Re: Review AT&T U-Verse in AT&T U-verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r18415059 en Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:15:58 EDT Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:15:58 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21513185 Graystoke : Here's my review.

My install was scheduled for today, 12/1/08, between 8AM and 10AM. Two TV's, one HD, the other SD, internet and voice. The installer showed up at 8:15AM. I was pleasantly surprise at that.

He came in, double checked on what was to be installed, looked around, and started on the job. At first he was going to use the existing exterior Comcast cable, but decided he didn't like what he saw. Years ago when this was a brand new subdivision, The cable company at that time, MediaOne, came around doing what I call a hack job. Instead of rapping the house with the cable, they sloppily through it over the roof from one side of the house, laying it in the rain gutter, to the other side of the house to the connector. The AT&T installer removed all the old cable and installed new cable.

TV and internet install went very smoothly. Voice took a little longer. I'm not exactly sure what the problem was, but the installer worked with a tier two tech for about a half and hour. At one point, while waiting for the tech to get back to him, the installer went over the features of the TV portion of U-verse. So that worked out pretty good as far as I was concerned. Finally after about six hours, the installer was on his way.

I was very impressed with the installer. He was very helpful. He answered several questions that I had. Very polite.

So far I'm very happy with my U-verse service. The picture quality is great. My computer is running great. I got the 10 megs package. I really can't tell the difference between this and Comcast as far as browsing speed, and log on speed. U-verse Voice is working fine.

Ok, now I need to get back to the TV, so I can try to soak in all the new stuff with the TV and the remote. :p I've got a feeling I'll be back here asking a few questions. :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21513185 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:29:50 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21499333 gdm : The limit is 3000' and it depends on the gauge wiring you have in the area. FTTN, fiber to the node, is the most typical install which is fiber to the crossbox. FTTP, fiber to the premise, is only in new areas.

It's not really about upgrading the crossbox but the technology. U-Verse isn't for everyone. Even if the techs measure the line which they do. Until it's up and running that's the true test unfortunately.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21499333 Fri, 28 Nov 2008 23:35:34 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21498828 anon : Our install date was 10/17/08 for the U-Verse complete service. We have their broadband, TV and Internet. The techs did a hack job and used the existing very old Com Cast wiring so they came back within days to rewire three rooms and all outdoors wiring with Cat 5 cable. The router continued to drop and try to reset so we would loose all three functions. A third call and visit found that we were at the extreme limit of 3,000 feet from the "Cross Box" and the fix was to reduce our impulse signal from the pole to our router. Now the TV only freezes up, ghosts, phone line drops, and the computer line once a day rather than all day every day. We can only record one TV channel not the four as advertised. I again called "Level Two" tech support and they agreed that the engineers would have to decide IF they wanted to upgrade to a more powerful cross box. If they do not non of the new signed customers in my area will be able to stay with the U-Verse program. Shame because the price is better than Com Cast with better technology but if it doesn't work what can we do? Also the fiber optic cable only runs to their cross box and not on your street or to your house.
WARNING... If you are considering the U-Verse service have them measure the distance from the cross box to your home. If you are at 2,500 feet or more I suggest that you wait until they have many unhappy customers and have to upgrade the cross box before you have to suffer as we are.

Pieter Klein
Branford, Ct.

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21498828 Fri, 28 Nov 2008 21:02:55 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21464650 MyDogHsFleas :
said by Diknak See Profile :

My suggestion: Allow shows to be streamed to a computer when you are away from home. That would be an awesome addition to functionality!
Get a SlingBox, that's what it does very well, and no monthly fee. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21464650 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:15:14 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21458735 Diknak : I just had Uverse installed on Saturday and here is my review:

I was quoted that the installer would arrive between 2 and 4. At 3:45, he called and said he would be there at 4:15, but he didn't get there until 4:45. He came in for a while and looked around and such, then left for about an hour. He came back and stayed another 4 hours for the install.

I ran some ping tests before he turned off my old internet (Roadrunner) and compared it to the pings from Uverse. Roadrunner had faster pings for all sites except one (yahoo I think). All other pings were about 15-30 ms higher than Roadrunner's.

The deal breaker was gaming over the connection; if I had lag, I was going to cancel Uverse immediately. I asked the installer how far away I was from the node and he said about 375 feet, which was great news. He actually said that my connection was the second best internet connection that he has ever done. I played some games and didn't notice any lag at all, so I am completely happy with the net connection. I got the 6mb down speed, which is all that is really needed for gaming and I am happy so far.

On to the TV: The service is certainly better than Insight's since the standard definition resolution is 720 for Uverse and 480 for Insight. The whole online functionality thing is kind of overrated; I don't really use the net to manage my recorded shows since you can't see which episodes are reruns and which are repeats when browsing the online listings. I didn't like Insight's HD package since you had to pay a monthly fee for a HD box and pay for HD service; it was a huge rip off. There are about twice as many HD channels for Uverse as there are for Insight in the standard HD package (no movie channels or anything).

I have seen an installer in my neighborhood almost every single day this month installing someone else's Uverse. It truly is the best service on the market right now, and I think IP TV is here to stay, As long as you aren't over 1000 feet from the node, you should be good. Also beware of the fact that if you have an old house and don't have ground wiring installed, they will have to do some rewiring (and it's not free). This didn't happend with me, but by boss canceled his install appointment because of this reason.

Pros:
* Cheaper service
* Dedicated download speeds
* Online functionality
* Record 4 shows at once
* Standard Definition shows are better than normal cable

Cons:
* Long install time
* Rewiring may need to be done for older homes
* Slightly higher pings for gaming

My suggestion: Allow shows to be streamed to a computer when you are away from home. That would be an awesome addition to functionality!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21458735 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:20:14 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21441497 smokarz : I don't have Uverse, but with Comcast rolling out Docsis 3.0 and free upgrade to 12/2 HSI, I no longer look forward to Uverse getting to my town. They can call me up when they finally decide to run fiber to my home.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21441497 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:32:07 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21411226 Hugh Janus : Uverse review

Set up the order via online ordering about 3 weeks ago. I ordered the u300 with HD and internet service. I was currently on the Elite package with AT&T and was told via the web when I placed the order that I was also canceling DSL. I agreed and pressed ok and confirmed my appointment for 11-10 at 8am.

11-10 8:15
Tech calls says he is a block away and will be there in a sec. He shows up and instantly says there is a problem. He says my DSL was never canceled and he will need to call head quarters and said it could take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. He comes back an hour later and says it's good to go. There was a problem with my location and the way the builder had cut some phone lines but this wasn't the installers problem. I'm pretty far from the box so I only get 1 HD stream which really sucks but I understand the limits of technology.

So far HD looks great, SD looks great and my internet is the same speed it was before 6mps down.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21411226 Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:19:37 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21368826 gryl : I have had DSL with SNET -> SBC -> ATT all without major problems. Ordered Uverse about 3 weeks ago and was told that the install would take place on Nov 1. The tech shows about 2 PM. Show him what I want and the order is not complete (shows 3 TVs should be 6). He heads off to the VRAD and says that he will be back in 20 minutes. Back at the house 1 1/2 hours latter and says that I am 1.5 miles (by road) from box and it doesn't look good. :o
Hooks up his meter to the line from the pole and nothing. No signal. He calls in a ticket for a line man and states that they have to run a new line from pole to the house to see if that improves things. The Line man should be at the house in an hour. At this point our DSL is down.
Well... the next morning around 10:30 a real nice guy shows up and states that he thinks we can do this. About an hour later he has a new line at the house and we have a good signal there. Tells us to call the 800 # and reschedule the install. Turns out the offices are closed on Sunday and there's no one to talk to. The line man was able to get us back to DSL so the DW's Facebook withdrawal was taken care of.
So now we are set for a Thursday night install.

Tom]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21368826 Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:12:21 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21366167 anon : had uverse for 48 hours then the screen froze. After 30 + minutes of tech help, had to schedule home visit. have to wait three days for help. I am almost ready to go back to comcast. very frustrated.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21366167 Sun, 02 Nov 2008 20:46:06 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21363324 anon : Waukesha, Wisconsin install.

Ordered U200 TV service (skipped the VOIP and will see how things work with the TV before I switch over my internet service from TWC).

Install occurred on October 29th. Other than being 45 minutes late everything went well. The tech ran CAT5e to three different areas. He then configured the RG to dismantle the wireless signal so it would not interfere with my existing router. Lastly the tech went over how the service works and TV functions. Everything took about 5 hours. The good news is I can easily get two HD streams into my house, even though I only have one HD TV at this time.

So far I am very pleased with the TV - both from a picture quality standpoint and user interface standpoint. Channels change quickly, which I feel is very important, especially when switching back and forth from two sporting events. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21363324 Sun, 02 Nov 2008 09:00:10 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21362426 wrenchinfool : ok install seemed to go ok i do like the feature of watching my recorded shows from other tv very much..now the only thing i get right is picture on tv 52in samsung lcd havent even had it a year it just seems a little off other than that i really like and enjoy the service..being that i had cox for the ten prior years..i would recommend it]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21362426 Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:05:20 EDT The install that didn't happen http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21325083 schja01 : I guess placing an order, scheduling an install, checking with ATT direct that the order is in the system, calling the morning of the install to double check isn't enough.
If the order "doesn't make it to dispatch" is doesn't happen.
My recourse? Reschedule and wait three more weeks for a weekend slot.
Oh well.
Wife says this isn't a good omen and we should scrap the whole idea. I'm stupid, I'll give ATT one more try. Why? Like I said, I'm stupid but I despise Comcast too.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21325083 Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:01:47 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21251855 anon : I was supposed to have uverse set up for me 2 weeks after originally calling. I waited for that saturday from 12-2 and nobody came. I called and they said he was on his way at 3:00. I called again at 4:35 and they put me on hold until 5:04 and then hung up, so when I called back they were closed. I cant believe this crap. I think Im going to cancel. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21251855 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:37:23 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21220421 anon : had Uverse installed on the 30th. happy with it so far. was wondering how to transfer my recorded shows to my DVD recorder?

when i was with TW, there was a "send to vcr" option on the recordings i made on the DVR. with this option i could record to my DVD recorder while watching something else.

with the ATT Motorola DVR boxes, the recordings do not have this option.

does this mean i'd have to watch the whole program again as it records to my DVD recorder? or is there a way to transfer that video straight to my computer (which records DVD's)?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21220421 Sun, 05 Oct 2008 21:18:36 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21219467 anon : A quick review of our installation experience.

Technician called and asked if he could come early. Absolutely!

Technician actually worked for AT&T! Wow! The last three guys we had out from charter were contractors who showed up in old trucks and barely spoke english.

After a brief assesment of our home he proceeded with the installation. We have two tv's, in different rooms. All signal sent over Cat5. Technician got up into attic and ran all cabling inside of walls. He installed new boxes on outside of home for copper entry. He spent about 4 hours in our home and about one hour off site doing something at "their end" of the setup. When he came back he told me that everything in the neighborhood was brand new, and we were the first to subscribe.

We have the u300 package with 10mps internet service. We get 2 HD streams and can record up to 4 programs at one time. The internet has never been slower than 9.5mps, even when recording two HD programs and watching one SD program at the same time.

Technical supervisor came by during installation and made sure everything was going well.

We are very happy with the quality of the tv and internet service. The fastest I ever got out of my Charter 10mps service was 7.2mps. We have more HD channels to choose from, and my kids love the movies on demand feature.

I have recomended this to everyone I know. I am not a technical person, but I know what works. And my UVERSE works exactly as advertised.

Thanks AT&T for your profesionalim throughout.

PS: It's also $40 per month cheaper than my old service here in Mira Loma, CA]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21219467 Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:29:17 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21201406 anon : AT&T U-Verse Review
Location: South Palm Beach County Florida
Date: September 30. 2008

After five days and 22 man hours of technicians at my house, I now have AT&T U-Verse service on two HD television and three computers connected via ethernet plus WiFi service for laptop devices.

The internet is good! It is stable at 2950 KBS download and 980 KBS upload. This speed is two and half times faster on download and three and a half times faster on upload than my old regular type ADSL system. I have the "Pro" internet but I think the least expensive service would be much better than standard ADSL.

The television is not as good! First, the technicians tried to use the coaxial system that was pre-wired when the house was built which I didn't like because I was using that system for an off-air antenna system. Fortunately, they were not able to get it to work so I have the antenna system back. Next, I ask them to run a line outside of the house for a second TV which is far away from the modem/router which is the system hub. This approached worked. Following are facts about the TV service.

- I only have one HD feed. I am 3050 feet from the neighborhood box that contain the fiber optics. They can only certify two HD feeds if you are less than 3000 feet away from the neighborhood box. They are working on it but it doesn't look good at the moment. I can imagine family arguments over only one HD feed if all have HD TV's. Even two HD feeds for a family of four will be a problem.

- I am happy I still have off-air antenna service which is FREE and I have not cancelled my DirecTV service yet.

- Good quality picture! In fact, they actually fixed a local channel that broadcast an odd, stretched out picture.

- The DVR seems typical to what you get from cable or satellite companies except the box is FREE. It is suppose to be able to record several channels at a time but with one HD feed that feature will probably never be used.

Now that I finally have service after a long and painful installation, I am going to give AT&T a chance to compete. At this point in time, it seems they have a 50% chance to retain my business. Of course, it all depends on your local situation. If I was 50 feet closer to the neighborhood box, it would have made a big difference in terms of getting two HD feeds. It is all very interesting technology which is basically a modem and router. The price is good compared to the competition. All of the technicians were professional and nice people even though new to the business since the service has only been available in my area for three weeks.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21201406 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:11:43 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21199330 anon : att allows 8 box on case by case basis]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21199330 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:54:59 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21196065 MyDogHsFleas : 8 boxes???? ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21196065 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 23:35:15 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21195433 Bell System : OK. I guess I'll review my mom's install.

U200
Express Internet
POTS Dial Tone

Coming from Elite ADSL

Called 9/2, took first available install date offered on 9/23 for 8 box install.

Prepped 4 TVs for cat5, the other 4 on RG6. All computers on cat5. RG placement in basement 5 feet from NID. 10 ft of cat5 from NID to RG for VDSL sig.

DVR has homerun cat5 line. Office and living room cat5 to gs108 switch in office. Switch has HR feed to RG. Kitchen TV on RG6. 3 Bedrooms on RG6. Basement HR on cat5. Computers (3) run to 5 port switch, which has HR to RG.

All prep work done ahead of time. Just needed some cords here and there. Unboxing all the STB's took most time. Got to be a pro programming the remote's.

Being an I&R tech helped on knowing what needed to be done ahead of time. Tech was definately happy! He said he'd never done an 8 box job before.

Pleasantly surprised on quality of service! On the 19200/2048 profile (1 live HD stream limit, currently) Internet is solid. Have been monitoring circuit on LSBBT. Real Time and Quality check a-ok. Plan on moving all STB's to cat5 in time. Thumbs up all the way! Can't wait to get it at my house next. Nice to see the fruits of all the labor, you know?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21195433 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:53:55 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21171305 anon : Just got it installed yesterday.. Took about four hours. Only problem is they couldn't get a sync to the RG, had to have someone else come out to fix it.. Fixed it and everything is rock solid. No dropouts or problems yet.

About 1,500 feet from the Vrad, so all is good!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21171305 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 07:53:17 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21142613 David : we can work on this if you wish. Just advise or e-mail/post in direct.

THanks
David]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21142613 Sat, 20 Sep 2008 17:41:07 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21140148 richter : I had my install yesterday. Here is my report.

The installer wasn’t due until noon but called and asked if he could come early, and I said sure. He was here (unnecessarily, it turns out) 8 hours. He said he didn’t know anything about computers(!), so when he got everything hooked up by early afternoon, launched my PC’s browser and found that it couldn’t access the Internet, he didn’t have a clue what to do or check. There began over 2 continuous hours on the speakerphone to Tier 2 support (with me working the computer because the installer didn’t know how). We could connect to the network, and the Tier 2 guy could see my PC, but we couldn’t get out, nor would TV work. He tried swapping routers, set top boxes, and even ports at the node box down the street. It was starting to get dark, and since it didn’t look like the install would be complete that day, I went to hook my Comcast modem back up so I could get online.

When I did so, I discovered a cable running between my (still live) Comcast cablemodem and the AT&T router. He had simply disconnected all the Ethernet cables from my old wireless router and plugged them into his. Of course, one of those cables was the “in” cable from the cable modem. So both Comcast and AT&T were trying to manage the network. I unplugged the Comcast cable and everything (Internet & TV) worked instantly. Over 3 hours wasted and several components unnecessarily replaced.

He was in a hurry to go at that point because it was around 7PM. After he left, I discovered he’d left several phone junction boxes open with wires spilling out onto the carpet. Today as I went to put one back, my TV picture froze and the Internet went out. I jiggled it and was able to get service back for a while, and it’s been intermittent since. Obviously there’s a bad connection - loose wire or bad crimp or something. At that point I called U-Verse and said get somebody out here, which they scheduled for tomorrow AM.

Meanwhile, all is not rosy online. When I went to access my AT&T account, it said I was already logged in (to my Yahoo account). I stay automatically logged in to the latter all the time, esp. during football season, where I’m constantly accessing my Yahoo fantasy teams. But now I have to log out of Yahoo every time I want to log into AT&T, and vice versa. Unacceptable – no reason those should have to be mutually exclusive. Yet I’ve spoken to two different techs and neither knows any way around it. (Nor were even aware of the problem.)

Then I discovered AT&T’s SpamGuard sucks – too many false positives. It was trapping all my good email, including a reply from a friend I'd emailed. What email service doesn’t know that addresses the user sends emails to are de facto good and automatically whitelist them? I had to turn SpamGuard off (which means I’ll probably get all kinds of crap). I miss Comcast’s reliable spam filtering.

At least the TV picture is nice.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21140148 Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:07:40 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21132545 anon : Ok this Koolaid guy who has been posting replys must work for at&t and they must have brain washed him...the service is awful and customer services is awful and the install took two days....my cable install took 30 mins and that was with cable internet and phone with suddenlink. And the best part i can watch more than one hd channle at a time! and my internet speed dosent get effect if more than one tv in my house is going!
Thank you suddenlink thank you! why i left you i may never now.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21132545 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:13:08 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21066185 Time2Kill :
said by sporancea See Profile :

Yes, I am sure my DSL is with AT&T. And I took it one step further, I called DSL cancellations and tell them the story. The lady says "weird", she puts me on hold and calls u-verse herself. When she gets back she says that she was told the same thing. I would have to cancel first because of the ordering system at u-verse. Then I also have to wait 48 hours so that the change is reflected in the u-verse system.
I just had U-Verse installed this morning and had the exact same problem. My order for U-Verse was dropped because I had DSL via FTTP to my home. The techs got to my house, had U-Verse ready to go in less than 10 minutes, then bam, won't connect because the order was dropped. Took the two techs at my house THREE HOURS on the phone to get the order back in the system. Way to go AT&T...paying two techs for over three hours to sit in my house.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21066185 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 23:26:51 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21030978 MyDogHsFleas :
said by sporancea See Profile :

Yes, I am sure my DSL is with AT&T. And I took it one step further, I called DSL cancellations and tell them the story. The lady says "weird", she puts me on hold and calls u-verse herself. When she gets back she says that she was told the same thing. I would have to cancel first because of the ordering system at u-verse. Then I also have to wait 48 hours so that the change is reflected in the u-verse system.
This is not right. I would suggest posting in the AT&T Direct forum, and in the AT&T DSL forum for your area, and see if you can get someone to fix this or give you advice on how to proceed. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21030978 Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:02:41 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21030694 sporancea : Yes, I am sure my DSL is with AT&T. And I took it one step further, I called DSL cancellations and tell them the story. The lady says "weird", she puts me on hold and calls u-verse herself. When she gets back she says that she was told the same thing. I would have to cancel first because of the ordering system at u-verse. Then I also have to wait 48 hours so that the change is reflected in the u-verse system.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21030694 Sat, 30 Aug 2008 07:48:49 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21029870 MyDogHsFleas :
said by scmp :

I explain to him that I have DSL with AT&T and he says that I have to cancel that service before I can place the order.
Are you sure you have AT&T DSL? Do your bills come from AT&T? If you really have AT&T DSL you do not have to disconnect it before ordering, the installer will transition it for you on the spot. That is exactly what I did. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21029870 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:39:23 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21028216 David : Can I help? send me an e-mail or an IM. Would love to know about the problems, and see what I can do about them. T1, uverse or anything for that matter.

Thanks
David]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21028216 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:37:46 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21027878 anon : U-verse available in my area, in IL. First I tried to place the order online but it doesn't work, it says I have to call them.

I call them, the guy that picks up sounds like I woke him up. He gets my info but he cannot place the order because "the system tells me conflicting services". I explain to him that I have DSL with AT&T and he says that I have to cancel that service before I can place the order. I say Ok, how long does it take to have u-verse installed so I know how long I'll be without internet. He doesn't know and for some reason the question really annoys him and he doesn't know how to end the call quicker. I manage to extract the order number from him and end the call. I call again immediately and a lady picks up but she's in the middle of a discussion with a colleague, I presume, saying something about a trip to airport. Then she gets back to me "Yeah, this is Anna". I don't even bother, I hung up and call again. Kira picks up, she sounds like she would like to be anywhere but there, but she manages to tell me that it takes 7 to 10 days.

So, after reading all the horror stories about u-verse installation, I really don't feel like dealing with these folks if something goes awry. Never mind, that I have to be bound by the limitations of their system that is not able to schedule an install because I have another service with exactly the same company.

Maybe I'll order if somehow AT&T gets their act together, which is very unlikely. Hopefully FIOS will be available by then.

To top it off, today, where I work, we were supposed to have 7 T1's delivered by AT&T and not only that it didn't happen, they are lying about not having access to the premise. Not to mention that the number of outages at our clients caused by AT&T (direct service or services provided by other companies over AT&T loops) is far greater than in any other case.

Good luck.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21027878 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:27:13 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21025469 anon : Hi All, I just got U-verse installed last Tuesday the 26th.My internet service is 10dwn/1.5up of which I`m actually getting 9604 kbps dwn smd 1470 kbps up,so that is fine with me.The TV picture is great both in SDTV & HDTV.My u-verse set to box was defaulted to 720p output which looks great but I went in setup and changed it to 1080i,which also looks great.And hence I`m totally happy with the service.I`ve had no problems with any customer service rep and all my questions were addressed promptly.

My main reason for switching from Comcast (for HDTV) and BellSouth/ATT DSL (6.0 Extream) was the pricing,as I have never personally watched a u-verse program or used it`s internet. My Comcast service was $96.00 and ATT 6.0 DSL $45.00 per month. Now I pay $127 total for both TV and 10.0 DSL , sounds good to me.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21025469 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:34:45 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21020789 imakeholsinu : »Review of AT&T U-Verse by imakeholsinu

Here's my review of U-Verse. Aside from the abysmal ordering system AT&T has in place and their lack of love for dry loop customers I have to say I am pleased with the service. I'm less than 400 ft from the loop for U-verse (I can actually see it from my window in my apartment) and the installation took no more than 30 minutes. It took another 20 minutes though to get my account setup because of the ordering system being all messed up.

This review is strictly for the internet which I have 6/2. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21020789 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:47:31 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21017792 underscore_ : just to verify

xbox live works flawlessly, i can host 16 player matches on halo 3 & cod4, gears, and guitar hero 3 also work great for me.

WoW also works - my friend was playing at my house the other day on his laptop.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21017792 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:40:02 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21015573 MyDogHsFleas :
said by Mesquito :

It broadcasts a second or two faster than the one in the kitchen which creates an intolerable echo.
This is a characteristic of the technology and you should never expect two TVs to be in synch when playing a U-verse video stream. If you had two PCs playing a YouTube video, would you expect them to by synched perfectly?

The U-verse stream is a complex Video over IP flow. This is very unlike the RF signals on cable. Much processing and buffering needs to be done to turn the U-verse stream into video and audio for the TV.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21015573 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:22:13 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21014721 gdm : Uverse doesn't transmit the TV signal like dish or cable it's coming in on packets via the network. Does it mean it can't be fixed no and I am sure it will be. First and foremost I consider Uverse still in it's infancy stage.

I have the same problem as you do as well. Maybe when the WHDVR comes out it will fix that sync between them all.

In my case I have the DVR on coax and the STB on cat5e. I wouldn't think that would matter but you never know.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21014721 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:39:06 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21014414 anon : We got Uverse last month. We have had cable and dish with the DVR and every time the wind would blow, we lost our signal. Living in Tornado Alley, I sort of wanted something a little steadier. The TV signal and internet is fine. I have one complaint. Our Living area and kitchen adjoin. We have a TV in both rooms. The DVR is on the living room TV. It broadcasts a second or two faster than the one in the kitchen which creates an intolerable echo. AT&T says this is caused by the recorder and that is why it is slower. I relied, but it is faster. They said, well it is because there are two separate boxes. I commented that when I had the dish, and the two TV's were on separate boxes, there was no lag time. AT&T said this should resolve when they do the upgrade and have the DVR on all TV's at an additional cost. I am convinced AT&T does not know what they are doing, but feel fairly certain that once more people complain, they will fix this. In the mean time we are just turning the volume down on one TV and blasting out the people in the other room.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21014414 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:39:29 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21006346 David : I am just a few clicks away, and was here. I can work on Uverse problems guys/gals. Hell I can even work on anything AT&T you can throw at me. I have met a lot of interesting people that way!

I have quite a little army of volunteers. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21006346 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:00:18 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21004067 koolkid1563 : I am wondering why you never came here to ask for help. Sounds like your site is just ranting on several things without any real request for help and assuming that because your service was like that, that is how it always and is supposed to work for everyone.

-Slow, inconsistent internet speeds via AT&T wireless gateway
My wireless consistently gave me ~9.5Mb/s down and 1.5Mb/s up as well as a strong signal to deal with around the whole house. Many times wireless problems could also be a factor of the RF environment it is in. It sounds like you had a previous Linksys router, did you ever try using it as an AP on your network?
-Long, multi-day installation process is common
The typical install only ranges from a couple of hours to maybe 6, not days.
-Rewiring of cable & phone lines typically required
Typically, yes. However, the extent of most 'rewires' is just rearranging a few things, not a complete rewire.
-4 TVs can work at the same time (what if you have 6 TVs?)
Common problem, with some validity. You can have as many TVs on as you want, just that only 4 streams can be coming in at once
-2 HD TVs can work at the same time (what if you have 3 HD TVs?)
Another common problem with the same explanation above.
-Large, external box required for each TV
Large? Have you seen the new Motorola DCH line of cable boxes? Unless you have an IPTV ready TV, then you will need a STB.
-Compatibility issues with World of Warcraft (WoW)
I never used WoW, but I haven't heard too many other people complain about it.
-May not work with X-Box
By reading your site, this is linked to your wireless problems, not something AT&T was doing. I played on XBL just fine, as do many others.
-You are volunteering for technological experimentation
As with any new product (though not necessarily 'new' anymore), there will be quirks.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21004067 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:51:10 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21003963 anon : We had many problems with the AT&T U-verse Gateway and the wireless home network provided by AT&T. The internet speeds were so inconsistent that even reading e-mail became a burden. Playing games on the internet was impossible. AT&T told us they couldn't deliver reliable, consistent internet speeds via their wireless network. I thought they could have fixed the problem, but I guess not. Has anyone else had this problem???

We had really wanted to switch to U-verse for the television but the internet just didn't work.

»att-consumer-report.com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21003963 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:32:37 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20964233 MacZero : Have been using U-Verse for a few months now and over all it's good. We opted for the fastest internet at 10mbps and love the speed. Uploads are 1.5 and work reasonably well. This system is significantly better than the Comcast, 6 down 1 up, system we did have. U-Verse is consistently around 9mbps on most of my speed tests.

I hate the 2Wire VDSL2 gateway you get. The wireless system seems to have problems loading images on some websites. I don't use it but MySpace is a good example of a site that doesn't work right and images just won't load or are very slow. Other sites seem to have the same problem if the images are not hosted on the that site but are linked in from another site. You can turn off their wifi and run your own to get around this issue. It's a little complex to explain the issue and fix here. I also don't like the management interface you get it's just too limited for a geek like me. You can open one device on your network to the full internet and not have any firewall on it. This is part of the wifi fix and you can add your own wifi router that way. Or you can run a game system or limited use server.

With AT&T also get WiFi options in a large number of business around the country and the combined billing for cell, TV, home phone and internet are very nice. But then you realize just how much you spend on all of this stuff.

The TV/DVR aspects are just OK in comparison to Direct TV DVR that I did have for 3 years. AT&T should drop the Windows based DVR in favor of the TiVo system that Direct uses. The TiVo/Direct system is just more intuitive and has more recording preference options. You can record up to 4 standard def programs on U-Verse which is better than you can get with Direct without getting a second DVR. U-Verse doesn't record anything you haven't told it to record so if you like the feature on the TiVo that records things you might like based on your "Thumbs Up" settings then you won't like the U-Verse DVR. There isn't anything like that feature on the U-Verse DVR. With 4 SD recordings though you can record almost everything you might want. Other than the lack of recording features the U-Verse DVR does have some better channel surfing options with PIP and I like their guide a little better than Direct. The ability to get online anywhere in the world and tell your DVR to record certain programs is very nice.

I haven't tried the HD option yet (I don't have an HD TV) but I like the idea that I can just go to a web page and subscribe then have HD right now. With Direct you would have to get a new DVR in most cases.

I would absolutely keep the internet connection but I would seriously consider dropping the TV option in favor of Direct TV. I'll gibe them until Spring 2009 to make things better. If you love HD then Direct or even Dish are probably better options for you unless you can get HD via a normal TV antenna. You will probably always get a better image from the air than from satellite or wired TV services.

As I understand it U-Verse does have a better HD image than most cable systems but it isn't as good as satellite and a normal TV antenna.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20964233 Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:50:16 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20945861 djrobx : Both U-Verse and Dish use MPEG-4 compression.

There's a lot more to it than just broadcast format.

U-verse has a 25mbps pipe to the home, that also has to carry up to 10mbps internet. AT&T is not currently doing any "mixed-use" of their streams, I've personally tested that I get my full 10mbps when I'm using all 4 streams.

So, that leaves 15mbps for TV. Within that 15mbps, they fit 2 HD and 2 SD TV streams. I have yet to see hard facts about their HD data rates, but you can do a little calculating. They advertise that their DVR holds 133 hours of SD and 37 hours of HD. That means HD streams are 3.6x the size of the SD streams.

So:

x + x + 3.6x + 3.6x = 15
x(1+1+3.6+3.6) = 15
x = 15 / 9.2
x = 1.63

Using these calculations, SD is 1.63mbps and HD streams are 5.86mbps.

For comaprison, someone posted the file sizes for shows captured from their DISHnetwork box at MPEG-4. Their recorded "Battlestar Galactica" in HD was at 7.7mbps. Their local MPEG-4 NBC was a whopping 11.2mbps!

So, given that Dish is delivering higher MPEG-4 data rates, it's easy to see why they might have better picture quality. Interestingly, the most common complaint about U-verse is not breakup during high action scenes, but rather a "stepping" motion in the background of practically still video. Seems like that's something that could be improved in the compression algorithms.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20945861 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:30:18 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20930577 anon : There's a lot of chatter about Dish HD quality better than U-Verse. Its not clear to me how that is possible unless it is simply broadcast in lesser format (e.g. 1080i vs p vs 780i or p). Does anyone have the facts?

We get approx 170 HD channels on Dish which far surpasses the approx 50 on U-Verse, but I suppose they'll keep adding.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20930577 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 20:36:27 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20905963 anon : I have been reading a lot of the reviews posted on here, and it seems like there is some arguments taking place. Lets take some things into account. The negatives are ALWAYS noticed. We all hate our cell phone carriers, our banks, our car insurance, our boss, etc. You get the picture. One thing I love about my U-Verse is that, unlike cable, I didn't sign up at a really low bundle price just to have it jacked up on me every month. It is new technology, and it is always going to be getting better. On top of that, they know the problems they have, which is one of the reasons they give it out for free for the first month. Plus more channels at a equal price to cable. Just one guys opinion...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20905963 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:54:53 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20889373 Reese1972 : ATT your world delivered.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20889373 Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:41:43 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20811251 mareastrum : U-Verse was installed on Tuesday. The tech called SO about 11:45 to let him know he was running behind due to a difficult install with another customer, would it be okay if he made it a little after 1 or so.

The tech was still there when I got home at 6pm, but he was mostly cleaning up and explaining to SO how the system works.

We spent time checking out all the features and discovered the free VOD (Classic Doctor Who, yeah!).

The speed for the internet is much faster than what we were getting on DSL and the wireless works much better. We actually have the modem out of the basement too, which has made us very happy.

All in all, we are very very pleased with the service. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20811251 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:57:03 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20750155 underscore_ : Got U-Verse installed yesterday. Since I am unable to receive regular AT&T DSL service they didn't hassle me about just ordering the VDSL only. the install took a little over an hour. I ordered the 6/1 package, i believe it is the Elite.

Speeds are awesome, very stable. The pings are outstanding. I used to have ISDN, where the pings weren't stable at all and ranged from 95ms - 150ms. After a day of gaming online with buddies, my pings are from 35ms - 75ms SOLID. 68ms was the highest I saw and it was to a server in Southern California, & I live in Michigan.
I am extremely pleased with U-Verse thus far.
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20750155 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 19:13:08 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20737842 MyDogHsFleas :
said by rldtx :

My complaint now with U-verse is that even though they ran cat5 everywhere, they cut up my TWC coax.
Did you ask them to keep your cable active? I hope so, because installers can't read your mind. If I were you, I'd call and lodge an installation complaint and make them run new coax. Maybe they will.

I do hope, however, that they let me keep the Internet (which is fine) so I don't have to go through getting my old DSL back.
My experience was that they allowed me to cancel the TV and keep U-verse Internet, but they were a bit prying about why I wanted to do it. You seem to have a decent list. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20737842 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:05:43 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736647 anon : Ok, I tried it and not keeping it.

I may be picky, but here's why I'm not keeping it.

1. Existing remotes can't be programmed to access Moto VIP boxes - no codes.
2. U-verse remotes don't change sources on any of my TV's
3. Interactive options are really slow
4. Freezes on some functions that essentially lock up the TV.
5. No page up/down on menus
6. Music channels are kind of crappy.
7. HD quality isn't up to TWC - sorry.

The additional content just wasn't worth the hassle.

My complaint now with U-verse is that even though they ran cat5 everywhere, they cut up my TWC coax.

I do hope, however, that they let me keep the Internet (which is fine) so I don't have to go through getting my old DSL back.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736647 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:08:38 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20732024 Traxless : Read this entire thread ... took parts of 2 days. I'm not eager to make the plunge with AT&T. I'll just stay with my antenna a while longer.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20732024 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:21:12 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20692812 gdm : Not sure where you get that. Pricing is up front and they don't do any bundling discounts. They used to give $10 off if you had TV and Net but not now. I ordered U-Verse when they did offer that luckily.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20692812 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:10:25 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20692779 kjl1977 : Seems to me that U-Verse isn't that great of a deal. I current get dry loop DSL (1.5-3.0) and Dish HD DVR for less that the basic U-Verse package. Seems like AT&T is just doing what Comcast did and disguising packages as 'savings'. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20692779 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:03:05 EDT Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20692738 anon : Internet. 1st week my speeds are 99% of what my plan calls for. The latency times are 11ms to 29ms. Now that is speed. Our older copper DSL system ran about 40-60% of what the plan called for and latency times ran 49ms to 98ms. Uverse (fiber optics) is a major step forward. The future looks " Bright " to me with ATT !]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20692738 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:51:27 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20678943 jtmarshiii : Customer service sucks big time. If you though At@t cell phone service was bad just wait!
-Install Tech One NO SHOW (he lied about contacting me and was fired for it according to dispatch) Reschedule for Saturday.
-They give me a $100 credit for me taking a day off work and upped me to U400 for 6 months.
- Saturday is here but no tech! Call dispatch they say they can't help and transfer me to someone that can. I was transfered to the main At@t number and had to go through all the prompts and several more transfers.
- Uvers rep. tells me my order was CANCELED Monday. He couldn't figure out why because he saw dispatch rescheduled and customer service gave me credit!
- They couldn't come out Sat. some they need to reschedule BUT their PC is down so he writes down my name and number and said I'll call you Monday or Tuesday. Sound like a big blow off to me! So I'll wait until Tuesday then is't no more At@t for me and I'll become the biggest loudest anti spokes person for this and any service At@t crries.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20678943 Sat, 21 Jun 2008 22:02:43 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20677001 anon : After having ATT U-Verse for 3 months the three most outstanding things that should be noted are customer service, HD clarity, library of movies. Of course these are all negative. The pro is the price! My first issue when I looked at the HD in 1080i compared to Comcast and my neighbors Dish, it was definitely not as crisp. I won't use the word my neighbor used, but he was right. More grainy, or pixel looking and not as crisp. I decided to just put up with it. Then I noticed that compared to the movies that comcast had ready to view, there was just no comparison in amount. Last but not least, and definitely the most frustrating was the support. For some reason I noticed that showtime would appear on and I thought it was just free days here and there, then I noticed HBO, and then it would be gone. I didn't pay too much attention to it because I didn't care to watch them. Now the kicker is when I suddenly moved out of the home I was in on 5/7, I called in to cancel my service. Keep in mind I had a bill in front of me said I owed from a charge period of 4/07 to 5/6 total of 113.51 I was told that my service would be cut off that day and I might be expected to pay for 1 day prorated charge since it was into the new month by one day. I was also told that boxes would be mailed out to my new address so I can ship the equipment back. 3 weeks goes by and no new bill and no boxes. I call in. I am now told that my service is still active at my old address and its not off, and it doesn't show that I cancelled it. Keep in mind that on this day I was transferred by four people hung up on, and on this fifth person, and over an hour later I was just able to sink my teeth into this person that is now telling me I owe for another whole month. Being a cop for 19 years and facing death a couple of times I wasn't losing this battle. When it was all said and done, they realized I had made contact on 5/7 and new the procedure for shipping back equipment and that I must have talked to someone about canceling my service on that day. They told me I wasn't even going to be pro rated that one day for the 7th. 3 weeks later no boxes, but new bill for 147.31. After talking to one person this time for 20 minutes and us going over my new bill there was no backing down that instead of owing 113.51, I really owed 147.31. Even though I had called one day after my charge period and cancelled my service. They also said I had ordered Showtime and ENcore, which I never did and didn't waste time watching it when I noticed it was there.

Conclusion: You decide for yourself. I'm just one person, but read through all the rest of these and then make your best guess. Is saving 30.00 a month worth the picture quality, movie availability, very poor service?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20677001 Sat, 21 Jun 2008 11:50:41 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20672395 anon : The sales rep came by and sold us on the Pro U400 and convinced me to switch by saying that it could record 4 things at once and that the recorded shows could be streamed to any other TV or computer in our house. This is not true. Our confirmation email verified that recorded shows can only be watched on the TV that has the DVR hooked up. I thought it sounded too good to be true and questioned him extensively on it, (like how can that work??). This would never work in my household with teenagers who want to watch their recorded shows at the same time as parents!

Staying with my Astound service!

Buyer beware, the sales reps are not technically well informed! ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20672395 Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:54:44 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20660646 The Drake : Hey Rockwall, TX; make the switch from Charter! Its been less than a week for me but I can't believe the better quality! You are missing out if you stay with Charter.

The Uverse DVR needs some work, and I don't think even 2/2 is enough but those are so minor for for you get with Uverse. The internet is better too. I work from home a lot and must upload large graphic files. The 3 mbps I had worked but 10 mbps/1.5 mbps is so much better!

All I have to say right now is make the switch from Charter in Rockwall. Uverse; please work on your DVR.

I did get my Tivo box working but I would rather have a better quality from Uverse and get rid of Tivo too.

Still happy for now. I keep keep everyone updated.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20660646 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:58:06 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20649760 The Drake : Installed June 13 2008. So far it is great! I have already cancelled Charter! Maybe too soon on that but I got refund of bill I just paid which will take care of first month bill for Uverse.

Installed with CAT5. Have 2/2. The HD is so much clearer than Charter with more HD programming. Charter never could fix their HD problem after multiple attempts.

We had Tivo service on all 4 TVs in house. I promised my wife she could still use Tivo service through Tivo. Oh no... I am in HOT WATER. Many failed attempts so far to get it going on her TV. We had two dual tuners and 2 single tuners with TIVO. We were use to recording whatever/whenever and transferring to different TVs. We record a lot of TV and it is rare occasion to watch 'Live TV.'

The tech arrived on schedule at 9:00am and it took him until 6:00 pm without lunch. Seems a little long considering I have central location for all equipment except 3 STB which are in three rooms still within 50' of each other.

Installed RG, 4 STB. Attempted to use my router for extra ports with no luck. Turned off 2wire wireless and got in once than it shut down. Also when using my wireless it had conflict with TV and slowed everthing down. 2Wire seems fine but I need more than 4 ports. Guess I am out to buy gigaswitch today.

Can't wait until WHDVR. ha-ha... Until then I need to make wife happy even though she will lose dual tuner and HD. I thought the answer was to use the 4 streams to allow her to record all her stuff. WRONG! It disabled viewing on all other TVs when it started recording three shows at once and she was watching one live show on her TV. That is a pain!

I know, boo-whoo on Tivo thing. But that is they way we are use to watching TV. We watched more live TV this weekend just trying out new toy. We normally go all week without TV and then catch up on our programs.

Bottom line is happy in Rockwall, TX. Must make wife happy. Goodbye Charter! ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20649760 Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:50:15 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20502530 travanx : yeah i think a bridge is it, my terminology is terrible for what is what for wireless. i was hoping to use the dgl-4500 as the routing portion, but i am realizing there is probably no point to doing this except that i want to use the gigabit ports on the dlink router. I do want to put my 2 wrt54g routers through the house to extend the wireless connection. I still cant believe how great the TV is, HD on so many more channels than Dish with much clearer picture.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20502530 Sun, 18 May 2008 16:48:04 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20496643 koolkid1563 : I am a bit confused on what you are trying to accomplish. You want to use your 4500 as the access point, which is understandable for N access. You said you want to use the 54G as an access point as well, but I suspect you actually meant as a bridge? If you don't have any other N clients that will be using the 4500, I would just use the G access point already in the RG and use the 54G as a bridge.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20496643 Sat, 17 May 2008 01:26:21 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20495948 travanx : Signed up online on tuesday and had the install today. Took from 10am until 5pm and they had a lunch in between. Wired for 2 computers and 3 TV's in a house with a crawl space basement. The installer was really cool and very friendly and knew what he needed to know for the install. We also got a new drop on the side of the house.

So far extremely happy with the 10meg speed and the HD is much much clearer than HD on Dish. Ping on speedtest is 23ms as well. The HD is currently hooked up to a 48" mits RPTV through component. I love how the channels change fast as opposed to satellite.

Now the only thing to do is figure out how to change all the default stuff on the gateway and bring my D-Link DGL-4500 into the network and let that give wireless out, and then have a WRT54-G as an access point to that. Anyone have a good link on step by step on how to configure this??]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20495948 Fri, 16 May 2008 22:19:19 EDT Re: Tried it, final update, http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20487843 MyDogHsFleas : Your alarm service may not work with VoIP. You may want to keep your POTS line, which you certainly can do.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20487843 Thu, 15 May 2008 14:57:51 EDT Re: Tried it, final update, http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20470773 anon : Wait, it may not be necessary for the alarm installer to do anything since Uverse will replace my current phone service I guess having two CAT5e lines pre-wired is good enough, the Uverse technician will know how to hook the alarm back up to the new phone service too?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20470773 Mon, 12 May 2008 16:09:13 EDT Re: Tried it, final update, http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20470740 anon : Thanks for the info. I checked out my cable box there are two CAT5e service lines coming from the junction box at the curb, one is currently used for phone, the other used for alarm. I guess I can ask the alarm installer to come back to tie the alarm into the phone line, and vacate the other CAT5e line for Uverse?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20470740 Mon, 12 May 2008 16:02:40 EDT Re: Tried it, final update, http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20468583 gdm : Best method is run cat3 or 5e from the NID to the RG. The RG should be inside not out.

As far as speed and reliability it's been rock solid for me. Had it almost 3 months and no issues, on the 10meg plan.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20468583 Mon, 12 May 2008 08:00:42 EDT Re: Tried it, final update, http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20468289 anon : I just ordered Uverse triple deal, intended to cancel the TV service after one month of free viewing. I ordered the $55/mo 10 mbps new Uverse broadband, I wonder if anyone has experience with that in reliability and speed?

Also currently I have no spare coax runs going into the house, they are all used up by satellite TV service. From what I read it is possible to use CAT5E run for the service, that will save from drilling holes and run additional RG6s. Is this ture? If so I guess the bulky gateway must be at the cable box outside? Not a good idea.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20468289 Mon, 12 May 2008 03:18:39 EDT Re: Tried it, final update, http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20460839 MyDogHsFleas :
said by urstoeger :

ATT told me that I keep the internet service if I cancelled Uverse TV. Internet is only available as a package deal (at least in my California area).
It seems to depend on who you talk to. Most people reporting on this forum and other uverse forums have no problem canceling the TV portion and keeping the Internet. I certainly had no problem doing that, personally.

My advice is, if you get someone who insists that you have to cancel the U-verse Internet if you cancel the TV portion, just politely say "OK, thank you, goodbye" and call back to talk to someone else. You do NOT have to cancel the Internet and revert to AT&T DSL just because you've cancelled the TV portion. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20460839 Sat, 10 May 2008 09:56:51 EDT Re: Tried it, final update, http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20460098 anon : ATT told me that I keep the internet service if I cancelled Uverse TV. Internet is only available as a package deal (at least in my California area).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20460098 Sat, 10 May 2008 01:13:11 EDT Re: Tried it, final update, http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20396792 MyDogHsFleas : hey wings -- two things --

1) you do NOT need a landline phone with U-verse. I don't know what gave you that idea.

2) Why would you cancel U-verse completely and switch back to DSL if you were getting more speed for the same money with U-verse? You could have just canceled the TV service and kept the U-verse Internet. That's what I did. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20396792 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:36:00 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20382175 anon : I joined AT&T U-Verse last year, thinking that it sounded like a great idea from a great company. If you like multiple day long visits from technicians, poor quality, resetting the box, pixelation, delays from remote to receiver, horrible customer service, long waits on hold, overcharges, undelivered promises, and an almost impossible task of getting a refund; then by all means get U-Verse & AT&T phone service in San Diego. I don't *ever* complain about service, but this is the worse I've ever been treated by any company regardless of their size. Cox cable is great, with Time Warner a distant second in San Diego]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20382175 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:19:24 EDT Re: Tried it, final update, http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20373468 A P CC : More UNTOLD/UNKNOWN to the consumer information for those that have or are using U-verse,
First I have used Directv for the last 10+ yrs,plus AT&T DSL "Elite" package & am NOW back to these same packages,,,,Last week I tried AT&T Uverse,(television & internet service) from April 9th through April 15th,
FOR those that think I have an axe to grind against Uverse, or started out hating U Verse even befor I ordered it,
Hey YOUR WRONG, why should I hate it or exaggerate about this?,Since I can afford what I want to get.
example:telephone / bill has every option that AT&T offers, (except Uverse & web networking) and that includes separate cinguluar account, my dsl Elite package, & paying for a Friends DSL pro package ,
My Drectv Bill is just over a "Franklin" every month, so I can & often try new items to see if I prefer one thing over something else,
For THOSE that have U verse & HELPED me so much during the installation & trial period, I THANK YOU so much for your help, I RALLY Appreciate it)
===========================
Uverse works for you, & I hope you enjoy it,but as DIRECTV works for me, but maybe you have had problems with it in the past & it doesn't for for you.U Verse isn't for me,
======================
I did find out some Interesting information, from the new ATT U Verse tec's, (separate from AT&T telephone or Dsl tec's) something At&T doesn't tell you about U verse-

On the Plus side Uverse television is superior to Time warner/ Comcast tv picture in clarity,sound quality,HD, ect it is a a nice picture,and there are many different packages to choose from I tried the U 300
************************************
On the bad side,(unknown or untold to the consumers) for the phone service & Internet part of U-verse,
1, YOU HAVE TO have a land line-wall based telphone jack installed (no problem there)
2, The router /modem is really a "mini computer",(big,& bulky ) approx 4-5 times bigger then the AT&T/Gateway 2 wire modem/router.
2,If your a game player or need-want the speed, then U Verse works great,(see pict comparing Dsl Elite to Uverse internet speeds I was getting, side by side )
over all u verse worked good (but as 2 U Verse & I DSL) tec have said it is still in the trial & error stages of development stage,and "still has some bugs to work out of its system" since coming out last year.
3. With a landline phone installed, Uverse tech must by pass the telephone wall jack & install a separate (wired directly into the telephone wall wiring,so you have a separate line coming out of the wall behind the wall jack

Most importantly what is not told to consumers,
(an AT&T Telephone tec friend let me know after I had U verse installed & a U Verse tech confirmed this)
When U Verse is hooked up & working ok,
1,U Verse places "restricted access" to your telephone line,(about what options/service's & and or equipment can be added to your phone line)
2, If you no longer want U verse in your home,
(a) a AT&T UVERSE tech must come out & un wire the u verse wiring,
(b) No he cannot-or shouldn't take back the receiver nor the router.
(B) Then you have to start your DSL all over again & it has to be installed by an
AT&T Dsl tech

This post was started as "INFORMATIONAL" for those that might be thinking of switching to either dsl or u verse packages from AT&T.

speed tests here side by side,
»Re:DSL Elite vs,Uverse Elite,

and I hope that any response's can be kept informational about what you have experienced,(like or dislike ) while trying your/using your internet connection and/or tv (ota,,cable,U-verse,satallite system)& not critized anyone for trying one service over another,..
--
SOME people make use of a chat forum the same way public walls are used for graffiti,I don't feel compelled to respond to their graffiti ,then I feel equally at ease about ignoring they're post,I'll go about making my post & talking wih FRIENDS.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20373468 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:54:02 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20249640 Doctor Four : The install tech arrived today at around 12:40 PM, after
first calling to say he had to do some preliminary work at
the VRAD.

He put the 2-Wire RG in the room where my computer is at, and
ran coax to all of the TVs except my WinTV card. For
that he used Cat-5e to hook the STB to the 2-Wire. For my
mother's computer, we used the default security settings on
the 2-Wire, and made a wireless connection, which seems to
be much more reliable.

He had to run new drops to the RG and to the TV in my
bedroom as the front part of the house still used the old
RG-59, and could not run a drop on an exterior wall. So he
ran coax along my floor by the wall to the STB in my
bedroom.

Picture quality for SD (we have no HDTVs) is much better
than Time Warner: it looks like we'll be cancelling TWC
pretty soon. There was an initial problem with the RG as
my connection speed was registered as Express when it
should have been Elite. A simple call to AT&T by him was
all it took - my most recent speed test was 5505/919.

Time from start to completion was about 6 1/2 hours.
--
"The trouble with computers, of course, is that they are very sophisticated idiots." - Doctor Who (from Robot)
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20249640 Sat, 29 Mar 2008 20:22:58 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20182143 gdm : I have the DVR TV on RG6 and the other TV on Cat5e. That TV was on 59 but had issues so they came back and replaced it with Cat5e.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20182143 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:18:53 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20182113 Doctor Four : I think it might be RG6 - we had the house remodeled and
extra space added, and part of that was rewiring the cable
through the attic. It would be easier if he were to use the
B side of the cable for the STBs (currently Time Warner runs
on only A - they used to have an A-B system, so we have an
unused B coax run in the house now); that way if we decide
we want to keep the cable, it is a simple matter just to
switch it back (no need to go into the attic and connect/
disconnect cabling).
--
"The trouble with computers, of course, is that they are very sophisticated idiots." - Doctor Who (from Robot)
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20182113 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:12:13 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20182054 gdm : Is your existing coax 59 or rg6. If it's 59 then you want rg6 or cat5e.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20182054 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:03:31 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20182003 Doctor Four : Signed up for the U-Verse 200 package with 4 TVs* and 2
computers earlier tonight. First month's bill is going to
be $25 (TV service will be free for it), with no contract.
Afterward it will be $89/month before taxes, etc.

*One of the TVs is a PVR card on my computer.

Currently we have AT&T Elite ADSL, and Time-Warner Cable for
TV. The TV is only the basic and expanded basic services,
no digital, movie channels, sports programming or DVR. And
it is in SD.

In the house right now I have the DSL connected to a Linksys
wireless router, with one computer connected through Cat 5e,
and the other through wireless. The wireless one drops out
quite frequently; it is the one my mom uses, and she has to
repair the connection daily.

I plan to have both computers wired through Cat 5e, and
have the install tech run fresh wiring to the other
computer (hers is most likely going to be closest to the
RG).

As for the TVs, would it be better for the tech to run
new Cat 5e to each STB vs. them using our existing coax?
I've heard a lot of comments saying that picture quality
on the latter is poor compared to Cat 5e.

The tech is going to come out and install on March 29th,
arriving between 12-2 PM. Install is estimated at 5-8
hours (though the sales reps said typically it is about 4).
--
"The trouble with computers, of course, is that they are very sophisticated idiots." - Doctor Who (from Robot)
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20182003 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:56:10 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20111525 Flippant : I agree completely with you, the service is too limited for my household and my family viewing preferences as well. By fortune or misfortune I have 3 HD sets and the HD just looks so much better on them. Sure it can be argued that there is only limited HD programming now, but I do not see compounding the problem by having limited access to the programming that is available.

Never mind who is watching what and where if it is desired to do so in HD I can easily do that with my crappy cable service and cannot with uverse. It may be fine for some but not for my household.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20111525 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:40:24 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20106176 wingrider01 :
said by ccallana See Profile :

Its true that AT&T has this limitation, and its your right to not choose them because of it. What I think is odd however is getting the service installed without already knowing this limitation. I've said it 3 times now - its not a secret, its in 50 threads on this board and every other discussion board that deals with this topic. Its on AT&Ts web site. Yes, their sales people are idiots, but in this day and age, to buy anything without some simple research and then blaming somebody else for your lack of knowledge seems a bit backwards. caveat emptor I suppose...
I agree, knew the limitations, told the sales weasels to take a long walk on a short pier and come back when they either unbundled the internet from the TV or got a viable real world senerio for HD and DVRs - this includes the Whole house solution being able to record the same number fo streams as HD/SD dvrs that I have, allow me and my family to watch TV in the correct format also and have the ability to add more storage to the unit - past the single TB range.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20106176 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:54:10 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20105534 ccallana : Its true that AT&T has this limitation, and its your right to not choose them because of it. What I think is odd however is getting the service installed without already knowing this limitation. I've said it 3 times now - its not a secret, its in 50 threads on this board and every other discussion board that deals with this topic. Its on AT&Ts web site. Yes, their sales people are idiots, but in this day and age, to buy anything without some simple research and then blaming somebody else for your lack of knowledge seems a bit backwards. caveat emptor I suppose...
--
"We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us.... We are far too easily pleased." C.S. Lewis]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20105534 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:16:14 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20105065 wingrider01 :
said by johnnymicro See Profile :

said by jrb531 See Profile :

So because my wife often watched TV in the bedroom while I'm on the computer and the kids are watching cartoons means I'm heading toward a broken marriage and messed up kids?

We all have to sit on the couch and watch the same show?

Thank you for saving my life... I had thought the time we spend together at the library, at dinner, playing board games and other such "together" time was enough. Apparently I have to watch soap operas with my wife and cartoons with the kids or we'll all turn out to be some weird sickos.

Funny how this does not seem to be an issue as long as we watch separate SD shows.... HD... well with HD (thanks AT&T) we have to watch the same HD show.

I am going to call AT&T tommorow and thank them for saving my family. After all the ability to only watch one HD show at a time is "not" a technical defect of Uverse but a decision from AT&T to help families spend more quality time together.

-JB
OK I must have totally misunderstood. You "Need" 3 HD feeds so that your wife can watch an HD program in the bedroom while you're watching TV in the basement, (which of course must be in HD while you're on the computer) and your kids are watching cartoons which of course look like crap unless they're in HD. I totally understand now and apologize for my rudeness.
No what you seem to misunderstand is the fact the OP, like myself have multiple HD sets in the house, why have a HD set if you cannot get a HD feed to each set, for that matter why have a HD DVR to record a program in High Definition an restrict the end user from watching a second High Definition program at the same time. Come on, this is not rocket science, Directv, Dish, and even the cable companies have been doing this for years, and AT&T comes out with a 1950's series solution like this? Like I mentioned before - AT&T can come back when they have a real world solution and not a mickey mouse one.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20105065 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 08:20:18 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20102238 jrb531 : Your rudeness was in suggesting that my family was heading for a train wreck because "I" do not prescribe to your predefined definition of what a family is.

When I pay for HD I want HD without silly limitations that are imposed because AT&T has technical issues.

If I can get HD on all of my HD TV's with Dish then for me to accept a 1 HD stream limit with AT&T it had better be substantially cheaper to account for this "serious" limitation.

BTW I'm still laughing just thinking about possible ads to promote Uverse....

"Sure we only support 1 HD TV at a time but we do this because we care about American Family Values and if we gave you more than one HD TV then your entire family structure would fall apart"

"AT&T... the company that cares about families and the quality time they spend together as you are all forced to share that 1 HDTV in the home"

*smiles*

-JB]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20102238 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 19:02:01 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20099492 gdm : Looks like the got yahoo tv listing show att u-verse as a cable provider now. So for those that use yahoo to see what's on tv it should work. Did for my zip code today.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20099492 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:14:58 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20098976 johnnymicro :
said by jrb531 See Profile :

So because my wife often watched TV in the bedroom while I'm on the computer and the kids are watching cartoons means I'm heading toward a broken marriage and messed up kids?

We all have to sit on the couch and watch the same show?

Thank you for saving my life... I had thought the time we spend together at the library, at dinner, playing board games and other such "together" time was enough. Apparently I have to watch soap operas with my wife and cartoons with the kids or we'll all turn out to be some weird sickos.

Funny how this does not seem to be an issue as long as we watch separate SD shows.... HD... well with HD (thanks AT&T) we have to watch the same HD show.

I am going to call AT&T tommorow and thank them for saving my family. After all the ability to only watch one HD show at a time is "not" a technical defect of Uverse but a decision from AT&T to help families spend more quality time together.

-JB
OK I must have totally misunderstood. You "Need" 3 HD feeds so that your wife can watch an HD program in the bedroom while you're watching TV in the basement, (which of course must be in HD while you're on the computer) and your kids are watching cartoons which of course look like crap unless they're in HD. I totally understand now and apologize for my rudeness.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20098976 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:25:31 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20098306 jrb531 : So because my wife often watched TV in the bedroom while I'm on the computer and the kids are watching cartoons means I'm heading toward a broken marriage and messed up kids?

We all have to sit on the couch and watch the same show?

Thank you for saving my life... I had thought the time we spend together at the library, at dinner, playing board games and other such "together" time was enough. Apparently I have to watch soap operas with my wife and cartoons with the kids or we'll all turn out to be some weird sickos.

Funny how this does not seem to be an issue as long as we watch separate SD shows.... HD... well with HD (thanks AT&T) we have to watch the same HD show.

I am going to call AT&T tommorow and thank them for saving my family. After all the ability to only watch one HD show at a time is "not" a technical defect of Uverse but a decision from AT&T to help families spend more quality time together.

-JB]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20098306 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 01:43:56 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20095882 johnnymicro :
said by jrb531 See Profile :

I'm sorry but the days of trying to suggest that anyone who has more than one HD TV is some form of nutbag are over.

-JB
Thats not my suggestion at all. My suggestion would be for you and your family watch TV together.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20095882 Sun, 02 Mar 2008 16:42:00 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20093960 wingrider01 :
said by ccallana See Profile :

I'd say I feel sorry for you, but 1) anyone with 3 HD TVs that need to be watched simultaneously doesn't need people feeling sorry for them, and 2) its clearly stated all over their website that only 1 HD stream is available at any one time, plus its all over any forum or review site - do your research and you are never surprised by stuff like that. :)
Why, have Directv here, 3 HD DVR's, 1 SD Dvr. each one of the HD DVR's have external SATA drives installed giving me 1 TB of program record storage each. The 3 HD sets are mainly on most of the day, and definately all on in the evening, wife watches one set of programs, kids watch another and I am watching the 3rd. You have not need to feel sorry for us.

This exactly is the reason I told the AT&T person thanks but no thanks, come back when you have a real world solution, or you unbundle internet access from the rest of the services]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20093960 Sun, 02 Mar 2008 10:02:22 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20091520 ccallana :
said by jrb531 See Profile :

I guess I'm rich and if a company "LIES" to me then it is somehow ok because it's "MY" fault that they lied.

I think not.

-JB

P.S. I watch 3 HD sets at one time all the time. My wife, myself and the kids. I guess having 3 sets on at one time is somehow whacko :)
I certainly don't think its ok that the sales people lied to you, I guess what I'm saying is that the 1 HD stream limitation is no secret. This board is coated with complaints about it, and we are not alone.. :) The sales people are not being completely honest this is probably true.

Now having 3 TVs on at the same time being wacko, that is a personal decision, and some people would tell you even having 1 TV is wacko... I'm not in that camp, but I know plenty of people who are... for the most part TV is a waste of time, and I admit, I waste a ton of time with it (almost as much as I waste here.... :) )
--
"We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us.... We are far too easily pleased." C.S. Lewis]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20091520 Sat, 01 Mar 2008 19:17:55 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20089868 koolkid1563 :
said by jrb531 See Profile :

While this is technically true it is underhanded and dishonest to not tell people that while you can connect 10,000 HDTV's to Uverse that you can only watch one at a time.
Not completely true, but your point is still valid and I see where you were going with it. You can have all 10,000 HDTVs watching an HD channel, but currently it has to be the same channel, not different.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20089868 Sat, 01 Mar 2008 13:15:58 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20089555 jrb531 :
said by ccallana See Profile :

I'd say I feel sorry for you, but 1) anyone with 3 HD TVs that need to be watched simultaneously doesn't need people feeling sorry for them, and 2) its clearly stated all over their website that only 1 HD stream is available at any one time, plus its all over any forum or review site - do your research and you are never surprised by stuff like that. :)
Why is the internet required to have Pay TV service? Say someone has cable and heard about Uverse and calls up and asks on the phone about the service. Since when do you then have to double check what the sales rep tells you to see if they are lying?

AT&T told them that 3 HD TV;s could be used with Uverse. While this is technically true it is underhanded and dishonest to not tell people that while you can connect 10,000 HDTV's to Uverse that you can only watch one at a time.

They know darn well what they are doing and I hope a big lawsuit results. I'm not a fan of lawsuits but this is dishonest and many people would never sign up for the service if they knew the "true" limitations.

As a side note... what is having 3 HDTV's in a home somehow only for rich people or unusual? HD sets have been sold for years now. Is it not possible, like myself, to have bought one HD set every 2 years and have 3 or even more by this time?

It's not like HD TV's just cam out a few months ago and this person ran out and bought 3 sets. It's also possible that he does not own 3 $2000 HDTV's.

I have a 26" Tube HDTV in the bedroom that I got for $350 two years ago, an old projection HDTV I got 6 years ago for $850 and just got a new DLP 50" HDTV for the basement for $800 on closeout.

I guess I'm rich and if a company "LIES" to me then it is somehow ok because it's "MY" fault that they lied.

I think not.

-JB

P.S. I watch 3 HD sets at one time all the time. My wife, myself and the kids. I guess having 3 sets on at one time is somehow whacko :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20089555 Sat, 01 Mar 2008 12:09:14 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20089521 jrb531 :
said by johnnymicro See Profile :

3 HD tvs at the same time? how many families live in your house?
I have 3 HD tv's. Many people have multiple HD TV's. We have know for years that HD was the future so over the years as my SD sets went out I made sure I bought HD sets to replace them.

So my wife watches HD in the bedroom, I have HD in the basement and the kids watch HD. I pay for HD with Dish network whether I have 1 HD or 10 HD sets so why would I not want to take advantage of the HD channels I pay for?

How many TV's total do you have in your home? As they break and you replace them what type of TV will you buy? :)

I'm sorry but the days of trying to suggest that anyone who has more than one HD TV is some form of nutbag are over.

-JB]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20089521 Sat, 01 Mar 2008 12:02:24 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20087720 ccallana : I'd say I feel sorry for you, but 1) anyone with 3 HD TVs that need to be watched simultaneously doesn't need people feeling sorry for them, and 2) its clearly stated all over their website that only 1 HD stream is available at any one time, plus its all over any forum or review site - do your research and you are never surprised by stuff like that. :)
--
"We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us.... We are far too easily pleased." C.S. Lewis]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20087720 Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:06:39 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20087577 johnnymicro : 3 HD tvs at the same time? how many families live in your house?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20087577 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:26:00 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20087552 anon : i had uverse installed this morning and i was pissed off royal. there salesgirl walked through the house last week where i pointed out the 3 sony hd tvs i asked specifically if i could get 3 hd at the same time, she says yes, great sigh me up. install went fast and easy, 1st tv comes on good picture leave it on and set up the second box message comes on screen only 1 can be on hd at a time. installer guy says this happens all the time and the sales people dont know what they are selling.he tells me he would ask people with multiple hd tvs if they were aware that they would only get one stream of hd before he would start the install, but the company told him to stop asking. told the guy to pull it out,called the sales people and vented on them for awhile, they offered me 20 off for the first month to keep it. screw them]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20087552 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:20:35 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20082929 anon : I disconnected the run that was using rg59 (removed the cable from the rg entirely) and continue to have issues with the dvr and stb freezing and being very slow to change channels.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20082929 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:03:33 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20057645 gdm : Yeah 59 is the issue. I have one TV on 59 the rest of the house was done in RG6 except this one. I called u-verse up saturday have an appt. tomorrow for them to run a rg6 or cat5 to the STB.

Once you get switched it is much faster for channel changing and you shouldn't freeze. I am coming from comcast cable and it beats that hands down for channel changing. It's almost like OTA broadcast as far as how quick it can change the channels.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20057645 Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:55:06 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20057205 anon : Well one week with u-verse and there are a few issues. The overall picture quality is not bad. There are annoying problems with the motorola tuner boxes, both dvr and the plain hd boxes freeze from time to time when trying to change channels. T brags about the "instantaneous" channel change, not true. My channels changed much quicker with comcast and never had problems with channels freezing. Comcast provided a Motorola 1200 Dvr versus the 1216 that T provides.

All the music channe; "urge" have the same issue. There is an annoying "miss" in the sound tracks. Similar to having an old 45 record with a scratch on it. This annoying skip happens at least 2 0r 3 times per song.

Lastly, I called T to have them come back out and run cat 5 in place of the rg59 back feed they left me with. I get a run around from some young kid that wants to do some "tests" on my system. I don't need tests. The installers told me the 59 probably wouldn't work, but gave me no indication how difficutl it would be to get somebody else back out here to run that last cat 5 line.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20057205 Mon, 25 Feb 2008 07:35:10 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20039214 anon : Glad your happy with ATT. My post was because I was told things that weren't true. $225 is $75 per box for 3 boxes. Cox didn't charge me extra to run cable down a wall. All my tv's are on internal walls. I was told by the salesman that came to my door and again by a rep at one of the stores here in Edmond that they would run cables at no charge if needed, that even if I had exising available cables they would test them and run new ones at no charge if they didn't test out good enough. Well since there were no cables available for use "they were needed". Cox guarantees me an 8Mb dload and I'm always at the very least able to get 12Mb and have on most occasion gotten 18 Mb and above even reaching 29Mb a few times. They never say "if you're too far from the source then you won't get our stated rates of 8 Mb". Last year Cox and ABC channel 5 in OKC were having contract disputes and 5 was not broadcast in HD for several months. ATT told me that 5 wasn't being shown in HD because the cable didn't have enough bandwidth. I find that patently dishonest. They were broadcasting 5 in HD before their contract disputes and I don't think they lost bandwith and said "let's not broadcast ABC so we will have enough bandwidth"! I know ATT the company didn't lie directly to me but the people that did are acting as "agents of the company" and I am deeply disappointed in them.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20039214 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:39:35 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20038666 koolkid1563 : You have some things right, but you also have some things wrong. First off, yes, you get a dynamic IP but currently the IP stays with you for a long time. My IP has only changed once in the year I have had U-verse and that was when they had to change out my RG. I have had to power down my RG for various reasons, mainly wire changes that I have made over time, and I have kept the same IP when it comes back up. I am currently on their Max internet tier which is rated at 10/1.5 and I get very close to that for the majority the time. The RG is not exactly the size of a computer, maybe about the size of laptop with the lid closed width wise and maybe about the height of 3 DVD cases. It takes up about the same amount of space a cable modem and third party router takes up IMO.

$225 for installation is the first I have heard about of an installation charge. Some techs will run new wire for free, some don't. If they don't, it can be as high as $75/drop, but I believe that is only if they have to fish it in between walls. Outside runs are cheaper. I am almost surprised they gave you a flat rate...

I don't quite understand your reasoning for having a TV service, internet service, and a TV + internet service all running at the same time, unless for comparison or backup?

You are correct on the 1 HD stream limitation, and it is a big turn away. However, they are supposed to be adding in another stream here sometime soon (they haven't really confirmed how many, just 'multiple'), hopefully before summer.

It is your choice though, and that is one big thing about U-verse. If you don't like it, that is fine. It is all about how much value you feel like it is worth to you. If you can get a better deal that works for you with more bang for your buck, I say go for it. In many cases, people will do anything to get away from their cable company or satellite company or what have you, and this is that 'other choice'. Will it be the best choice for everyone? No, and I realize that. Is this post meant to bash you or your choice? No.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20038666 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:05:25 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20038493 anon : Cancelled ATT Uverse before they even set foot on my property. Salesman told me they would wire my house with cat5 cable if there was no existing cable to use. Well I have Directv and Cox cable and am not cancelling either one so there is no existing cable to use. Cox ran cable with no charge when they installed just like they told me they would. ATT said "we'll have to charge you $225". Doesn't seem like free installation to me. I also found out you can't record and watch a HD channel at the same time. Sounds like someone besides Cox may have bandwidth issues (ATT said Cox had bandwidth problems, but Cox keeps adding more HD channels) . They said their Internet was faster than Cox also but today I used speedtest.net and received a 24.06 Mb from Plano and 23.00 from Atlanta, even on the slowest days I still get around 12 Mb. After being told that ATT guaranteed their stated connection speed at 6 Mb, their elite package, they started backing off saying, "well it may not reach 6, that is just what the maximum might be". So basically they wanted to charge me $225 for "free" installation, not run cat5e as I was told they would do to make sure they have a good signal, give me less channels (they have several West coast channels so they count those as extra channels to up their "number" and I realize they are channels but they don't have different content), take away being able to watch and record HD at the same time, put in a modem the size of a small computer and for doing all that great stuff for me they wanted to charge me more per month. Oh yeah, they told me I would have a dedicated IP address, very important to me, unless my modem lost power, then it would get a different IP address, so it appears that their knowledgable staff doesn't really know what a dedicated IP address is. I'm probably not real smart having both Directv and Cox at the same time but there are some channels that one gets that the other doesn't and vica versa. We don't have kids so cost isn't important and I am a gadget guy that is always trying the newest and latest stuff. As I stated above, I may not be real smart but I'm not an idiot. See ya later ATT.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20038493 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:35:41 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19893579 koolkid1563 : Not really. AT&T's U-verse product currently has the same feature set no matter how you are connected in.

By quality, are you referring to image quality, overall service quality including uptime, speed?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19893579 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:34:46 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19892672 anon : I live in 10 year old sub-division with fiber at the curb and cat-5 wiring in my house. Will that mean if i subscribe to U-verse it will be of the same quality as Vz's FIOS system? ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19892672 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:54:34 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19863511 anon : I am having it installed this Friday....I will come back and write a review then. I have friends who have had it installed, and have no complaints at all...I just hope that its a painless install here.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19863511 Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:04:38 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19831085 vinnie97 : If Time Warner goes through with their usage cap pricing plan, I may be a U-Verse user rather quickly.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19831085 Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:22:49 EDT Re: Review AT&T U-Verse http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19792030 candell : Intro:

i initially had att dsl installed when i purchased this home 4 years ago and had a solid internet pro connection for 19.99 / 12 months. 1/2 way during this time i noticed a lot of activity a few blocks away from my home and a few weeks later lost internet connectivity for a good 24-48 hours. my connection came back up and it was downloading @ 4 times the speed of what att customer service claimed i was able to get due to the distance to the CO/RT. i knew it was BS since i had been experiencing speeds and testing it for the week prior to my call to have them reprovision my modem and actually pay for the service they were not providing me. big mistake. they dropped me back to pro speeds and continued denying my requests to the point of frustration on my part.

Finances:

it was at this point that charter released their 10/1 setup in my neighborhood and i bit @ the chance of having it along with everything charter had to offer at that point. this home is an older home, so charter techs came out and installed new rg6 throughout the whole house and away i went @ $204 + $17 taxes/surcharges / month for their premium channel package, 10/1 internet, Rental Modem, 1 Moxi DVR, 2 HD receivers and Howard TV. Charter has always treated me as a premium customer and provided me with solid service, but i'm always willing to have others earn my business and loyalty.

Having a wedding in the next few months and uncertain market conditions in socal led me to find a few ways to save a little more money since $221 / month is insanity by normal standards. I went on ATT's website and tried once again to see if i could get qualified for elite service, and was politely declined by their availability link. I then noticed the uverse link and said what the hell, and clicked it and the response was it was available in my area and started reading up on the technology and decided to give it a shot.

Goodies:

i called att on 01/08/2008 and had an appointment set up for 01/12/2008 @ 8am for U400/Elite that came with 1 @ VIP1216 DVR, 3 @ VIP1200's, 1 @ 2wire 3800HGV-B, 6/1 Mbps (V)DSL, Cat5e into 4 rooms, 1 @ New NID, 1 @ Homerun for Data, 1 @ Homerun for Phone, 1 @ Cat5e for Switch, 1 @ Netgear GS108.

Free! :)

I was trying to justify my cat5e and supplies purchases to the missus and had someone come out here before uverse was installed to give us a quote on what it would cost us to do what we did yesterday, and they gave us a quote of $625 just for supplies... another $50/hour for labor and said would take a good 8-12 hours. psh, rookie...

Promotions:

$10 / month bundle credit for TV/DSL - 12 months free HD - $100 Cash Back - First Month of TV Free - $50 Visa Gift Card and I'm going to call ATT Billing to see if they will honor the 3 months of free internet if you're switching from cable internet to ATT DSL Service. In total I figured that ($10+$120+$100+$94+$50)/12=$31/month so my total would be $123/month for uverse if i kept it for the next year.

paying charter $204/month vs. att $123/month was a no brainer even though i have 3 HD TV's in my home as it's almost $975 in savings for the first year.

Install:

I explained to the tech that came to my home that i was planning on keeping my charter internet service and reusing the rg6 would be out of the question. the tech initially wanted to have a quick and painless install by backfeeding the rg6 through the rg and into each set top box and being outta here into another home. i offered him something to eat and some refreshments to keep his involvement and attention span towards providing good customer service. i asked him if we could drop cat5e throughout the whole house and he initially refused as it would create extra hours of work, but im persuasive to the point of everything working out in the end. i explained to him that i was already going to drop new cat5e throughout the whole attic while he was here to have all the rooms have biscuits so i could plug in either an rj11/rj14/rj25/rj45 and he was sold. we started @ 9am and finished late evening as its a large older home. we dropped a gs108 into my closet and i made a larger hole in my ceiling going into the attic so i could have enough room for future upgrades. he dropped a new homerun from the newly installed nid into my office and then backfed cat5e into a closet with the gs108 and then fed the room on the other side of the house with another drop of cat5e. while he was doing that i dropped another cat5e into my other office and bam... in business.

i had real crappy wiring that a previous tech had done on the outside vs. wiring it through the attic and would have a constant crackle throughout the phones in the house. well, i was able to pull all the wiring on the outside of the house down and i installed new cat5e telephone wiring into each room with a phone, so now i have crystal clear telephone service to boot. i suggested we just use the unused portion of the cat5e cabling he was using as a homerun into the RG, but he felt more comfortable allowing me drop a new line into the garage so i could continue on my business and he the same. no issues there :)

All of the above with ZERO commitment or upfront costs on any of the equipment or installation.

SOLD!

Tech Review:

It seems ATT had several customer service agents train on how to install the uverse system, with a majority of them having zero networking skills and coming from a customer service background. a few key techs were sent out to TX to have hands on training while the pilot program was going out there and came back and trained a majority of the new people which have been doing the installs for the past 6-12 months. my guy was a newer tech and was not jaded by the jerks they call customers... yet. he stated ATT wanted to train CS people to do the uverse installs as they felt that customer service was going to be @ the forefront of their installs vs. having seasoned techs that dont want to hear anything from the customer and say the wrong thing to a customer.

i know a majority of you guys out there are like myself... have every channel and pay over $200 / month for TV/Internet services on a monthly basis - and thats not including any PPV or extra premium on demand services we like to spend our money on. thats $2400 a year before any of the fees come into play. you figure a lifelong customer @ the above rate can bring over $100K in revenue during a 30 year timespan. you get the picture. customer service @ the end of the day is what makes or breaks a company sometimes. only issue i ever had with charter was their customer service agents where minor billing issues and charging me for service calls they stated would be complimentary. id usually pay the fees as it would cost me more to stay on the phone than go about doing my daily routine.

this techs customer service was above and beyond the call of duty. he was more than willing to do what i wanted when he realized i knew exactly what i was doing and was willing to go the extra mile for him if he did the same for me. we did a killer job on this place with a minimal amount of time invested on each of our parts. i would like to state that i *did* not help him do any portion of his job, as i know them managers like to roam these forums, heh.

i would like to take this time to state the obvious. a lot of the techs that come to your home has some leeway in the decision of how hard they are going to work for you. if you treat them like a service person then you're going to get minimal service, but if you treat them like a person and cater to them they are more willing to do what they need to do to make you a satisfied customer. his professional attitude and 100% attention