Verizon FiOS HDTV

[joeinma]

Originally Posted by substance12

My reaction was just comparing foxHD from TWC to FIOS (which I have now). The upconversion of the SD non-primetime material didn't compare to TWC for just that one HD channel... which is odd. all the SD channels look much better with FIOS than with TWC. I just turned it on and fox news was on... the picture quality was definitely HD.

Could have to do with your cable box settings. See Geekgirl's post # 5650 in this tread on how to access the the settings screen (not the setup menu on the guide).

[Marcus Carr]

MGM Beefs Up US HD Channel With Verizon FiOS TV Distribution

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing to capitalize on the opportunities created by the recent growth in high definition television, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) has secured carriage for its MGM HD Channel on Verizon's FiOS TV service, bringing feature film hits from the MGM library to Verizon FiOS TV subscriber households in full high definition splendor. The announcement was made today by Douglas A. Lee, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Digital Media for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Jim Packer, Co-President, MGM Worldwide Television.

"The response to the MGM HD Channel, even in today's crowded and
challenging marketplace, has been very encouraging, especially as consumers
validate our belief that HDTV owners value movies along with sports as HD's
greatest viewing proposition," said Lee in announcing the Verizon FiOS TV
agreement. "We are one of the only services available 24/7 in full 1080i
HD."

MGM HD will be rolled out in late 2008 across all of the Verizon FiOS
TV systems including California, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Maryland,
Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island,
Texas and Virginia.

Taking the lead among Hollywood studios to convert substantial
theatrical library assets to the superior broadcasting format of high
definition, MGM HD has already proven its popularity with consumers in the
U.S., having previously launched on DirecTV in October of 2007. MGM
Chairman and CEO Harry Sloan's initiative is to launch MGM branded HD
channels around the world.

Backed by the world's largest modern film library, consisting of more
than 4,100 film titles and winner of 209 Academy Awards(R), MGM HD has a
distinct advantage over the competition in the expanding HD marketplace. In
addition to classic MGM theatrical hits, MGM HD will be the ultimate
resource for serious movie fans, offering viewers an array of original
programming and new content.

Audiences can look forward to exclusive behind the scenes coverage of
red carpet events, sneak peeks at new films in production, seasonal
promotions and world premieres of newly re-mastered hits from the MGM
library.

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/st...4741554&EDATE=

[bdraw]

Late 2008!
Wow, thanks, way to go FiOS.

You know I could really get used to having to wait a whole year after DirecTV got a channel to get it on FiOS, that's be so fantastic I can hardly type.

[substance12]

Originally Posted by joeinma

Could have to do with your cable box settings. See Geekgirl's post # 5650 in this tread on how to access the the settings screen (not the setup menu on the guide).

I keep seeing this referenced in other posts but I didn't quite understand what this does exactly. I think my current setting is 4:3 override... do I want it off?

[ieko]

Originally Posted by Marcus Carr

...MGM HD will be rolled out in late 2008 across all of the Verizon FiOS
TV systems including California, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Maryland,
Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island,
Texas and Virginia....

Bah! Late 2008?! They better have a James Bond Marathon when it's made available to make of for this! Or release the movies on blu-ray...(please MGM!)

[GeekGirl]

Originally Posted by substance12

I keep seeing this referenced in other posts but I didn't quite understand what this does exactly. I think my current setting is 4:3 override... do I want it off?

Translation: If you have a widescreen (16:9) display, the STB can stretch "standard" (4:3) material to fit, just like your TV can. You have to tell your STB 2 things: 1) I've got a widescreen TV, and, 2) Don't mess with the stretch (I'll do that on my TV, thanks anyway).

With the STB on, hit this on the front panel (quickly, but not together): OFF, Select, Menu.

Make sure the STB display is set to 16:9
Change the 4:3 Override to OFF (it's another level inside this menu, so you have to select it first).

That'll do it. Except for the bug in the "new" IMG that keeps turning 4:3 back on when you change out output resolution. Do this first: Tell the IMG that you have 1080i (unless it's a 720p display- then it's 720p). Then, change the setup menu.

[aaronwt]

Any chance of them implementing a NAtive resolution mode?

[chrome]

I have followed the steps to what Geekgirl has written down and just a quick q pls...regarding that

When I watch for example ch 801 it sets it to 1080i I then click on ch 2 and it changes to 480i
Now if I change it back to ESPNHD it kicks in at 1080i? I thought it was broadcasting at 720p? I am I doing something wrong? Because CV's HD DVR was about to switch around all these three different modes but I find FIOS' HD DVR just does two modes
I am using component cables btw...

[kes601]

Originally Posted by chrome

I have followed the steps to what Geekgirl has written down and just a quick q pls...regarding that

When I watch for example ch 801 it sets it to 1080i I then click on ch 2 and it changes to 480i
Now if I change it back to ESPNHD it kicks in at 1080i? I thought it was broadcasting at 720p? I am I doing something wrong? Because CV's HD DVR was about to switch around all these three different modes but I find FIOS' HD DVR just does two modes
I am using component cables btw...

The FiOS DVR does not pass through the native resolution, it converts all HD channels to either 1080i or 720p.

[MeatChicken]

Originally Posted by chrome

I have followed the steps to what Geekgirl has written down and just a quick q pls...regarding that

When I watch for example ch 801 it sets it to 1080i I then click on ch 2 and it changes to 480i
Now if I change it back to ESPNHD it kicks in at 1080i? I thought it was broadcasting at 720p? I am I doing something wrong? Because CV's HD DVR was about to switch around all these three different modes but I find FIOS' HD DVR just does two modes
I am using component cables btw...

Yes, you must pick EITHER 1080i or 720p default for ALL HD channels ...
The Moto box is not capable of pass-thru of native resolution.

You can however, simply switch in the IMG video setting from 1080 to 720 on a particular channel, without going into the setup menu, this will have no effect on the 480i setting you have set on the SD channels.

[crankerchick]

You can however, simply switch in the IMG video setting from 1080 to 720 on a particular channel, without going into the setup menu, this will have no effect on the 480i setting you have set on the SD channels.

True and not true. It SHOULD BE true. If you have IMG 1.0.4, there is a bug in that changing the resolution in the setup menu causes the 4:3 override setting to revert back to 480i.

[CHolleman]

Originally Posted by GeekGirl

Translation: If you have a widescreen (16:9) display, the STB can stretch "standard" (4:3) material to fit, just like your TV can. You have to tell your STB 2 things: 1) I've got a widescreen TV, and, 2) Don't mess with the stretch (I'll do that on my TV, thanks anyway).

With the STB on, hit this on the front panel (quickly, but not together): OFF, Select, Menu.

Make sure the STB display is set to 16:9
Change the 4:3 Override to OFF (it's another level inside this menu, so you have to select it first).

That'll do it. Except for the bug in the "new" IMG that keeps turning 4:3 back on when you change out output resolution. Do this first: Tell the IMG that you have 1080i (unless it's a 720p display- then it's 720p). Then, change the setup menu.

aren't the majority of HD channels broadcast in 1080i? if so, id' rather have the scaler in tv, which cost thousands, do the scaling vs. the scaler built by the cheapest bidder.

[MeatChicken]

Originally Posted by crankerchick

True and not true. It SHOULD BE true. If you have IMG 1.0.4, there is a bug in that changing the resolution in the setup menu causes the 4:3 override setting to revert back to 480i.

I know that, but as was mentioned, the poster is already set to 480i for SD override, (as am I) , so the box doesn't "revert back" to anything else, stays on 480i, & as I said switching between 720/1080 will have NO Effect on the 480i setting of his SD channels.

[crankerchick]

I know that, but as was mentioned, the poster is already set to 480i for SD override, (as am I) , so the box doesn't "revert back" to anything else, stays on 480i, & as I said switching between 720/1080 will have NO Effect on the 480i setting of his SD channels.

Ah good point. Just don't want someone else to read the post and think the same goes for all 4:3 settings. But yes, I apologize, for the scenario you are referencing specifically, all is good :-)

[HDntheCity]

Originally Posted by aaronwt

Any chance of them implementing a NAtive resolution mode?

not likely-it would require new STBs.

[HDntheCity]

Originally Posted by CHolleman

aren't the majority of HD channels broadcast in 1080i? if so, id' rather have the scaler in tv, which cost thousands, do the scaling vs. the scaler built by the cheapest bidder.

Many would agree but the FiOS boxes don't give you that option.

[brigont]

Guys,

I know this will sound dopey, but the only reason I have been hangin with CV is because of the Three Sheets on Mojo and Voom Kung Fu. Welll.. I have seen every episode of Three Sheets 500 times and if I watch 1 more rerun of a 1950's Zatoichi japanese bubblegum samurai show I am going to throw up.

I don't see anything in the Fios lineup that replaces these items....

Does the show Three Sheets with Zane Lamprey or After Midnight with Danielle show up on any Fios channels?

Is there anything comparable to Voom KFu?

Just curious.

BG

P.S. - What is the average amount folks have saved $$ by moving from cable to Fios? I should be seeing ~$25 per month difference.

[CHolleman]

Originally Posted by HDntheCity

Many would agree but the FiOS boxes don't give you that option.

i know, but when setting the box to 1080i, it should pass through the channel as it receives it, no? i can see it scaling the 720 channels as it passes them along, but the 1080 channels, (for which i believe are the majority) should be passed along untouched, no?

[aaronwt]

Originally Posted by brigont

Guys,

I know this will sound dopey, but the only reason I have been hangin with CV is because of the Three Sheets on Mojo and Voom Kung Fu. Welll.. I have seen every episode of Three Sheets 500 times and if I watch 1 more rerun of a 1950's Zatoichi japanese bubblegum samurai show I am going to throw up.

I don't see anything in the Fios lineup that replaces these items....

Does the show Three Sheets with Zane Lamprey or After Midnight with Danielle show up on any Fios channels?

Is there anything comparable to Voom KFu?

Just curious.

BG

P.S. - What is the average amount folks have saved $$ by moving from cable to Fios? I should be seeing ~$25 per month difference.

Comcast is cheaper here. I could get their triple play for $72 for a year with HBO, SHowtime and Starz included.
But I got FIOS for the fast Internet mainly. And I can have all 4 services, cellphone, TV, homephone, and internet all on one bill. I get discounts with FIOS but Comcast would be much, cheaper for me if I went back to them but I really like my 30mbs FIOS internet download speeds.
And the best Comcast has here is their 30mbs powerboost. I hit the same speeds as FIOS but only for around 15 to 20 seconds. Then it drops to 8.8mbs. With FIOS it's a consistent 30mbs.

[hernanu]

Originally Posted by brigont

Guys,

I know this will sound dopey, but the only reason I have been hangin with CV is because of the Three Sheets on Mojo and Voom Kung Fu. Welll.. I have seen every episode of Three Sheets 500 times and if I watch 1 more rerun of a 1950's Zatoichi japanese bubblegum samurai show I am going to throw up.

I don't see anything in the Fios lineup that replaces these items....

Does the show Three Sheets with Zane Lamprey or After Midnight with Danielle show up on any Fios channels?

Is there anything comparable to Voom KFu?

Just curious.

BG

P.S. - What is the average amount folks have saved $$ by moving from cable to Fios? I should be seeing ~$25 per month difference.

Seen several samurai movies on different channels, never dealt with Voom, so don't know if it's equivalent.

Savings:

TV:
3 DVR's + 1 set top box
D* = $152/mo (Including HBO), V* = $132 (Including all premiums and sports)
(Projected with one $300 HD DVR for D*, All three HD DVR's with V*)
Saved $30 overall, with more services, probably ~$20 more savings for the same services, plus not having to spend the $300 for the HD DVR.

Internet:
Comcast (8M down, 1M up) = $72, V* (20M down / 5M up) = $42.
Saved $30.

Phone:
Verizon (old) = $70/mo, FIOS V* = 29.99 Same choices except Canadian calling.
Saved: $41.

All together, probably about $101/mo actual, $121 for same services, plus the one time savings of $300 avoiding paying for the HD DVR (which you don't own, but lease afterwards).

[dtv757]

Originally Posted by brigont

...

P.S. - What is the average amount folks have saved $$ by moving from cable to Fios? I should be seeing ~$25 per month difference.

here is a situation where the consumer could be saving ~$25 and that only on the VIDEO side.. that does not include VOICE or DATA or any DISCOUNTS... just ... dare i say.. "apples to apples"

pt 1http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...6#post12902976
pt 2 http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...7#post12925087

[HDntheCity]

Originally Posted by CHolleman

i know, but when setting the box to 1080i, it should pass through the channel as it receives it, no? i can see it scaling the 720 channels as it passes them along, but the 1080 channels, (for which i believe are the majority) should be passed along untouched, no?

yes that's correct AFAIK.

I have no complaints about PQ on any FiOS HD ch.(well NatGeo[720p] & DiscHD look a bit soft but it appears they're aired with decreased bitrates at the source.)

[bdraw]

Looks like Verizon has already started discontinuing analog service.

Very end of this article.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/24/te...ewanted=2&_r=1

I've emailed my PR contact at Verizon for more details, but he says he'll have to research it.

[craig_wagner]

Originally Posted by brigont

P.S. - What is the average amount folks have saved $$ by moving from cable to Fios? I should be seeing ~$25 per month difference.

I'm sure it's going to vary greatly.

I'm in Oregon and was using Comcast for phone, TV, and internet. I had their Digital Silver Plus package for TV, no premium channels (i.e. no HBO, Starz, sports packages, etc).

My bill was $152/month. I was on promotional pricing for 12 months on the phone service (regular $39.95, paying $19.95). I had about eight or nine months left at that price).

I did my calculations based on the life of the FiOS contract, so it took into account the increase in phone service charge.

Over the next two years I originally calculated that my savings would be about $650. A buddy of mine told me yesterday that he just got a notice from Comcast that they're going to be increasing their prices by $10 / month. That would put my savings closer to $900 over two years.

[hernanu]

I've been happy to see HD VOD come on in Mass. The problem I have is that in the Beta, there were HBO, History Channel, etc. movies and other programs available; when I look at the HD folder now, all I see is pay movies and a few (Wealth TV, ... ) Channels with content. Now I actually do like Wealth TV, but I expected more content, especially from premium channels I subscribe to. I expect we'll be seeing more, but when? Or am I not looking in the right places? I went into one of the movie channel VOD areas that I subscribe to and only saw SD VOD.

Does anyone know anything about this?

[afiggatt]

Originally Posted by bdraw

Looks like Verizon has already started discontinuing analog service.

Very end of this article.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/24/te...ewanted=2&_r=1

We were discussing this in the FiOS TV forum at dslreports. The new markets that Verizon just opened in the past few months, Western PA and OR are digital only, no analog channels. However, the "older" markets have analog channels. My interpretation is that the article is poorly worded and is not quite correct. For the new customers in the markets and COs with analog channels, Verizon is simply not telling them that the analog channels are there. They are told they must get a STB for each TV, period. If the CSRs are pressed, some of them may know about the clear QAM tuner option with most new TVs for the PEGs, SD and HD locals or cable cards. It is not worth the trouble to turn off the analog channels for the new subscribers signing up in the areas where the COs have analog channels. But Verizon does not want to add to the number of subscribers who have a TV getting the analog channels as they begin the process of notifying everyone that the analog channels are being shut down.

Any new COs being upgraded for FiOS TV in any of the markets are almost certainly not having any analog channels added. The big question is when we will see the letters telling us the analog channels are being shut down and how to order a DCT 700 or QIP 2500 SD STB for those who need one. The analog channels won't get shut down for some X days, probably 60 or more, until after that letter goes out. The shutdown and expansion of HD channels is going to happen market by market, so some of us will have a bunch of new HD channels while others may have to wait a few more months. Yep, the IMG roll-out all over again.

[HDntheCity]

Originally Posted by hernanu

I've been happy to see HD VOD come on in Mass. The problem I have is that in the Beta, there were HBO, History Channel, etc. movies and other programs available; when I look at the HD folder now, all I see is pay movies and a few (Wealth TV, ... ) Channels with content. Now I actually do like Wealth TV, but I expected more content, especially from premium channels I subscribe to. I expect we'll be seeing more, but when? Or am I not looking in the right places? I went into one of the movie channel VOD areas that I subscribe to and only saw SD VOD.

Does anyone know anything about this?

exactly like our HD VOD situation here. when we were a beta market there was much more(& IMO better) HD content than now.

now we do have more PAY HD VOD movies than before but now a thin selection of free content & no sub. content(i.e. HBO, SHO, Starz et.al.) at all.

why this is?-could be bandwidth/internet issues(keep in mind VOD is IP-based) really difficult to say at this point.

[URFloorMatt]

Originally Posted by afiggatt

Any new COs being upgraded for FiOS TV in any of the markets are almost certainly not having any analog channels added. The big question is when we will see the letters telling us the analog channels are being shut down and how to order a DCT 700 or QIP 2500 SD STB for those who need one. The analog channels won't get shut down for some X days, probably 60 or more, until after that letter goes out.

If I recall correctly, we've discussed that the FCC requires a mandatory one year advance notice to subscribers before you can shutdown analog transmission prior to February 2009. I believe we've also discussed a provision that allows a provider like Verizon to file for an exemption and shutoff analog after a "reasonable" time (or some equivalent).

From that discussion, I find a 60 day notice highly unlikely. It's much more likely to be six months, and anything less than 90 days seems extremely unlikely given the rule.

With that in mind, it seems to me like the spring HD additions will have to draw on the QAM upgrades (unless the notices are in the mail right now). "Late 2008" additions, like MGM-HD, are much more likely to be analog shutoff related.

[bdraw]

URFloorMatt,
That wasn't my understanding. I was under the impression that cable co's had to continue to either offer analog or free STBs until 2011. I believe FiOS just needs to offer the boxes that afiggatt mentioned in order to turn off the analog channels.

Then again FiOS is the exception when ti comes to cable co's maybe they have a waiver like they do for the the integrated security (non-CableCARD) ban.

[JayMan007]

Originally Posted by HDntheCity

exactly like our HD VOD situation here. when we were a beta market there was much more(& IMO better) HD content than now.

now we do have more PAY HD VOD movies than before but now a thin selection of free content & no sub. content(i.e. HBO, SHO, Starz et.al.) at all.

why this is?-could be bandwidth/internet issues(keep in mind VOD is IP-based) really difficult to say at this point.

I have Comcast right now, and HBO has removed their HD VOD content.