new TiVo HD + FiOS

[ilh]

I'm a long time user of a DirecTiVo Series 2, but recently switched to FiOS. I gave the QIP6416 DVR a try, but I can't stand it any longer. If it was my first DVR I would probably get along with it, but coming from TiVo it is just too lacking in areas I care about.

Anyways, I picked up a TiVo HD yesterday and will have to wait for Verizon to install cablecards. Anyone have luck getting an M-card in the Boston area?

What channels can I expect to see with Boston-area FiOS until I get cablecards?

Is it true that I don't need a phone line if I use ethernet? I have both wired ethernet and phone line available. I'd rather not hook up the phone if it isn't needed.

Thanks. I am so looking forward to getting back to TiVo!

--Lee

[bkdtv]

Is it true that I don't need a phone line if I use ethernet? I have both wired ethernet and phone line available.That's correct. TiVo hasn't required a phone line in years.

Furthermore, you can't take advantage of all Tivo features with a phone line. You must use ethernet (wired or wireless) to take full advantage of a Tivo.

Anyways, I picked up a TiVo HD yesterday and will have to wait for Verizon to install cablecards. Anyone have luck getting an M-card in the Boston area?No MCARDs before late 1Q 2008.

What channels can I expect to see with Boston-area FiOS until I get cablecards?You'll only get locals in analog to start. Those local analog channels will be replaced with digital versions once the CableCard is installed.

If you run a digital channel scan, you'll also find your HD locals on QAMs 71-74, but they won't have guide information. Once CableCards are installed, the HD locals will appear on the "normal" channel numbers with guide data.

Once the CableCards are installed, be sure to go into Settings -> Channels -> Channel List to remove the channels you don't watch or receive. I also removed the SD versions of each HD channel.

[ilh]

Thanks.

--Lee