Verizon FiOS TV User Review

I4U has a quick Verizon FiOS TV Review from someone in the first town to get it. What's really interesting is that while Verizon is laying down fiber to many major cities and competing with Cable and DSL companies for internet service (Verizon offers 5, 15, and even 30Mbps connections), fiber has plenty of bandwidth left over for sending data like HDTV. While this review is brief and light on details, it looks like Verizon is using a similar Motorola DVR box as Comcast does for HD.

It will be interesting to see what Cable, DSL, and Satellite companies do once Verizon has fiber going to everyone's homes. Verizon just may be poised to take over a huge chunk of the market. I for one can't wait until I get a screaming fast 15Mbps connection at home at a lower price than my 4Mbps cable modem.

Comments

[IK]

This is how FIOS works for TV: a fiber cable goes into a box and copper coax comes out of the box. The data that was on the fiber is re-modualted into rf on the coax so as to be useable by a traditional STB.

What I'd like to know is how do the regualar SD channels look? On analog cable they are usually kinda fuzzy at the best and totally unwatchable at the worst. FIOS has the opportunity to deliver a signal as clean as the master broadcast which as anyone with an "old fasioned" big dish will tell you rivals DVD in clarity. If FIOS could delvier this same level of fidelity into my home without the need for the big dish I'd be all over it. Oh and the fat net access pipe is nice too. Rumar has it my area gets FIOS in mid 2006. We'll see.

[Matthew]

I had a teenager going door-to-door in my neighborhood sell me FIOS TV at home last night. He claimed that analog channels were sent uncompressed over FIOS.

I'll know for sure on the 17th, when FIOS TV is going to be installed at my house. :)

(I had to help him with his sales pitch quite a bit, but he did make a sale! I've been waiting for this service to get to me and the package, if delivered per promise, sure looks attractive.)

[Keller Kidd]

Just got FiOS TV installed today and currently resetting my TiVo to handle the new channels. Installation took about an hour (3 guys) as they also upgraded my router to a wireless D-Link (for FREE!!). Couple of new cables, upgrading my service to 15M (from 5M), resetting my house for FIOS-TV, and ripping out the Dish, and Viola! FiOS BABY!!

Picture is great, but I hardly have the equipment to test it out (35in Sony tube, TiVo 2 box). Depending on Santa, I hope to have a nice plasma under the tree to really drive this pipe! I'll also upgrade to the HD DVR package at that time, at an addt'l $9/mo.

3 boxes in 3 rooms, expanded basic (160 ch), no premium (for now). The price completely matches what I was paying Dish - about $60/mo.

Goodbye storm outages. Hello VoD!

Keller Kidd

[Texas Tiger]

Just got Verizon Fios installed yesterday.....Took them about 4 hours to get everything hooked up and going....I have a 56" Samsung DLP TV for fine HD viewing.....It has been great getting my locals in HD and ESPN 2 HD but I ran into some problems just after the installers left...HD content pictures skipped frames...I called Verizon and they fixed it within the hour by resenting the equipment...Later in the night static green images started to appear which I fixed by unplugging the receiver.....The worst of this was today when the screen when blank for no reason...I called Verizon and they got the system back up within about two hours....The only problem that I have now is that the guide will not come up.....I know its a new service for them but I have had some problems very soon....One great thing about Verizon though is that they have excellent customer service and have been very helpful unlike my last experience with Dish Network......The SD channels seem to be about the same as Dish (maybe just a little better) and when its working the program guide goes about two weeks out as opposed to Dish's 5 to 6 hour guide....Router for TV service in the office ready for internet service...The installers did a great job and the install was free...Overall I will do a back flip if Verizon can work out the kinks in the system that I have been running into so far...HD channels are great and very clear....If you have a HD TV running off of DVI cables then you will be out of luck because the Motorola Receiver does not have a port for DVI just HDMI... The receiver has several other ports that are inactive at this point but ready for USB and other future possibilities....Overall at this point I would give Verizon TV a C because of the problems...I would give their customer service an A.......I will review their internet service soon.....

[Matt]

Verizon seems to be jumping out strong with their TV offering.

I've seen it written that the monthly price for their DVR service is $12.95, and that this includes the HD channel lineup. Does anybody know if this DVR is an HD DVR? If so, can you even get an SD DVR from Verizon, or are they only offering the HD DVR, leaving the SD DVRs for the TiVos of the world to sell?

[Steven Schwartz]

The DVR for $12.95 is a HD DVR.

[Darth]

You can buy a DVI to HDMI cable. I got mine at www.bettercables.com

[fred96ws6]

According to Verizon's website the HD DVR can only only record 85hrs of std def. progamming which equals only about 8 or 9hrs. of HD recording. I find this unacceptable seeing as how I can record 30hrs of HD on my HDTivo. I would really like to get FiosTV but the HD DVR is just killing it for me.

[TV Dude]

hey fred, check out your current hard drive space -- the VZ HD DVR is 160GB - which is in line with industry standard. Anything above(up to 400GB) is speciality equip and you prob paid in excess of $600+, which would result in a 'rental' fee of $20-40 a month, is not real attractive.

[Kevin Williamson]

What hardware does the FIOS tv package include? What kind of outputs will the HD set top box include? HDMI?

[TV Dude]

Kevin, this should help with your questions

http://www22.verizon.com/FiOSForHome/channels/FiOSTV/FiosTVHome.aspx

[VZ TECH]

I install vz fios here in NY. We have heard that the service may work together with the high speed data connection to speed up the menu's, on demand and dvrs. Also wireless tv thru the router. The service is great, as a tech for 16yrs I'am imprested with the service.

[Art Tepper]

Temple Terrace, Florida is being offered the Verizon Fios Television....We have had this service for the past month. Beware!! for those TV sets without a box ...we only receive 14 channels (2 of which are Spanish, 1 religeous, 1 test pattern and 1 infomercial) However for those sets with the Verizon set top box the picture is excellent....much better than the former cable we had and you receive about 180 channels.

[Joe Velez]

Any idea when fios is coming to nyc area?

[Joe Velez]

Any idea when fios is coming to nyc area?

[TV Dude]

Joe, Massapequa wirecenter is live now.

I've been told that the following locations are on target for 1st quarter, pending Franchise Agreements:
Portchester
Pleasantville
Manhasset
Nyack
Fairview
Harrison
Great Neck

I myself am waiting on Syosset -- which is targeted for mid-year.

TV Dude

[Joe Velez]

Hey TV Dude DO you know when Staten Island might get it? I love the the broadband so the tv aspect has to be great.

[Ben]

So am I right that you have to pay for both the service and the Set Top Box (why do you have to pay monthly for the box?), so that if I got the extended basic and the HD Set Top Box, it would be $50 a month?

[artgpo]

We had the FiOS TV installed yesterday. I have had the Internet service for a few months but the TV was just offered. We switched from DirecTV to FiOS TV. The picture is beautiful, at the very least as good as DirecTV and probably better.

You do pay $3.95 per standard box and $12.95 for the DVR which is a Motorola 6416.

[mike]

Does anyone know when Anne Arundel county,specifically Severna Park,Maryland,will get Fios TV.We have had the internet service for about 4 months and I can't wait for the Fios tv so I can launch Comcast cable out of my house completely.Analog channels with the cable are horrible and Comcast says theats as good as it gets.Satellite is not an option due to tall trees.Thanks.

[MD Vios]

What is the exact breakdown of the service?
I have 4 rooms and would need one DVR.

Do the DVR's talk with each other (like Tivo Series 2)?

Can I access the DVR with a standard reciever?

When will it be in Montgomery Co MD?

Thanks in advance.

[herndon, va]

Just signed up today, so the current pricing is 34.95 for expanded basic, + 3.95 for SD set top receiver OR 12.95 for DVR receiver. Currently offering 3 room install for free, I believe each extra receiver is 3.95/mo (don't remember for sure, I only need 1). If MoCo isn't live yet, can't believe it will be long...

[Rob]

I've heard that HD over cable is really not "full HD". That is, the signal is reduced. Is that also true for HD over FIOS? I've had FIOS for broadband for more than a year and love it. The Cable broadband dropped at least once a week and was very slow because of all the other users on the cable. The FIOS is mine and I consistently get 4.5 mb/sec on a 5 mb/sec FIOS line. I was lucky to get 300kb/sec on an advertised 10 mb/sec cable line!

[Rob]

Just came across this site with some good info.

http://newscenter.verizon.com/kit/fiber/index.vtml

I have been on FiOS internet for a few months and just got the FiOS TV connected last week. I have one basic STB and the HD/DVR model. I was happy to learn that I can view the HD stations on my SD TV! I know it isn't as good as actual HD but it sure looks good! The shows that include the HD symbol in the IPG description look the best.

[VZ TECH]

Attn: Rob, the vz techs give you a speed sight that is being used by hundreds of people. use this goverment sight http://miranda.ctd.anl.gov:7123. choose the VA test page. When I'am doing install's on 5/2,15/2,30/5 or 100/15 the sight is all ways right on. Even after months of using customers tell me the speed is the same. down load is higher then what they are paying for.

[4DRVETT]

Just ordered DirecTV here in Howard County, MD. Called to order FiOS internet and was told that Verizon was just given the Franchise Rights to Howard County 2 weeks ago, and they estimate it to be available sometime in March '06. Now it looks like I may have to wait 12 months after my Satellite agreement before I can get FiOS TV.

[Craig]

I've had FIOS TV for about a week now, and I'm very disappointed. If I would have known how I'd be treated by Verizon during the install process, I would have stayed with DirectTV. The channel line-up is about the same and Video on Demand is a joke. No much of a selection. The VOD box played havoc with my network, and I still haven't fixed it yet. Double NAT problems. Maybe this is just sour grapes, but it's really not worth the hassle I went through with all the cancelled appointments and poor install.

[Dave]

Does the DVR with FiOS have a commercial skip capability? I have FiOS internet access and it is awesome and super fast compared to my old DSL line.

[Larry]

I've had Fios TV for about a month. I have two HD-DVR units and one SD unit. Channel selection is good and service has has been reliable. Only complaint I have is the DVR software is awful. Using my prior service with DirecTV/TiVo as the benchmark, Fios needs to make some substantial upgrades to equal the functionality and ease of use of TiVo. For example, show descriptions are very limited and many times will not list the actors, which makes it impossible to search for shows with certain actors. My main bitch is that I find very often the guide will not indicate if a show is a first run or a repeat and that causes the "series manager" (Fios' answer to TiVo's season pass) to go haywire and either record the wrong shows, all of them or none of them; just depends on the DVR's mood that day. There are other bugs as well but overall the Fios DVR software sucks and my PMS wife is telling me to switch back to DirecTV/TiVo since she is now having trouble recording her 75 shows each week.

My Uncle is a big wig sales VP for Verizon up in NY and is somehow involved in the Fios roll-out. I gave him my feedback and he said he would share it with the tech guys to see what they could do to improve it.

[Not happy yet]

Got Fios TV and Internet 1/25. Was with Comcast which really worked great and customer service was easy to get through to. Fios Internet not noticably faster to my eyes - but is. TV went down last night and after much time on the phone and working through resetting the box was promissed a service visit that I am still waiting for. Not impressed so far. One week of TV before the service failed and much pain in getting through to customer service. Wonder if Comcast will have me back...

[Not happy yet]

Now it's Saturday - technician never showed as promissed last night. No call and they are now late for coming this morning. I've now waited all Friday afternoon and evening and am now waiting Sat. for a technician to arrive. I've spent close to 3 hours so far on the phone either resetting the box or wading through menus to talk to someone who puts me on hold while they talk to dispatch. I'm paying for this #$@%#

[Matt]

Just got my FIOS combo service last week. It is great and far better than my cable service was. Picture is fantastic with my new HD LCD and the total cost is comparable if not slightly lower than what I was paying for Internet, phone and Cable individually.
And yes the internet is noticably faster than what I was getting with DSL. I think Verizon has a real winner.
Items needing improvement are the software and the remote.

[GSF]

I second Dave's opinion from 2/1 and others. The software on the HD DVR is the worst. I've used UltimateTV DVR and DirecTIVO. Both were much better than this. I was expecting good things since I heard the software is from MicroSoft and I really liked their UltimateTV product. The features I liked from UltimateTV do not make up for the day to day crap from this system.

Also, I have a lot of remote issues. The remote controls my TV fine so I imagine the signal is travelling the 20' to the TV area. But controlling the DVR, response is VERY slow if you get a response at all.

If things do not change, I will pay the extra $10 to go back to DirecTV once they get HD locals over satellite in the DFW area.

[Amare Tegbaru]

I'm jelous of you guys.. I live in Qwest territory where we don't have choise for FiOS. sure wish Verizon operated in this area...

[MCEUser]

Has anyone used FIOS Tv with Microsoft's XP Media Center to record and watch tv? Any gotchas or things to watch out for? I assume recording HD works? I don't have FIOS Tv in my area yet but wanted to know if anyone has tried it.

[corsair]

Am I the only one with a Toshiba big screen with split screen and dual tuners ? FIOS is great but they have dropped the ball and I lost capability. My only response from them so far is: maybe I sould call the tech guys, The tech guys say that is a problem and they don't have a solution yet..
they have been prompt on service so they get an A for effort. One problem I had lost the feed for anywhere from 5 sec to 35 sec and it would reset it self. They exchanged all connections in the loop and it appears OK so far.. Overall I like FIOS tv. The on demand is OK but not very populated in some areas.

[Jim Hohman]

As I understand it VZ charges $12.95/mo for their HD/DVR. However, nobody talks about any up front hardware costs. Do you have to pay any up front hardware costs for your 1st HD/DVR or a 2nd one? Or, just the $12.95 monthly fee? I already have 15/2 FIOS internet service and love it. Hopefully, in a couple months, Indiana law will change and we will get FIOS TV. I will be looking at a 3 TV setup, 2 HD/DVR's and 1 SD receiver.

[TV Dude]

Jim - $12.95 per DVR & $3.95 per SD box.

TVD

[Vladster]

Is there a FIOS HD receiver w/o a DVR function? I really have no use for DVR just need HDTV capability. Also, have legislative hurdles been overcome in Mongomery County MD for the service to be offered or is there some law that needs to be changed for FIOS TV to be offered here? I am already on FIOS internet

[Steve]

Anyone using TiVo with Fios TV? I've still got plain old analog cable from Cox, for the simple reason that I don't like dealing with a set top box (especially with TiVo -- I like being able to watch one program while recording another, and not having to worry about using the IR thing to change channels on a box).
Anyway, I'm intrigued by Fios for both the Internet speed, and because I can get digital TV for a few bucks less than I'm now paying for analog. The DVR would obviously solve my problems, but being cheap, and having just paid for the lifetime TiVo subscription a year ago, I'm curious as to how well TiVO would work with Fios...anybody have any experience with it?

[Rob]

I spoke to 2 people at Verizon yesterday. They said Freeport, NY (Long Island) is scheduled for Aug. 2006 - FIOS TV. Freeport has a CO (Central Office) so evidently the surrounding towns will be able to get FIOS TV also.

[Shmoos]

I was just wondering when FIOS will be in the Lawrenceville, NJ area. I hate comcast and for the last two weeks my internet keeps going on anf off. and comcast cant fix the problem. I play on-line games like WOW and SWG, and need a fast and consistent conection.

[alex]

Anybody in Manatee County, Fl. have FIOS TV yet. I live in the area where it is supposed to be available, but am told it will be a few more months. I already have fios internet and it works great.

[Chuck]

Anyone know when FIOS TV will be coming to Richmond, VA. I have the FIOS internet and love it. Can not wait to get rid of Comcast......

[Fred]

$9.99 for a HD box without the DVR.

[marc]

Hi guys,
I'm from Spain and I'm very very interested on the evolution of TV you are having in USA.
I hope s'one can answer me just two questions. Do you have HD contents in the VoD offer in Fios? And... I understand that the HD DVR (Moto 6416) gets an ethernet connection to the fiber box for the IP VoD? VoD can then be viewed in other STBs via the MoCA connection. Right?

Thanks in advance for your help

marc

[RP]

So it sounds like Verizon is stretching the truth a bit when they claim 180 channels plus 20 HD channels for $34.95. From what I'm reading, one needs to add $3.95 ($38.90 total)just to get past the basic handfull of channels and $9.95 ($45.90 total) to get HD.

[TV Dude]

Hi Marc:

Do you have HD contents in the VoD offer in Fios?
YES - Free, Subscription, and per view.

And... I understand that the HD DVR (Moto 6416) gets an ethernet connection to the fiber box for the IP VoD? VoD can then be viewed in other STBs via the MoCA connection. Right?

All the Moto boxes get an ethernet connection via the MoCa network. The communications between boxes is coming soon I've been told. Which is especially beneficital with a DVR.

TV Dude

[TV Dude]

RP -- call and get your facts straight. $39.95 for a basic digital tier. Then additional STB lease fees depending on the type of box. There are some bundle discounts available..something like $5 off if you subscribe to the internet.

TVD

[Ernie V]

Can You get NFL Sunday Ticket on Fios TV?

[Mike S]

Someone already asked this, but it wasn't answered. Can Verizon FIOS TV work without a set top converter box? I'd like to hook my current cable up to the FIOS junction, and use the internal tuners of my TV's VCR's ReplayTV, media computers, etc. I don't expect to need VOD, or premium channels. Just expanded basic.

[TV Dude]

Ernie V

No - The NFL Sunday Ticket rights is held exclusively by DirecTV thru 2010.
Heres an old story on it: http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA479045.html

doesn't make much sense does it? IMO.. the NFL, CBS, & Fox, could have made 3x the amount if they contracted it to any interested major provider.

TV Dude

[How about baseball?]

I can't seem to get an answer to my question--will Verizon Fios offer MLB Extra Innings???

[TV Dude]

How about BBall?

I had the same questions. The answer is 'currently' No, but I've been told to stayed tuned.

TV Dude

[CA Fios user]

Ok.. I see comments about FIOS TV on the east coast and Mid West... What about the West Coast? I am in Southern California and have FIOS 15/2 internet connection but I have not heard about FIOS TV in my area....Anyone know when they will offer it to SO CAL?

[Robby]

CA FiOS user,

If you're in Murrieta, Ca I believe Verizon just got a franchise agreement with them. If you're in Beaumont than FiOS TV is ready. I'm a Verizon tech, but on the Copper side. Email me @ meanss96@yahoo.com if you need additional info.

[Verizon's last hope]

Just got FIOS TV March 10 in Fairfax Co, VA. Works great. Bummed that it requires set top boxes but they are easier to learn than satellite. So far nothing but good to say about the service (Internet, telephone, and television). Even the installers were a notch above.

[Mark]

Does anyone know when VZ FIOS TV will be getting the Golf Channel in Flower Mound, TX? I won't switch until they do.

[Mark]

Does anyone know when VZ FIOS TV will be getting the Golf Channel in Flower Mound, TX? I won't switch until they do.

[Gary]

VZ is offering FIOS TV in Texas now... I have had FIOS 15/2M for months and love it. The FIOS TV seems to have issues. I have DISH with the dual tuner w/UHF & IR remotes which allows me to feed my whole house with one DVR. Does anyone know if ZV will add something similar? I don't want separate boxes all over.... centralized DVR is great.

[Gary]

Another VZ FIOS TV question.... I have a low opinion of using wireless. (have used 802.11g MIMO with unreliable results) Can the set top boxes be hardwired to ethernet rather than be wireless?

[TV Dude]

Gary, read through the previous posts. All your questions have been answered.

1.) Centralized DVR ... coming soon I am told.

2.) STB are hardwired via the MoCA network. They do not operate wirelessly

TVD

[Ike]

Will verizon fios offer cable cards? I am looking at purchasing a new samsung dlp and it has a slot for a cable card.

And does cable card provide hd channels or will i need to get a hd stb regardless?

[Strom1]

I'm in Fairfax, VA and I had FIOS TV installed in mid February. I had Dishnetwork for about 8 years up until the switch. Overall I give the picture quality a high rating, as well as the satellite. I do have some negative comments, the installers were inexperienced. I took about 5 techs more than 6 hours to get the install completed. They used the old satellite wiring although I had asked them to run new wires. I had some hanging from the ceiling than were temporarily installed and that's what they used. Also, I have 1 DVR and it is no where as capable as my Dish HD receiver. I hope the come out with a more powerful receiver because this is a major disappointment.

[Mars]

Interesting blog. I was thinking that I should have researched this site before ordering. I have had success w/Verizon in the past & looked forward to getting FIOS TV.

Ike & others, can you tell me what is involved in the install. My home is already FIOS DSL, but I noticed that some of my rooms where I'll have the STB don't have coax terminals.

A few questions:
- What should I be aware of during the install to prevent any system downtime or whatever
- Do I have to worry about butchering my walls etc?
- Can I get them to install coax terminals in rooms where I plan to set up a STB & TV in the near future?

TIA, Mars

[jeff]

Howard County, MD: had FIOS internet and TV installed yesterday... took 3 techs 7 hours. they were perfectly accomodating and did a nice job. My only complaint -- we have SD set top boxes (the picture is best I've ever seen for SD) that have an astounding deficit: you cannot program the box to change channels unattended... so recording on a schedule when you're away is pretty much out with 1 excpetion: our DVD burner and VCR can see the lower 48 channels w/o the set top box. this gives you a devil's choice- you can put the burner/vcr before the set top box to use the burner's/vcr's scheduling ability but you lose all channels above 48 or you can put the burner/vcr after the set top box to get all the channels but you lose any ability to schedule

Jeff

[myrwon]

Like most of you, I also have Fios internet and TV. Internet runs flawless but on the TV side of the house……… Well same as most of you that are running on STB and HD DVR(6416)
Picture: awesome
Set boxes: needs alot of improvements. (slow changing channel, Menus are junk, etc)
Installation time 3.5hrs (using existing in-house wiring) for internet and TV
Price: Just a bit cheaper then DTV

But everyone knows that with ALL new services/equipment there are going to be bugs to fix and technicians are also new to this. So the experience doesn't exist at this time.

Face it; we are all Guinea pigs right now

I’m trying to be positive about this crap but don’t know for how much longer (haha)

Fios internet service: 11/05
Fios TV service: 2/06
Located: Tampa, Fl

[Night Owl]

I've had Fios from Verizon for almost one year in Keller, Texas. We took part in the original deployment. We have a 62HDTV and the picture comes in GREAT. The set top box DVR by MOTO is yet to be desired. You darn near have to be precise w/ the remote, otherwise the signal doesn't get to the receiver.

FYI: For newbies. Don't go out and purchase any new equipment or cables. Verizon supplies everything. Even the HDMI cable! ( This will save you approx. $120 )

After they left, I decided to test the feed by by passing the DVR and plugging directly into our TV. YES! HD signals come in just as clean.

What I did: Split the signal w/ a one by four splitter. Ran two coax to the set top box and back into the TV. Built a dual tuner MS Windows Media Center workstation w/ wireless card.

Now I can record 4 HDTV channels at once, while I watch the 5th through the antenna I ran to the attic. www.antennaweb.org for your antenna solution.

Good Luck everyone,

One Satisfied Verizon Customer.

[TVD]

anyone else around here find it funny on how many supposed 'disappointed' FiOS TV customers have just recently attacked the blogs. Sounds more to me like some of the cable companies are getting a little worried. If anyone knows, please tell me what the requirements are for a "Message Board Basher" job posting?

all newbies and learners out there.. don't be fooled by the people on here. I'm sure there are bugs to be worked out, and some folks have valid complaints,but some of this stuff is downright ignorant. its new technology.. Verizon is advancing, while everyone else stands still.

All STB's are supplied by Motorola... same as the majority of the industry leaders. Its the same freaking equipment for everyone.. just tuned for Verizon... give me a break on all this other, my box did this and my box did that --

and yes, verizon offers cable cards. just ask for it when ordering.

TVD

[JackO]

I've had Verizon FIOS TV installed 2 weeks ago. I was already a Verizon 15/2 Internet customer. I'm in North Tampa. Was a Brighthouse Networks customer for 1 year (about a year ago). I was a DirecTV customer for the past 7 years.

Here's the good, bad, and getting better....

GOOD:
1. WONDERFUL tech people. The guy that came out to do the install was very knowledgeable, kind, courteous. Grant you, my house was pre-wired for this type of stuff, but he knew his stuff. 4 TV install took about 2 hours.

2. Channel Lineup is very strong. Especially given the price. Better than DirecTVs (more HD offerings). Better than cable (more channels, better overall picture).

3. The DVR. Yeah, the DVR is not as sexy as a DirecTivo, but it's really not bad. I actually like it. Compared to the cable companies' DVR (ScientificAtlanta), this DVR is Wonderful!! I've had no stability problems. Decent size Hard Drive.

4. Clean setup. I've got one SD box, one HD box, and 2 HD DVR's. (and it's still $15 bucks a month cheaper than DirecTV, $30 cheaper than cable!). Basically, they put a "cable modem" type of device that takes the TCP/IP traffic off the coax connected to the set-tops and pumps it out over your Internet connection for Video on Demand.

5. Video on Demand. Yes, this is SD only. Yes, the library is not huge. BUT, it is really great. A ton of stuff is free. My kids watch disney channel shows before they even show up on broadcast. No Ads!! I can watch a History Channel show without any interruptions. Yes, the picture quality needs the most help, but as H.264 and Windows Media moves out, this will only get better. Hooray to Verizon for pushing the envelope here. Cable's VOD is an absolute joke compared to Verizon's.

the NOT SO GREAT...
1. No 30-second skip. The DVR would be great if it had this, but I have a feeling that we'll never see it because of the gripes from the advertisers... (of course this is not an *advertised* feature of DirecTivo either, and I expect it to go away when DirecTV comes out with their new DVR).

2. The cable network interface has been a bit unstable. If VOD is unavailable, I have to go unplug the little box and reboot. It's happened about once a week.

3. Picture Quality. Overall, HD is great. The ESPN feeds are so much better than they were on DirecTV. The SD Picture quality has been a bit disappointing.

BUT, GETTING BETTER....
1. Verizon is coming out tomorrow (the tech left his direct dial number), and is correcting the picture quality problem. They believe they are pumping out too much signal over the coax and are going to "turn it down", to stop some of the picture interference in SD. We'll see, but I'm impressed they responded in less than a day to fix it.

SUMMARY
Verizon has a winner here. Well trained techs, strong channel lineup, improving technology, and a slick example of what's next. If I were the cable company, I'd worry. Verizon now offers better Internet and TV at better prices than the local cable company. Most of all, Verizon has no "arrogance" here. They know they are the underdogs, they are bending over backwards to be helpful.

I love competition!

[Melvin Woods]

Mios Dios! FIOS....Should I give up Cox Cable ($95.91 a month), and get Verizon FIOS ($98.07 a month) that offers 22 HD channels (my plan), and, several movie channels (that I would have to pay extra for with Cox Cable)? Or, should I go ahead and pay $9.00 more a month than what I am paying now to get my phone, TV, and DSL services upgraded to Verizon FIOS ($171.00 a month)? The customer service alone is more than worth it for me to take the plunge (despite the fact that I have heard many complaints on this site). I believe it's a no-brainer. I get my "transformation" to "true" broadband on 28 April 2006 (which tells me that the demand is great for FIOS). Cox Cable (and all the other cable companies) should be afraid of Verizon FIOS. Now, if only Verizon can just win me over with their cell phone service (I'm a dedicated Cingular customer)....

[Flip]

Just had FIOS (Internet, cable, and phone) installed. It took over 7 hrs for one tech to complete but he did a good job and was understanding of my lack of tech intellegence.
The computer is now tracking at 5 megs compared to Comcast which was a 6 meg service but never better than 1 meg in reality.
The TV is comparable to Comcast "except" my small kitchen Trinitron without a box has less then expected quality sound. Also the voluum has to be lowered quite a bit... Adding a box, which is bigger than the tv, is not going to happen, not with the limited counter space my wife has.
Any ideas out there...?
Also the limited channel available with the non-box set up is very disappointing. Was told a cable card could correct but the tv has no receptical for it.
Over all I'm pleased with the change over and I expect the bugs will get worked out

Flip in Mass....

[BillMc]

I am waiting for Montgomery Co MD to let FiOS TV go ahead, but very interested in the FiOS internet (as soon as available, ran lines but not yet ready) My question is, are standard coax lines used in the home to connect the TV's for Fios TV ?. I am redoing my basement and would like to prewire everything in the walls.

I currently have comcast cable moden and TV. So like most here cant wait to kick them to the curb.

Thanks,
Bill

[JohnS]

How much does installation cost for Fios TV? I'm trying to gauge how much I could save by going to Fios.

Right now, I've got DirecTV (total choice, 2 SD boxes) and Verizon DSL/land line/wireless. So I don't have a huge bill as it is, but every little savings helps...

[StuckWith Adelphia]

Does Verizon install FIOS Internet / TV in houses that do not have CAT 5? On their web page it mentions the CAT 5 requirement

[Dawna Sullivan]

I was wondering if anyone could please email me and let me know if they have any idea if Chelmsford mass will be getting fios tv from verizon any time soon? I live in a townhouse community do not have option for satelitte tv and i do not like comcast being my only choice.

[DanO]

Hay how much rewiring in involver in this install for FISOTV.

[Matt]

FiOS Hardware: ONT (Optical Network Terminal) is installed where the fiber comes into the house. It requires a power source (110V) also has battery back up. Has connections for phone, network and TV coax. Need CAT5 from ONT to location of router. TV is run as normal with a splitter and RG6 coax cable. TV also requires a MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance). MoCA is used for VOD. MoCA requires an RG6 coax to/from splitter and Network CAT5 to/from router. TV STB: Standard Def (2500), HD, HD DVR (QIP6416). Installation is free.

[JackO]

UPDATE: FIOS Standard Definition Channels. Picture Quality.

Well, Verizon came out, checked out the hardware, everything is fine here at the house.

The issue is that the SD channels seem to be a bit "over-compressed" (digital channels such as CNN, Disney, Bravo, etc). I'm seeing many motion artifacts on these channels.

Turns out Verizon knows about this. Sounds like they are trying to be a bit cute with their compression at the head-end (or the HD box really stinks at SD content).

Is the SD picture quality horrible? No, it's on par with Digital Cable, but not as good as DirecTV SD.

Now, the HD channels are another story. The HD channels are outstanding. Better than any other platform right now.

ANSWERS:
1. Yes, Cat-5E is required to install FIOS right now. That may change in the future. They may support MoCA for PC's in your house as well in the future.

2. TV is all handled by the existing RG6 coaxial cable in your home. Yes, there is a little MoCA interface box for Video-On-Demand. TV install should be pretty easy for most homes.

[TV Dude]

CAT5 wiring is not a requirement. The techs will use CAT5 for the MOCA NIM's to the Receiver at each TV, but your house does not need to be prewired. VZ uses MoCA to transfer IP over the Coax, eliminating the need for CAT5 wiring all over the house.

TVD

[TV Dude]

Correction: just found out Motorola has built the MOCA chipset into the receivers now, therefore no MOCA device or CAT5 to the STB is required. The only CAT5 run would be from the ONT outside the house to your router location.

TVD

[MG]

Have had FIOS TV and Net since 4/1 and no complaints at all in Massapequa Park. Service is better then Optimum. DVR mimics TIVO features.

[JL]

I just scheduled FIOS Internet (5/2) and FIOS TV for installation in 2 weeks. I will have one HD DVR, one SD Setop Box and I can't wait to kick Comcast away. I am in Howard County, MD. Right now I don't even have a SD box for my bedroom nor DVR and the combined bill is already much higher than the Verizon cost.

Is the 5/2 package already faster than Comcast?

[Pau]

Perhaps a simple question, but do I understand with Fios that for SD tv a set top box is needed, a cable ready tv or vcr will no longer work with fios unless there is a set top box?? Thanks

[Guy A]

I've been using Verizon FiOS for over a week now and love it! But one major fallback is the receiver. I am almost ready to cancel the TV subscription because of it, that is how I came across this website searching for a new HD DVR tuner. I have the Motorola HD DVR and it is the biggest piece of crap! Motorola should not be in the business of making tv receivers. I switched from DishNetwork and am spoiled with their receivers.

[Strom1]

I agree with you Guy A. I had a Dish receiver 921, and its light years ahead of the Verizon HD DVR. I talked to Verizon tech a month ago and he said they were testing new receivers but would not given me any details of when they would be available etc. The tech was a former Dish tech and he said the new receivers will still not be nearly as capable as higher end receivers like the 921. Let's hope Verizon gets enough pressure from the customers so they actually field good high quality receivers sooner than later. I wish I could use my 921.

[Starjet3000]

I've had FiOS internet and TV service for about two months. I would grade the TV service "C".

The TV service has its problems.
1. The DVR automatically records 3 minutes over the scheduled time of the show. A feature set up by verizon for some reason.This causes a problem if you are recording back to back TV shows and watching live TV at the same time. It forces you to decide if you want to keep recording or continue to watch live TV during the 3 minutes the back to back shows overlap.
2. There is no Picture in Picture TV capability within the box. Can’t understand this since the DVR allows you to record two shows at the same time and has dual tuners.
3. The Motorola DVR has no capability to change the Aspect Ratio when the HD channel is not transmitting in HD.
4. The DVR runs into problems fast forwarding when the show is longer than 2 hours.
5. The DVR tends to freeze during longer shows. You have to change changes to get it to unfreeze.
6. Customer Service needs improvements. Techs did not know the box did not have pic in pic capability, did not know about the aspect ratio, and did not know of the 3 minute overlap. In fact I new more about the box than they did. Additionally, the ording service needs alot of improvement.

While the picture is excellent, I would recommend you stay with your current provider until they fix these issues.

[BobA]

Does anyone know if you can purchase a basic STB for Verizon FIOS instead of 'renting' it? Verizon says no... but I'm guessing there may be a way around that.

[john]

Any ideas when Fios TV comes to Staten Island NY?

[David]

I live in Manatee county, FL and am having the FIOS Tv installed this coming Friday..After being with Directv since it's inception it will be interesting to see how FIOS compares...
Hope I made the right choice..
With respect to FIOS internet I really can't tell a difference in speed between it and the VZ DSL..

[JL]

I just got FIOS TV and Internet installed yesterday. Three techs came over and they were very professional and courteous. I already have CAT5 wiring in the house so that made their job a little easier. Overall, based on the speed tests I have done from dslreports.com the 5/2 package is comparable to cable in download but the upload speed is light years ahead.

I am happy with the TV package as well (one day so far) since the only thing I could compare to is the PACE HD receiver I had with Comcast. The installation crew even gave me a HDMI cable for my TV. Pictures are crisp. My TV's picture setting is adjusted for component source before. I wonder if I should recalibrate it for the HDMI source?

One thing that I am not sure is the D-Link Wireless G router they provided. They said that I have to use that router so the NIM box would work for the video download. I currently have the Linksys router and I think it performs better. Oh well, the D-Link does work. I had a problem while configuring outlook express for the new email and called their customer service at 11:00 PM and someone answer me and resolve the problem. Their customer support is 24/7. There was about 15-20 minutes of wait time. So my new TV+internet bill is 15% less than before and I get more for the TV service.

My father's home was also upgraded to FIOS internet yesterday and there was only one tech for him. He doesn't have CAT5 wiring so the tech fish the wire through the attic from one side of the house to the other. The install went through fine and I am also considering upgrading his TV service to FIOS since the picture quality has deteriorated.

All in all, I think I have a pretty good experience with the Verizon install. Based on what the techs told me, they have quite busy as a lot of people are signing up. I think people just got fed up with the Comcast monopoly...

[Fred]

Does anyone have the link to the fios Coverage area. What States and towns they are in now. I do not want the page that you enter in your address and they tell you if avail. I want the one page that lists all current areas you can get it in. I had it and lost it

thanks

[Starjet]

I have had Fios for about two months and this is my take:

Is the picture better than digital cable NO
Is it cheaper than digital cable YES
Is the customer service better NO
Does FIOS have more HDTV YES
Is the DVR box better NO Many flaws (No PIP, No ability to change aspect ratio, overrun of record time)

Recommendation
If you have digital cable already ask alot of questions before you change
If you have sat or regular cable make the change

[DanO]

I have read some comments on changing the aspect ratio. I may be wrong but you can change the settings on your FiOS box to allow aspect ratio changing by hitting these two buttons in sequence. With the TV on, and the FiOS box on turn. You will then need to turn the FiOS Box Off then quickly hit the Menu button, This should bring up a black and white menu. This menu is quite safe. From this menu you can change the TV screen Size as well as the 4:3 view. One of these setting allows the Aspect ratio to be fluid so that you can change it while viewing. At least it worked no my Fios Box and TV.
Just one warning if you are using a HDMI or a DVI cord do not change this setting. IF you do you may have to hook up a RCA cord to get the screen back, so you can change the setting back.

[Ed]

Got Fios installed last week. So far the service is great. Internet speed is much faster than Comcast. I am also getting better picture quality. One drawback, The need for a set top box. I have a flat screen mounted on the wall and have no place for a set top box. At least not a HUGE one like the ones currently offered by Verizon. There is no need for the boxes to be so large, half of the functionality is disabled (USB ports-Disabled, Audio-In Disabled, Video-In Disabled, Smart Card-Disabled, TV Pass Card-Disabled) Can I get a smaller box? or remove the need for the Set top box in order to get expanded basic.

[Tmax]

FIOS TV SUCKS!
The fetures are just not there and Verizon is piss poor in addressing customer needs. I am going back to Dish. At least I will be able to record more and have the ability to skip commericals in recorded material.

[G]

Getting FiOS isntalled- have my own LG HDTV tuner/PVR that was designed for OTA and cable- anybody out there NOT using Verizon STBs?

Any problems?

[CA Fios user]

OK.. I have had FIOS internet 15/2 since march and I love it, Does anyone know when they will offer FIOS TV in Southern California. I see it in other states whats the hold up?

[Bruce]

Just received the FiOS TV two days ago. Installation went well. After reviewing this site, here's my take on things. If you blow over $80 in TV rental equipment and service a month with all the HD stuff and over the top TiVo equipment, you might want to wait a while to make the switch. For myself, I was a typical $30/mo Dish Network subscriber. My experience is that the picture and sound are both significantly better with FiOS TV. I'm using an SD box on an older 27" GE tv connected via RCA cables and I have the DVR connected to an old JVC 57" widescreen non-hdtv via RCA as well. I have an additional optical cable coming from the DVR attached to my surround system.

I had two techs come out. One was there to learn the TV end of it and was going to the TV tech school soon. The other was a very knowledgable FiOS TV tech. I think that some of the bad comments on this site may come from possibly getting a bad installer. The tech I had was very diligent in checking the dBs on the signal at every port making sure that the signal was within a certain range using both high and low frequency channels. He used some sort of $5000 peice of equipment to do this. If it wasn't right, he'd redo the connection till it was right.

As far as the DVR and functionality goes, I have the same problem with the IR remote having to be pointed right at the box for it to work. The other equipment that I'm running from the remote isn't as picky so I would suspect it's the DVRs sensor that is the issue (BTW, this remote was able to run most of the basic functions for my TV, DVD, and Surround System which is great for remote clutter reduction). There is a port in the back of the DVR and SD boxes for IR so if you happen to have an IR extendor or something like that, it could possibly improve that issue. The other possibilities this could address is those of you with plasmas mounted on the wall or even projectors. With a little in wall wiring and creative thinking you could virtually put that DVR whereever you wanted as long as you had a long enough AV cables to get to where they need to go.

I can forsee a lot of upgrades and more functionality to come with FiOS TV, and I'm sure it will eventually surpass the DirecTV services. Just remember that all of this is pretty new and they probably need a larger customer base before they can start pumping more money into upgrades, on top of that there's probably not that many third party software companies on the Motorola DVR bandwagon yet, but I'm sure it's coming soon. I do know one functionality that is coming. The ability to watch recorded shows on one DVR from any box in the house.

Well, I guess I've blogged enough for now, but I'm really wanting to see what I can do with that ethernet port. If anyone has tried playing around with it, please share your findings. I called Verizon and they did say the port was active, but they weren't sure what you could do with it. I'm wanting network access to it to set up recording if wanted and possibly building something in PHP to interface a little website with it to pull up a schedule. I've seen a firewire solution for one of the Motorola boxes that I would be would work with this, but I'm more interested in the ethernet abilities. For interests in the firewire option see the following...
http://macteens.com/index.php/features/fullstory/how_to_make_your_own_home_theatre_mac_htmac/
It's not the same exact model, but I bet it works.

[Bruce]

PS I was talking to someone this morning about the install and he also just received FiOS TV. He said he was able to hook up his TiVo using wireless networking to receive the guide and I'm assuming the channels work fine. When I asked Verizon if I could purchase my own box before knowing this, they said no. Now don't take this to heart and expect your TiVo to work with FiOS TV and by all means don't go out and buy one if you have FiOS TV or about to get it. I have not tested this. This is purely coming via another person telling me. So this could just be a rumor. I suspect he's a reliable source since he actually sells the VoD server solutions to companies, but I'd like to pick his brain a little more on the subject matter before making the claim that this works.