| U-Verse = Unfinished product So, I have had the U installed now for close to a month, and I'm just not getting used to it. Coming from the Dish Network DVR, the U-verse DVR is horrific. I mean, who designs a UI for a DVR that doesn't tell you how much space you have left on it? I know, I can look deep within the menus and find out how many open gigs I have on the hard drive, and then divide that by yada yada yada, but I SHOULDN'T have to do that. Also, there are little things, like being able to tag multiple titles in the recorded programs for erasure. There is also the nifty bonus on the Dish Network DVR of recording a program like say "Curious George", but only keeping one on the DVR at any given time, so you don't come home from a business trip to find 18 Curious George episodes (many of which are duplicates) filling your DVR, then not knowing if you have any space left on your DVR, then having to spend 20 minutes erasing each Curious George one by one. Oh, but you can go online and fuss with your DVR, right? What a joke. After I hit link after link after link to get there, I spend 20 minutes clicking on all of the programs I wanted to erase. Alright, 'bout time I find an easier way to do that. I go back into my living room, check the recorded programs....they are all still there. wtf. The main reason I got this was because of the ability to watch the dvr recorded programs on any receiver in any room, a feature that has not been, ahem, "perfected and released" yet by AT&T. No one can even give me a guesstimation on when this feature will be available. Luckily, when I had this installed, I had them push my DSL from 1.5 download to 3 mbps download and that works fine. Oh wait, no it doesn't. My internet is actually going slower. I've been doing bandwidth tests every day and the absolute highest I have seen is 1.5. Mostly, I am between .500 and .900. I call AT&T and they were not even able to access my account to check if they bumped me up or not, but not to worry, I'll be receiving a phone call from a CSR in 24 hours. 5 days later, I stopped holding my breath. My complaining on the phone got me my first to months' service free, after which I will be returning to Dish Network. 
Johnny |
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 The Dv8orJust call me Dong Suck Oh, M.D.Premium
join:2001-08-09
Denver, CO | You DVR Curious George? |
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| reply to AngryJohnny
My kids like it. Let's see you DVR list...?
Johnny |
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Reviews:
 ·Verizon FiOS
 ·Time Warner Cable
| reply to AngryJohnny
What do you expect? It is something new and EVERYONE decided to jump to something that has little to no testing and from the looks of everyone else's posting, AT&T U-Verse pretty much sucks. Things range from:
1.) Set Top Box's Locking up -- Firmware Coming Out
2.) Someone in Dallas, TX states their WWW went out
for over 5 hrs and Tech's don't know why
3.) People Complaining about the speed
4.) Unable to watch more than 1 HD channel @ a time
5.) The guide sucks!
6.) Some of the HD channels look like SD channels.
Now I don't have AT&T U-Verse, but I do know it will be available soon because I've seen them put 2 V-Rads in and around the house. So I am NOT complaining, I am just voicing my opinion like everyone else does on here. I guess next time people should just wait instead of jumping on something that is new w/ little to no testing or thought put into it. |
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 gdmPremium,MVM
join:2001-06-15
Mchenry, IL
kudos:3
·AT&T U-Verse
1 edit | reply to AngryJohnny
What gets me is people that complain don't read up front the limitation of U-Verse currently. It clearly states 1 HD stream that's on the website granted not the greatest information.
Off course the only posters you see are the ones that don't like or are having problems. Many more people have it and love it but do you see those posts, no. Just like any other provider you only see posts when they have a problem. When FIOS first came out that was a nightmare as well. |
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| If you dont like the product then change to something you do like. I am sure that Dish had its problems too. U-verse is a new product and so far I have been very pleased with its ease of use. I was with Time Warner/Comcast in Houston. I didn't have HD or DVR with them so I don't have anything to compare it too but I am very please the options and channel lineup U-verse gives me to this point. I also have the Internet Express 1.5/1. I can honestly say it is just as good as the 3meg I had with Comcast. I am sure Sky is the limit with U-verse considering there are always new technology coming out on IP systems. |
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 MarkyDPremium
join:2002-08-20
Oklahoma City, OK | reply to AngryJohnny
most of my complaints stem from AT&T's left hand not knowing what the right is doing. My install was a nightmare, pre-sales information VERY inaccurate, and the performance of the service left MUCH to be desired.
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MCSE, ACSA, and a lot more |
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| reply to gdm
said by gdm:What gets me is people that complain don't read up front the limitation of U-Verse currently. It clearly states 1 HD stream that's on the website granted not the greatest information. Off course the only posters you see are the ones that don't like or are having problems. Many more people have it and love it but do you see those posts, no. Just like any other provider you only see posts when they have a problem. When FIOS first came out that was a nightmare as well. Gdm, why do you defend AT&T's Black hole so much? Do you own LOTS of their stock or just a little? Which bell do you work for?
I agree, the original poster should have known about the 1 HD channel at a time. Funny how that's the only thing you bust his chops about totally ignoring the other problems he pointed out. And he's not alone. Their service is plagued with technical issues. I honestly don't know why anyone would switch to it unless they love misery.
I know, I know. Your u-verse service is super perfect. Doesn't mean others share the same pleasant experience with it. |
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| reply to bygcland
said by bygcland:If you dont like the product then change to something you do like. I am sure that Dish had its problems too. U-verse is a new product and so far I have been very pleased with its ease of use. I was with Time Warner/Comcast in Houston. I didn't have HD or DVR with them so I don't have anything to compare it too but I am very please the options and channel lineup U-verse gives me to this point. I also have the Internet Express 1.5/1. I can honestly say it is just as good as the 3meg I had with Comcast. I am sure Sky is the limit with U-verse considering there are always new technology coming out on IP systems. AT&T's sky will come crashing down in the future as there is a limit to how much data you can squeeze over copper lines. I guess they could keep borrowing from the video side and compress that even more. |
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gdmPremium,MVM
join:2001-06-15
Mchenry, IL
kudos:3 Reviews:
·AT&T U-Verse
2 edits | reply to john1290
I don't work for them or own stock.
Many people have uverse and love it. Does it have it's problems absolutely but my point is it's new technology. With new technology means LOTS of bugs.
Think about when DSL first came out. I know I had my fair share of issues with that when it first rolled out as a lineshare service. That got fixed just like uverse will.
Would I recommend the service it depends on the person needs. Lots of HD channels no way. Are they the type to get frustrated easily then no. It's not for everyone and I get that but the point is don't expect it to be a smooth ride.
** Just to note the DVR does tell you how much space is left. It's just not in best spot compared to DISH, Direct or Comcast. |
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 djrobx
join:2000-05-31
Valencia, CA
kudos:1
 ·Verizon Wireless..
·RoadRunner Cable
·AT&T U-Verse
 ·VOIPo
·PHONE POWER
1 edit | reply to AngryJohnny
quote:
I mean, who designs a UI for a DVR that doesn't tell you how much space you have left on it?
Now, to me (and I'm guessing you) a "Free space" indicator is a simple request, right?
Man, you should have seen the Free Space Indicator threads on the TiVo forums. Responses ranged from "You don't need to know that information, TiVo manages it for you!" to "it would be too confusing" to heated debates over what would be an appropriate "color-coded" way to show that information, factoring in future recordings, suggestions, etc. The debate went on for years and I still don't see a free space indicator on TiVo anywhere.
A few years later I got my Comcast DVR which was relatively basic, but it has the very useful "percent full" indicator to let me know roughly when its time to start checking the bottom of the recording list.  |
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cwh
join:2006-05-14
San Antonio, TX | said by djrobx: quote:
I mean, who designs a UI for a DVR that doesn't tell you how much space you have left on it?
Now, to me (and I'm guessing you) a "Free space" indicator is a simple request, right? Man, you should have seen the Free Space Indicator threads on the TiVo forums. Responses ranged from "You don't need to know that information, TiVo manages it for you!" to "it would be too confusing" to heated debates over what would be an appropriate "color-coded" way to show that information, factoring in future recordings, suggestions, etc. The debate went on for years and I still don't see a free space indicator on TiVo anywhere. A few years later I got my Comcast DVR which was relatively basic, but it has the very useful "percent full" indicator to let me know roughly when its time to start checking the bottom of the recording list. The u-verse dvr used to display the free space. Now it shows what % is free. |
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| reply to AngryJohnny
I understand that it's "new technology," and it "has some bugs," in regards to the way that the video input is coming to my house, but the fact remains that the DVR is not new technology. The whole "new technology" excuse card was used up when the switch they put into my telephone box outside was bad and disabled my tv, internet and phone. Things happens, no problem. First two days off uverse I was unable to use any of it, ok, understand. But AT&T should have learned something from Dish Network as far as DVRs are concerned. I'm just unhappy with the UI, and maybe it's just me being spoiled, I don't know. I've even tried to have a better experience by accessing my DVR online, thinking that might help. It did allow me to erase multiple programs at one time. Of course, I left my computer, went back to my tv and they were all still there. I honestly WANT to like Uverse. I like the idea. I just honestly think this was rushed out to compete with Verizon's FIOS. Side question though, when will we be allowed to access the DVR from other receivers? I was told "about a month" when I had it installed. Month later, still waiting. Anyone know?
Johnny |
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gdmPremium,MVM
join:2001-06-15
Mchenry, IL
kudos:3 Reviews:
·AT&T U-Verse
| I wonder if you your RG is bad at this point. I have had no problems with the remote DVR or any features.
As for the WHDVR it has been stated/rumored 2Q. So my guess not till summer. Could be sooner the good thing is it should just roll out to the other STB's as an upgrade overnight.
Also remember DISH and ATT are partners that's it. They didn't look at DISH's DVR at all. I had DISH then comcast and now U-verse. I had dish for 5 years and loved the UI it had. Comcast just sucked but U-uverse isn't bad but definitely different then DISH but much better then comcast. I do understand the UI issue though. |
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| reply to sphinxguy18
said by sphinxguy18:Things range from: 1.) Set Top Box's Locking up -- Firmware Coming Out 2.) Someone in Dallas, TX states their WWW went out for over 5 hrs and Tech's don't know why 3.) People Complaining about the speed 4.) Unable to watch more than 1 HD channel @ a time 5.) The guide sucks! 6.) Some of the HD channels look like SD channels. Well as far as the set top boxes locking up, they really should be fed through cat 5 and not you existing rg59. I dont care how many connectors and splitters they replaced during the install, cat5 is ideal. I have not had one problem since wiring the stb's via cat 5 from the rg. I have the internet pro package and its pretty adequate. I have the wireless disabled and have the internet running via, yes, cat5. It results in less lag in page loading plus I just like the security aspect of wired as opposed to wireless.
There will be whole house DVR and more than one hd stream. That seems to be the consensus, but nobody will be able to tell you when. Heck, the ubar isnt even active in my area. Uverse service is still new and will only get better.
The guide seems fine to me. Software upgrades have made the guide and on demand scrolling more responsive(less lag)
My HD channels look fantastic. Even my sd channels are better than cable could ever offer even with a signal booster. HDMI is working in my area and with my TV although i know of certain tvs that will get video but no audio.
Admittedly, there are many improvements that will be made, but if everything is hooked up right uverse shouldnt "suck" |
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jrb531
join:2001-02-14
Chicago, IL | A system that is designed to do "everything" had to compromise too much and, in fact, ends up doing nothing really well.
Uverse's internet is worse than cable/dsl
Uverse's Pay TV is worse than Dish/DirecTV and "some" cable
Uverse's phone service is worse than pots
Now the reason people "may" elect to settle for sub-standard service is either due to price or a superior aspect of said service.
Now clearly if Pay TV is your #1 concern and you cannot get Dish or DirecTV then this is a bonus as Uverse "can" be better than some cable.
Now if you cannot get fast DSL or affordable cable internet then Uverse's internet "can" be better but it does not hold a candle to "good" cable or DSL.
Phone service is a non-issue for most people.
So who benefits from Uverse in it's "current" form? I'm not talking about potential but what it is right now in comparison to superior alternative.
I too want the best of everything but to me Uverse currently offers substandard everything!
Anything Uverse can do, others do better!
Maybe in the future Uverse will catch up. Right now... no.
-JB |
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cwh
join:2006-05-14
San Antonio, TX | said by jrb531:A system that is designed to do "everything" had to compromise too much and, in fact, ends up doing nothing really well. While u-verse is no doubt an imperfect system built on a series of compromises that basically makes it no different than any other engineered system. Event he claim of unfinished is accurate as features are still missing, but that still does not make your claims true.
Uverse's internet is worse than cable/dsl
It is overall better as all tier have at least 1 meg upload and the top tier is 10/1.5, which is good bit faster than dsl at 6/768. This is a competitive offering in most markets. While there is a bit more latency than dsl, it is by no means a deal killer for most people. It may offend some gamers, but overall it is still a better product.
Uverse's Pay TV is worse than Dish/DirecTV and "some" cable
The only real area where u-verse is worse is the number of HD streams and that is irrelevent for about 70% of the population. And even this is only going to be a short term problem. The SD is top notch.
Uverse's phone service is worse than pots
Considering almost no one has the service yet, I am not sure how you can say it is good or bad. |
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etaadmin
join:2002-01-17
Dallas, TX
kudos:1 | reply to gdm
said by gdm:I wonder if you your RG is bad at this point. I have had no problems with the remote DVR or any features. As for the WHDVR it has been stated/rumored 2Q. So my guess not till summer. Could be sooner the good thing is it should just roll out to the other STB's as an upgrade overnight. Also remember DISH and ATT are partners that's it. They didn't look at DISH's DVR at all. I had DISH then comcast and now U-verse. I had dish for 5 years and loved the UI it had. Comcast just sucked but U-uverse isn't bad but definitely different then DISH but much better then comcast. I do understand the UI issue though. Besides the 'new technology arguments' and the 99.99% silent uverse satisfaction I keep reading that RGs eventually 'go bad'
I wonder what percentage of this boxes go bad? I read that every solution to a uverse problem have to deal with the replacement of these boxes.
I also wonder what happen to the swapped out boxes besides sitting somewhere in a corner at MarkyD's home
Do the swapped out boxes end up in new uverse installations? |
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| reply to AngryJohnny
A lot of people with uverse have no problems, most of them aren't even on these forums. I check the forums because I am interested in learning and what other people say. But I must say there are some people that just don't get it and I believe just want to bitch and complain. No service is perfect and there is no such thing as one size fits all. If you are not happy, just switch, there is no contract here to worry about it. Some people have no patience and for others it is just plain bad luck. Everyone should know by now, do your research no matter what you are buying or service you are going to get.
Uverse in my eyes is better than Direct and Comcast, but not as good in other ways, just compare what matters most to you.
Just my .02 |
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| reply to etaadmin
we do recycle the stbs and the rgs in new installations. almost all of the sapped out boxes are in working order. |
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