How well did you do?

Your price went up and your usability went down.

You can absolutely not transfer any recordings off any box leased from a company.

 

Do we know that this is the case with whatever Fios's method is with storing recordings? Or is this a general copyright thing, - whatever method they are using?

I did try asking a few times what DVR (STB?) they are using so that I could check functionality and the rep seemed to know to just start nattering very fast over my voice each time. Which obviously sounds suspicious!

We settled on my being able to check this in the minutiae of order details but I'm sure it isn't there and $4 a month in a bill of $256 didn't seem all that significant to me so long as that minutiae doesn't involve actually charging me what Fios has tried in the past on this very point: A no-way-out we-won't-budge $20 per box per month DVR fee!

 

A friend in NOVA was sent a FiOS 1 Box, one FiOS Mini, a G3100 Router for just a 60$ fee that they wouldn't budge on. His TiVo is his DVR, he subscribes to no FiOS DVR service. His was an upgrade to replace a FiOS STB that had become EOL and the newer FiOS 1 devices that replaced the EOL require the G3100. The Mini was included for no obvious reason, he only had a single FiOS STB. His monthly has remained the same for 2 billing periods, CableCARD TiVO still.

 

Picture started becoming a bit blocky yesterday so I called Verizon] and the agent tried to pretend it was because I use old-technology cable cards. Which I know to be hogwash.

Is there anything wrong with the Fios multi-room DVR compared with TIVO/KMTTG? e.g can you not transfer recordings off it onto your own (semi-permanent) storage?

I've been using TiVo since the HDR110. Fear of not being able to upload or download shows to Tivo is one of a few reasons I won't entertain going to a Fios STB. I have a Romeo but I'm still on the previous software because I like the clean interface of the guide and my recorded shows. I know what I want to watch. I don't need a bunch of distractions pointing me to this and that. I also like the responsiveness. I used my Aunt's Fios Box and what a terribly slow experience. I wish it was faster so it was over quicker.

I wish you luck.

 

So there's no such thing as a " new" FIOS STBDVR? I am just getting the old inflexible Verizon STB but this time with a hard drive thrown in?

She did say on the call that I would be able to continue using my TIVO DVRs. I don't see how this would be possible???

(they can't install till 13th Feb so I have a long time to think about canceling this arrangement)

 

You can continue to use your Tivo DVRs and watch and remove content from them, but without CableCARDs you can't record.
The FiOS DVR does not let you off load anything, what's on it stays on it.

There is also nothing wrong with staying where you are and using your existing CableCARDs on the same plan, the only reason you would have to give them up on Verizon is if you upgraded to a 2GB internet service.
Your deal with them was a huge downgrade for no reason as far as I can tell.

 

Actually "downgrade" was the word I used when she had finished trying to distract me from noticing what she was doing, and it caused the nattering to go into overdrive!

That was the reason I had to post here. To find out what the real position is.

 

My post #4 was a recent experience with FiOS. The VMS4100 'not ATV' for Fios TV+ DOES HAVE HDMI - That it doesn't was an error by the poster PL1. I read the thread that you were directed to and that's a mess. I would post exactly the devices you have currently including the ONT model, the model router you're using, which STBs and which TiVo(s).

The final for my friend is, his TiVo works, his VMS4100 'not ATV' for Fios TV+w/HDMI works with no FiOS DVR, the FiOS 1 Mini works on a separate TV 'wirelessly' with nothing but an AC power supply & HDMI. If he subscribed to FiOS DVR he would have TiVO, and then FiOS DVR for his FiOS boxes. The VMS4100ATV and also the 'not ATV' & mini works best I understand with the G3100 router but there's ways to use it with any MoCA capable router.

He had an EOL FiOS STB and his fee was 60$ like I mentioned for all 3 devices.

This is a VMS4100ATV set up procedure: https://manuals.plus/m/59097b29c3a9b8181b91c8004d01816b0921defa8b7eb8597a628f765f1a36e3_optim.pdf

 

I had replied to your other thread trying to find out if the TIVO was still working.

 

Isn’t the VMS4100ATV the “media server” that does NOT have an HDMI?

 

Isn’t the VMS4100ATV the “media server” that does NOT have an HDMI?

Looking at STEP 3 in the setup instructions, "Connect the HDMI cable from the Fios TV+ device to your TV", is that a separate device from the server? If so, that was how I had understood it. You needed a server and another mini type box for each TV.

ETA: Notice in your image, there is no mention of connecting to the TV. Only in step 3.

 

It’s exactly what the guy on Reddit said.

The server (Step 2) does not connect to your tv.

The other devices (Step 3) do, and connect to the server wirelessly.

 

This is my understanding from the Verizon Forum at the former DSL Reports.

Commscope (Formerly Arris) VMS4100P2 with hdd (older boxes)
Commscope (Formerly Arris) VMS4100ATV with hdd but it is a server and does not connect with HDMI. (Newer boxes)

This diagram shows that both the server and the Fios TV+ boxes are in use.

 

So it IS possible to retain my current tivo configuration after fios's upgrade?

Is there any benefit to what they call the upgrade? Won't I have to be careful not to use the fios dvr for fear of not being able to save the recordings?

Then the real downside will be that alongside the minimal price increase., I'll have to pay for two cards that I'm pretty sure can't be in the new order

 

You’ve given confusing information on what you’re “upgrading” to so I don’t think anyone can answer definitively whether your cards will still work or not.

It doesn’t seem like you know what you signed up for so we are not going to have more info than you.

 

Yes, they sure made it seem that way, in case I noticed that their whole amazing low-cost offer was no such thing. And might even be regarded as a downgrade from my present service.

But anyway, some pretty strong opinions have been expressed in this impartial thread!

 

But anyway, some pretty strong opinions have been expressed in this impartial thread!

Umm you ASKED for feedback, we gave it, the subject didn't say anything about impartiality

 

. Wasn't it kinda assumed that no one on this forum/thread is being paid to express an opinion? Especially by Verizon, who ARE being paid for future changes!

 

Not being paid for my opinion never stopped me in the past

 

Not sure if this is helpful or not. I am choosing to move from one Verizon location to another (affairs of the heart) Verizon will not give me cable card service in the new home. I spoke to multiple agents, and multiple tech support people, I've asked the question here. I've discussed moving my cable card, exchanging my cable card, sacrificing my firstborn son, ad nauseum. Nope, the area you are moving to does not support it. Oh well.

 

But you haven't taken the issue up with the FCC - have you? I'd think you're familiar enough with the communications involved that it could be interesting. An interesting adventure for sure.

 

They offered me 2gig service.

 

That indicates a market incompatible with CableCards.

 

SO: Under the present technology, if I let Verizon install their multi-room DVR (and their new router to replace my perfectly good Linksys EA7500 in favour of something called a ,fios 300 mbps), can I use a Tivo box in addition to preserve flexibility*?

(though i cant see where 300MBPS is any faster than my present' linksys 1.9GBPS. Especially within the context of the 75/75 service they are giving me? Incidentally, what IS this "

Fios Internet Speed Upgrade @ $149" that they are waiving?)

And can we conjecture whether I will be able to use the Tivo boxes if and when Fios upgrades the system in my locality to their new technology?

Here is what they are doing to my account And there is quite a lot to be suspicious about, eg I seem to be losing my digital voice phone service bundle, - that I have set up to block all sorts of spam callers, - in favour of something called HOME SERVICE? And their rep said that I'll get the same channels under MORE TV as I did under FIOS ULTIMATE TV HD

AND the promise of no charge for all sorts of services doesn't seem to jive with their statement that the DVR WILL cost $20 a month??

​ ​ Remove Fios TV Ultimate HD​ ​ Remove Agreement Discount​ ​ New More Fios TV​ ​ Remove Fios Internet 75/75​ ​ Remove Agreement Incentive​ ​ Remove Speed Upgrade Discount​ ​ Remove Fios Internet Bundle Discount​ ​ New Fios 300 Mbps​ ​ New Home Phone​ ​ New No Country Selected 0 minutes​ ​ Remove Fios Digital Voice Bundle Discount​ ​ Remove Fios Digital Voice Unlimited​ ​ Remove Fios TV Broadcast Fee​ ​ Remove Regional Sports Network Fee​ ​ Remove Rent: Cable Card 2 @ $4.99​ ​ New Multi-Room DVR Enhanced Service​ ​ New DVR Service Discount​ ​ New 2 Fios TV Connections​ ​ New Fios TV Connection Discount​ ​ New Fios Internet Speed Upgrade @ $149​ ​ New Rent: Verizon Router​ ​

​

​ Please refer to the Important details section below for more information. Services ordered: Monthly amount More Fios TV $119.00 Fios 300 Mbps $59.99 Home Phone $30.00 –No Country Selected 0 minutes Multi-Room DVR Enhanced Service $20.00 DVR Service Discount -$12.00 2 Fios TV Connections $24.00 Fios TV Connection Discount -$12.00 Rent: Verizon Router Fee Waived Verizon Home Device Protect $25.00 Estimated monthly subtotal $253.99 Taxes (see detail) $6.58 Estimated monthly total^ $260.57

​ One time charges: Charge Fios Internet Speed Upgrade @ $149 Fee Waived

​ View an estimate of your bill View an estimate of your 02/28/25 bill here. Glossary and Terms at verizon.com/billingglossary * more importantly, does theirDVR actually give me anything that I dont get with my Bolt?

 

...
And their rep said that I'll get the same channels under MORE TV as I did under FIOS ULTIMATE TV HD
...

This is not true at all, you will lose all the premium channels plus more that you currently get with Ultimate HD.

FiOS Channel Lineups

 

They’re removing your CableCards.

Your TiVos won’t work.

 

A quick look at the channels (they don't dare show what is left of Ultimate) shows that I will lose all the Ultimate chAnnels I currently watch, up to and including the misnomer BBC AMERICA which hardly broadcasts anything new by way of BBC at all!

I knew by the incessant nattering (and how it speeded up every time I asked a difficult question) that she was imposing on me a disaster.

ˆ

 

IMO, you should cancel the "upgrade" ASAP.

 

Yes obviously. I'm still trying to see any conceivable reason to keep it. There appears to be none

 

But you haven't taken the issue up with the FCC - have you? I'd think you're familiar enough with the communications involved that it could be interesting. An interesting adventure for sure.

Nothing to do with the FCC. GPON NG-PON2, the technology you have been upgraded to, does not support QAM. There is no signal for your Cable Card to work with. It's like trying to put gas in your Tesla and drive it. Not going to work.

SO: Under the present technology, if I let Verizon install their multi-room DVR (and their new router to replace my perfectly good Linksys EA7500 in favour of something called a ,fios 300 mbps), can I use a Tivo box in addition to preserve flexibility*?

If your service has not been upgraded to GPON NG-PON2 then your Cable Card will work. If it has, than it will not work.

IMO, you should cancel the "upgrade" ASAP.

If you refuse the ONT and equipment upgrade Verizon will terminate your account and that's the end of it.

Verizon has sunset Cable Cards. They are not going to go out of their way to turn them off, they will just lave them alone and let them chug along, but eventually they will upgrade your local network to GPON NG-PON2 and that's the end of your Cable Card. There is nothing you can do about it. When it will happen depends on your local market, hub, and service address.

 

GPON, the technology you have been upgraded to, does not support QAM.

Most current customers are on either BPON (very old) or GPON (current) and both support RF/QAM. The new 2Gig capable PON they are changing to is NG-PON2 and it does NOT support RF/QAM.

ETA: I have the Nokia G-211M-C with RF/QAM and I have CableCARDs for my TiVo.