Series 3 Verizon FIOS HD compat?

[mchad]

I was just about to order a Series 3 from TIVO, when I decided to ask that they gaurantee me that it will work with Verizon FIOS HD (I currently have cablevision, however FIOS is already installed in my building and I will be switching as soon as it is available). The sales rep transferred me to tech, who after 15 minutes told me that they had no information on whether it will work with FIOS HD.

So, does anyone REALLY know if a Series 3 will work with FIOS directly (No verizon box to video inputs, IR blasters, etc)?

[soulposition]

I'm calling VZ in a few to order my CableCards from them. I was told by the installer that I could move to CableCard whenever I wanted but it would be like pulling teeth because VZ doesn't want to support the CableCard.


I was just about to order a Series 3 from TIVO, when I decided to ask that they gaurantee me that it will work with Verizon FIOS HD (I currently have cablevision, however FIOS is already installed in my building and I will be switching as soon as it is available). The sales rep transferred me to tech, who after 15 minutes told me that they had no information on whether it will work with FIOS HD.

So, does anyone REALLY know if a Series 3 will work with FIOS directly (No verizon box to video inputs, IR blasters, etc)?

[rainwater]

I'm calling VZ in a few to order my CableCards from them. I was told by the installer that I could move to CableCard whenever I wanted but it would be like pulling teeth because VZ doesn't want to support the CableCard.

I think Verizon has a multi-stream cable card so you would only need one of them.

[dt_dc]

So, does anyone REALLY know if a Series 3 will work with FIOS directly (No verizon box to video inputs, IR blasters, etc)?My official answer: Call up Verizon and ask them.

My unofficial answer: Yes, it will work. There may be a few glitches ... but ... Verizon is working those out. Sometimes diligently ... somtimes not so much. But ... main thing is to call Verizon and ask for CableCard availability / installations.

[TampaDon]

Hi.

I just called FIOS.

They have cable cards but the old ones not the new ones. They told me you would have NO interactive GUIDE, NO video on demand, and NO Pay Per View unless you call their automated telephone number to order a pay per view movie.

Cards cost $2.95 per month.

Don

[rainwater]

Hi.

I just called FIOS.

They have cable cards but the old ones not the new ones. They told me you would have NO interactive GUIDE

Who needs the FIOS guide when you will have the TiVo interactive guide?

[TampaDon]

Hi.

I forgot to mention that I was told the Cable Cards DO require a site visit and cannot be picked up and that fee is $24.95.

Don

[Leo_N]

Hi.

I just called FIOS.

They have cable cards but the old ones not the new ones. They told me you would have NO interactive GUIDE, NO video on demand, and NO Pay Per View unless you call their automated telephone number to order a pay per view movie.

Cards cost $2.95 per month.

Don

Yes, it'd be a hassle for PPV and you would lose OnDemand, but you don't want their intereactive guide anyway, Tivo will have its own built in.

[mchad]

Can one of you post a response when you have it up and running? FIOS isn't quite available in my condo yet (they have run all the supporting infrastructure already, but haven't turned up the service or began individual installs) so I can't really call them to discuss ordering cablecards yet...

I could use an S3 with my cable, but until I hear that it is actually working with FIOS in HD, I am hesitant to order one...

Thanks!

[dt_dc]

My FiOS TV install is tommorow ... but ... unfortunately I'll be holding off on the S3 for a while.

I'd be happy to test one for Tivo though ;) (I know ... I'm so kind)

[mchad]

I've waited 2 years for an HD Tivo (no, I can't have Direct TV in my building) and now that it is finally available, I have to wait to see if I can actually use it! Arrgh!

[musicforme]

I plan on ordering my Tivo from the VIP link today and will call Verizon once I have the S3 in-hand. I hope to be up and runing on Fios TV by the end of next week.

[mchad]

I'll be standing by...

Thanks

[Jazhuis]

They have cable cards but the old ones not the new ones. They told me you would have NO interactive GUIDE, NO video on demand, and NO Pay Per View unless you call their automated telephone number to order a pay per view movie.

There *are* no new cable cards that support those features yet. That's the Cablecard 2.0 standard that people talk about. The closest thing to a "new" Cablecard out there will be the multistream CC 1.0 cards, which just happen to use one card for two streams.

So currently, no Cablecard will give you VOD or PPV through your device. But you're still technically close to the cutting edge of the whole thing -- I love how they call them the "old" cards, so it sounds like you're getting ancient junk.

[JohnBrowning]

I'm running a CableCARD in my Mitsu TV fed by VZ FIOS with no problems whatsoever. While VZ had some problems initially getting the card init'd, I think those were just familiarity issues. I'll probably order an S3 in a month or so and don't anticipate any issues with moving the CC from the TV to the S3. I expect I'll have to call VZ and have them whack the CC, but, that should be no big deal.

[bkdtv]

Verizon FiOS fully supports the Series3. (You don't get VOD/PPV, obviously.)

FiOS has ordered multistream cards, which will eliminate the need for a second CableCard, but those won't arrive until November.

[TampaDon]

Hi.

New to this stuff. What exactly is a multistream card? Where can one be seen?

Don

[mchad]

Thanks for the follow up. Now, to sit and wait for verizon install to become available...

FYI, I called Cablevision (Westchester, NY) and ordered two cards, which will be delivered in person on Monday (for the bargain price of $46... Great). When asked what brand of TV I had, I replied I don't know yet, I am buying them this weekend. No further question. Each card is billed at $1.25/month.

[wdave]

/subscribe -- Fios crew wiring my neighborhood this week -- can't wait to dump Comcast.

[ah30k]

/subscribe -- Fios crew wiring my neighborhood this week -- can't wait to dump Comcast.Laying conduit (orange tubing) or actual fiber? They laid the conduit and put in in-ground service boxes in my 'hood months ago but have not run any fiber yet. You may also need to wait for Verizon to get a franchise license for your area as well. They might just start with FiOS internet.

[wdave]

Laying conduit (orange tubing) or actual fiber? They laid the conduit and put in in-ground service boxes in my 'hood months ago but have not run any fiber yet. You may also need to wait for Verizon to get a franchise license for your area as well. They might just start with FiOS internet.
Thanks for pointing out the difference. Yes, they have press releases on their website saying they have a franchise license for my county (granted Jan 2006), and also something announcing Fios TV installation underway for my city (dated May 2006). They also hung a "coming soon" flyer on my door last week talking about all three services (voice, tv, internet). So it looks real.

[Jonathan_S]

Hi.

New to this stuff. What exactly is a multistream card? The original cable card can only decode one stream (basically one channel) at a time.
A multistream can can decode multiple (I think up to 5) streams (channels) at a time.

This is useful if you have a device, like an S3 TiVo, that can tune more than one channel simultaneously.

But the only difference between a multistream and non-multistream cable card is how many channels they can decode at once.

[classicX]

Thanks for pointing out the difference. Yes, they have press releases on their website saying they have a franchise license for my county (granted Jan 2006), and also something announcing Fios TV installation underway for my city (dated May 2006). They also hung a "coming soon" flyer on my door last week talking about all three services (voice, tv, internet). So it looks real.

Link?

I'm interested in seeing if / when it will be available in my neighborhood.

[mchad]

Laying conduit (orange tubing) or actual fiber? They laid the conduit and put in in-ground service boxes in my 'hood months ago but have not run any fiber yet. You may also need to wait for Verizon to get a franchise license for your area as well. They might just start with FiOS internet.

Interesting. They have been in my building (12 floor condos) for the past month running conduits up the stairwell then into each floor. THere is also a "coming soon" notice in the mailroom. I wonder how long out it is. This all happening in downtown White Plains, NY, which is pretty metro now (Trump is even building here)

I have seen VZ trucks laying the orange conduit you mention on the streets, but I haven't seen great wheels of fiber yet.... I am surprised to hear that the conduit would be layed without fiber already in it? Sounds like double the work, no? Why not lay the fiber at the same time as the conduit...

[ah30k]

Why not lay the fiber at the same time as the conduit...They use pretty heavy machinery to bore the earth and push the conduit under streets and along curb lines. Perhaps (just a guess) this process is too rough for the fragile fiber. What is interesting in my 'hood is that they did not run conduit to each house, just the in-ground junction boxes spaced around every two or three houses. They will still need to trench to the homes.

[mchad]

They use pretty heavy machinery to bore the earth and push the conduit under streets and along curb lines. Perhaps (just a guess) this process is too rough for the fragile fiber. What is interesting in my 'hood is that they did not run conduit to each house, just the in-ground junction boxes spaced around every two or three houses. They will still need to trench to the homes.


Interesting. I actually think that individual residences don't get "fiber". I believe that fiber is run to hubs or junction boxes and copper is what actually goes to the residential installs. At least that is what a coworker told me about his father's install in NJ...

[TexasAg]

Interesting. I actually think that individual residences don't get "fiber". I believe that fiber is run to hubs or junction boxes and copper is what actually goes to the residential installs. At least that is what a coworker told me about his father's install in NJ...

They run fiber to the ONT, which is the box on the outside of your house. From there, they split off the voice, data, and video.

[dt_dc]

I actually think that individual residences don't get "fiber". I believe that fiber is run to hubs or junction boxes and copper is what actually goes to the residential installs. At least that is what a coworker told me about his father's install in NJ...Fiber to the side of the house ... there's an ONT on the side of the house ... out of the ONT there's CAT5 (data, VOD), coax (linear video), twisted pair (phone) and power (for battery back-up) into the house.

[mchad]

They run fiber to the ONT, which is the box on the outside of your house. From there, they split off the voice, data, and video.

Ok, so I wonder how they will handle apartments. There are 9 units per floor in my building, and they ran a 4" conduit up the stairwell with a 14"x10" box on each floor. From there, a smaller (2") conduit was run in the hallway above each door to the units...

[wdave]

Link?
I'm interested in seeing if / when it will be available in my neighborhood.
Community specific information is here:

Verizon in the Community (http://www22.verizon.com/about/community/)

then click on the link for your specific state. They have breaking news and press releases about their rollout, as well as propaganda for communities where they may be struggling to get franchise licenses.

[musicforme]

I just got off the phone with Verizon and scheduled an install for 9/22.

Since I already have Fios Internet, they knocked $5 off the cost of the service. Here is how my bill will break down:

FiOS TV Premier $34.95
Sports Package $ 5.95
CableCard $ 2.95
CableCard $ 2.95
SD Cable Box $ 3.95

The lady I spoke with said I was the first person she spoke with about the new Tivos. She didn't blink or stutter at all when I mentioned the CableCards were going in it.

[TexasAg]

I just got off the phone with Verizon and scheduled an install for 9/22.

Since I already have Fios Internet, they knocked $5 off the cost of the service. Here is how my bill will break down:

FiOS TV Premier $34.95
Sports Package $ 5.95
CableCard $ 2.95
CableCard $ 2.95
SD Cable Box $ 3.95

The lady I spoke with said I was the first person she spoke with about the new Tivos. She didn't blink or stutter at all when I mentioned the CableCards were going in it.

Mine was hemming and hawing about how "their system doesn't work with Tivo" and "their system doesn't support Tivo." When I pushed her, she said something about the Tivo not being able to "read the data." I told her I didn't case about VOD or PPV and I'd be getting the guide data from somewhere else. She stopped real quick and set up the install date.

[aaronw]

I'd just like to reiterate for everyone that if you have FiOS (my parents do), you do not *necessarily* have FiOS TV. They are still in the process of getting TV franchises with the various counties and cities. For example, they *just* got a tentative agreement with Montgomery County, MD to offer TV:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/13/AR2006091301956.html

[musicforme]

I'd just like to reiterate for everyone that if you have FiOS (my parents do), you do not *necessarily* have FiOS TV. They are still in the process of getting TV franchises with the various counties and cities. For example, they *just* got a tentative agreement with Montgomery County, MD to offer TV:

This may be true in MD and in other states, but not in Texas.

Texas passed a law earlier in the year for a state wide franchise agreement. Verizon and AT&T (formally SWB) can both offer television service as long as they honor existing franchise agreements with the individual cities.

[bproteau]

I've been reading the various posts on Tivo compatibility with Verizon FIOS TV. Like others I'm dismayed by the small non-upgradable DVR hard drive Verizon offers. I have a Panasonic TH-58PX600U and would like to get more recording time. I have also been spoiled by Tivo's interface.

I'm still a little confused and need a couple points clarified.

(1) To get full Tivo functionality with FIOS TV it seems I'll need 2 cable cards. I assume one goes in the TIVO and one in the TV?

(2) Is anyone actually doing this and can vouch for full functionality without any channel changing lag or other problems? (I'm aware of the On Demand and PPV limitation)

I don't think I've come across a post where someone is actually doing this and having it work flawlessly. If anyone does get this working please post your experiiences and/or problems.

Regards

[bkdtv]

(1) To get full Tivo functionality with FIOS TV it seems I'll need 2 cable cards. I assume one goes in the TIVO and one in the TV?
Both go into the Series3 -- one for each of the built-in digital cable tuners. The Series3 has two CableCard slots on the back. You do not need a CableCard or CableCard slot on your TV.

Note when FiOS receives stock of multistream CableCards in November, you'll only need one CableCard instead of two. A multistream CableCard is able to support multiple tuners, whereas a standard CableCard only supports one -- which is why you need two of those in the Series3.

The Series3 works great with FiOS.

[bproteau]

Both go into the Series3 -- one for each of the built-in digital cable tuners. The Series3 has two CableCard slots on the back. You do not need a CableCard or CableCard slot on your TV.

Thanks for clarifying BKDTV.

So, it sounds like you have the exact setup described working for you. HDTV, Series 3 TIVO, 2 cable cards? Is that correct?

Have their been any guide related issues or recording problems you've seen?

Anything else to note?

[Jazhuis]

They use pretty heavy machinery to bore the earth and push the conduit under streets and along curb lines. Perhaps (just a guess) this process is too rough for the fragile fiber. What is interesting in my 'hood is that they did not run conduit to each house, just the in-ground junction boxes spaced around every two or three houses. They will still need to trench to the homes.

Most implementations run conduit far before they run anything through it, for various reasons. In an ideal situation, you run your conduit and pull/junction boxes down the length of your run. Then you come back later with the spools of fiber and the various equipment for pulling it, and pull a single run of fiber as far as it can go. Then you come back later, and do any splits/splices that you need to do.

The reason being, each splice in a fiber line has a dB loss, so you want to minimize splices as much as possible. Even better is that a single run of fiber tends to be subdivided in the cable itself: a 72-strand fiber cable may be 6 buffer tubes of 12 fibers each. That way, you can have a single buffer that runs, relatively unspliced, all the way to the end of your run, while you're breaking the others out that need to splice closer in.

Thus, it's generally a better idea to wait until all your conduit is in before you run your fiber, unless you really like using ($$$) repeaters.

</too much information about fiber>

[Peanuthead]

The Series3 works great with FiOS.

Are you actually DOING this, as the poster asked?
I am very interested in this also, as I want to replace my FIOS DVR,
but want to make sure that there are no significant issues before
purchasing the Tivo.

Thanks.

[classicX]

I just got off the phone with Verizon and scheduled an install for 9/22.

Since I already have Fios Internet, they knocked $5 off the cost of the service. Here is how my bill will break down:

FiOS TV Premier $34.95
Sports Package $ 5.95
CableCard $ 2.95
CableCard $ 2.95
SD Cable Box $ 3.95

The lady I spoke with said I was the first person she spoke with about the new Tivos. She didn't blink or stutter at all when I mentioned the CableCards were going in it.

Wow. The TV Premier price is significantly cheaper than anything Comcast (my cable provider) offers outside of basic cable (which is just locals and public access). I'd be interested to see your channel lineup.

I have been hoping FIOS internet would be ready in my neighborhood (New Jersey) since I signed the papers to build my new house. It's been over a year now and I don't see it as being even in the planning stages. :-(

With prices like that I would jump in about 12 seconds ago.

No, that last statement didn't make any sense but you get what I meant, so there!

[dcpmark]

I'd just like to reiterate for everyone that if you have FiOS (my parents do), you do not *necessarily* have FiOS TV. They are still in the process of getting TV franchises with the various counties and cities.

Yeah. I've had 15/5 Fios internet service for a while here in Redondo Beach, CA, but now that the S3 is here, I am DYING to get FiosTV to replace DTV. I just spoke with a city rep, who said that they won't approve an agreement until Verizon finishes building out the fiber network over the entire city, which probably won't happen until early next year..... :mad:. Now I've got to decide whether to purchase an S3 in advance to take advantage of the limited offer S1-to-S3 lifetime service swap, or wait to see what TiVO will offer next year... :confused:

[musicforme]

I'd be interested to see your channel lineup.

http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/channel+lineup.htm

Select TX - North Texas Area. You'll be stunned what I'm getting, I know I still am.

[bkdtv]

Are you actually DOING this, as the poster asked?
I am very interested in this also, as I want to replace my FIOS DVR,
but want to make sure that there are no significant issues before
purchasing the Tivo.
I waited an extra two days hoping to get the box cheaper via Amazon, so the answer is no, I don't have this setup yet, because my CableCard installation appointment isn't until Monday.

That said, I've had discussions the head of FiOS' engineering department and was assured 1) they've seen the Series3 working with their system, and 2) it works very well with their system, outside of VOD.

Wait until Monday if you want my personal experience w/ FiOS and the Series3.

[bkdtv]

More FiOS channel lineups for download here:

http://fioswatch.com/channel-lineups/

[classicX]

http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/channel+lineup.htm

Select TX - North Texas Area. You'll be stunned what I'm getting, I know I still am.

DEAR GOD. all that for $40 a month....... [heart attack=+1]

I have a deal like that with Comcast (Digital Silver for $40 per month) but that was only for six months and runs out on December 5th, when the price goes to nearly $80 per month.

And I don't even need the sports package, so I'd be fine with paying for four cablecards per month.

All the HD channels I get (except INHD1/2) plus: MTVHD, National Geographic HD, and Wealth TV HD (WHAT THE HECK IS WEALTH TV?? My wife would LOVE that channel).

Is that a lifetime price or promotional???

Plus they have THIS (http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/dvr/home+media+dvr.htm). Good heavens, I hope they get TV in NJ.

[bkdtv]

Is that a lifetime price or promotional???
Service is $39.95/mo but you get $5/mo off if you also subscribe to Internet service. If you subscribe to Verizon phone service, you get another $5/mo off.

Here's the typical FiOS TV + Internet bill.

http://fioswatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/bill.gif

Subtract $16.90/mo off that bill if you aren't renting their DVR and set-top box.

In NY and NJ, that gets you 10Mbps Internet with 2Mbps upstream. If you want even faster Internet, 20Mbps with 5Mbps upstream is $10/mo more.

[classicX]

That's about the same price as I'm getting from Comcast with more channels and faster internet.

Anyone know if Verizon is working on getting TV in NJ? Right now it's only internet.

[ATB]

That's about the same price as I'm getting from Comcast with more channels and faster internet.

Anyone know if Verizon is working on getting TV in NJ? Right now it's only internet.

Both Gov. Corzine and the Senate have finally approved Verizon's NJ state wide franchise. I think rollout is supposed to start Nov/Dec ish. Could have been if NJ gov hadn't done its usual heel dragging. I have been enjoying my FIOS internet for a while now...looking forward to a series 3 and TV.

[bigDvette]

I spent 2 hours calling Verizon and talking to techs to confirm a few things.

All Verizon Cablecards are 2.0 versions, but they only work 1 way (downstream) and not upstream and as stated earlier that means no guide and no VOD. No problem for me.

2.0 Cablecards are not the same as multistream. The Verizon cards are not multistream so you will need 2 cards to record 2 shows at once off of the digital cable. You could record one OTA or analog cable and one digital cable channel together, but not 2 digital unless you have 2 cards.

The 2 cards go in the tivo, nothing goes in the TV cablecard wise.

Whether they will send you the cards or make you pay to install them is based on your area evidentially as they are mailing me my cards. I already have 1 card. They gave me the number to call and activate the cards. Push back and you may get them to send them to you.

The fiber goes directly to your house and the ONT breaks it up in to TV, Internet and phone. TV takes longer to get than internet in most places as franchises aren't in place.

Comcast does not offer any speed close to FIOS. When you get TV they upgrade your bandwidth both down/up to 30/5. No your down is limited to what you pay, but the up goes to 5 for everyone. Not only that, but it is reliable as anything I've ever had only having obvious issues when we loose electricity.

And on that topic, I love Comcasts and the DSL companies commericals listing that you loose fios when the power is out. Well I also loose my router, computer, network disks, tivos, tv and refridgerator.

My Tivos will be here on Tuesday and my cards will be here Tuesday as well and I will post my experience.

[TexasAg]

I spent 2 hours calling Verizon and talking to techs to confirm a few things.

All Verizon Cablecards are 2.0 versions, but they only work 1 way (downstream) and not upstream and as stated earlier that means no guide and no VOD. No problem for me.

2.0 Cablecards are not the same as multistream. The Verizon cards are not multistream so you will need 2 cards to record 2 shows at once off of the digital cable. You could record one OTA or analog cable and one digital cable channel together, but not 2 digital unless you have 2 cards.

The 2 cards go in the tivo, nothing goes in the TV cablecard wise.

Whether they will send you the cards or make you pay to install them is based on your area evidentially as they are mailing me my cards. I already have 1 card. They gave me the number to call and activate the cards. Push back and you may get them to send them to you.

The fiber goes directly to your house and the ONT breaks it up in to TV, Internet and phone. TV takes longer to get than internet in most places as franchises aren't in place.

Comcast does not offer any speed close to FIOS. When you get TV they upgrade your bandwidth both down/up to 30/5. No your down is limited to what you pay, but the up goes to 5 for everyone. Not only that, but it is reliable as anything I've ever had only having obvious issues when we loose electricity.

And on that topic, I love Comcasts and the DSL companies commericals listing that you loose fios when the power is out. Well I also loose my router, computer, network disks, tivos, tv and refridgerator.

My Tivos will be here on Tuesday and my cards will be here Tuesday as well and I will post my experience.

This has been discussed many times here on the forums. There are no 2.0 cablecards out yet. In fact, there are no multistream 1.0 cards out yet. The only cards out are unidirectional 1.0 cards.

You can tell the tech was wrong since he said the 2.0 cards were not bidirectional. That's the whole point of 2.0 - bidirectional communication.

These are simply 1.0 CC.

FYI - Please let us know how it goes. My cablecard install in scheduled for Friday. And please PM me the phone number they gave you. I might need it (if my tech is having problems)! Thanks.

[bigDvette]

What the tech said is that they don't enable the upstream capabilities of the 2.0 card yet. He pulled out a bunch of manuals to read a bunch of specs to me. He may have been stating that they won't enable 2 way communication. I will have 3 cards in my hands tomorrow and I will compare to the card in my Tv which I know is 1.0 and post the model number on the card.

There are definitely no multi-stream 1.0 or 2.0 cards yet.

I'll admit I could be wrong, but in either case verizon does not have multistream cards nor do they allow for 2 way communication. That I think we all agree on.

Tivo's arrived today, but no cards yet from Verizon. I could pull my TV one out, but I'll give it another day.

[TexasAg]

What the tech said is that they don't enable the upstream capabilities of the 2.0 card yet. He pulled out a bunch of manuals to read a bunch of specs to me. He may have been stating that they won't enable 2 way communication. I will have 3 cards in my hands tomorrow and I will compare to the card in my Tv which I know is 1.0 and post the model number on the card.

There are definitely no multi-stream 1.0 or 2.0 cards yet.

I'll admit I could be wrong, but in either case verizon does not have multistream cards nor do they allow for 2 way communication. That I think we all agree on.

Tivo's arrived today, but no cards yet from Verizon. I could pull my TV one out, but I'll give it another day.

Good luck - I'm still waiting on my S3 from Tivo and hoping I get it before my CableCARD install on Friday. I've loved Verizon's TV service and really hope the install goes well and everything works with the S3. Please keep us posted!

[terramar]

I had 4 cable cards installed in a pair of S3's yesterday. Verizon wouldn't send out the cards, they had to roll somebody out for an install. He'd done only one or two other cable installs, and had never heard of a Tivo that used cablecards. He just handed them over to me and stood back.

Installation went fine. I went through the documented steps and installed the cards. I went ahead and put both cards in at once in each of the two S3s, while he plugged his laptop in and logged in to a verizon site to enable the cards. It took just a few minutes, and we were receiving all channels just fine. No problems, no hiccups.

Picture quality is terrific, and everything is working just as it should. If there are no problems in the next week, then I'm canceling DirecTV. Anybody needs some HDVR2's? :)

[joegarrett]

Just wanted to provide some info on Verizon FIOS. I don't have a S3 at this time but instead use the FIOS DVR. When we've got 2 shows recording and want to watch something live we can't unless we use OTA and then only locals. So, because my TV (JVC HD-52G886) has a cablecard slot I called Verizon and ordered a cablecard to go into the TV so now we'll be able to record 2 shows and watch a live show.

Ordering the CC from Verizon was easy and cost $2.95 per month, I believe.

Also, I did explain to the tech that people could be calling in for 2 CC for the new S3. He hadn't heard of it but was writing down what I was telling him to pass to supervisor for distribution to other techs.

For what it's worth. :D

[musicforme]

Picture quality is terrific, and everything is working just as it should.

I have my install scheduled for tomorrow and hope to report similar results. I can't wait to get all the additional HD channels for only $6 more than Comcast's basic service.

[BobCamp1]

Comcast does not offer any speed close to FIOS.

I love Comcasts and the DSL companies commericals listing that you loose fios when the power is out. Well I also loose my router, computer, network disks, tivos, tv and refridgerator.



The need for speed is why cable cos. are deploying SDV ASAP. Very stiff competition from Verizon.

You will lose all Internet service when the power goes out. Your POTS phones (i.e. ones not using VoIP) will work for six hours, as there is a UPS inside the ONT on the side of your house. After that, you'll have to (gasp) use your cell phone.

I've been in hurricanes where the power and phone came back on in 24 hours, but the cable was out for weeks. Fortunately, I had DirecTV. BTW, have you seen THOSE commercials?

[legalaliens]

Picture quality is terrific, and everything is working just as it should. If there are no problems in the next week, then I'm canceling DirecTV. Anybody needs some HDVR2's? :)

Did you compare the PQ with the S3/Cablecards to the PQ with the FiOS HD boxes (the Motorola DVR and the Motorola HD Receiver)?

What I'm getting at is, along time ago, somebody posted something somewhere (sorry I'm not more specific, but my memory really sucks!) that insinuated that the Motorola boxes provided by Verizon are not able to completely render the full resolution of the received signal. In other words, while the FiOS infrastructure delivers channels at full bandwidth, their STB's don't deliver full bandwidth to your TV.

[bproteau]

I had 4 cable cards installed in a pair of S3's yesterday. Verizon wouldn't send out the cards, they had to roll somebody out for an install. He'd done only one or two other cable installs, and had never heard of a Tivo that used cablecards. He just handed them over to me and stood back.

Sounds great terramar! I've been waiting for this kind of post. Please update your experiences after a weeks use.

I wanted to verify there are no guide related issues (i.e. You see all the channels you'd expect to see and no issues scheduling recordings or season passes.)

Glad everything went smooth.

[musicforme]

Verizon is here now. The installer wasn't told he needed CableCards, so someone is bringing them out to the house while he's here. He doesn't have a problem with me putting them in the Tivo, but he was trying to sell Verizon's dvr pretty hard.

He's currently working on the side of the house and I'll post more once he's finished.

[soulposition]

VZ CableCard install is finally done after 10 hours. I'm so happy to have ditched that piece of **** Moto box and have my beloved TiVo back. After only playing with it for a few hours I'm ready to replace the other Moto box with an S3 this weekend.

Turns out that when the installer gets his list of jobs in the morning they don't really read what they have todo. So when my installer saw he had a "C" order he just assumed it was a change order (which technically it was) but didn't know he had to bring CableCards, so of course he had to go get those.

When he got back and we installed them, he ended up talking to a trainee that ended up screwing up the whole deal. This involved me having to have several orders created for my cards. Only to find out after 9 hours that the major problem was that the original DVR was not taken off my account. I have no idea why that would be the problem but once that was removed my cards worked beautifully.

What I love about the TiVo over the Motorola box:

- Menus are faster, like blazingly faster.
- Picture seems clearer (even on SD channels).

What I miss about the Motorola box: Nothing.

[terramar]

No guide-related problems, and no troubles scheduling recordings.

I haven't really compared the PQ with the verizon box. I switched to fios tv simultaneously with getting the S3s. I had them put in a box, but quite honestly, except for a few minutes of playing around with the VOD features, I haven't used it. Once my full new home theater setup is done (still working on the component video matrix switching for the other TVs in the house), I'll show the VOD stuff to my wife. If she can live without it (and I'm certain she can - we never do PPV even, since we always have plenty to watch on the Tivos), we'll send the box back.

Tom

[musicforme]

He's currently working on the side of the house and I'll post more once he's finished.

Well, I thought all was going well earlier this afternoon. I actually got a phone call from someone at Verizon reading this message thread. He wanted to make sure all was going well with the install and walked the tech through the process.

I thought it was all going ok and let the Verizon tech go before the guided setup finished. It completed earlier and the Tivo said it wasn't able to get the channels from the CableCard.

Once my wife finishes watching ER, I'm going to call Verizon and start the troubleshooting process with them.

[legalaliens]

What I love about the TiVo over the Motorola box:

- Menus are faster, like blazingly faster.
- Picture seems clearer (even on SD channels).

What I miss about the Motorola box: Nothing.

Picture seems clearer? I know it is difficult without doing a side by side comparison, but can you really see an improvement in PQ (both HD and SD)?

I really like FiOS TV. The HD is great and the price is right. I have been disappointed in the SD PQ. I had hoped the Motorola STB's were the problem because I've always intended to upgrade to the S3 anyway.

[musicforme]

Once my wife finishes watching ER, I'm going to call Verizon and start the troubleshooting process with them.

I'm up and running now. Just to be sure I didn't have a bad CableCard, we put one of them in my tv to make sure it worked.

He remarried them to my Tivo and went through the guided setup and it started working. As a side note, the "test channels" part of the CableCard menu never worked for me.

One of the best parts of the call is when the tech asked for the number I was calling from in case we got disconnected.

[mlkeller]

Yeah, went a little rough here in Northern VA, but it's almost working now. When tech first came, he said they did an install in a S3 yesterday and the cable cards did not work, plus they only had one the warehouse (despite the fact that we put the order in for 2 cards a week and a half ago), so they could only setup one today. Also was not willing to put it into the S3, just was going to activate the card and leave it for us (ended up having to stay for us to plug in since needed number from card to activate). Despite that, still was not working when he left (same error about not able to retrieve channels).

A few more calls to Vz tech support and we finally were put in touch with the person who "is working on creating the procedures for cable cards since we are just starting to get more orders for them" and it turned out they entered something wrong earlier during the activation. He keyed something and presto, it worked.

A bit miffed about only having one card, but we'll fix that when cust support opens Monday... they need to get their act together b/c I'm sure more cablecard orders are coming (the S3 is _SO_ much better than their buggy DVR)

[Ken7]

I just installed a Series 3 with FIOS. One thing that I've noticed around the internet is that many people wind up comparing the PQ of the Series 3 via HDMI to their old PVR that used component. I don't believe this is a fair comparison. My old Motorola FIOS box was hooked up via HDMI and that's the way I've got the Series 3 connected.

I don't yet have the cable cards installed, but I did scan for OTA HD channels and compared the picture on those to the FIOS HD Broadcast channels on the Motorola box. The pictures were essentially identical. This shows the improvement in PQ of the new Series 3 vs what I used to get with D*'s HD Tivo. Using D*'s Tivo via OTA HD, I found the PQ was never the match for non-Tivo HD D* receivers. The other thing it shows is just how good the PQ (via HDMI) of the Motorola box combined with FIOS's transmission of network HD channels is.

The only negative thus far is the somewhat longer channel changes vs. the Motorola DVR. Hopefully the cable card install will go smoothly.

[TexasAg]

I had the Motorola hooked up via HDMI, and I can say that Fios SD is much better on the S3 than on the Motorola. I really wouldn't expect HD to be any different. And I haven't noticed a slower channel change. If anything it is slightly faster.

Been running with 2 CableCARDs since yesterday. Absolutely no problems, just great picture!

[legalaliens]

I had the Motorola hooked up via HDMI, and I can say that Fios SD is much better on the S3 than on the Motorola. I really wouldn't expect HD to be any different.

Thanks! That is what I was hoping to hear. SD on the Motorola (at least on my setup) is not very good.

[Ken7]

Please remember when comparing SD on any box, the important question is how do you have the signal output from the box? As an example, I always set my HD boxes to ouput 1080i all the time, regardless of the channel's resolution. In a case like that, you won't see much if any difference in picture quality between units.

[joegarrett]

A quick update!

Verizon dropped off a Moto 4.21 CC on Sunday. I got around to installing and activating last night. Spent about 15-20 minutes on phone with tech. He got the CC authorized and now I'm receiving all subscribed channels on my JVC 52G886.
I also have a Moto DVR connected via HDMI. Having been a DTiVo user until Jan 2006, there are a few things I miss about TiVo but I've become use to the Moto DVR and the price of the S3 + monthly fee + programming fee really don't make sense to me at this point. IMHO :D

The Verizon tech did ask me if I was putting the CC in an S3, but wished that TiVo had sent out tester units so the cable companies could have some training with them before rollout. Sounds like Verizon is becoming familiar with the S3 and CC's.

[Ken7]

Joe, don't you find it a pain not knowing what channel you're on and not having the program info? I know what you mean about the total cost of the S3 and carrying fees. It doesn't make sense that it actually costs more on a monthly basis even after you buy the thing!

On another note, I'll be carefully watching this S3 audio dropout issue. I'm still only using it for OTA HD until the CCs come. If it continues I may well return the unit and stay with the Motorola. I should be getting my CC on Monday. It's funny how FIOS has been very quick to come to my house on virtually anything, but with the CC appointment it was a week later. I guess they're not too anxious to give these things out.

Interestingly they originally told me I could have only 1 CC since I already have 6 boxes (4 HD and 2 SD). They told me I was maxed out. I then told them to remove 1 Motorola PVR and that cleared up the issue. I was really hoping to keep the Motorola for a month or so to see if the S3 measured up and if not, just plug the Motorola back in. No such luck.

[joegarrett]

Joe, don't you find it a pain not knowing what channel you're on and not having the program info?

Do you mean no guide on the TV? Not really, the only time we flip over to the TV is if we have 2 recordings going and want to watch something live. It's there more for the exception than the rule. :up:

[Beetlejuice]

I just ordered the S3 tivo and set up service with Verizon. Prices were in line with what I've read on this page... to the penny. I was amazed however, that the woman who took the call still had not been informed by her Verizon management that there was a new Tivo in town. I had to explain to her about the dual cable card setup but she was familiar with cable card ready TVs and such. So, at least that didn't phase her.

I was also amazed that she really didn't care what I was plugging them into and when I asked about plugging them in the Tvio and what number should I call to activate them, she said they would already be activated and I would not have to do anything. We'll see!!

But I'm glad all you folks here in this room have been the brave souls to go out on this leap of faith so skeptics like me can learn from from your experiences.

I'll post the results when they happen.

[TexasAg]

I just ordered the S3 tivo and set up service with Verizon. Prices were in line with what I've read on this page... to the penny. I was amazed however, that the woman who took the call still had not been informed by her Verizon management that there was a new Tivo in town. I had to explain to her about the dual cable card setup but she was familiar with cable card ready TVs and such. So, at least that didn't phase her.

I was also amazed that she really didn't care what I was plugging them into and when I asked about plugging them in the Tvio and what number should I call to activate them, she said they would already be activated and I would not have to do anything. We'll see!!

But I'm glad all you folks here in this room have been the brave souls to go out on this leap of faith so skeptics like me can learn from from your experiences.

I'll post the results when they happen.

She's wrong - Verizon will need to know the pairing (the cablecard serial number and the corresponding number from the Tivo) for each card before you can get service.

[Beetlejuice]

She's wrong - Verizon will need to know the pairing (the cablecard serial number and the corresponding number from the Tivo) for each card before you can get service.
That's what I'm figuring too. It didn't sound right but I learned a long time ago to not argue with a wall. The wall will win every time. ;-)

I'll be here when the tech does the install.

If it sounds too good to be true....

[terramar]

She's wrong - Verizon will need to know the pairing (the cablecard serial number and the corresponding number from the Tivo) for each card before you can get service.

I don't know - maybe I was just being dense, but the installer who came to my house sat there with his laptop and only entered in info from the cable cards - he didn't take down any of the numbers from my S3 screen to activate the card. I could have missed him doing it, but given that he seemed somewhat afraid of the TiVo, I think I would have noticed him staring at the screen and writing stuff down.

[TexasAg]

Maybe Verizon is doing something weird, but CableCARDs normally don't work unless the cable system can match each card's serial number with the number provided by the Tivo or other device. I know my installer did write down the numbers and entered them into Verizon's system.

[wbradney]

That's about the same price as I'm getting from Comcast with more channels and faster internet.

Anyone know if Verizon is working on getting TV in NJ? Right now it's only internet.

They're going door-to-door in Morris Plains signing people up for FIOS. I asked when TV was going to be available and the guy said "early November".

I just got through with my Cablevision CableCard install today, and it's working great, but I'd love to switch to FIOS Internet & TV. By my reckoning my monthly bill will drop from about $140 to about $80, for a faster connection that's still S3-compatible. Hell, I might even switch from Lingo to Verizon for my VOIP if I can save a bit more and get billed all at once. And then there's always the feeling of sticking it to the cable company (although I'm sure Verizon's customer support will become just as crappy once they gain some traction in TV).

[PatMcNJ]

"I have been hoping FIOS internet would be ready in my neighborhood (New Jersey) since I signed the papers to build my new house. It's been over a year now and I don't see it as being even in the planning stages. :-(
"

It depends upon where you are in NJ. I am in Monmouth County, we were wired up over the summer by Verizon (my development aleady had all utilites underground). Trucks were here for several weeks...... We have been told we will be among the earliest to be switched on, November perhaps. I sure HOPE so.

Then I want to get my Series 3, and switch to FIOS.

[musicforme]

Have any of you had problems with your standard def channels being garbage? We tried to watch "PGA Sunday" on the USA channel this morning and it was crap. It looked like a bad satellite feed or something. A couple episodes of "A Baby Story" that my wife watches had the same problem.

We never had a problem with any of those shows on Comcast, and she's starting to elude to wanting to switch back to Comcast.

[evlg]

Just ordered FIOS TV to go with my new Series 3 that I picked up today at the Fry's in Plano, TX

The order on the phone went very smooth. I told the CSR that I wanted 2 Cablecards and 1 STB for the other room and she was very helpful. She did give the speech about VOD and Guide Data, but didn't try to pressure me or anything.

Scheduled for install next Wednesday, can't wait!

For now I have the TiVo hooked up to an antenna for OTA recording, but the reception here isn't very good for all the locals. Getting all the channels in HD will be really excellent.

[snathanb]

For now I have the TiVo hooked up to an antenna for OTA recording, but the reception here isn't very good for all the locals. Getting all the channels in HD will be really excellent.

What part of town are you in that reception isn't good? I live 45 miles from the broadcast towers (about 10 miles east of Wylie) and I get very good reception on every digital station in town.

[musicforme]

Have any of you had problems with your standard def channels being garbage? We tried to watch "PGA Sunday" on the USA channel this morning and it was crap. It looked like a bad satellite feed or something. A couple episodes of "A Baby Story" that my wife watches had the same problem.

Well, it looks like the problem I described above is a bit worse than I originally thought. I went through all my standard def channels, and there are around 20 of them that are unwatchable regardless of the day or hour.

I checked several of those same channels on my standard-def box and they come through just fine. I also tried switching tuners on the Tivo wondering maybe I had a bad tuner, but that didn't help either. I plan on calling Verizon this weekend once I have some free time to sit on the phone with them.

[Ilene]

Verizon is out here today installing my Fios Internet and TV. I switched from TW mainly because Megazone said it works with Verizon Fios in the FAQ. The installer just about stroked out when I asked if he had cablecards, he didn't. Had to call a manager to bring them out. Only brought 2 because he said that is all that they can get at a time. Both of them are insisting that they will not work. I am praying that if I follow the instructions that came with the TiVo box and the ones that were posted in another thread, that it will work.
All the while I am trying to understand why TiVo would design a box to use technology that cable companies are seem so reluctant to support.

I really need the name and number of the Verizon tech that another poster got such good help with.

More to come when they are finished.

[ah30k]

All the while I am trying to understand why TiVo would design a box to use technology that cable companies are seem so reluctant to support. TiVo is selling a product/service that threaten revenue streams (VOD etc) for the cable companies. It is no surprise to me that the MSOs are reluctant to support the CableCARD. TiVo still has a right to sell product into that environment.

[evlg]

What part of town are you in that reception isn't good? I live 45 miles from the broadcast towers (about 10 miles east of Wylie) and I get very good reception on every digital station in town.

I'm in Plano and can't get ABC to come in worth a damn. Tried several antennas and orientations but couldn't get a good signal. Not sure where the interference is coming from.

NBC is pretty good, CBS good, FOX good, PBS OK but not great. The other random channels like 33 and 27 are also OK but not great.

Can't wait to get FIOS installed to avoid these problems altogether.

[Ilene]

This is a continuation of my previous thread. The entire process of rewiring for telephone, internet and cable took about 7 hours. It took nearly 2 hours to get the cablecards to work. I had printed out an article that another forum member recommended: http://techdigs.net/content/view/46/42. While it is very Comcast focused, we were able to glean enough info to help. It would have been nice if the instructions that TiVo says to hand to the installer was actually complete, but it really wasn't.

Hopefully this will help:
1) Ask for the cablecards and write down the Serial Number (SN) and the UnitAddress (UA) that is on each of the cards. Your installer will need to repeat the numbers over and over.
2) Make note of which one you put in the bottom slot, this cablecard 1.
3) When you put the card in the bottom slot, a screen will show up with the card in green. I waited several minutes just staring at this screen and nothing happened. There is an option for Configure Card 1, so I decided to select it.
4) A black screen with white information shows up. This is the MMI screen that TiVo has a picture of in their instructions. According to the info in the techdig article, the HOST and DATA numbers are critical.
5) The tech will need to provide the Host and Data info to the guy on the phone. It will take that person several tries to type the long string of numbers and letters.
6) Because they could not do one and then the other, I had to put CC2 in before we finished with CC1.
7) The screen pops up showing 2 CCs in green and there is a new option for Configure CC2. We waited a few minutes before I selected the Configure CC2. The HOST and DATA information are unique for each CC.
8) It appeared that the person on the phone had a lot of trouble keeping the information straight between the 2 cards. He kept mixing the Host and Data information between the 2 different serial numbers. Since I couldn't see the screen he had to enter this into, I can't comment on why this was so difficult.
9) I can tell you that they had to reenter this information many times. I heard that they were getting an error message, but I could not find out what the message was. The TiVo Config screens time out, so I had to go through the TiVo Central menu many times to get back to the CC screens.
10) When they are successful, TiVo will automatically go to the Test Channel screen. For me this happened to CC1. All of the sudden the TV station it is testing appears in the background. We told them to stop messing with it because whatever they did, it was working.
11) We asked them to do whatever, to the second card. They did and the TiVo screen changed to the Test Channel screen automatically.

I am up and running. So far everything is working the way it is supposed to although I have a ton of rehooking and unhooking to do.

[musicforme]

I plan on calling Verizon this weekend once I have some free time to sit on the phone with them.

I spoke with a Fios tech support guy tonight. We tried a couple things with the CableCards (including testing them in my tv) and he thinks I have at least one bad CableCard, possibly both of them.

He tried resetting both of them and the USA channel (and others) still came through garbled.

I really hope they get something figured out. My wife is none too pleased that some of her shows aren't watchable due to a handful of garbled channels.

[Beetlejuice]

Well, it looks like the problem I described above is a bit worse than I originally thought. I went through all my standard def channels, and there are around 20 of them that are unwatchable regardless of the day or hour.

I checked several of those same channels on my standard-def box and they come through just fine. I also tried switching tuners on the Tivo wondering maybe I had a bad tuner, but that didn't help either. I plan on calling Verizon this weekend once I have some free time to sit on the phone with them.

I just got Verizon over on Friday in Lewisville, TX to install fios tv. The installation of the cards was fairly painless and the installer didn't need the CC info provided by the Tivo box. Either they already had the numbers from the CC or they used the address of the ONT network terminal outside. The installer just called in and told the office to "turn on the premiere channels" and they did. That being said...

The recepeption on all of the verizon provided local SD channels on cable are crap. When the channel is changed to the local SC cable channel, it looks great for about 5 seconds and then starts pixelating and dropping audio really bad. This is on every local cable channel. The only "locals" that come in clear are channel 6 which is WGN and any cable only provided local access info channels with no OTA transmission. Of course WGN does not have an OTA channel in Texas either. This is very odd because EVERY verizon cable channel above 30 comes in crystal clear with no interference whatsoever. I think the cable cards are working fine. If they were "bad", then I really think I would be having problems on other cable only channels. But this only happens on the S3 with CCs. The Vz STB going into a S1 Tivo does not have this problem.

So, at least here in the Lewisville-Grapevine area, it would seem logical to conclude that the local channels that are getting bad reception on cable are probably getting interference from the OTA channels of the same or even adjacent frequencies. This problem was happening when the installer was here so we tried a lot of different things to try and rule out on-premise interference. We ran a dedicated coax directly to the Tivo to rule out other jacks acting as an antenna, I turned off all my 2.4, 5.8 GHz phones, all electronic equipment in my entertainment center except for the TV of course. Heck I even turned off the microwave and refrigerator. We ensured that the ONT was properly grounded.

AFter talking to the Vz, level 2 support, the tech engineer recommended that the ONT be replaced with a model that is being used for new fios installations. My ONT was installed early last year when we got fios internet.

So... Is the ONT really the problem? Who knows. I believe that Lewisville and Grapevine both use the service out of Keller. At least that was the only Verizon option on the Tivo guided setup. Is the interference being interjected at the ONT or is the interference actually being transmitted by the central office over the fios. It doesn't matter where it enters the systems, the fiber optic can transmit that just as easily as cable. Of course the RF interference cannot be picked up by the fiber optic cable.

I haven't called Tivo to report this problem yet but will do so tomorrow. I suppose the real question is... Is it Verizon's problem for providing an interference signal or is it Tivo's problem for not recognizing that this could be a problem on local channels and not adequately filtering the OTA from the cable input? I think this has the potential of getting a little messy. At the moment I do not have a commitment from Verizon regarding the replacement ONT but will post what happens.

[bkdtv]

Channel numbers <50 on FiOS are analog and the quality is not particularly good.

You will want to remove all channel numbers <50 from the guide and use the digital versions of the locals in the 800s.

[Beetlejuice]

Channel numbers <50 on FiOS are analog and the quality is not particularly good.

You will want to remove all channel numbers <50 from the guide and use the digital versions of the locals in the 800s.

This is true... but there are a couple of annoyances that can occur when it comes to that solution. That's not really a fix, but merely a work-around. Hopefully a temporary one.

1. In the event that a local channel broadcasts a program in letterboxed 780p 4x3, the picture on my nice 48" plasma shows up as a little bity picture with letterbox and side panels. My monitor has no adjustment for this when vewing 780p. This is annoying. With a clear SD signal, my TV can go into Widescreen mode and chop the letterbox and side panels, allowing the full 48" screen to be used. Maybe if I had a later model TV this wouldn't be a problem, but that ain't happenin' for some time.

2. Also, If I want to record a 780p program with side panels onto a VCR or standard DVD, the picture is downconverted ok and will record, but.... when this is played back on a standard TV the picture, with side panels, is squeezed into a 4x3 ratio making everything look tall and thin. The SD channel doesn't have this problem.

3. And last but not least, I don't enjoy paying money for something that doesn't work the way it is supposed to. I have faith that this will be rectified and in the meantime will use my S1 Tivo to record things that I might potentially want to record or view as a full-screen.

But thanks for the suggestion.

[bkdtv]

1. In the event that a local channel broadcasts a program in letterboxed 780p 4x3, the picture on my nice 48" plasma shows up as a little bity picture with letterbox and side panels. My monitor has no adjustment for this when vewing 780p. This is annoying. With a clear SD signal, my TV can go into Widescreen mode and chop the letterbox and side panels, allowing the full 48" screen to be used. Maybe if I had a later model TV this wouldn't be a problem, but that ain't happenin' for some time.
Tivo really needs to provide the option to crop off the side bars and zoom letterbox content broadcast on the HD channels. The SA8300HD already does that, so I'm not sure why Tivo didn't include that capability.

[Beetlejuice]

That would be nice. But I think ideally, if replacing the ONT doesn't fix the local SD interference(or other) problem, the Tivo engineers should get with the Verizon engineers and find out what's going on. From what I've seen here, this doesn't seem like an isolated incident. I hope Verizon will change the ONT as recommended. If they do, I will certainly let you guys know.

And just for record, I used the Tivo cable input signal level check to make sure that it wasn't just due to a low level signal. It's running at 98%. It doesn't get much stronger than that.

And also for the record, so far Verizon has been very willing to help and has not passed the buck or pointed any fingers. The installer that came to the house was very thorough as well as patient waiting for me to install the cable cards and go through the guided setup.

I wish I had a cable card TV to see if the same local SD problem happens on the TV and not just on the Tivo. Hmmmm!

[acvthree]

Tivo really needs to provide the option to crop off the side bars and zoom letterbox content broadcast on the HD channels. The SA8300HD already does that, so I'm not sure why Tivo didn't include that capability.


Doesn't the Tivo Aspect -> zoom do this?

I don't have an S3, but the manual sounds like this is the correct function.


Al

[bkdtv]

Doesn't the Tivo Aspect -> zoom do this?

I don't have an S3, but the manual sounds like this is the correct function.
The S3's aspect modes only work on SD channels. The aspect modes will zoom letterboxed SD content to fill the screen, but not the [relatively rare] letterboxed SD content that is upconverted to HD.

[acvthree]

A hi-def set top box that doesn't do hi-def aspect ratio?

Is this assumed to be a permanent restriction?

Al

[musicforme]

The recepeption on all of the verizon provided local SD channels on cable are crap. When the channel is changed to the local SC cable channel, it looks great for about 5 seconds and then starts pixelating and dropping audio really bad. This is on every local cable channel. The only "locals" that come in clear are channel 6 which is WGN and any cable only provided local access info channels with no OTA transmission. Of course WGN does not have an OTA channel in Texas either. This is very odd because EVERY verizon cable channel above 30 comes in crystal clear with no interference whatsoever. I think the cable cards are working fine. If they were "bad", then I really think I would be having problems on other cable only channels. But this only happens on the S3 with CCs. The Vz STB going into a S1 Tivo does not have this problem.

You have my sympathy. I have around 15 channels that are crap. Just so happens that two of them have shows my wife watches on a regular basis.

If you have a case number from your call with Verizon, could you please PM it to me so my tech appointment on Tuesday could reference it if replacing my CableCards doesn't fix my problem?

I also have one of the old ONTs. I've had Fios Internet since March 2005.

[Beetlejuice]

If you have a case number from your call with Verizon, could you please PM it to me so my tech appointment on Tuesday could reference it if replacing my CableCards doesn't fix my problem?
No, unfortunately I don't have a case number. I didn't call it in. Well, not yet anyway. This was all a verbal transaction between me and the installer who had the 2nd level support on the phone. He said he was going to submit that order based on the recommendation. He was already above and beyond the call of duty. It was 7PM and he was on his own time and not getting paid. A real trooper.. I'm going to call in and report this officially tomorrow or Tuesday and report what happened... just to make sure that there is a paper trail. Well, a virtual paper trail anyway. :-)

I promise to keep you updated. Let us know if the CC replacements do anything. I don't think it's the cards but , hey, you never know.

[musicforme]

I promise to keep you updated. Let us know if the CC replacements do anything. I don't think it's the cards but , hey, you never know.

I doubt it is the cards too. One of them worked just fine in my tv and the crap channels worked just fine. We tried using that "good" one in the Tivo and the crap channels were still crap.

I'll definately post here on Tuesday with the results of the tech's visit.

[snathanb]

The S3's aspect modes only work on SD channels. The aspect modes will zoom letterboxed SD content to fill the screen, but not the [relatively rare] letterboxed SD content that is upconverted to HD.

Actually, if you set the TV type to 4:3, then the aspect stretch modes will work during HD broadcasts.

Since several of the local OTA channels here broadcast 4:3 content with sidebars, I keep my Tivo set to 4:3 all the time so that I can cycle throught the stretch modes when necessary. On my set during true 16:9 HD broadcasts there is so very little difference between what the TIVO puts out in 16:9 and 4:3 modes, that it is not worth switching it all the time.

The Samsung SIR-T151 that the Tivo replaced does the exact same thing, only will stretch when in 4:3 mode.

[acvthree]

Does that really accomplish the same thing?

Is there a descrete code for 16:9 to 4:3 swap?

So, this sounds like the hardware is capable, but the software restricts zoom on HD in 16:9 mode.

Is there anyone with contacts within Tivo that could ask if they are planning on removing this restriction in a future software release?

Al

[musicforme]

If anyone was waiting to hear the results of my tech appointment today, I had to reschedule it to this Friday. I had some stuff come up at work and today wasn't a good day for me to be out of the office.

[Beetlejuice]

Actually, if you set the TV type to 4:3, then the aspect stretch modes will work during HD broadcasts.

Since several of the local OTA channels here broadcast 4:3 content with sidebars, I keep my Tivo set to 4:3 all the time so that I can cycle throught the stretch modes when necessary. On my set during true 16:9 HD broadcasts there is so very little difference between what the TIVO puts out in 16:9 and 4:3 modes, that it is not worth switching it all the time.

I tried that. EXCELLENT!! Using the 4x3 setting for a nice wide screen TV defies all logic, but it works. I compared the difference while watching the live Today show this morning which is now in 1080i HD. I couldn't tell one single bit of difference in the quality. And, like you say, the aspect ration button works with this setup. But when you think about it, the quality really shouldn't be any different. The setting is only for the aspect ratio, not the resolution. So, I'm sold. Thanks for the tip.

Tivo... this should be in the user manual. The AR button is talked about in general but this scenario should be included.

[Ilene]

Just ordered FIOS TV to go with my new Series 3 that I picked up today at the Fry's in Plano, TX

The order on the phone went very smooth. I told the CSR that I wanted 2 Cablecards and 1 STB for the other room and she was very helpful. She did give the speech about VOD and Guide Data, but didn't try to pressure me or anything.

Scheduled for install next Wednesday, can't wait!

For now I have the TiVo hooked up to an antenna for OTA recording, but the reception here isn't very good for all the locals. Getting all the channels in HD will be really excellent.

Is no news, good news? I am sure that you did not get the same tech as I did because he acted like he never wanted to do it again, but I told him that now he knew how to do it and it wouldn't take him as long.

[musicforme]

Well, the short story is that I'm still getting crap on the same signals.

The tech from Verizon had zero experience with CableCards which didn't surprise me. He took a new coax cable plugged it into the outlet behind my tv and into his tester. The signal tested out fine, so one possible cause was eliminated.

He then proceeded to run that same coax cable to my tv and tried out both CableCards in it. All the channels that were crap on the Tivo were clear as could be.

At this point he said that everything that Verizon had to provide was functional, but he was willing to hang around while I called Tivo tech support. The lady on the phone was adament that if it were a Tivo problem that if one channel didn't work, then none of them would. We explained to her that we verified that both CCs worked in my Tv. She asked to check the signal level and it bounced from the mid-80s to the low 90s.

We then proceeded to try a different HDMI cable and try a component cable to remove those as possibilities. No change, still crap on the same channels. At this point the Verizon guy said that he thought it was the Tivo and that he needed to leave. I didn't disagree with him and was thinking the same thing.

Once he left, the tech at Tivo asked me to reboot my S3. I pulled the power cable per her instructions and got the screen that the system was being updated, so that added some time to the reboot.

Once it came back up we checked the crap channels, and they were still crap. At this point she asked if it were possible to run a coax directly from the side of my house to the Tivo to be sure it wasn't a signal issue. I informed her that I have Fios and it wasn't going to get any clearer and what she was asking for wasn't possible.

She then started to state that the Tivo uses a small part of the signal which lowers it when you're using the live tv. I'm not sure if this is true or not, but it sounds like a bunch of bunk to me. I've always been under the impression when watching live tv, you're watching it from a buffer on the hard drive.

Now that we had exhausted the things to try, the line got pretty quiet. She started to ask when I bought it and where. I told her I bought it at Frys and was pretty sure I was beyond my window to return it, plus I wasn't sure where my receipt it located. After outlining for her everything we had tried, she agreed to exchange my S3.

After sitting on hold for a while for level 2, I finally got a RMA and an ETA of receiving an "advanced exchange" in approx 7 to 10 business days. Once I get the new S3, I'll revisit this thread and let y'all know if those channels work or not.

[TexasAg]

Anybody noticing their S3 breaking up slightly on HD channels? When I watch some shows (usually channels 801-810), they sometimes will pixelate/macroblock somewhat, then settle down, then do it again. This can last entire shows. It's never the entire picture, just parts of it. Sometimes it actually loses audio when it's doing this.

I've never noticed it on channels 811+, and I don't think it's happened on any SD channels. It also doesn't do it all the time.

I've swapped tuners during a show where it was happening and it continued. My signal strength was usually 100, so I tried putting a 9db attenuator (a 3db and a 6db) before the Tivo. That dropped the signal strength to around 96 or 97, but it still did it.

I'm wondering if others have seen this or if it's a problem with my TV line or my S3.

[JohnBrowning]

Anybody noticing their S3 breaking up slightly on HD channels? When I watch some shows (usually channels 801-810), they sometimes will pixelate/macroblock somewhat, then settle down, then do it again. This can last entire shows. It's never the entire picture, just parts of it. Sometimes it actually loses audio when it's doing this.

I've never noticed it on channels 811+, and I don't think it's happened on any SD channels. It also doesn't do it all the time.

I've swapped tuners during a show where it was happening and it continued. My signal strength was usually 100, so I tried putting a 9db attenuator (a 3db and a 6db) before the Tivo. That dropped the signal strength to around 96 or 97, but it still did it.

I'm wondering if others have seen this or if it's a problem with my TV line or my S3.


I saw this periodically on a couple of the football games over the weekend. I'm in Plano. I don't have the S3 yet and have a Moto CableCard in my Mitsu TV.

[TexasAg]

I saw it on the Cowboys game on Sunday. I've also seen it on Law & Order (NBC) and Without a Trace (TNT). Glad to know it might not be the S3 or CableCards.

[musicforme]

I saw it on the Cowboys game on Sunday. I've also seen it on Law & Order (NBC) and Without a Trace (TNT). Glad to know it might not be the S3 or CableCards.

I had the same problem from time to time prior to owning my S3 or CableCards. Welcome to part of the fun of digital transmissions. :)

[Beetlejuice]

She then started to state that the Tivo uses a small part of the signal which lowers it when you're using the live tv. I'm not sure if this is true or not, but it sounds like a bunch of bunk to me. I've always been under the impression when watching live tv, you're watching it from a buffer on the hard drive.

After sitting on hold for a while for level 2, I finally got a RMA and an ETA of receiving an "advanced exchange" in approx 7 to 10 business days. Once I get the new S3, I'll revisit this thread and let y'all know if those channels work or not.

You are correct. Live TV is buffered from the hard drive. If it weren't you wouldn't be able to pause "live TV".

Last week I promised to let you all know how my S3 box replacement went. To recap, the S3 was getting severe pixelation on the local only cable channels. Only the channels that have an associated OTA channel in the area. The local cable channels that are public access, and the WGN-Chicago station which appears on local cable channel 6, did not pixelate at all. This was happening on both cable card slots with both cable cards. Swapping CC did not help. So, at this point it was impossible to determine if it was the S3 or Verizon. All of the higher cable channels including the HD worked fine. The OTA HD channels also are fine.

Well, I got the replacement S3 set up, and for a short while it looked like the pixelating channels were unchanged. However, after the box warmed up a bit and I got the setup completed, there was a change. Slot 1 CC was working perfectly with no pixelation. Slot 2 still has the severe pixelation. I swapped the cable cards, one at a time of course, and the pixelation problem stayed with the slot 2. I swapped them back to be sure, and again, slot 2 is the culprit on the new box. So, I know for certain that the problem is in the S3 box, and it is not a Verizon or CC problem. Now, if I can find an S3 box where both slots are working perfectly.

[Beetlejuice]

Well, I got the replacement S3 set up, and for a short while it looked like the pixelating channels were unchanged. However, after the box warmed up a bit and I got the setup completed, there was a change. Slot 1 CC was working perfectly with no pixelation. Slot 2 still has the severe pixelation. I swapped the cable cards, one at a time of course, and the pixelation problem stayed with the slot 2. I swapped them back to be sure, and again, slot 2 is the culprit on the new box. So, I know for certain that the problem is in the S3 box, and it is not a Verizon or CC problem. Now, if I can find an S3 box where both slots are working perfectly.

Well, I may have been a bit premature. Slot 1 of the replacement S3 box has been working great for the last day and a half. Now it has broken down and is pixelating again just like Slot 2. I still think it's the box based on the troubleshooting I did earlier and swapping cards. At the time the problem definitely followed the slots and nothing else. But it didn't start up until a little while ago when I was trying out some fast forwarding, rewinding and changing channels. Who knows what the trouble is. I'm getting tired of this.

[ashu]

(possible smeek)
Have you checked your HD signal strength for the local/OTA-equiv channels on your cable/FIOS feed?

[Beetlejuice]

(possible smeek)
Have you checked your HD signal strength for the local/OTA-equiv channels on your cable/FIOS feed?

Yes. 97% on cable and OTA.

[musicforme]

Well, crapola.

I received my replacement S3 today. The same channels are having the same problems. I can't recall if the Golf channel was this fubar'd on the old one, but it is horrible on the new Tivo.

I'm watching the signal strength bounce around like a rubber ball on the crap channels. It goes from the mid 80s to the low 90s, sometimes losing the signal. The good channels are at 99 to 100 all the time.

I'm not a cable expert by any imagination. Is there any chance that the splitter in my attic could be my problem? I'm not well versed in this stuff, and I'm scrambling to find the problem. I'd hate to have to switch back to Comcast and lose all the high def channels. My wife is a golf NUT and not being able to watch the Golf channel is not an option in our house.

Looks like I'm in for another phone call to Verizon to ask more specific questions about the tests they can run. What kills me is that the CableCard works like a champ in my tv, but not in my Tivo.

[Beetlejuice]

Well, crapola.

Looks like I'm in for another phone call to Verizon to ask more specific questions about the tests they can run. What kills me is that the CableCard works like a champ in my tv, but not in my Tivo.

I think I will call Verizon too. Since I replaced the box, the ONT seems like the only thing left. I've got nothing to lose.... but the problem. It's strange that we are in the same North Texas area and have the same problem but on different channels.

And to answer your question... yes, a bad splitter, cable, or ground can cause all kinds of problems. If your cable is good, the ONT might be causing the erratic signal fluctuations. I don't remember if you tried this, but if you haven't already, try running an RG6 cable directly from your ONT to your S3 as a test. 50 feet of cable at Home Depot isn't going to set you back that much and may uncover your wavering signal strength.

I'm curious to know what happens.

[winpitt]

Community specific information is here:

Verizon in the Community (http://www22.verizon.com/about/community/)

then click on the link for your specific state. They have breaking news and press releases about their rollout, as well as propaganda for communities where they may be struggling to get franchise licenses.

And of significant note is the fact that Verizon's information is pure crap. It is nothing more than Propaganda. They completely misrepresent reality. I'm a member of our Franchise Authority and have attempted to get Verizon to talk to us for over a year. They refuse. They are banking on political contributions to our elected officials and an uneducated public to allow changes to occur which would eliminate the requirement for them to even have such agreements. The effect is nothing more than horrible for the consumer.

[winpitt]

This may be true in MD and in other states, but not in Texas.

Texas passed a law earlier in the year for a state wide franchise agreement. Verizon and AT&T (formally SWB) can both offer television service as long as they honor existing franchise agreements with the individual cities.

Good luck to you in TX. That's the worst possible thing that can happen. Your consumers just lost a lot of rights - and leverage. It has nothing to do with Franchise fees, either. BTW, a few points that have not affected you yet but most certainly will.

1) They only need to honor the existing agreements until the expiration of such agreements.

2) All Cable MSOs also now get the same freedoms as do Verizon and ATT. That means that they can now decide to not provide service to any part of any community - or charge higher maintenance costs (very very high) for those "less dense" or "less affluent" communities. The provision allows them to "cherry pick".

3) Texas has absolutely no capability to monitor or manage service levels, meaning that there will be no oversight whatsoever for service now. For ANY TV service.


Your law effectively sets you back to how cable was in the 1980s, prior to the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

[winpitt]

Both Gov. Corzine and the Senate have finally approved Verizon's NJ state wide franchise. I think rollout is supposed to start Nov/Dec ish. Could have been if NJ gov hadn't done its usual heel dragging. I have been enjoying my FIOS internet for a while now...looking forward to a series 3 and TV.

See my earlier posts. Verizon's great PR campaign and your politicians greed railroaded you. Not your fault, but frankly you never got accurate information about Verizon and Franchise Agreements.

You will absolutely regret that happening. Or to be more specific, your residents in general will regret it happening.

[slocko]

can you post some links to what you are referring to? i would like to get more information on the dark side of state wide franchise. thxs.

[winpitt]

TiVo is selling a product/service that threaten revenue streams (VOD etc) for the cable companies. It is no surprise to me that the MSOs are reluctant to support the CableCARD. TiVo still has a right to sell product into that environment.

But frankly it is also understandable that they should not have to dedicate a high number of resources for what is certainly a small niche market. There are very few cablecard users and very little demand. Their service resources obviously will be focused on the majority of their requriements - which are not cc.

I don't like it, but certainly understand it.

[snathanb]

I think I will call Verizon too. Since I replaced the box, the ONT seems like the only thing left. I've got nothing to lose.... but the problem. It's strange that we are in the same North Texas area and have the same problem but on different channels.


Now where did I put those spare ONTs?

[bilbo]

And of significant note is the fact that Verizon's information is pure crap. It is nothing more than Propaganda. They completely misrepresent reality. I'm a member of our Franchise Authority and have attempted to get Verizon to talk to us for over a year. They refuse. They are banking on political contributions to our elected officials and an uneducated public to allow changes to occur which would eliminate the requirement for them to even have such agreements. The effect is nothing more than horrible for the consumer.

no, what is pure crap is that i was thinking of getting showtime, and comcast wants to charge me an additional $19 on top of my nearly $100 monthly bill. Plus I need a digital converter box (because the channel for Showtime is around channel 320, i believe) for $5 per month just for the privilege of getting Showtime (tmc comes with it too -- woo hoo). So to pick up one channel my Cable bill would go up almost $25 (to over $120 per month)?

even with a $50 rebate, it hardly seems worth it. and i no longer get espn classic or cmt because it has been moved off of expanded basic (but i got a letter lauding comcast's improvements). know how much fios charges for showtime (plus tmc and starz and ifc)? $12 per month.

plus fios is under $80 per month for more channels and better quality internet connection than comcast can provide (hey brian roberts, i don't care about your speed burst advertisements because all my neighbors are sucking up the limited bandwidth you have provided for my block).

[TexasAg]

And of significant note is the fact that Verizon's information is pure crap. It is nothing more than Propaganda. They completely misrepresent reality. I'm a member of our Franchise Authority and have attempted to get Verizon to talk to us for over a year. They refuse. They are banking on political contributions to our elected officials and an uneducated public to allow changes to occur which would eliminate the requirement for them to even have such agreements. The effect is nothing more than horrible for the consumer.

Personally, I've had Fios (Internet and TV) for a year, and it's been rock solid (other than the piece of junk DVR they use and possibly some glitches in the TV signal).

But hey, what do I know. Clearly, based on this informative, rational post, I can honestly now say I'M DOOOOMED!

[winpitt]

Personally, I've had Fios (Internet and TV) for a year, and it's been rock solid (other than the piece of junk DVR they use and possibly some glitches in the TV signal).

But hey, what do I know. Clearly, based on this informative, rational post, I can honestly now say I'M DOOOOMED!

So you're saying it's not rational? Do you have any knowledge of how Franchise Agreements work? The Telecommunications Act of 1996? "Cherry-Picking"? Build-Out Requirements? Right to Carry"

I am absolutely not saying that the FiOS Service isn't a great offering. That's not the point at all. The point is that changes to the existing law will have a strong negative effect that - while possibly not affecting you personally, at least yet - will most certainly affect a lot of other people.

If you would care to intelligently discuss this I'm game.

[winpitt]

can you post some links to what you are referring to? i would like to get more information on the dark side of state wide franchise. thxs.

I can point you to the actual legislation, but depending on where you are the state stuff will vary. The federal stuff is related to HR5252 and Senate Bill 2628.

[TexasAg]

So you're saying it's not rational?

No, I'm saying your post was a nice little rant about how Verizon won't talk to you and your LFA. I'm not surprised you feel this way. Verizon is trying to deploy a huge fiber optic network to deliver voice, data, and video services in numerous states. Rather than trying to negotiate with individual towns, they've chosen to try and get statewide franchises for the video service. Given the fact that they are bypassing you and your LFA to get a franchise, I'm not surprised you're bitter.

Personally, I don't give a flip if Verizon won't install their highly expensive fiber optic network in neighborhoods where they likely can't recover the cost for years and years (if ever).

However, since this is a thread discussing the S3's compatibility with Fios, how about complaining over in AVS, dslreports, or another thread in a different forum here dedicated to the evil that is Verizon?

[musicforme]

Thought I would let y'all know that I posted over on Broadband Reports last night about my Fios and Tivo issues. Some people think that it might a splitter issue, either a bad splitter in the chain or that the ONT is putting out too strong of a signal and a splitter is needed to lower it.

Either way, I'll be dinking around with those tonight and see if it makes a difference.

[TexasAg]

Thought I would let y'all know that I posted over on Broadband Reports last night about my Fios and Tivo issues. Some people think that it might a splitter issue, either a bad splitter in the chain or that the ONT is putting out too strong of a signal and a splitter is needed to lower it.

Either way, I'll be dinking around with those tonight and see if it makes a difference.

I didn't realize how hot the signal was until I put 9db of attenuation on mine, and the Tivo still showed a 96-97% signal strength. It's quite a bit stronger when the signal is generated at the side of your house compared to down the block.

[winpitt]

No, I'm saying your post was a nice little rant about how Verizon won't talk to you and your LFA. I'm not surprised you feel this way. Verizon is trying to deploy a huge fiber optic network to deliver voice, data, and video services in numerous states. Rather than trying to negotiate with individual towns, they've chosen to try and get statewide franchises for the video service. Given the fact that they are bypassing you and your LFA to get a franchise, I'm not surprised you're bitter.

Personally, I don't give a flip if Verizon won't install their highly expensive fiber optic network in neighborhoods where they likely can't recover the cost for years and years (if ever).

However, since this is a thread discussing the S3's compatibility with Fios, how about complaining over in AVS, dslreports, or another thread in a different forum here dedicated to the evil that is Verizon?

No, you are incorrect - completely. My statements are about how Verizon is refusing to talk to LOTS of franchise authorities, and is demanding the elimination of a number of critical provisions of existing law. I am not bitter. I am (as well as others) fighting this as it is counter-productive and only provides negative value to the consumer at large. Build-out requirements are only part of the equation. Service is yet another part.

But, it's nice to know that you don't care about anyone else.

[TexasAg]

No, you are incorrect - completely. My statements are about how Verizon is refusing to talk to LOTS of franchise authorities, and is demanding the elimination of a number of critical provisions of existing law. I am not bitter. I am (as well as others) fighting this as it is counter-productive and only provides negative value to the consumer at large. Build-out requirements are only part of the equation. Service is yet another part.

But, it's nice to know that you don't care about anyone else.

Which has nothing to do with whether the S3 is compatible with Fios.

And I do care about others, just not whiners. :)

[winpitt]

Which has nothing to do with whether the S3 is compatible with Fios.

And I do care about others, just not whiners. :)

So then I suppose that your definition of a whiner is somebody with an interest not the same as yours.

Oh well.

[TexasAg]

So then I suppose that your definition of a whiner is somebody with an interest not the same as yours.

Oh well.

Nope, to me a whiner is someone who hijacks a thread to complain about a company they don't like.

[winpitt]

Nope, to me a whiner is someone who hijacks a thread to complain about a company they don't like.

Again, another misrepresentation. Don't have an issue with Verizon and can certainly understand why they're trying to do what they are. They've done a great job spinning this (as evidenced by your position). I guess I actually have a problem with people like you who for whatever reason rudely criticize others who are trying to actually discuss the merits and facts.

[TexasAg]

Again, another misrepresentation. Don't have an issue with Verizon and can certainly understand why they're trying to do what they are. They've done a great job spinning this (as evidenced by your position). I guess I actually have a problem with people like you who for whatever reason rudely criticize others who are trying to actually discuss the merits and facts.

Yawn. You don't like Verizon or their actions (you can pick which), start a thread in the appropriate forum complaining about it. (And feel free to call all of us who don't buy your position victims of "spin").

Your posts here have absolutely nothing to do with the Fios service's compatibility with the S3 (or ANYTHING to do with the S3, for that matter).

[musicforme]

Guys, please take your franchise agreement stuff to private messages. I'm almost to the point of putting you both on my ignore list.

[Dmon4u]

The whole Franchise discussion was beaten to death over at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=590208

The one guy that was stomping on Verizon stayed for a while, then got frustrated and went away.

The ultimate 'trouble' these Town Councils and other local groups have can be summed up by the Town that wanted Verizon to pay for a Statue of the Mayor or the one that wanted them to pay for the cost of maintaining the community Swimming Pool or other towns that had other such local necessities. In my area Comcast pays for a local Festival and chips in an additional $150,000 for a 'bonus' into the town coffers. I wonder how Comcast (meaning the local subscribers) can afford this ?

Check out all the further comments over there and add your own to start another round of misery !

[winpitt]

The whole Franchise discussion was beaten to death over at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=590208

The one guy that was stomping on Verizon stayed for a while, then got frustrated and went away.

The ultimate 'trouble' these Town Councils and other local groups have can be summed up by the Town that wanted Verizon to pay for a Statue of the Mayor or the one that wanted them to pay for the cost of maintaining the community Swimming Pool or other towns that had other such local necessities. In my area Comcast pays for a local Festival and chips in an additional $150,000 for a 'bonus' into the town coffers. I wonder how Comcast (meaning the local subscribers) can afford this ?

Check out all the further comments over there and add your own to start another round of misery !

OMG. What complete crap. Please do not send out clearly completely wrong information about this. Just for your information, Franchise authorities don't get "Statues" or any other sort of revenue. There is only one thing that the community gets in terms of financial returns from the cable providers, and that is ONLY franchise fees - which even the state or federal proposals provide. If your community sucks that bad I'd suggest that either you are simply repeating false rumor or your community just sucks. The only non-financial benefit the municipality can get is in the form of Public Access TV. That means a local municipal TV channel(s) for non-profit use. Additionally, those franchise fees are paid by the consumer and passed on to the local municipality - basically a tax. Therefore franchise fees have absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with this debate.

Please learn what you're talking about. Don't mean to be rude, but can't tolerate false statements like this. I'm not accusing you of lying, but possibly of swallowing some BS story.

[Dmon4u]

Move your comments over to the other Forum and we could continue this.

My last comments here are:

Funny, the Comcast (my local) info is printed in the regional paper (The Patriot-News) and nearly every other local paper every year. Seems odd they'd lie about this.

The other info has been around since the first franchise agreements and negoiations have come to light over the last year or so. If I recall, all these were posted and confirmed over at BroadbandReports.

As for my area, my Hummelstown Borough Council info is documented by the Newspapers and Town Officials. Much of this info including copies of Newspaper stories were posted at BroadbandReports. The Borough Councils story was that though we were first in our area to get FiOS, they punted the Sept. 28th 2005 (this after a month of delay) vote on a TV Franchise agreement to the WSCOG (West Shore Council of Goverments) supposedly because of costs. Also minutes of an August meeting came out showing that this was all a forgone conclusion http://hummelstown.govoffice2.com/vertical/Sites/%7B437B2BC8-0AC7-4EFC-83ED-3C811AD97AEB%7D/uploads/%7BF2BDC492-C09E-42C7-843C-36B6B06B3B29%7D.PDF and not something that was delayed. The real story, known to members of the Council (some, friends of mine) and also printed latter, was that they wanted more Traffic Lights to be put up and all of them to be paid for and maintained by Verizon. None of this is disputed in my area, by anyone. Only frustration by certain Borough Council Members at not getting these 'extras' caused this whole communitee to be stranded without a TV Franchise agreement with Verizon.

[winpitt]

Move your comments over to the other Forum and we could continue this.

My last comments here are:

Funny, the Comcast (my local) info is printed in the regional paper (The Patriot-News) and nearly every other local paper every year. Seems odd they'd lie about this.

The other info has been around since the first franchise agreements and negoiations have come to light over the last year or so. If I recall, all these were posted and confirmed over at BroadbandReports.

As for my area, my Hummelstown Borough Council info is documented by the Newspapers and Town Officials. Much of this info including copies of Newspaper stories were posted at BroadbandReports. The Borough Councils story was that though we were first in our area to get FiOS, they punted the Sept. 28th 2005 (this after a month of delay) vote on a TV Franchise agreement to the WSCOG (West Shore Council of Goverments) supposedly because of costs. The real story, known to members of the Council (some, friends of mine) and also printed latter, was that they wanted more Traffic Lights to be put up and all of them to be paid for and maintained by Verizon. None of this is disputed in my area, by anyone. Only frustration by certain Town Council Members at not getting these 'extras' caused this whole communitee to be stranded without a TV Franchise agreement with Verizon.

We can move this to another thread, but not another forum. And if you have proof of the above, start a thread and show it. To me (having a great deal of experience in this area) it is nonsense.

[JohnBrowning]

No, you are incorrect - completely. My statements are about how Verizon is refusing to talk to LOTS of franchise authorities, and is demanding the elimination of a number of critical provisions of existing law. I am not bitter. I am (as well as others) fighting this as it is counter-productive and only provides negative value to the consumer at large. Build-out requirements are only part of the equation. Service is yet another part.

But, it's nice to know that you don't care about anyone else.

We get the point!! You don't like VZ or how they do business. That's fine, that's your right, and you've made yourself very clear. I don't have a problem with the statewide franchise. I see no need for every dinky town across the state to get involved. I'd prefer EVERYONE have free access to the utility easements, as long as they meet quality and workmanship standards, without every junior politician in earshot demanding the "right" of approval. Its called "competition" and its good for everyone. The competition VZ has brought to my town has given me a new choice, a better quality product, and lower prices.

+1 to the Free Market!!

[Beetlejuice]

Anybody else got anything on poor reception with cable channels or ONTs?

[winpitt]

We get the point!! You don't like VZ or how they do business. That's fine, that's your right, and you've made yourself very clear. I don't have a problem with the statewide franchise. I see no need for every dinky town across the state to get involved. I'd prefer EVERYONE have free access to the utility easements, as long as they meet quality and workmanship standards, without every junior politician in earshot demanding the "right" of approval. Its called "competition" and its good for everyone. The competition VZ has brought to my town has given me a new choice, a better quality product, and lower prices.

+1 to the Free Market!!

I keep waiting to let this drop but then somebody has to add a nonsense response that I don't want to less without address.

The competition existed BEFORE the state franchise agreement. Verizon chose to wait to enter the market deliberately because they believed people like you would not understand the legislation and believe the spin, allowing them to get concesssions (that they should not have gotten). They could have entered the market any time they wanted. In other areas that's what they did - in other words where they didn't have as much confidence that the state would roll over for them fast enough. Your definition of competition as it relates to this discussion is patently false.

I'll say it again - I have nothing whatsoever against Verizon. I understand what they are trying to do, and don't blame them for trying to take advantage of some ineffective politicians and uneducated consumers.

There is no protection or goverance now for your quality and service issues. None. While responsibility for oversight has been assigned, there are no resources within that government organization to actually EXECUTE on those responsibilities.

Honestly, I sincerely suggest that if you do not understand the legislation, READ IT. That's far more productive than simply making claims about "competition", etc when they are clearly incorrect. Verizon in almost every single case HAD ALREADY DEPLOYED FIBER to those areas prior to the state franchise agreement being put in. Are you suggesting that if the state hadn't rolled over they would have either removed the fiber or not lit it up? BS. They would have been there regardless.

THAT is the point. Verizon is going to deploy FiOS (thankfully) whether the federal or individual states give in to them. The difference is this. If they get their way, they'll deploy it to less communities. And, if they get their way their service requirements will be lower. THOSE are the facts.

[musicforme]

I posted my testing results last night over at Broadband Reports and thought I would share them here (someone in this thread asked to see them, thanks for the interest!).
-------------------------------------------
Ok, I finally got some TV time tonight after my wife hit the sack. Getting in the way of Gray's Anatomy was not an option!

I took a look at the splitter in my attic, and it looks like the Verizon installer put in a new one. I checked the stats on it, and it has the 5mhz to 1 ghz previously mentioned in this thread. It is a 1 to 6 splitter.

I followed the co-ax as best I could in the attic and it does not appear to be split anywhere between the one I previously mentioned and its descent down the wall behind my tv.

I also went through the channels I wrote down as having the bad picture quality and checked the "tuned frequency". Hopefully this is the proper number that someone requested. It was available on multiple screens and seemed pretty important to me for that reason. Several times while checking it the "SNR" (signal to noise?) bounced from Poor to Good. Where applicable, I'll put a "*" next to the frequency. I also scanned all my channels below 50, and all but one of them were 100 strength. I believe channel 6 was somewhere around 97 or 98 and looked fine.

Channel Tuned Frequency

50 417
54 417
65 429
101 417
134 417*
135 417*
160 429*
164 417
190 423*
204 417*
230 429*
234 429*

I also tried a couple of splitters between the wall and my Tivo. A "high performance" splitter (5 mhz to 2 gig) did not change the signal strength. I tried an OLD one I found in the attic tonight (probably came with the house when built in the early 1990s) and the signal strength dropped a couple of points, but still in the low to mid 80s.

Any ideas? As long as I can still demonstrate to my wife that there are things still to try, she's on board with sticking with Verizon. I'm not looking forward to Sunday morning when we can't record and watch "PGA Sunday" on the USA Channel.
-------------------------------------------
Winpitt, I added you to my ignore list. I'm tired of reading your drivel. I'm sure I'm not alone in those that don't appreciate you polluting this thread. Happy trails...

[Beetlejuice]

Any ideas? As long as I can still demonstrate to my wife that there are things still to try, she's on board with sticking with Verizon. I'm not looking forward to Sunday morning when we can't record and watch "PGA Sunday" on the USA Channel.

I just found something that we might be able to take to Tivo. In case you missed it earlier, I mentioned I was having some good luck with the crap channels on CC slot-1 but CC slot-2 was serverly pixelated. My previous S3 was bad on both slots.

I went back and rechecked the signal levels on different channels. It seems that all the channels that are coming in good, all above 50 and WGN, are hitting 100% and the displays says "Digital Signal Acquired". When I switch to one of my local cable channels that pixelate mostly on slot-2, I get a level of around 95% to 97% and the display says "Digital Signal Acquired" but occasionally in parentheses says "(No signal on tuner two)". Now... There is only 1 cable coming into the S3, why would 1 tuner be ok, and the other tuner not be ok, if it was a Verizon problem???

Now, since I have previously swapped cable cards and the problem stays on tuner 2, I believe this is proof that the problem is in the S3 and not with Verizon. And something else of interest, since the S3 warns that using the signal level test will suspend all recording, it's my understanding and belief that this allows you to view the signal without being processed to put on the hard drive. In other words, that part of the S3 is being taken out of the picture and isolating the problem to the tuner or in other cases, maybe both tuners.

I can't explain why the 100% channels are ok and the 96% channels are not unless the tuners are not sensative enough and require a 100% signal. I've previously tried using a TV signal amp but that didn't help. I'm going to try again and check the levels. Stay tuned (no pun intended).

[AbMagFab]

I suggest you get a Viewsonics signal booster/splitter, either a single one in-line from the source, or one to split to each TV. I did the latter, and have significantly improves picture quality on all TV's on the analog side, and no issue on the digital side.

I did this with my OTA feed a while ago, and these Viewsonics devices seem like magic. They amp the low stuff, and don't seem to overamp anything that is already okay.

(I have no interest in Viewsonics, I just have had great luck with the devices).

I bought new on eBay, for about 20% less than other discount retailers, for what it's worth.

[dnorthway]

For those individuals in Plano TX that have Verizon Fios and the new TIVO Series 3, how did you get it to work. I have the Verizon guys here for 3 hours until they finally got the cable card working on the TV. But, then when we put them into the TIVO box, I got the message acquiring channel information but could go no further. Verizon says the cards are working correctly because they work on the TV. TIVO says it has to be something on Verizon's side. I am stuck in the middle. Any thoughts?

[Ilene]

For those individuals in Plano TX that have Verizon Fios and the new TIVO Series 3, how did you get it to work. I have the Verizon guys here for 3 hours until they finally got the cable card working on the TV. But, then when we put them into the TIVO box, I got the message acquiring channel information but could go no further. Verizon says the cards are working correctly because they work on the TV. TIVO says it has to be something on Verizon's side. I am stuck in the middle. Any thoughts?

I documented this in an earlier post (probably didn't see it with all the off topic posts in between trashing Verizon)
The entire process of rewiring for telephone, internet and cable took about 7 hours. It took nearly 2 hours to get the cablecards to work. I had printed out an article that another forum member recommended: http://techdigs.net/content/view/46/42. While it is very Comcast focused, we were able to glean enough info to help. It would have been nice if the instructions that TiVo says to hand to the installer was actually complete, but it really wasn't.

Hopefully this will help:
1) Ask for brand new, never been used cablecards and write down the Serial Number (SN) and the UnitAddress (UA) that is on each of the cards. Mine were Motorolla. Your installer will need to repeat the numbers over and over.
2) Make note of which one you put in the bottom slot, this cablecard 1.
3) When you put the card in the bottom slot, a screen will show up with the card in green. I waited several minutes just staring at this screen and nothing happened. There is an option for Configure Card 1, so I decided to select it.
4) A black screen with white information shows up. This is the MMI screen that TiVo has a picture of in their instructions. According to the info in the techdig article, the HOST and DATA numbers are critical.
5) The tech will need to provide the Host and Data info to the guy on the phone. It will take that person several tries to type the long string of numbers and letters.
6) Because they could not do one and then the other, I had to put CC2 in before we finished with CC1.
7) The screen pops up showing 2 CCs in green and there is a new option for Configure CC2. We waited a few minutes before I selected the Configure CC2. The HOST and DATA information are unique for each CC.
8) It appeared that the person on the phone had a lot of trouble keeping the information straight between the 2 cards. He kept mixing the Host and Data information between the 2 different serial numbers. Since I couldn't see the screen he had to enter this into, I can't comment on why this was so difficult.
9) I can tell you that they had to reenter this information many times. I heard that they were getting an error message, but I could not find out what the message was. The TiVo Config screens time out, so I had to go through the TiVo Central menu many times to get back to the CC screens.
10) When they are successful, TiVo will automatically go to the Test Channel screen. For me this happened to CC1. All of the sudden the TV station it is testing appears in the background. We told them to stop messing with it because whatever they did, it was working.
11) We asked them to do whatever, to the second card. They did and the TiVo screen changed to the Test Channel screen automatically.

Jared will probably kill me, but you might want to request him as the installer. He is one of their best techs. I would also be willing to help. Just let me know.

[wmcbrine]

Reading strings of numbers over the phone is such an obvious failure point... I wonder why they don't just make a web interface for the techs (or even the customers) to access.

[Roderigo]

3) When you put the card in the bottom slot, a screen will show up with the card in green. I waited several minutes just staring at this screen and nothing happened. There is an option for Configure Card 1, so I decided to select it.
4) A black screen with white information shows up. This is the MMI screen that TiVo has a picture of in their instructions. According to the info in the techdig article, the HOST and DATA numbers are critical.

Not really cause & effect between step 3 & 4. The MMI would have come up on it's own if you had just waited


8) It appeared that the person on the phone had a lot of trouble keeping the information straight between the 2 cards. He kept mixing the Host and Data information between the 2 different serial numbers. Since I couldn't see the screen he had to enter this into, I can't comment on why this was so difficult.

This is exactly why the Tivo instructions say to do one card at a time. There's no technical reason, but really easy to get things mixed up.

[Ilene]

Not really cause & effect between step 3 & 4. The MMI would have come up on it's own if you had just waited


This is exactly why the Tivo instructions say to do one card at a time. There's no technical reason, but really easy to get things mixed up.

I totally understand that you are supposed to do one card at a time, but when the installer tells you that Fios requires that all connections (including the cable box in the other room) be activated at the same time, I was forced to put in the second card. And I am sorry that I did not make myself clear in that what the tech on the phone kept messing up with was the 4 series of numbers for the one card. It got no better when we worked on the 2nd card.

My point to this post is that like others have said, it is too bad that we have no control over the activation process. We cannot enter the numbers and submit them, we cannot see what the tech on the phone is doing or not doing.

I believe that TiVo will suffer as a result that there is nothing in it for the cable companies for these installs to be successful - in fact it costs them money as they will not have the revenue from leaving their own DVRs and the added PPV and VOD services.

[neplokh]

Has anyone have FIOS and Tivo Series3 successfully installed in Centreville, VA or anywhere else in Northern VA area? Since last saturday countless number of Verizon techs and supervisors tried including multiple site visits by verizon techs. Results are identical, channels 50 and above don't work. They've tried at least 4 different cable cards and this is a second Tivo (first one exchanged per advice from tivo tech support) I am looking for a name of your tech so I can request them when I call their tech support number. I am this close to calling COX and ordering service from them despite it being $20 more expensive for identical content.

[ashu]

Also try the avsforums official Series 3' thread, as well as the 'Washington DC area HDTV' thread. I vaguely remember someone mentioning they had an S3 with CableCards ... but likely from Comcast or Adelphia.

I will soon, but with Adelphia, and I'm eager to confirm FIOS cards work as well (a little North West of you) ... with the FIOS rollout now underway in my 'hood.

Here ...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=722696

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=517400

[musicforme]

Results are identical, channels 50 and above don't work.

Nothing above 49 works for you? That is different than what I'm getting. Most of my channels DO work, but I identified at least 15 that don't. I stopped counting at 15.

I plan on doing some more troubleshooting tomorrow night since my wife is going to be out of the house for a while. I'll post my results once I have them.

[JohnBrowning]

Note that the first 50 channels are basic, unencrypted, analog cable. I also had this problem when I first had FiOS installed. The solution was geting a knowledgable support engineer on the phone who knew how to cold init the CableCARD. All has been happy since and I can freely move the CC back and forth between my TV and S3.

[mlkeller]

Note that the first 50 channels are basic, unencrypted, analog cable. I also had this problem when I first had FiOS installed. The solution was geting a knowledgable support engineer on the phone who knew how to cold init the CableCARD. All has been happy since and I can freely move the CC back and forth between my TV and S3.

Yup, had same problem when they added my second cable card...tech knew to check channel 51 and when it was not there he told the rep on the phone to send a re-init signal (I think that was the term he used) to the card, and that seem to do it.

[TexasAg]

Anybody having trouble getting CNN Headline News? It's channel 71 AND channel 520 on Fios. My S3 won't work on either tuner for either channel. The CableCard menu shows that the tuner is tuned to the station.

It should work since it is included in the standard Fios package, and I get all of the surrounding channels. Also, it's not an analog channel and it's happening on two widely spaced channels, so it's not the problem of the missing analog channels some have had. I've confirmed that the Verizon STBs in my house still get it.

This has me stumped - both CNNH channels are missing on 71 and 520, while everything else works.

[musicforme]

I did some testing tonight and posted the results over at the Broadband Reports site. The contents of my post are below.
----------------------------
Ok, I have some good results to report.

I stopped by Radio Shack and put some terminators on four of the ends of the splitter. I thought the splitter was a 6 way splitter, but was an 8 way.

When checking the signal strength on the Tivo in the main room, it went from the mid 80s to the upper 80s and still pixelated.

I removed one of the terminators and ran a 50 ft cable to the master bedroom and hooked up to the Tivo. SUCCESS!! The signal was between 96 to 98 and no pixelation on the problematic channels.

So at this point, it appears the problems are with the existing cabling in my house. I need to call in to Tech Support and see how much it will cost to have a tech come out and replace the cable from the splitter to behind my tv.

Thanks for all the input from everyone!

[Ilene]

Anybody having trouble getting CNN Headline News? It's channel 71 AND channel 520 on Fios. My S3 won't work on either tuner for either channel. The CableCard menu shows that the tuner is tuned to the station.

It should work since it is included in the standard Fios package, and I get all of the surrounding channels. Also, it's not an analog channel and it's happening on two widely spaced channels, so it's not the problem of the missing analog channels some have had. I've confirmed that the Verizon STBs in my house still get it.

This has me stumped - both CNNH channels are missing on 71 and 520, while everything else works.

I am experiencing the same missing channels 71 and 520. I wonder if it is a North Texas thing or a Fios thing? I would assume this is happening in cableCARD connected TVs too.

[musicforme]

I am experiencing the same missing channels 71 and 520. I wonder if it is a North Texas thing or a Fios thing? I would assume this is happening in cableCARD connected TVs too.

TexasAg and I have discussed this same problem over on Broadband Reports.

I took one of my CableCards out of my Tivo last night and put it in my TV. The above channels work just fine in my TV, so it is something specific with the Tivo.

[TexasAg]

TexasAg and I have discussed this same problem over on Broadband Reports.

I took one of my CableCards out of my Tivo last night and put it in my TV. The above channels work just fine in my TV, so it is something specific with the Tivo.

Bad news.

Anybody have any idea why the Tivo would fail to work with both CableCards on two widely-spaced channels (71 and 520) from the same source (CNN Headline News)?

[Thos19]

I had Fios internet installed in my house in Abington, MA. It blows away Adelphia/Comcast.

My next task: pestering the Town Selectmen into letting Verizon Fios TV !!!!!!

Thos.

[ashu]

Bad news.

Anybody have any idea why the Tivo would fail to work with both CableCards on two widely-spaced channels (71 and 520) from the same source (CNN Headline News)?

[humor]
Does Fox News work? If it does, I'd suggest a Conspiracy Theory!

[TexasAg]

[humor]
Does Fox News work? If it does, I'd suggest a Conspiracy Theory!

We sometimes like to watch Glenn Beck's show (but just sometimes, which is why it's no big loss for me if it never works).

[willettg]

I live in Irving TX, and have had FiOS video service about 5 months, using the Motorola HD DVR. Verizon activated two cable cards in my TiVo/S3 today (fairly smooth process). I am having problems with three channels that work fine with the Moto DVR:

CH 81 - CSPAN3: No audio on TiVo, works fine on Moto

CH 200 - Hallmark Channel: Not working on TiVo, works fine on Moto

CH 520 - CNN Headline News: Not working on TiVo, works fine on Moto. Oddly enough, CH70 for CNN Headline News is working fine.

It appears others are having problems with CH 70/520 - how about 81 and 200? Is this a TiVo S3 problem or a FiOS cablecard problem?

[TexasAg]

I can confirm that I am missing channel 200 in addition to channels 71 and 520. I am also missing audio on channel 81.

Very strange stuff.

[fox112000]

Sorry for posting on this S3 thread, but I'm not sure where else to go. I have 2 Motorola QIP2500-3 boxes, the horrible fios DVR & an S2 Tivo. When I ordered fios, I was assured my Tivo would work fine. Then the tech showed up to install. He told me my Tivo would not work (would only function as a VCR). Not having ever been on any of these tivo forums, I assumed he was right & had a fit! Spent almost 2 hrs on the phone with verizon, while the tech just sat here. He refused to start any work until everything was worked out. Finally verizon decided to give me the DVR free for a yr, since they were now saying my tivo wouldn't work. I thought that was a good compromise until I started using the DVR! It's horrible! And now, the tv that was hooked up to the DVR is fried! It started making some weird popping electrical noises & then sizzled. I disconnected everything & tried just plugging it into the wall, but it just sizzles. Anyone think this could be related to fios/dvr? or just bad luck with the tv?

Anyway, the techs left my house without even attempting to hook up the Tivo on the 2nd tv, and I think he even used some of my Tivo cables for his connections. Needless to say, I can't figure out what's supposed to be hooked up where, & I'm having withdrawl. I've been without the Tivo for a wk now! We had also previously been having Tivo update over the phone, but can now probably just do it through the network. Can anyone tell me exactly how to connect the Motorola QIP2500-3 box with the S2 tivo, & what I need to do on the Tivo end (or at least direct me to some complete instructions), in simple non-tech language? I've been searching for the last few hrs & can only find bits of info here & there. I really don't want to listen to my kids complaining that they're missing sesame street for another day!
Thanks for anyone's help!!

[ashu]

fox, I know I'm being lazy here too, but hunt down the remote code thread (maintained by a username that contains the word charles. I think!). That will mention whether/if that Motorola box can even be controlled by TiVo's IR signals. I believe they can.

I don't know if you have any recourse about the fried TV. Was this a Motorola 6412 HD DVR? Connected by an HDMI cable to the TV, I presume?

[willettg]

I submitted FiOS TV Help Request vz283009nm2 to report this issue.

I can confirm that I am missing channel 200 in addition to channels 71 and 520. I am also missing audio on channel 81.

Very strange stuff.

[TexasAg]

I submitted FiOS TV Help Request vz283009nm2 to report this issue.

Thanks.

I'm not sure if it'll help, though. I don't think it's a Verizon problem since musicforme plugged one of his CableCards into his TV and got channels 71 and 520. That seems to show that this is a Tivo problem.

Maybe we'll get lucky and it will be a Verizon thing - they have the wrong setting or something, so it's messing up the ability of a DVR to display and record. The fact that it's the same for both copies of CNNH on two different channels might mean that the setting is wrong for CNNH. Still, I have a feeling this is something with the Tivo.

[willettg]

TexasAg:
Verizon Tier-2 support says this is a known TiVo S3 problem. What's odd is that I can get CNN Headline News on CH71 but not on CH520.

My Sony HDTV has a cable card slot. Can I move one of my S3 cable cards to the Sony TV? Does VZ have to re-activate it if I do? I want to verify the problem is TiVo's and not VZ's. Also, I don't want to pay for another activation fee to move the card.

Thanks.

I'm not sure if it'll help, though. I don't think it's a Verizon problem since musicforme plugged one of his CableCards into his TV and got channels 71 and 520. That seems to show that this is a Tivo problem.

Maybe we'll get lucky and it will be a Verizon thing - they have the wrong setting or something, so it's messing up the ability of a DVR to display and record. The fact that it's the same for both copies of CNNH on two different channels might mean that the setting is wrong for CNNH. Still, I have a feeling this is something with the Tivo.

[TexasAg]

willettg, musicforme says he has moved his CableCard from the S3 to his TV and back without problem.

I have not tried it due to the difficulty in rotating my TV to get access to the slot (the TV is recessed, and the opening just barely fits the TV without including me next to it). So, I can't verify it, but it sounds like it is OK.

It's weird that it works for you on channel 71. I know channel 71 was not working for us as of last night.

[willettg]

I moved one of the cable cards from my TiVo S3 to my Sony HDTV. All of the problems with CH 70, 81, 200, and 520 do NOT exist with the cable card in the Sony TV. So this is definitely a TiVo issue.

BTW, CNN Headline News on CH 70 now does not work (it definitely did before).

I will be submitting a trouble report to Tivo on this.

willettg, musicforme says he has moved his CableCard from the S3 to his TV and back without problem.

I have not tried it due to the difficulty in rotating my TV to get access to the slot (the TV is recessed, and the opening just barely fits the TV without including me next to it). So, I can't verify it, but it sounds like it is OK.

It's weird that it works for you on channel 71. I know channel 71 was not working for us as of last night.

[wmcbrine]

It's interesting that people are able to move the cards from one device to another. So much for the cards being "married" to a device. Also makes it even more pointless for them to require a technician to set up.

[ashu]

It's interesting that people are able to move the cards from one device to another. So much for the cards being "married" to a device. Also makes it even more pointless for them to require a technician to set up.

Not all cable companies block your ability to do that. They likely will stop working shortly ... if the company can get its act together :)

Comcast cards usually can't be moved around, and removal-reinsertion requires re-enabling due to the newly created ID (one of them - data?)

[willettg]

:mad:
I opened a case with TiVo (#5490836) on the issue with I am having with four channels in the TiVo S3:

CH 70 - CNN Headline News: OK in program guide, but no video or audio on TiVo.

CH 81 - CSPAN3: OK in program guide, have video but no audio on TiVo.

CH 200 - Hallmark Channel: OK in program guide, but no video or audio on TiVo.

CH 520 - CNN Headline News (duplicate of CH 70): OK in program guide, but no video or audio on TiVo.

These channels work fine when tuned by the Motorola HD DVR. I individually moved both of my TiVo cable cards to my Sony HDTV, and all four channels work OK on both cards.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Called TiVo support today (Sat 11/4/06; talked to "Eric"). He says that I have two bad cable cards and I need to get Verizon to replace them. After that, if the problem still exists, they might escalate the problem to TiVo engineering.

I argued, to no avail, that the fact that both cable cards work in my Sony TV would prove the issue to be TiVo's.

Did I just get an incompetent CSR on my call today, and need to call back?

What am I missing here? Who should be my advocate? Why do I have to be in the middle?

TiVo has just released a (very expensive) product to compete in the CE environment for cable TV. One would think they would jump right on a problem like this, and not leave their customers hanging in the breeze.

Is there any way to get TiVo to listen to me?

Is it a technical possibility this problem is Verizon's and not Tivo's??

[Galway1]

FIOS was to come today to install cable cards. They did not show. I pushed them for a visit later in the afternoon. They are coming. BUT- in the course of trying to get service, I talked to their (FIOS) fiber service desk. He said there are serious compatibility issues and that cable cards won't work with TIVO. An email was sent out last week to their reps.

Called TIVO and talked to service rep. She asked around and they told her that 9 of 10 times the cable cards start up ok but then fail. She opened a case file for me and connected me to a higher level tech rep. He, (Bobby) asked his peers if they knew of a problem. All of them said that they have never succeeded in getting cable cards to work with FIOS. NONE.

I have a thousand bucks tied up in this and now it all has to be taken apart and returned. Plus I took time from work to wait for FIOS.

I have loved TIVO since 1999. But am out of the TIVO users until it works as it should.

By the way, I had lifetime TIVO with DirecTV but it does not tranfer over to just the TIVO box. Service rep said that TIVO did not get any money from DirectTV so it will not extend service.

Phooey.

Sorry, this is in Northern Virginia area. And I have phone and internet on FIOS as well as TV. I quit DirectTV when the rain came too many days for my patience.

[TexasAg]

So you listened to the Verizon folks who want you to rent their STB/DVR, and you didn't bother looking around to see if other people had gotten their S3 to work with Fios before you returned your S3?

I have an S3 working with Fios almost perfectly. I'm just missing a couple stations that I hardly ever watch.

[bkdtv]

S3 working perfectly with FiOS in N. VA here.

[TomStapes]

After reading about everyone's experience with FiOS and TiVo S3 (and ignoring some off-topic discussions...), I am now chomping at the bit for FiOS TV. I live in Jersey, and if everything goes well with the State Board of Public Utilities over the next couple of weeks, they should get their state-wide franchise license before the end of the year.

I've got an S2 w/ Lifetime that we are going to transfer over to the S3, but our TV is SD, so I don't have the ability to swap CC's around if there is a problem. I won't be able to say whether the problem is with Verizon or with TiVo.

So, my question - When I place my order, should I order a STB to check for problems for the first month or two, or is that more problematic than it's worth? It might be nice to check out the VOD services as long as it is around...

[TexasAg]

So, my question - When I place my order, should I order a STB to check for problems for the first month or two, or is that more problematic than it's worth? It might be nice to check out the VOD services as long as it is around...

I never had this problem (missing channels or missing audio) with the STBs or DVRs from Fios. In fact, I can get channels 71, 81, 200, and 520 properly with the Fios STBs I still have. So, you probably can't check for the problem using them.

I think it's a problem with (i) the CableCards or (ii) the Tivo (or maybe both).

I never really used the VOD stuff except for a few kids' shows. I never really thought highly of it. But hopefully you'll enjoy the Fios TV service as much as I have (and it looks amazing on HDTVs).

[Galway1]

By the way, Texas Ag, FIOS said that TIVO Series 3 did not work with FIOS but TIVO said (as I stated in my post) that they can't get TIVO Series 3 to work with FIOS either.

So, no I did not just listen to Verizon, I listened to TIVO, who has a major stake in my succeeding.

And on this entire string I see a few comments that TIVO Series 3 works with FIOS in Virginia, but no specifics.

Even the long link that answers so many questions about the specifics of what Series 3 does and what it works with says that TIVO works with FIOS but all of the links that users have posted seem to say that the reality is significantly different than what is stated but not proved nor supported.

[JohnBrowning]

TiVo Series 3 works fine with FiOS. I don't see what all the stink is about? From the TiVo's point of view, its a digital cable connection PERIOD! I'm currently only running a single cableCARD, but, installation was trivial.
- Install TiVo
- Move CableCARD from TV to TiVo
- Run Guided Setup
- Enjoy TiVo!!

Quit spreading FUD and just enjoy the show!!!

[TexasAg]

It's funny, because it appears Verizon doesn't require the pairing numbers for the CableCards to work (you can move them between devices without requiring a call to Verizon).

This may change obviously, but it means that it's actually easier right now to set up the S3 with Verizon than it is for other cable providers.

[willettg]

See my post #175. Do you have problems with the same four channels? Other than this issue, I am very pleased with the TiVo S3

TiVo Series 3 works fine with FiOS. I don't see what all the stink is about? From the TiVo's point of view, its a digital cable connection PERIOD! I'm currently only running a single cableCARD, but, installation was trivial.
- Install TiVo
- Move CableCARD from TV to TiVo
- Run Guided Setup
- Enjoy TiVo!!

Quit spreading FUD and just enjoy the show!!!

[terramar]

I am still having trouble on two separate S3s on Fios in Manhattan Beach, CA.

The ffwd and rewind speed skip erratically. Watching the counter at the bottom, you can see it cruise along, minute-by-minute, and then it will jump up suddenly anywhere from 1 to 10 minutes (occasionally even more). Sometimes it even jumps backwards.

Imagine seeing the numbers go like this:

17 18 19 21 22 26 24 25 29 23 24 25

It's almost impossible to fast-forward or rewind to a specific spot in a show. Two calls to Tivo over the last two weeks, two promised that they'll "get back to me in a day or so", and I've still not heard from them.

Anybody else seeing this?????? We're getting desperate - if we don't get a fix soon, my wife is going to insist we scrap the S3s and Fios and go back to DirecTV.

t

[TexasAg]

Someone over at dslreports posted that channels 71 and 520 work in Herndon, VA. Not real sure why the S3 would work in some places and not others, esp. since the CableCards seem to work in TVs when the S3 doesn't.

[Ilene]

I can confirm that I am missing channel 200 in addition to channels 71 and 520. I am also missing audio on channel 81.

Very strange stuff.

I am experiencing the same issues. When I called Verizon about it, they said that since I didn't have La Conexion, that I shouldn't be getting channel 520. I quickly dropped the conversation as I didn't want to lose the other channels. Too bad we can't tell if this is a North Texas problem or not since I can't find anyone reporting this that is not in our area. At this point I am assuming it is a TiVo issue and hope that they fix it in their next update.

[HD_Dude]

For suburban DC, FIOS is finally here!

WTOP Article (http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=988501)

"Hello, Comcast?"

"Yes, how can I help you?"

"I'd like to cancel service...."

Daydreams sometimes come true...lol

[jcaudle]

Now how about FIOS in the rest of Fairfax County, not just Herndon. Although I will say that I think Cox is a better cable provider than Comcast.

[dt_dc]

Now how about FIOS in the rest of Fairfax County, not just Herndon.Fios TV is being rolled out throughout Fairfax County ... not just Herndon. It just takes time ...

I'm in Fairfax (not Herndon) with Fios TV.

[terramar]

Would anybody/everybody with Fios and the S3 tell me if they are having the same "jumping" problem with fast forward that I've described? It would really help me with Tivo.

They did have me do something to generate some sort of debug file that they are looking at, but so far, no answers.

[musicforme]

So at this point, it appears the problems are with the existing cabling in my house.

I haven't visited this thread in a while and thought I'd share my update.

I finally climbed in my attic over the weekend and replaced the old co-ax from the splitter with a new co-ax that has four layers of shielding in it. I had a heck of a time fishing for the new co-ax as it was coiled up in the wall with the existing co-ax, Cat 6 and phone cable. I mangled a coat hanger and was able to get it up in the wall cavity to shake things loose.

My signal level went from the mid-80s up to 96-100 with the new cable. The channels that would heavily pixelate no longer have problems. Unfortunately, this means my wife will be watching her season pass for "Baby Story" on TLC now. ugh!

[pnrmurph]

Would anybody/everybody with Fios and the S3 tell me if they are having the same "jumping" problem with fast forward that I've described? It would really help me with Tivo.

They did have me do something to generate some sort of debug file that they are looking at, but so far, no answers.

I just had FiOS TV installed, including CableCards for my S3 on Sat. 12/9 and have noticed the stange jumping when fast forwarding. Seems to happen only on the fastest fast foward. Other than that, everything else seems fine.

[SCSIRAID]

I just had FiOS TV installed, including CableCards for my S3 on Sat. 12/9 and have noticed the stange jumping when fast forwarding. Seems to happen only on the fastest fast foward. Other than that, everything else seems fine.

That should be fixed in 8.1 firmware. Its an mpeg decoding issue.

[terramar]

That should be fixed in 8.1 firmware. Its an mpeg decoding issue.


Can you provide the basis for your information, please?

[SCSIRAID]

Can you provide the basis for your information, please?

Tivo engineering support person. They have called me several times on the audio dropout/pixelation issue and I had a long conversation with the rep late one evening.

[terramar]

Tivo engineering support person. They have called me several times on the audio dropout/pixelation issue and I had a long conversation with the rep late one evening.

Thanks. I've made about 5 phone calls into tech support, and now they're asking me to do some remote gymnastics to allow them to gather some timing info......but they still keep claiming that the problem is something they've never heard of before, and I'm just getting completely frustrated.

My wife is starting to suggest that we dump the S3 and Fios and go back to DirecTV.

[TexasAg]

Thanks. I've made about 5 phone calls into tech support, and now they're asking me to do some remote gymnastics to allow them to gather some timing info......but they still keep claiming that the problem is something they've never heard of before, and I'm just getting completely frustrated.

My wife is starting to suggest that we dump the S3 and Fios and go back to DirecTV.

Just use the 30-second skip. I rarely ever use FF 3x with Fios.

[globalreset]

Hey all. Just did the guided setup for my brand new series3. I currently have the fios tv, with their hd dvr. I have an installer coming out next week to setup the cablecard(s).

I saw lots of references to the newer cable cards with support for multistream coming in during November (last month). Does anyone know if these ever appeared? I'm just curious if I can tell the installer to only put one card in and keep the other. Funny enough, I trust the forum users a lot more to tell me what kind of hardware I'm getting than I do Verizon's installers. :)

[SC0TLANDF0REVER]

Now how about FIOS in the rest of Fairfax County, not just Herndon. Although I will say that I think Cox is a better cable provider than Comcast.

No doubt. A buddy of mine out in Leesburg has FiOS Internet w/ TV coming real soon (and he's in 'stacked housing').
I'm chomping @ the bit to get 15Mbps down/2Mbps up w/ an S3 + Slingbox = Nirvana.


Stacked Housing = Condos/Apartments in Telco speak.

[Tank99]

I just switched apartments here in Tampa Florida and prior to that I was about to have FIOS installed in my old apartment. I was on their schedule to have them pull the fiber into my individual apartment. It took them two days to get it pulled into my new one, but got the internet working after a long wait. Since I was the first one in my 400 unit complex they wanted to get my Internet up first, so I had to keep Brighthouses Cable for about a week in my new apartment. During that time the Series3 HD box worked just as well as it did in my other apartment running Brighthouses. Then they guy came in and installed the two Verizon FIOS cable cards and like the other guy said it took him a little while to get it going, but he got it. Also as the other guy said, they do have them, they do not like to offer it, but they do provide them when asked.

Two additional things with this:

1. To get around the PPV and on demand not offered through the cable cards I had them provide me an extra HD box on the same TV. So if I want to watch PPV or on demand I just switch to another video source. I have had the cable cards installed in my HD box for three weeks now and have yet to switch over to watch it because, well TiVo Series3 is just that good, I don’t want to switch, besides I have tons of stuff already TiVo’ed – as for the on demand guide, who needs theirs when you have the TiVo one, heck yeah!
2. My only problem is that once I switched over to the Verizon Fios TV the individual program information for each show is very slow in coming up. It will display everything at a good speed, I get into the list of individual programs, but the second I switch to the description of the show it takes a good 10 to 15 seconds to come up and it’s driving me nuts. I have reset my box but it is still slow in displaying. I thought perhaps because the FIOS TV has so many more channels than Brighthouses that was the problem, but I don’t know. It worked at regular speed when I had Bright house installed on my Series3, but now with the Verizon FIOS it’s really slow in displaying.

Can anyone help with this issue? Also if anyone has any questions about using FIOS I will answer you.

Tracy

[wdave]

FIOS is wired but not quite available in my neighborhood yet. So I stopped at the FIOS kiosk at my local mall this morning and asked about pricing. I was told:

$35.95 FIOS TV base price
$ 5.95 for each cable card
$ 2.95 for each "cable box"

I have an S3 with my main TV, plus two other TVs in the house, so she said I'd be paying:

35.95 + 5.95 (x2) + 2.95 (x2) = $53.75

Does that sound right? That's not what I thought I've read other's billing looks like for cable cards and extra outlets.

[TexasAg]

FIOS is wired but not quite available in my neighborhood yet. So I stopped at the FIOS kiosk at my local mall this morning and asked about pricing. I was told:

$35.95 FIOS TV base price
$ 5.95 for each cable card
$ 2.95 for each "cable box"

I have an S3 with my main TV, plus two other TVs in the house, so she said I'd be paying:

35.95 + 5.95 (x2) + 2.95 (x2) = $53.75

Does that sound right? That's not what I thought I've read other's billing looks like for cable cards and extra outlets.

My cards are $2.95 a piece. The $5.95 figure might be for M-stream cards, maybe?

[acvthree]

I was quoted $3.95 yesterday and told there were no multi-stream cards. That I would be charged the $3.95 for each of the cards.

I was also told that no one has ever ordered a cable card from Verizon and they had to go to second level support to place an order for two card with one television. They even brought in technical support who had never heard of a Tivo that used cable cards.

<sigh>

Al

[homeguy]

Is there a way to add a hard drive to the Fios HD DVR Box that Verison uses for their DVR?

[mr_pink]

Well, tivo3 running just fine here in Long Island, NY w/ 2 cablecards from FiOS.

As of last week, they do not have multistream cable cards. Ive also read that the current series3 software does not even support multistream (contrary to what the manul says) - so I'm not even sure why people keep talking about it.

I'm paying $2.95/mo for each card.

[TexasAg]

I just noticed yesterday that I was getting channel 200 (Hallmark channel). This was one of the channels that I was missing. I'm still not getting 71 or 520, though.

[Ziggy86]

Did the FIOS TECH have an idea what Tivo was and how it needed to be setup?

We don't have FIOS TV in my area of queens yet but I sure hope when we do that they know what is needed for users of S3

Well, tivo3 running just fine here in Long Island, NY w/ 2 cablecards from FiOS.

As of last week, they do not have multistream cable cards. Ive also read that the current series3 software does not even support multistream (contrary to what the manul says) - so I'm not even sure why people keep talking about it.

I'm paying $2.95/mo for each card.

[mr_pink]

Did the FIOS TECH have an idea what Tivo was and how it needed to be setup?

We don't have FIOS TV in my area of queens yet but I sure hope when we do that they know what is needed for users of S3

They knew what it was but had never installed one. The tech arrived with only 1 cablecard (even though I confirmed like 5 times before they showed up that they would be bringing two) - but it wasnt a big deal he just left and came back 20 minutes later with another one - and a new verizon friend who seemed more experienced - (I think he just wanted to see a series 3 tivo :) ) They had a tech bulletin they printed out from the office that explained FiOS specific tivo3 stuff.

We had a discussion about multistream cards - they had never heard of them but were really interested - they called some supervisors and everything to try and find out but noone had heard of any multistream cablecards coming in any time soon - or even that they were going to be getting them. I'm not sure where all this "Verizon will have multistream cards by November" talk originated from - but noone they had access to had ever heard that.

They insisted on following their tech notes instead of the "Give this to your cablecard installer" onesheet that comes with the tivo. The main difference was they powered the unit all the way off before inserting each card - took some extra time (two full bootups worth) - but seemed to work just fine.

They fatfingered one of the values the tivo spat back for hostid when entering it onto their activation portal - which required a 30 minute phone call to a tech somewhere to fix as it wouldnt let them go back and change it.

Overall I was pretty pleased. The Verizon techs, even the more inexperienced one - were head and shoulders above anyone from cablevision thats ever been to my house.

[Ziggy86]

glad it worked out for you. Do you have an HD TV? If so how does it look with FIOS?

Steven

[mr_pink]

glad it worked out for you. Do you have an HD TV? If so how does it look with FIOS?

Steven

Well, Ive had HD over D*, HD from Cablevision and now HD from FiOS. I have both the s3 tivo on fios as well as their own dvr box (so I need 4 tuners, sue me :) )

I would rate the services/stb's Ive had in terms of pure picture quality from best to worst:

S3 Tivo
Cablevision HD DVR (SA8300HD)
FiOS HD DVR (Some Moto POS)
D* (Standalone Samsung HD box)

The PQ from FiOS through the S3 is a really noticable improvement over their own STB. Cablevisions STB was better than Verizons even - in terms of PQ.

I must admit though - the truly obnoxious amount of VOD available from fios has me using their STB more than I thought I would.

[ashu]

Good it all worked out for you :)

You have to be the first person on this planet that rated the SA8300HD ABOVE the Moto 6412 (or family) - if indeed that's the Moto you have from FIOS. :) Unless you're ONLY talking about PQ!

[mr_pink]

Good it all worked out for you :)

You have to be the first person on this planet that rated the SA8300HD ABOVE the Moto 6412 (or family) - if indeed that's the Moto you have from FIOS. :) Unless you're ONLY talking about PQ!

I said "in terms of pure picture quality" - I thought that was pretty clear. He was asking about how it looked, so thats what I was rating - has nothing to do with features or usability.

But - I'm not sure at this point I would rate the Moto significantly above the SA8300 - they are both equally miserable in the usability department.

[ashu]

Whoa - missed that :) Saw the "I would rate ..." and jumped straight to the list!

And I agree they're both miserable in terms of UI & reliability, compared to an S3.

[globalreset]

Finally got my cablecards installed today. Had a horrible time of it too.

Had a morning appt scheduled. At around noon, I called customer service to see where they were. They said they lost my work order but would have someone out within the hour. 3 hours later a guy shows up with no cabled cards. :( He comes back in about 30 minutes with the cards.

Took about 10 minutes to get them all setup, though he had no idea how to do it. I told him to just hand me the cards and I would take care of it. Wrote down the serial numbers, inserted the first one, told him to activate it (which he did, rather quickly, on his laptop), inserted the second one, had him activate it (he had to "open a second port/outlet" for this to work, have no idea what that means). Once they were both running, I did get an error message from the TiVo saying that it couldn't decode all of the channels. I checked a lot of them (all the locals, all the HDs, all the premiums, and all the news channels) and I only found channel 71/520 missing. The tech was surprised by that but I told him that I understood it to be a known issue (thanks to this forum) and he didn't have to worry about it.

I was pleased to see that I have 100% signal strength on all channels. It's curious that I als have 100% on 71 and 520. In any case, the PQ looks great on my Sony Bravia XBR2 40" screen.

Btw, what is everyone using for the output format. At first, I selected Native, thinking that seemed like the best bet for a high-end lcd (just let the TV handle it). But I got really annoyed by the constant signal switching. I would see a tiny bit of screen noise, followed by a black screen for a second or two, then the show would appear in the proper resolution. When I set it to 1080i fixed, although there is some delay to tune the show, the screen never "blanks out" (I still see the TiVo info banner).

[ashu]

For a TV with a good scaler, you should leave it to Native and let the TV scale up/deinterlace signal as needed. The TiVo has a decent scaler, but it isn't great. Decide based on picture quality, not (based) on the minor inconveniece of longer pauses during an occasional activity like Channel Surfing. In fact, teach yourself to stop Channel Surfing and only use the Now Playing List :)

[globalreset]

ashu, that is an excellent point. You are, essentially, preaching to the choir. This isn't my first TiVo and I abandoned channel surfing years ago. However, this is my first HDTV... And I can't help but surf the HD channels every once in a while. You're right though that this will definitely die down once my regular shows start back up again... I should probably switch it back to native.

Btw, I upgraded my series 3 to a 500gb drive today. Very painless. I'm excited about having 65 hours of HDTV recording space now.

[ashu]

HD *does* make channel surfing addictive again. I have caught myself 10 minutes into the Sumo wrestling championship wondering why on EARTH I was watching that nonsense. The answer: Because it was in HD!

Using the NPL does have to be relearnt, once HD is combined with the convenience of an S3 :)

[acvthree]

I had Verizon television installed today.

I've had the Verizon Fios for about two months, but the television portion was not turned on when I had the other services installed and I wanted to let few more S3s be installed before I tackled mine.

In one simple statement, I cannot imagine how this could have gone any better.

I was set up for an installation between 8:00 and 12:00. The installer called around 8:15 to say he would arrive in 10 minutes. This gave me time to fill up my coffee cup. :-)

He arrived on time and I had him move the truck to the back driveway. We went over the previously installed Fios which was a very clean install. I said I wanted his install to be just as clean. He said "no problem". We then went in and looked at the standard STB installation for the excersize room and the Tivo series 3 installation in the den.

We then discussed how we would hook up to my cable job. He wanted to replace all of the connectors and after seeing him do one, I was happy to have him change those out.

He first tested the signal strength coming from the ONT. We then ran two new cables to the location in the attic where I wanted to put the splitter. He drilled though the outside wall into the garage just next to where the Ethernet and power entered from the ONT. He placed a new connector on the end and connected to the ONT. He put a connector on the other cable to connec to the router (NIM) and did a clean cabling job next to the existing Ethernet line into the attic. He made some calculation based on the signal strength and chose a splitter with a number of links based on that signal strength. We moved into the attic. He mounted the splitter on the board where I have my home theater cableing connected. He put new connectors on all the cables, tested the signals and connected them to the splitter.

We then moved to the excercise room where he installed the STB. He put on new cables from the wall to the STB and from the STB to the TV. He tested the signal strength in between. He brought up the STB, showed me how it worked and even set up the remote to power the TV.

Onto the Series 3. I had made some joking comments when he arrived about him being the series 3 expert. He laughed but didn't say anything. When we sat down and started on the Tivo, I understood that it really wasn't a joke. He was very knowledgeable about the Series 3, even to the point of knowing that the slot 1 for the cable cards was on the bottom without looking at the back of the Tivo. I asked and he said he was installing one or two a week and that he really liked them and that he never had problems with the installs. He wrote the cable card numbers into his notepad and then started up his laptop. I turned everything on. He put both cards into the series 3. I mentioned that people seemed to have an easier time installing one at a time but he said it worked better with both in with the Verizon software. After installing the cable cards the cable card screen came up. He used the information from the cards to do the provisioning. All of that was done from the laptop with no call in to a support person. He provisioned the first one and the good "error" came up. He said "yep". He provisioned the second and when the "error" came up he said "yep" again. Obviously, this was old hat for him. It took about 10 minutes for all the shows to come up. The HBO didn't come up. He said "didn't you order HBO?" I said yes and he went back to the laptop. A few clicks later and HBO was up and running.

That was it. He gave me his card and said if I had any problems to call him first. That usually it was something minor and he could do most things with his laptop.

I asked for his managers email address so I could send him an email about what a great job this guy had done.

I believe this was one of the best installation experiences I've ever had.

Al

[douggmc]

...

I believe this was one of the best installation experiences I've ever had.
...

Al

I'll second that regarding my FIOS TV install in Tampa, FL. Very thorough and experienced installers (2 of them). As a side note, they were unionized CWA (I think "Communication Workers of America") that had both been with the Verizon (and the previous names) for years. Something to be said for the quality of decently paid unionized workers doing an install compared to the barely english speaking 20 year olds from Directv that invariably do poor jobs and have to come out multiple times!

[resanders]

{I believe this was one of the best installation experiences I've ever had.}

I live in New Jersey and can't wait to get FiOS TV installed on 1/14 and I hope my experience is as good as yours. Incidentally, has anyone had a successful NJ install, yet?

[6079 Smith W]

I live in New Jersey and can't wait to get FiOS TV installed on 1/14 and I hope my experience is as good as yours. Incidentally, has anyone had a successful NJ install, yet?

Red Bank, NJ here. I've had FIOS internet for almost a full year.

I had my FIOS TV install on 12/31, and it was completely smooth sailing.

The installer was very professional, and insisted on running all new coax rather than re-use the rat's nest of wire and splitters that had accumulated in this old house over the years.

I'm knowledgeable enough with the FIOS technology that he didn't mind me watching what was happening and asking questions. He wasn't very comfortable with the computer part of the FIOS stuff yet, so was thankful for my assistance.

When it came time to plug in the cablecards into the brand new S3, everything went through right the first time, even though this was his first time activating a TiVo. In fact, he made sure to take notes on what he had put in the various fields in his laptop service activation application.

Start to finish it took a good 7 to 8 hours, most of that time being the running of the new coax.

Just waiting for my Lifetime DirecTV service transfer to go through and I'll be off DTV for good.

[bareyb]

Yes, it'd be a hassle for PPV and you would lose OnDemand, but you don't want their intereactive guide anyway, Tivo will have its own built in.
You can always rent one of their boxes for interactive PPV and OnDemand. I think the box costs me 10 bucks a month or so. Much of the time I call it in anyway so I can record it and watch it on my TiVo (if you use their box it will only record on their box, but it is convenient late at night when you don't feel like calling). Overall it hasn't really been a big deal.

[Ilene]

To acvthree - I think that you can thank some of us early trail blazers for the NTX Verizon area and our TiVo installs for making yours go easy. I am very excited for you.
You can see from my other posts in this forum, my installer was less than thrilled to be installing cableCards, but non the less we were successful - it took almost 10 hours for wire, etc for both internet and tv. All was well until one of the cards failed. The bottom card was actually causing both tuners to pixellate.

Called Verizon and the tech shows up for the appt nearly 6 hours late.
The guy that came, didn't have a card with him - had to go back to the office in the dark as it was almost 7 pm, couldn't find one, saw one laying on a desk (I think) and brought it. It was a bad card (confirmed it today). Another tech came over to help him out and he knew what he was doing. He did the install on his computer (was it Tim who helped you?). Tim also replaced my splitters, tested my signals. I also added gold caps from RadioShack over the unused coaxs to prevent interference. It pixellated, but quit after I did a restart.

Since the new card was bad, I could only watch non local stations on card2, but at least I had 2 tuners. So we watched CNN, ESPN, National Geographic etc on tuner 2 and ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox on card1.
So I took the chance to see if the 3rd time was the charm. So far I can say, it was.
2 guys showed up (not sure why - unless one was learning). When I told him what I needed, he said - don't worry - no problem. He knew what to do. I showed him the Conditional Access screens for both cards. He agreed that card1 was bad. I took out card1 and replaced it with his new card - which he assured me was new and good. Almost immediately, the MMI screen came up. He then called in to have it activated. Got the "good" error message! Yea! Had to restart the TiVo to get the accessing channels message (I was praying because I don't think it is recommended to do this), but he said it was OK for me to that and I am proud to say that we are good to go.

GO NORTH TEXAS VERIZON FIOS! I love that it is all digital! Hurry and order today, prices go up tomorrow.

[String]

I have install for FIOS in Montgomery County, MD setup for Friday. I ran the setup for my S3 last night. The issue is that They do not have MC FIOS as an option during setup.

Is anyone else already setup in my area? How do I get tivo to do the hookup for channels Etc. for FIOS in my area.

Thanks

[JohnBrowning]

The techs across the country are obviously now getting more experience with CableCards. When I first had mine installed in my Mitsu TV, it took several days until I got the right VZ support tech on the phone that knew how to properly cold init the cablecard. Everything has work just fine ever since. When I installed my S3, I just moved the cablecard from the TV to the TiVo and all is happy! VZ makes it convenient by NOT marrying the CC to the device. I've not bothered getting a second CC for my TiVo. If I can get a multistream card in the future, I'll probably do that.

[jacobp]

String,
FIOS TV is available in Montgomery County, MD??? I live in Potomac and I did not realize it was available yet. Where do you live, if you don't mind me asking.

[AbMagFab]

String,
FIOS TV is available in Montgomery County, MD??? I live in Potomac and I did not realize it was available yet. Where do you live, if you don't mind me asking.

MoCo approved it in late November, but I'm not aware of any area being activated yet. I call Verizon about every two weeks, and they keep telling me it hasn't been activated yet in MoCo anywhere, but it's coming soon.

Perhaps the previous poster is confused, or the installer is confused, and they're just installing internet now? MoCo isn't even listed on the channel lineup page yet (although Anne Arundal and Howard are listed).

I'd imagine once it's available in MoCo, it'll show up on the Tivo.

[ashu]

I doubt VZ changes their channel lineup much. Just run GS (for MoCo) with Howard or Fairfax/Herndon as your location :)

[passatdream]

I am running a Series3 with two Verizon FiOS cable cards (with HD) and I'm not having a single problem. Installation was quick and worked perfectly the first time. Love it.

[String]

MoCo approved it in late November, but I'm not aware of any area being activated yet. I call Verizon about every two weeks, and they keep telling me it hasn't been activated yet in MoCo anywhere, but it's coming soon.

Perhaps the previous poster is confused, or the installer is confused, and they're just installing internet now? MoCo isn't even listed on the channel lineup page yet (although Anne Arundal and Howard are listed).

I'd imagine once it's available in MoCo, it'll show up on the Tivo.

No confusion here. I have install setup for Friday. A friend of mine had his installed today. MoCo approved Verizon at the end of november, and my neighborhood started allowing installs at the end of december. I am in Silver Spring.

If you need I can post a pic on Friday.

[String]

I doubt VZ changes their channel lineup much. Just run GS (for MoCo) with Howard or Fairfax/Herndon as your location :)

On my tivo, it does not have Fairfax/Herndon, just Howard/Annapolis. The issue, I believe, is that they get baltimore locals, not DC Locals. Gotta be up and running for Jack on sunday night!

[dtee]

I had the FiOS installation last Wednesday. All went reasonably well, until I realized I was getting pixelation on only 5 HD channels. Had FiOS out today to swap cards and the cards came locked and were not able to be swapped . So they checked out everything else from the ONT to the Tivo and all measured very well. Their guru said it had to be the tuners in the TiVo as the Cable card is only an encryption device. I called TiVO for an RA number and they said it had to be bad cable cards! All the other channels are terrific and the HD is fine on all but those five channels. When I let the TiVO test the signal strength on these channels it is variable, form 82-94, and as such pixelates. I am now frustrated as I don't know who is really right. TiVo says if it was the box all the channels and the guide would pixelate. Any ideas would be appreciated. The kicker is on both tuners the problem is identical with two different cable cards.

[resanders]

Red Bank, NJ here. I've had FIOS internet for almost a full year.

I had my FIOS TV install on 12/31, and it was completely smooth sailing.

The installer was very professional, and insisted on running all new coax rather than re-use the rat's nest of wire and splitters that had accumulated in this old house over the years.

I'm knowledgeable enough with the FIOS technology that he didn't mind me watching what was happening and asking questions. He wasn't very comfortable with the computer part of the FIOS stuff yet, so was thankful for my assistance.

When it came time to plug in the cablecards into the brand new S3, everything went through right the first time, even though this was his first time activating a TiVo. In fact, he made sure to take notes on what he had put in the various fields in his laptop service activation application.

Start to finish it took a good 7 to 8 hours, most of that time being the running of the new coax.

Just waiting for my Lifetime DirecTV service transfer to go through and I'll be off DTV for good.

That's good to know. I've had two S3's for a couple months and it's running fine with Cablevision CCs although it took them about five to six visits (I understand it's a learning process) and one replacement S3 (bent pin in slot 1) later. But, I think Verizon has a more seamless approach to installation... they use laptops for activating and binding the cards which should be a lot quicker than sitting on the phone. I'll let you know how my install goes.

[TexasAg]

That's good to know. I've had two S3's for a couple months and it's running fine with Cablevision CCs although it took them about five to six visits (I understand it's a learning process) and one replacement S3 (bent pin in slot 1) later. But, I think Verizon has a more seamless approach to installation... they use laptops for activating and binding the cards which should be a lot quicker than sitting on the phone. I'll let you know how my install goes.

They don't actually appear to bind the cards. In my case, I can swap the cards freely between the slots, and I know others have said they can take the cards out of the S3 and put them in their TVs without problem.

But I do agree that Verizon installs do seem more seemless - it makes a lot of sense for them have those laptops, since they can enter all of the information right there.

[globalreset]

I had the FiOS installation last Wednesday. All went reasonably well, until I realized I was getting pixelation on only 5 HD channels. Had FiOS out today to swap cards and the cards came locked and were not able to be swapped . So they checked out everything else from the ONT to the Tivo and all measured very well. Their guru said it had to be the tuners in the TiVo as the Cable card is only an encryption device. I called TiVO for an RA number and they said it had to be bad cable cards! All the other channels are terrific and the HD is fine on all but those five channels. When I let the TiVO test the signal strength on these channels it is variable, form 82-94, and as such pixelates. I am now frustrated as I don't know who is really right. TiVo says if it was the box all the channels and the guide would pixelate. Any ideas would be appreciated. The kicker is on both tuners the problem is identical with two different cable cards.

I just started getting the same problem as of last night (Jan 9). I've had the cable cards in the TiVo working fine since Dec 27. But last night, I noticed my recording of House was severely pixelated and dropping audio. I switched over to the FiOS DVR and it was fine (luckily I hadn't cleared my scheduled recordings off their box yet). I noticed that I'm only getting it on the HD Locals. All other channels (including all other HD channels) work fine. And my signal strength reads 100 for both cards when they are on any other HD channel. As soon as I tune an HD local (on either card), I see the variable signal strength (82-94-ish) with an occasion NOT AVAILABLE message.

I'm at a loss as to what other debug I can do. I unplugged my router from the coax, thinking that the IP routing it does over coax could be interfering. I unplugged the tv's in the house from the coax as well. There was no change. I've rebooted the TiVo and reseated the cards as well....

Has anyone else dealt with this problem?? I'm very anxious for a solution.

[TexasAg]

I had the exact same problem on HD locals only. I did two things.

First, I put a 9db attenuator (actually a 6db one + a 3db one) that Verizon left when they did my install. The signal is pretty hot since it gets generated at the side of your house rather than 500 feet away. That dropped my average signal strength to around 97 for HD locals.

Second, I got a terminating resistor from Radio Shack for the OTA antenna input (the second coax input) on the S3.

Not real sure which one fixed the problem, but I don't have that problem any more.

[globalreset]

Thanks for the feedback, TexasAg. I'll be stopping by Altex today to try to grab a terminator and an attenuator. I'll report back later if that fixes it for me.

[JohnBrowning]

Just this past weekend I started having pixelation issues only on the local HD channels. All of the cable HD channels are fine except Discovery HD. It has always had pixelation problems for me. I need to move the cableCARD back into the TV to see if it is consistent.

[TexasAg]

My S3 rebooted last night, and we have begun receiving channel 71 (CNN Headline News). Not sure why - I don't think we got a software update (maybe we did and it was just a small fix).

This was one of the channels that the S3 said we were receiving, but it simply displayed a black screen.

[globalreset]

So, I picked up the terminator and the 9db worth of attenuators yesterday and was all set to try them out last night. Before I attached them I noticed that, after two nights of pixelation, the problem just went away. A solution us engineer's hate. I went ahead and attached both to the system and I'll probably try removing them a few times this weekend to see if it comes back (just so I can test the hypothesis that we're fixing the problem).

[JohnBrowning]

I only saw the pixelation on DHD last night.

[AndyMorrison]

My S3 rebooted last night, and we have begun receiving channel 71 (CNN Headline News). Not sure why - I don't think we got a software update (maybe we did and it was just a small fix).

This was one of the channels that the S3 said we were receiving, but it simply displayed a black screen.

I found that channel 71 (and 520) magically appeared earlier today too. I don't believe my machine rebooted.

[dtee]

Pixellation back after 4 days of perfect service. Same 5 channels that I had posted earlier. Problem had gone away since Tuesday and came back about the same time I noticed it last week. Almost like a switch was thrown somewhere. Bizarre. I know if I call VZ they will send out the crew to "prove" to me it's the TiVo. Last time they almost went so far as to swap out the ONT. I had my fingers crossed that this would not be a chronic problem, I'm not so optimistic at this point. I'm still unsure about how the stations are tuned. Does the TiVo have tuners that actually tune the channels or is that the job of the cable cards.

PS: When I had contacted TiVo last week the tech said that he 8.1 update might help this problem. I just hope it eliminates the audio drop out when changing stations using the guide. Thats just annoying, but this pixelation issue approaches deal breaker territory.

Good luck to all in this matter and enjoy the weekend.

[dtee]

All the bad channels are back again at full (94-97) strength. This is definitely a signal strength issue on the Verizon Fios side. When the signal is above 94 on HD no problems at all are experienced. When below that threshold, pixelation occurs. With a good signal the tuners do their job just fine. If the tuners were bad the problems would be consistant at all signal levels, I would presume. The affected channels are all national feeds and are all HD. Anyone else experiencing these or other problems with Fios. All in all with the exception of this problem the Fios experience has been pretty positive.

[TexasAg]

All the bad channels are back again at full (94-97) strength. This is definitely a signal strength issue on the Verizon Fios side. When the signal is above 94 on HD no problems at all are experienced. When below that threshold, pixelation occurs. With a good signal the tuners do their job just fine. If the tuners were bad the problems would be consistant at all signal levels, I would presume. The affected channels are all national feeds and are all HD. Anyone else experiencing these or other problems with Fios. All in all with the exception of this problem the Fios experience has been pretty positive.

Keep in mind, the S3's signal strength meter measures the strength of the desired signal and noise, not just the desired signal. Verizon techs have meters they can use to measure the desired signal only. Sounds like they need to check the wiring.

[resanders]

That's good to know. I've had two S3's for a couple months and it's running fine with Cablevision CCs although it took them about five to six visits (I understand it's a learning process) and one replacement S3 (bent pin in slot 1) later. But, I think Verizon has a more seamless approach to installation... they use laptops for activating and binding the cards which should be a lot quicker than sitting on the phone. I'll let you know how my install goes.

OK... the install on Sunday (1/14) went well... their activation process seems a lot quicker than Cablevision and I think Cablevision's cablecards may be older or need new firmware/updated cards. The channels look great... some HD channels didn't come in but that's because I didn't include them on my original order so I should see them tonight. The S3 automatically updated ALL channels on my season passes so I was happy about that. Overall, I feel the FiOS TV programming content is better! No NEWS12NJ but I've heard there might be a FiOS ONE news channel?? It seems my internet is a little slow but I think that is just a system resource issue. Incidentally, does anyone know how to clear unnecessary processes in Windows Task Manager? Good luck to all new FiOS TVers out there!

[dcoxarc]

Okay, I am going to be getting FIOS and wanted to get the S3. I've seen a lot of posts about transfering your lifetime subscription to the new S3, but I just got off the phone with Tivo and they told me that - sorry - you can't do that and you'll have to pay your monthly subscription. Anyone else run into this?? And if you haven't, how are you getting your lifetime subscription transfered?? Any info would be great. Personally, I think it's crap. I've been with Tivo since they first came out. I used the montlhy for a year or so, but then switched to the lifetime. For them to say tough because they have a new HD version is rude. Anyway, thanks for the help.

[bilbo]

go to tivo.com/vip and call that phone #. the lifetime transfer is only for stand alone tivo units. directv tivos are not eligible.

[dcoxarc]

Bilbo - Thank you so much for that info!