FiOS/Digital Cable hardware question

[obi5kenobi]

I'm switching from Comcast to Verizon FiOS for internet and TV. I've been told, and I believe it, that I will need a digital set top box for every TV I want to watch TV on. No more getting all the digital channels in the living room with the "official box" and getting maybe channels 2-80 or so on other TVs just using built in tuners or VCRs or whatever. I'd love to avoid renting four other boxes. Are there digital set top boxes I can buy that will allow me to get digital cable through Verizon FiOS TV or do I have to rent their boxes?

Also, if anyone in this forum is computer savvy... Are there any PC tuner cards that can get digital cable? I've seen some that seem to describe it but in the descriptions they don't mention exactly what I seem to be trying to achive. I'd love to build a media center PC and get digital cable on it without a box. I don't really care about VOD and guide data.

Thanks in advance!

[GeekGirl]

Search this forum a bit more for FIOS. Also check out www.dslreports.com for a lot of good FIOS internet tutorials, etc.

You are missing the entire home theatre computing forum: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=26 - read, ask, read again and anything you need is there. Media center PCs and tuner cards is their specialty.

[obi5kenobi]

Thanks GeekGirl. I actually did look at both pages of this forum for an answer to my question but didn't see anything related to it. Is this not the correct forum (or sub forum) for this kind of question? The question is really less about FiOS than it is digital cable and the equipment used in digital cable. I'm wondering if a Tivo Series 3 or some other set top box can be used instead of renting the box from Verizon. In case I didn't make it clear I am switching to Verizon FiOS TV as well as FiOS internet.

As for the tuner card question, you're absolutely right. I am aware of the HTPC forum. I was hoping that there might be some cross contamination between the regulars of this forum and the HTPC forum since it's kind of related. I took a better look at the HTPC forum and found my answer. In case anyone is wondering it looks like you need a set top box in order to get digital cable into a PC. There aren't any digital cable TV tuners that can replace a set top box, at least not yet. Some are advertised as digital but they do not completely remove the set top box from the picture.

[GeekGirl]

I would think this is the correct forum for FiOS, but I've found more info in my local OTA broadcast thread (Philadelphia) on this topic. The discussions revolve around OTA, ComCast, now FiOS. Check the HDTV local info and reception forum. This FAQ will help you find an on-going thread for your area: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=453241

[vidicon]

Yes, FiOS does require you to have a set-top box if you want to receive anything other than broadcast channels and some of the local government channels. All of the normal "basic cable" channels are digital only, and are encrypted. So while you might be able to find a PC TV tuner that will decode clear QAM, there are non in existence that will decode encrypted digital cable channels except for the vaporware OCUR that will theoretically work with Vista.

[miniz]

The real question is; does FiOS use a QAM tuner? I don't think it does. I couldn't see a QAM tuner tuning a fiber optic transmission. Maybe I'm wrong, but I would assume every single TV must have a Verizon leased STB with what ever tuner they are using, otherwise no TV for you!

[Ratman]

Originally Posted by miniz

The real question is; does FiOS use a QAM tuner? I don't think it does. I couldn't see a QAM tuner tuning a fiber optic transmission.

http://www.fioscentral.com/article/m...box-403-1.html

[miniz]

Doesn't say whether FIOS uses QAM or IP. The box has BOTH QAM and IP tuners.

[jadziedzic]

Folks have reported successfully using TiVo series 3 units with CableCARDs on FiOS, so the ONT has to be providing a QAM-compatible signal.

Tony

[miniz]

It may depend on the area and devision of FIOS. They may use both IP and QAM. Call and ask your provider.

[Ratman]

Bottom line is.. it can use QAM which answers your question in post #6.

[miniz]

It can, but some devisions may not.

[Ratman]

So what's your point? I answered your question. Why do you persist with rebuttle?

Do you really think that FiOS providers would be so stupid to not use an STB/technology that is not compatible with exitsing modualtion schemes and TV platforms... with positioning for the future?

The medium is fiber to the premises. Digital.

Once it enters your home it gets demultiplexed for voice, video, data, etc.... QAM, 8VSB, PSK. Once it gets to your home, they can use whatever modulation they choose for video.

You may want to read up...

[miniz]

It looks like they convert the fiber optic signal outside the house at a terminal then send it inside the house. Own its own, off the street, the signal is IP.

Can I hook up multiple TVs with Verizon FiOS TV Service?
Yes. Set Top Boxes (STBs) are required for each television where you would like to receive digital programming (all packages and channels beyond the analog FiOS TV Local Package). You can install FiOS TV on up to 7 televisions with Set Top Boxes. Any TVs connected without a STB to a coax outlet will receive the analog channels provided in the FiOS TV Local Package. Our representatives and technicians will work with you to set up the best FiOS TV network in your home.

Can I purchase the equipment instead of renting it for a monthly fee?
At this time, rental is the only option for Verizon FiOS TV Set Top Boxes. The equipment we provide is state-of-the-art, and we ensure you have the latest technology without having to spend hundreds of dollars for each box upfront.

http://www22.verizon.com/content/fio.../faqs/faqs.htm

[Ratman]

But once 'terminated' in the home and distributed to the TV or STB... not necessarily (or only) IP. As evidenced in this statement, "Any TVs connected without a STB to a coax outlet will receive the analog channels provided in the FiOS TV Local Package."

An analog channel does not use IP nor does a traditional TV tuner. So... they can modulate a signal with any method they choose based in the "hardware" installed in the homeowener's premesis.

No different than what cable providers do today. FiOS just brings the fiber to your doorstep.

[vidicon]

FiOS does use QAM for all one-way channels. The IP is only for video-on-demand and interactive TV services ("widgets"). Also, the upstream is IP. So yes, any CableCARD set will work with FiOS, including a Series 3 TiVo, which I have up and running fine on FiOS. It was a little bit of a challenge to find a tech who knew how to provision a CableCARD though.

[white_2kgt]

Originally Posted by obi5kenobi

I'm switching from Comcast to Verizon FiOS for internet and TV. I've been told, and I believe it, that I will need a digital set top box for every TV I want to watch TV on. No more getting all the digital channels in the living room with the "official box" and getting maybe channels 2-80 or so on other TVs just using built in tuners or VCRs or whatever. I'd love to avoid renting four other boxes. Are there digital set top boxes I can buy that will allow me to get digital cable through Verizon FiOS TV or do I have to rent their boxes?

Also, if anyone in this forum is computer savvy... Are there any PC tuner cards that can get digital cable? I've seen some that seem to describe it but in the descriptions they don't mention exactly what I seem to be trying to achive. I'd love to build a media center PC and get digital cable on it without a box. I don't really care about VOD and guide data.

Thanks in advance!

If you do not buy the convert box for your other TV's and just hookup the Cable to the back of the TV you will get channels 2-49, look your local channel guide to see if these are enough channels, otherwise, you have to get their rental box's.

[bfoster]

Originally Posted by miniz

The real question is; does FiOS use a QAM tuner? I don't think it does. I couldn't see a QAM tuner tuning a fiber optic transmission. Maybe I'm wrong, but I would assume every single TV must have a Verizon leased STB with what ever tuner they are using, otherwise no TV for you!

You obviously have no idea how this technology works. Why do you insist on helping people with it?

[miniz]

Originally Posted by bfoster

You obviously have no idea how this technology works. Why do you insist on helping people with it?

Why do you insist on nit-picking?? I never claimed that I knew how it worked. I read up on it and learned. Is there a problem with that mr. Iknoweverything?

[bfoster]

Originally Posted by miniz

Why do you insist on nit-picking?? I never claimed that I knew how it worked. I read up on it and learned. Is there a problem with that mr. Iknoweverything?

See the quote below? Every point in it is wrong. 100% false.

Originally Posted by miniz

The real question is; does FiOS use a QAM tuner? I don't think it does. I couldn't see a QAM tuner tuning a fiber optic transmission. Maybe I'm wrong, but I would assume every single TV must have a Verizon leased STB with what ever tuner they are using, otherwise no TV for you!

But I am nitpicking?

[miniz]

Explain to me how a question can be false?

[bfoster]

Read the sentence after the question..... viola! you answered your own question, incorrectly.

[miniz]

Maybe I'm wrong

think

That could be the reason why I used the two words above. I guess the nit-pickers miss those words!

[bfoster]

So now we are back to the beginning.

You obviously have no idea how this technology works. Why do you insist on helping people with it?

[Ratman]

Originally Posted by miniz

That could be the reason why I used the two words above. I guess the nit-pickers miss those words!

Carefully re-read posts 6 through 15 (or 16). Questions posed, answers provided, challenges followed. Why are you defensive/indignant? Who picking nits?

[obi5kenobi]

Originally Posted by white_2kgt

If you do not buy the convert box for your other TV's and just hookup the Cable to the back of the TV you will get channels 2-49, look your local channel guide to see if these are enough channels, otherwise, you have to get their rental box's.

2 through 49? That's more than I had thought. Somebody told me I'd get something like 5 channels or something. Thanks for the info everyone!

{slowly backs away from heated forum discussion}

[bfoster]

Originally Posted by obi5kenobi

2 through 49? That's more than I had thought. Somebody told me I'd get something like 5 channels or something. Thanks for the info everyone!

{slowly backs away from heated forum discussion}

2-49 are for analog services. Check your local line-up card as previously suggested to find out exactly what is available in your area.

[bfoster]

A quick check showed only one line-up for the Mass. area. Looks like about 19 analog channels.

Here is the card.

http://www22.verizon.com/NROneRetail.../MA_MAArea.pdf

[miniz]

Originally Posted by bfoster

You obviously have no idea how this technology works.

Neither do you.

[Ratman]

Refresher course... post #6.