PPV and On Demand

[kas25]

I just got Fios and the Motorola 6416. I am considering swithcing to the S 3 as I've had Tivo and Directv for years. I'd hate to lose on demand and PPV options though and it sounds like S3 won't allow this. I know the hard drive of the S3 is bigger so I can save more on the unit and Amazon will soon allow me to rent movies but do any of you have issues with giving up these features?

[GoHokies!]

This comes up from time to time and there are a few folks that complain about it. As far as I'm concerened, they whole DVR is as "On Demand" as I want, so I don't feel like I'm missing anything.

There are some things that you can only get on PPV - I'm not interested in watching them, so again I don't feel like I'm missing aynthing. Some people have also said that it's possible to order your PPV over the phone and then watch it on your S3, but YMMV.

[mikeyts]

You cannot do things like Impulse PPV or VOD without a backchannel to the cable system on which to ask it to do things. Unidirectional CableCARD products like TiVo S3 don't have that communications channel.

I personally rarely used VOD--occasionally I'd pick up a new premium cable series in the middle to use SVOD to watch all of the available old episodes. I might have purchased one or two movies via scheduled IPPV or VOD a year, but mostly I refuse to watch a film these days unless its in HD and the HD PPV and VOD offerings on my system were very, very few.

So no, I don't miss those cable features.

Are you aware of the Switched Digital Video situation? It's a system by which certain channels have to be requested before they get put on the wire. If you're using a Unidirection CableCARD device like the TiVo S3, there's no way to make that request, so those channels are simply not available to you. The cable providers are using SDV to free up bandwidth, presumably to mount more HD content.

[kas25]

You cannot do things like Impulse PPV or VOD without a backchannel to the cable system on which to ask it to do things. Unidirectional CableCARD products like TiVo S3 don't have that communications channel.

I personally rarely used VOD--occasionally I'd pick up a new premium cable series in the middle to use SVOD to watch all of the available old episodes. I might have purchased one or two movies via scheduled IPPV or VOD a year, but mostly I refuse to watch a film these days unless its in HD and the HD PPV and VOD offerings on my system were very, very few.

So no, I don't miss those cable features.

Are you aware of the Switched Digital Video situation? It's a system by which certain channels have to be requested before they get put on the wire. If you're using a Unidirection CableCARD device like the TiVo S3, there's no way to make that request, so those channels are simply not available to you. The cable providers are using SDV to free up bandwidth, presumably to mount more HD content.
Thanks for the input. I am with Fios so I hope the Switched DV issue is not relavant to me. I guess my decision comes down to the VOD issue with my kids since they use it the most. I guess I could keep one Motorola DVR just for the kids.

[GoHokies!]

Thanks for the input. I am with Fios so I hope the Switched DV issue is not relavant to me. I guess my decision comes down to the VOD issue with my kids since they use it the most. I guess I could keep one Motorola DVR just for the kids.
I just keep 2 or 3 eps of the handful of shows that my 3 year old likes to watch on hand via a handful of Season Passes, it seems to keep him satisfied and doesn't take up too much space.

[kas25]

I just keep 2 or 3 eps of the handful of shows that my 3 year old likes to watch on hand via a handful of Season Passes, it seems to keep him satisfied and doesn't take up too much space. Sorry but your advice will be ignored. Go Cavs! :)

[20TIL6]

I just got Fios and the Motorola 6416. I am considering swithcing to the S 3 as I've had Tivo and Directv for years. I'd hate to lose on demand and PPV options though and it sounds like S3 won't allow this. I know the hard drive of the S3 is bigger so I can save more on the unit and Amazon will soon allow me to rent movies but do any of you have issues with giving up these features?
I think when Amazon comes online, the lack of VOD and PPV will be a non-issue. Personally, I had DTV for 12+ years and I think I probably ordered PPV less than 20 times during that whole period.

With FiOs, an S3, and Amazon, I think you would have a very enjoyable setup.

[drew00001]

[QUOTE=mikeyts]You cannot do things like Impulse PPV or VOD without a backchannel to the cable system on which to ask it to do things. Unidirectional CableCARD products like TiVo S3 don't have that communications channel. /QUOTE]

On Comcast, I ordered PPV movies several times on my S3 via phone. I expect FIOS has a similar option.

Just to let off some steam: Comcast switched its channel lineup on the same day 8.1 was released, and eliminated all PPV movie channels. Don't fret if you're not a movie watcher, as they kept PPV sports and porn. In any case, I was amazed with the timing (8.1 release allows Tivocast, which allows Amazon Unbox), but would have preferred Comcast to wait until Amazon Unbox is actually available. We don't even have an ETA yet. :mad:

[dt_dc]

On Comcast, I ordered PPV movies several times on my S3 via phone. I expect FIOS has a similar option.Yes, they do:
http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/customer+support/faqs/faqs.htm#cable1

Verizon CableCard FAQ

Customers using a CableCARD may order PPV events by calling Verizon customer service and having the representative place the order for you.I have not personally tried it though ... worked with Cox when I did it once before.

However, Verizon (like most cable systems are moving towards) has very very little PPV. One (or two) events / movie channels ... and ESPN/NCAA Game Plan. That's about it. Most 'PPV' type content is on VOD which isn't available for CableCard customers ... you gotta rent a box for it.

[GoHokies!]

Sorry but your advice will be ignored. Go Cavs! :)
We'll see Thursday night! ;)

I never thought that our basketball team would be looking at finishing higher in the ACC than our football team!

[dt_dc]

I wouldn't miss PPV and VOD much ... yet. Although ... over time ... there's going to be more and more content and more and more reasons to miss it (VOD).

But, push comes to shove, something on VOD you had to have to you could just rent a (non-DVR) box for it.

Current Tivo DVR functionality (compared to current Fios DVR functionality) vs. VOD content would certainly seem a worthwhile trade-off (in favor of an S3).

But ... only you know your own VOD usage and how important (or not) it is to you.

However, I'm holding off till 'mid-year' (currently have the FiOS DVR too) to re-evaluate features / price / content / etc. Verizon is coming out with a (much hyped) new software interface. Sounds good if it lives up to the (rather vague) hype ... but if it doesn't (is bug ridden or has performance issues or whatever) ... wouln't be too surprised either way.

Articles
http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2007/verizon-unveils-next.html
http://www.screenplaysmag.com/tabid/60/ctl/ArticleView/mid/371/articleId/371/Verizon-Takes-FiOS-to-Next-Level-with-IP-Apps-New-UI.aspx
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6404788.html?display=Breaking+News

Screen Shots
http://newsfeed.verizon.com/detail?source=&mid=VER2007010753967&mime=JPG
http://newsfeed.verizon.com/detail?source=&mid=VER2007010753931&mime=JPG
http://newsfeed.verizon.com/detail?source=&mid=VER2007010753895&mime=JPG

MRV (for both Verizon and Tivo) ... external storage (for both Verizon and Tivo) ... content (for both Verizon and Tivo) ... I'm sticking with the FiOS DVR (for now) but will re-evaluate once I see the new software (and what Tivo is up to at that point). In the mean time though ... aaarrrggghh.

Hey, it's good to have choices ... I don't think you can go 'wrong' either way ... nothing is quite 'perfect' though either ... such is life.

Verizon has some interesting non-traditional content deals coming out too:
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6419391.html?display=Search+Results&text=Verizon+Revs

[larrs]

This comes up from time to time and there are a few folks that complain about it. As far as I'm concerened, they whole DVR is as "On Demand" as I want, so I don't feel like I'm missing anything.

There are some things that you can only get on PPV - I'm not interested in watching them, so again I don't feel like I'm missing aynthing. Some people have also said that it's possible to order your PPV over the phone and then watch it on your S3, but YMMV.

I agree wholeheartedly. With Tivo (most likely any DVR that is full of YOUR stuff), VOD is not needed.

[bareyb]

I posted a poll on this a while back. People's mileage seems to vary... I personally can order PPV via the telephone and watch it on my TiVo or I can order it directly from the Comcast box. However ONLY a phone call will get it on the TiVo boxes. If you order directly from the Commie box you will ONLY see the event on the Comcast box.

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-v...ad.php?t=332951

[gwsat]

Cox OKC’s On Demand offerings are all SD. Thus, I never, ever ordered an On Demand presentation, even when I had one of Cox’s interactive DVRs. I might miss On Demand if Cox OKC ever provides HD programming that way but there is no indication that Cox intends to do so any time soon. Other PPV stuff, such as sporting events, can be ordered over the phone so for the moment my S3 is all I need.

[jhimmel]

Ditto

I have FiOS, and all VOD is SD. I can't see paying extra to watch a SD movie.
I wait till it hits the HD premiums and watch it then.

Jim H.

[CraigHB]

I have a friend who lives on VoD. I'm the opposite. I live without VoD or PPV. When I had DTiVo, I used PPV quite a bit, but got tired of the inflated bills every month. I found it was much cheaper to use a subscription service. I'm using Netflix, but I've read Blockbuster is pretty good too. That worked out perfect when I switched to S3/cable.

[davecramer74]

Main reason i didnt go with the S3 is VOD. I watch it constantly. I dont go look to see whats on tv, i go to VOD to browse for something to watch most of the time. Its not something i would give up at this point.

I have FiOS, and all VOD is SD. I can't see paying extra to watch a SD movie.

ya im comcast, we have HD on demand. I hardly even watch SD channels anymore unless a show isnt in hd.

[GoHokies!]

Main reason i didnt go with the S3 is VOD. I watch it constantly. I dont go look to see whats on tv, i go to VOD to browse for something to watch most of the time. Its not something i would give up at this point.
Please don't take this the wrong way, I'm genuinely asking....

Why the hell do you have a Tivo then? Isn't that what the Now playing list is for?

I never look to go what to see what's on right now either, I go to my NPL to browse for something to watch (unless there's sports on or I'm watching the evening news).

Not only are you dependent on whatever Comcast wants to put into VOD, but you can put any show that you want to into your own, personalized list of shows to watch.

You're not the first person to make that comment, and I've always wondered. :confused:

[jbowden]

VOD is not a feature that I care to use and was not on my priority list when I made a decision to get the S3. My Now Playing List is full of HD programs to watch and the S3 works great (without VOD).

[mikeyts]

VOD is not a feature that I care to use and was not on my priority list when I made a decision to get the S3. My Now Playing List is full of HD programs to watch and the S3 works great (without VOD).I know what you mean--my "HDTV Recordings" folder is now 28 items long, with at least 6 of them being theatrical release motion pictures. On top of that, I've got 3 HD DVDs from Netflix and 2 unwatched Blu-ray discs from Blockbuster (been trying to dump Blockbuster, but I procrastinated and they just charged me for another month).

Then there's the emerging direct-to-hd-player download market, with Xbox Live Video Marketplace and whatever Sony launches to counter Microsoft's offering. Eventually Amazon Unbox for TiVo will get going; hopefully it will contain HD content as well.

Got no need for cable VOD :D.

[davecramer74]

Please don't take this the wrong way, I'm genuinely asking....

Why the hell do you have a Tivo then? Isn't that what the Now playing list is for?

I never look to go what to see what's on right now either, I go to my NPL to browse for something to watch (unless there's sports on or I'm watching the evening news).

Not only are you dependent on whatever Comcast wants to put into VOD, but you can put any show that you want to into your own, personalized list of shows to watch.

You're not the first person to make that comment, and I've always wondered.

Lol, whens the last time you had on demand? its like having blockbuster in my living room. why do i have a tivo? so i can record when im asleep or not at home. comcast puts about everything in VOD now. You must not have had it in awhile. Any show that my movie channels are showing, i can get in on demand. Most of my discovery and nat geo shows are in on demand hd. Essentially anything i would need to record to watch later is in VOD besides my primetime stuff. which now they are starting to add all of that stuff too. Your right, i wont need a dvr anymore, hehe.

[GoHokies!]

Lol, whens the last time you had on demand? its like having blockbuster in my living room. why do i have a tivo? so i can record when im asleep or not at home. comcast puts about everything in VOD now. You must not have had it in awhile. Any show that my movie channels are showing, i can get in on demand. Most of my discovery and nat geo shows are in on demand hd. Essentially anything i would need to record to watch later is in VOD besides my primetime stuff. which now they are starting to add all of that stuff too. Your right, i wont need a dvr anymore, hehe.

I last had on demand about 6 months ago, as if that matters.

You completely missed my point. All of that stuff that you're so proud that Comcast put in your On Demand for you, I've put in my Now Playing List for myself. Tell me again what I'm missing out on? :rolleyes:

[davecramer74]

You completely missed my point. All of that stuff that you're so proud that Comcast put in your On Demand for you, I've put in my Now Playing List for myself. Tell me again what I'm missing out on?

your limited capacity for starters. I have thousands of movies to go choose from. How many u got? I can also record mine to dvd, how about you? not sure i missed any point.

:rolleyes:

[MichaelK]

Thanks for the input. I am with Fios so I hope the Switched DV issue is not relavant to me. I guess my decision comes down to the VOD issue with my kids since they use it the most. I guess I could keep one Motorola DVR just for the kids.


verizon will have room for like 200 HD and 200 SD channels on their system. They dont use their "cable" system for voip, broaband, ppv, or vod. And none of the "cable" channels are ananlog (only locas) So none of the system gets taken up with that and they can fit so much more then cable digitally.

So no time soon will verizon NEED to go to switched video.

[GoHokies!]

your limited capacity for starters. I have thousands of movies to go choose from. How many u got? I can also record mine to dvd, how about you? not sure i missed any point.

:rolleyes:
For anything that won't fit on the over 200 hours I have in the house, I have my DVD collection and Netflix.

I can also record whatever I want to DVD - can you really do that with VOD?

Again, why do you need a Tivo if Comcast puts everything you could ever want to watch on VOD?

[CraigHB]

Would it be possible start a VoD program on a digital cable box, then tune the TiVo to that channel and set up a manual recording?

[bareyb]

Would it be possible start a VoD program on a digital cable box, then tune the TiVo to that channel and set up a manual recording?
Probably not. As I understand it the cable co has to have a "gateway" to your boxes via one of their own boxes (I always thought that was BS myself). They use that gateway to enable other boxes in your home such as the TiVo boxes. They have to do something at their end to make the channel available to the TiVo box.

[davecramer74]

Probably not. As I understand it the cable co has to have a "gateway" to your boxes via one of their own boxes (I always thought that was BS myself). They use that gateway to enable other boxes in your home such as the TiVo boxes. They have to do something at their end to make the channel available to the TiVo box.

does the S3 have a built in qam tuner? if so, you could probably start the VOD with your cable box, then plug your s3 directly in to the coax and do a channel scan. I know on the highdefforum.com guys were picking up neighbors VOD when scanning for channels. At least they figured it was because it was fast forwarding, etc.

[MichaelK]

I connected my second S3 the other day and haven't yet bothered with cablcards so i just scanned via qam.

i *THINK* that on my provider at least- there's someone's vod on 0-0 and 0-1. I couldn't figure out what the hell the shows were- it was really odd...