

Somebody please tell me what I am missing. I cannot seem to detect anything in the program descriptions in the Guide that denotes whether a show is new or a repeat. It's gotta be there, right?

Had my first experience with NFL Network tonight. The picture was among the best football HD I have seen, including CBS via OTA on KOIN at full bitrate. If there was any motion artifacts, blocking or pixelation, I missed it.

mpsan: My Verizon mail connection has been a bit erratic tonight, too.

I agree... the NFL Network in HD looked spectacular.

BTW, I also had the POP3 incoming issue; Outlook found the server but logins were being "ignored". It just started working on its own, right about 10pm or so. I hope this doesn't repeat...

I also had a cablecard install that went reasonably well. The first cablecard failed, the second cablecard worked fine. Maybe its because we "hotplugged" the first one, and "coldplugged" the second one. Anyway, I'm happy they at least provide some of the channel description text... it seems to be chopped off at 9 or 10 characters or so. But better than nothing. Channel numbers are mapped to the same ones as on the set-top box.

Lastly, I have a small Vizio HDTV with a QAM tuner (no cablecard), and no STB. The Vizio captured all the in-the-clear local HD channels and all the music channels. Too bad they don't remap the channel numbers the same way OTA transmission does.

fyi from the Tivo board / Verizon Cable card thread... there can be a problem where the signal from the ONT is so strong it overdrives the qam tuner, which is visible as pixelation on some channels. The fix is to add attenuation to the coax.

My Tivo allowed me to verify the signal strength. Does the Moto box have a similar option in the menu system? I haven't seen it yet, but maybe I'm missing it.

Also, anyone know how to do the following:

1. Is there an easy way to switch between the two live buffers? I've verified that dual buffers are enabled, but I can't quickly switch between them -- particularly when one buffer is recording a program.

2. is there a button to jump to the beginning or end of a program that is recording? I find that when I tune to an in-progress recording I have to either rewind completely or go through the MyDVR list.

Installer called me this morning, they sent out a sync notice to my cards and that dropped the pixellation to nothing, although TNT still does have a signal that bounces around more than any other channel (NFL bounces a bit as well). Recorded TNT on both tuners last night and didn't notice a thing.


Putting on the attenuator later this evening to cool the signal down a bit, but otherwise I'm a happy camper. The call to cancel DirecTV happens today!

I guess I'm one of the few that wasn't impressed with the NFL Network HD feed last night - mine was more pixelated than I'd like. Reminded me of watching Prison Break on Fox HD on comcast (which pissed the **** out of me) - I am beginning to wonder if perhaps they split the signal and it's being routed to too many TV's instead of a direct feed? Not sure......However HD has looked better...

I guess I'm one of the few that wasn't impressed with the NFL Network HD feed last night - mine was more pixelated than I'd like. Reminded me of watching Prison Break on Fox HD on comcast (which pissed the **** out of me) - I am beginning to wonder if perhaps they split the signal and it's being routed to too many TV's instead of a direct feed? Not sure......However HD has looked better...


You using a Verizon box or a TiVo? Try an attenuator to bring down the signal level if you can.

Somebody please tell me what I am missing. I cannot seem to detect anything in the program descriptions in the Guide that denotes whether a show is new or a repeat. It's gotta be there, right?

Had my first experience with NFL Network tonight. The picture was among the best football HD I have seen, including CBS via OTA on KOIN at full bitrate. If there was any motion artifacts, blocking or pixelation, I missed it.

mpsan: My Verizon mail connection has been a bit erratic tonight, too.

Well, it is OK now. Last night I could send a test message OK, but login took forever! Is NFL Free?

NFL and NFLHD is free, as long as you have some sort of an HD box or HD TiVo.

NFL and NFLHD is free, as long as you have some sort of an HD box or HD TiVo.


Just now looking at the HDTIVO links. Is the Series 3 worth it with the rebates going on? Seems faster for Tivo to Tivo viewing. Also eSATA seems beter.

Just now looking at the HDTIVO links. Is the Series 3 worth it with the rebates going on? Seems faster for Tivo to Tivo viewing. Also eSATA seems beter.

I went ahead with the series 3, mainly because of the bigger HD initially (160 vs 250), and that eSATA is currently enabled on the Series 3. It'll be supported on the lower priced TiVo HD soon.

One thing about getting either TiVo, hopefully you'll be able to hook your TiVo into your home network either via ethernet or with the TiVo wireless adapter as the box will need to make at least two big downloads (one for showcases which is useless, the other as the 9.2 software upgrade). They take quite awhile on regular phone service.

Hook it up eventually to your home network to file viewing, music sharing and playing and the like makes it a no brainer IMO. Verizon keeps pushing their home media server but that doesn't involve any HD.
Other than that, they're great!



*edit* We had just a regular non-DVR box installed upstairs, and while it's a much better picture than DirecTV, the guide and some of the other "goodies" they have on there suck. Not a fan of the Verizon interface at all. The Motorola box (non-DVR) reminds me of the old Scientific Atlanta boxes that Comcast had for digital boxes back in late 99 and early 00.

You using a Verizon box or a TiVo? Try an attenuator to bring down the signal level if you can.


I'm using the Verizon home media box. I'm looking into Tivo options for '08 though!

Not familiar with and attenuator.....

I went ahead with the series 3, mainly because of the bigger HD initially (160 vs 250), and that eSATA is currently enabled on the Series 3. It'll be supported on the lower priced TiVo HD soon.

One thing about getting either TiVo, hopefully you'll be able to hook your TiVo into your home network either via ethernet or with the TiVo wireless adapter as the box will need to make at least two big downloads (one for showcases which is useless, the other as the 9.2 software upgrade). They take quite awhile on regular phone service.

Hook it up eventually to your home network to file viewing, music sharing and playing and the like makes it a no brainer IMO. Verizon keeps pushing their home media server but that doesn't involve any HD.
Other than that, they're great!



*edit* We had just a regular non-DVR box installed upstairs, and while it's a much better picture than DirecTV, the guide and some of the other "goodies" they have on there suck. Not a fan of the Verizon interface at all. The Motorola box (non-DVR) reminds me of the old Scientific Atlanta boxes that Comcast had for digital boxes back in late 99 and early 00.


Yup, my 100mb network is what I will be using. In fact I have it available now as the 3 ReplayTV's are all direct connected to it. They sure had/have a great interface on them for video sharing! For the TiVo's I still can't come to grips with "renting" 2 cablecards each!

I notice the Series 3 has a $200 rebate as mentioned for another Month. Do you think there will be another one later? I notice Circuit City has another 10% off if you pickup in store, but they only seem to have the TiVoHD now...and for $299 at that. I like the TiVoHD, but am afraid of slow streaming, and upgrading the hard drive seems not as easy as the Series 3.

No idea on if the box price will drop after Christmas, my guess is yes but you just never know.

C'mon you guys. Is this a Verizon thread or a TiVO discussion? ;)

Once again tonight I'm finding my sports HD is at least equal to what I had with Comcast, if not a smidge better. I sure would prefer if Verizon moved the Golf Channel from their Sports tier. Maybe exchange it for Speed or Fox Soccer something. :D

...TNT still does have a signal that bounces around more than any other channel... Rant on TNT...

I sure wish those bums at Turner would change their video processing to something better than simply filling a 16:9 screen with NTSC broadcast quality junk. They run practically every movie in stretch mode. Its a RARE event when TNT has a picture that anyone could call "high definition". It literally looks like they take the output of their old NTSC analog broadcast and just digitize it and stretch it. Nothing like having NO CHOICE but to watch it in stretch mode on our TVs, since it comes at 720p. There just aren't any "squash" modes when the source is at 720p.

One night TNT was playing some movie (I forgot which) that I had on DVD so I stuck in the DVD and caught up to the broadcast and switched back and forth. The DVD was significantly better quality than the TNT HD broadcast.

When the cable guys (including Verizon) advertise their count of HD channels, they ought to count TNT HD as 1/2. :)

C'mon you guys. Is this a Verizon thread or a TiVO discussion? ;)

Once again tonight I'm finding my sports HD is at least equal to what I had with Comcast, if not a smidge better. I sure would prefer if Verizon moved the Golf Channel from their Sports tier. Maybe exchange it for Speed or Fox Soccer something. :D


OK, you are correct. So, which TiVo should I get for Verizon FIOS? Now we are back On Topic! :D

When the cable guys (including Verizon) advertise their count of HD channels, they ought to count TNT HD as 1/2. :)

No kidding, makes me wonder how Comcast comes up with their data when they compare the amount of HD content on Comcast versus DirecTV. The commercials claim Comcast to have three times more HD then DirecTV. I wonder how that can be true if DirecTV has close to 100 HD channels but Comcast has about 35 or so plus HD on Demand (which DirecTV lacks).

Only way I can see how Comcast's claims can be true is if they count only True HD content on each channel and not just everything on them, then add the On Demand content.

Hearing that TNT HD is mostly just uprated SD content, makes me think that Comcast is probably right, despite having about 1/3rd the static HD channels versus DirecTV.

DirecTV also counts each Sunday Ticket HD channel as an HD channel, little misleading. On Demand isn't a channel, it doesn't count as an HD channel.

OK, you are correct. So, which TiVo should I get for Verizon FIOS? Now we are back On Topic! :D


Get the TiVo that's in your price range. Some people hate filling out rebates, which would make the smaller TiVo HD the better choice. It's all up to you and how much you save before viewing on your TiVo.

Get the TiVo that's in your price range. Some people hate filling out rebates, which would make the smaller TiVo HD the better choice. It's all up to you and how much you save before viewing on your TiVo.


Well, I think I will wait. Some say Series 3 will be replaced by a NEW TIVOHD that will stream faster and will support more external storage.

OH, to get back On Topic, will Verizon show the New England Game today? I do not think Comcast will!

Only way I can see how Comcast's claims can be true is if they count only True HD content on each channel and not just everything on them, then add the On Demand content.

Hearing that TNT HD is mostly just uprated SD content, makes me think that Comcast is probably right, despite having about 1/3rd the static HD channels versus DirecTV.
Comcast adds the HD VOD programming in their "count" of HD. Exactly how they add up the HD programming is not clear; probably each program or folder with HD in it counts as an HD "channel". They have been widely ridiculed - and rightfully so - for this in the HDTV programming forum. ALL of the service providers are playing games in how they add up HD "channels". DirecTV adds up all the HD RSNs, the HD PPV channels for example. None of them is bothering to add up the amount of HD on a given national HD channel. If it is an HD channel, even if it is almost all upconverts, it counts as an HD channel.

TNT-HD is somewhere around 50 to 75% true HD these days. They have gotten better over time in showing more HD movies and most of their former broadcast network scripted series are true HD (the endless Law & Order repeats, ER, Cold Case, Without a Trace). But Charmed and the bizarre cropped & stretch version of Angel are not. The movies on TNT-HD are hit or miss - sometimes HD, sometimes stretch-o-vision. However, they did show the 1939 Wizard of Oz in true HD last night in the 4:3 OAR (the only time they don't stretch 4:3 is for 4:3 HD movies such as that and Gone with the Wind). If you want little HD content, try A&E-HD. Other than CSI: Miami and the "cleaned" up Sopranos, HD on A&E-HD is not common.

Well, I think I will wait. Some say Series 3 will be replaced by a NEW TIVOHD that will stream faster and will support more external storage.

OH, to get back On Topic, will Verizon show the New England Game today? I do not think Comcast will!


I believe both TiVo's (the HD might be smaller) can support up to 2 Terrabytes of storage (1 internal and 1 external). That's plenty of storage for me! I'll probably just add 500 gigs in the new year for a total of 750.

I believe both TiVo's (the HD might be smaller) can support up to 2 Terrabytes of storage (1 internal and 1 external). That's plenty of storage for me! I'll probably just add 500 gigs in the new year for a total of 750.


Yes, that is enough for me too, but I had heard the HD needed a hack if you do not use the DVR version of WD's drive. I heard the Series 3 will accept almost any external eSATA drive.

Ok, went to norvac this morning and picked up a few attenuators. They didn't have the one with the knob where you could control how much or little signal you wanted so I picked up one of each of the manual one's (6, 10, and 12). On a whim I tried the 12 to see if it would affect the signal. TNTHD and NFLHD come in rock solid at 100. Will check on it a few more times during the day/night before declaring it a total success, but so far so good!

Ok, went to norvac this morning and picked up a few attenuators. They didn't have the one with the knob where you could control how much or little signal you wanted so I picked up one of each of the manual one's (6, 10, and 12). On a whim I tried the 12 to see if it would affect the signal. TNTHD and NFLHD come in rock solid at 100. Will check on it a few more times during the day/night before declaring it a total success, but so far so good!


I had this issue with the Comcast DVR's as well, but got CC to supply the barrel attenuators.

Ok, went to norvac this morning and picked up a few attenuators. They didn't have the one with the knob where you could control how much or little signal you wanted so I picked up one of each of the manual one's (6, 10, and 12). On a whim I tried the 12 to see if it would affect the signal. TNTHD and NFLHD come in rock solid at 100. Will check on it a few more times during the day/night before declaring it a total success, but so far so good!

How much are they there?

$2.85 for either the 6, 10, or 12. Picked up one of each and taking the rest back. Didn't want to possibly get charged for a truck roll-out from Verizon, YMMV.

and utter ignorance but what is/where is Norvac? My installation is Saturday, and wouldn't mind having a 6/12/20 dB attenuator on hand. Thanks.

Josh

It's kind of an electronics warehouse in Beaverton, best way I can describe it. It's off Nimbus at Hall Blvd. Take Nimbus north towards the storage facility and it's on the right hand side just before you enter the storage facility, believe it's building #8.

They're not open on the weekend.

sounds easy enough to get to. I was looking at ordering a pack of attenuators from smarthome.com, but saw your post and will get them individually and save me the ordering/shipping of items I probably won't need or ever use. Thank you and I'm looking forward to my installation on Saturday.

My buddy had his FiOS TV installed last weekend (Dec. 22) with a TiVoHD and he said they had a few issues with the cablecards, but nothing of note. He said the biggest thing is the lag time between when the cards are activated at the installer's laptop to the time the card gets the hit from Verizon. He said they tried to install two cards at once, and that they should have done 1 at a time, like the install sheet says. He said to be patient with the cablecards and don't start rushing ahead or get concerned if the next thing doesn't come up immediately, but let the cards activate properly before moving forward. He's very happy with it and the picture looked tremendous!

Yep, it can take up to three minutes for the cable card screen to pop up. Another thing that threw us off the first time is that the cablecards will not draw an IP address, which the Verizon "manual" said that they would.

Other than that, it's pretty easy.

supply attenuators, if asked? I'm guessing it probably varies between technicians, but I was wondering if anyone asked/received during their installation.

Additionally, I'm wondering if the Verizon techs carry the Motorola NIM 100 cable modem which converts ethernet to coax for networking.

Didn't have a need for any attenuation here. But I just switched from the Beavs at halftime to the Texas Bowl on NFL Network and I have to say the PQ is noticeably superior on NFL as opposed to ESPN from SF. It seems the increase in PQ also comes along with equal increase in audio strength. ;)

supply attenuators, if asked? I'm guessing it probably varies between technicians, but I was wondering if anyone asked/received during their installation.

Additionally, I'm wondering if the Verizon techs carry the Motorola NIM 100 cable modem which converts ethernet to coax for networking.


Pretty sure Verizon uses the actiontec routers exclusively, but they could be using more than one manufacturer's box.

Some tech's have the attenuators but like cable cards, even if asked for them...the tech's might not have them in their truck.

Looks like my "new" 6416 has a problem. I called Verizon this afternoon and after working my way through their automated call system I will get a tech here in the morning. My problem is not being able to tune in to 4 HD channels. I get a "Currently Unavailable" when I try to tune to 845 LMNHD and 846 DiscHD. I get a frozen pixelated mess at 842 A&EHD and just a gray screen at 838 NGCHD with the audio from the previously tuned channel. All other HDs I pay for are OK as are these stations on my 6200 non-DVR.

They hit my system with a reboot but the funny thing is that my 6416 program guide was left intact :confused: while my 6200 HD box was wiped clean and is now reloading the guide. But since the reboot didn't fix my problem they will send the tech.

Ahh, life on the cutting edge. :rolleyes:

Motorola boxes are not cutting edge. "lol" Sorry to hear about your box problem.

CSNW deal doesn't go live until sometime in January.

Rats. I'm giving up Comcast on Wed. and the Blazer's are on a tear with a long home stand. Maybe I need to buy a ticket. :rolleyes:

Giving this up AND HD golf on Golf/VS with the Hawaiian swing coming up, Verizon had better deliver what they have really well.


Saw this in the paper this morning. Looks like it's delayed but they still think it will be before the end of next month.

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2007/12/verizon_delays_its_launch_of_c.html


I was kind of assuming before that when they lit up CSN they would also find somewhere to host their HD Blazer feeds at the same time, but the earlier article linked in this one one said:

Verizon, which began installing its FiOS cable TV service in Washington County homes earlier this week, said Wednesday it expects to add Comcast SportsNet Northwest to its channel lineup in standard definition by year's end, and in high definition during 2008.


I guess that may have been referencing a 2nd HD version of the channel as opposed to just the HD Blazer feeds but now I kinda wonder... Either way it's moot for me since they aren't supposed to hit my neighborhood until mid year. But I really was looking forward to some reviews from you guys as to the PQ of the HD Blazer games on FIOS compared to the MOJO+ feeds on Comcast though...


ron

Saw this in the paper this morning. Looks like it's delayed but they still think it will be before the end of next month.

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2007/12/verizon_delays_its_launch_of_c.html


But I really was looking forward to some reviews from you guys as to the PQ of the HD Blazer games on FIOS compared to the MOJO+ feeds on Comcast though...


ron

I saw that too. It kind of surprised me that there was an official expectation by year's end. As soon as they have a game on Verizon, I'll report in. I'm not enjoying the Blazer coverage on 750 am. :(

BTW, NFL Network on FiOS is superb. CBS is close tonight but not as clean as NFL, IMO.

Technical problem = introductory rate phasing out at end of January.

The Verizon tech came and went this morning leaving behind a new 6416. That solution cured my inability to receive 4 random HD channels. Funny, though, how he had to wait over half an hour to talk to an "agent" to begin diagnostics of my problem. Rebooting had no affect so a box swap was suggested and it worked. That was a weird one!