Tivo HD Fios Question - Need to pay HD?

[forbin99]

Currently with Comcast, I have standard cable (52$) and an M-CableCard in my TivoHD so I don't pay for HD service. Thanks to Tivo, that's "free" as it picks up all the HD channels (#s 200-260). Is it the same for FIOS? Can I simply pay for the Essentials plan, add in the Tivo HD with a M-CableCard from Verizon and have it decrypt/display the HD channels for me (essentially giving me the HD Extreme package)? Comcast fully admits that's the way its suppose to work with them, but I'm not sure it will work with FIOS. Anyone else doing this?

[lew]

You'll get whatever channels you're paying for. I think most of the "triple play" packages include Extreme HD but you'll get those channels because of a promotional bundle, not because you have a cable card.

Existing customers, in at least some areas, are grandfathered. You can't rely on what your neighbors are getting.

[wmcbrine]

The answer is no. However, Fios' "Extreme HD" is only $5 more than that "standard" Comcast package, IIRC, not including bundle discounts.

[bkdtv]

No. Verizon encrypts all HD channels except the locals. If you want more than locals in HD, you'll need to subscribe to Extreme HD.

Verizon FiOS offers a bundle of 20/5 Internet and FiOS HD Extreme for $79.99/mo. This bundle is available to every FiOS customer, new and old, but it requires a one-year or two-year commitment (your choice) during which your rates are locked in.

My last FiOS bill:

http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/fios/fiostvbill.gif http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/fios/fiosnetbill.gif

My total monthly cost for 20/5 Internet, FiOS HD Extreme, and two CableCards is $89.82/mo after taxes.

CableCard pricing has since increased by $1 to $3.99/mo for new installs, but M-CARDs are now available in almost every service area. One M-CARD supports both tuners on the TivoHD.

[M3 Adjuster]

I just switched to FIOS Tv... There were two triple play bundles... one at $99.99 and another at $109.99 which has Extreme HD and bumps the broadband to 20MB/10MB.. When I signed up online, the page indicated I would save $5 monthly by signing up online instead of calling in ..... I have yet to receive a bill however..

most of the Fios HD channels are in the 500-700 channel range for local and other channels and in the 800-900s for premium channels