An HD Fios Newbe

[cotterpf]

Hey Guys... great to see that there is a site devoted to Tampa's HD enthusiasts:!: I have just had Fios with a basic package added and also have purchased a 26" LCD Flat screen 16:9 HD tv. I have to admit that my first impression was dissapointment when I was forced to stretch my 4:3 signal to fit the 16:9 picture, it looked distorted. I have played with the settings and other modes have helped the overalll quality, yet you can tell that the picture is cropped. Anyway... If I am correct, High definition is natively 16:9. This has prompted a couple of questions on my part:

* Does the fios basic box allow for local broadcasts of HD?

* Is it necessary to get the HD box to see local HD Broadcasts? Does the basic Fios box block local station HD Broadcasts?

* Is it necessary to have a HDMI Cable connection for HD?

* How do you know if the picture is in HD and in a 16:9 aspect ratio? Is there an easy way to tell?

Basically looking to get the most out of Fios and my HD TV. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

Pat Cotter
Tampa, FL

[Bschneider]

Welcome to the Forum!


* Does the fios basic box allow for local broadcasts of HD?

No.


* Is it necessary to get the HD box to see local HD Broadcasts? Does the basic Fios box block local station HD Broadcasts?

Yes


* Is it necessary to have a HDMI Cable connection for HD?

No. You can use component also.


* How do you know if the picture is in HD and in a 16:9 aspect ratio? Is there an easy way to tell?

Only channel 800-849 will be in HD. The AR (aspect ratio) will depend on the channel and what they broadcast. For example, when the channels do not show an HD program, they will broadcast with black side bars, usually. There is any easy way to tell once you see the difference.

[Gerryex]

* Is it necessary to get the HD box to see local HD Broadcasts? Does the basic Fios box block local station HD Broadcasts?

Hi cotterpf,

If your HDTV has a CableCard slot then you can get the CableCard which is only $2.95 per month. This will allow your TV to tune into all the channels you subscribe to INCLUDING all the HD channels.

Gerry

[Bschneider]

Oops.. I guess I forgot about the CableCards.

Thanks Gerry.

[Jodeus]

I just checked the Verizon website and don't see a cablecard option listed. Is anyone actually using this with FIOS? Do they support TV Guide OS as well?

-Jody

[Gerryex]

I just checked the Verizon website and don't see a cablecard option listed. Is anyone actually using this with FIOS? Do they support TV Guide OS as well?

-Jody


Hi Jody,

Yes, I am currently using one with my Sony TV, and it works just fine. And yes, it does not show up anywhere on the FiOS web site, but just call the main number and ask for one to be installed. Most cable companies and FiOS don't like to push them as they can't charge too much for them and the current version does NOT support VOD or PPV, which is a big source of income for them. It only costs $2.95 per month. I got mine installed within the first 30 days of my hook-up, so there was no installation charge but if you're out of that period then there will probably be a charge.

Gerry

P. S. Also, since this is the first version of Cable Card, there is no programming guide of any kind, unless your TV itself can provide one (mine can't) and while the channel banner will have the station's call letters, there will not be any program description.

[Maestro]

Gerry,

Most likely FIOS is blocking your onscreen guide that came with the TV from working. Another ploy from our tv friends to get you to buy a box. They are only offering cable cards because they have to...

When the installer put mine in, I tried the internal guide on the Sharp Aquos. No dice, only call letters. He told me it is pretty common for cable companies to block that info for the reasons I stated...

M

[Jodeus]

Thanks for the info.

If I remember correctly, if you're using the TV Guide On Screen can be pulled from Over the Air. So if they offer the FIOS line-up that might be a work around.

-Jody