First Impressions of FIOS-TV

[pilotbob]

Ok,

So, I now have the FIOS TV and Internet service installed and working. (Took 10 hours over 2 days to install, see other thread.) BTW: I am in the Carollwood area in Hillsborough county.

After having used the TV service for one night, here are my impressions. BTW: I come from BHN and their HD-DVR box. I am still getting used to the new box and features also.

Things I liked:
Picture is clear, no drop outs on any channels I watched.

Could set to record Episode or Series.

Could set series to record "All or New" (Something else, don't remember choice, will edit this later.)

Could alter start time by minutes before.

Could alter end time by adding minutes.

You can specify to record only at specific time, or any time.

When viewing the "To Record" list, it displays conflicts and what show has a conflict.

When setting to record a Series and there was a conflict on "some" days it asked you if you wanted to record it, or the other show. (I think that is what it was asking here.)

When playing a show that was currently recording, it started at the beginning.

Position in watched recorded shows seemed to be bookmarked so I didn't have to start at the beginning again.

Fast forward indicator shows how many minutes total are recorded and how many minutes/second into the recording you are. So, for example, I could tell you to watch 60 minutes at 8:52 in and you would be able to FF/Rew to that spot.

You can set up a list of "Favorite" channels.

You can remove channels from the Guide that you don't like. (It looked like, I didn't do this yet.)


Things I didn't like:
(Some of these could be wrong cause I don't know how.)
they had to set up this "extra" box in my house. It connects to the cable and to the internet router. I was told it was for the OSG and PPV stuff. This should be integrated in the ONT, shouldn't it?

No way to set default record options. For example, once I set it to record a series, I have to go back in to tell it I only want new episodes. That should be a choice when you set it, like BHN does. Same with only at this time or at any time choice.

Fast forward seems to have multiple speeds (good), but there is no indicator as to what speed you are on (bad).

Pressing play while it is FFing seems to lag. I just may need to get used to this. There is a Replay button which seems to jump back about 10 seconds.

No 30 second forward. (Of course BHN didn't have this either, but my ReplayTV does.) I can't imaging a cable company putting this on their box though.

Still doesn't deal with the networks playing with times. For example, Deal or NoDeal was in the guide as 8:00 - 9:01. Yes, show this as a conflict, but start recording the other show at 9:02 rather than having me loose those whole show. It seems that the software should be smart enough to deal with this. (No, there was no way to tell it to stop Deal early, only late. Unless I did a manual record.)

The remote has the round area with 4 arrows and the "enter/select" in the center. This is used for general navigation in the guide and menus. While watching recorded content the right arrow works as a FF (good) but the select doesn't work as a play (bad). This is bad because the VCR buttons are at the top of the remote which is an awkward location to FF through commercials. (Perhaps this was on purpose.)

Hard drive seems small. Not sure what size it is, but I only had two 1 hour HD shows and one 1 hour SD show recorded and it said 12% space used. Hope I can add one. There are a few USB ports on the thing.

Remote had kinda small/close together buttons for a ham fisted guy like me. Of course, remotes can be replaced. I will have to try to program my Universal remote for this cable box to see if it works.

Display on cable box displays clock while watching live, but when watching a recording it says "PLA" (short for play I guess) or "FF" or "REW" the whole time. I want the clock to display.

Since the service is all digital I can't use my ReplayTV without using a box and an IR blaster. (Not sure about this, Verizon guys seemed to think there were some analog channels... will test this soon.)


Internet

I know this is the TV area, but someone asked about internet. Seems fine. Doesn't seem as fast as I expected for 15/2mbps... different test sites show different speeds. However, one installer that was there saturday said since they integrated with MCI's network there is some problem. But, he feels it will be worked out soon.

Anyway, that's about it. Let me know if you have specific questions. I will try to update this as I find out more and use it more.

BOb

[FTBoomerIII]

Great write-up Bob,


Thanks & Keep Us informed

[pilotbob]

Ok,

I now noticed there IS a fast forward speed indicator in the upper right corner of the screen. I'm pretty sure this wasn't there before. There seem to be 4 FF speeds indicated by FF1, FF2, FF3, FF4. The AVS forum talks about an update which improved this, so I assume my unit downloaded an update monday night.

Also, a nice new feature which I guess was stolen from TiVo... when you press play while it is fast forwarding it jumps back a few seconds to make up for your reaction time.

Finally got to watch some recorded HD, Idols and NCIS, both excellent picture with no dropouts. I have only seen one brief pixelization so far and that was on an SD show recorded from WB-HD channel.

Also, it appears the DVR has the same size hard drive as BHN's, 160gig, but it still seems to use more room. Perhaps due to Verizon using less compression. Still researching to see if I can add an external hard drive.

BOb

[bigjohnson666]

There is a 30 second skip:

1) Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3) Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice
4) Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button
5) Type in the code 00173 (for 30 second Skip).
6) Press whatever button you want to map the skip or swap function to.

It was an option on my Harmony Remote already and works great.

Jeff

[Gerryex]

There is a 30 second skip:

1) Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3) Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice
4) Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button
5) Type in the code 00173 (for 30 second Skip).
6) Press whatever button you want to map the skip or swap function to.

It was an option on my Harmony Remote already and works great.

Jeff


Hi Jeff,

I'm in Pasco County, and I have FIOS for internet and the phone. TV should hopefully be available soon!

I have a Harmony 880, and I really would like the 30 second skip. Are you saying that the Harmony database already has the codes for the FIOS DVR?

Thanks,
Gerry

[Gerryex]

Ok,

So, I now have the FIOS TV and Internet service installed and working
. . . . .
they had to set up this "extra" box in my house. It connects to the cable and to the internet router. I was told it was for the OSG and PPV stuff. This should be integrated in the ONT, shouldn't it?
. . . . .
BOb

Hi Bob,

I'm in Pasco County and I anxiously await FIOS TV (hopefully soon!!).

I read another thread about this extra box. Does it only connect to the cable and then to the internet router? From what I read there is no connection from the box to the DVR. Is this correct?

If correct, though I agree with you it should be in the ONT, it won't be too much of a problem for me as all my cable and Cat-5 runs end up in one box. However if there is a connection from this box to the DVR, then I have a problem.

If the above is correct do you know how it communicates with the DVR?

Thanks,
Gerry

[pilotbob]

Does it only connect to the cable and then to the internet router? From what I read there is no connection from the box to the DVR. Is this correct?


Yes and yes.


If correct, though I agree with you it should be in the ONT,


The installer said in future versions of the ONT it will be integrated, which he was looking forward to cause it would be easier for the installer.


If the above is correct do you know how it communicates with the DVR?


The set top boxes talk to this box via the RF cable. This box talks to Verizon via the Router/Data line. So, even if you don't get internet you still have a data connection. The box is supposed to be for onscreen guide, VOD and PPV I believe I was told.

BOb

[Bschneider]

I read another thread about this extra box. Does it only connect to the cable and then to the internet router? From what I read there is no connection from the box to the DVR. Is this correct?

This 'extra box' is what they called the NIM. It uses two connections, an RG6 (Cable) and an RG45 (Internet). It pulls the television guide from the internet for the cable box. It is an IP addressable internet device that use the 192.168.0. network. If I am not mistaken if you have a router that is not using this IP network, then the NIM will fail to work and hence the guide on the TV will fail.

[pilotbob]

2) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.


My remote doesn't have a "Setup" button.

BOb

[Harry]

Just got my Fios installed today. A couple of reactions. They came ringing the doors a couple of weeks ago they wanted to replace the copper to the house with Fiber even if you were not going to get any of their advanced services. They are just trying to turn off the old net and get down to one to maintain.

I took their offer to try out the TV since that will be the big gate to me if I am willing to switch internet and go thru the hassle of changing my mail id. They came and installed today. 2 guys about 5 hours. The big problem was the old phone box was on the wrong side of the house from all the coax and power outlets so they had to do a lot of messing around and running stuff thru the attic. It was also pouring rain which did not speed up anything.

They installed the connection for the internet and even left the wireless router in case I switched over. I guess they might need that for their NIM.

In any case, there is some kind of problem with the sports package. I am supposed to get it but it is not there and the 800 number tried to "hit" the box a couple of times which they did but nothing changed. They have sent the problem to second level and said they would be back to me in 24 to 48 hours. That is not too great, glad I am not paying for it yet.

Setting up a recording in the DVR seems nicer than BHN. Interface is friendlier.

The HD picture looks great on my Samsung DLP. I am very impressed. I also like all the extra HD channels. I am not impressed however with the regular digital channels. They look just okay at best on the TV. I thought the BHN regular digital channels looked better. I might have to hook it back up to check it out. It is like they are too strong or something. Anyone else notice this problem? One of the reasons I was interested was picture quality and except for HD, I am not sure it is any better or maybe even as good for the digital non HD channels.

The set top boxes are bigger and clunkier than BHN and they don't have a component passthru on their regular HD box like the Pace box has.

At this point the jury is still out on what I will do. The verizon price for everything is a bit cheaper than the BHN price but I am assuming that a phone call to BHN would get me a price about the same.

One more question, I have a Harmony 880 also. How did you find the skip button because I would love to add that.

Harry

[pilotbob]

One more question, I have a Harmony 880 also. How did you find the skip button because I would love to add that.


If you program the Harmony with the Motorolla as a device the "Next Chapter" button on the remote works as the 30 second skip button automagically.

BOb

[Harry]

I forgot to add to my note yesterday that I asked the installer about the Golf Channel. He said that they told them during their training classes that the two channels people would ask about were the golf channel and Bay News 9. They were told to say that the Golf channel was coming soon, they were very aware that is was needed and were in the process of obtaining it. As for Bay News 9 supposedly Verizon is going to pay to carry it since it would be cheaper than having their own studios and reports, etc. I have a little trouble believing that one but the golf channel is easier to believe. Bay News 9 was nice but the local weather channel on Fios is most of what I tuned into 9 for so it is not a big deal.

Also thanks for the word on the chapter button, I will give it a try after I record my first show tonight.

Harry

[Bschneider]

I am also waiting on OLN.. But I can wait until next year now that the NHL season is over.

[Harry]

I have noticed one other thing that I will pass on. The HD set top box will fry eggs if you need to. It really runs hot. I had to rearrange some on my boxes when I found out how hot the thing gets. The HD DVR seems to run a little cooler. I am glad I don't own that box because the electronics are not going to last very long with that heat. It is almost too hot to touch.

Harry

[CANDY76MAN]

That would be great if verizon could get bn9 but I highly doubt that would happen too...thats one of the few things BHN offers that could concievably keep me from switching if fios wasn't noticably faster (broadband) and the tv service wasn't a lot better than BHN.

Of course thats a moot point for me since I still can't get fios despite being surrounded by their fiber for over a year now :(

[audiolab]

Got Fios installed 6/14--installation window was 8a-11a; two installers showed up at 8:06. Most of the wiring was already in place, so the actual physical install went fairly quickly, about 90 minutes. The rest of the time, until noon, was spent getting everything up and running, configuring router, activating STB, etc. Installers were professional and did a good job (one told me they work 60-hour weeks).
I had DirecTV, HD package, getting local digital channels off yagis on a 50' tower--solid off-air on all stations (I live in south Tampa), into a Samsung 160 box, Panasonic 50" LCD, DVI input.
1st impressions (haven't had much time with it yet): SD cable channels an order of magnitude better--much more definition. DirecTV's look fuzzy and severely bandwith-limited in comparison. Didn't know what I was missing. National HD channels (Discovery, HD Net, ESPN-HD, etc) seem to vary. 720P transmissions like ESPN are better with even more detail than DirecTV, but 1080i looks different--hard to say if it's better or worse. It looks smoother, "creamier," more film-like on Fios. But not necessarily better. Maybe the way the Motorola box converts 1080i to 720P compared to the Samsung's conversion. Jury's still out, need more experimentation. Same for off-air--WFTS-DT ch 29, WTVT-DT ch 12 look the same as off-air, the others, hard to say at this point. WFLA-DT ch 7 had bad intermittent pixelization issues during the hockey game and Tonight show, which did not appear when I switched to the off-air signal from the Samsung 160. Hope that gets corrected.
Program guide looks clunky and old-fashioned, designed to be readable on a 5" screen, I guess. The aspect button on the supplied remote doesn't do anything. I miss that--SD letter-boxed movies can't be zoomed to fill the screen without kludging through several other steps. Hope that's enabled via a firmware update. My first DVR, so it's definitely cool.
Internet file downloads were about 300Kb/sec compared to 90-100Kb/sec with Verizon's $15 DSL. Didn't seem that much faster, but internet download speeds vary greatly, and one day's use doesn't mean squat, but after all, this is a first impressions post.
Losing Independent Film Channel and Outdoor Life Network (which I watch once a year for the Tour de France coverage), NASA channel. Gaining a lot of others which I may or may not ever watch.
Overall, more for your money with Fios (at least compared to DirecTV).

[sambo]

got fios installed 6/26 in wesley chapel ... have not tried everything. Harry, the installer mentioned that fiber signals are very strong which don't require amps, like BHN. he was checking lines to make sure they were not 'too hot' .. whatever that means. he put something called 'accentuators' to tone them down if necessary. it's all greek to me. new to dvr and haven't tried it yet. seems that BHN has more PPV with better navigation/selection from i-control channel, etc. also, i don't like the favorites setup, as i can't just continuously press the FAV button and scroll thru my list .. you have to select from drop-downs .. kinda of clunky in that way .. unless i have yet to find a way to do it. called BHN to disconnect and they offered me a discount, which was $6 more than I was already paying. i pointed that out, and the sales-rep said that they would extend my current price (sounds like a way to lock me into a long-term contract) .. i said no thanks. i'm saving about $175 a year (with free-month), plus getting dvr which i didn't have with BHN. so, hopefully, FIOS will pick new channels, and improve on PPV, etc. We'll see .. got it for at least a year.

[audiolab]

My installer told me that in their training classes, they were told that if the signal at the STB was too strong, it would damage the customer's TV (which is nonsense), so they try to maintain a standard signal level at the input of the STB by installing attenuators as needed. Signal strength from the ONT to the STB varies due to cable length, number of splitters, etc., so they install various values of attenuators between the coax and the input jack of the STB to achieve the ideal level. In my case (one splitter, 50' cable) the attenuator value was -8db.

[millerman101]

Bhn doesnt amp there fiber., just on the coax that runs down your street.

[Bschneider]

But we are talking FIOS not BHN.

[sambo]

After surfing thru most channels, found several that consistently are 'pixeling' rendering them useless to watch .. haven't noted them or 'called' them in, yet.

FIOS guide indicates that you can record PPV for viewing later, but found that doesn't work .. granted you have 24 hrs to watch the pgm. Also, kept getting 'Error .. on demand not available .. retry in a few minutes' on first PPV purchase .. had to 'reboot' a couple of times to clear it after getting tech support to walk me thru the reboot procedure. Haven't tried other record features .. dual channel recording and viewing, etc.

[Maestro]

Harry,

I absolutely have the same gripe with Fios TV. The quality on my standard channels is awful. The techs were at my house for 8 hours over 2 days. In fact, I was inches from throwing one out of my house when he was acting like the wife and I were crazy when we told him the picture was off. It is almost like watching a compressed video over the internet. It even appears on the HD channels from time to time. I never, ever had anything like that on BHN. All the channels were crystal clear.

So, after 8 hours, they called a supervisor. He said that during the FIOS rollout in Texas they had similar issues, so he was calling the supervisors in Texas to see if they found a solution. I would love to keep FIOS, but if this is the best it can do, then I have to go back to BHN and just hope they increase their HD offerings.

M

[sambo]

Pixelating on following channels 75, 96, 132, 154,192, 823, 557 .. only really care about 75, 192, 823, 557 .. further investigation found this to be true on HD-DVR box only; same channels ok on regular HD box .. haven't checked Std box, yet .. maybe a splitter or 'leaking' coax ??? not sure

[Maestro]

Sambo,

I can concur on the pixelation on those channels, as well as others. Read my post here from this evening.

http://www.tampahdtv.com/tpahd-vb/showthread.php?t=9671

M

[sambo]

Finally checked my std box upstairs .. no pixelation on said channels. Went to the DVR box .. twisted the coax connections a bit tighter on both at the wall and at the DVR box .. whaddya know, no more pixelation .. all is clear as a bell .. go figure! :confused: Now, if they would just add the Golf channel, I'd be a happy camper! :)

[Maestro]

Sambo,

Are you saying you just tightened to coax cables and it works better? I am pretty sure my are ratcheted as tight as they can get. In fact I had to use pliers to get them undone!

M

[Floyd]

I wouldn't suggest tightening coax fittings on components with a tool to fix reception problems in most cases.
On many devices the female coax fitting is seated in plastic or soldered directely onto a fragile circuit board, which may be unseated when overtightened. Thats why they put those obnoxious pegs around the fittings on the back of many vcrs(to keep you from putting a wrench to it).

[sambo]

Maestro,
I did it by hand .. did not really turn that much, maybe a quarter turn on each end, but I guess it could have been a coincidence. I never called VZN about it .. just was checking connections .. it was still pixeling on those same channels that I mentioned earlier, before I checked the connectors .. then afterwards, the pixeling was gone.

Can't really explain it .. but all channels are clear now.

I am surprised they can't seem to fix your picture issues ... if it is bad before coming into your house, you would think it was the fios lines that are 'mucked up'. Do any of your neighbors have FIOS-TV? I was told by an installer working on my neighbor's, that each 'vault' will handle 4 homes on the same side of the street.

If it's the fios lines, you would think they would have the same issues, unless it is only the line to your house from the vault.

Sambo