Technology Reviews and Perspectives

75 Responses

1. Melissa

   April 21st, 2007 at 12:56 pm

   1

   Thank you so much for writing this review. Verizon came by my home today and asked if I was interested. I recently dumped Comcast’s unreliable Internet service for Verizon DSL and absolutely love it. I have had Comcast as my cable provider for 16 years. I am a bit worried about changing and receiving unreliable TV service. We also have TiVos in every room, so if the Motorola is a pain I am am worried about that also. You have my email. Can you let me know if you are still enjoying the service? Thank you.

2. Michelle

   April 22nd, 2007 at 8:33 am

   2

   Thanks for the fantastic review. The most comprehensive one I’ve seen so far.

   My problem is this: While the prices look great for the 1 year introductory period, what will the price be afterward?

   I can’t seem to find anyone who knows.
   I’m interested in the complete package, tv, internet and phone.

3. Duane

   April 23rd, 2007 at 9:18 pm

   3

   Melissa - I wouldn’t say the TV service is unreliable, in fact the service itself will likely prove to be more reliable than satellite and cable. It’s just that the HD DVR Motorola box (6416) has some shortcomings compared to my Dish 942. The content, programming, picture quality, and price do make up for it, and with each day I get more and more used to the quirks of the 6416.

   Michelle - From what I can tell the pricing is not introductory. The only discrepancy i see is with the internet service: free install, 1 free month, and 39.99/mo after that with 1 year contract, or $69.99 install and 39.95/mo with no contract.

4. Uncle Stevie

   April 26th, 2007 at 7:34 am

   4

   I have just had the FiOS three-pak installed by Verizon and like it very much. But the remote control supplied with my QIP2500s (I have five) do not work well. The “favorites” and the “page up/down” features do not work. I discovered that my old Comcast remote URC1057 works perfectly and is a better fit for the QIP2500 than the Verizon RC1445. The Comcast remote All on feature works as well as most other buttons. It is also easier to handle and use ergonomically.

   One comment on the internet service - I find the service is super fast but sometimes too fast. If there is a traffic jam at the moment you try to access it will hang for you. Disconnect and try again 3 seconds later and it is blazing. I think this is an oddity of mass usage and speed. There is just so much water that can go into the tunnel before there is a backup.

   Uncle Stevie

5. Dave

   May 21st, 2007 at 1:32 pm

   5

   I switched from Comcast to FIOS last month. I do have some difficulty in getting used to the vast array of chanels compared to Comcast. The picture quality is superior to Cable. I find that the remote control is slower to respond to commands on the DVR then Comcast was. I have more chanels and a lower price then cable offered. I opted for the Movie package which has a great choice of movies on showtime and starz. I only wish that FIOS will soon have the MLB Extra Innings Package available.

6. WJ

   May 26th, 2007 at 4:54 am

   6

   Switched from Comcast to FIOS in Feb 2007. FIOS is better for me by far. I nominate Comcast as the world’s worst service organization and that poor service finally pushed me to change after over 10 years with Comcast. Now I have better TV and high-speed internet and save a few bucks a month in the process. Life is good!

7. Andrew Bartels

   June 1st, 2007 at 8:21 am

   7

   Great information. I just had FIOS installed yesterday. I live in baltimore County and was according to the tech the second person in the neighborhood. Can any advise me on how I can use a HF remote instead of the infra red one supplied with the FIOS Motorola QIP-6416 set top box. My box is inside a cubboard and I have to leave the door open to access the functionality I need.

8. Duane

   June 3rd, 2007 at 5:58 pm

   8

   Andrew - As far as I know the Motorola boxes do not have UHF functionality (its not too common). In order to control your equipment in a closed cabinet, or another room, you would need to purchase a UHF remote and an RF extender/sender. The Logitech Harmony 890 along with the RF wireless extender would accomplish this.

9. eyetag

   June 4th, 2007 at 12:31 pm

   9

   thanks for this extensive review. do you know by chance which browser FIOS is using, particularly for the new FIOS img interface being tested currently? what other software components are they running on? any comments on this topic appreciated…

10. Larry Chanin

    June 10th, 2007 at 12:29 pm

    10

    Hi Duane,

    Excellent review! I see that we’re neighbors.

    Recently Verizon installed the fiber in my subdivision, but they haven’t activated the service yet. I’ve been debating whether to switch from DirecTV when it becomes available.

    I’ve got a dedicated home theater in which I use a DirecTV HD TiVo. Although I’m not satisfied with the number of HD channels, I’m pretty happy with the TiVo DVR and satisfied with signal quality.

    In my family room I have an old, first generation HDTV that uses RGBHV for its HD input. Its hooked up to an old RCA HD DirecTV receiver via a VGA to RGBHV breakout cable. This arrangement has been working flawlessly since 1999.

    In addition to wondering whether the new FiOS TV service is ready for “primetime”, I’m concerned about the fact that the new Verizon HD DVR does not have an VGA output that I can attach to my older HDTV.

    From your review I gather that I shouldn’t be unduely concerned about early growing pains regarding the new Verizon HD DVR or the service reliability, quality, etc?

    How about connecting to my old HDTV? Any words of wisdom?

    By the way, I’d love to show you my setup. Shoot me an email if you’re interested in dropping by.

    Thanks again.

    Larry

11. Duane

    June 10th, 2007 at 9:30 pm

    11

    Hi Larry! Be sure to keep checking online for FiOS availability. Once they come through the neighborhood, it should be active soon after. I was actually waiting to see them pulling fiber in all the conduits, but it turns out, they don’t actually pull the fiber, until somebody orders FiOS. Each house gets its own fiber line (from the hub in the area). I didn’t try ordering until I saw one of my neighbors getting it, and this was well before I received any official notice from Verizon.

    The Motorola HD FiOS box does have YPrPb outputs, so check to see if your old HDTV has any RGB/Component/YPrPb inputs. Otherwise you could get a YPrPb to RGBHV converter.

    I believe FiOS offers more national HD channels than any other provider other than Dish Network when you include their exclusive VOOM channels.

    I must say that my experience has been quite satisfying, and I wouldn’t worry much about the shortcomings of the Motorola. In addition, Verizon will soon release the all new Interactive Media Guide, which will have a huge impact on user interactivity, hopefully for the best. More on that soon.

12. Steven

    June 12th, 2007 at 2:31 pm

    12

    I have a house under contract that FiOS is available but I have two Series 2 TiVO machines that I would like to continue to use. Currently I have Comcast analog service and the TiVOs work perfectly. Does anyone know if the digital boxes are controllable by TiVO?

13. Frank

    June 13th, 2007 at 1:01 pm

    13

    Great review.

    Currently I have Comcast tv on 3 rooms, with one being digital and the others being analog. I’m interested in getting Verizon fios tv, internet, and phone, and would like to have the fios tv in 4 rooms. Duane, do you (or anyone) know what the cost comparison is for Comcast tv vs Verizon tv for multiple rooms? I can’t seem to find this info. Thanks.

14. Duane

    June 13th, 2007 at 10:56 pm

    14

    Steven - TiVO should work with FiOS, but channel changing will be slow (using TiVO supplied IR cables to control FiOS box), and I’m not sure what programming guide data you’ll be able to get. Also, unless you have a lifetime subscription, it may not be worth paying the monthly TiVO subscription on top of FiOS.

    Frank - FiOS TV installation will enable a limited set of analog channels (about 15), which would be available to any TV in your house. In order to get the full set of programming, you would need a STB (set top box) on each TV you wanted full programming. The basic STB is $3.95 per month each. The HD/DVR STB is $12.95-$15.95 per month each.

15. Cathy Gilliland

    June 16th, 2007 at 4:46 am

    15

    how do you connect a dvd to fios tv?

16. Greg

    June 17th, 2007 at 10:38 am

    16

    Has anyone had a problem with the fan on the Motorola 6416 running constantly? We don’t know if this is normal or if we have a problem with our box.

17. Anthony

    June 18th, 2007 at 8:59 pm

    17

    Hi, Duane

    I am a Verizon fios installer from Ma. I enjoy installing it at customers homes. I like reading the reviews from this site just to see what people are saying from outside the box .

    Thanks Anthony

18. Brandon

    June 25th, 2007 at 11:42 am

    18

    Thank you so much for this review, it was extremely helpful. I am currently with Comcast cable, but have Verizon phone and DSL, so I have been debating on which company to stick with for our services because I know they both have a bundle package. This has really gotten me excited about FiOS and getting a bundle package for all of our services. Thanks for the review and information!

19. Steve

    July 4th, 2007 at 4:30 pm

    19

    Does anyone know if you can purchase the Motorola QIP-2500s from a third party? I don’t relish the idea of paying $5/month per TV for a converter box. In the long run it’d be cheaper to buy a converter.

20. Patrick

    July 8th, 2007 at 1:21 pm

    20

    Anybody try using a dvd recorder to make dvd copies of programs stored on the motorola DVR.

21. John

    July 8th, 2007 at 4:51 pm

    21

    Duane,

    I appreciate all the good info. Any idea what analog channels will be available on FiOS? I have several tvs that are mounted on the wall, and hooking a set-top box up to them isn’t a very desireable option (if even possible). This is really the only concern that is keeping me with Comcast. I’m actually a little surprised it isn’t a more discussed issue.

    Thanks.

22. Greg

    July 12th, 2007 at 5:25 pm

    22

    I just ordered this service today. I’m wondering how big the hard drive is? Any spec on max recording times?

23. Duane

    July 13th, 2007 at 5:24 pm

    23

    Analog Channels: It appears that all of the local channels are broadcasted from the ONT. For me this equates to about 19 channels including the new Weatherscan local weather channel and a TV Guide channel. To receive any national channels, you would need a set top box or cable card.

    Hard Drive Capacity: The hard drive is 160 GB, which is plenty for SD programming, but is only about 15 hours or so of HD content. The HD content is compressed less than other providers so this would account for the less than stellar HD capacity.

24. J

    July 15th, 2007 at 11:47 am

    24

    Your review was awesome. Hopefully you will think that the following is helpful.

    First and foremost let me say that I do NOT, directly or indirectly, speak for Verizon. The suggestions that I offer should be taken as helpful hints from one friend to another to maximize your FiOS installation experience.

    1) Technicians call ahead before their arrival. It is helpful if you answer the phone! Sounds simple right? For some maybe, but for others this seems to be a real challenge.

    2) Contain your excitement when they arrive by NOT going out to meet them at their truck. Often there is some paperwork that needs to be filled out, and components to be gathered. Nothing gets you off on the wrong foot faster than interrupting someone trying to get things together with “are you here to install my FiOS?”. Trust me that nobody is trying to make you wait any longer than you absolutely have to.

    3) Trying to give a Gratuity before work begins is not sincere appreciation but rather an attempt at a bribe. Trust me that the technician knows how important this is to you and MOST will do everything in their power to make it the best it can be for you. The installers are generally high end and the most experienced technicians from a given garage.

    4) Plan ahead! There is going to be a new router put in by your computer and CAT 5e wire run from the ONT to a data jack next to your computer. Please clean up around your computer. NOTHING is worse than working in an area so covered in dust bunnies that you know that nobody has vaccuumed for a while. Also FiOS requires electricity. Look around close to where your existing phone box (NID) is located and see if there is an outlet somewhere close to it. This is where the tech is most likely to mount your new ONT. Once you find the outlet, make sure the technician has easy access to it without having to clean anything off. If the outlet is already occupied with your washer and dryer, then invest the five bucks for a power strip. It is also a good idea to prep your computer for the new service by dumping temp internet files and defragging before the tech arrives so that it is running at its peak performance.

    5) During the installation. Most techs I know do NOT care if you stand over their shoulder or choose to go do something else while they work. Try to pick one and stick with it. If you choose to go elesewhere make sure you are readily available in case there is a question for you. If you choose to stay with the technician, silence is golden. Questions are fine, but should be asked BEFORE the work commences. Of course you may think of one as you are going along and that is fine. What drives techs to drink is when they are peppered with a never-ending stream of inane questions while they are trying to work. The work is in some places requires meticulous attention to details that just cannot be properly given if you interrupt the work by asking if this service is really faster than the local cable company. Also if you stay with the technician, be helpful. Often times the tech can use a paper towel or something cold to drink (esp. if he has been at it a while or its an especially difficult wire run). Use your best judgment on this one, but dont be afraid to offer a drink or a rag or whatever if you think it will help. Even if he does not take you up on it, the tech will be grateful that you had the prescence of mind to offer.

    6) Dont panic if everything doesnt click on the first shot. Test everything before the technician leaves and know that if something isnt just the way you want it, then it can be made that way. One call to the Fiber Solutions Center fixes 99 % of the problems on the first shot.

25. Frank

    July 15th, 2007 at 10:41 pm

    25

    Greg,

    I am a FIOS tech in SW Florida. The hard drive on your 6416 is 160Gb. You can record 120 hours of standard def tv or 20 hours of HD tv.

26. Frank

    July 15th, 2007 at 10:46 pm

    26

    J,

    Regarding #4 in your post. The wirelss router we NOW use takes a coax input (or cat5 if you prefer). It can be hardwired via ethernet to your computer (it has 4 ethernet outputs) or you can use it wireless. The wireless also comes out of the box with security enabled so that others cannot access the router’s internet without your permission.

27. J

    July 16th, 2007 at 9:19 pm

    27

    Frank,

    I am also a FiOS technician in New York. I am aware that some folks do use the moca, but we still use the Cat5e. And although some subs want the router placed somewhere out of the way (e.g. the basement) because they plan on going wireless, the overwhelming vast majority of people still get the router placed next to their computer. FYI The default encryption for the wireless router is WEP, which is very easy to break. The newer routers are also WPA capable, but you have to go inside the router and change that setting.

28. tom

    July 17th, 2007 at 8:51 pm

    28

    hi was wondering if anyone could explain the process for fios in an appt building??? in franklin mass

29. J

    July 17th, 2007 at 11:15 pm

    29

    Hi Tom,

    Again let me preface everything that I am going to say by stating that I do NOT speak, directly or indirectly, for Verizon.

    Appt Buildings are a real slow go because of the logistics of it all. My understanding of the process is that there are primarily two alternatives.

    1) Newer buildings are now prewired with the necessary cables to carry the FiOS service from the basement terminals to each individual appt. just the way we do copper now.

    2) Older buildings (which you probably fall into) have to be retro-fitted much in the way your building delivers cable TV service (i.e. a serving box on each floor with wires running from it in the cable chase to each individual appt.). Of course this is a costly procedure and each individual building owner has to give his OK to do this process. If I were in your shoes and wanted the service I would approach the super and/or the owner and ask them if they have been approached by Verizon to wire their building up for FiOS. If they have not then see if the owner is open to approaching Verizon. If they have and are just being recalcitrant, then talk to your neighbors because if enough of you want it…you never know.

    I hope this answers your question.

30. tom

    July 18th, 2007 at 8:02 am

    30

    well according to verizon i was qualified so we must have a box somewhere around here!!

31. Steve

    July 18th, 2007 at 10:41 am

    31

    Does anyone know if you can purchase the Motorola QIP-2500s from a third party (i.e. ebay)? I don’t relish the idea of paying $5/month per TV for a converter box. In the long run it’d be cheaper to buy a converter.

32. Scrip

    July 18th, 2007 at 9:34 pm

    32

    Hello,

    I am also curious about third party devices. I am installing Fios in my house tomorrow running it duel with my TV provider. I have heard that Fios has bad boxes, but i do know that i think it was Faa or one of the government agencies has required that all TV providers must switch to using cards to allow people to buy third person devices

33. Duane

    July 19th, 2007 at 12:02 pm

    33

    I’m not aware of any options to purchase fios stb’s. There have been some for sale on ebay, but I’m not sure if they can be used without monthly charges. FiOS does allow you to use any Digital Cable compatible cable card to receive digital channels. However, since part of the service is provided over IP, use of a cable card would reduce the features available, like video on demand, interactive guide, etc. I’ve also heard that Verizon’s will lease cable cards for FiOS.

34. LJK

    July 19th, 2007 at 4:55 pm

    34

    Just got FIOS tv/internet hooked up this week.

    I love it. I too am a Dish refugee. One of my LNBs has been dying a slow painful death, taking out all the channels on Sat. 119, even transponders, for the past 3 months. I knew Fios was coming and didn’t want to pay to fix the Dish.

    Did I mention I love Fios?

    The broadband internet has most recently clocked at 5 MBPS down and 1.5 up. Earlier this week, it was 4 down and 2 up.

    I was on dialup before, like I’m going to complain?

    The picture quality of SD channels is par or better than Dish. The HD channels look just ever the slightest wee bit softer to me. (I have recently used a Samsung ATSC tuner for local HD channels, which has incredible HD picture quality … the best I’ve seen).

    I have yet to see a single MPEG compression artifact. These were common (though not frequent) in Dish HD broadcasts.

    So far, Verizon is doing everything right. I hope they don’t become another Comcast. I lived without broadband internet these past few years because I refuse to deal with the horrible customer service of Comcast.

    Thanks to the Verizon techs who have popped in on the thread to provide details. I love you guys.

35. Larry Channin

    July 19th, 2007 at 10:50 pm

    35

    In Texas, anyway, Verizon supports the Yahoo and MSN browser. I like the MSN because there are a lot of little extras thrown in, i.e., McAfee, Money, etc.. Yahoo may the same, but I never checked. I have just always liked the MSN browser

    Mary

36. ACE

    July 20th, 2007 at 11:13 am

    36

    First let me say, overall I am happy with Fios. With that said, these are my problems…

    In my experience, compared to Dish, the usability of Fios is not as good. Verizon keeps saying they are fixing the glitches, but so far nothing has changed. I have the most problems with fast forwarding - especially skipping ahead 30 seconds. Also, the channel guide isn’t as neat and pretty as Dish.

    Calling Verizon for any reason makes me want to pull out all my hair. Calls generally last over an hour (most of that time spent on hold), I’m constantly being transfered to another department, and calls are mysteriously “dropped.” Generally my problems are solved in the end, but not without causing major frustration.

    I am hoping with their planned upcoming changes, Fios will be by the far the best option out there.

37. jerry

    July 24th, 2007 at 9:07 am

    37

    Does fios tv and internet share the same bandwidth ?? I am wondering if internet speeds are consistant without fios tv eating my badwidth for whatever reason.

38. LJK

    July 25th, 2007 at 11:00 am

    38

    ACE, are you using the 888-553-1555 number when you call Verizon?

    I had to call them once: couldn’t log onto the router initially (tech didn’t provide password), aspect ratio on tv was set incorrectly, and HD channels weren’t activated … tech support was downright delightful and answered all the hardware-related questions without having to resort to the mindless scripted troubleshooting … she knew her product information. Once transfer to get the HD programming activated, a common glitch in new installs with the HD/DVR. I am surprised at your problems, because Customer Service is, so far, the best part of my FiOS experience.

    Jerry, my understanding is that each FiOS service uses a different wavelength. I’m sure one of our tech visitors here can confirm.

39. ACE

    July 25th, 2007 at 12:16 pm

    39

    LJK, thanks for the 888 number, I’m not sure what numbers I was using.

    Most of my calls to Verizon have been regarding website and account (billing) issues. I’m happy to know that I can look forward to great tech support if I have technical problems/questions.

40. Al

    July 28th, 2007 at 7:01 pm

    40

    I switched from Comcast about a month ago. No major problems with the install and performance ( I have triple play). Works great!!

    However,I do have an outside issue with the remote used with the STB. I have two STB (Motorola)to allow Hi Def viewing on two TV we have that are Hi Def. The remotes should be universal and operate all your video devices. I have ran into a snag finding the code for Audiovox (Model No FPE2706DV)TV. I can not find the code that will work for this TV on the Motorola remote. I have exhausted all references I know of (The Internet, Motorola remote codes & Audivox). The FiOS tech even tried another Motorola remote on the outside chance it was defective.. Have any of you FiOS techs ran into this trouble? Also, is there some sort of universal code that can be used? Using two reotes is a bit of a pain.

41. J

    August 5th, 2007 at 6:31 am

    41

    Jerry,

    Silly boy!! Havent you seen the spiffy Verizon commericial that features that really neat kid talking to the Verizon technician? Each individual service runs on its on spectrum of light and one does not eat into the other. Shame on you!! Now you have to go back and watch that commericial over and over again until you are as smart as that 10 year old kid

42. Sparky

    August 5th, 2007 at 9:12 pm

    42

    Get information, thank you for all the work!
    I have four TV sets and was wondering how you would go about connecting the other sets for just basic channels?

43. Arleen Puglissi

    August 7th, 2007 at 10:41 am

    43

    I am currently using the triple play with cablevision,on Lond Island,and having horrible problems with the phone and internet service. Since adding the phome service I havce dropped calls and lose internet connection and phone service quite often through out the day.I am wondering if anyone is experiencing these problems with verizon’s triple play.

44. Robert

    August 7th, 2007 at 5:54 pm

    44

    IM thinking about getting Fios tv. What are the pros and cons?

45. Karen

    August 9th, 2007 at 9:34 pm

    45

    Does anyone know if the Motorola QIP 6200 box (I already have a TiVo) have a HDMI output?

46. Josh

    August 10th, 2007 at 8:40 pm

    46

    FIOS TV just recently became available in the Delaware area and I just switched off Comcast cable and internet today as the Verizon tech installed a load of hardware in my garage wall.

    W-O-W. The picture is A LOT better than cable. A few channels that I’ve had problems with Comcast like Food Channel are crystal clear and almost HD-like for a standard television.

    The only discomfort was the jumbling of the channels. The line-up I had memorized from a few years of surfing had crashed on the rocks and rearranged. LOL It’ll take some getting used to but all my favorite channels are there. I especially like the Favorites function over Comcast’s. To be able to see in text what’s currently on each of your favorites is nice instead of scanning each channel.

    I only have the standard Motorola set-top boxes. I don’t need the DVR because I already own a Panasonic DVR with a 100GB HDD. The only problem with FIOS is currently there is no TV Guide channel and my DVR needs access to that channel in order to update it’s guide schedule but I’m sure it’s coming.

    It’s hard to form a full opinion on the service since it’s so new in my area but the first impression was more impressive than my constant service disconnection from Comcast. Having all your TV, internet and phone on one bill is convenient too.

47. Duane

    August 11th, 2007 at 5:41 pm

    47

    Sparky, local channels can be received on any tv through your existing coaxial wiring.

    Karen, I do not believe the QIP-6200 has HDMI. Only component video according to this image: http://broadband.motorola.com/business/images/product_dct6200_settop_back.jpg

48. DMK

    August 12th, 2007 at 4:05 pm

    48

    Is it true that the Motorola boxes used for FiOS only have the HDMI outlets and no outlets for optional for coaxial cables? My SONY TV has a bug in it that green screens with HDMI and only works with coax. Thanks

49. Charles

    August 13th, 2007 at 7:15 pm

    49

    Hello - I just got FIOS today. Does anybody know if the Motorola QIP-6416 box offers an auto-select feature between 720p/1080i programming? I tried pressing the Menu/Guide buttons simultaneously to go to the set up screen, but the only option was to select either 1080i or 720p, but no auto-selection (I watch a lot of ESPN, which broadcasts in 720p, so I’d like to see programming in their original aspect). Does Verizon plan to introduce a box that offers this feature (my old TimeWarner box had this feature).

50. Lorrie

    August 14th, 2007 at 8:47 am

    50

    This thread has been very informative; thanks for all the information! My area is getting Fios in a couple of weeks and I am planning to make the switch from Comcast. I have gotten the impression that they remove some of the coax from Comcast, so that if we decided to go back to Comcast, it would either be impossible or very expensive. I don’t think we’d want to switch back, but I’d like to understand what I’m getting with Fios.

    Can someone please clarify this for me?

    Thanks!!!

51. Rick J.

    August 21st, 2007 at 3:49 pm

    51

    And, along with everything else; what if there’s 10 TV’s in one house? What’s the limit for this first generation of Fios?
    thanks all!

52. Richard

    August 24th, 2007 at 1:57 pm

    52

    Having just had my FIOS TV install completed this week, I think i can answer a couple of questions here.
    #45 Karen. My QIP 6200 has HDMI. Mine is hooked to my Panasonic HDTV and works fine
    try this link instead for more up to date box
    http://zxnet.net/article/motorola-qip6200-hd-fios-tv-box-403-1.html

    #48 DMK. reference the same picture, there is RF in and RF out.

    #50 Lorrie. I had Directv. The installer reused all of the existing RG-6 coax that went to each of my tv’s. The only concern would be if your cabling is old. There is no reason for them to remove something if it works

    #51 Rick J. With 10 TV’s, you need to be concerned with signal loss. There is 1, and only one connection on the ONT (the box they install outside). They will bring a coax into a splitter. they will then run a coax to each tv location (more than 3 runs cost $$, as well as the router.

    Yes you can get basic cable stations without the STB. I’m doing that in two rooms, have 2 2500’s and one 6200 with a TIVO Series 2 doing my recording.

53. Dan

    August 24th, 2007 at 3:06 pm

    53

    hi, which is better, Cablevision’s IO digital cable or Verizon’s “so-called” FiOS?

54. jeffrey gold

    August 24th, 2007 at 4:46 pm

    54

    I would say the cablevision is more user friendly and has state of the art cable. They offer faster internet connect speeds for metro users( approx. 2xs as fast) When you deal with fios you are dealing with the phone One ringy dingy! They are not in a hurry to update the system nor to make obvious problems in equipement changed. It appears the problems in the New York area in particular is the never ending war of the Unions verse Verizon and verizons need to make all changes cash flow positive immediately rather than improving the service and let it become profitable due to its prefference by consumers.
    I think it will have lots of churn as directv and cable offer better content at a lower price.

55. Anner

    August 28th, 2007 at 8:52 am

    55

    We just had FiOS installed at our house (phone, tv, computer). The picture is incredible! But we bought an LG DVD recorder and we can not get it to work with the set top box - it is not picking up the channels - I spent over an hour with the LG guys who told me the problem is with the set top box - the fact being that we can not plug into the IR function in the box. Is there another way to get this to work?

56. John

    September 5th, 2007 at 4:17 pm

    56

    I purchased a QIP2500 on ebay and plugged it in. It worked for about a month and then went ‘dead’. Turns out Verizon tracks each box by serial number, and so they can turn it off whenever they want. So, they won’t support the box, even if you purchased a compatible unit from a third party. You HAVE to use their rental program.

57. Chris

    September 7th, 2007 at 9:23 pm

    57

    Does anybody know when FiOS will be available in Culpeper VA? I think I wanna get it but for the past couple of months, Verizon says its not yet available in my area.

58. Gary

    September 9th, 2007 at 6:09 am

    58

    I left DISH about 2 months ago and changed to the FIOS service in Sarasota. I miss the DISH HD DVR, it was very intuitive and makes the FIOS look more like something offfered by the local cable comapnay. I thnk FIOS also has resolution problems when set to 1080i.

    Does anyone have any information if FIOS is going to make a change to its’ DVR service? I here a change is coming soon (September?). If so, what is the change? I yurn for the DISH HD DVR system and amd consdiering returning to DISH. Thanks, Gary

59. David

    September 10th, 2007 at 1:01 am

    59

    I don’t have FIOS in my area yet, but as far as an answer to the cablevision question - it is cheaper, but it uses copper lines instead of the fiber optics, with FIOS I’m sure you get more bandwith. Plus I’ve heard that if you do major downloading or uploading with Cablevision, they Cap your internet speed, so the 15Mbps service you’re paying for would only be 4-5, and apparently that happens a lot, even with their business plans. I can’t wait for FIOS to come in my area. Oh and to answer a question that was asked a long time ago, I don’t think you can purchase the set-top boxes, Motorola has them leased out to Verizon specifically for this service.

    Oh and with the question about 10 televisions, I know Verizon with only connect up to 7, but after that it’s up to your judgement on using splitters and such, or making the decision on if you need all 10 televisions connected to the boxes.

60. R. Palmer

    September 17th, 2007 at 1:13 pm

    60

    I am trying to decide if I should have the Fios bundle
    package, TV,Int,Tel. installed or the RCN bundle package
    installed.

    Fios includes 200 channels, HBO and Cinemax, 2 boxes and costs $136/2yr contract

    RCN includes Showtime,Cinemax,Starz,Encore,Movie Channel
    HBO and 2 boxes for $126/2yr contract.

    What is the best deal???

61. Jim

    September 23rd, 2007 at 9:09 am

    61

    #54 Jeffrey Gold…..

    huh????????

62. Jim

    September 23rd, 2007 at 9:13 am

    62

    #51 Rick J…….

    Without any special setups, FiOS TV will support up to 7 STB’s. Adding more than 7 STB’s can be accomplished in one of two ways: Adding a second ONT or adding by adding a NIM and an AMP. I have heard of both being done in South Jersey.

63. Kelly

    September 27th, 2007 at 10:56 am

    63

    I just switched from comcast to verizon fios, I like it because it is cheaper for me but I find there are some features or lack of features disappointing. Such as: the remote control is slower compared to comcast,on demand is more difficult to maneuver through to find programs, it does not offer programing to set a reminder for a upcoming movie or show like comcast. It does not offer all programs on different channels such as TBS, TNT etc. to view missed episodes. It should not be a great maze to get through to find what you are looking for, it should be more simpler to maneuver through. (like comcast) But I am happy I got it I just hope it will be more user friendly.

64. John

    October 1st, 2007 at 2:57 pm

    64

    great summary!

    I notived that Verizon (a telephone company) does not offer an on-screen caller ID like Dish Network (a satelite TV company) does. How am I going to avoid all those telemarketers and campaign callers?

65. Dan

    October 2nd, 2007 at 11:26 am

    65

    Any status on Lakeland? I live off of New Jersey road and saw that fiber was buried about 2 months ago. Really hoping for Fios.

66. Sarah

    October 3rd, 2007 at 10:46 am

    66

    Anyone know if FIOS is available near Watertown, NY? And if they are planning to install in that area anytime soon?

67. Bob

    October 3rd, 2007 at 7:48 pm

    67

    I ran rg6 coax to each outlet in my house of which 6 may be needed. How will the tech hook into this?

68. Bob

    October 3rd, 2007 at 7:54 pm

    68

    Let me be more specific. I ran one cable per outlet, which means I have 8 cables that are stubbed out in my garage. 6 are active. Can the tech work with this configuration and will there be any extra equipment needed?

69. Ron Gregg

    October 10th, 2007 at 8:16 pm

    69

    Does anyone know if the Motorola QIP 620-6 is compatible with a TiVo DRT800 (non-HD)? Humax, the maker of the DRT800, tells me it is not. I have been trying to get the three units - QIP 6200-6, DRT800 and a Sony HDTV - configured properly so I can record a different channel from that which I’m watching, without success. I’ve talked to TiVo/Humax numerous times and tried all their wiring suggestions, Sony’s op manual, and my own sense of what should do the trick. But nothing works. Humax/TiVo last told me it’s probably because the technology in my 2004-vintage TiVo is not compatible with the QIP 6200-6. If I’m watching one channel when a TiVo recording starts on another channel, the channel I’m watching is changed to the recording channel. Conversely, if the TiVo is recording on one channel and I turn on another channel to watch, the TiVo will switch to the channel I’m watching. Can anyone help me? Thanks.

70. Stuy

    October 30th, 2007 at 7:35 pm

    70

    This looks like a good deal considering Comcast just jacked the prices up even more. That after already raising the prices. Comcast is now over $50 and has less channels. Since we only have basic cable this seems like a great step up but I’m just mad that they don’t have it in my area yet. Do you think I will get it soon. I assume so because people have already had it since april. Comcast rein of terror on the cable world will be dimished soon I hope. I heard some complaints about it not being as user frindley but I can adapt quick and it shouldn’t be a problem. Just can’t wait to get it.

71. Duane

    November 20th, 2007 at 3:39 pm

    71

    Gary and Kelly: Check out my new post on the new FiOS Interactive Media Guide. It changes everything about the FiOS interaction.

    Ron Gregg: With the QIP6200, you will only be able to tune to one program at a time. This box, like all non-dvr boxes has only 1 tuner. If your TiVO is recording something, the QIP6200 must be tuned to that channel. I recommend upgrading to the QIP 6416. It’s only $3 more per month than the 6200.

72. Duane

    November 20th, 2007 at 3:57 pm

    72

    Comments for this post are being continued at: FiOS Forum. Please post your questions and comments over there.

73. eileen

    February 2nd, 2008 at 12:15 am

    73

    Jeff Gold - FIOS has much better content than Cablevision, more channels, much better picture quality, faster internet (20 mbps download, while cable struggles for 8 or 9m on a good day), FREE on demand, and of course the ability to expand as new technolgy becomes available. 80 hi-def channels expected by Spring ‘08, oh yeah, Cable can’t really add more hi-def without deleting some existing channels because they don’t have the BANDWIDTH. Live and learn, and get FIOS.

74. Duane

    February 4th, 2008 at 11:25 am

    74

    Verizon has been running a great deal for the FiOS Triple Play Bundle: FiOS Free TV Deal

75. Josh

    February 12th, 2008 at 3:33 pm

    75

    I’m back to post my experience with FiOS after having the service for a year now after leaving Comcast (I had TV and internet through them.)

    To recap, I have everything Verizon offers. My house was recently built and wired up for fiber optics. I have TV, internet and voice.

    TV Pros:

    - On a standard TV, FiOS’s picture quality is superior to that of Comcast’s. Connecting a SDTV directly to the coax in the wall, the local channels still came in great.

    - FiOS recently updated their user interface. It’s a lot user friendly now although I was used to the old interface but it grew on me. This interface is also a lot easier to use than Comcast’s and more informative.

    - I recently purchased an HD LCD TV with 1080i resolution. I updated one of my STBs with Verizon’s HD STB. (This was a self-install which you will read about in my cons subject) Once this STB was up and running, WOW. All channels look a LOT better.

    TV Cons:

    - When I had Comcast, I could watch a lot more channels when connecting a TV straight to the coax outlet which I do in my kitchen where I don’t have space for a FiOS STB. When connecting straight to a FiOS connection without a STB, you get a very limited number of channels. I can no longer watch Food Network in the kitchen like I used to be able to with Comcast.

    - SELF INSTALLS. The WORST experience I’ve EVER HAD with Verizon. If I have this kind of attitude ever again from the FSC, they’ll find all my STBs and cabling from my house strewn all over their parking lot. I ordered an HD STB from the Verizon website. It arrived a few days later with VERY simple instructions on how to set it up. After getting the box connected you call Verizon and provide an activation code that came with the STB and you’re ready to rock. Well, not in my case. I couldn’t watch anything on this box except local and the HD channels (HD channels include about 13 channels, the HD national channels require you to pump out more money to Verizon to watch although nothing about this is mentioned on their website.) I was on day and night with techs trying to get this box to let me watch the FiOS Premier package that I’ve been subscribed to for a year, but nothing worked. I had 3 techs come out to the house and swap boxes out bu that didn’t work either. The last tech got on the phone with some woman from Verizon (over speakerphone) and in her mean tone of voice, made me sound like I was a moron and there was no problem with the box and that my service wouldn’t be activated until a week later. I told the tech this was BS and how can I wait for a service to be activated when I’ve been subscribed to it for a year?
    I was pretty ticked off then. I waited until the day that woman said my service would be activated. Guess what? I’m not the moron she thinks I am cause I STILL didn’t have service. Then, a great tech came out on his day off to figure this out and found the problem. My account was messed up by the person trying to activate my box and it wasn’t allowing my programming to come through. MY ADVICE: IF you do a self-install when you upgrade, let whoever you call at Verizon know that it’s a self install. This was strike 1 for Verizon, if there’s a strike 2, I’ll go back to Comcast cable.

    - I own a Panasonic DVR with HDD that uses TV Guide signals over cable to update it’s programming guide and make it easy to set up my shows to record. Althgouh this is just a minor inconvenience, I can set my box manually to record. This DVR worked over Comcast cable, but it won’t recieve the needed signal over FiOS for some reason. Again, no biggie.

    Internet Pros:

    - FAST. I have a 15mb down, 2mb up connection. This isn’t the fastest they have either but this satisfies my needs greatly.

    Internet Cons:

    - None I can think of. Since I’ve used FiOS internet, I cannot recall anytim my service has gone out. A BIG PLUS over Comcast internet that surged, cut out, went down from time-to-time…

    Voice Pros:

    - Comcast voice, when Comcast goes out, so does your phone. If FiOS goes out (yet to see that) you have a battery back-up to last you for a few hours (or more, not sure).

    Voice Cons:

    - Those #$!%@ telemarketers!!!

    Overall, FiOS is a big step up from Comcast and I’m a happy customer. Although whatever department that gave my visiting techs a hard time with my self-install should get a swift kick in the pants, I’m willing to look past that one instance and enjoy my service.