New FIOS TV customer in New Port Richey

[JimG]

I just switched from BHN to FIOS-TV, and here are my initial impressions.

I don't have an HDTV yet, but got the non-DVR HD box because I am in the market.

GOOD

1. More channels for a bit less money.

2. Foreign channels (premium, though)

3. On demand access for premium channels is free if you subscribe to the channel. BHN charged extra. BHN didn't even have STARZ on demand. FIOS does.

4. Less nickel and diming. No monthly charge for their cheapo remote.

5. The NFL Network!


BAD

1. Big back-up unit in my garage, taking up a grounded outlet I use for my irrigation system and power tools. I have to get a power squid or something, I suppose.

2. SDTV picture quality seems a tad less clear than BHN. Not bad enough that I would complain about on its own, but enough to notice the difference.
Any suggestions for improvement would be helpful.

3. PPV movies and such seem a little more expensive.

[JimG]

I have no specific input as yet on the customer service standpoint. The guy arrived within his time window and installation went smoothly.

BHN was horrible. In fact, it was their crappy customer service in connection with an outage report that turned an otherwise reasonably satisfied customer into someone who couldn't disconnect fast enough within the space of about an hour.

If nothing else, it's great and somewhat ironic that BHN and Verizon, both historically arrogant monopolies in cable tv and telecommunications, respectively, are getting into each other's core businesses and providing competition to each other, ultimately forcing price cuts and improved customer service.

BHN hasn't gotten the message yet, at least in my experience.

Time will tell with Verizon.

[JimG]

It's been a few months now since I first got FIOS, and all in all, I'm glad I made the switch.

When I have had to call customer service, they have been very helpful, and unlike BHN, the rep actually knew what he was talking about. BHN customer service reps always seemed clueless.

I don't know anymore if there is any difference in SDTV quality. I seemed to think so in November. The FIOS SDTV picture is certainly fine.

My only complaint is the endless and annoying loop of Verizon commercials you have to sit through while browsing the VOD menus. Please stop!