20 minute install for 2 m-cards

[shoeboo]

I just had fios come and switch the 4 s-cards i was using in my tivo hd's for 2 m-cards. It took a total of 20 minutes and the installer was able to do the whole activation from his laptop. It was painless in comparison to the days it took to get the original cards working. He even deactivated and took those old cards so I don't have to worry about sending them in.
At least for fios I wouldn't let the m-card install discourage you from picking up a new premiere.

[Test]

How much did that cost you?

[Unseen Llama]

Comcast should take a lesson. :p

[rainwater]

Comcast should take a lesson. :p

Since Fios doesn't have to pair the cards, it will never take them long. All they do is activate them. It will never be simpler with anyone else since almost everyone else puts copy protection on many of the channels forcing pairing to be required.

[shoeboo]

It didn't cost anything for the truck roll. The new cable cards are now 4.99 each per month, which is a little more than I was paying per card but obviously less overall. I followed the advice of the fios thread, when I called to order the cable cards I didn't say I was returning anything.

[flaminiom]

Since Fios doesn't have to pair the cards, it will never take them long. All they do is activate them. It will never be simpler with anyone else since almost everyone else puts copy protection on many of the channels forcing pairing to be required.


Yup. My first Comcast attempt when just as smoothly. And then when I found out I wasn't getting the encrypted channels the nightmare began.

[Test]

It didn't cost anything for the truck roll. The new cable cards are now 4.99 each per month, which is a little more than I was paying per card but obviously less overall. I followed the advice of the fios thread, when I called to order the cable cards I didn't say I was returning anything.

Is that normal? I called to schedule an appointment for the TiVo premiere and right away I get hit with "it'll cost $80 to send a truck out".

I have nothing else for them to do, what did you say?

[Unseen Llama]

Yup. My first Comcast attempt when just as smoothly. And then when I found out I wasn't getting the encrypted channels the nightmare began.

Always make sure you are getting your encrypted channels before the tech leaves...for BOTH tuners! I learned this this hard way too.

[shoeboo]

From the stickied FAQ in the TivoHD forum:

Does the TivoHD work with Verizon FiOS?

Yes. The TivoHD replaces the FiOS STB and DVR, so you no longer need to pay those fees to Verizon. It supports all the same SD and HD channels as the FiOS DVR, including all subscription sports packages. TiVo supplies its own guide data for all FiOS channels with more accurate and complete program information than Verizon provides for its own boxes.

The TivoHD does not support Verizon's own Video On Demand (VOD), nor does it support Verizon's on-screen widgets for weather and traffic. If you don't want to lose Verizon's VOD, you can rent their Motorola STB and connect that to a separate input on your television. Note the TiVo does not support multi-room viewing with Verizon's Motorola boxes; it only supports multi-room viewing with other TiVos.

The TivoHD requires one CableCard (M-CARD) from Verizon to support both tuners. This card plugs into the front of the box to authorize all of the channels you pay for. Verizon charges $3.99/mo for this CableCard, and requires a "truck roll" to install it. Verizon will not ship CableCards or allow local pickup under any circumstances; to the representative, it may look like they can ship you the cards, but if they submit the order that way, you will receive an automated phone message within 2-3 days with the date and time of the scheduled installation.

There is no charge for FiOS CableCard installation, so long as the only action performed is a CableCard install. Anything said to the contrary is outdated information. If you want to return or remove existing equipment, do not mention that when you order the CableCard. Verizon charges $79 for truck roll orders where the caller references equipment removal. Officially, free equipment return is only available by request of a prepaid mailing label or through a visit to the local office.

Note Verizon's order system and CSRs scripts only list "CableCards." Verizon sale representatives do not know anything about S-CARDs or M-CARDs. As of 2Q 2009, Verizon FiOS uses M-CARDs for all new installs in all markets, without exception. No matter what the sales rep says, that is what you get when you order a CableCard from Verizon. Anything said to the contrary is outdated information.

[global_dev]

Does FIOS not pairing the cablecards, mean that you can switch out cablecards to other equipment, like a different TIVO?

I checked here (http://support.tivo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/137) to better understand pairing, but I haven't read about anyone moving the cards around.

[shoeboo]

Does FIOS not pairing the cablecards, mean that you can switch out cablecards to other equipment, like a different TIVO?

I checked here (http://support.tivo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/137) to better understand pairing, but I haven't read about anyone moving the cards around.

Absolutely, that is why I went ahead and switched out my m-cards this week. As soon as tivo sends me the premieres, I can just pop the cards in and I will be up and running.
I know this works as when I originally had the s-cards installed in my second HD, the tech was having trouble and was blaming the tivo. I simply grabbed the 2 s-cards that were working in my first HD to show him the problem was with the new cards.