FIOS questions for those already using it

[David8956]

Called Verizon and asked these questions, but rep I had either 1) didn't know the answer, or 2) seemed to guess at some answers. Currently have BH (and Road Runner), and other than the analog signal they send out I'm not unhappy with them. Also, price seems about the same for either Verizon or BH, so that really isn't a factor ($103 every month for BH & RR, FIOS (with 5mbp internet) quoted at $89 + taxes, around $100 total). What I'm trying to find out is:

1) Are ALL of the channels 100% digital (except HD of course), or do they send out analog & digital of the local channels like BH does ? (My wife just wants to turn on the TV and watch it, not interested in changing input modes, viewing modes, etc so more often than not our 61" Sony 16x9 HD TV is giving us an analog signal)

2) Are the signals on all channels compatible with the 16 x 9 format, or just those on the HD line up ?

3) No golf channel ???????????????????

Thanks, just trying to decide whether or not it's even worth switching to Verizon.....would like to see if those that already switched really think its better than what they had with BH.

Thanks

[pilotbob]

1) Are ALL of the channels 100% digital (except HD of course), or do they send out analog & digital of the local channels like BH does ? (My wife just wants to turn on the TV and watch it, not interested in changing input modes, viewing modes, etc so more often than not our 61" Sony 16x9 HD TV is giving us an analog signal)


I'm not really sure what this means. but, I can tell you that you don't have to change modes on your TV. You have the "cable" box that you connect to a single TV input and single Audio input. It is just like BHN, each local has two numbers I assume one is from the broadcast Analog signal and one from the broadcast Digital signal. So you have to select the correct channel.

You have the SD and the HD network channels to choose from. If you have an SD box and you choose an HD channel you will get nothing. But, you can just block on the channels from the list that you don't want to see.


2) Are the signals on all channels compatible with the 16 x 9 format, or just those on the HD line up ?


Once again I'm not 100% sure what you mean by "compatible". The format of the show is based on what is sent. I prefer to have the cable box pass through whatever is broadcast. I like to see 4:3 when it is 4:3 content. However, you can set the box to upconvert/streach if you want so everything will "look" 16:9. Of course, I would sugges that you let your TV do the upconverting and streaching.


3) No golf channel ???????????????????


I didn't even notice this until you mentioned it. But it seems you are correct.


Thanks, just trying to decide whether or not it's even worth switching to Verizon.....would like to see if those that already switched really think its better than what they had with BH.


I can tell you the signal is more solid. With BHN I had dropouts all the time, pixelization on digital channels etc. Also, with FIOS you don't have to pay extra to get all the HD channels that BHN calls the "HD Pack".

Also, you can cancel withing 30 days if you don't like it. Just don't cancel your cable and if you cancel they will come and re-hook up your cable. I am pretty sure this is what they told me.

BOb

[DSquare]

I'm not really sure what this means. but, I can tell you that you don't have to change modes on your TV. You have the "cable" box that you connect to a single TV input and single Audio input. It is just like BHN, each local has two numbers I assume one is from the broadcast Analog signal and one from the broadcast Digital signal. So you have to select the correct channel.

You have the SD and the HD network channels to choose from. If you have an SD box and you choose an HD channel you will get nothing. But, you can just block on the channels from the list that you don't want to see.


I think he means the SD tier. The SD tier thru BHN looks like crap when connected thru the HD convertor box. BHN's solution is to run a seperate coax directly to the tv set and view the SD content wihtout passing it thru the convertor box. So in turn everytime you want a decent SD picture you have to switch inputs on your tv set.

[David8956]

"The SD tier thru BHN looks like crap when connected thru the HD convertor box"

Exactly.

And if I watch, for example a NBC show on channel 7 it is analog, but is wide screen to fit my TV. If I watch a non-HD program on NBC channel 608, it is in 4:3 with black bars on both sides. A HD program on 608 is again widescreen. (I realize this can be changed between the analog & HD/digital channels but like I mentioned earlier, my wife just wants to turn on the TV and watch it, not change this back and forth all the time)

With Verizon, can ALL of the shows (both HD & just digital) watched on the "HD channels" be viewed in widescreen without having to change settings back and forth on the TV or the box?

On another note, apparently BH realized I now have access to FIOS and I now qualify for a "special tier price" that lowered my bill $20 a month (Just below what I was quoted by FIOS). Strange because I have not changed any service, equipment, etc in over a year.

[pilotbob]

With Verizon, can ALL of the shows (both HD & just digital) watched on the "HD channels" be viewed in widescreen without having to change settings back and forth on the TV or the box?


I will check when I get home because as I said, I prefer to see 4:3 as 4:3 so that is how I have mine set.

But, I know with BHN you can do this with both the PACE box and the 8300HD DVR.

BOb

[DSquare]

I don't think NBC would change thru FIOS. I think thats the way NBC sends thier image and I think BHN just passes it thru.

[Max_Gator]

I think Dsquare is correct - on any of the hd tier locals, the only way you could get a non-hd program to come out widescreen is to stretch that individual program. And I'm not sure that is possible.

Honestly, I've never tried because I really dislike watching anything that is stretched (TNTHD uggghhh.). Give me OAR anyday.