Tivo and FIOS

[Bai Shen]

Is there a way to hook up a tivo to FIOS tv without using a box? Will the S3 let you do it? I basically don't want to deal with the ir blasters, etc.

[dt_dc]

See Fios lineup here: https://www22.verizon.com/FiosForHome/Channels/FiosTV/channel.aspx

When hooked straight up to coax (no box), S1s and S2s will get the "local" channels (currently 1-49). These are simulcast in digital and analog so ... Tivo has an analog version and you're good to go (as long as Tivo has the lineup available durring guided setup ... which they should, and if they don't call them and it should get added / updated ... or check here: http://www3.tivo.com/tivo-tco/provider.do).

The S3 without a CableCard should get the digital versions (including HD) of the local channels ... (currently 1-49, 801-809 and 850-899).

The S3 with a CableCard should get all the channels you subscribe too. Fios TV is (technically) compatible with CableCard ... and a couple people have reported getting them.

[Bai Shen]

That's good to hear. :)

[Puppy76]

Are you sure about that dt_dc? I thought FIOS TV basicly used a box that "tunes" to a digital stream coming from Verizon, and then outputs normal video to your Tivo/TV. I thought Verizon only sends streams that are actually being used (to save bandwidth), and dual tuners or use without a set top box wouldn't be possible.

But if they are, that's awesome! Gives more real competition to the cable companies.

[dt_dc]

Are you sure about that dt_dc? I thought FIOS TV basicly used a box that "tunes" to a digital stream coming from Verizon, and then outputs normal video to your Tivo/TV. I thought Verizon only sends streams that are actually being used (to save bandwidth), and dual tuners or use without a set top box wouldn't be possible.Yes, I'm sure.

Verizon is currently using 860MHz RF for all linear channels (everything but VOD). All channels are available on coax all the time. You can use as many tuners as you'd like. And, the "local" channels are simulcast in both analog and digital.

You might be thinking of ATT/SBC. They are using FTTN / IPTV which will limit the bandwidth to the house. Last I saw they were saying 20Mbps ... enough for 3 simultaneous channels (1 HD channel and 2 SD channels) with AVC (H.264 or VC-1).

The one thing I'm not sure of is whether Tivo's (current) channel line-up for Verizon can be used 'cable-ready' style (no STB, analog channels only). However, the channels are there and Tribune should have the info ... and if they don't it can (and should) get added.

[Puppy76]

Well that's cool, although I still don't get how it works. (I thought it was an IP style TV system coming over fiber optic?)

But hey, more competition is great. And they've got a $12.95/month basic option, which is slightly cheaper than my cable company.

[terryfoster]

The fiber line is terminated at an Optical Network Terminal on the outside of your house, kind of like your phone line. It has a coaxial cable system that comes out of the terminal.

[Puppy76]

Okay, and that coaxial cable system feeds both internet and TV? So there's some box outside your house that's actually doing the IP conversion to basically normal cable that your Tivo can record from?

[classicsat]

That is VDSL. FIOS sends the entire bandwith over fibre to your home, and out of the wall is essentially cable.

[terryfoster]

I don't think the coax system feeds the internet, but I could be wrong there. That's what I'm reading from Verizon's site (https://www22.verizon.com/FiosForHome/Channels/FiosTV/FAQ.aspx?view=equipment). Your TiVo will be able to record channels 1-49.

Their "video" demo for FiOS Internet installation seems to say that they run Cat5 from the ONT.

[dt_dc]

Well that's cool, although I still don't get how it works. (I thought it was an IP style TV system coming over fiber optic?)For Verizon, VOD is carried via IP.

However, for the linear channels they are using 860MHz RF. If you're curious ... look up "BPON" and "RF Overlay". The 1550 nm wavelength on the fiber is dedicated to carry RF. The ONT outside your house just takes the RF from the fiber and transitions it to coax. Done and Done.

BTW, it's (basically) the same thing cable companies do (for downstream linear channels). The F in HFC network stands for Fiber. Cable companies just do it further from your house than Verizon.

[dt_dc]

So there's some box outside your house that's actually doing the IP conversion to basically normal cable that your Tivo can record from?Again, for linear channels ... there's no IP involved. It's good ole standard RF. QAM256 for the digital channels ... and NTSC AM-VSB for the analog channels. Fiber carries RF just fine ... not sure why you keep going back to IP.

[Puppy76]

I guess 'cause I'm dumb and I automatically thought fiber = digital :D

[dt_dc]

I guess 'cause I'm dumb and I automatically thought fiber = digital :D :) Verizon to analysts : "Don't underestimate the marketing value of fiber".