SeattleMattStreaming Tech Director Premium Member join:2001-12-28 Seattle, WA |
So Long....Just wanted to say goodbye to everyone here in the FIOS forums.
Today, I had my Comcast triple play install done as I can't sit and wait for VZ to figure out how to create capacity for yet another year.
I now can watch BBC America HD, Comcast Network HD, MASN2 HD, as well as Gol TV HD and others. In fact, they just added 17 new HD's on my system last week.So far, picture quality looks fantastic on my plasma under the same hookup as the 7232. Signed up for the Anyroom DVR (500MB) along with Phone and Blast internet, which is getting increased to 50Mb (thanks to FIOS Quantum). Plus, full DOCSIS 3 is in effect here, w/ 4 downstream channels and 3 upstream.
I know some of you were probably sick of me bitching, while I know others appreciated my insight - since it's next to impossible to get anything out of Verizon. Good luck to you all - unfortunately it's going to be status quo for quite some time w/ FIOS TV.
I'll still be on the boards, but probably more lurking now than anything. |
actions · 2012-Jul-2 2:31 pm · (locked) |
frankpf3Verizon Fios join:2007-08-09 Huntington Station, NY |
Sad Fios had such future potential, now they can't even find space to add new HD's..................
Good Luck. |
actions · 2012-Jul-2 2:43 pm · (locked) |
bohratomMy Jersey Giants finally winning again.. join:2011-07-07 Red Bank NJ |
to SeattleMatt
Why do I have a feeling u will be FIOS again in a year... |
actions · 2012-Jul-2 2:44 pm · (locked) |
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to SeattleMatt
said by SeattleMatt:Just wanted to say goodbye to everyone here in the FIOS forums.
Today, I had my Comcast triple play install done as I can't sit and wait for VZ to figure out how to create capacity for yet another year.
I now can watch BBC America HD, Comcast Network HD, MASN2 HD, as well as Gol TV HD and others. In fact, they just added 17 new HD's on my system last week.So far, picture quality looks fantastic on my plasma under the same hookup as the 7232. Signed up for the Anyroom DVR (500MB) along with Phone and Blast internet, which is getting increased to 50Mb (thanks to FIOS Quantum). Plus, full DOCSIS 3 is in effect here, w/ 4 downstream channels and 3 upstream.
I know some of you were probably sick of me bitching, while I know others appreciated my insight - since it's next to impossible to get anything out of Verizon. Good luck to you all - unfortunately it's going to be status quo for quite some time w/ FIOS TV.
I'll still be on the boards, but probably more lurking now than anything. Fare way my net friend. I for one will miss your insight and the info you provided. I wish you all the best! |
actions · 2012-Jul-2 2:47 pm · (locked) |
WK2 Premium Member join:2006-12-28 united state |
to SeattleMatt
I had a similar mind set, that's why I just switched to Cablevision. |
actions · 2012-Jul-2 2:47 pm · (locked) |
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to SeattleMatt
since it seems that the 'total' number of HD channels seems far more important to you then anything else then you should be happy with Comcast...or TWC etc...hopefully you actually watch these channels and aren't just putting them up there just to make a point...it's one thing to complain about the lack of certain HD channels that one actually watches rather then making a list just to make a case
I see others constantly whining about History 2 HD etc which makes me wonder if people are really serious or not...most of these sub HD channels either show the same content as the main HD channel (just in different time slots) or have very little HD content to begin with...for me BBC America and Cartoon Network are the only really important channels I feel FiOS is missing
either way it's good to see you actually change to something that will make you happy versus constantly whining about TWC, Comcast etc adding new HD channels to their lineup...I've said it countless times that they are mostly adding filler channels to artificially inflate their total HD numbers |
actions · 2012-Jul-2 2:49 pm · (locked) |
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to SeattleMatt
Unfortunately, the lack of HD's cannot equal a return for me to Comcast's horrible technical support. I'm not sure if CC of NJ/Union has the lineup Matt gets down there. It never used to. Honestly, from reading his posts, CC does a nice job in their home market, as well as up in Mass. But they are by far the worst cable company New Jersey has ever had.
Regardless, I'm stuck in another FIOS contract for awhile, so I can't drop it, but the raising of the STB rates is enraging, as is the unending lies about adding HD channels. |
actions · 2012-Jul-2 2:57 pm · (locked) |
bohratomMy Jersey Giants finally winning again.. join:2011-07-07 Red Bank NJ 1 edit |
to TitusTroy
said by TitusTroy:I see others constantly whining about History 2 HD etc which makes me wonder if people are really serious or not...most of these sub HD channels either show the same content as the main HD channel While I agree with your main point regarding people putting too much emphases on HD channels I think you opened up a can of whoop arse when it comes to the History vs H2 channel debate. H2 is what the History channel use to be many years ago before they added all their reality series. History channel today is mostly reality trash TV. H2 on the other hand is 24 hours of history documentaries and such just like it used to be. It is not, as u said, just another sub channel repeating the same programs. Ok, Im done with my whine... |
actions · 2012-Jul-2 3:06 pm · (locked) |
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to SeattleMatt
And if you bring the premium movie channels into the discussion, even the Philadelphia City system can't compete with FiOS.
The suburban systems have at most 9 premium HD channels, and those are only in Chester County. The only channels featured outside of the main channels are HBO 2, HBO Zone and HBO Latino in HD.
No Epix or HDNet Movies on Comcast either. |
actions · 2012-Jul-2 3:14 pm · (locked) |
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to SeattleMatt
I admire two things about your move: first, you voted with your wallet and second, you clearly are more interested in the CONTENT of what you watch as opposed to watching ANYTHING FIOS decides to feed you as long as it's "uncompressed", allowing you to claim membership in the "FIOS elite". Oh, I also admire your taste in football. |
actions · 2012-Jul-2 3:47 pm · (locked) |
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to SeattleMatt
MASN2 HD is carried on Fios 501 in my area. |
actions · 2012-Jul-2 4:06 pm · (locked) |
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to nlk10010
Jeep, You keep this up and you will have more farewell tours than Brett Favre.
Hope you fare better this time than the last time you left FIOS for Comcast.
The grass is always greener in the other fellas yard.....until you take a closer look!!
I'm not about to return to Comcast, but look forward to your insight as you lurk!! |
actions · 2012-Jul-2 4:08 pm · (locked) |
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to SeattleMatt
Well good luck to you. If you have time to watch all of the channels then you are in luck.
Personally I don't think that VZ FiOS has any capacity issues. It might be that VZ simply is not willing to pay the high prices that whomever distributes BBC America HD, etc. is trying to charge because VZ simply does not see a tremendous bang for the buck for these HD channels. Channels you mentioned that are available on Comcast now are somewhat of a niche and Comcast may be paying far less for them since they have 25 million customers and FiOS has like 5-6 millions customers. But that's me just guessing.
It also a possibility that VZ FiOS is transitioning everything to MPEG-4 and IPTV and once that is done then any capacity questions become irrelevant. My educated guess would be that once everything is MPEG-4/IPTV all these "I-never-heard-of" channels will popup on FiOS like mushrooms after the rain.
In any case I am not loosing too much sleep over the lack of BBCA HD or Gol TV HD on FiOS TV. IMHO, regardless of the network, 99% of what is shown on any channel at any given time is unbelievable liquid manure. Personally I keep the FiOS TV only because my wife likes to watch LMN HD and kids like Disney cartoons once in a while. If it would not be for that I'd have cut the cord years ago. |
actions · 2012-Jul-2 4:50 pm · (locked) |
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to wmcbrine
said by wmcbrine:MASN2 HD is carried on Fios 501 in my area. Not in his though. Fios has space for another regional channel, but simply will not add it. Comcast Network HD as well. |
actions · 2012-Jul-2 4:50 pm · (locked) |
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to bohratom
said by bohratom:regarding people putting too much emphases on HD channels I think you opened up a can of whoop arse when it comes to the History vs H2 channel debate. H2 is what the History channel use to be many years ago before they added all their reality series. History channel today is mostly reality trash TV. H2 on the other hand is 24 hours of history documentaries and such just like it used to be. It is not, as u said, just another sub channel repeating the same programs didn't know that about the History 2 channel...in that case it seems like a worthwhile addition...but there are other HD channels which have been quoted numerous times by the same people here over and over which don't add any value |
actions · 2012-Jul-2 5:57 pm · (locked) |
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to SeattleMatt
Sorry to see you go. |
actions · 2012-Jul-2 6:43 pm · (locked) |
Acct101 Premium Member join:2011-09-20 Bensalem, PA |
to SeattleMatt
JeepMatt, Congrat on switching to Comcast. I think you'll have more of us coming over to your side as we see more and more of these non english speaking channels coming to to Fios. The Comcast picture is as good as Fios. |
actions · 2012-Jul-2 9:02 pm · (locked) |
09129800 (banned) join:2012-06-27 New York, NY 2 edits |
to SeattleMatt
said by TitusTroy:I see others constantly whining about History 2 HD etc which makes me wonder if people are really serious or not...most of these sub HD channels either show the same content as the main HD channel (just in different time slots) or have very little HD content to begin with...for me BBC America and Cartoon Network are the only really important channels I feel FiOS is missing
either way it's good to see you actually change to something that will make you happy versus constantly whining about TWC, Comcast etc adding new HD channels to their lineup...I've said it countless times that they are mostly adding filler channels to artificially inflate their total HD numbers H2 HD is better than the History Channel. I count at least 18 "filler channels" on Verizon. At least Time Warner, Comcast, etc. have the decency to not carry the .TV networks and redundant premium channels that air the same schedule as the east coast feeds on a 3 hour delay. I will take the so-called "filler" channels of BBC America, Cartoon Network, H2, Game Show Network, Sundance Channel, Cooking Channel, G4, OWN over Byron Allen's infomercial garbage networks any day. Matt, I can agree wholeheartedly with the sentiment of switching from FiOS TV to another provider for TV. Verizon is just missing too many important HD channels now and they are doing nothing to rectify the situation. The fact remains though that Comcast's Internet product is utter shit compared to Verizon. The speeds are pathetic and most importantly the bandwidth caps are a huge deal breaker. FiOS Internet + Comcast or Time Warner TV is the way to go imo. |
actions · 2012-Jul-2 9:24 pm · (locked) |
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to SeattleMatt
Fair Winds and Following Seas, my friend. |
actions · 2012-Jul-2 10:02 pm · (locked) |
mmI Did It My Way Premium Member join:2001-04-07 Summerville, SC |
to SeattleMatt
I agree the cable companies are ahead of FIOS when it comes to TV content. I also am no fan of the FIOS DVR, how is the DVR on Comcast? My concern with switching back to cable is the internet speeds during peak hours. Here in Matawan, NJ Cablevision can't deliver even 2mb of service at 8pm.
I am in the process of moving, so far all the homes I am looking at are Comcast territory, there is no FIOS in SC. That worries me, without competition I'll bet Comcast does not bother upgrading those networks as quickly. |
actions · 2012-Jul-2 10:19 pm · (locked) |
sk1939 Premium Member join:2010-10-23 Frederick, MD ARRIS SB8200 Ubiquiti UDM-Pro Juniper SRX320
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to 09129800
said by 09129800: BBC America, Cartoon Network, H2, Game Show Network, Sundance Channel, Cooking Channel, G4, OWN My parents still get most of those, I wonder if it has to do with the particular package you picked? |
actions · 2012-Jul-2 11:56 pm · (locked) |
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Good luck, Matt - thanks for all of your help over time.
I never realized how lacking Verizon is in terms of HD channels until I read your post and took some time to peruse Comcast's channel lineup. Wow, Comcast has Verizon beat by a mile. I'd love to get History Channel 2 in HD....but I still have 8 months left on my contract. |
actions · 2012-Jul-3 5:58 am · (locked) |
skohly join:2009-08-19 Township Of Washington, NJ |
to SeattleMatt
said by SeattleMatt:Just wanted to say goodbye to everyone here in the FIOS forums.
I know some of you were probably sick of me bitching, while I know others appreciated my insight - since it's next to impossible to get anything out of Verizon. Good luck to you all - unfortunately it's going to be status quo for quite some time w/ FIOS TV.
I'll still be on the boards, but probably more lurking now than anything. It's next to impossible to get anything out of Verizon, it's next to impossible to get anything out of Cablevison, Comcast, Time-Warner, Directv, Dish etc. etc. etc. None of them show their cards till they are ready to roll out. |
actions · 2012-Jul-3 8:05 am · (locked) |
kes601 join:2007-04-14 Virginia Beach, VA |
to SeattleMatt
Sorry to see you go. Hope you enjoy Comcast. I was tempted to switch to Cox a few months ago when the quality of some channels started degrading here, but I can't give up my FiOS Internet. |
actions · 2012-Jul-3 8:38 am · (locked) |
aaronwt Premium Member join:2004-11-07 Woodbridge, VA |
to SeattleMatt
Around here I have the option to switch to Comcast , but the picture quality of Comcast in my area is a complete mess. |
actions · 2012-Jul-3 9:00 am · (locked) |
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said by aaronwt:Around here I have the option to switch to Comcast , but the picture quality of Comcast in my area is a complete mess. We have the options of Comcast or RCN as well as FiOS or either little dish company, we have had both in the past. The PQ is horrible on both cable options and the rate hikes are out of control. My bill has not changed with FiOS in 6 years, still $114 a month, It doesnt look like im going any where anytime soon. I even got a net speed boost that cost me nothing. I have more channels than i can watch or record. FiOS billing has always and will always SUCK but for the price i pay for what i get the small amount of bill management i do is worth it. Sure, it would always be nice to have more HD channels but I'm not missing what i dont have. A farewell from this forum will never be enough to sway my choices although I do wish those who leave all the best... but they'll be back! |
actions · 2012-Jul-3 10:26 am · (locked) |
JPL Premium Member join:2007-04-04 Downingtown, PA
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to SeattleMatt
First off, I wish Matt well. He's been an invaluable resource on this forum, and even though he'll still be 'lurking' his input will be missed. Next, I wouldn't dream of criticizing a choice made by someone as to which provider they go with. They all have their pluses and minuses. It really comes down to what's important to you as a viewer. I would be lying if I said I shut the door to all such possibilities of switching (when the Comcast guy came to my door the other week talking about me switching, I was tempted...). All that being said, I did want to counter some of what I'm reading on here about Comcast (this isn't a 'bash Comcast' post - this is a 'help to set the record straight' post, coming from someone who lives in Comcast's backyard - which I thought was important since it's where Matt also lives, and Comcast's service can vary greatly from area to area).
First, yes, Comcast has made big improvements. Not just in terms of bandwidth, but their PQ is definitely better than it was in the past. Also, it's clear that they've done a better job of not overloading their internet nodes, as the peak-time slowness issues have ebbed a good deal (based on comments from friends and family who have Comcast). All tha being said, there are still some, what I think, are misconceptions floating on here. First in terms of number of HD channels. I looked at Comcast's list for channel line-up around here, and they don't have more. They may have more of the channels that someone cares about, but their overall HD count is on par with Verizon's. Missing from Comcast's lineup - Epix, Epix 2, Wealth (ok, I know... but I do watch it), the 6 .TV channels (I know... much derision for these), HD Net Movies, and most of the premium HD channels that Verizon offers (e.g. they have one channel each for Cinemax, Showtime, and Starz HD). Yes, they have channels that Verizon doesn't. But likewise, Verizon has channels that Comcast doesn't. It sounds like Matt was really big on getting those RSNs in HD, which is fine. Everyone has their own interests (I'm not panning them at all), and Verizon's not moving on them has clearly been a major sticking point for him. That's totally understandable. That doesn't mean that Comcast is adding HD hand over fist... nor does it mean that they've far outpaced Verizon in HD adds. They haven't, on either score.
Next, I would dispute the notion that all these other providers are doing the same. They're not. When was the last time DirecTV or Dish or any other provider had a significant HD add? They're ALL in a state of stasis with regard to this. Oh, you've seen a couple here and there, but the truth is - the economy sucks, and more channels means more cost to consumers, something that they're on the edge of no longer tolerating with these providers. They have to tread lightly here, or they risk losing the base that they have. Hell, if there have been major moves on the HD front, I see providers shedding channels... not adding them. In other words, Verizon is right in line with the industry as a whole. Yeah, it would be nice to see them 'set apart', but that's simply unrealistic long term. It was just a matter of time for the competition to catch up.
Next, when it comes to deploying updates... Comcast makes Verizon look downright speedy by comparison. How many of their initiatives have just sat there? That cool HD guide that they have... where is it? They demo'd it a long time ago... why hasn't it been deployed yet? If it has... it hasn't been deployed around here. And again... this is Comcast's backyard. Their guide s/w is just horrible. It really is. Verizon, for all its faults (and it has many) I think puts a concerted effort to upgrade, and to get their entire footprint on the same page.
Everyone has to make their own decisions on where to put their money. I have nothing but respect for Matt and what he decided to do. I'm sure he didn't come by this decision lightly. But before everyone makes it sound like Comcast is as close to cable perfection that there is on earth... a little perspective, I think, is in order. |
actions · 2012-Jul-3 10:43 am · (locked) |
HarleyYacLee Premium Member join:2001-10-13 Allendale, NJ |
to SeattleMatt
Matt, I too left last week for OOL, mainly "bang for the buck"Free WIFI vs LTE and combination of rate hikes for both wireless and Fios. Good Luck. Lee |
actions · 2012-Jul-3 10:58 am · (locked) |
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to JPL
said by JPL:First in terms of number of HD channels. I looked at Comcast's list for channel line-up around here, and they don't have more. They may have more of the channels that someone cares about, but their overall HD count is on par with Verizon's. Missing from Comcast's lineup - Epix, Epix 2, Wealth (ok, I know... but I do watch it), the 6 .TV channels (I know... much derision for these), HD Net Movies, and most of the premium HD channels that Verizon offers (e.g. they have one channel each for Cinemax, Showtime, and Starz HD). Yes, they have channels that Verizon doesn't. But likewise, Verizon has channels that Comcast doesn't. It sounds like Matt was really big on getting those RSNs in HD, which is fine. Everyone has their own interests (I'm not panning them at all), and Verizon's not moving on them has clearly been a major sticking point for him. That's totally understandable. That doesn't mean that Comcast is adding HD hand over fist... nor does it mean that they've far outpaced Verizon in HD adds. They haven't, on either score. That's a fair point, JPL. When I checked out Comcast's offerings my response was based on HD channels that piqued my interest, so I'll plead guilty to that. Nevertheless, since I've been a Verizon Fios customer (coming on 4 years when my contract ends) I've read one promise after another in regards to adding more HD channels and either nothing comes of it or it is for the premium channels you mentioned or the recent 10 Spanish language channels (nothing wrong with that....but it is part of a premium package as well). It would be nice if they would add some mainstream HD channels in their core package that are available from other providers. Don't get me wrong - I've loved Fios since I got it but this is not purely a numbers game.....they could have added 50 Spanish language HD channels and started to boast the most HD programming available. |
actions · 2012-Jul-3 11:11 am · (locked) |
JPL Premium Member join:2007-04-04 Downingtown, PA |
JPL
Premium Member
2012-Jul-3 11:44 am
I don't disagree with you at all. I find the lack of direction on Verizon's part troubling. I know there are issues with any direction they take, but they still need to take a path. It feels like they're reluctant to do that. That's a source of frustration for me as well. My point was this - everyone has their own reasons for picking the provider that they pick. If Verizon doesn't cut it for someone (like for Matt) anymore, the switching is totally fine with me. Whatever your reasons for picking one provider over another - that's entirely up to you. I just got the sense that some perspective was being lost.
After that Comcast salesman came to my door and showed me the cost of their triple play (I know it was only a promo price and all), I'd have to say that I was mighty tempted. I wouldn't lie about that. But when I started weighing things, I realized that for me FiOS was still the better bet. |
actions · 2012-Jul-3 11:44 am · (locked) |